Please find attached my submission for the competition.

- Atra "Xue Long" Ventus, #11708

Enjoy!

I think the ending of the story reflects how far Marick has come since an awkward teenager. He has fine clothing, a soft bed, a partner and pretty much lives in a giant mansion built into the side of a mountain (Arcona Citadel). The tie to the data-cd and the music he listened to when he was younger comes back to how Marick often never takes time for himself.

I don't think this event particularly defined Marick as he is today, but it does show why Marick lives a very minimalist lifestyle and doesn't go for overt showings of wealth, despite having a very healthy bank account. Credits and worrying about his next meal never occur to him anymore, but he never forgets the rags that he wore and where he came from.