[ It's probably for the best for both of them that Gen resists the urge to ask if those ridiculous dog(?) ears are common where Eustace is from, or if it's just good obedient soldiers that get them.

And while Eustace is largely correct in reading Gen as little more than a bluster-y, brash teenager, he does at least have the ability to buckle down and treat matters seriously when necessary. Eustace's explanation of his skillset, curt as it is, is answered with a small nod followed by a long moment of silence as Gen considers it. Eustace had said it with such simple confidence, and he doesn't seem to have much reason to lie, so. ]

Dunno about magic. [ 'Magic' is still such a nebulous idea to him, something that he still can't believe is real. ] And I'm probably not the type to be good at support. [ He has at least that small shred of self-awareness. ] But I've always been good with my fists, so ...

[ Ugh. Ugh. Give him a second. He's not used to having to ever ask anyone for anything, far more accustomed to simply demanding or taking. But he's brought the conversation this far, and since he's already imposed on Eustace earlier ... might as well. Gen shifts uncomfortably where he's sitting, averts his gaze, takes a hoarse breath before muttering, quiet but level: ]

... could you teach me something useful?

[ acting like a normal human being is just so. hard. ]