Riddle and Azul

In the prologue Azul asks Riddle to see to Grim and praises his unique magic (“I’ve just GOT to have it-ah, I mean, I’ve just got to have respect for it”) and, afterwards, Riddle gives Azul credit for being “the real orchestrator” of Grim’s capture.

In Book 6 Ortho describes the style in which Azul uses magic as “basically the opposite” of Riddle’s, and later Azul himself points out that they have “fundamentally different” outlooks (“No wonder we’re clashing so much”), after realizing that Riddle does not look over tests to start with the problems that are worth the most points as he does, but always starts with the first question, with Riddle saying, “I get perfect marks no matter where I start.”

This is referenced in an early vignette where Azul comments on how Riddle does not check the results of an exam and Riddle responds, “What would be the point, when the results are always the same?”

Riddle admits he struggled with a question that covered information influenced by a paper published just three days before the exam and Azul reveals that Riddle was the only student who “managed to answer it perfectly,” resulting in points being deducted from everyone else. 

Riddle apologies and Azul says, “Not at all. We all had access to that new paper; you’re simply the only one who took notice of it,” but in Book 6 it is revealed that Azul has been paying more attention to the differences between their exam grades than Riddle realized.

Idia successfully goads Riddle into playing a video game for the first time in his life, which does not go well. Azul observes, “So there IS something you’re bad at, Riddle,” and proves himself to be more adept at the same game.

During their descent into Tartarus Azul does not approve of what he assumes is Riddle patronizing him and Riddle responds, “It only makes sense for the stronger of us to take point,” and, “We can’t afford to just do our own thing.” Azul mumbles to himself, “Which of us is doing our own thing again, you blockhead…”

When Riddle refuses to use any caution with the Phantoms Azul says, “I’m appalled that someone so mindless is at the top of our class,” and when Riddle tells him to stay close Azul says, “Leave it to the star student to safeguard his far less capable peer,” and, “After all, l’ve never once scored higher than you on anything in our entire time at school.”

This comes as a surprise to Riddle, who had apparently never considered that Azul has been trying to beat his grades (“The thought never crossed my mind before”).

Azul says, “That’s quite the insult, you know.I have remained consistently in the top 10! Are you saying that |am not a worthy rival?,” and Riddle points out that Azul is overseeing too many projects simultaneously too truly compete with him, saying, “You might get perfect scores on tests if you gave your studies your full attention. Meanwhile, l’ve devoted all my time to academics and magic for as long as I can remember. And you expect to outscore me? That, as you say, is quite the insult.”

Azul says he did not mean it as an insult, asking, “Doesn’t everyone want to go for the top spot?,” and Riddle replies, “It’s commendable to aim for first place, of course. And if you focused solely on your academics, you might claim the top spot. I suppose we’d both be in the top spot, though.”

When Riddle observes that the VDC is “turning out to be even more of a to-do than (he) was expecting” Azul offers to assist him if he is “starting to feel the pressure,” but Riddle refuses, saying, “I have no desire to incur any special debts to you,” and, “Focus on doing your own job well.”

When happening upon Azul in the hallway after orientation Riddle tries to avoid him, and excuses himself quickly when he is noticed. Riddle greets Lilia in the library without realizing that he is with Floyd and Azul, saying, “I wouldn’t have bothered to respond if I’d known that.”

When Azul visits the library-trapped group of the Lantern event Riddle seems suspicious: “I wasn’t expecting you to show up as well. What’s your goal here?”

Riddle is possibly underestimating Azul’s strength, telling Floyd that Azul is “hardly a heavy hitter himself with his magic out of the equation.” When Floyd argues otherwise Riddle responds, “No offense, but I find it rather hard to believe.”

Riddle notices that Azul is equipped with high-level equipment at a suspiciously early point during Beanfest and demands an explanation, only for Azul to reveal that it was partially in thanks to Riddle himself: deciding a year in advance to acquire the most valuable item, a field scanner, his plan to acquire it was nearly compromised when Vargas decides to remove it from the game entirely.

It is Riddle who then argued against Vargas’ decision, insisting that they need the scanner in order for all students to be able to fully participate. Azul concludes, “Ordinarily, I wouldn’t unmask a scheme so freely. But I wanted to thank you personally, Riddle, so I’m making an exception.”

As he would not have been able to access the scanner without Riddle’s help Azul lets him go rather than capturing him so as not to incur any debts, only to immediately send Jack to capture him, instead. 

Riddle is saved from capture by Deuce sacrificing himself to Jack.

Riddle volunteers to serve as leader of third group descending into Tartarus (“I’ve been housewarden the second-longest, after Leona”) and, when asked if he has any objections, Azul says no, as “Riddle has far better grades than (him) in both the classroom and in the field.”

When he is given the option to choose between Leona or Riddle as a partner Azul selects Riddle, as “Leona’s desiccating signature spell would be a poor fit with a merman,” but later he reflects, “If l’d known (Riddle would) be like this, I would’ve gone with Leona and just called my sanded contracts water under the bridge…”

Azul struggles in Tartarus with Riddle insisting on charging ahead (“Typical of someone who became housewarden a week after enrolling”), including knowingly walking into an obvious trap set by Ortho with the declaration, “I accept their challenge!”

Afterwards Azul says, “You see? What did I tell you? A trap,” and Riddle responds, “Nonetheless, it’s the quickest way forward.”

After Ortho reveals that they are to beat a video game if they are to progress Riddle says, “I don’t need to beat this stupid game. I can just use the full power of my magic and blast right through this door–“ and Azul intercepts with, “Using your magic like that inside an elevator would be a recipe for disaster! Going down in flames is NOT part of my plan. I’ll beat the game.”

Riddle continues to push on without exercising any caution, telling Azul, “There’s no turning back. Hence, it makes no difference if we tiptoe or march boldly forth.” When Azul tell him “there’s a fine line between bravery and recklessness,” Riddle responds, “There’s also a fine line between caution and cowardice.”

During their descent Azul kicks Riddle to safety during an attack by a phantom, claiming, “octopus habits are hard to break. I meant to reach out an arm, but I inadvertently used my leg instead,” to which Riddle responds, “That’s a lie if l’ve ever heard one. Ugh, there’s a footprint on my cape now. You may look classy, but your behavior’s anything but.”

Later on Riddle gets his revenge, kicking Azul to safety and quoting Azul’s excuse back at him: ‘What was it you said before? Oh, yes—‘I can’t worry about acting classy when someone’s life is in danger.’”

While making their way through different cages Riddle uses magic to enlarge his cape for them both to fit beneath it so that they can search for an ID card that they need while keeping a room full of phantoms in the dark. Azul guides them due to being able to see better in the dark than Riddle, and says, “It’s rather nice having the leader depend on me.”

Riddle responds, “That had better not be why you wanted to keep the lights out,” but Azul denies it.

During an argument Azul tells Riddle, “I’m confident I could take you even without magic. My arms are quite powerful, unlike yours.” When Riddle asks if Azul is calling him feeble Azul responds, “Oh, but I must be careful. You might knock me out cold if you headbutt me, seeing as your head is harder than a diamond!”

Riddle repeatedly protects Azul from phantom attacks as they descend into Tartarus, telling Azul, “I can’t risk you getting injured right now,” and even getting injured while defending him.

Riddle says, “I simply cannot allow you to sustain any heavy injuries,” which Azul interprets as being told he is weak (“I just want you to stop treating me like dead weight!”).

Later, however, Riddle reveals that he has not been protecting Azul, he has been protecting the rules, as it is against the law to practice medicine on individuals under the effects of transformation options without a license, so if Azul were to get hurt, he would “risk running afoul of the law. And that must be avoided at all costs!”

Azul laughs aloud at this unexpected revelation, saying, “I was convinced you thought I was a weakling.”

Azul later protects Riddle from a phantom whose movements he had been following. Riddle says, “You could’ve told me a Phantom was after us,” asking if Azul had been using him as bait, though Azul insists, “You wound me. I simply delegated tasks as befit the situation.”

Azul and Riddle regularly disagree over the appropriate degree of cautiousness to use towards phantoms in Tartarus, with Azul saying the Riddle is wasting his reserves while Riddle tells Azul his overcautiousness is giving their enemies the chance to react.

Azul comments, “I’m appalled that someone so mindless is at the top of our class,” and Riddle responds, “If you’re scared, you’re welcome to go hide. I won’t be cowed by any Phantom.”

Azul expresses a similar opinion in Book 7, watching Riddle’s battle against Malleus’ darkness army and saying, “I’m amazed at the offensive strength you show when ignoring all defense. I certainly hope I never get on your bad side when you’re overblotted.”

Riddle responds, “My, what an insightful remark on your part. Have you realized you’d be no match for me?,” but Azul replies, “Hardly. You’re not the only one that’s gained immense power.”

When Riddle announces he will be increasing his magic for a particular cage that might contain a person Azul calls him off, but when it contains only a phantom Riddle responds, “A shame all your worrying was for nothing.”

After watching Azul work, however, Riddle changes his mind, later saying that he is right to use targeted strikes to conserve his magic and that he will be following Azul’s example, moderating his output to open another cage so that he will not hurt anyone who might be inside.

Azul’s caution saves Riddle when a phantom attacks before he is able to use a barrier, but when Riddle thanks him Azul responds, “It only worked out because you’re so predictable. Your monotonous-ah, that is, your guileless disposition saved us both.”

(In Riddle’s dream of Book 7, he explains that he has difficulty retaining new members to his band. Chenya says that not everyone can keep up with how Riddle will change between genres and Riddle responds, “Where’s the fun in doing the same thing every day? If they can’t keep up, that’s their fault!”)

In contrast to his attitude at the start of their journey, after they reach deeper into Tartarus Riddle declares that they need to proceed with caution, adapting to the approach that Azul had been recommending from the start. Azul responds, “Yes. Just like questions on a test,” in reference to Riddle’s approach to test-taking.

Riddle and Azul work together to wield the Thunder Spear against the Magma Titan, possibly sharing a high-five after winning the battle. After Azul takes the lead in Tartarus due to his ability to see better in dark places than humans Riddle says, “I’ll admit I’m anxious, but that’s because I can’t see in here. I have to be dependent on you.”

While discussing Riddle’s potential future career Azul recommends that he become licensed in every area that interests him, saying, “It would be extremely convenient-ah, I mean, reassuring—to have a very-licensed friend whom I could call on in a pinch,” making Riddle the only character in the game whom Azul has referred to as a friend.

Riddle responds, “…You and I are friends?,” and Azul explains, “After going through all this, I wouldn’t accept any other label. What else would you call people who challenge each other and share their future dreams?”

(Riddle: “I’m not very knowledgeable about the rules of friendship, but I thought friends would be more…”)

Despite claiming that octopuses are too wary and sensitive to fall asleep in a place like Tartarus, Azul later on falls asleep while leaning against Riddle.

After Azul tells Riddle, “It’s frustrating to see so clearly the difference between me and someone who’s worked hard their whole life” and about his regrets for not getting an earlier start on his magic studies, Riddle responds, “That’s a healthy amount of self-awareness. But if you’d focused solely on your studies the way I did as a child, I doubt you’d have the same ambition and drive that you do today.”

Azul asks if that is a compliment and Riddle says, “I’m not trying to insult you. …Nor am I really complimenting you, but still,” and Azul agrees, saying, “I’ve yielded the vanguard position to you for now, but I have no intention of relaxing on the back lines indefinitely. One moment of inattention, and you might find me giving the valedictorian speech at graduation.”

Riddle assures him, “I’ll continue to stand at the fore as long as I’m in school-and after it as well. I won’t lose to anyone, ever. Not even you.” (Azul: “We’ll see how long that smug attitude lasts.”)

After a phantom chooses to stay in its cage rather than attack them Riddle wonders if it had sensed danger and tried to hide, and Azul responds, “I can sympathize there. I certainly wouldn’t want to take a fully-powered attack from you.” Riddle says “I’m glad working together has shown you how capable I truly am” and Azul replies, “Oh, absolutely. I’ve seen exactly what kind of hurdle I have to clear.”

At the conclusion of Book 6 Azul tells Vil that he needs to see a medical mage as soon as possible and Riddle responds, “You’re no better off, Azul.” After returning to NRC Azul declares that he will be going to Mostro Lounge, which has had no customers for the two days they were gone, and Riddle interrupts with, “Slow down, Azul. You need to go to the nurse’s office first.”

When Cater tells Riddle, “I thought you’d turned into an old geezer or something,” Riddle replies, “Yes, well… If not for Azul’s quick thinking, that might’ve happened to me as well.”

During Spectral Soiree Azul is possessed by a ghost that asks, “We’re all gonna be ghosts in the end, so why bother with needless exertion?,” and Riddle declares, “Azul may be a rotten schemer who constantly tries to prey on the people around him, but he always puts forth an unstinting effort. That’s the one thing I respect about him!,” saying that he had considered Azul someone worth standing shoulder-to-shoulder with. 

Upon waking up Azul is skeptical of having been possessed. After Ortho shows him a recording as proof that included Riddle’s “impassioned speech,” Azul responds, “That’s QUITE the thing to hear. This will undoubtedly come in handy later. Thank you ever so much.” (Riddle: “I blame the ghosts for all the mortification I’ve suffered here.”)

Azul is Riddle’s interview for his second birthday vignette, gifting Riddle with a lamp/scented oil diffuser that pleases Riddle (“You actually used your information network for something positive. The lamp is certainly tasteful. It’ll look right at home in my room”).

Azul struggles the most out of the Stitch event group to ride a surfboard but Riddle assures him, “Knowing you, I’m sure you’ll figure it out on your own time with or without advice,” and invites him to go to the beach together with him and the students of Heartslabyul. 

The students forget their adventure on the island after returning to NRC, but when Azul suggests that the group meets up during the summer at a beach Riddle agrees to join.

While on the deserted island of the event Lilia encourages them both to dance while Floyd plays the ukulele and they both, reluctantly, agree. Riddle invites Azul to dance with him, saying, “It’s okay to stumble. Just relax and let me be the lead.”

Azul comments on Riddle’s “choppy, stilted motions,” and says he feels silly for hesitating, agreeing to join in: “I’m not terribly accustomed to dancing on land, but I’m fairly certain | at least have a better sense of rhythm than you.”