It has been a long, strenuous day in the dungeon, ripe with danger and strife.

With no Ether left and Healing Potions running low, you and your party have kept on yellow hp for more that you'd like to admit, pushing on even though a single slip might spell your doom -- a miscalculated action, a failed crit, an unexpected status effect, and you could end up fainting deep into the dreadful cave, left at the mercy of the wretched beasts you prey on for a living. "One more, just one more battle, one more shot of Exp, and then we're done," you think to yourself, over and over again.

Finally, you leave the dungeon and make it back to town.
The Gil you amassed from the loot can barely net you a profit, after repairing your gear and stocking up on item supplies.
Maybe in a few months you'll have enough to buy that enchanted greatsword that always catches your eye, everytime you walk by the blacksmith's shop.
With it, maybe you could venture into the deeper parts of the dungeon, where the real treasure lies. Maybe...

You exit the market square and step into the Garden.
By now it's night. In the distance, an owl's hoot cuts through the chirping of the cicadae. Laid down in the grassy hill, you feel a gentle breeze wash over you.
Suddenly, your aching joints ache no more. You realize that the migraine that's been nagging you all day, ever since you caught that damned Marlboro's breath, is not there anymore. You feel relaxed. Peaceful, even.
Half asleep from tiredness, you think about tomorrow.

Another day, another grind.

~~~Is it all worth it? What's the point, really?

~~~~~The main quest to save the world...

~~~~~~~~Is it even real?

~~~~~~~~~~~~Or is it just an illusion to keep you going day after day?

You don't know the answers to any of these questions. You only know what's in front of you right now:
Another day, another grind.

As you leave the Garden, this thought keeps repeating in your head.
Another day, another grind.
Yet, there's no sadness, no angst. You let go of a brief smile.

Another day, another grind.

You're ready.