A/N: Demon Slayer, things get better over time!

Theawesomess1: Humor is definitely upgraded here :D keeps it from being too dark. Hope it keeps making you laugh, cry, and rage.
NetherOrbit: Haru's definitely gotten a bit of a boost x3, lemmie know whatcha think of her here!
Den3424: Glad to hear back from you, 3rd book will be confusing unless the foundation's right :D

Hopefully more of my reviewers will return from the vacuum of space. Remember to review!

Enjoy!

[Full Plate] works differently than other armor types, as it acts as an interlinked suit. Beneath thick metal plates rests chainmail, followed by a padded clothe vest for greater comfort. Enough damage to the outer layer will expose the foundation, a weak spot to be exploited.

Expensive to produce, each has to be made specifically for the player. Wearing a suit not specifically designed for you will result in movement speed penalties as well as a reduction in protection. If wearing a personal set, you will incur no movement penalties, but can no longer use advanced agility skills, such as [Wall Running] or [Ascending Rebound].

Confers bonus resistance against:
- Fire
- Frost/Cold
- Bladed Weapons
- Arrows/Bolts

Weak against:
- Lightning
- Blunt Weapons
- Gunpowder/Explosive
- Heavy Weapons (Two Handed) ex. Halberds

Wearing such armor also gives a semblance of status, especially if it is decorated. Expect different reactions when wearing such.

- An Armorer's Guide, found in December 3rd, 2022


November 10th, 2022 - Garr

Leaving town felt honestly relieving, least I wasn't getting mugged any time soon. Should've listened to Graye though, would've kept my income and dignity. Plus note, my reputation had more room to rise than fall. Just feed me a baby and I'd be rock bottom, maybe murder a hobo or two on weekends.

Thankfully not many roamed outside, through grassy meadows outside of town. Most of them were content with attacking local [Frenzy Boar], Maybe they were like Graye, thinking of progress, imagining this game would let us out for "winning"? Noble, but far-fetched.

Every group we passed left me suspicious, kept an eye open. How many of them could recognize me, had a grudge, or even looked ready to mug? My name wasn't popular, though I doubt anyone's was. Knowing this, I glanced to my teammate. Was this a trap, Haru avenging old friends?

"So you're cool with me, right?" I kept gentle.

Her expression was puzzled, otherwise calm as we traverse a northbound stone path.

"Yea?" Haru half-turned. "We just met, didn't we?"

"I've met others, they were a bit too excited to see me."

"Oh." she grimaced slightly, turning ahead. "Yea, don't worry. It's not like you owe me a bottle or anything."

"Oh thank God." I sighed, "Wait, you know my name? You remember it at all?"

"Well duh, you were floating in the middle of the plaza. Though I couldn't see past all the heads, I did hear your name."

"And we're still cool?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" she looked down from her taller stature.

"Cause...never mind." I bit my cheek.

"Why're you so jumpy?" she inquired.

"I've gotten attacked enough times today, lost all my money to muggers."

"Ooh." Haru nodded. "Why'd someone mug a dude that probably benches trees?"

Felt like Haru had more to say, though nothing I'd like to hear by her tone. Maybe she was leading me to a camp, just for breaking a bottle too. This wasn't crazy, people back home would kill for a lot less then that. I was shaking, glancing around on all sides, checking everywhere for a possible hunter.

Tranquility here felt deceiving, grasslands hiding digital incarnations ready to eat me. Birds sung from all sides, trying to trick me to relax. Large, floating islands hovered overhead, their shadows bringing night below their mass. Along with these, great beasts flew among the clouds, their profile draconic in shape. With how much I struggled against pigs, a threat of such caliber had me a little worried.

"We don't have to worry about those, do we?" I pointed up at a trio of what I assumed were dragons.

Haru glared at me for a second.

"Don't point." she mumbled.

"Eh?" I glanced.

"It's rude."

"Uh, okay." I blinked, lowering my hand. "As for my question?"

"Probably not?" she softened her gaze. "I mean, none of them get that close."

"Good." I grimaced, "Last thing I need's a freaking dragon, know what I mean? Unless, of course my goal is to fry Boar...which might be an admirable goal."

"Can you quiet down for a minute?" she insisted, "It's not helping either of us."

I shut myself up, alerted to my openly displayed cowardice. Kept looking for possible hostiles, rows of teeth to tear with, nothing to prove or disprove my fears.

"Thank you."

Haru walked ahead of me, yellow-green eyes staring out across a mellow, mild valley. Man, better not annoy another one here, I needed to make friends somehow. Her gaze veered slowly, short white hair swaying. Scattered trees danced gently with a westward breeze, their hoops of green leaves shakiing in rhythm with grass. Considered telling her my plan, could use any help I could get.

I pivoted with the crack of every leaf, any stray noise a possible opposing force. I'm not going back to town, not until conditions changed. I had to find a defensive position, make a supply of food and water, and hold. Maybe Haru would wanna join me.

"So what's our first herb?" I asked, looking around knee high grass.

"It'll be bright red." Haru glanced back, "Same height as the grass, looks like a rosebush."

"Sounds easy enough." I exclaimed.

"Not really." she explained, "Friend showed me what the [Frenzy Boar] do out here...hungry things."

"They eat herbs?" I said baffled.

"Yep, stupid pigs will eat whatever doesn't kill them."

"That won't be an issue." I grinned slightly.

"With what, a show of your biceps?" she rolled her eyes.

"No, this."

The Zweihander was drawn, all seven feet of bronze showing off in front of me, wincing at my still burnt hand. Forcing a grin out, I glanced around again for anyone. Haru stopped, looking to its top and bottom, attention averted back to me a moment later.

"You sure you can hold that? Thing's taller than you by almost a meter."

Her tone came off as kinda doubtful, even belittling. Reminded me how much I despised taller people. Always so boastful and belittling over something they didn't work for, knowing full well they were more appealing than I was.

"I've won fights with this." I assured, shouldering all seven feet. "Course that was when I was six foot...five."

"Six feet?" she looked confused, "Oh, ya forgot. You Americans still use the English system."

"Unfortunately."

"Lucky for you, I've had to run conversions of such during school...six foot, five inches?"

Oh God, I think she was digging. I nodded, my arm muscles bulging as it rested.

"Almost two meters." she nodded, staring briefly up at the sky. "Interesting."

"What?" I looked sharper.

"Nothing."

"Hey, math may not be my strong suit, but I don't appreciate your tone with me." I argued.

"I wasn't making fun of your height, if that's what you're wondering."

She marched past me, tall blades of green lifting with her departure. Insecurity aside, I followed behind her through knee high foliage. I let everyone hear how insecure I was, though I could attribute it to a lack of sleep. Minutes later Haru stopped, staring towards an eastern patch. Nestled deep in grass, our first herb of the day made its presence known.

"Woo!" I smiled. "That it?"

"Quiet down!" she hissed.

It was a fairly small plant, resembling a rosebush as Haru mentioned. No taller than two feet, only its color helped differentiate it from other flora. Its flowers bore dozens of overlapping petals, soft in their curvature. Closer examination revealed there to be no thorns present, much to my relief. Mom would've loved this, especially with her rocks.

"Garr, Boar."

I swerved, spotting a hungry pig trotting towards our catch. With Zweihander ready, I eagerly raced up to swing, stomping before slamming it down. Sadly I was too eager, forgetting proper footwork. The second I threw a downward cut, my feet slid back, dropping me on a knee, [Siege Blade] veering off course.

My weapon rattled, leaving a wounded, but living [Frenzy Boar] alive. Jumping right at me, there was no time to block, the pig tackling me down.

[HP: 65%]

Thankfully, its tusks failed to connect, softening damage to mere hoof kicks. I cursed, scrambling to shoulder my weapon, a squealing pig rushing to jab again. Took another chop before my opponent fell, had me huffing a bit.

"God, glad I wasn't stabbed." I nodded, chuckling.

"You okay?" Haru peeked from where she crouched. "Was wondering if I needed to help..."

I glanced to her for a second, huffing a bit as I shook. God, I nearly got stabbed again, twice in one day.

"Better than last time." I grinned, wiping my brow.

"Better?"

"It's dead, it's done." I deflected, mumbling to myself, "Footwork, get it right."

"You know for your condition, I would've thought you'd get armor." she dug.

"I would, but I don't have enough money."

"Well, those drop [Leather]. Heck I might pass you some after we're done here."

"You would?" I stopped.

"Sure, mean it's not like I'm leaving the spot I have back in town."

"But you could get attacked there." I tilted.

"Not when I'm next the guardhouse. Anyway."

Uprooting a red plant, Haru stepped up, towering as she displayed it in front of me.

"This is [Saint's Touch], remember that cause it could save your life out here. It has minor healing properties when consumed, though more if you gather three and mix it with water."

"Huh." I nodded, "Wait, are there any risks of overdosing?"

She stopped, looking past me in deep thought.

"That's...actually a good point. I'd normally dismiss that, but I've seen people get drunk off the alcohol here."

She put the plant in her inventory.

"Well then again, who puts an overdose effect on health potions, in an MMO?"

"Same guy that made Molotov dandelions?" I chuckled.

"Oh, you found those." Haru nodded, yellow green eyes lit. "Sadly, [Candle Tops] are next on the list, yay."

She headed east, walking past me with notably less enthusiasm.

"You seem experienced there." I followed.

"Oh no, one just killed me on release day of this game." she smiled sheepishly, hands in pockets. "You?"

"Jeez, I set my hand on fire pulling that stuff!" I showed my right hand. "What kind of developer puts that in the first level?"

Glancing down to it, I was left puzzled. Blistering skin has been entirely replaced, my composition restored.

"Right?" Haru glanced back, "I was so mad, lost everything I had except for the [Dagger] I started with."

"How'd you get that back?" I persisted.

"Guy helped give it back, should've friended him...okay maybe not."

"Why not?" I glanced, "Hell, this guy sounds like someone I'd wanna hang around."

"He...kinda talks too much." Haru sighed, "I enjoy peace and quiet, if you couldn't tell."

"No way." I tried easing the mood, smiling sly. "Figured you'd be having rave parties in your house on weekdays."

"Totally." Haru shook her head, "Anyway, let's hope we find one of them soon. Lucky me."

Dangerous was a better fitting word, but we found one of those [Candle Tops] easily enough. While [Frenzy Boar] gathered nearby, none dared get near it, fully aware of its volatile nature. I squeezed my right hand, no stings punishing sudden flexion, leaving me curious to what was healing me. Taking a pair of shears, Haru crouched nearby.

"Just gotta clip a few things."

I nodded, keeping watch on our perimeter.

"So where're you from?" I rolled shoulders.

"Japan." she kept neutral.

Insightful, I never would've guessed based on totally indistinct facial profiles. I've been around Asians a lot during my time in school, mostly of Korean descent. Anyone who said they look the same as Chinese or Japanese simply didn't know, nor should they mention it. Eye pattern, cheekbones, jawline and skin tone, they were very distinct for me. Hard working people, quiet, got along with them very well.

"Alright Garr, could you do me a favor?"

I perked my head up, eyelids nearly closed a moment before.

"Catch."

Turning, I nearly shrieked, witnessing Haru toss an uprooted [Candle Top]!

"Freaking grenade!" I jumped away, letting my belly hit dirt.

No flames lapped against me, no explosions either, I was okay. Laying prone, I smelled for smoke, finding no scent. If anything, I heard giggling. Hearing Haru laugh, my eyes narrowed, hands clenching grass.

"Seriously?!" I decried.

Haru stood nearby, chuckling to herself as she scooped her lobbed catch. Glaring at her, my frazzled mind scrambled to regain control.

"What?" she smiled a little.

I crossed my arms, my eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh relax...okay don't. Funniest thing I've seen all week." she pulled her arm back, herb ready to throw "Should try that again."

"Nope!" I yelled, "Freaking thing was gonna explode!"

"Not after what I did, being as smart as I am."

"What do you mean?" I groaned, lightening up.

She waved a pair of shears in her hand, smugger than I thought possible for a shy type.

"If it weren't for this, you would've surely burned to death. Your welcome, your life is saved."

I was fuming at Haru, ready to verbally chew her out. What a closet narcissist, freaking tossing a grenade my direction. Turning away to recollect myself, I stared away to vent. I could've been set on mother fracking fire. Again. On the same day. Freaking uninstall yourself, Haru.

"Hey." Haru called. "There's another one uphill."

"Good." I turned to join her, irritated with today.

This time I chose to observe, see how Haru disarmed easily triggered flowers. Cutting away leaf rims, she took great care to not carve too deep. Bottle in hand, she quickly deposited what pieces she could gather, plucking off trimmed leaves without hesitation.

"Damn." I nodded. "Haru, remind me to call you for ordinance disposal."

"Huh?" she suddenly glanced up.

"Disarming bombs. Seriously, how're you that calm? Knowing you could be set on fire any minute?"

"Oh that. I just uh, don't think about?" Haru shrugged. "I zone out a little, thanks I guess."

With trimming completed, Haru's Earth born destructive device was plucked. Turning, she gave me a neutral expression, inert object under her arm.

"Alright, now we just need to find some [Clandithe Berries]." Haru sent it to storage. "Thankfully those are safer to work with."

"That's relieving." I failed to hide my discomfort.

"We just need to find a body of water." she spoke, stroking her short white hair. "River, lake, whichever comes first."

"I remember a river northwest of town." I directed, pointing west. "Was pretty shallow...stream might be a better word for it."

"That works too." Haru smiled. "They tend to grow near water."

Her smile faded slightly after mentioning it.

"Something?" I asked, "I'm not too worried about time."

Haru's face grew faint with slight concern.

"Who knows what else we'll find, since it's a gathering place for wildlife. Could be anything, from wolves to man-eating plants."

"Nice...Haru?"

"Yea?"

"Any idea what're on the mountains up there?" I pointed north.

"Not really, probably more of the same stuff."

"Alright, just wondering."

Moving further west, trees appeared more frequently, a familiar forest perimeter. First sporadic, their numbers multiplied. As time passed, we found ourselves inside a dense grove. Sunshine trickled in through, creating spotlights through leaves, blasting our sight with brilliant hues of yellow and green. Bushes skirted around trees, their bases covered by squat branches.

"So why there?" Haru blinked. "Seems a bit specific."

"Figured rescue's gonna show up in a week. Don't wanna get attacked by loony bins, so somewhere that far sounded ideal. You're free to join, long as you help out."

"Oh so you think I'd cook for you?" Haru suddenly snapped.

"If that's your skill then yes." I argued, "Never mind, I'll move when this is done."

I kept a brisk pace, keeping up with her as we marched further. Bushes rustled, a leaf covered ground crackling. Kept glancing around almost wildly, seeking out anything to clue me in to a predator.

"So the hacker said you killed people, right?"

"Sheesh, Haru." I nodded. "Yes, please don't remind me?"

"How?" she kept a soft tone.

Better to open up than tuck it away, needed my head straight.

"Was dueling them." I sighed, "Others...I decided to get some [Frenzy Boar] and play Frogger, as the truck drivers. Would take back every single one."

"Eh, you couldn't have known." she shrugged, "Was just curious...but how'd you win however many times and yet lose to a Boar?"

"Cause like me, nobody knew how to swing a sword." I brushed my hair back.

"So you were fighting other new guys." she turned her gaze forward. "Makes sense."

"I'm done talking about this." I finally relented.

"That's fair."

Dry leaves crackled, their thin bodies snapping under our boots. An occasional opening between leaves dazzled us with sunlight as we crossed, authentic in their warmth. Grass stood just above our soles, waging an eternal war of control with the refuse of trees.

"We might run into a [Dire Wolf] or two." Haru alerted, "Watch out though, they've been known to travel in packs. Frequently six."

"You're making it kinda hard to keep positive." I rolled my Zweihander toting shoulder, "What about those fruit bushes back there?"

She glanced over, shaking her head moments later.

"Poisonous. I've had a few trips down here, a little inspecting helped prove that."

"How'd you do that?" I inquired, looking over at the yellow colored grapes on some of these vines.

"Oh I fed them to Boars. After eating them, they took steady poison damage," she shrugged, "Not to make assumptions, but I imagined then it'd be unsafe to eat."

"Noted." I veered my gaze away.

A lone howl was heard, reminding me of my first night. Long and loud, a chill trickled down my arms and legs. The first one I met wasn't far past a puppy in age and I barely survived.

"We should be close, but keep watch...the [Dire Wolves] howl when they're part of a pack. That could mean serious trouble for us."

Haru stopped, swaying in her stance.

"In fact, why don't we just call it a day?" she raised hands, turning to me. "I don't feel like risking it."

"No, we went this far." I dismissed, "Let's finish this."

Haru looked really uncomfortable with my conclusion, but yielded. While subtle at first, the ambient trickle of water grew louder. A familiar, soft mist hovered ahead, covering patches of ground. Sun rays glowed between trees, a mystical view. Rocks replaced soil, crackling as we stepped, adjusting themselves to upward pressure. As smooth as marble, they were clearly river rocks. Bagged a few, merging them with my [Pebble] collection.

"Almost there." Haru murmured, eyes wide. "Once we get the fruit, we can head back to town."

"Could you make the spice here?" I whispered. "Thinking of making my way to those mountains tonight."

"No, too risky." Haru declined, "The chance of failure increases if you try making stuff outside of controlled spaces."

"Note taken."

Fog grew thicker as we drew towards the bank, gray, pillow-like in texture. Water splashed gently as it traveled east, steady in its ceaseless march. Moving down a nearby slope, its tune drowned out most sounds, leaving me wary of an ambush. Was 5:48 PM, didn't have much daylight left. God knew I didn't wanna test my luck with my back against a tree, not again. We had to be quick, shuffling ourselves along gravel in search of these [Clandithe Berries].

Our prison's afternoon sun rested shallow above, caking us with ample warmth as it rested its head on trees. Shallow was an apt description of our neighboring stream, barely a foot in depth. Looking down, my reflection struck me as peculiar. This system was accurate in its facial dimensions, even replicated my eye color, somehow.

"Amazing, isn't it?" she wandered, eyes crossing this shallow divide.

"True." I returned. "Though it made the whole avatar making process a waste o' time."

"Right?" Haru splayed a hand. "Spent two hours making mine...don't quote me on that."

"That sucks." I snickered a bit. "You should've seen it, this scammer was trying to get some money off me, hoping his 'female charms' would work. Shoved him into the ocean, to think people fall for that."

"Uh, why?" Haru blinked, frowning. "Sure he was playing, but did you really have to do that?"

"Felt like a good idea at the time. Noisy thing wouldn't shut up."

"Um, okay." she looked away, clearly disagreeing with my decision.

Haru wandered across, stepping off rocks jutting out of the shallow water, pausing ever so briefly to keep balance. Taking a moment she gazed downstream, watching it flow past herself. A crystal clear surface glided beneath her, reflecting her face as she looked down. Leaves and bubbles were dragged along, casual surfers with little influence to their direction.

"Such clean water, so readily available...wish we all had it this easy." she spoke, "Hard to imagine sometimes that this world we're in isn't real. Then I remember what reality has."

"What's home like for you, Haru?" I watched.

Her gaze shot right to me, defenses up like a damn sentry gun.

"Not be rude, Garr? But I don't trust with glass. If you can't handle physically delicate things..."

"Fair enough." I smiled, rolling my Zweihander gripping fingers. "Don't really do delicate."

She glanced back, her eyes set on a nearby bush.

"Watch my back, please. Found one."

I moved closer, watching Haru as she crossed. Was asking too many questions of her, irrelevant ones too. If evac was coming soon, I'd never see her again, or anyone of these morons. I was well known for rushing things, this only further proved the inadequacies of my being. Couldn't see much past a few feet, fog was too thick.

"How old are you by the way?" Haru glanced.

"Twenty one." I replied, "Why?"

"Huh, should've asked for mental age."

Chose to ignore her, much as I wanted to punch her in the neck. Going on her knees, Haru scooted herself to inspect another bush. Small orange fruits hung from thin branches, each sized similar to a grape. Dangling, their color and appearance stood sharp against our surrounding dark green backdrop. Light from a dipping star aided us, small mushrooms rested under trees. Colored and spotted, various fungi came in various candy-like colors. I reached for a bright yellow mushroom, plucking it with a harsh tug.

[Lemon Head - Class C Herb]
[Uses: Unknown]

"Hey Haru, these do anything special?"

She glanced over briefly.

"Yea, they're all poisonous to eat raw, but some can give small benefits. That one your holding? It makes blonde hair dye...course after detoxifying it."

I nodded, passing it to her before staring around us. This grove had a quiet pristine beauty to it, captivating me with either wonder or fear. Our sun was gone, sinking below. The moon hadn't arrived yet, our target bush rustling as Haru picked away at its plethora of fruit. Yawning, it only occurred to me then how little I've slept.

Footsteps, panting across.

"Haru," I alerted, keeping quiet. "Company."

My Zweihander was lowered, eyes darting for a visual as I stepped out. Haru hid behind her bush, quietly drawing a [Dagger]. Silence, shortly followed by river rocks scraping. South, couldn't be further than a couple of yards away.

"See anything?" I growled.

"No." she fretted.

My fingers clenched, my legs stiffening. Something scampered, was it another [Frenzy Boar], [Dire Wolf]? Blasted fog hid everything, leaving only our ears as a primary tool. Had only guesses, maybe it was another player? Was way too quiet to be a pig, or was it?

"Hello?" I called out, rapping fingers around my grip. "Sound off if you can hear me!"

Nothing, probably wasn't friendly. Anything beyond two feet was masked by a curtain of vapor, forcing my mind to piece together whatever truth existed past it. Pebbles skipped as an unknown entity drew closer. Hearing a soft pant, however, our opposing force was made clear.

"Haru?" I glanced.

"Still here." she whispered.

"Wolf, stand by."

Soft growls were heard, multiple. High pitched whines from different locations, leaving me tensing. Water splashed from multiple directions, sending my gaze diverting every way, arms tightening as I prepared, stepping back, fearful of what angle they might've chosen.

Even the birds fell silent, only a shallow stream breaking out of a gripping quiet. Heightened heartbeat left my body rigid, eyes searching for what encroached. Feeling my heart bounce in my chest, my knuckles turned white.

My eyes looked to the space, the splashing stopped again. Clutching the seven foot weapon tightly, I swerved my gaze to Haru's location.

"Hey, can you fight?" I called.

"Sort of?" she called.

"Gimmie a hand?"

Stepping back to join her, a loud crack stifled my breath. A lone twig was resting, snapped in half below me. My position was discovered, they had something to track. I stood still, waiting with [Siege Blade] ready. I shook, fearful of uncountable rows of teeth, hidden behind fog. A soft splashing came behind me, slower. Haru arrived, weapon ready.

"There." I mouthed, pointing where I heard the last movement.

Splashes, converging from three directions. Fast and directed, water swished and rippled as foreign bodies crossed, encroaching on our position.

"Haru, get behind me, now!"

Fear was evident in my tone, bracing myself. Haru scrambled behind me, her breathing heightened. Glancing around, I desperately searched, waiting for them. Dusk hindered my sight, leaving me nearly blind with the aid of fog, widening my stance. I glanced back to Haru, who nodded to me assuredly. Silence, I turned my gaze back, only to be met by rows of sharp, yellow teeth.


Sun Dancer


PoH

"People, don't you see?" I paced pavement. "This's a time for patience. Outside this cage, the sharpest minds in the world are working night and day to get us out!"

Only a dozen looked my way, half of them taking in what I said at most. Under a bright sun, I stopped to think. What to say, what could inspire them to feel less hopeless? They were like zombies, barely conscious enough to breathe, let alone think. Brushing my long black hair, I took a quick glance to who lingered. Some of the groups spoke Japanese, even the arrogant Americans. Could only assume there was some translator doing the work. Problem was, other languages existed.

Some spoke French, others German and Spanish. Most common untranslated language though, was Chinese and Korean. Should've honestly kept this stupid game in just one country, what was I supposed to do with these? Without a common language, there were no practical means of communication.

"Honestly people, give it seventy two hours." I declared loudly. "If that doesn't work out, I'll have a solution!"

Again, barely anyone listened. Needed something inspirational, come on I wanted to be Prime Minister of Japan one day, not a janitor.

"What solution would that be?" someone asked.

I paused from my pacing, looking to the one who asked.

"I don't know yet..."

My lack of confidence drove what few listeners I had further away. Then again it wasn't worth worrying about, they were probably idiots. Still I lacked something, a means to give people a reason to listen to me. If I wanted this though, I needed a rallying point, a goal.

Kept hearing about a 'quest' pertaining to our escape. Wandering past white stone buildings, I visited one of these NPCs, hoping for clarification on whatever rumor it spread. Starting with a general store owner, I tried playing with its speech algorithms.

"Excuse me, sir?" I bowed my head lightly. "But I'm afraid I'm trapped here."

The bot looked confused, blinking as he sanded a round copper plate.

"My home, I'm not from here."

"Oh, well where'd you come from?"

"It'd take forever to explain." I looked at the displayed products.

"Ah, well legend has it the Ruby Palace has ancient technology, allowing one to go wherever one desires. If one seeks home, they should venture there."

So wait, people were already throwing their weight into some piece of script? I personally blamed Kayaba for everything, his system was responsible for this mess to begin with. Still, if people wanted a goal...who was I to tell them no?

"Got any [Teleport Scrolls]?" I turned.

"Sure do."

Bought three, each taking up a good three hundred Cor.

"Thank you, sir." the clerk bowed his head softly.

I bowed in reply, retreating to warm, sunlit streets. If I could find some guys willing to join me, we could check out the floor dungeon. Early, but it'd provide something to work with.

Walking to a local pub, my plan was settled plainly. These people were too stupid, or afraid, maybe both. Either way, someone had to take charge of this shit. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself back to focus. They needed guidance, Kayaba wasn't going to cut it either. Spotting a few anxious and energetic individuals, I approached with caution. First on my list was a [Spear] user, seemed fond of the color red.

"You look ready to get stuff done." I put hands to my hips, "My right?"

He glanced, leaning back on his bar stool.

"I hope I am." he stroked his chin. "What's up?"

"There's people looking for solutions. I'm making a scouting run for the dungeon, could use a few hands."

"Hm, so we're checking the place out, eh?"

"Precisely." I bowed my head slightly.

"Count me in." he dropped a fist on the counter. "I'm Sanguine. Would've picked a less edgy name...but the blunt said otherwise."

"That's okay, I could use some myself." I laughed. "Fuck, so nervous right now."

"I know, it's crazy." Sanguine waved gently. "Ready when you are, man."

Found another band of four willing, though not as gregarious as Sang over here. Figuring my group complete with five members, we ventured past the high stone gates.

No people of Japanese descent existed in my group, irritating me as time flowed by. Has Japan's desire to look proper to outsiders robbed its people of common sense, why not expel such pathetic cultures like waste? Now they just let these genocidal apes into every facet of their lives, even altering their own appearance to look more like them. More like me.

This one, however, I doubted I could hurt. We found him sniping wild animals, our only clue being his results. Had to keep our hands raised on approach, lest he use us for practice. While shorter than I, this guy had to be around his thirties, forties maybe. With bow and arrow, he was hitting wildlife from around two, maybe three hundred meters? The fact he was even hitting [Frenzy Boar] from that far away was tempting enough, so I approached.

"Hey." I called.

He turned calmly, his expression blank but focused, as if staring through me entirely. The archer's face was weathered, his hair cut short and his eyes a steely, dull grey. Whoever he was, to say he saw shit would've warranted a 'duh'.

"We're gonna make a push for the dungeon and you look capable."

He kept his gaze shifting, as if prepared to strike everyone there. He wasn't aggressive, nor spiteful in gaze, yet I felt unnerved. Was almost like the hunter was looking at prey, something to chase down for sport, not even a hint of excitement though. Made such one sided interactions harder to maintain.

"Would you help us?" I petitioned, keeping my voice soft. "Your expertise-"

"Very well." he suddenly stated, his Russian accent obvious. "Recon, or raid?"

"Recon." I answered.

He didn't even reply, merely shouldering his bow and turning our direction. I already liked this guy, quiet and professional. The name 'Kymer' showed up in the party list, leaving me feeling pretty confident. If I had a guy like this, I doubt wolves could even get close. Didn't help, seeing him stop and strike them between trees. From a football field away.

My group of six had assembled, making our way to the farthest northern point in the map. Everyone was at least level six and above, higher than me. While pests made their approach, our sheer numbers drove them off easily. Standing starkly against sheer cliffs, the weathered stone of a fortress was revealed, resting against a steep mountain range, whose surfaces mimicked spearheads in texture. Its great wooden doors, clearly for allowing transport to pass, were locked. Even with decent shoving it wouldn't budge, forcing us to find another way. Thankfully we found one to the west, in the form of a caved in portion.

What was once a wall and tower of thick stone, ruined had taken roost. A crumbling, dusty barrier exposed a tunnel within, directed deeper inside the mountainous fortress, its stonework identical to the locked gateway.

"Ugh, I love the feel of this." one caressed a pillar. "It's like real rock."

"Adonis, don't nerd out now." one whimpered playfully. "Here it'd be infectious."

"Seriously though, touch it!" Adonis laughed.

Much to my chagrin, we ended up spending time simply admiring rocks. I'm fucking serious, they were huddling around one pillar, stroking it in awe. Kymer stayed back, smiling a little at their display. Glad to see he wasn't a complete terminator.

"Okay guys, you can jerk off the pillar later." I groaned.

"It's got a language inscribed on it too!" Sanguine cheered. "Wonder if it's functional."

"Dammit guys, come on." I persisted.

Vaulting inside, a worn, old and unlocked door stood. With [Dagger] in hand, I motioned Sang to open it up, Adonis and Kymer keeping distance. Grabbing old iron rings, Sanguine tugged aside, dust and grit flying out as stone slabs scraped. A pitch black expanse laid ahead, should've expected this. Kymer stepped in, bow ready as he hugged a wall with his back.

"Clear." he uttered calmly, peeking around a corner.

"Shit that's dark, where're the brightness settings?" Adonis griped.

"Well man, your sister told me last night..." his friend snickered.

Adonis elbowed him swiftly, his friend laughing as he clutched his own gut.

"Come on man, she's hot."

"And has a fiance, Loeke." Adonis rolled his eyes, hidden only by his slanted eyelids. "But that's okay, her pet tree frog's been eyeing you."

"Ew!"

Two of my party members drew torches, their ambient orange glow revealing a sickly, dust clouded air. A mere hand wave caused turbulence, particles swirling sleepily, their heavier counterparts resting on stone bricks.

"Keep your torches in front and left." Kymer growled.

"Why?" Loeke blinked.

"You'll give away my position, move up."

Where'd this guy come from, he clearly wasn't normal. What was most curious, however, was how these bricks were defiled. Something had dug holes through the walls, leaving narrow tunnels every few feet. Openings were spotted above, below, sometimes diagonal. Was like an ant colony.

"Guys?" Sang smirked. "Finger, but hole."

"Pfffff."

Laughter echoed, gravel sliding down a tunnel beside us in our moment of levity. We kept chuckling, only to have Kymer slam Sang against a wall.

"Shut up." he muttered. "Something's listening."

At first Sanguine resisted, but Kymer's warning left him quieter.

"Where?" Sang peered around.

"Don't know. Stick to the walls." he ordered the rest. "Keep sharp."

Nobody said a word, letting Kymer lead them further inside, who apparently had great hearing. The absence of light left us confined to our insecurities, theirs of course not mine. Walking behind them, I kept my head high. Even if the clatter of metal could be heard within, this was investigation, not conquest.


Dost thou praise the stats? Surely, thou must see a use in leveling up, so here is a list of stat guides.

[Vitality: Raises maximum HP, confers resistance to frost]
[Endurance: Improves maximum Stamina, confers resistance to fatigue effects]
[Strength: Necessary for using heavier weapons. Resistance to stun/paralysis.]
[Dexterity: Boosts damage consistency, necessary for using finer weapons. Resistance to lightning. Boosts status effect chance on target.]
[Agility: Improves movement speed, your ability to negate parries, necessary for speed based skills]
[Intelligence: Boosts Critical Hit chance. Confers resistance to Psychic Attacks.]
[Luck: Boosts loot drop, assorted events, and gives a chance to ignore Critical Hits.]

But Godfree, what stats dost thou choose to invest? Why, [Vitality] and [Endurance] of course! Hast thou invested in [Dexterity], [Agility]? These are indeed solid choices, as [Dexterity]'s the only explicitly labeled skill with any effect on standard damage, besides [Intelligence].

- Godfree, noted in June 4th, 2023

A/N: Yea, things have changed this time. Hey guys, thanks for sticking with me and reading this story, it's been a painstaking process to look over my old story and completely remake it into something remotely good. Reviews, favorites, and follows do a lot to encourage me.

See you next week! (Might spawn another Tender Coil chapter soon)