Dark Realities
New Chapter, new me
Sorry for the delay, I was mainly overseas when I wrote this which was months ago, so yeah, no other excuse apart from school and my own laziness. Next chapter after this is close to a finish.
Sorry for the wait again! We're picking up the pace!
"Is this the place?"
"This is it."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
I sighed.
"What a piece of shit."
The piece of shit I was referring to was the large hall in front of me with the countless cottages further back.
"Did you buy a block of land then get everything you wanted built on it?"
"I bought what was here and improved on it."
I scowled. "You just casually bought a village to make a guild base."
Heathcliff nodded. "Yes, I did. Come, the others should be at the hall already."
"Everyone?" I sighed. "Great. So much fun."
I followed Heathcliff and matched his pace.
"So, what are we establishing today?"
"We'll go over everything after some food."
I nodded as I looked around.
The area was fresh; luscious green grass and a small forest surrounding the guild base. A few windmills were littered around the place and a creek with a watermill were around the side.
Looking closely, I noticed that the cottages were big enough to hold a family and were supplied with everything required to survive.
"This is a well-equipped place," I muttered as we walked into the hall.
"It is."
I glanced at my new surroundings.
Instead of being closed in, three wooden tables ran the length of the hall, matching seats on both ends. Wooden pillars kept a sturdy roof above, and braziers for torches were embedded in the wood. Looking further ahead, I saw an open kitchen with people bustling inside.
"Woah, is that Shiki?"
"Holy shit, I didn't think he'd join."
I glanced at Heathcliff.
"What's up with the whispers?"
"People are simply in awe of your strength," Heathcliff replied. "Go as you wish, the meeting will start soon."
I nodded and wandered off towards the kitchen.
Getting closer, I smiled as a familiar voice sighed.
"Good job Asuna," I said, startling her. "How's ya cooking going?"
"Geeze, don't scare me like that Shiki."
I grinned as I leaned against the wood counter.
"Nice kitchen," I said, looking around inside. "It's very kitcheny."
Asuna tapped me on the nose and grinned.
"Take a seat, food will be ready shortly."
"Yes mother," I said exasperated. Asuna rolled her eyes as I laughed.
Walking back to the tables, I nodded at a few players who were watching me curiously. They averted their gaze as I frowned before sitting down at a corner.
Swiping open my menu, I opened my stats and looked over them.
[Player: Shiki]
[L- -:?̗̟͇̻̟̗̬̎̀̀̒̑̇̏͌̇͠?̶̧̢͇̯͇̟͙̗̃̂͋̏̍̒̑̍?̶̡̨̨̹͓̞̱̜̓͌́̎͒͑͑͑̽̑]
[P- - - -f:?̗̟͇̻̟̗̬̎̀̀̒̑̇̏͌̇͠?̶̧̢͇̯͇̟͙̗̃̂͋̏̍̒̑̍?-]
[P- - - Atk:?̗̟͇̻̟̗̬̎̀̀̒̑̇̏͌̇͠-?̶̧̢͇̯͇̟͙̗̃̂͋̏̍̒̑̍-?̓͌́̎͒͑͑͑̽- - -]
Huh?
All my shits still glitched to hell? The fuck?
Swiping it away, I opened my skills before sighing with relief.
[Skills]
[War Scythe {Expert}: 645/2,000]
[Katana {Intermediate}: 545/1,500]
[Acrobatics {Expert}: 875/2,500]
[Sprint {Professional}: 780/1,750]
[Light Armour {Professional}: 735/1,250]
[Battle Healing {Basic}: 265/1,200]
[Search {Professional}: 515/1,500]
I might get rid of battle healing, actually. I don't really use it, and something else could be more beneficial. Maybe a poison making skill or something?
Ring! Ring! Ring!
"Food is ready!"
I watched everyone cheer as the chefs walked out, various types of food being placed down on the tables.
"And here is yours."
I looked up at Asuna as she placed a sandwich down in front of me.
"Thanks Asuna," I said.
"No problem," she replied before sitting down opposite of me. "I knew that you wouldn't bother grabbing something yourself."
I smiled and took the food, munching on it silently.
I guess I can wait for a bi-
"A-Are you Shiki?"
Never. I'll never get a break, will i?
I looked up at who spoke and realised who it was.
"Oh, you're that scrawny kid from Ashley's store," I said, scratching the back of my head. "What's up?"
"There's been a rumour going around that you were attacked and killed by Laughing Coffin. Is this true?"
I felt my blood go cold as everyone went silent. Feeling their gaze on me, I let out a sigh before looking directly into the scrawny kid's eyes.
"Who told you?" I asked, my voice flat. "Who started this rumour?"
"I-I don't know."
"...I see."
Deep breath, buddy. Deep breath... now think... ...the truth... ...the truth will be for the best...
"I was attacked by LC," I said, my mind whirling with thoughts. "But they didn't kill me. I had a teleport crystal in my pocket, and when I was paralysed, I managed to touch it. The 'Death' must've been my armour's durability running out."
"I don't think that's possible," he said, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "I think that you might be an imposter. After all, Shiki's hair was black, not black and white." He pointed at my bangs.
I looked around, my eyes narrowed.
"Hair dye exists," I said coldly. "Now, anything else you'd like to ask? Or do I need to recite my whole life to you right now? If I'm to be completely honest, you're probably one of those idiots who believe in anything someone says without questioning it, aren't you?"
The kid stepped up as I rose to my fee-
"That will be enough, Nautilus," Heathcliff said from behind me, his hand on my shoulder pushing me down. "This is the real Shiki. I can confirm that, as well as Asuna here."
"Still..."
I brushed aside Heathcliff's hand and stood straight, glaring at 'Nautilus'.
"If you don't believe him, then why don't we fight?" I asked, smiling cruelly. "Surely my fighting style will show who I really am, won't it?"
"F-Fine by me."
I glanced at Heathcliff.
"Morning entertainment," I said, making him nod. "Besides, it'll get rid of these rumours."
"...this is your choice. I have nothing to do with it."
I nodded and turned back to face Nautilus.
"Well, what are we waiting for?"
Twirling the pole-arm in my hands, I felt the old weight of my spear in my hands. Taking a few swipes and thrusts, I nodded and lowered myself into my combat stance.
Good thing I had my spear skill stored, otherwise I wouldn't have all of my skills. Seeya Battle Healing, hello polearms!
"Don't cry when you lose," I said, glaring at Nautilus. "This will be over quick."
"..."
[5]
[4]
[3]
[2]
[1]
[Begin!]
I waited in place as Nautilus shouted and darted forwards, closing the gap between us as his long-sword began to glow.
...ahhh, I give up already, he too scaaawyy!~
Stepping forwards, I spun my spear and swung it hard. I heard a gasp of laughter behind me as the pole-arm connected with Nautilus' legs, making him lose his balance and force his skill to fail. As he gasped, I re-adjusted my grip and stabbed Nautilus in the back, the tip piercing through his armour and forcing him to kiss the dirt.
"Gah!"
Without hesitation, I activated [Tri-Thrust], my spear glowing bright green as Nautilus' health slowly dropped.
"Get up," I said, kicking him in the ribs, the teen still sprawled on the ground.
With a gasp of pain, I watched as Nautilus got to his knees, his breathing rough as he struggled to his feet.
"I'm not even taking this seriously," I said absentmindedly. "I mean, this is a non-upgraded spear from [Floor 21]. Besides, you also seem to lack experience in PvP, which isn't a surprise considering the rules of this game. You probably only have experience from fighting mobs from floors, because for real? You should've easily avoided that first hit. That was a terrible decision on my part, and it still worked."
I flicked my spear to the side as Nautilus glared at me, clutching his chest.
"So, do you what me to try now? Or do you require more evidence?"
I opened my menu and equipped my scythe, letting my spear fall to the side and disappear.
"Holy shit dude."
"I know. Look at that thing."
I smirked as I felt [Necrosis] materialize on my back. Pulling it free, I twirled it effortlessly before resting it on my shoulder, my hand resting on the cool metal.
"I-I can still fight."
I tilted my head.
"You may die."
"I will fight until the end," Nautilus said, his breathing become more stable.
I shrugged, rolling my shoulders as I glanced at his health bar.
Barely 3/4 full. Hell, that was generous of me to say, it's more like 2/3 full, and that's pushing it.
"Your choice."
I glanced at Heathcliff and nodded slightly.
Holding my scythe in both hands, I took a step forward and activated [Sprint].
FWOOOOOOOOSSSHHHHHH
My scythe behind me, I felt energy course through my veins as I closed my eyes.
"Sword Skill," I muttered. "[Reap]."
My vision was filled with a flash of red and the ugly screech of metal. Opening my eyes, I was met with Heathcliff holding his shield out in front of Nautilus, [Necrosis] buried deep within it.
I admired the ugly gash in Heathcliff's shield before forcefully pulling my scythe out.
[Outside Interference]
[Duel End]
[Winner: Draw]
Examining my scythe, I nodded at the lack of scratches before resting it on my shoulders.
"Were my skills adequate enough?" I asked as Nautilus stumbled backwards, eyes wide in fear.
"That's enough, Shiki," Heathcliff said sternly. "Now, if we're done, how about we start off with the meeting."
I shrugged.
"The sooner the better," I replied. "I've got shit to do."
Heathcliff nodded in agreement.
"Now, let's get started people," I said, hefting my scythe. "My name's Shiki, and I will be leading my own Sub-Division that will only respond to our Guild Leader and no one else. I'll basically be in charge of testing new recruits, and on top of that, I will have my own personal squad that'll move independent of me depending on the situation." I took a deep breath and sighed. "We will also act as a powerful DPS or tank squad depending on the situation in boss fights."
"Any objections?" I asked, looking around at the players gathered.
"Who's in your squad so far?" A player asked.
"None," I admitted. "So far, I haven't met anybody with the requirements to join."
"And what are those requirements?" Nautilus asked from behind me.
I turned back and stared him down.
"That's a secret."
I looked back around at the players and sighed.
"I'm done here, seeya."
Opening my menu, I stored my scythe and pulled out a teleport crystal.
"[Teleport: Floor 22]"
SHINN
Brrr, still fucking hate that. The feeling of teleporting seems to just keep changing every time. First it feels chilly, then next it feels like I'm being dismembered piece by piece before reassembled again.
Oh well.
"Shiki!"
And then there's also the goddamn different lightings of each floor. Sometimes it feels like my eyes are being burnt to a crisp at times.
"Shiki!"
And don't get me started with the players as well! Like, fuck man, leave me alone! My scythe is mine alone!
"Shiki damnit! Use your ears!"
I glanced to the side as Ashley matched my pace.
"Sorry, I was inner monologuing," I replied. "What's up scandalous?"
"Scandalous? Who are you calling scandalous?"
"It's them shoulders lady," I said, smiling. "Them shoulders are too revealing. What would the education system do if they saw them."
"What are you talking about?" Ashley scowled, rubbing her bare shoulders. "Have you finally gone insane or something?"
"Just a meme from years ago," I sighed, losing my smile. "It's a lost art, but then again, it's very western."
Ashley sighed as we made our way through the small village. I waved to a few of the villagers as we passed by.
"So, have any plans for today?"
I shrugged.
"Not really. If anything, I was going to grind some levels and look for people to recruit."
"Recruit?"
I pointed at the Guild Logo in the corner of my screen.
"I'm part of the [Knights Of The Blood] guild because I owed Heathcliff a favour," I explained. "I'm running my own division now and I'm looking for people to join my personal squad before expanding it further."
"Huh, didn't see you doing that," Ashley said. "So, got anybody for your squad yet?"
I shook my head.
"Nah, not yet," I said. "The only person that I would have would be Kirito, but he won't join. Besides, he wouldn't agree with what our purpose is."
"And what is your purpose?"
I raised a finger to my lips and smiled.
"Confidential," I said. "Sorry. Anyway, I'm still looking for people."
"Hmm, well, good luck."
"I don't need luck," I replied. "I need skill. But thank you, regardless of my point of view. Back to where we were, any plans for today?"
"Shop's closed for the day," Ashley said. "So, not really."
"Is that so?"
I pulled open my menu and quickly sent a message off to Kirito and Asuna.
"If that's the case, wanna party up for a quest?" I asked, coming to a stop. "Kirito and Asuna will be there, so you don't have to worry about anything."
Ashley scoffed. "The only thing I'd have to worry about is your constant snark."
"Snark? What's that?" I asked innocently. "Is that some type of mental disorder?"
Ashley just sighed as I grinned – point to me. What type of point though? Like, an internet point or-
"Sure, I'll party up," Ashley said, disrupting my thoughts.
"I'm astonished," I gasped, feigning surprise. "You actually agreed! Oh, what has the world come to?"
I snickered as Ashley smacked my arm.
Ding!
"Would ya look at that," I said, smirking. "Kirito and Asuna are waiting for us already. Come on ya feisty chicken, let's get moving."
"Feisty chicken?! Who the hell are you calling that jackass?!"
I grinned as I ran to the teleport gate, an angry player behind me.
"Is that all you got?~" I sang.
"Oh, I'm going to pull your spine out and shove it up your ass!"
Huh, that's new.
"Teleport, Floor 26!" I shouted, leaping forwards. As my boot connected with the platform, I felt myself being whisked away before landing in a roll as my eyes adjusted to the new floor.
"Hey, Shiki. What's u-"
"No time, move!"
I threw myself to the side as Ashley came flying out of the teleport gate. Anndddd, judging from the extensive use of her vocabulary, it's all directed at me. Neat.
I looked up and accepted Kirito's helping hand, letting him pull me to my feet. I quickly brushed my clothes down as Ashley stormed towards me.
Before she could speak a word, however, Asuna walked over and was in front of me.
"Shi-ki," Asuna said sweetly – I shuddered, that tone was never good -, "why did you leave before the meeting finished today?"
"I do not respond to anyone but the guild leader?" I said hesitantly.
I gulped nervously and stepped backwards as Asuna continued to smile.
I waved frantically to Kirito.
'Oi! Help me you fuck!'
Kirito shook his head.
'Not my problem.'
I'd shake my fist angrily, but Asuna is getting waaayyyyyy too close for my liking.
"Stareeeeeeee."
Eh, fuck it. Cue angry fist waving!
I sighed before poking Asuna in the forehead, pushing her away and disrupting her – and I quote – 'death stare'.
Asuna yelped as I shrugged, rolling my shoulders.
"So, we exploring a dungeon or not?" I asked the group.
Opening my menu, I created a party and invited all of them. As they accepted and joined, Kirito walked over.
I wonder what he wants...
"There's a dungeon I found," Kirito said, the two of us watching the girls catch up. "I've asked Argo about it, but it seems that nobody has been in there before."
I grinned, cracking my knuckles.
"Well, let's get going then, shall we?"
Flicking the latch keeping my katana in place, I drew it out in one fluid motion as the others caught up.
"I'll be front whilst Kirito plays rear guard." I nodded my head towards the girls. "You two can stay on either flank; choose what's most comfortable for you."
Yayyy~, leader skills activate! Though, I'm surprised they accepted that that easily though... Meh, probably cause I'm party leader or sum shit.
"Onwards, peasants!"
I heard everyone sigh behind my back.
What? I'm just showing my appreciation for what they are. Granted, they could all whoop my ass – especially Ashley; her insults have no end – but they'll get used to it. Insults are my thing brother.
I chuckled to myself as we entered the dungeon. It was pretty standard: dark rocks, the occasional light source, some spooky rocks, and, of course, the mobs.
I heard Kirito yell switch as I blocked the [Renegade]'s katana. Stuck in a blade clash, I lashed out with my leg, making the samurai-like mob fall, it's knees buckling. Dislodging my blade, I surged forwards, slamming my knee into the monster's chin. Landing behind it, I whipped around, gathering momentum before completing a 180° turn.
"Some help over here!"
Finishing the fluid strike, I brought both hands onto my blade and thrusted forwards, piercing through the dark-red armour. As the bright red pixels disappeared, I darted through the death animation.
"Ashley, switch!"
"Switch!"
I sheathed my katana as Ashley stunned the [Renegade]. I smirked as she darted backwards – the perfect time to try out this new sword skill. With one hand on the sheath, my left hand tilted the case as I rested my other hand on the base of the hilt.
"[Viper's Embrace]"
In a burst of wind, my hands pushed the katana back into its sheathe as a large shadow flew directly above me. Clicking the lock in place, I straightened up as the mob disappeared into particles; courtesy of Kirito and Asuna.
I'm pretty sure I've seen this move done in anime so many times it's ridiculous. Also, what's up with its name? I mean, Klein has used this, and I'm pretty sure the skill name was different.
"Good work," Asuna said as she sheathed her rapier, a weapon I doubt I'll ever use. "We don't make too bad a team!"
I snorted. "Yeah, but I doubt Kirito will ever get into another party like this."
Kirito scratched the back of his head sheepishly as Ashley sighed.
"So, how are the frontlines, Ashley?" I heard Asuna ask.
"Tough," Ashley replied. I could hear the grimace in her voice. "I didn't realise it's become so difficult."
"Be glad it's Floor Twenty-Six," I muttered to myself. "Floor Twenty-Five was a nightmare."
I felt the atmosphere change to a morbid tone, I guess they heard me. Oops.
"Anyway, let's keep moving," Asuna said, walking forwards.
We all silently agreed and continued further into the dungeon.
"So, Shiki, what was up with the message?"
I glanced at Kirito as we fell behind, the girls walking together ahead. Close enough for us to react in time, but far enough for some privacy – neat.
"Simple. Meet up, party up, then grind," I replied. "Even if we've lost momentum because of the boss fight," Kirito winced, "we need to keep grinding. Otherwise, we'll fall into a depressive slump and fail to make progress."
"Twenty-five floors in six months... I see where you're coming from. If we keep this up, we'll be out in two years."
I nodded. "Exactly. That's not reasonable. I've got somebody I need to apologise to when we get back, and I'd preferably prefer my body to be functioning normally, not a withered skeleton."
I let out a sigh.
"I can guarantee that we will get stressed and tensions will rise, but... we need to keep moving. Moping around won't do anything."
Kirito made a noise of confusion.
"What is it?"
Thud
I muttered an apology to Ashley before looking up. And, holy shit, Kirito, you lied to me.
"I thought you said this was a sub-dungeon or something," I snapped. "What the fuck? How the hell did Argo get this screwed up?!"
"Well, we found the boss room," Ashley muttered. "So, what will we do?"
Kirito grimaced as I closed my eyes.
We really don't have a choice here, do we?
"Ashley, teleport back to town," I said after regaining my thoughts, my voice oddly calm. "You haven't fought on the front lines in a while, and this is a [Floor Boss]."
"Hey, I am perfectly capable of-!"
"He's right," Kirito interrupted her. "You may be a decent fighter, but decent isn't enough here. No offence, but you'll just be a problem. If we go in there, we'll be focused on the boss and you. It's too dangerous."
Ashley turned to Asuna, but the girl only nodded in agreement.
"Ashley," I said, stepping towards her. "It's not that we doubt your combat skills, we're just worried about you. After the last boss we fought..." I hesitated. "After that disaster, we have no idea what this floor has in store for us. And, coming from me, I'd prefer if you lived."
A wild blush spread across Ashley's face before she smirked.
"Ooh, Shiki's worried about me~" Ashley sang. I frowned and she sighed. "Yeah, I get it. Just... stay safe, 'kay?"
I nodded before pulling out a teleport crystal.
"I'll come see you after this," I said softly. "Seeya soon."
"Seeya, Shiki. Seeya, Asuna, Kirito."
The other two murmured their goodbyes as Ashley disappeared in a flash of polygons.
Wow, I just got really sappy there, didn't I?
"So," I began, only to yawn. I glared at my party members before continuing, "we going in?"
Asuna lost her smile before nodding.
"Yeah," she said. "Are we good on health potions?"
I pulled some out of my inventory and stored them in my pockets. Nodding, Kirito pulled out some crystals as I equipped my scythe.
"I'm going to open the door now," I said, trying to keep my nerves from jumping. "Make sure to have teleport crystals ready in case we can't re-open the door." As my friends nodded, I took a deep breath before pressing my palms against the stone door and pushing.
I felt my arms begin to burn as I grunted, shoving the door open. Walking forwards, I pulled out my scythe and looked around the arena.
It was circular and the ceiling was lower than usual. Everything was made of stone with braziers creating a circle. The dome boss arena was covered in moss, some stone chipped and cracked in places with a thick layer of dust covering everything.
Well, this reminds me of a game I've played. Blood something or whatever; anyway, it's like those dungeons. Chalice Dungeon? Yeah, something like that, but larger and not so many cobwe- ohhh that can't be good.
I looked around as the ground began to shake.
"The statue in the middle is moving!"
I followed Asuna's words before finally taking in the giant fuck-off samurai statue in front of me.
"O-Oh," I said weakly. "It's a stone fucking samurai."
"Two people fight and one watch for patterns," Kirito shouted as he darted forwards, pulling his longsword.
I gulped as the stone partially cracked before four health bars appeared.
[Ishibuki, the Betrayed Samurai Lord]
Fuck. Me. That is a big katana.
"Asuna, stay back," I said, licking my dry lips. "From the look of its weapon, I doubt our weapons will do much as they aren't blunt type, and your rapier is more fragile than my scythe and Kirito's sword."
"Call switch when you need me."
Nodding, I started moving forwards – slowly at first – before breaking into a full-on sprint.
"Kirito, cover me!"
"Right!"
Leaping into the air, I activated [Blast Burst] and let the skill do the work. As the blade collided with the samurai's helmet, sapphire blue sparks exploded from where my skill connected, the screech of metal on metal making my ears ring.
It's covered in stone, but judging from that attack, when we lower its health enough, it'll act like an actually samurai and be faster? Store the info for later, brain.
Sure thing boss.
...did I just?
"Shiki, watch out!"
Eyes widening, I reacted to Asuna's scream and swung my scythe upwards with all my strength.
"Shiki, get out of there!"
I rolled my eyes as my knees began to buckle. This situation feels oddly familiar.
"If I fucking could, I would!" I shouted back.
Falling to a knee, I managed to dislodge Necrosis, scraping it down the stone katana before activating an acrobatics skill, narrowly dodging another attack.
Taking a breather, I watched as Kirito raced in, attacking every area possible before nimbly leaping out of danger.
"Asuna, got some of its patterns?"
"I've got some," she replied, somewhere to my right. "Just a bit more and we can leave."
I waved in confirmation before I saw a black blur go rolling backwards.
"Kirito!"
I snarled and activated sprint full-speed. In a blink of an eye, I activated a sword skill, and hooked the blade around my scythe.
"Piece of shit!" I shouted, using my momentum to pull the attack off course.
"Thanks!"
"No proble- ahh, what the fuck?"
I managed to pull my blade away as Kirito leapt off the katana, his sword glowing bright. As his skill connected with the boss, I chuckled.
"Great minds think alike!" I shouted before leaping forwards. Winding my arm back, my eyes narrowed as my scythe began to shimmer a blood red. "[Reap]."
ZHIN!
"That's enough! Let's teleport back to town!"
I nodded as I landed on the samurai's shoulder before using it as a launch pad. Patting my pockets, I pulled out a teleport crystal as Kirito and Asuna disappeared.
"Teleport, Floor 26."
I felt my body become weightless before colliding with the ground.
"Nice landing," I heard Kirito say, trying not to laugh.
"Yeah, well, I didn't have a choice," I grumbled as I got to my feet, shoving my scythe back into it's sheathe. "So, we got enough data? I have a few guesses to make."
"We'll report this to Heathcliff," Asuna said. "I'm surprised though. I thought that there'd be a field boss before the actual door."
I shrugged. I'll take what I can without complaints.
"I'll seeya tomorrow, Kirito," I said, waving as I made my way towards the teleport platform. "I'll message you my ideas, Asuna."
"Seeya Shiki," they said in unison.
"Don't forget to see Ashley," Asuna shouted, glaring. I poked my tongue out; I could see the small smile on her face from here.
"Teleport, Floor 22."
Yeesh, people are so needy.
Read, review, flame, go crazy. It's been a while.
