A/N: What's better, getting an A in that one class, or a new chapter of Demon Slayer? Please, get the A.
NetherOrbit: Recon never wanted to be there, and he's shown many times a lack of desire to fight, fam.
Den3424: Taiyama does have a place, fam XD it just hasn't reached him yet
Doctor: Your ability to screw up every character's name amuses me deeply...fam.
TheAwesomess1: Fam, Yuuki is not best Waifu...Oran is.
bitchbot: Chic-fil-a, now in Aincrad!
Enjoy!
A [Rune] spell operates much like a land-mine, setting off when either an entity or object (up to the caster) contacts it. Effects can range from simple damage, to debuffs, to environmental effects. There's really no telling on face value what a [Rune] will do.
Like physical traps, however, you require a person with arcane knowledge to disarm it. Or you could try and set it off without your tender bits. Color will correspond to the caster's deity. Blends will indicate a mixed alignment, with colorless [Runes] the worst.
-PoH, How to Magic Intelligently. December 8th, 2022
December 7th, 2022 - Floor Two Border
Sunlight struck PoH's group, warmth and sunlight returning as they emerged, away from Zumfut's forest perimeter. Argo skipped forward, twirling in brief relief.
"Ugh, this feels so good!" Argo raised hands, "no creeps, no stalkees, let's not go back."
"We got what we needed," PoH shrugged, "I see no reason to stay."
While the tourmaline eyed minister smiled warm as Godfree, while his long black hair caught Argo's eye, his mind had long banished them.
"Yole is doing well, yes?" Acherres spoke before, "boy's surely reached the rank of Cogitant by now. Faith's always been his greatest gift, if only it wasn't so strict. Cel be praised, I mustn't speak ill of him, he was my favorite."
"Got that right," Tai rolled his eyes, "gonna suck for me, knowing I gotta go back there?"
"What, why?" she faced.
"Boss back at church wants me there, cause their sky god sure can't do stuff himself."
"Why not join Graye Sight, my friend?" Godfree shouldered his [Battleaxe], "while their pay is nothing short of mediocre, their company is a warm welcome."
"It pays the bills, plus [Holy Water]'s free. Least now I get to see how Asuna's doing, before I get sent off again."
"Ooo," Argo slipped beside him, "she single? Like, I know who you're talking about."
"Yes?" Tai's voice deepened.
"Oh," she blinked, eyes wide as she kept pace with them.
Tai watched Argo's expression, its unchanging position captivating him.
"Why you ask?"
"I'm just shocked," Argo shook her head, "Asuna's hot. Was thinking of giving her a shot myself."
"She doesn't-" Tai paused, "go that way."
"And how do you know?" Argo giggled.
"I've known her since uh, primary."
"Hm," she stroked her own cheek, "you know I'm playing with you, right?"
"I thought you were serious!" Tai groaned.
Argo laughed at the boxer's cherry red face, sighing as she recovered.
"Still...can't imagine you have it easy."
"Huh?"
"Hundreds of thousands of horny guys, a rich king without even a concubine?"
"Nah," Taiyama chuckled, "she isn't into that."
"If you say so," Argo smiled, "people do crazy stuff for a little security."
"Quit pestering the lad," Godfree nudged, "don't mind Argo, her hobby of matchmaking beholds an eccentric blend."
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Argo said.
"Strangeness is unbecoming of thee...also known as cut it out."
"But I love matchmaking!" she lowered her head.
While Asterius' Tauran patrols caught them crossing, they were informed of the recon group's objective. Quick to let them pass, Taiyama's group was barely hindered. Marching south towards Urbus, their steps were lightened, bodies relaxing.
"Oh I'm soo excited," Tai groaned, "to think we have to train there?"
"What's the point?" PoH said, "mobs are basically nowhere to be found, except those creepy villagers."
"It is they who must be slain," Godfree joked, "surely they must be who Fail barters with."
"Please don't remind me of that name," Argo groaned, "his lemons are awful...and he's creepy."
"Hey," Tai's head rose, "I saw that guy before."
"Truthfully?" Godfree looked, Argo almost in sync.
"Yea. Was so bad at fighting, he nearly died to [Beach Geese]."
"Seriously?!" Argo laughed, "how do you fail that badly?"
"Don't know, but the leader of Graye Sight did aggro a herd. Think he tried fighting one."
"Why, that's worthy of slander in itself!" Godfree chuckled, "the pervert's defiling works shall be stopped one day. Catch his real life features?"
"Besides him being a skinny ass clown?"
"Dost thou?" Godfree snickered.
"Nah man, had better things to do."
"Curses..."
"Don't worry, I'll be sure to arrest him."
"Good," Argo nodded, "think his last work involved a loli..."
Closing distance with Urbus, PoH turned west, his pace quick after a warm goodbye. A dull roar emerged from within, their travel around vast mountain walls prompting glances from the remaining three members.
"There a futball game going down?" Tai raised an eyebrow.
"Not sure," Argo tilted her head.
"Do make haste then," Godfree motioned, "I would hate to miss teaching them Rugby!"
Reaching Urbus' sole entrance, they walked faster, shouts growing louder. Leaving, however, their smiles and mirth fell. Smoke billowed, weapons clashing, people fleeing as Tauran marched through. Thumps broke out, all three stopping within moments.
"Uh," Argo blanked out.
"What manner of butchery...nay, what confounding fact hast led to this?" Godfree's expression softened.
Calling out to a bystander, Taiyama readied his [Tower Shield].
"What's attacking us?" he motioned.
"I don't know," the boy shook, "I was just enjoying time at home when these guys kicked my door in. Said they're looking for some tall guy."
"And thou went looking?" Godfree flanked.
"N-No, I was...kicked out. They took my house!"
Taiyama snapped his gaze back to Urbus' town center, eyes hardening as he drew a [Spear].
Asuna, she lives center of town.
"Talk to you two later," Tai grumbled.
"Tai!" Argo waved, "bad idea!"
The former boxer paid no attention, crossing streets towards his destination. People ran from east to west, guarding their heads with hands. Flames consumed small patches of greenery, contained to what limited combustibles existed in an otherwise arid town. Hearing frightened cries, Tai observed another group of individuals moving on a door. Dressed uniformly in green, their wide facial features, pale complexion, and stockier constitution brought Taiyama to a quick distinction.
Chinese...why're they out here?
With hammer and body they broke down a home's door, flooding inside with weapons drawn.
"Where's the tall islander?" they shouted, "you'll pay for this!"
Residents within cried out, Taiyama moving on regardless, keeping his gaze off others.
They're clearing reacting to something, clearly not a good time for sarcasm.
"Hey! Tall one!"
Taiyama picked up speed, hearing multiple shoes against pavement closing in on him.
I can beat their asses later, I gotta make sure Asuna's safe!
Rocks were thrown, jeers louder as they closed in on Tai, nimble bodies jumping up and punching him.
"Where're you going, tree climber?" one growled, "you kill my family, I kill you!"
Tai spun hard, slamming his pursuer aside with a [Tower Shield], its bowed face bashing against his jaw.
"Didn't do shit, leave me be!" Tai backpedaled, only to turn away again as another twenty nine approached.
They mocked Taiyama, hurling stones at him in wild objection. Running through ruined streets, Taiyama's heart welled up, his objective in sight. Lisbeth's blacksmith shop stood between battered stone homes, a small band of four individuals beating its doors.
"Let us in, cuties!"
"We'll treat you real nice!"
Wasting no time, Taiyama lunged with his shield, bashing a man against stone. His friends panicked, jumping aside as their comrade's face met brick, shouting at Tai as he rose.
"Islander should run back up his tree!"
With a crowd already flooding in behind Tai, the boxer knocked frantically.
"Asuna!? Let me in!"
They encircled Tai like wolves, uttering hungrily as he planted his tall shield, his back to said double doors. Their approach was limited, but so was his. With a [Spear] in his right, he could barely angle a shot, its own length hindering. Individuals lunged, bashing his shield with [Clubs], [Maces], attrition utilized to break him down.
"Guys?!" Tai shouted.
From within the shop, a band of six threw their weight into motion, some prying away cabinets used for barricades. Others stood with weapons raised, eyes forward.
"Don't move that!" Leopon tugged, "you'll let them all in!"
"My friend's back there!" Asuna yanked, "ugh, but this won't budge!"
"Let me!" Leafa stepped over, grabbing the nailed wooden box with both hands.
"No," Leopon joined in, "let's-"
Leafa's thick arms and legs tore away what hindered her friends after two pulls, ripping its wood construction away without breaking a sweat. Others turned heads, Leafa unyielding as she reached for more obstructions. Watching her, Wick's purple eyes fixated.
Damn, she's strong as an ox!
Lisbeth shifted aside their front desk, waving Asuna tiredly.
"Get in!" Asuna called.
A door knob spun, sunlight bursting in as a tall mass rushed in, only to plant again. Every hand dedicated to the shop's front entrance, nails and hammers mashing, stone bricks placed for collective weight. Forces from outside bashed with the mass of several men, wood splintering as staff scrambled to place material. Pillar studs were dragged forward, composed of the same material making up their walls. Men and women pushed in fright, forcing block after block forward. Lining them up, and stacking them high, weapons crept out of corners, their aggressors trying to lever their way through. Only together, however, was their doorway sealed, Lisbeth backing up slowly.
"This'll only slow them down," she shook her head, "hope some Tauran get here."
Asuna turned to Taiyama, raising hands in excitement.
"I'm so glad you're back," Asuna hopped, "Tai, it's like the people lost their minds!"
"Any idea why?" Tai looked around, "got chased as soon as I came in."
"They got really mad about something. Something about killing."
Wick listened to their aggressors, leaning back and forth as their words repeated.
"We should prepare the doors behind us," he said, "just in case."
Yuuki jumped up behind Wick, draping an arm over him.
"Don't worry, Wicky!" she poked his side, "nothing's gonna happen to us, we've got our friends."
"Um," Wick glanced to her, "there's at least forty in front of us. We gotta hold back until guards show up, or it'll get worse."
"Trust me," she gripped his shoulder, "everything will be okay."
While he didn't argue any further, a chewed lip displayed much.
How does she know that?
Their door cracked like a broken sound barrier, hands scraping to tear it open. Everyone tensed, raising arms in preparation, all except for Yuuki.
"We can't let them through," Leopon raised her shield, "Not another inch!"
Rays of light shined through as chunks crumbled, Taiyama rushing to their defense, his polearm capable of reaching their intruders. Leopon and Asuna charged in with him, Leafa right behind them. Standing back was Lisbeth, Yuuki, and Wick. Two watched with widened eyes as blades punched through cracked surface, stone chipping as it gave way.
"W-We gotta ready the next door," Wick turned back, "they're gonna break in!"
"Right!" Lis joined, "guys be ready to fall back!"
"Don't!" Taiyama roared, "they won't stop!"
"Give up, pigs!" the crowd roared outside, "the tall islander's gonna hang!"
Yuuki glared, hearing their jeers.
"That's not nice," she growled, "I'll teach them manners!"
She rushed forward without restraint, Lisbeth failing to snatch her arm.
"Yuuki stop!"
Wick ran forward, but failed to tug Yuuki away. Slipping between Asuna and Leopon, she stuck her face out where the intruders breached.
"Excuse me!"
A great silence swept over without warning, every man behind Lisbeth's front door turned mute. Weapons stopped swinging, a gnawing cold breaching the shop. Tai froze in place, eyes wide as he held back his [Spear]
What?
"You're so rude, my friends are mad! You better go away!"
Screams burst out, the crowd echoing bloody murder in volume, weapons crashing against pavement as they raced away. Every soul behind Yuuki was motionless, listening as dozens ran in gibbering terror, Yuuki's tame statement ripping through their ranks without so much as a physical wound. Taiyama stepped back, his left arm stuck to his side. No one approached after a whole minute, not a curse flew within twenty feet of their immediate position. Pulling her face back in and skipping inside, Yuuki's face bore a restored youthful mirth.
"See?" she giggled, "all gone. Wicky, let's share ideas!"
Passing her staring friends, Yuuki tried pulling Wick aside. Taiyama kept his left arm against his side, watching intently.
"Um..." Leopon stared, "Yuuki?"
"What?" Yuuki turned.
"W-What did you do?"
"I told them they're being mean."
"But...that," Leopon's eyes strained, "how did?"
"I told you," Yuuki cheered, "people react to good manners!"
Yuuki skipped to Lisbeth's forge room, humming to herself as everyone watched with paled expressions. As soon as the door closed, conversation exploded between them.
"There's something on with her," Lisbeth piped, "was it some kind of magic?"
"I don't know," Leafa sighed, "too tired to think."
Leopon's interface was opened, a message growing in size as she wrote away. Asuna could only stand, bewildered by what transpired minutes before.
"If only Recon was here," Leafa said, "he'd have ideas. He runs roleplaying games all the time."
"Where is he?" Tai glanced.
"Don't know," she sniffled.
"He vanished since yesterday," Asuna said, "we got removed from his friends list."
"I'm confused," Tai said, "why just walk off?"
"It'll take a bit of explaining," Lisbeth said, "hope you have time."
Wick followed behind the purple clothed maiden, the weapon testing room door closing behind him.
"So got any ideas?" Yuuki turned.
"Yuuki, what'd you do back there?" Wick whispered, "that was..."
"Amazing?" Yuuki tossed her hair, "I know, and all I did was ask them to leave."
"No really," Wick waved urgently, "did you do something else?"
Her expression turned quizzical.
"No, I asked them to leave."
"Just ask?"
"I told you," she hopped, "everything's going to be alright."
Wick's expression turned further puzzled, looking away in thought.
She's not even aware of what she did, how? What if she really did just ask them to leave?
Back at the front entrance, Taiyama looked to his left arm, his breathing softened as everyone around him recovered.
We've got a situation...
- Altai's Palace
A small crowd gathered outside a log-spined gate, filing through one at a time, Illfang watchful of those who entered palace grounds. Observing them all, the former king of Kobolds held his tail.
They all say the same thing, in-fighting. How did these humans hold anything? When violence is so readily chosen, what do they know of peace or love? My nest-kin would run from these humans, afraid of what they'd do to us.
From behind thick double doors, people spoke among themselves, eyes of many colors gazing past a row of eight foot guards. Past armored snouts and [Lucernes], a summit of leaders gathered, their voices echoing through the great chamber
"Our community has been forced to live very cramped," a man rose, "these people trap us west, hiding murderers among them!"
"What benefit do we have hiding them?" Kibaou shot up, "if there's a PK in our town, we gotta find him!"
"Forced?" Lind leaned on the table, "your guys attack anyone that doesn't look like you!"
Garr sat high and center, PoH to his right and Graye Sight's ambassadors to his left. His muscles clenched tightly, fibers rippling beneath voluminous sinew, picking at his fingers.
"I'd advise staying out of this," PoH uttered in Garr's ear, "taking sides won't help..."
"I understand," Garr grumbled, jaw muscles flexing and relaxing.
"Why not build a big castle wall around Urbus," Renee drew her finger along a map, "expand living space?"
"We don't have the money, I've been using it to pay off their debt."
"Look," Korrin nodded to the homeless filling the hall, "we need to compromise. Let's build a [Town Hall] nearby. Either for these poor sods, or the cramped ones."
"Costs three million Cor, Cor I don't have."
Table conversation flared up, heating as west Urbus' representative continued.
"There is much space outside Urbus. If Altai builds us a [Town Hall], we will leave you alone."
"No," Lind shook his head, "you Chinese lie all the time, stealing from everyone else."
"That's racist," Anthem groaned, "seriously guys, this's already toxic enough. Just let them have some space. Frankly we should be living together anyway, not in our own separate districts."
Neither Kibaou nor Lind listened to Anthem, an anxious Oran slipping through security with permission.
"Oi, you guys missed the party!" he waved hands once, "drinks...thrown all around! Mates, you wouldn't believe how dense those glass bottles are. Seriously, Ilioc makes 'em thick!" he slid up beside Garr, "seriously, make [Clubs] out of these."
Garr barely let off a small grin, his attention focused on the central statue inside his hall. Oran shrugged, joining Renee and Korrin in discussion. PoH glanced over and over between his king and his peers, a grin grown on his face.
"Garr, these people's concerns are petty. Why're you giving them your limited time? Set a neutral stance, don't get involved."
"Waiting on Asterius," Garr adjusted his posture, "you weren't here yesterday, but I made some...poor calls."
"Oh?"
"I'll explain later. At least Zumfut wishes to remain independent, can relax on resources with them. I don't want assault guys in there."
PoH's movement hitched for a second.
This complicates my deal with Acherres. The assault team's volunteers would've offered him plenty of resources.
"Why?" PoH whispered as people slammed the table, "it's Floor Three, we gotta progress naturally."
Garr shook his head.
"Upsetting any possibly larger groups than ours when I'm trying to repay debt won't help. I've sent scouts to floors four and five, I will find them something."
Double doors eased apart, Asterius and his retinue wading through huddled masses. Garr quickly rose to join his general, letting people ramble on further.
"What's it look like?" Garr crossed bulging arms.
"This group of humans has moved east, taking homes from others." Asterius huffed, "doors were broken down, current residents declare sovereignty."
"And building four seventeen?" Garr grimaced.
"It remains standing, residents are untouched."
Garr nodded, with a quick glance behind Asterius.
"Has your answer changed, Altai?"
"Yes," I sighed, "I'm not comfortable with it either...but it's gotta be done."
"My kinsmen stand with you."
Asterius lowered his snout, both Garr and him crossing a leg in salutation. Voices quieted as Garr reached their table. Biting his cheek, his hands planted firmly, ears raising as bronze eyes focused. His chest projected, face reddening as he eyed each representative.
"I've listened to you all for a good hour now. I will ask one question, cause I have only one answer."
Turning left, Garr raised a finger towards west Urbus' representative.
"Who is your boss?"
"Jinping," he said, leaning back.
Garr lowered his hand and relaxed, turning to face everyone in his hall.
"Tell your Jinping he has till sundown to return all stolen property."
"I'm sorry?"
"Jinping will give what little he took, or I will turn everything he had to rubble."
Eyes widened at Garr's proposal, cold sweat accumulating.
"Those are big words," the representative growled, "what about the murderer? Will you ignore his cr-"
"He will be dealt with by manner of bounty and legal search. Mob rule will not stay."
Out of all who held seats, Lind was the only one smiling. Otherwise, a table of disapproving glances avoided Garr's gaze, whose focal point turned towards the evicted.
"To all who've lost homes, stay. My people will serve you food and firewood until the matter is resolved."
With his declaration, Garr walked out, ordering a few Tauran to follow and help gather meats. Renee, Korrin, and PoH stared as seated representatives grumbled.
"I can't believe he said that," Renee blinked.
"I'm not," Korrin leaned back, "he's no statesman. 'ell I doubt he has any experience in this sort of thing."
"Maybe I should try and talk this over," PoH shifted.
"Why? It's not gonna change anything. Garr's basically a king, he's made his call."
PoH hid a smile behind a moment of anxious shifts.
I'll still talk to this representative, Garr's practically doing the work for me. Seriously, I don't have to do much of anything now, he's pissing so many people off!
Meanwhile, former raid leaders huddled together.
"I say we take our guys and keep moving," Diavel said, "this drama's not getting us out."
"You crazy?" Lind giggled, "this guy's got it. Gotta keep some order here, or we'll kill each other."
"Would've been better if he even tried working a deal," Kibaou groaned, "they're only acting like this cause their friends got attacked. I'd probably be mad too. Still, his ban on military travel to floor three."
Listening in, PoH slid up beside their gathered selves.
"You know, I can authorize such travel."
All three turned to PoH, their eyes telling him all he needed to know.
Sun Dancer
-Taiyama
Boy, was I feeling faded. One day spent in some town full o' creeps, next dealing with a fuckin' riot, I needed to slow down. For real though, that Yuuki's a creep. There's no way a feather weight like her's scaring a guy, let alone half a hundred. Something was wrong there, my brand wouldn't stop throbbing. It wasn't just warm like back in that depressing as fuck forest, it was beating like a heart. And what did Yuuki do? Oh, act like nothing happened. She's hiding something from us.
Heading over to Garr's place, Thanatos decided to come along, figuring it a good time to meet Garr. I kept thinking to myself, when? When would I get a chance at something like what he's got? All that power, what would I do with it?
"I pray for those folks," Thanatos said, "every one of 'em. Whole thin's a mess."
"Yea well I hope you keep that whole praying thing to yourself," I laughed, "Garr's nothing short of insecure."
"I don't plan on it sir, cause that wouldn't be honest."
"Honest?" I shook my head, "don't worry, you'll find plenty where we're going. Besides, those Chinese wouldn't hesitate stomping on your throat."
"Pardner, I was there. There're some folks doin' evil thin's back there, but plenty more good."
"Oh right, like those guys clawing to rape every girl in a shop, right?"
"I never said there weren't bad people," he kept solemn, "but there's good people among them, Tai. And I'm not gonna say nothin' about this Garr until I've met him."
I shook my head, Thanatos was naive as hell. It's hilarious, him expecting me to listen to anything he says, when he couldn't speak a goddamn sentence properly.
"Those ladies okay?" Thanatos looked up at me, his face shrouded by stealthy attire.
"Yea, not by praying either."
He said nothing further, letting me continue my own thoughts in peace. Arriving at "his majesty's" palace, Illfang looked down at me, my advance stopped by a gate.
"What?" I looked to Illfang, "we've been invited."
"Have you?" Illfang growled, "I'll check."
I groaned loudly, it was so obvious he was just stalling me.
"You think I'm lying?" I said.
"Don't think I've forgotten your second face," he said while reading a list, "even I can see it."
"With which eye?" I smirked, "Illfang has only one i."
A growl from him prompted an unlatching, his dumb little round helmet unturning. Letting us through, I couldn't help but smile. It was amusing, Illfang thinking he could control me with that whole "muh honor" deal. Business was business, I earn what I seek. Some Chinese guy bumped shoulders with me on my way in, messaging angrily. Punks like him had to be the most numerous players in SAO, probably wanting to cheat. Like in every MMO.
"Sorry," Thanatos said to him.
Opening the door, I found the entire palace filled with people. Not separated into groups, but gathered around a single, large fire pit. Several slabs of meat cooked on spinning sticks, smoke licking their red bodies.
"So this is where they went," Thanatos nodded.
Anyway, Garr was chilling around the back, I could only hear him upon crossing into his guarded location.
"-is the worst answer to an aggressor," Garr said, "you might as well hand money to your bully."
"It's not that simple," someone argued, "they're low on space, they want room."
"Everybody's low on space. I'm working on it."
Huh, he was talking to a cute lookin' redhead. Boy must've had it real good, being basically king and all. Women gotta be climbing over each other to get some of that sweet sugar daddy living.
"Yo!" I called, "Garr!"
Garr waved me over, acting all angry and boss-like.
"Good to meet you sir," Thanatos bowed his head, "name's Thanatos."
Much to my shock, the guy stopped upon hearing him. Was gonna assume he hated the sound too, but that dumb grin said otherwise.
"Is that a Texas accent I hear?"
"Proud and true," Thanatos smiled.
Garr extended a hand without hesitation, shaking it firmly with Thanatos. My god, it was like a nightmare.
"How can I help?" Garr smiled with hands wide, "besides promising to stay outta your way?"
"Oh nothin' much," Thanatos beamed.
Boy would they never shut up, was such a circle jerk. Anyway, after some lousy introductions, we gathered around a table, Garr never drawing far from this little map. Being me, I slammed down some good booze, got everyone at the table looking.
"Let's chill," I sat, "cause I'm worn."
Garr eased aside his offering of drinks, looking disinterested. Got introduced to his "ambassador", had quite a set of hips. Edging a bottle near Garr, he shook his head.
"Don't drink, thanks."
"You sure?" I smiled, "Ilioc gives his troops good stuff."
"Good for him, gotta think straight for what's coming in," he checked time, "two hours."
"Wow," I laughed, "try not to get old too fast."
Garr shuffled that little map closer to himself, keeping a sharp watch of time.
"So whatdya say to the whole mob problem? Were they tough?"
"Get out or get leveled."
I stopped for a second, was I hearing him right?
"Sir," Thanatos asked, "are you sure that's a merciful choice?"
"It's horrible," Garr grumbled, "I'm aware that this could and probably will cost human life. But what will I save if I appease? The groups in Urbus will think they can do that too, then where will the line be drawn? I hate this, but boundaries have to be set."
"I still think this could'a been avoided," Renee tossed her red hair back, "but...still your call."
"Are you a prayin' man?"
Thanatos' comment earned a quick look from Garr, who nodded.
"Not to be pryin' then sir, but isn't mercy part of the equation?"
A bed room door opened, that Oran guy and some Greek Spartan lookalike stepping in. Blonde got all gleaming, seeing bottles.
"Finally," Oran cheered, "starting a party!"
"Nope!" Renee snatched it, "mine."
"Has he changed his mind?" the Spartan hugged Renee from behind.
"Nope," she lowered her head, "hasn't budged at all, like about that girl last night."
"There's nothing to budge about," Garr said, "it'll be settled tonight."
"Like old times, right?" I elbowed him, "telling how it is, getting shit done?"
"No," he said blankly, "last time I engaged with forces, I was the one risking myself, not others. This couldn't be any different. Also Renee, a pep talk is irrelevant."
"Irrelevant," Renee dramatically deepened her voice, "so irrelevant," she looked up to me, "you should've seen him last night, had a girl up in his arms, acting all sweet to her."
"Once again," Garr shifted back in his chair, "irrelevant to the conversation. God, I hope this's all just blown out of proportion. I hope they all just go home, cause I'm gonna help them all build towns."
"I tell you what matters," Oran leaned closer, "having a good time and not giving half a damn otherwise. Serious mate, lemmie have a pint?"
Glasses were poured, but my attention was on Garr. It was so weird, I was still staring at that Aigen-tempered midget Asuna poked in Tolbana. I hung out with his little group, training on a mountain to go fuck up some rats, beating his ass to get some time with Lisbeth. After all this, he was still that stupid man-let. Bossy, overly-aggressive, only difference was he had some tall guys to protect him.
"Bro," Korrin said to Garr, "you're gonna get a lot of hate for this."
"Fine," he shrugged, "hate me, don't respect individual rights. More rubble, less trouble."
And this is where I got worried. This moment, cause I stopped seeing Garr like something to beat up. He was like a mob boss, ready to dish it out and establish himself as ruler. What made it all click though for me, was what Argo said.
"People do crazy stuff for a little security."
Garr was gonna get hungry someday. He'd get every good looking girl in Urbus on his nuts for the sake of self validation, just to ensure everyone knew he was above. What if, what if he got Asuna too? We laughed, but I wasn't having it. I had to dig in and take this throne. There's no way I'm gonna let some manlet have it all.
Asuna deserved better.
1630 hours - West Urbus
A man of rotund physique walked Urbus' western streets, his height exceeding his escorting peers by several inches, though not surpassing six feet. Members bowed at a mere sight of him, all-white attire covering him head to ankles in a bright sheen. Surrounded by twelve, his surveillance of local activity was unmistakable.
"Nearly a winter sunset," a toothy grin grew, "has anyone left their post?"
"Only a few, great leader. Citizen soldiers have already dealt with them."
A chuckle left their leader's lips.
"How long?"
"Half an hour, as you directed sir."
"Ha, if only I got a chance to see it. Imagine how far I'd be willing to go to secure our future, if I'm willing to teach my own people discipline?"
"As far as your father would expect?" his guard feebly spoke.
"Ha, indeed."
"Halt!" a voice thundered north of them.
Nobel turned, watching as a band of six men left their centrally located home, their green uniforms distinctive. In their many grips, a woman wrestled to be freed, her bounds tight. Motioning his security detachment, he converged on the arrested group, of whom were verbally harassed by two young boys in similar clothing.
"Why're you running?" both shouted, "do you not believe in His order?"
"We're just securing our future, step aside child."
"Ha, I'd beg to differ."
All six faced Nobel, their cheeks turning white as their corpulent leader laughed.
"Timing, the looks on your faces, the sound of your voice...it really tells a lot."
They pleaded to him, going on their knees as they wept, their hostage crying out to be freed. Seeing her, Nobel's eye flickered.
"Citizen soldiers...these dogs are fleeing."
Snickers left Nobel's young patrol agents, drawing [Tonfas] from their waist. Voices were raised, backs meeting pavement as their leader clapped. His eyes moistened as bones cracked, his laughter heightening as he chanted quips of loyalty. Rising and falling, blunt clubs tapped against flesh, stopping only upon their recipient reaching red health. Around building corners, a few patrolmen sharply turned opposite directions, avoiding Nobel's sight line. Their faces pinched, eyes wide as they cleared away. Broken and battered, all six were forced back inside the house, their captive left in their care. Nobel's toothy grin slighted, his gaze turning east.
"Still not as...invigorating as trips through re-education. Very good, citizen...carry on."
He turned south, ready to skim through the rest of his community. A rumble, however, stopped him in his tracks, reverting his gaze east. Hooves stomped in sync, eight foot figures in armor marching towards his position, their faces masked by toothed helmets.
"Great leader, is that?"
"No, no, that's just intimidation," Nobel waved off, "don't pay any attention."
Nobel's patrolmen were approached, three blocks of sixteen Tauran halting before them. [Slaughter Mauls] rested shouldered, [Lucernes] along flanks, bronze stomach armor bright in evening. Stopping along Urbus' central line, both of Nobel's previously laughing guards hunched.
"Leave now," one Tauran snorted, "sunset close. No pain needed."
Hesitation hung over them both, their frames swallowed by armored, hulking shadows. Watching from streets away, Nobel nodded.
Success or failure, bluff or not, my people will be driven. The future goes to the people most focused. This will teach those non-believers to follow me...to return from their selfish delusions.
An hour passed, with Tauran reinforcements massing up behind their forward units. Just as they grouped together, however, so did Urbus' west neighborhood. Brandishing [Arming Swords] and [Spears], a standoff heated between both factions.
"Leave middle homes," a leading Tauran ordered in poor translated speech, "no hurt will come."
"Glory to Nobel!"
Aincrad's sun dipped below Urbus' lip, the resulting surge sending many defending humans flying aside. Garr's word was cemented, Tauran rushing the western front with [Slaughter Mauls], spacing their smaller combatants as others kicked down doors, breaching central homes. Hooves broke hinges, hammer claws gouged wood, hammerheads cracked stone. Nobel's people lunged, their weapon range vastly inefficient in the face of polearms, forcing the exclusive use of [Spears].
For every house entered, a similar order was given, evacuate or be evicted. Nonetheless, Tauran were met with blades and rage, blood spilling on both sides as bodies flooded in. Hammers as large as men crashed against bones, sending victims scattering with a single slam. Isolated Tauran were mobbed, stabbed and hacked to pieces by ratios of men sometimes exceeding eight to one.
From elevated positions, however, Tauran [Slings] were deployed, bands of leather wrapped in hand. Rocks of substantial girth were lobbed, breaking up back formations, dividing forces as their forward units pushed through. Flashes of blue glass broke through dust ridden air, choking sight with an epitaph to either man or beast. From his map, Garr observed all he had ordered, his heart tumbling as people fell by his men.
Forced back by rock volleys, most of Nobel's forces broke ranks, fleeing for home court advantage. A few Tauran attempted chasing, but were ordered back to formation, their objective unchanged. One by one, homes were evicted, flags placed over them to signify liberation. Players unaffiliated with either side crept in, seizing what they found among the dead. Either way, Nobel departed with not disappointment, but glee.
A focused people is a productive people. This will be interesting.
Devourer of Heavens, the ever-lasting hunger, Earth Mother, all these names lead to one being, Stjerne-Lik. Patron of the endless warmth, his residue grants the ability to cast fire, its enzyme bearing a similar viscosity to magma.
Some stars in our night sky die naturally, left to grow old enough to fuse iron. Others die by Stjerne-Lik, whose hunger will someday lead him to us, leading to the death of our world. The worst part, we most likely can't stop it.
-Garr, How to Magic Intelligently. January 6th, 2023
A/N: Nobel reveals his ambition, Taiyama alters his sights, and PoH meddles! Hey guys, remember that reviews help let me know what's good or bad about the story. Thanks a bunch for those who've continued reading this humble work, see you next week.