It will never be good enough. Not until the deadline looms over you, and even then it might not be ready. Context for this is that I'm pretty sure I was 'good to go' by Monday or Tuesday but I was waiting on a few people to read over it so i could get some early feed back. I ended up giving it another once over Friday just a few hours before my usual upload time.
Up was where the bubbles flowed. If you got lost underwater, letting go a portion of your precious air was one of the easiest ways to reorient yourself. Surrounded by steaming water that never truly contacted my skin, no sound reached my ears. None of the chatter from the camp made it through the tarps and vibrated through the liquid, no steps padding around the stone and gravel lined bath, not even a steady heartbeat pulsing in my ears that should have existed. For minutes I stayed underneath, wrapped up by my thoughts and the warmth of the natural spring. Half my health bar later I exploded out, shaking the water from my hair.
"Oh. Apologies, Human. I didn't expect anybody to be here."
I turned around to look at the NPC, taking in their lithe body. While not quite as spectacular as the bodies of my deployed comrades back in the real world, his musculature was decidedly the best I'd seen in a handful of months.
"Don't worry about it, I was thinking about leaving anyway." I tilted my head to the side and stepped out of the bath, water riveting down the toned form that blessedly stayed with me during the creation process. "While I've got you here though, do you mind getting my back?"
Klein is seriously going to be upset about this.
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I rubbed my fingers over the symbol of the Mitsui Trading Guild, a stylized silver sickle and mallet raised against a black background that only passingly resembled the design of the USSR of old. Without the sigils Ferghus had given us so long ago, our attempts to convince the other leaders in Tolbana to take care of the Zumfut plants would have taken infinitely longer.
"You know if you're not going to stay at the designated place, you really need to tell us." Issin reached out and ruffled my hair, dislodging the strands I had taken to pinning down.
"Sorry." I pursed my lips and silenced my annoyance, reapplying the partially crimped metal and tucking the irritance away. "I got bored and started walking around Black Iron City. Next thing I knew I found myself over here." I motioned towards the harp playing NPC, the youthful man having gone through a handful of songs over the past twenty or so minutes with small breaks in between. "You know if you listen to a full song you get a two point bonus to your agility stat?"
"I remember you mentioning something like that back in November." Issin sat down beside me, staring up at the artificial sky. "Jeeze, has it really been that long?"
"Sometimes it feels like it's been longer, hasn't it? The days blur by sometimes. All these fights that require us to give it our all so we don't get killed, it just becomes one big blob doesn't it?" Issin fell silent. I wasn't sure if what I had said resonated with him or if he thought I was just getting things off my chest.
"We don't belong here though." I reached up to the touch the cut flower one of the younger players had given me. Despite how sentimental it was, it wouldn't last past the hour. "As much as some of the people here would say otherwise, as much as the children in the orphanage act, this isn't our world." I stood up, equipping the leather armor reinforced with faded silver-white metal Shen had given me to 'better blend in with the troops of Fūmaningun'.
"Heading back off into battle, Little Miss?" Issin stared at me with an ambiguous grin, his eyes expressing a sadness I doubted he would voice.
"Always, Mr. Brush. I'll be training with Choryu and Mitsui's entourage in the «Forest of Wavering Mists». We should be back by nightfall, but we'll message you guys if anything happens."
"Asasaki." I stopped and turned around, an unspoken question on my parted lips. "Don't abuse your Developer skills too much, alright?" He joked. "You're making us look bad."
I guffawed. "Maybe you guys should up your training then. I should in no way, shape, or form be the shining example for anybody. Catch you at dinner!" When he returned my wave I set off, letting Dale know I had already informed Issin of my plans before tugging Haru through the portal.
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"So I've been wondering," I slashed through a «Treant Sapling», my weaker but more suited «Armor Splitter» leaving a vibrant marker for Asuka to trace. "What's up with you and big man Yamaguchi?"
"Absolutely nothing!" She squeaked, rapier passing perfectly through the red line.
"Methinks thou doth protest too much." I stabbed into the creature from behind, tearing my blade out in an unassisted version of «Island Birth». Asuka's follow up attack turned the malevolent sentient tree into data fragments, the tinkling explosion drowning out all sound for a brief moment. Back on the main path Haru and Asuka's two combat able companions waited silently, my gaze steadfastly on them while I guided the two of us over.
For all intents and purposes, a magic spell had been cast on the forests south of the rock wall neatly separating the northern fourth of the floor. If you walked too far from the main paths, the titular mist would slowly surround you until you couldn't see past your nose. At that moment your next step would transport you somewhere randomly in the forest. It could be avoided of course if you had the full map information and navigated each block in under ten minutes, but between the concept of 'dying here means dying irl' and how much of a time commitment was required to map out areas nobody had completed the entire floor yet.
"Do you know how many guys would kill to be in your position, Asasaki? Holding the hand of such a beautiful woman?" Haru chuckled, his laughter dying off when Yamaguchi sent a stare just a few hairs away from falling under the classification of 'glare' his way.
"Lady Mitsui and Lady Asasaki willingly entered this 'Contract' of yours and have shown nothing but goodwill towards each other for the past few weeks. It is only natural that they continue to work together so closer."
I grinned perversely at the muted whimper from behind me. "You three are up next!" I patted the arms of the taller Hibiki and walking mountain Yamaguchi. "Keep my little Bestiary safe, alright?" I giggled and strode between them, my map held open to guide us towards the south eastern corner of the forest.
"How did you two meet?" I motioned for Haru to handle Yamaguchi's question, directing us off the path and directly south into an unmapped zone.
"We actually met through Klein, our guild's commander. You remember him, right? About a head taller than Hibiki, muted red hair, and a red and yellow bandana around his head? The first day they brought me out onto the fields north of Black Iron City we stumbled across this little ninja dancing around one of the boars like it was a child."
"Don't sound like I couldn't do the same to you," I interrupted, gesturing for them to move a little closer.
"Anyway, she's fighting like she normally does. Sword flicks, light jabs, vicious stabs and cutting throats, but the entire time she's not using any of her «Sword Skills»."
"Your Mystic Arts, correct?" Hibiki asked uncertainly.
"We've never called it that, but yeah."
"Yes!" I cheered to myself, shoving their conversation to the side. With what was perhaps the largest amount of glee I'd had all week I ran onto the barren foot path and performed a small jig, smoothly transitioning from several different motions to an unheard song.
Haru stared at me, mortification and what I presumed to be awe vying for control. "Please never do that again."
"You're just jealous you can't move like me." Without hesitation I broke into the relevant song and dance, winking at Haru before returning to my current position of 'forward'.
After a few second of silence he spoke back up, continuing on as if nothing has happened. "Klein decides to take pity on the poor woman and teach her how to work with all of our magic abilities. Eventually she ended up teaching us how to fight properly and gave us all some routines to do every day to get better at the basics."
"And would you say it's helped?" I felt a pair of eyes settle on my neck, my foot stumbling for a fraction of a second. It was a little frightening how much presence Yamaguchi could command.
The silence dragged on longer than I appreciated. "Yes. I didn't really notice the first month, but these days I don't really need to think all that much about what I need to do. I mean, I still have to plan stuff out, but I'm no longer really thinking about my strikes as opposed to just doing them."
I stilled and raised a fist. Behind me armor rattled, likely the result of the still unlearned Haru colliding with one of the Explorers.
"Is something wrong?"
I tilted my head towards the others, directing my question towards Yamaguchi. "You hear that?"
The man closed his eyes and bowed his head. "Metal on metal," he whispered.
"Why would Swordsmen be fighting each other?" Hibiki asked. "I was under the assumption you had an uneasy truce at worst."
I fully turned around and met Haru's gaze, my weapon shimmering into the longer length of Isuke's creation. "Do you trust me?"
Haru blinked. After a second his face hardened and he nodded. "I told you last night that I'll support whatever decision you make."
"Choryu, keep eyes on me. Yamaguchi, Hibiki, Mitsui, follow Choryu. We're treating this as a hostile situation. The objective is whoever's losing. Do what needs to be done." When the steely countenances of our NPC allies nodded I shot off, bee lining towards the sounds of combat.
Two things immediately came to my attention when I burst through the brush. The first was that the two combatants were far more trained than any other Swordsman I had seen. The second was that the taller, dark skinned one was pressing every advantage against his more nimble but weaker foe.
Your mind's made up?
Was there ever a question? We fight for those that can't defend themselves, for a future for the betterment of all.
An elegant looking longsword crashed against the flat of my «Tormenting Reaver», the blade shoved to the side. Metal capped ivory slammed into the general region of his solar plexus, a push kick sending him stumbling back.
"Human…" The man's scowling lips twitched, miniscule arcs of yellow static briefly travelling across his torso. "This does not concern you. Leave, before I show you your place."
"A man pushing around another where words could serve just as well as swords. I think this concerns me." I flicked my sword into a ready position, feet inching into a more defensive stance.
"Then so be it." The man pulled back and moved his shield forward, a shining blue travelling up the length of his sword.
I don't recognize that skill.
I narrowed my eyes, left hand moving into a bear claw. An angry tingle settled into the limb, my focus never leaving my opponent.
The dark skinned shield user ran forward, his blade still infuriatingly chambered. Only when he neared did the weapon start shifting, his feet subtly preparing for a full body twist. Glowing a bright neon orange, my left hand snapped across my body and backhanded the strike away. At the same time my right unleashed «Twilt Horizon», my opponent's eyes bulging in surprise.
The empowered knifehand «Embracer» stabbed through his breastplate, another system assisted stab machine gunning out. With the mechanics of the game aided by my own motions, I performed a picturesque backflip, my left leg kicking my opponent into the air. Intent guiding my body into the next position, mind and numbers launched after him, sword spearing the significantly armored assailant. Silence reigned supreme as we landed, the man letting out a wet cough when I pulled my weapon out and retreated. "You…" he glared at me, chest heaving, "are not like the others."
"Of course I'm not. I have Skill." I kept my eyes on him, slowly strafing to the right so that the arrival of Choryu and the others would end up flanking his rear. "Stand down. This doesn't need to end in death."
"My name is Daifayel, soldier of Lysula, and I do not negotiate with Forest Elves nor their allies!"
I shifted into a more aggressive stance, finally noting the dark red icon above his head with flickering purples splotches. "I am Dawn Lakewood of Fūrinkazan. Make your peace, Daifayel. Today you breathe your last."
Klein is going to kill me for this.
The Dark Elf charged forward, both his true reach hidden by the closeness of his weapons. I prepared myself to sidestep, something I found unnecessary when a massive kiteshield smacked the smaller shield user away.
"Negotiations failed. Target must be subdued," I stated, moving to Yamaguchi's side. "You have lead, I'll back you up." I took a breath and raised my voice. "Choryu, eyes on target! Hibiki, Mitsui, protect the objective!" Armor and footsteps responded to my commands, Yamaguchi squaring up as the elf rose.
"I will not fall here. Gods, guide my blade!" The Dark Elf stormed forward, shield glowing an angry red. I slipped to the side as the Captain of the Tolbana Guard met his charge, the two exchanging a rapid series of blows and blocks that could only have been born from years of experience.
I ran in from the Elf's left and kicked at the back of his knee, swiftly dropping into the motions for «Chronal Moon» and allowing Yamaguchi the opportunity to bring his unique single handed greatsword down like an axe. With a quick one handed cartwheel I straddled the prone Daifayel, drawing my blade across his throat and stabbing through rapid succession.
A sudden impact blurred my vision and sent me flying. As I struggled to rise to my feet, a voice called for me to dodge. My mudddled mind supplied the idea that I was suffering from a debuff, something only confirmed by the doubled images converging too late into the charging form of our enemy.
Cold numbness blossomed from my stomach, an enraged grin seeping across my face. "What is with you bastards," my right hand grabbed ahold of the elf's, holding the limb in place, "and goring me through my bowels!?" Bone met cartilage, the elf stumbling back in pain that only NPC's could feel. I pulled the dagger out and tackled the male to the ground, abusing my additional weight to topple him over.
Over and over my stolen weapon was driven through his head, the elf finally responding by punching me away with his shield once again. "If I can't finish the scum, then I'll just finish you!" The triple forms of Daifayel ran at me, their now unburdened shield arm tearing something from his neck.
My name was screamed from two places, my mind dismissing the noise from my focus. Two, three paces. My right leg propelled me forward, left shoulder slamming into the elf's torso. A knifehand gutted him, the green glow from his hand gaining intensity. Another flip kick and «Hunting Prey» was unleashed once again. «Tormenting Blow» looped into my opponent several times. With a mechanical wind up and echoing kiai, «Waning Moon» knocked the elf back several feet, his body rolling along the ground before the glow reached a fever pitch and exploded out, rebounding back towards him after a distance.
I clicked my tongue, picking up the dropped weapons once my ruined sight restored itself. "Choryu, remind me to train with the Ol'dekhaan some? That's twice in what's probably 24 hours that I've taken significant damage and I am not okay with that." I pulled out a potion from my inventory, downing the bitter drink in three gulps.
"Are you alright, Lady Asasaki?" Yamaguchi was blinking forcefully as he hesitantly approached me, his body still in a defensive stance.
"I've been better," I responded. I dismissed the dagger and sword to my inventory, making a note to hand them to Haru and Tetsuo respectively when I had the time. "Oi, Forest Elf. What'd you do to set off that guy, anyway?"
The man in question flinched back, stepping forward at Asuka's reassuring pat. "I-I was supposed to try and meet with one of the Dark Elves to discuss a treaty. B-but when I met him he started attacking me and wouldn't let me get a word in." The elf reminded me of Haru, sharing the same nervous tic of looking at anything that wasn't his conversational partner.
"What's your name, son?" Yamaguchi sheathed his blade on his back and massaged his eyes, finally removing whatever had been bothering them.
"Iyasue. And I'm not a kid! I'm 130 years old!"
I rolled my eyes. "Isn't that 'barely aware of the world' in elven terms?" I asked, looking through the items I had just acquired.
The dark haired elf shuffled, giving off a groan from what was most probably embarrassment. "I-I should probably be heading back to my superiors now and inform them what happened."
"We could escort you back if you'd like. The creatures in these woods aren't exactly the friendliest." Haru gave smile amicably, gently shaking me from my thoughts.
The elf looked at the five of us, a sigh heralding his decision. "I don't think the Sergeant will like this, but okay." He eyed me for a moment, shaking his head. "Keep close. If you lose sight of me, I won't spend the effort to track you down."
I tuned out the voices of my companions, instinctively taking lead. Under the guide of the Forest Elf, my map had become completely obscured by mist, not even my attempts to look at the expanded version giving me any insight to where we were.
In time we passed through a barely visible circle of arcane script, the entrance to the instanced zone almost fully disguised by the fog that permeated the woods. The suspicions of the two guardsmen bearing two handed greatswords barely faded even after Iyasue's badge granted us passage.
The elf brought us into the center of the camp, stopping at the entrance to a large tent. "I'll talk to the Sergeant, let him know what's going on. You five stay here for now. Don't move, don't talk to anybody, and just-" The elf let out a strangled breath and stepped through the tarp.
"Child," I sung.
"Asasaki, I think we should take his word and not talk?" Haru whispered, furtively glancing around at the elven forces staring at us.
"Relax. We're us. We have this handled." I folded an arm behind my head and eyed the ring I had claimed from the Forest Elf, the accessory adding a small amount of armor and +2 to stealth while in forested areas. When I hit level 20 and picked up either Sprint or Hiding, the effects of the Frostborn armor would give me a field day whenever I opted to hang around wooded areas.
Iyasue's head peeked through the fabric that acted as a door, once again taking in our faces. "Oh good. You're still alive. Come in, the Sergeant will see you now."
I shot my player companion a grin, following after the brunet. The inside of the tent was fairly luxurious for belonging at what felt more like an outpost more than a base. A large pole stood in the center, smaller supports ringing the space in an octagonal setup.
"Thank you for protecting my messenger. I am Feylaar, I command the troops at this camp." The significantly stockier elf gave a grateful nod from his sitting position, his voice and features appearing so stoic it was reminiscent of the normal patterns of NPC's. "I understand that one of you are among the fabled Swordsmen?"
I cleared my throat and nudged Haru. "That would be the two of us." I gave a miniscule curtsey, keeping eye contact the entire time.
"That is good to hear." Feylaar closed his eyes. "Are you aware of the incidents that have occurred recently?"
"Not particularly," I lied. Kirito and Asuna had made their rounds here a week or two ago, but our particular experience with the 3rd floor Elven quest line seemed far too unique for me to make any assumptions.
"The Jade Key that the Dark Elves have long since protected in this region has been transported to the floors above. On top of that, the Fallen Elves have taken over our Spirit Tree. Communications to our brethren above have been cut off, and camp by camp we are being eliminated."
"The Dark Elven troops have also been reduced significantly here. Our butterflies have caught sight of them making their way towards their Spirit Tree to the east. From what we've gathered there's still a token force around, but it's still enough to not make aggressive actions worthwhile." Iyasue jumped when he realized he had spoken out of turn, glancing at his commander before shuffling to the side in nervousness.
"Peace, Iyasue." The sergeant. "I understand that you likely have your own troubles, Swordsmen, but might we ask for your assistance in reclaiming that which we have lost?"
I shared a look with Haru, internally groaning when he passed the decision to me. "What do we get out of this? You get some lost land and the remains of your forces, but as for us?"
Feylaar raised a brow, vexation briefly showing. "Would safe passage and rest in our lands, the alliance of our people, and a chance to stop a plot that could result in the destruction of Aincrad suffice?"
I took a breath and nodded my head to the side, forgetting that I was essentially the acting representative of the Players and not a freelance mercenary like I normally was. "Very well. We shall aide you in your endeavors."
"Thank you, Swordsmen." Feylaar gave another head bow. "I shall begin preparations for the first reclamation of our lost forces. Iyasue, if you would show them to a place where they may rest. I shall send a messenger when we are ready." The dark haired scout gave a quick bow and stepped forward, bringing us to a somewhat large tent along the western portion of the camp.
"For now it would be best if you stayed in here. When it was discovered that the Swordsmen were aiding the Dark Elves, our people ended up developing a bit of distaste towards your kind." The elf fidgeted and looked from side to side, looking at all of us except for me. "For what its worth, I hope we can have a good relationship together. With your skills, I'm sure we can take back what is rightfully ours." Iyasue bowed once again and scurried off, his dagger-breaching sword length bouncing against his leg.
"You know in retrospect I probably should have asked you guys if you were okay with this." I pushed open the tarp, holding it open for my companions to head inside.
"'Sergeant Feylaar' singled you two out. I think the three of us will be fine. But yes, I do not appreciate going over our heads like that." Yamaguchi gave me a fairly intimidating look, one that would have had me breaking into a cold sweat if he held any actual power over me.
"Asasaki, I want you to work on that deal and get me some elven plans of some kind. Armor, weapons, even cuisine." Asuka smiled amusedly. "Do that and I'll help you as far as you want." With a wink she ducked in, Hibiki following after.
"Great job, Dawn," I muttered to myself. "Dragged four people that you aren't even that close to into helping out a bunch of strangers because you were put on the spot. You are such an amazing leader." I rolled my eyes and stepped into the tent, a surprised grunt escaping my lips at the unexpected size.
"So I've been thinking," Haru rolled over, his armor surreptitiously missing. "If they said that these 'Fallen Elves' have been taking down their forces, do you think this tent used to belong to someone else? Or rather, someones?"
"Probably." My fellow estrogen laden companion rubbed her hand across the high quality fur laid out on the ground, a small stack of thick fabrics resting beside her. "That just means whatever we do for these elves, we need to do for the former residents of this tent as well."
I smiled and shook my head, walking around the iron hearth in the center. Unceremoniously I sat down, laying claim to a rug of white fur that didn't quite reach the splendor of the Frostborn armor. "Fallen Elves, Dark Elves, tactical strikes. Sounds like I just invited ourselves into a war." Yamaguchi and Hibiki gave me significant stares. "If you guys want to back out once we finish this first assignment, I won't hold it against you. You don't exactly have the same protections we do, even if I'm sure you could hold you own against whatever we come across." I grinned wryly at the Captain, mentally replaying a specific scene that made my body tingle with glee.
He scoffed. "Lady Mitsui has stated that so long as you procure something out of this arrangement that she can use for the advancement of our people, we will assist you. If that means we must first show a measure of good faith, then so be it."
I chuckled, eyeing the woman in question. "A-anyway! Do you really think we're going to be stuck in here until we get called?" Asuka sat up and began playing with the fabrics, doing her best to seem intrigued by the material.
"You might, but I'm not." I dismissed my armor into my inventory, leaving me clad in the durable brown pants and long sleeve green shirt made from cotton originating from the second floor. "I don't exactly care for passive aggressive behavior. As far as I'm concerned, these guys just need somebody showing them that sort of attitude will get them nowhere." I swapped out my Reaver for my Armor Splitter, the weapon much less obtrusive even when sheathed. I walked over to Haru, kneeling down so I wouldn't be overheard. "If you start seeing my health bar go down, prepare everybody, alright?" When Haru managed a confused response I exited the tent, a quiet tune playing in my throat.
There you are~
I jogged over to an elf that seemed fairly unoccupied. Or at least as far as walking around armored with sheathed weapons could pass as unoccupied. "Excuse me!" The Forest Elf took a half step back and stared at me with wide eyes, his head lowering to meet my gaze. "I don't suppose you guys have a bathing area around here? See, I worked up a huge sweat over in the forest and would absolutely love being able to-"
"Northernmost part of the camp. Blue circle with lines on the entrance." The elf strode off, appearing fairly aggravated by my presence.
Unfazed by his barely concealed hostility I continued my humming, a wall of humidity flowing over me when I entered the specified tent. "Please be something large enough that I can sit in." I began removing my clothing, folding them up into a woven basket and placing it on the highest shelf I could reach. On the right side of the preparation room a table holding a basket of soap blocks stood, a pile of towels resting on either side of it.
"Much nicer than any base shower I've been in, that's for sure," I mused. I tossed one of the towels over my shoulder and stepped into the next room. Obscured by a thick haze of vapor, the floor was tiled by smooth, flat rocks. In the center of the room a large body of water flowed farther north, the continuous stream running down the guided slope and underneath the tarp.
I set my towel and soap beside a small stool, filling up two of the wooden buckets with spring water. "This place probably takes the top spot for best bath I've been in the entire time I've been here." I dipped my arms into one of the buckets, procedurally wetting my entire body.
The Elven quest line goes on from the third floor all the way up to the ninth.
I closed my eyes, humming a slowed down theme of twin harbingers of death.
Kirito and Asuna have already completed this floor's questline and the next, working directly with a Dark Elf known as Kizmel.
I brought the soap over my skin, simple humming turning into gentle throat singing.
Quests are supposed to be instanced. If one party aided the Dark Elves and another aided the Forest Elves, both might compete for resources but aside from time, nothing would be truly lost. Both parties would be able to finish their respective stories without any complications that should arise from conflicting events.
I dipped my hands back into the water, washing the suds and imaginary grime off before doing the same to the rest of my body.
When that Dark Elf died, I should have found a Jade Key among his remains. When he pulled his final gambit, the Forest Elf should have interrupted his charge and passed on his final orders.
I ran my fingers through my hair, massaging my scalp. In lieu of shampoo, I had taken to working the natural oils that should have existed in the follicles, merely rinsing away any particles that sould have been stuck in it were this actual reality and not the digital creation of a madman.
And yet I find myself in the camp of the Forest Elves. Brought here by an NPC that should have died, and given a quest line that seems to directly follow what Kirito and Asuna are doing.
The final bucket of water flowed over my head, fingers brushing the biggest of the rivulets away.
Is this because of «Contract»? Because I met the Dark Elves on the 4th floor when I hadn't actually touched their quest line yet?
I stared at the ground, water plinking to the floor as if time itself was awaiting an answer. "None of this makes sense," I breathed. "Satoru, you were good at stuff like this. What would you do?" I sighed and stood, returning the buckets back to their wall.
I stepped into the stone and gravel lined spring, letting out a pleased moan at the warmth of the water. The wrongness from being an incomplete tactile sensation was ever present, but the additional features that deactivating the «Moral Code» feature made up for it, however slightly. I continued walking forward, stopping at the flat center where only my head was above the surface.
NPC's breaking the natural pattern, showing martial skills that would utterly decimate anybody who didn't have the same amount of experience as them, a storyline that feels like it was written directly in response to the actions of two children?
"This whole thing is just one huge mess." I took a breath and dove under, bringing my head to my knees as I continued to ponder the situation.
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A long moan escaped my lips, slowly turning into piteous mewling from the sensations I had I long been yearning for. "It's not fair," I whined. "I've been trying to do this on my own for the past two months and then suddenly you show up and turn me into putty." A sharp inhalation. The air left my lungs over the course of seconds, a wave of pleasure spreading out from his ministrations.
"Truthfully, I'm glad I am able to practice my other craft again. The men here have long since stopped asking me for my more physical skills. They say 'it is a distraction from their duties'."
"I can- Ngh! see why." I buried my head in my arms, focusing on the feel of his hands dancing and pressing against my muscles. Where my previous attempts to massage myself ended in nothing more than a feeling of the expected looseness, Saruya's actions brought about popping joints and melting knots. "Having something as distracting as this available at their request while they're in the middle of a conflict would be incredibly distracting if I was in their place."
"The Sergeant said as much, though that hasn't stopped the rare elf from above requesting something other than a resupply of their medicinal potions." The Forest Elf chuckled, grunting as he put forth more effort into my shoulder blade. "Odd though. Is this a Swordsman specific thing or are all humans such tightly wound bundles of stress?"
"Truth be told it's probably just a-" my breathing hitched, a pleasured groan embarrassingly interrupting me, "me thing." I fell silent, spreading my right arm to the side. "There's been some stuff going on that I'd rather not talk about at the moment."
"Mm. Then what would you like to talk about?" The Elf moved off me, pulling my arm into his lap and forcing my hand to involuntarily flex as he continued working his magic.
"Me being new to the area, do you happen to have somebody capable of repairing weapons or armor around here?"
"Only repairs. As the base forward camp all soldiers return here for any maitenance that they can't perform themselves. Unfortunately, after we received word that two Swordsman were assisting the Dark Elves and were even reported to have slain some of our comrades I doubt he would be willing to assist you, even if you are aiding our cause."
I hummed in understanding and moved my right arm back under my head, letting him work my left without any resistance. "Such a terrible thing though, to have the enemy cut your forces down through guerilla warfare."
"Is that what you humans call it?"
"The act of using small, mobile forces to take down vital groups and resources, slowly whittling away at the enemy's morale and troops? It's a relatively modern term, but yes." I let out another sigh, sitting up and moving into a series of stretches on my own. "Thank you for this, Mister Saruya, truly."
"Think nothing of it, Miss Asasaki. If I must be honest, the idea that my kin in the other camps will be avenged is incentive enough for me to help you." The elf moved back onto his calves, hands folded in his lap.
"Is there anything else I can do for you in exchange?" I asked, a drunken smile forming at how utterly loose I felt.
"If you happen to find any still leaves from those treants in the forest, I would not mind taking them off your hands." The elf placed a bar of soap in my hand and quietly took a seat on the stool I had previously used. "In the few decades I've been assigned down here I've done all I could to see what sort of tinctures I could make from them, but the magic of the Spirit Tree means that we cannot fell the trees, even if they have become monsters."
"I'll keep that in mind." I scrubbed at his back, desperately hoping that my unaided motions would return some measure of the pleasure he had given me. "Speaking of potions, do you dabble in poisons? There was a human herborist I'd been meaning to visit but never found time to. I was debating on the merits of coating my weapons before going into battle."
"I know of a few concoctions I could make from resources you could find in the forest. Unfortunately, I do not know the recipes off the top of my head. But when you return from your outing I should be able to give you a list."
"That would be greatly appreciated." I smiled, pouring a measure of the bucket onto his back.
"Miss Asasaki I- Oh!" Just as rapidly as they entered, footsteps exited the bathing area. "Sergeant Feylaar called for you several minutes ago! Your companions have all gathered!" The flustered voice of Iyasue carried through the fog, a blush likely laying claim to his face.
"I'll be there in five minutes!" I called.
"Make it three!" The male hurriedly ran off, the ruffling of the tarp echoing in the silence.
"Looks like my relaxation period is over." I let out a deep breath, reluctant to exit the room.
"But at least you were able to forget about your troubles for a time. Refines the mind and allows one to greater appreciate what they have, wouldn't you say?" The herborist walked over to the spring, a joyed sigh reaching my ears.
I chuckled. "Too true. Until next time, Mister Saruya."
"Until next time, Miss Asasaki."
I padded back into the dressing area, toweling off the droplets that had condensed on my skin. With my mind emptied from the pseudo meditation Saruya had provided I slipped my clothing back on, armor coalescing onto my body as I made my way back to the main tent.
"How kind of you to join us, Lady Asasaki." Yamaguchi's gaze lazed over to me, a disapproving look that should not have effected me as much as it did forcing me to grin in an attempt to hide my shame.
"Sorry, I lost track of time."
"See to it that it does not happen again, Swordsman. I am grateful for your skills and assistance, but I will not suffer tardiness." I nodded, barely stopping myself from snapping out a quick salute. "This is Corporal Hafuyo and Private Kesano. They will be guiding you to our lost camp in the east. The most recent intel we have is that there are several Fallen Elves maintaining a hold there."
Feylaar glanced away. "It is likely that they are searching for a fragment that all leaders in this region were given, if they have not found it already. It is a small golden piece with straight edges. Alone they do nothing, but together they can create the beginnings of a miracle." The elf brought forth a piece of rectangular metal from behind his breastplate. "Additionally, we'd like for you to recover as many Memento Tags as possible. All knights of Kales'oh are given them. Their bodies may no longer be around due to the magic of Aincrad, but with their names and history we can grant them a proper memorial service. Hafuyo and Kesano know what to look for in terms of the fragment; once the camp is cleared you should make sure it stays that way until they retrieve it."
I filed the use of this world away. The first time was likely an accident, but the second required looking into. "Alright. Clear the camp, recover the tags, buy enough time for our assistants to retrieve this 'fragment'."
The Forest Elf nodded in affirmation. "Leave as soon as you are able. There will be a busy day ahead of us. If the Fallen learn of our actions they will turn their attention here. Dismissed." This time my body snapped a salute, leading my group out the tent in a drilled fashion.
"I wasn't aware you had that kind of training, Lady Asasaki."
I grunted and flicked through my inventory, double checking the contents of my pouches and quick access bar. "Around nine years or so. Some stuff happened that required me to retire, but after spending that long in there a lot of habits never really go away."
"I guess you'll still be in charge of our group then, huh, Asasaki?" Asuka cocked her head, hand resting on her hip.
"That is if all of you are fine with it. I certainly wouldn't object if anybody wanted to step up to the plate." I made a noise of realization at the Tolbanian's questioning looks. "It's a Swordsman saying based around a sport. It means taking responsibility."
"As comfortable as it would be to have Captain Yamaguchi take command, I believe that you have the most experience in dealing with the threats we might come up against. We Explorers have a…" Hibiki made a displeased face, "limited grasp on how to properly deal with all these monsters. If you let us know what you'd like, we can work around it."
I smirked. "Just my style." Our elven guides stepped out from the tent, the two sharing a look before moving towards our group.
"We'll be waiting at the gate when you're ready," the green haired one I recalled as Hafuyo said.
"We're actually good to go now." I dismissed my interface, the screen closing in on itself vertically. "Everything we have on us is all we brought."
The presumable elder of the two gave a small sneer, his gaze lingering on the platemail of the Black Iron Kingdom natives. "I'll scout ahead then. Private Kesano will stay back and guide you. If you moved with me, your armor would give our position away."
I covered my choked laughter by clearing my throat a few times, the same line of thought having occurred to me while I led my companions around in the forest. Barely a step into following the elves, Haru's hand pulled me back slightly.
"Dawn, I know I'm not exactly somebody you can rely on just yet, but do you want me by your side once any combat starts?" He whispered.
I nodded. "I'll try to avoid getting too personal with anybody. Look for any openings I end up creating." Hafuyo, and by proxy Kesano, led us around the forest for perhaps half an hour, motioning for us to stop moving several times when either monsters or players neared our position. By their words 'getting caught up in the troubles of others would only delay us'.
After a time Hafuyo finally rejoined the six of us, a grim look on his face. "There are eight Fallen in the camp. They've rifled through all the tents and thrown out everything of note. There appears to be no survivors." The elf adjusted his arm guards before looking at us. "Kesano and I will engage from the back. I want you five coming in from the front once they're distracted. All their attention will be on us when we begin, so try not to waste time by staring at the sky or whatever you humans do with your atrociously short life spans. Give us ten seconds once the commotion starts." With that the two elves slunk off, their movements barely making a sound.
Yamaguchi turned towards me, quietly drawing his sword off his back."Lady Asasaki, what are your orders?"
"Choryu and I will take the left." I glanced towards my map, clicking my tongue when the screen gave me nothing to work with. "Captain Yamaguchi, bring your group in from the right. Give it your all, but keep an eye out. There has to be reinforcements somewhere. There's no way eight people would just be milling about without somebody in charge hiding around somewhere." We divided into our groups, awaiting at the edges of the route that led into the rock based palisades of the camp.
The instant a war cry rang out, I started counting down. "10, move!" I surged forward, «Tormenting Reaver» baying for the tinkling of data. Behind me armor clanged, Yamaguchi and Hibiki's armor doing them no favors in the stealth department.
The layout of the camp was a much simpler version of the one Iyasue had brought us to. A large tent in the center with numerous tents ringed around it, each with their tarps facing the center. "Choryu, stay back and let me lure!" Without waiting for his acknowledgement I charged closer to one of the purple themed elves, letting loose the dual hitting horizontal strike known as «Imperial Divide».
The strike brought forth a snarl, the elf and one of his companions suddenly turning around and staring me down. "Human filth, you will die here!"
I smirked and batted away their strikes with both blade and hand, my health dipping by mere percents thanks to the personally honed ability that some might call 'deflecting'. "Your one liners need some work," I taunted, rolling back away from the conflict. "Not like I can say any better, but you know." I charged back in, purposely avoiding any sword skills so I could keep up with my two aggressors.
Any moment now, Haru…
The moment I noticed the flickering form of my crouched companion sneaking in I dropped into a Chronal Moon, carrying the motion through into a full circle and firing off a Crescent Moon at my now single target. Behind me the shlick of metal stabbing through flesh reached my ears, Haru bringing his blade upon on my dropped aggressor two more times before backing off.
I batted the longsword of the «Fallen Elf Sentry» away, quickly snapping out an unassisted roundhouse at his right knee that was coiled and chambered into a hook kick at his head. NPCs felt pain, Asuka had told me. It was dulled and it was muted, but it wasn't the numb void that players felt.
I stabbed my blade through the elf's unprotected stomach, lunging forward a step and unleashing the uppercut «Flash Blow», knocking the demonic looking elf into the air. A fraction of a second passed. My free hand snaked out and tugged the elf towards me by his outstretched arm, pulling his head directly into the length of my blade. I pulled my sword out and to the side, the still very much living elf collapsing to the floor. A quick stomp to the skull and another stab rectified that, bringing forth a crackling sheet of data and streams of purple smoke.
"Asasaki, a little help?!" Haru brought his dagger to his cheek, the blade gaining a fiery orange glow before neatly deflecting a cyan «Vertical» from the elf, the man dashing forward to bury his still glowing weapon through the elf's chestpiece.
"Give me a break!" I stepped back and brought my sword to my navel, left hand resting over my right. As one, system and mind sprinted forward, my weapon spearing through where the scout's kidney should be. "I've been working alone the past few days." My weapon was pulled out in an overhead arc, light green trailing in its wake.
"Yeah, well," Three slashes sounded out, the elf stuck from both the pain registering and two separate aggressors, "get used to it, we need you!"
My sword fell down in the curved blade variant of Vertical, the aptly named «Lumbar Desecration» marking the elf's spine with red before it too fell to the ground in a heap. "There, was that so hard?"
"Less flirting and more fighting, please!" Mitsui's voice pulled my attention towards her, Hibiki smoothly intercepting a stab with his buckler.
"Why can't I do both?!" I shot forward to lend my aid, Haru's footfalls never far behind. A long dark piece of metal suddenly stopped me in my tracks, the tang protruding through my seeming vaguely oriental in design. "Why is it always the stomach?" I whispered, catching myself atop a stack of crates with an «Ukemi» when I was flung to the side.
The newcomer was fairly slimmer compared to the rest of the Fallen Elves. Smaller in both stature and muscle mass, the glaive at his side was almost comically long. Without another word the weapon flicked out, bypassing even the defensive half of Haru's «Lair of the Arachnid». Giving a pained cry that was more reflex than actual response, Haru shuffled back, his hand clutching at the trapezius that should have been severed.
"You alright?" I called out, entering a ready stance.
"One more hit then I pot!" He returned.
«Zarak'thuul, Fallen Elf Praetor» glanced at the two of us before charging at Haru, his weapon glowing green. "Eyes on me!" I charged in with a shoulder barge, attempting to kick his left leg out with the assisted roundhouse «Water Moon». A heavy, metal covered pole slammed into my arm, the weapon rapping against me twice before knocking me down with a wide horizontal spin. I rolled onto my stomach, pushing myself up hurriedly. The leather garbed elf stalked towards the dagger user, purple mist steaming off his body..
What the hell's up with his fixation on Haru?
I ran in once more, side stepping the expected attack. The redirected polearm was blocked by my forearm, my hand wrapping around the shaft and yanking its owner towards me. Zarak'thuul jerked me back, his right fist blocked by my sword wielding left. With a growl the demonic leader stumbled forward, a quick flurry of system aided thrusts allowing Haru time to recover from whatever sword skill he had used.
"Oof!" I manually rolled backwards onto my feet, screaming at my mind that the pain from the heel led front kick was entirely fictional. My eyes flicked towards my health bar, annoyance letting itself be heard.
Over 30% to me and the prick still has the nerve to sit at 90?!
I grit my teeth, slowly strafing to the left. With the Fallen Elves displaying the same kind of mix ups I did, utilizing both normal strikes and sword skills in spades, I dared not use my own self-freezing abilities. Not without having an opening first provided by Haru and possibly another two allies.
Out of nowhere blade clashed against shaft, Hafuyo's short sword almost managing to cut into Zarak'thuul's head. With a sneer the Fallen Elf kicked Hafuyo away, his right hand clutching something at his chest. My eyes went wide, mind desperately calling upon the useless tingle that would never aide me on even ground. Without a sound purple fire exploded outwards, a sensation of filthy wrongness claiming all thoughts.
When it disappeared, the Praetor was nowhere to be found. Where he once stood the ground turned a flaky grey the shade of ash. Around the camp the still smoking bodies of the slain Fallen continued their dispseral, an oddity that I filed away for later thought.
"Are they normally that strong?" I questioned, downing a potion. Across from me Mitsui and her retinue were doing the same, their clay bottles significantly more decorated than our simple glass ones.
"The Fallen are elves that centuries ago attempted to unite with the Spirit Trees in order to make themselves resistance to blades. They of course failed to an extent and were banished from their respective tribes. While we've seen rumors of them, it's only recently that they've shown their faces." Hafuyo gave a disgusted look, gingerly pushing the head of one of the corpses with a foot. "Swordsman, have your people keep an eye on the surroundings. Kesano and I will check the main tent. Hopefully they haven't found the fragment." Without waiting for my assent the two Forest Elves walked off, leaving the five of us surrounded by the fading corpses of our enemies.
"Everybody alright?" I quickly began cataloging everybody. Aside from mediocre dents in the armor of Yamaguchi and Hibiki the three NPC's seemed perfectly fine, if a bit winded.
"Ten toes, ten fingers, one ponytail," Mitsui beamed, sheathing her parrying dagger with a flourish. "All good from me."
I looked to the side. "Quick question, has everybody here killed before?"
Yamaguchi rolled a shoulder, his heavy looking sword moving around like it weighed nothing. "Nothing quite so similar to us humans, but the three of us are old enough to have seen the brutalities of life."
I turned my gaze onto Haru, the man shrugging. "Can't say I'm happy with their bodies still being here without digitising, but they're our enemies. If I didn't do it to them they would have done to it either you or me."
I let out a slow breath. "Right. Set up in a pentagonal formation. Make sure you can see those to your left and right. Yamaguchi, do me a favor and set up in front of the entrance to this tent?" I jabbed a thumb at the central construct, the Butler-Knight heading off with a nod. "Keep your eyes and ears open, people. Zarak'thuul might come back with reinforcements.
In the end our precautions were unnecessary. Corporal Hafuyo and Private Kesano didn't say a word about whether or not they found the fragment, instead directing us to search through the remains of the camp for any Memento Tags for several minutes before calling for a retreat.
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I stared at the piece of metal, just one among nearly a dozen that we had recovered. A thin but extremely durable length of twine threaded through it to create a necklace. The letterings were unknown to me, but Sergeant Feylaar requested that I personally deliver it to Saruya. 'A promise is a promise', he had stated. I took a breath and steeled myself.
I was never (un)fortunate enough to have to be part of a death notification group on either end of the spectrum. It was above my pay grade, and my entire family was lucky enough to have had all our members come back alive. Injured and possibly mentally damaged, but alive and recovering.
No beating around the bush. Skip the euphemisms. Specifically use the word 'dead'. Make sure they have somebody they can talk to.
I cleared my throat. "Mister Saruya? Are you in there?" The man's voice responded, inviting me in. I was hit by a wave of subtle scents. Unlike Hilde's shop, Saruya's was more flowery, like walking into a greenhouse or the garden of a home improvement store. There was still an assortment of chemical flasks and burners but none of them held any liquid.
"Ah. Hello, Miss Asasaki. How was your trip?" The elf turned to face me, a book and writing instrument laid open at his desk.
"It went about as well as anybody could expect. No casualties or injuries, though I should double check on two of my companions. I suspect it's their first real brush with killing sentient beings that look and act like us, even if they say they'll be fine and understand the situation." I gave my thanks at his offer to sit on the crate in front of him. "The Fallen are pretty scary things, aren't they?"
"Former Elves corrupted by the power they thought would bless them." Saruya shook his head. "I can't say I feel any pity for them. We have rules in place for a reason. Going around breaking them only invites catastrophe."
I hunched over slightly, closing my eyes for a moment before straightening. "Mister Saruya, Sergeant Feylaar wanted me to give this to you. I know it's not everybody, but I suppose it's a start." I let go of the metal, the corded material hanging from my middle finger.
Saruya's eyes widened imperceptibly. "I- thank you." He held his hand out, graciously receiving the remnant of his brother. "Amaryn would give his gratitude if he could." The man rubbed his thumb over the brass plating, absorbing the engraved words that only an elf could read.
"The sergeant said that we'll be sent back out once the other scouts come back." I looked away. "Since the leader from the one we raided escaped, we're expecting to have a higher amount of resistance the longer we take. To that end, we're only allowed to choose one more base from the Western and Southern locations."
"And I suppose you're wondering if I could provide any insight as to which one my other brother would have been assigned to." I nodded. "Unfortunately, with my being a non-combatant, I haven't been informed as to the assignment of our troops, even if they were my brothers." Saruya sighed and pocketed the memorabilia. "How are you on potions?"
"I'm still stocked up on them." I patted one of my pouches, what Klein referred to as 'the closest to hotkeys we'll get in this world'.
"That's good. If you ever need more, don't be afraid to come ask me. Killing the malevolent trees here is one thing, collecting plants is another. I am always well prepared in case something goes wrong." Saruya stood and embraced me, gently breathing. "I've kept you long enough, Miss Asasaki. Go, I'm sure you've plenty of things you need to attend to before you head out."
I gave him a reluctant smile, raising a hand as I left. The afternoon sun filtered through the massive trees, their height dwarfing even the gigantic bovine we had come across in the Urbus plains. "I should probably let Klein know I accidentally started a quest line." I continued staring at the hidden sky for several moments, only escaping my thoughts when the sound of boots on dirt passed by. "He is going to completely hate me for this."
I stepped to the side and began composing the message, finally choosing to keeping it short and simple when I got tired of attempting to dress up what had actually occurred. I pursed my lips when I received an error message, choosing to save it for when we next departed the private instance.
In the end there were no other Fallen Elves at the other camps. We recovered as many Memento Tags as we could among other supplies like swords and armor that was never equipped by their previous owners. When they exited the main tent, Hafuyo and Kesano seemed fairly disturbed, stoically assisting us in our search.
"If the Fallen have pulled back all their forces, then we must assume they are preparing for an assault either on our own camp or our base to the north." Sergeant Feylaar steepled his hands, bringing the back of his knuckles to his mouth. "Miss Asasaki. I want your group to take a message to our main base. Iyasue will accompany you. Leave as soon as you are able."
I snapped off a salute and left the tent, internally groaning at yet the fourth mission before nightfall. "I'm starting to get annoyed by all this," I grumbled. By this point the elves had gotten used to our appearance. Though they were no longer giving us outright snarls or glares, they were still fairly testy with us. "On your feet, people. The good Sergeant wants us heading to their proper base to deliver a message."
Hibiki looked up from the hearth, calmly stirring away at a soup of some kind."Perhaps a small meal first? I don't think I've seen you eat even a morsel today, Lady Asasaki." The purple haired Explorer served out a small portion, holding the meat and vegetable soup out for me.
I sat down on the rug I had claimed but never truly used, quietly stirring the meal before digging in. "When did you start making this? This must have taken at least a good hour or two."
"He started when we got back from that first camp. I had some leftover meat and produce from Floor 2, and we figured that we might as well try and get something prepared for when we returned." Haru waved his own wooden spoon, cheerily consuming the dish bit by bit. My gaze fell back down, searching the liquid for answers that it would never provide.
I'm not even keep tabs on my men properly. We're supposed to be like family and yet here I am off gallivanting with the people of the region instead of growing closer to them. What's wrong with me?
I took a slow breath, holding it in for several seconds before letting it out. "Argo's guide suggests that it should be somewhere north along the southern face of the cliffs. We'll have to either cross the river directly or take the long routes around. It all depends on what Iyasue has us do." I guzzled down a good portion of the warm liquid, focusing on the sensations. "I'm not quite sure where we'll be able to meet up but I'd like for Klein and the others to join us, goblins included."
"You think the elves will take kindly to the Ol'dekhaan?" Mitsui looked up from her rapier, a whetstone resting in her right hand. Where she and her companions had taken to maintaining as much of their own equipment as possible, Haru and I had been forced to ask the disgruntled blacksmith at this camp.
"Maybe. Maybe not. But everything that's happened so far is screaming a significant battle to me. I'd rather try and have the-" I blinked and made a quick recount of our number. "15 of us together instead of just us five."
"About that," Mitsui poured a bit of water onto her weapon, continuing to sharpen it. "I can handle myself in a fight, but this is starting to become a bit much for me. If it's alright with you, I'd like to return to Zumfut and sit this out."
"Sergeant Hibiki will be returning with her." Yamaguchi cleared his throat, deliberating on something. "Ordinarily, I would be the one accompanying her, but we decided as a group that it would be best if I went with you instead. I've seen the way you Swordsmen fight, and while you can certainly take down enemies without much hassle, you all lack a certain level of skill that will likely beuseful in the coming encounters." The man looked to the side, giving Hibiki a meaningful look.
"Sounds like a plan then. I'll send a message to Klein once we leave the instance and let him know." Hunger pangs quelled, I dismissed the dishes into my inventory and moved into a series of stretches, intent on doing as much as I could to reduce my Fatigue without actually resting. "Let me know when we're all ready to go."
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"We can't afford to be wasting time."
I quietly tugged on the strings for my vambraces, looking over the murky silver-white metal plate attached to it.
"Every second we spend standing around is another second the Fallen have to prepare themselves."
I looked over at Haru and Yamaguchi, the two engrossed in a conversation regarding the layout of the floor.
"Why aren't they here?!" The elf whirled around, exasperation wrapped around his entire frame.
"In case you forgot, Iyasue, our companions aren't exactly able to to traverse the forest as quickly as us. They might have the map information, but there's still ten of them travelling together." I stood up and stretched, doing my best to ignore the scout's incessant chatter.
I wish I had some Rose Tea to offer this guy. He really needs to chill out.
#See you on my map. We met Mitsui and Hibiki on the way over. Asahi should be meeting them at the northern gate.#
I let out a grateful sigh at Klein's message. "They're almost here. Get ready to head out."
Haru dismissed the physical copy of the 3rd Floor map, a hand resting on his newest dagger that seemed more like a short sword than a knife or shank. "Going to be nice seeing everybody again. I know it's only been a day since we set out, but it feels like it's been a week."
"Both from combat and how much travelling we did, time seemed to fly." Yamaguchi hefted his shield, his armor clinking quietly at the motion.
I kept silent on the matter. I missed the others as well but after Haru's confession to follow whatever decision I made my mind seemed adamant in maintaining a belligerent attitude towards them.
"I see them. We've dallied enough. Miss Asasaki, keep an eye on me. I'd hate to have to backtrack because somebody decided to lag behind." The elf set off at a fairly fast pace, one that I'm sure I would have had difficulty in keeping if I had to run beside him. Though compared to the speed that the Fūma nin regularly disappeared with it was rather lackluster.
"Looks like our reunion's put on hold for now. Choryu, I'm relying on you to continue the chain." I gave the man a thumbs up, following after Iyasue when I received one in return. The minutes bled past. Iyasue seemed fully intent on ignoring any monsters he disturbed, leaving them for me to handle lest the others become side tracked by the creatures.
It wasn't until nightfall that we finally stopped, Iyasue keeping us just within sight of the walls while we waited for Klein and the others to show. "If they're going to keep taking so long I'm going to go on ahead. Miss Asasaki, come with me. I'm going to pass off my badge to you for the time being so you can bring the rest of your allies in." I thought it was fairly odd how the scout acted around me. He'd managed to get past his stutter out of the way but still refused to look at me directly.
"You've been a busy little bee today." Klein smiled and ruffled my hair when I returned, receiving an annoyed arm in return.
"I didn't expect to be pulled into what feels like a civil war if that's what you're hinting at." I stared at the Forest Elf pass; a pair of what had to be arrows resting in the crook of a wreath.
"I don't think any of us did." Klein took a took breath and laid a hand on my back, pushing me forward. "Whelp. C'mon, Little Miss. You're the one who has the most experience at the moment. We're counting on you to bring us though."
I whirled around, my complaints dying at the grinning faces of Fūrinkazan. A part of me wilted, shame flourishing when it realized that for the better part of the day I had been harboring nothing but annoyance against my comrades.
I didn't ask for this. I didn't ask for any of this.
I shook my head and strode forward, presenting Iyasue's borrowed pass with determination.
Don't mess this up. You've got a lot of lives counting on you.
Next chapter should be out November 10th-11th