A/N: No fancy Neptstation type shit today, we got plot to do. Mailbag, go!
Blaze2121: I'm keeping Red far, far away from this. Mostly because I already make enough harem jokes without the actual harem character turning up. Also we have Nisa, a much better character anyway!
Rei x Koei is… Interesting. Obviously their circumstances for meeting were a bit… weirder than the situation with IF, but I think you could salvage something out of that.
But as for this timeline? Alas, Koei is already taken.
Water spells aren't really a thing in Neptunia, are they? Seems that Ice has a chokehold on that particular Element. Plus, Koei has an elemental synergy with Ice in particular, for reasons that may or may not be lore dumped this chapter…
Blackswordgames: Thank you! Have an awesome day! (I realize this is almost two weeks after my birthday as of writing, but you know… Whatever.)
AkiraArchus: No, no. Thank YOU for taking our little misunderstanding on the chin. Taking anonymous comments on face value doesn't end well and if I had been a little more vigilant, I wouldn't have pulled such a dumb fucking move.
But that's in the past, thank you for enjoying my story regardless.
FrostSoar: I have been trying to keep in character as much as possible and playing some of the Neptunia games helped with that quite a bit in jogging my memory.
(Speaking of, I blitzed through MegaTagmension in like, 7 hours and I may use the over the top style of attacks in that for future fight scenes. Because going full anime is fun!)
Alright, preamble over! On with the carnage!
(Current Song - You've Got Me - VA11 HALL-A)
Some time had passed since the last conversation and the mood in general had quieted down a smidgen. Well, I was quiet at least, finishing off my second Beer of the evening, with IF opting for a Piano Woman to wash down the bitterness of her last drink, presumably.
It reminded me of the last time we were here when I ordered a Piano Woman for her on Jill's suggestion. She mentioned something about Compa?
"So, you and Compa… you've known each other for a while, huh?" I circle my finger on the rim of the glass, trying to at least look less awkward around my uh, girlfriend. Nope, still weird to say out loud…
"Yeah, we kind of met at school when we were really young… About 5ish? It's been so long, yet I can remember it so clearly…"
It was during the lunch break, I was wandering around the field they called a playground when I heard sniffling from behind one of the large boulders they had in there to substitute for actual playground equipment… That school skimmed more money than a shady dealer selling Green Pastures.
Anyway, I found Compa there, crying alone. Compa was always a bit of a crybaby when she was younger. She had no spine and just let the other kids bully her. I think I was the first kid to treat her right, judging from the crushing hug she gave me when I gave her some support.
We stuck together after that. Partially because I wanted to keep Compa safe from those who pushed her around… And partially because that smile of hers always made my day. And still does.
I wonder if Koei sees the same in me. Maybe not the part about protection, he can and does take care of himself fine. But the way he looks at me, the perceived notion of him being a stone cold badass falling apart when he talks to me…
Why do I feel the same way? Is this truly fate at work? I know Histoire wanted me to be in Lowee for that rift that he ultimately appeared out of and get him to Planeptune, but…
"Hey, IF? IF?" I waved my hand in front of the guild member. Nada. She was lost in thought. Maybe it's for the best, I know when I get like that, it's usually important.
"Sigh. Aight, I'mma go get some fresh air and let this Beer settle while IF does… that. I'll be back before she comes to… Probably."
"Mind if I come with?" Jill asked, once again cleaning a glass. "I'm due for a break and I think I can trust the CPUs of all people to do anything funny while I take it. Normally don't get this busy, after all."
I shrug. "Sure. Probably would have gotten cold and lonely anyway."
Thus, we headed out, leaving the CPUs to talk amongst themselves and IF to contemplate.
(Current Song - Friendly Conversation - VA11 HALL-A)
As soon as we got outside, Jill pulled a packet of something I didn't think would exist here; a pack of cigarettes. "Want one?" she offered.
"Appreciate the gesture, but not a smoker. Don't mind being around it, so smoke away."
Jill nodded, before lighting up and inhaling her stick of lung disease. Looking out into what little we could see of the Planeptune nighttime, it was still as striking as ever.
"Y'know, if back home had been half this pretty at night, I might even miss it a bit." I somewhat confessed out of nowhere, awed by the light show.
"Glitch City has the opposite problem. The city never sleeps, so neither did I. Part of why I became a bartender. That and I am not a morning person."
"Pfft." I scoffed. "Imagine being one of those weirdos who wakes up at something like 6 or 7am on any given day of the week. Not even out of obligation, just because you can."
"You're telling me." Jill puffed on her cigarette again, inhaling deeper than ever. "Still, Planeptune is way less stressful to sleep in than Glitch City ever was. The worst news you hear here are rumors spread by conspiracy nuts that aren't even right half the time and only get published because the Gamindustri News Network is equal opportunity." Jill sighed before continuing. "Back home though, you hear about bloody murders to the point where unless something truly devastating happens, like a mass leak of information concerning the main defense force of the city, showing how inwardly corrupt they are and completely shaking the foundation of the city, you just get whatever's popular. Rumors, news about when the local idol singer is performing, entertainment type things…"
"You haven't read the GNN, have you?" I ask incredulously, knowing that much of the news I read was pretty much the same.
"Oh goddesses no," Jill shook her head. "Planeptune has been a nice change of pace from crushing reality and I'm glad I moved here. I don't want to ruin that with hit pieces about some CPU or other going on a murderous rampage. If anything, I want that to be the last thing I see. Least it'll be over quick."
"Jesus fuck." I mutter, before returning to a more normal volume. "Dark much?"
Jill's turn to shrug. "That's the mentality of Glitch City. Hell, I've served a contract killer before. Compared to that, this place is paradise."
I chuckle outwardly. "Tell me about it. In my past life I was a useless sack of shit who drank too heavily, had no job and nothing better to do. Now look at me, I fight alongside physical gods, have something resembling a girlfriend (Jury's still out on that one.) and I'm a fucking hero!"
"Really? Seems more like an adventurer for hire to me. Whatever floats your boat." Jill replied simply, before putting out her cigarette on a nearby wall and placing the butt in a nearby bin. "Well, that's break over and done with. You comin'?"
I nodded curtly before following Jill back inside.
(Current Music - A Gaze That Invited Disaster - VA11 HALL-A)
Well, I didn't follow her back behind the bar or anything, just inside in general. I appreciated the fresh air at least. Sitting down slap bang in the middle of the counter, right next to IF again, everyone's drinks were empty. Time for me to go out for that round then.
"I said I'd pay for the next round, right? Good as time as any."
Murmurs of agreement came from the slightly drunk CPUs. Admittedly I was getting tipsy myself, so the alcohol was kicking in at least.
"I'll take the orders separately and charge you when I'm done, then." Jill stated, before cracking her knuckles and preparing to mix drinks and change lives.
I didn't hear the CPUs' orders as I was busy browsing the menu to see what I wanted to drink. A few moments of pondering and somebody tapped me on my left shoulder.
It was IF, of course. "How about we both have a Pile Driver this time around?" Her grin was predatory, but I took that as a challenge. "I mean, unless you want to be beaten by IFWeight…"
This is clearly bait. And I knew I was going to have the hangover of the century, but I'll maliciously comply.
I turned to Jill, a devilish grin plastered across my own face. "Two large Pile Drivers, if you don't mind."
Jill's unreadable expressions remained neutral. "Well, if you were going to order anything stronger, I might have had you sign a waiver, but if it's just a Pile Driver…"
IF's face was as white as a ghost as I turned to her. "Well, you wanted a Pile Driver, right?"
The CPUs gathered had quietened down to see this happen. Shit was getting real at this point and we were in the thick of it.
"How about we make this more interesting?" Blanc piped up. "I'll give 1000 Credits to whoever finishes their Pile Driver first."
"Betting? I'll put 500 on Koei! I believe in the protagonist!" Neptune chipped in. I can't tell if she was serious about that.
"Sure. I'll put in 500 myself, I guess." Noire, not wanting to be left out, put her metaphorical hat in the ring as well.
"Well, can't be stingy with all the sponsorship money I have from 5pb. I'll throw in… 3000 Credits!" Vert announced, throwing down the proverbial gauntlet to the shock of everyone, including me.
Jill simply whistled in amazement. "So that's 5000 Credits total, huh? That's more than I make on a weekly basis… after expenses. Well, I'll throw in free drinks for the rest of the night to the winner with one caveat; you have to finish the entire drink. Spitting it out midway or vomiting it out later is a forfeit."
"And what if we both do that?" I asked quizzically.
"Ehhh. Let's say it was a tie and I don't go bankrupt within the month." Jill replied. "I like living in an apartment."
"Fair enough."
We waited for the twin Pile Drivers to be served as the anticipation built. I prepared my gag reflex for what was about to happen as the bar was silent, aside from the jukebox.
Eventually, the drinks were served. I stared at the concoction, getting the faint aroma of cola, orange juice…
And the distinct tang of rum between all that. Dear god.
"On your marks…" Jill started, as I reached for my glass. IF reached for hers too.
"Get set…" The atmosphere was electric.
"DRINK!" Jill uncharacteristically yelled, as we both started drinking this… Awfully strong drink.
It took all my nerves to not immediately spit it out. I suspect that in sips this drink would be great, but when you're drinking it as fast as possible…
Gah, have to drink faster. Or at least, better. Rhythmic sips to rhythmic slurps as I slowly but surely worked my way down the drink, it overwhelming my other senses as I fought to keep it down.
Eventually I realized after gulping that there wasn't any more of it entering my mouth. Did I…
Placing the glass down on the table with an audible thud, I panted as I took a look at IF, who was leant on the counter with a smug look on her face. "Looks like you're the IFWeight now."
K.O!
My pride. My dignity. Those 5000 Credits… They were gone. All gone. But despite all that, despite the woops from those around me, celebrating her victory…
I didn't feel bad. Because it's IF. Breathing a sigh, I patted IF on the back. "Good work. Ya got me." I stated simply. I was defeated in my sport of choice. But I was happy.
"Well, that was exciting." Jill took our glasses and put them under the sink to clean later. "Serious credit to the both of you. Pile Drivers are hard enough to drink normally, never mind quickly."
I chuckled weakly. "Thanks. Just get me a Moonblast to wash it down with, won't you? I don't want the taste of rum and orange in my mouth tomorrow."
Jill visibly froze, blinking. "I uh… Are you sure you don't want the drink to kick in first? T-Tell you what, I'll get you something similar, but without alcohol content. I don't need you falling asleep on the counter when the Pile Driver kicks in."
I shrugged. "Sure. You're the barkeep."
I turned to IF, no longer as smug, but still glowing after her victory. The others were chatting amongst themselves, surprised as I was that I managed to lose in my specialist sport.
"How'd you do it, Iffy? How'd you manage to beat the grandmaster of alcoholism?" I asked her, genuinely curious at this point.
When I didn't receive an answer, I turned to IF, who seemed to be pretty out of it. Something tells me she was about to see why it was called a Pile Driver.
"Might want to make one for Iffy over here too." I pointed to the very unsober girl next to me, chuckling slightly as I felt something leaning against me.
"I uh…" My face slowly turned crimson as I realized who had attached themselves to my left arm.
"Really shouldn't have pushed her so hard, huh?" I ask Jill quietly as not to wake her up. Jill simply responded by putting down the two drinks before leaning over the bar and gently shaking IF awake.
"Zzz…"
Goddammit she's too cute when she sleeps. I wonder what in her dream is making her smile so much, though.
Some more shaking came from Jill, rougher this time.
Eventually, her emerald eyes revealed themselves as she came back to the waking world. "W… wuzzat?" She asked, very tuckered out.
"Drink this," Jill said simply, pushing over the green drink to her. "It might taste like shit, but it'll keep you awake until you find a bed. Same to you, loverboy."
I nodded before taking a drink. Thankfully my gag reflex was still primed from earlier because HOLY FUCK. It tasted like energy drink without sugar. Pure, unadulterated sourness complete with enough of a kick to make you fall backwards.
"Phew. You sure you're not just trying to kill me with this?" I half-joked, the alcohol being knocked out of my brain temporarily.
"Nah, murder is bad for business. As is people passing out in my bar, this isn't a bed and breakfast after all." Jill clarified. It seemed that she was very by the books, but still cared about her regulars.
IF spluttered as she took her own sip of her drink. "By Ifrit's left hoof, the hell am I drinking?"
"A Crevice Spike." Jill stated simply. "Perfect drink for a quick sobering up, however temporary that is. Still thought, with the way you were sleeping on Koei's arm, I believe it's time to call it a night. Been a pleasure."
I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I think I have half a bottle of rum to drink on the way back anyway."
This was followed by a smack to the back of the head, courtesy of IF. "Bad Koei."
We stumbled out of Celestia, good memories in tow and a happy buzz between us all. The CPUs were worse off than IF and I were, but we chugged liquid caffeine before we left, so once that wears off…
"But ya shee," Noire slurred, trying to get some point or other across as we trekked through the Planeptune night. Well, trekked is a bit too optimistic. It's more along the lines of staggering. "Is not that I hate N-n-n-Neptune, but she's just someone I envy sooooo much."
"I knowwww. *hic*." Neptune replied, seemingly completely unaware that she was being referred to in this conversation.
"She's just so carefree an-and *hic* doesn't give a damn what anyone says. Meanwhile I just work my ass off, day in day out with absolutely n-no appreciation. *hic*."
I looked back at Noire, who was red-faced and practically leaning on Neptune, who was also swaying at this point. Fucking lightweights.
Blanc and Vert for their part, were far more sober looking, but Vert's eyes were acting on their own it seemed and Blanc was Blanc apparently, even while under the influence.
I said nothing on the situation, for I had plans for when we arrived at the Basilicom. Very devious plans.
Feeling IF lean against me again, I gently shoved her back upright. If we get there before I end up having to carry her, that is…
Eventually we did make it to the Basilicom, though I believe the term is barely, as I myself was starting to feel the alcohol creep back into my brain.
Riding up the elevator, we were greeted by Histoire who was… Happy? I could see the sweat running down her tiny face, but aside from that she looked glad.
"A-ah, Koei and the CPUs… I see that the meeting went well?"
I shot a thumbs up. "Pretty much. We might need a place to rest for the night though. Push came to shove and well…" I shook my Iffy covered arm slightly to indicate that the girl was indeed asleep.
"I see. Well, I've had the staff prepare… Oh."
"Oh?" This didn't sound good.
"I only expected five of you to arrive here. With six, this sort of makes things awkward so to speak. And preparing another bed would take at least 3 hours…" Histoire worried her little fairy head.
"Well, two of us will have to buddy up in bed, then." Blanc concurred rather obviously, swaying slightly as the alcohol continued to creep into her bloodstream.
"Nope." I state simply. "I am not someone who shares a bed well." I start blushing heavily. "I also don't think it'd be good for our relationship." I stated far more quietly.
"I volunteer as tribute!" Vert piped up excitedly, scaring the bejeezus out of me and those present. IF was still sleeping soundly, thankfully so bitches did not need to be slapped.
Blanc for her part, was crimson red. Whether that was from rage or embarrassment was difficult to tell, but her eyes may have given it away with them drifting around. "I-I'll sleep with V-Vert, I guess."
I resist the urge to snicker, as that is a very good idea and discouraging that sort of thing could end badly for me in particular.
"Well if there's no disagreements, then I'll show you to the double bed we have set up. D-don't ask about why we have one…" Histoire tried to shove down bad memories as she led the tall and short CPUs to their bedrooms.
Shaking my arm to get IF to wake up and failing, I sighed and dragged her along with me to the kitchen side, the two CPUs awkwardly following behind me. Using my free hand (thankfully it was my stronger arm that was free) to pull out my half full/half empty bottle of rum, I placed it on the side before opening the fridge and grabbing one of the many puddings in there. I could feel Neptune's glare from behind me as I closed the fridge, my sweet treat in hand. Some confuckling around with my free hand and the pudding lid later and I managed to get the bastard thing in a glass. Or at least part of it. Pouring in a smidgen of rum and…
"Behold, a Koei Kombo!" I presented my abomination of science to the two present CPUs… and the dozing Iffy. Neptune for her part was not impressed.
"It looks like shit." the purple pudding protector pronounced. Everyone's a critic, I suppose. "Also didn't you just get done downing Pile Drivers, why are you drinking again?"
"Oh, no reason." I took a drink of my concoction. I forgot to mix it, so it did in fact, taste like shit. Still, it had alcohol. "You want some?"
"N-no…" Neptune hesitated, staring at her desecrated dessert, entangled with the ravaging rum in a tango of terrible taste.
"Look, get sleeping beauty over here off my arm and into a bed and I'll serve us all a Defenstrator. Koei Kombo is stupid, let's name it after what you'll do after drinking it." I offered, as Neptune and Noire positioned themselves to get the dozing Iffy off my arm.
Firm yet gentle grips eventually tore the girl off of my arm, leaving me with two arms once again. Granted, my left arm is fucking numb, but at least Iffy would get some rest. And more importantly…
*chug*
Wew, that was going to hurt in the morning. "So, you want some Defenstrators or what?" I turn to the pair of CPUs, who had returned from placing Iffy-san in bed.
I-iffy-san? Okay, I have had too much… Mayybe one between Noire, Neptune and I.
Using the rest of the rum to pour out three equal portions in three different glasses, then poured in the contents of three puddings into each before mixing. (The pudding that was only half desecrated was put into the glass I would give Neptune.)
"Three Defenstrators." I state simply, giving the fuller glass to Neptune and one of the more balanced glasses to Noire. "To uh.. Peace, I guess."
The two present CPUs tilted their heads in confusion. "Shouldn't we wait for Blanc and Vert?" Neptune asked, clearly unaware that this was the last of my rum.
"Well, they're probably fu- sleeping by now. It's been a long day for them both. As it has for all of us. Just consider them here for the sake of the toast…"
I raised my glass. "To peace between CPUs and for me to finally get a fuckin' break!"
"Huzzah!" We chinked before drinking the Defenstrators, choking slightly at the constrasting flavours but ultimately kept it down. Good thing too, I was feeling the alcohol creep back in after earlier.
"P-phew." I breathed a sigh of relief, keeping my balance on the countertop behind me after placing the glass down. "Well, I'll be off. You two try not to murder each other, right?" I stagger off to my previously occupied room, but not before spinning around and stating in no uncertain terms "Oh, and don't even attempt to wake me up before noon, on the off chance you manage to wake up in the morning. I plan on role playing as a corpse."
And with that, I fucked off to bed. Hopefully the two of them will be alive tomorrow. I must admit though, these rooms all look identical aside from Neptune's… Uhh, which one did I sleep in aga-
Ughhhhh. Ughhhh. KILL ME.
My head feels like it went ten rounds with a fucking jackhammer, as I slowly regained conciousness. The last thing I recall is making a snarky comment about a corpse, before attempting to make it into a bed before… Well, passing out entirely. Fuck. Did I at least still have my pants?
Feeling down around my legs, they were still attached and had some form of cloth around them, so that was a yes. Ugh, best try and get up.
Putting my knees up to push myself against the wall, the first thing I noticed is that I was in a double bed, not a single one. Granted, I had slept in a double bed back home, but ever since coming to Gamindustri, I had gotten used to the smaller bedspace. I wasn't sober for most of those anyway.
Wait, why is there a lump next to me? I don't recall hopping into a queen sized bed, let alone…
Very, very carefully lifting the part of the quilt that covered my bedmate, I saw a familiar green hair clip peek out, complete with the brunette hair it was attached to.
Oh god.
Oh fuck.
I AM DEAD.
Gently placing the quilt back down, I quickly but quietly got myself out of bed, before fixing my end slightly to make it look like Iffy slept alone last night. She went to bed first, she wouldn't be any the wiser and neither will anybody else.
Thankfully everything including my gloves and watch were still on me, so- wow, 9:00am sharp? No wonder I feel like my brain is trying to escape through my skull, it's way too early for this shit.
I contemplated for the briefest of moments getting back into bed, then I saw Iffy's hair clip again and decided against it. Whatever rest I would get would be massively counterbalanced by the ass-kicking I would get from her for whatever contrived circumstances she could think of. Not worth it, sadly.
Sneaking out of the room, I breathed a sigh of relief before heading to the kettle. I needed caffeine and fast. Putting the kettle on and placing a teabag in, I also took the time to check my inventory for a Nep Bull. Finding a Nep Bull C (Which I don't recall having before…) and cracking that sucker open, I took a swig and-
Oh god it tastes just like that Crevice Spike I had last night jesus fuck. Who makes this shite? Swallowing the bitter drink before shaking my head, I certainly felt far more awake, if not any better.
Speaking of not feeling better, here's Histoire. "Ah, Koei. I was… worried about you after you passed out last night." She stated simply. So that's what happened. "Glad to see you up and raring to go so early despite that. I estimated you would be out for at least 3 more hours…"
"I'm honestly more worried about the ass-kicking I would get from IF if I stayed in bed for… reasons." I avoided the topic of where and who I slept with last night. The less people know, the lower chance IF ever finds out. At the very least I had my pants on.
"IF is a very hard worker, I must concur." Histoire completely ignored my implication, thankfully as the kettle dinged behind me. Turning around to finish off the tea, Histoire flew up to within my vision again. "Unfortunately, you will not be able to enjoy today off, as I had wanted you to." Histoire had an apologetic tone for once, which was odd.
"Huh, what's up?" I say, taking a sip of my te- OW HOT, HOT HOT. Putting it down before I drop the damn mug. "Don't tell me the Citizen's Group is at it again."
"I wish. Another rift has opened up and unfortunately… Well, it was a big one to say the least. It appears an Elder Dragon has appeared and is rampaging around the outskirts of Planeptune. If it is allowed to roam freely, it could be here in Planeptune within 3 days…"
I felt the blood drain from my face. "That… That is not good." I grabbed my mug of tea and downed it, scalding hot water be damned, I needed some blood flow,
I could see the sweatdrop on Histoire's face. "Y-Yes. Elder Dragons h-have been extinct since the Age of Heroes, hundreds if not thousands of years ago. This is rather worrying, as it shows that the rate and severity of rifts are steadily increasing and we still have no idea where they come from, let alone how to deal with them."
Shit is going down. But my curiosity was piqued. "Age of Heroes?"
Histoire's face lit up. "Oh! Yes, the Age of Heroes! Back before CPUs were the world leaders they are, the world was a much more dangerous place. A place like Planeptune couldn't exist back then, due to our world being seperated due to the rampaging monster population."
I took this opportunity to grab a chair. Important lore dump, go!
"However, one day, four powerful people appeared, each weilding a different artifact of great power. While their names have been lost to the sands of time, as even I wasn't created back then, their deeds remain some of Gamindustri's finest work. Though most of it is more than likely embellished to make them seem greater than they are…"
"So, did people put faith in these heroes?"
"Yes. Their artifacts seemed to grow more powerful when people believed in their strength. They even defeated the Deity of Sin when it first appeared… At the cost of their own lives. Their legacy and artifacts is all that remains of them, unfortunately. In a sense, they did pave the way for CPUs to rise and be able to finally form the Nations. That's how the Age of Heroes went, anyway."
Huh, fascinating. "So what's with their artifacts, then?" I leaned back in my chair, curious about these items, wondering if I could somehow use them in the future.
"Ah, the artifacts are well documented, at least as far as the Pre-CPU Age of Gamindsutri goes. The Ring of Continual Progression, the Gauntlet of Fiery Passion, the Buckler of Graceful Hurricanes… And the Blade of Frozen Serenity."
My eyes widened as I took Serenity out of my inventory. It seemed to glow in the morning light, almost confirming that it was the same sword. "Histoire… is this?"
She nodded. "The very same. The Blade of Frozen Serenity was found a few weeks ago after being missing for several decades. It was taken to the nearest Guild that happened to be in Toadstool Town, near where your rift opened. For some reason, I had a feeling about that rift in particular, and sent IF to investigate in Lowee. After the clerk saw you registering, both IF and I knew we had to entrust you with it, lest it fell into the wrong hands again."
I tilted my head in confusion. "Uh, you? Trust me? With a legendary, ancient weapon wielded by someone clearly far more worthy of it than I would ever be?"
Histoire giggled slightly at my apprehension. "Oh Koei, heroes aren't born. The wielder of Serenity didn't just become the Deity of Sin slayer they were simply by existing. They protected the snowy wastelands of what would be Lowee with an enchanted icicle made by a blacksmith there. As they grew in strength, so did Serenity. Eventually they became intertwined to the point where the ancient hero is sometimes mistakenly called Serenity rather than the sword."
I nodded. "I… I see. You still trust me with this though, right? I don't think I can look at it the same way anymore…"
"I only told you because the truth would have came out eventually. I always intended for you to come here Koei. As a tome, it helps to keep all my assets in one general area."
I shudder at the book fairy's manipulation. The game was fucking rigged, even before I got hit by the truck. "Well played Histoire. Well played." I get up, a new wave of determination flowing over me. "Now excuse me, I have some unrelated fustration I need to vent through a fucking Elder Dragon!"
I ran to the elevator, taking out Serenity before it closed and striking a heroic pose. "For the Hero! For Gamindustri!" I announced, before the door closed… On Serenity, forcing me to press the "Open" button before putting it away to avoid a similarly embarrassing incident.
The morning light struck me like a hammer as I walked out of the Basilicom, the crowds being dense, but not so dense as not to be able to move around in as I headed to the local Guild. Hey, if any place had the exact location of this Elder Dragon, it'd be there.
Eventually navigating my way there, I found that it was strangely packed. Seems I wasn't the only one who heard about the Elder Dragon. Still, no one in the queue, so…
"Hey, do you have any quests relating to an Elder Dragon or something?"
The guild clerk looked me up and down and simply stated "Not for you." before trying to shoo me away.
Man, what an asshole. Still, probably dealing with bad eggs all day. Finding my Staff ID in my inventory, I pulled it out and showed it to the clerk. "Planeptune Staff ID, I'm on a mission from the Oracle herself." Well, that was a bit of a lie, but she told me about it, so…
Her eyes lit up as she ID I literally just use for getting in and out of the Basilicom. "O-oh, you're Koei! Let me just add the Quest to your UI Gloves…" Pressing a few buttons on her end of the counter, I heard a beep from my UI Gloves. Opening them, it showed a large red dot a few minute's walk away from Planeptune, presumably where the Dragon was going to be.
"Thank you." I simply said, before taking my leave. I wasn't going to quite yet, because for once in my life, I'm thinking ahead.
Ah the item store, the place where I'd usually partake in booze, but for today I require healing items. A lot of them, more than likely. Checking the general heal item section, I find a few new items in stock. I pretty much grabbed anything that looked useful. Nep Bull Cs, Healing Pods, Panaceas, even a Life Fragment or two. Oh and SP Chargers. I know I have that skill that restores SP when I drink, but this is more for future potential allies than me.
Speaking of, I bought two cases of Leanbox Bottled Beer as well. Strong Liver is a hell of a trait and the alcohol content per drink should be low enough where I don't end up passing out after one or two. Probably.
Still, that left me with… 5000 Credits, what the fuck? I know I got paid, but this is ridiculous. Oh well, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. I did buy a new bracelet back in Leanbox, so armor wasn't needed anyway. I breathed a sigh, before heading back out of the story. No more dancing around the large, Elder Dragon shaped issue, I guess.
You know, it's been a while since I went off on my own to do a Quest. Hell, it's been a while since I've done a Quest, nevermind on my own. Following my GS toward the objective, I realized I could see a very large figure off in the distance. Certain that I could in fact, not lose track of this thing on my way there, I turned off the map and briskly jogged towards the figure, determination in my soul and alcohol in my bloodstream.
Yeah, I'm still pretty wasted from last night. Inhibitions are for sober people. Right now I had a dragon to slay.
Still, that dragon seemed to be… Staggering? Was someone attacking it? Is that motherfucker trying to steal my kill?
Recklessly charging forward until I got within casting distance (So what, 50 meters?), I spotted the figure and… Oh fuck.
"Inhibitions are for sober people" my ass, this aura I'm feeling is making me want to go in the other direction and not look back. And this isn't even from the dragon, as I found out when the figure three-point landed right next to me.
Terrifying aura aside, she looked like a CPU alright. Long flowing hair, skimpy spandex (Somehow even worse than even Green Heart) with an accenting colour (A sort of iris/magenta colour?) and thigh high boots. All this wrapped up with a sword that looked a bit like Serenity, but on closer inspection was segmented, for some reason.
I don't know, this woman was giving me run the fuck away vibes, but I couldn't just let her steal all the gl- fight this dragon alone now, could I?
She blinked, reminding me that my power of monologue narration doesn't affect time, sadly. I simply tossed her a Nep Bull C and she chugged it appreciably.
Despite my fear, I managed to say something. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." I stated simply, before pulling out Serenity and pointing it towards the Elder Dragon. "And this fucko is no friend of mine!"
Seeming to get the message, the woman gave a grin that reminded me of a slasher movie. "My my, eager to have some fun, are we? Let's begin."
Koei and ?
Vs.
Elder Dragon
Ready? FIGHT!
(Current Music: Dancing Girl - Lunar Tendencies Metal Cover)
The strange and dangerous woman charged towards the aging dragon, prompting it to try and slash her, but missed as she used the chance to wrap her sword around its arm… Wait, what?
I shook my head. I could question what she was using later. Right now I had to fight. I charged myself, taking advantage of the distraction to shove Serenity right into the dragon's greying scales, causing a roar of pain even if Serenity bounced right off. Some of its natural protection had come off at least, so-
Woah! Scarecly dodging the dragon's clawed foot, I ended up to the left of it, barely able to see my initial attack on it. Perhaps if…
"FROSTBLAST!" I yelled, catching the dragon's attention as it turned around, somewhat disorientating the woman who was trying to keep a hold of it's right arm as a familiar shot of magic hit it right in its leg., causing it to freeze over and trap the dragon where it was. At least, that's what I thought would happen.
As I casually approached the dragon, the clawed foot suddenly burst out of its icy tomb and caught me square in the face, causing me to go flying as I felt immediate pain. After taking a moment or two to reorient myself, I felt my face and- yup, that was blood. Now I'm angry.
Chugging a Healing Pod to try and stop the bleeding, I charged back into the fray as the unknown CPU struggled to stay on her target, let alone cut into its arm with her untraditional choice of weapon. I for my part, took advantage of the distraction once again as I used my ingenuity to exploit my newest tactic.
"Airshot!" I realized at this point that the less time I spent on announcing my spell, the more chance I had to catch my foe by surprise, as I launched up directly to its face. Perfect. Grabbing its left horn, it left me with a perfect opportunity to strike right where it was weakest.
STAB!
Deafening roars of pain threw me off the dragon, causing me to fall on my back pretty painfully as I felt some weight on Serenity. Turning to my right, I saw the red eyeball, bleeding profusely looking back at me.
If I wasn't so impressed by the fact I managed to tear an eyeball from an Elder Dragon, I might have been terrified by it. It was also bleeding quite a bit onto the grass below me, so with much pain I got back up, before using my foot as a counterweight to pull the offending iris off of Serenity. Or pull Serenity out of it, whatever. Either way the eyeball went into my inventory. If it didn't sell for much at the very least I could use it as proof that I helped kill it. Or as a morbid decoration piece.
"Ugh!" Came a grunt of pain as my new ally landed on her face next to me. "B-bastard dragon." she struggled to get up as it approached. Despite losing depth perception, it still had very cleary goals in mind for the both of us, as it reared its head back, orange particles surrounding its now open mouth.
Oh.
Fuck.
WIth my ally down and very little time to formulate a plan, I breathed. And breathed. And breathed. I needed to focus and gather my strength. The world seemed to fall away as I entered this state of alcohol and panic fueled zen.
An orb appeared before, as white as snow in this void. Could it be?
It seems you have need of my power.
What? Who are you?
I am the Hero of Lowee, the original wielder of Serenity. I find it ironic that someone of your temperament now wields it, but I'll let that slide.
O… K…?
This is the last of my Faith. I believe it is called Share Energy now? Regardless, it is up to you to continue my- no, Serenity's legacy. It is time to push your limit, Hero. Unleash your power! FOR LOWEE!
The world came back into focus as Serenity shone with the brightness of hope. I can't describe it in any other way. Not even the sun could compare to this incandescent power that Serenity now had.
But most of all, I had that feeling. The turning point of the fight. The part in anime where the music swells as you see the hero finally realize their true potential.
It's time to embrace that destiny.
I'LL CHALLENGE ALL MY LIMITS
KNOWING THAT THIS COULD BE MY ONLY CHANCE NOW
TO OVERCOME THIS FATE THAT HAS COME OVER ME!
I charged at the Elder Dragon with all my strength, unleashing an Airshot beneath my feet as I rose above the dragon, the sun directly behind me as I shoved Serenity down into its other eye, tearing it out and throwing it aside, before using its back as a slide, making sure that Serenity was slicing all the way down it. To further ensure that this Dragon would die horribly, I charged up Serenity for one final attack. One I had never cast before. But I have faith in my abilities to do this.
"May your corpse remain frozen for generations! GLACIAL CLEAVE!" I yelled triumphantly, as the skies opened up and a blizzard surrounded the Elder Dragon, slowly freezing its body as I prepared myself for the finishing blow. Once it was completely immobile, I simply walked up to the ice block and slashed it once with Serenity across the middle diagonally. After a flourish with my blade, I turned around and snapped my fingers, to which the ice obeyed physics and separated, slicing the dragon in two before it faded into data.
Serenity's light stopped, as the world seemed to return to normal and exhaustion suddenly hit me. Collapsing onto one knee, I tried to use the last of my strength to find a healing potion from the UI gloves, but to no avail. I couldn't even open it, as I was that weak. Blood was splattered all over the field as I coughed up some fresh blood onto the ground in front of me. That can't be good, ha. I chuckled weakly to myself as I take stock of the situation.
Whatever that attack was, it took all I had and then some. My UI Gloves dinged, but I couldn't check them. As my knee finally gave out, I collapsed onto my side, my vision went blurry as the feeling of oblivion crept over me once.
The CPU for her part, was back up and looking for me in a panic. As she approached me, holding one arm in pain, she got on one knee herself. I couldn't hear her anyway, but the last thing I felt before finally passing out was something lifting me off the blood soaked ground.
One kind turn deserves another, I suppose.
But that's hero work for you. You don't do good things for the money or fame. You do it because having extra help on fighting a fucking Elder Dragon is always welcomed.
And I guess I finally embraced that destiny thing Neptune told me about.
I smiled to myself as the last dredges of consciousness left me. I was having that day off after all, Histoire. Even if it wasn't in the way I expected.
Checkpoint!
Koei has learned [Glacial Cleave] (EXE Skill)
Koei is now level 17.
Koei's Lily Ranks:
IF (Drinking Buddy/Girlfriend(?)), Neptune (Sensei), Histoire (Supervisor), Nepgear (Casual Colleague), Compa (Local Patcher-Upper), Noire (Business Casual), Uni (Neutral), Kei (Business As Usual), Vert (Fellow Tea Drinker of Culture), Blanc (Hated No Longer), Rom (Kute Kid), Ram (REDACTED), Mina (Neutral), 5pb. (Casual Fan), Cave (Mutual Respect), Nisa (Fellow Drinker and Champion of Justice), Jill (Not-So-Kindly Barkeep), Linda ("Arch Nemesis"), Anonydeath (Unknown), Rei (GReitful)
? (Sadistic F(r)iend)
Hero of Lowee (Succeeded By A Sociopath With A Spellblade)
Save Progess? *Y/N
A/N: Holy. Fuck. That was a few bombshells, weren't it? I'll admit, one of two of these plot points (Serenity being an ancient weapon and the whole Elder Dragon bit) were kina made up the night before?
I get that I'm veering towards Marty Stu territory with this, but I wanted to show that Koei is starting to get this idea of being the Hero/Protagonist, rather than just some dude who happens to use a spellblade. Development!
Also yes, the mysterious ally is in fact, Iris Heart if you couldn't guess. I've been building up to this since Anonydeath's introduction. As for why she was so weakened in the fight against the Elder Dragon? Well, that will be explained next time, along with a few other things. (Maybe.)
So remember when Neptune hinted last chapter that shit was going down? This is the start of that. We'll see what is behind these dimensional rifts soon, I suppose.
Also I guess it's kinda bullshit for Koei to learn his EXE Skill at Level 15, but Nepgear doesn't learn hers in Re;Birth 2 until she has the power of Friendship or some shit, so I think that Koei learning about the ancient heroes and being pushed to his limit with that knowledge would trigger something within him.
Yes, I am implying something with that. Much like most things in this train-wreck, I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but we'll see if I want to over-complicate this even more.
Anyway, until next time, sobriety is overrated!