A/N- Hey everyone, sorry about the errors in chapter 1, apparently the computer won't let me use Greek symbols on this site. so ill just use "delta" and stuff like that from now on. And, Mimiru is supposed to be in Mac Anu and leaning against the wall, sorry for the mixup! Anyway, remember to review this chapter and all of the other ones soon to come!

.hackWOUND chapter 2- Recruits

"Balmung!" Subaru said in a surprised tone.

"Sir Balmung of the Azur Sky! Why have you called us here?" Silver Knight asked.

"I have called you all here," he began as he strode over to the group, "because I believe I am going to need your help with the appearance of certain monsters."

"Monsters that can't be defeated," Crim said setting his spear against the wall and crossing his arms.

"Yes, but these monsters aren't ones that existed in 'The World' before and have been corrupted. Do you remember the player character Sora? He disappeared from 'the World' around the time the girl Aura was awoken. Also, in the real world, the player was found comatose at his terminal," slight gasps ring throughout the hall at this surprising detail, "It is believed one of these new, undefeatable monsters is the culprit."

"But, how is that possible? How can a game put someone into a coma?" BT asked with slight shock in her voice.

Balmung closed his eyes momentarily to think. "That is a question we have yet to find an answer to. Most people, however, dismiss the very possibility that a game can put someone into a coma."

"Hmm, it has no basis in fact, so that is not very surprising. But why do you need out help?" Bear asked.

Balmung looked around at each of them then once again closed his eyes before answering Bear's question. "I, no, "The World" needs all of your help because you all have shown remarkable skill in solving these unplanned, dangerous events, such as the one involving the young wavemaster, Tsukasa," his eyes darted to the silver haired boy.

"But, excuse me sir, didn't Helba also play a major role in those events? Without her help we couldn't have finished anything," Silver Knight asked.

"Yes, and I have already contacted her. As much as I may despise hackers, I must give her credit for her skills, which with undoubtedly be needed in the future," Balmung answered in a spiteful tone.

"I see," Bear said simply, "So why isn't she here?"

The group heard a woman's voice float through the hall, "Nobody said I wasn't here, I have been here since young Tsukasa arrived." Helba floated seemingly out of nowhere. Balmung didn't seem to notice her sudden appearance.

"Hmm, so all you wanted to tell us was that you needed our help to solve the mystery of the appearance of dangerous monsters in 'The World'?"

"Yes, that and to discuss what it is that I have found out so far about their origins, which, I might add, isn't much," Balmung said, adding the last bit as an after thought and chuckling dryly.

"What did you figure out?" Subaru asked the winged character.

"Well--" he was interrupted by Helba.

"Actually, it is I who found out his information. It seems that the creatures have a large connection with the entity. The one who was trying to use Tsukasa to warp the young girl, Aura; and is everywhere and nowhere in 'The World' at the same time. I do believe her name is Morganna," she said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Oh her... the one who made us fight that green blob thing, right?" Mimiru said making a disgusted face.

"Yeah," Tsukasa said quietly, remembering the entity that had once tried to destroy him. Subaru saw his look and squeezed his hand tighter as a sign of comfort.

"So where do we start this investigation?" Crim asked picking his spear up and shouldering it.

"That has yet to be decided," Helba answered, "But I would suggest checking whatever remains of Net Slum."

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