House Incarnate

by zeltronica

Ranma gets invited to go to the arcades with his two friends Daisuke, and Hiroshi. Upon arriving at the arcades he learns Nabiki is already there waiting as was also invited. Upon learning the invitation was to test a new style of game system and game the gang decides to willingly test the game what can possibly go wrong? O.O.C. and Mature Content.

3. Deception

Author Notes: Okay so yea there may have been a huge delay for this chapter release I am very and deeply sorry that my life has been super hectic with no signs of easing up.

Okay so yes I have settled for an Overlord Cross, Now some of you will want to see Lord Ainz-Sama and company in the story at some point and trust I will do just that, however that is further down the road since I will need to get both Ranma and Nabiki from point A to point B before we can slide into point C.

So this story sorta takes place in Yggdrasil eventually enters the new world once I have things set to my liking, to attempt to slide straight into the new world could cause issues for some individuals.

Also, I am going to do my best to not make characters too over the top, but Hero characters tend to hit pretty damn hard bordering on Mary Sue which nobody is a huge fan.

This chapter still to even me feels a little rough, and while I could have waited a bit longer I feel you the readers have waited long enough so I hope this chapter does well, and hopefully, the future chapter will be smoother even for me.

With all that said I hope you enjoy this installment, want to leave reviews feel free I do read them and try to reply if I am able. -Zeltronica

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H. I. Chapter: 3

Weary Travelers...

It had been one week since the celestial duo had been freed from their prison within the Cathedral walking down a long winding road in an easterly direction in a desert plain the sun beating down on them, their only solace was the hoods of the cloaks they had taken off the twins that had attacked them.

It was quite hot out, a warm wind blew over the area kicking up dust from the road, Ranma shook her head as she looked to the sky above not seeing a single cloud at all; "Nab's I think we should have stayed on that path that was heading into that lush forest we were heading to before we turned down this road...this sucks." she complained.

"Yes I admit this does suck but we've come too far to turn back now." The mercenary girl called, chancing a glance over her shoulder observing she could no longer see the lush green of the forest given the fact they had walked what she estimated to be some fifty miles twenty of which was while it was still dark.

She retrieved a leather water skin from her inventory proceeding to remove the cap sipping some of its contents, she then offered said water skin to her traveling companion who took the proffered item taking a generous drink of its contents before replacing the cap and handing it back.

"Well, whats the plan Nab's?" Ranma queried, giving her surroundings a cursory glance as she continued her forward momentum.

The mercenary girl considered her and her companion's options, maintaining her forward momentum as well raising her left hand up above her eyes she narrowed on something off in the distance, "I think I see a rock formation in the distance lets keep moving." she stated.

"A rock formation huh maybe there is a cave 'er somethin'," Ranma stated with a hopeful expression to her features since she would give anything to get out from under the sun that was beating down on her with its rays.

The duo continued forward after a time eventually reaching the rock formation they had seen in the distance, however, there was no cave, yet as the walked around to their pleasant surprise they found shadow cast off from the rock blocking the sun's light on the other side of the formation though the location was already occupied by what appeared to be a merchants wagon with six pure black horses, sitting by a campfire in the process of preparing himself food was an elder man with a full long gray beard and a full head of short gray hair wearing brown trousers, and a reddish-orange sleeveless shirt.

The man looked up with weary hazel eyes observing the two hooded figures walking up to his campsite he seemed to tense up some the closer the got especially since one of the figures wielding a fierce-looking weapon that emanated great unholy aura, "Hello..." he trailed, raising his right hand giving a slight wave.

The duo came to a stop now within two feet of the man, Nabiki glanced to her traveling companion then back to the man returning the gesture with her own, "Excuse me do you mind if we join you good sir?" she queried still using her celestial tongue.

"Yea please mister my feet are killing me." Ranma requested, also waving to the man.

The elder man gained a confused expression, lowering his hand gesturing to the ground before him, "I am not sure what you just said Madam, but I can only assume you are friendly why don't you ladies have a seat and rest a spell." he offered while gesturing with his free hand.

With that the duo joined the man by the fire, the temperature dropping as the day was slowly turning to night. The fact the man hadn't understood a word either of them said caused Ranma to gain a thoughtful expression to her features.

"Nab's how come we can understand him but he can't understand us?" she whispered.

Nabiki gained a thoughtful expression having an epiphany as she realized the problem straight away going on to explain, "That is because we are talking in our character's native tongue. Hikaru did say we would have to learn languages of the other races in order to understand them."

"oOh... So at the Cathedral, we spoke in a language they didn't understand and when I brought my hand up to wave at them they must've-" Ranma started to say finding herself interrupted by her companion who finished her words for her, "Thought you were casting a spell and attacked."

The elder man continued to stir the contents of the pot sitting over the fire, in his other hand he held a tin cup filled with water, he listened to the cloaked duo who whispering to one another unable to understand a single word.

"I take it you both are from a foreign land, I do hope you actually know common or this will be the most awkward dinner conversation I've ever had the luxury of partaking in," he called in jest.

Nabiki turned her attention to the man seeming to concentrate a moment, she then spoke to the man in hopes he would be able to understand, "You will have to forgive us it has been a very long time since we communicated with anyone outside of our mother tongue." she explained, though even to her to refer to the celestial language as her mother tongue and not Japanese felt rather off.

"Yea what she said, Forgive us for our rudeness." Ranma apologized with an apologetic bow of her head.

The elder man gave a simple accepting nod, "Oh its quite alright, so you ladies look like you've been traveling for a very long time those cloaks of yours look quite dusty." he commented.

"For a little while at any rate Sir if you don't mind do you have some water I'll pay you for some since our water skin is quite low." Nabiki inquired, looking to the man with a hopeful expression.

The elder man shook his head negatively, "Oh no madam you don't need to pay me for some water I'll get you some before we part ways. For now, would you both like something to eat?" he offered.

Ranma lowered her hood giving the man a broad smile, "Sure I am starvin'!" she exclaimed. Nabiki laying her weapon on the ground while casting illusion magic on herself to give herself a human appearance then lowered her hood, reaching up running her fingers through her hair, gave an affirming nod.

Half an hour later the sun was completely down, and after the meal, Ranma went to sleep her head resting upon Nabiki's lap, the elder man stirred the fire with a stick tossing a log upon the hot embers, Nabiki looked to the sleeping redhead shaking her head.

"So what brings you ladies to this God-forsaken place if you don't mind me asking?" he queried of the brown-haired girl who was staring into the fire.

She briefly acknowledged him going back to staring at the fire, "We are just weary travelers passing through, and yourself?" she offered within a question.

"Well Miss?" the elder man questioned, looking to the brown-haired teen expectantly.

Nabiki realizing both she and Ranma had broke bread with the elder man yet hadn't even introduced themselves which made her feel bad, "I am so very sorry how very very rude of us to break bread with you and not even tell you our names." she said giving an apologetic look.

"My name is Tendo Nabiki, and the sleeping bundle here is Saotome Ranma," she explained.

The elder man nodded his head in approval went on to explain, "Well my name is Samuel White I am or was a Paladin of the White Satin Enclave once but have since retired and set out as a traveling merchant." he explained.

"White Satin Enclave is that some kind of guild?" Nabiki queried, though she was sure of the answer.

The elder man gave a nod of his head, "Yes they were a guild of powerful knights... They were wiped out by a great heathen army of the most unholy; I barely managed to escape with my life truth be told" he explained.

He then turned his attention to the weapon laying at Nabiki's side, "Your weapon may I look at it?" he queried.

The mercenary girl gazed at the man, then down at the weapon at her side seeming to deliberate over it a few moments, realizing it may not hurt she reached down picking it up offering it to him.

The elder man took the proffered weapon in hand, seeming to gain a scrutinizing gaze casting appraisal magic on the item. "Oh Miss How did you acquire such a Godly artifact as this?" he questioned, a curious brow raised.

"Truth be told I've had it since I came into this world and I barely know anything about it," Nabiki explained, observing the man holding the weapon out for her, she took it back laying it back on the ground.

The elder man looked to the woman a moment, 'Had it since she entered the world she must have been one of the players who received a rare world item through a pre-order purchase.' he considered.

Cupping her chin Nabiki gained a thoughtful expression, her gaze shifting from one scene to another observing the sand, even noting how it felt beneath her feet. "Sir do you have a map I can peruse?" she inquired.

The elder gentleman perked an eyebrow with a confused expression, but none the less retrieved a map from his inventory proceeding to hold it out to which the brown-haired mercenary girl took it in hand unfolding it seeming to study it.

'Oh wow this desert is huge it will take us forever to reach the nearest settlement by foot.' she inwardly observed, proceeding to scan the map with her eyes observing back the way she and Ranma had come was a place called the Howling forest which apparently this map was not updated since said forest no longer existed, however in the midst of said forest was a great cemetery with no Cathedral present.

Samuel watched the girl who seemed to study the map, her eyes going large a couple of times as if she had found something of great intrigue before shifting to a blank mask which was devoid of emotion which caused a shiver to run up his spine.

Eventually, her eyes lifted from the map, she folded it back up holding it out to which the elder man took the proffered map in hand replacing it back into his inventory.

"So..." Nabiki trailed, seeming to pause as if in contemplation.

Samuel posed a question, "So? What is your question?"

"I know this may seem silly, but what is today's date?" Nabiki queried, looking to the man expectantly.

Samuel chuckled at the girl's question, "Oh girl its October thirty-first-" he found himself interrupted by the mercenary girl who finished his words with falsetto mirth. "Twenty-one Thirty-six." to which he just nodded his head.

'So it wasn't a glitch after all.' Nabiki somberly thought to herself realizing over a hundred plus years had passed since both she and Ranma were imprisoned in their virtual prison which was now much larger than the confines of the cathedral they initially were imprisoned in.

"Okay so tell me where are we currently located?" she then questioned.

Samuel didn't hesitate to answer, "We are in the barren wastes which is one of the many deserts located within Midgard which is one of the nine worlds of Yggdrasil."

'Nine worlds... so the game is Norse based interesting.' Nabiki thought to herself having recalled hearing about it in history class. She then posed yet another question, "Game is called Yggdrasil right?"

"You sure are an odd one aren't you girl?" Samuel questioned, not at all understanding how someone could be playing a game and not even know what the game was called which meant she may be trolling him or so he thought.

Letting a nervous chuckle escape her lips Nabiki reached up scratching her neck just under her right ear,

"Nah I am playing with you I knew that!" she lied with falsetto mirth.

Samuel smiled broadly laughing, "You nearly had me with that one girl, So is trolling second nature to you or do you just like being funny?" he questioned.

Shrugging her shoulders Nabiki then carefully lied, "Well I like to do some trolling from time to time, sorry about this please forgive me. Well if you don't mind Mister White I am going to go rest a spell." she then leaned back against the rock sitting just behind her, closing her eyes to get some rest.

XXXX

XXXX

The following day the Merchant after dispersing his camp, and waking the girls who he offered to give them a lift to the nearest town which they both gratefully excepted to which they left as a group now en route to the nearest settlement which was a sprawling desert metropolis.

This metropolis was a rather large trading hub situated on the banks of two twin rivers that ran through the center of the desert wasteland which served as the central hub for trading the people within consisted of merchants and or players who were either adventuring in the area or was there to trade and resupply.

Meanwhile at this very metropolis both Sylvia and Saiko the two Elvin girls who were the remaining members of a team that referred to themselves as the relic hunters were waiting outside a temple for word from the priests on whether or not their teammates could be resurrected if not the deceased party members would have to re-spawn resulting in a loss of five levels.

"Yo ladies what you looking so glum for?" came a familiar male voice both girls knew very well.

Sylvia looked to where she heard the voice her eyes going large. "Oh, Zachariah... Jacob and the twins!" she exclaimed in a cheerful voice.

"You guys didn't need to re-spawn so soon we were trying to get you resurrected so you wouldn't lose any levels... now we just wasted gold!" Saiko exclaimed, glaring at the approaching men with falsetto fury.

Ringo shrugged his shoulders going on to say, "No need to act so angry besides I'll pay you back. Anyways we avoided the penalties because my brother contacted a developer friend of his and explained what had happened to us."

"Yea he revived us luckily. He said we ran into a couple of glitched N.P.C.'s which is why we did no damage to them at all." Alpine explained, deciding to do a check of his inventory observing all the gear he had on with exception of his combat leathers were gone. 'Well luckily I have some backup items.' he inwardly thought.

Saiko crossing her arms over her chest, tilting her head a curious brow raised, "Glitched N.P.C.'s is that all did he not say anything else about them?" she queried.

"To be honest no he only told me that they were a couple of low level N.P.C.'s that were glitched," Alpine explained.

Sylvia let out a sigh of relief, "It is great the developer team takes these things so seriously, and the fact they revived all of you in a timely fashion and without penalty shows they truly care for their community." she cheerfully stated with a broad smile to her lips.

"Well, they care, but to be honest only happened so quickly cause my brother is a friend of a developer," Ringo called, gesturing to his brother a grin to his lips.

Saiko frowned at her companion's explanation. "Low-level N.P.C.'s that were glitched? I mean if you told me they were glitched to the point they couldn't be damaged I could believe that. If I was told they did more damage due to the glitch I may even believe that, but they destroyed an entire forest with a high tier spell which tells me something fishy is going on low-level N.P.C.'s don't have trump card abilities that spell that was used was super tier magic." she pointedly stated.

"Are you sure about that Lass?" Jacob queried, a curious brow raised.

Saiko nodded her head going on to explain, "Of course I am the N.P.C. That cast her trump card reducing the entire forest to the ground and left only ash and cinders even purifying the ancient undead from the land."

"Hold up if Alpines developer friend says it was a low-level N.P.C. That was glitched then that's that." Ringo started, lifting his left-hand palm up.

Zachariah mulled over his comrades words going on to say, "No if what Saiko is saying is true which I think she is on to something low-level N.P.C.'s don't have high tier ability much less trump cards and that succubus was wielding what appeared to be a world item I have never seen before which I have to say further proves this entire thing reeks of a cover-up. The developers messed up and released a couple of new bosses early and we drew the unlucky straws and happened upon them and now they are trying to bury it."

"Which means the next stage of the cover-up they will re-boot the forest and remove the Cathedral," Sylvia observed, biting her lower lip.

Alpine shook his head negatively, "Oh come on my developer friend wouldn't lie about this. Also, it is hard to cover it up since we all with the exception of Saiko experienced it." he pointed out.

"I dunno perhaps brother your friend isn't being entirely honest, one way to prove this is we can go back to the forest and go see the Cathedral if its all still destroyed it is not a cover-up, if its all back the way it was then it is a cover-up." Ringo offered, a confident grin to his lips.

Jacob having been listening to his friend's comments, "Okay listen if a glitch happens and things are destroyed the developers would fix the area in question coverup or no. So no Ringo that would prove very little." he paused taking a breath.

He then spoke once more, "Now instead of talking about tinfoil hat conspiracies let us go to the nearest pub and grab a pint." he offered.

And with that, the group all gave a cheer and headed off in the direction of one of the nearest taverns they could find to talk about the focus of their next adventure.

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Trouble en route

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Meanwhile, still several miles out from their destination Samuel and his two newly found companions were coming to a slow observing an overturned wagon up ahead, around it were the corpses of several people who most likely were merchants like himself.

"Woe woe boy's," he commanded his horses coming to a slow eventually stopping entirely, he then seemed to look around giving the area a cursory glance.

"Hey, Mister white why are we stopping?" Nabiki queried from her spot at the back of the wagon laying against the sacks of grain at her back. Ranma continued to snooze rolling over and instinctively pushed her back up against the larger girls' left thigh.

Samuel spoke up in reply, "It would appear a merchant wagon was attacked I am going to check it out you ladies stay in the wagon." with that he slowly got off his wagon, retrieving a sword with an ornate red-n-gold handle from under the bench he was sitting upon.

Nabiki slowly turned around looking over the grain sack she had been leaning against watching as the elder man approached the overturned wagon, in her head alarm klaxons were sounding as she reached down with her left hand taking hold of her naginata.

Samuel cautiously approached the wagon as he did so he bent down, checking on one of the bodies seem to check for a pulse, he grimaced. 'She's still warm.' he inwardly noted his eyes shifting from side to side as he stood back up.

Nabiki continued watching, but then started to turn when she felt her hood pulled back and what felt like a knife placed to her throat.

"Drop the weapon or I'll slit your throat." came the gruff whispered words of a man who reached around her with his free hand pulling her back from the wagon as she dropped her weapon, she then watched another figure grab the red-head pulling her from the wagon doing similar.

Samuel turned hearing voices observing both his traveling companions were forced to their knees, ten men all dressed in dark clothing, black bandannas tied over their faces in an attempt to conceal their identities.

"Alright old man drop the sword this doesn't have to be hard hand over your wagon and its contents and I'll let you and your lady friends here live." the man holding the blade to Nabiki's neck called.

Ranma frowned though she kept a cool head even as she was feeling the knife against her neck. "Look how about you get on your horses you have off in the forest there and ride off before I get angry."

"Oh, you gonna get angry huh how angry if I just slice your throat ear to ear honey? Now shut up!" the man behind her shouted causing her ears to ring due to proximity.

Samuel looked to the girls as well as the group behind them, took a few steps forward bringing his sword to his side as he gave the bandit group a sharp-eyed stare, "I'll give you an alternative option you can either do as the lady has requested or I'll deliver you to your heathen God forthwith." he called as his clothing changed to a full suite of white armor, even his appearance changed from that of an aging old man to what appeared to be a man in his early thirties.

'How careless of me to allow myself to be put in this position. Sleep with one eye open is what Pops always told me now surely his words have meaning...' Ranma trailed in thought grimly to herself, considering her options realizing that this may not just be a game to her this may be life or death in regard to herself and her companion.

Samuel steeled himself as he expected the would-be bandits wouldn't take the advice after a moment went by he seemed to warp forward in the blink of an eye cleaving the heads of the two individuals holding the girls from their shoulders.

He then turned his attention to the other men who were rushing at him as their comrade's bodies fell hitting the dirt.

Nabiki watching the event unfold before her eyes, 'Wow that was quick he must be of a higher level than they are for him to kill so easily.' she inwardly thought as she watched the rest of the men one by one get dispatched within seconds of each other.

Eventually, after the last bandit was cut down, Samuel seemed to give his surroundings a cursory glance before he looked to the girls who were still on their knees both with wide-eyed expressions.

"Are you ladies okay?" he called, to which the brown-haired girl gave a nod, so too did the red-head.

The red-head looking to the man as she nodded her head spoke, "Yes we are fine thanks for the- Mister watch out!" she cried as she observed another figure rushing out from the underbrush just past Samuel.

She rushed forward in an instant shoving Samuel away as she reached up grabbing the newcomer by his wrist, swinging herself around to the back of her newfound opponent slamming him face-first into the dirt which caused the land beneath their feet to shake due to the sheer force.

Samuel having been shoved quickly recovered turning to observe the red-head had saved him from an unseen opponent who obviously given the magic-infused dagger in his hand may have taken his life, he felt relief wash over him.

He then gained a sly smirk as he recognized the man on the ground barely clinging to life who was also glaring at him with a death stare. "Why if it isn't the Red Wolf gang leader's brother himself Vincent Vermilion!" he proclaimed.

"You want him dead or alive?" Ranma questioned, as she with her left forearm pushed the man to the ground more forcefully.

Samuel chuckled at her words a moment, "While it would be justice in itself to execute him right here I do believe it would be far more worthwhile to keep him alive for information." he explained.

"I'll never tell you anything at all just kill me now and get it over with you White Knight Bastard!" the man called Vincent shouted with venom to his tone.

Nabiki getting to her feet looked to the man her red-haired companion was holding the ground, then turned her attention to the elder man who wasn't elderly at all. "My that is some powerful illusion magic you have on you I couldn't see through it," she commented.

"Likewise my dear you to are wearing powerful Illusion magic same with your friend here which is why if you forgive me, my dear, I thought you may have been in league with them especially due to that insanely powerful world item you are carrying." Samuel pointed out, giving a sly grin to the brown-haired teen.

He then went on to say keeping his sly grin, "Care to show me what you are hiding under that illusion magic? After all, you know my secret." he queried, raising a curious brow.

"It's a girls prerogative to keep secrets you know so no we won't show you that especially given the fact if we show you we will also be showing that man there as well." Nabiki coolly stated her typical Ice Queen mask in place.

Ranma proceeding to get to a standing position as she hauling Vincent up with a firm grip on the man's right shoulder that caused the man to scream in agony as she did so.

"Don't try anything or it will be your last move." she declared, as she called over her shoulder, "So what was the deal with you being a merchant was that a cover or somethin'?" she questioned.

Samuel nodded his head going on to explain, "Well no I really am a retired paladin and a merchant. You see these bandits have been sacking player and Nonplayer Merchants on this road for a while now, I was going to ignore it but then they Pked 'Player Killed' a dear friend of mine robbing her of all her stuff so I came here to put a stop to it." he explained.

"Now I am going to venture a guess by Your illusion spell and those stealth cloaks you are wearing you are trying to hide your levels and items from view of other players. If that is the case then I suggest you inventory that world item and stop carrying it in the open all it does it paint a target on your back," he suggested.

Nabiki nodded her head as she understood what he was trying to convey to her, "I'll keep that in mind thanks for the advice." she relayed, raising her left hand the shackle appearing around her left wrist as the chain appeared as her weapon sprang from the cart back to her waiting hand.

She then proceeded in putting it into her inventory where it vanished from view. "Any other suggestions?" she queried.

"I am not sure how you obtained that item or if it was given to you, but I am going to venture a bet you both are pretty green despite how well your red-haired friend took him down you both need to learn strategy and also keep in mind information and disinformation is power and can be used to make money in this world or give yourself an advantage over the competition," Samuel explained as he walked over to his wagon placing his sword under the seat whilst grabbing some rope.

'Nothing I didn't already think about, but good advice none the less.' Nabiki thought to herself, considering another potential question. "What will you do now?"

"Well first I will get this scumbag loaded into my cart and take him to the city, you both are welcome to travel with me until we get there then we will have to part ways from there." he both explained and offered.

Nabiki nodded her head, "That would be great as is I don't think either of us would make it to town on foot given the heat of this desert and our low rations."

Samuel nodded his head, "Yea the desert is rough it is not for everyone." he agreed.

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Two weeks later...

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It had been two weeks since the events of their walk through the desert and meeting the White Knight merchant known as Samuel and their subsequent arrival into a bustling city of merchants and adventurers alike who all were milling about going about their daily routines and plying their trades.

At a tavern Ranma and Nabiki sat at a corner table, a blue bottle sat on the table as well as two cups for drinking, and a bowel of peanuts, as well as a second one to collect the shells.

"Nab's I am bored we can't just hang out in this tavern... Lets go on an adventure or somethin'?" Ranma queried, as she flicked a shell off the table and onto the floor where it bounced several times coming a stop getting crushed by a patron who was walking towards the exit.

Nabiki let a sigh escape her lips knowing her companion wasn't the type to sit idle for long when boredom set in, but there was too many unknowns to just randomly go adventuring into the world.

"Be patient Ranma-baby. Don't you think we should learn more about this world before we start adventuring within it?" she inquired.

Ranma looked to her brown-haired companion, tilting her head slightly to the left, "Whats there to know its a video game so we just go find monsters and or players and fight them?" she offered.

"Just simple as that eh? No Ranma-baby before we go adventuring I think we should experiment while we are in town. For that we should find a clothing merchant. So lets finish our drink and then head out." Nabiki stated, giving her surroundings a cursory glance observing an adventurer looking individual she assumed was a player who gave her a kissing expression which caused her to quickly divert her expression.

'What a creep...' she inwardly trailed in thought.

Eventually the girls left the tavern heading in search of a clothing merchant which eventually they did find one though the vendor only said the words: "I have quite the assortment of clothing please browse my wares."

Nabiki found a red-n-black dress with an open back just above the waist along with a pair of four inch black heels purchasing them, with that done she and Ranma then left that store heading in the direction of a book and parchment store buying a few things they would need for the experiment she had planned.

"So Nab's what is all that stuff for if you don't mind me askin'?" Ranma queried wearily as she had an idea the dress wasn't meant for her brown-haired companion.

Nabiki gave her companion a sly grin, "I am glad you asked Ranma-baby here put these on please, and don't fuss it will only cause a scene." she firmly stated giving the girl a sharp look as she held out the dress and shoes for her to take to take.

Grimacing Ranma slowly took the proffered items in hand, proceeding to change into them which just instantly appeared on her body.

"Okay I am wearing them... now what?" she drawled.

Nodding her head Nabiki gestured for her companion to follow her to which both girls then traveled into the heart of the bustling market place.

Eventually she found a good spot gesturing to the ground, "Okay Ranma-baby stand here, and take these and pretend to be writing something." she said offering out a book of parchment paper, and a quill pen to which the red-head took the proffered items in hand doing just that a curious expression to her features.

Nabiki then walked over five feet, retrieving yet another book from her inventory dropping it on the ground she then returned to the red-head going on to explain, "Okay so stand here and look as if you are searching for something while waiting for an adventurer to come along if I am right they can interact with you like they would any NPC in which case I want you to tell them you dropped one of your books somewhere over there and ask them to fetch it for you."

"So you want me to play quest giver is that it?" Ranma queried already sure of the answer.

Nabiki gave a broad smile, "That is it exactly, I am going off what Kajime had told us so I want to verify whether we are considered players or N.P.C.'s as odd as that may sound." she answered.

"I can do that, okay lets begin this test of yours." Ranma stated proceeding to put her best acting skills to work proceeding to pretend to write, whilst every so often looking around with a falsetto concerned expression to her features.

Nabiki walked away taking up position across the street so she could observe the results of the experiment she had concocted and her companion who was serving as the lab rat so to speak.

Time seemed to march on as the market was receiving more and more foot traffic as time wore on, eventually though a rugged looking adventurer casually strolled up to the red-head giving a slight wave he then called to her in a gruff graveling voice.

"Whats wrong there Missy?"

Ranma looked to the gentleman, whilst continuing to act concerned and looking around. "I-I" she stammers before continuing, "it would seem I have dropped one of my books... I believe it was somewhere over there could you find it for me?" she queried whilst gesturing in the direction of the book in question with her right hand that held the quill feather pen.

Just then a message box appeared in the air that was transparent reading: Retrieval Quest accepted. The rugged adventurer then walked over retrieving the book bringing it back to the the red-head holding the book out for her to take.

Ranma took the book yet again another message box appeared reading: Retrieval Quest complete. She reached into her inventory retrieving a single gold coin.

"Thank you good sir this is all I have to pay you for retrieving my most valuable treasure." she said holding the coin out dropping it into the adventurers waiting hand.

As the rugged adventure started to walk away he tossed the coin into the air catching it muttering to himself harshly, "What a lame quest."

Nabiki observing the entire thing realizing the implications of the interaction.

Ranma quit her act walking over to where her companion was stationed as she changed her clothes back to the cloak she was wearing earlier eventually coming to a stop a foot away, "Okay so we can grant quests like a non player character quest giver Nab's." she observed.

"Yes so it would seem Ranma-baby. Well test concluded I suppose Okay let me try something else." Nabiki said as she seemed to concentrate on something proceeding to poke at something with her right index finger to which a translucent console screen appeared.

Ranma looked to the screen with a wide-eyed expression, "Holy wow you managed to open the game menu how did you do that?" she queried.

"I kinda read the in-game Manuel during the time we were logged in, it took some concentration but I remembered how to open it." Nabiki explained, as she perused the console which displayed her character sheet which was devoid of all items but a level fifty cloak of stealth which had no real major stats of interest which was located as a backing for her character.

Ranma gained a hopeful expression going on to say, "Well don't waste time Nab's contact a Game Master maybe they can help us out of this world!"

"I wish I could but it is grayed out." Nabiki commented dashing the red-head's hopes as her eyes looked to the console command that was supposed to allow a player to contact a game master which was grayed out and unable to be pressed.

Ranma slumped her shoulders a wistful sigh escaping her lips, "I see that would figure, just as well considering we been apparently in the virtual world for a hundred and thirty years everything and everyone we had ever known is gone by now." she glumly stated.

Placing her hand upon the redhead's shoulder in an effort to comfort her, "Well at least we were not loaded into the world for all that time." Nabiki offered though even she knew it was cold comfort, knowing even if they did ever find a way out of the world where would they go? What would they do in a world that would by this point seem alien to them.

She continued looking over the console observing a cash shop option, she proceeded in pressing it observing a great many cash shop items available but there was a zero yen price tag on the items in question which piqued her curiosity.

"Look at this Ranma-baby all this stuff is free," she noted, to which the red-head looked at the items in question with intrigue.

Ranma then with some concentration managed to open her own console menu bringing up the cash shop items list, "No kidding it really is free, but why this is obviously supposed to use real-world currency?" she questioned.

"Perhaps it is free to game masters and nonplayer characters?" Nabiki offered, as she browsed the various options within the armor and apparel section.

Shaking her head Ranma considered the potential possibilities, "I dunno Nab's from what have seen N.P.C.'s typically have patrol points and set scripts they act on, they are not true artificial intelligence so why would they be allowed to access a cash shop they would have no use for?" she questioned.

"I-yea I guess you have a point... So why are we allowed to access it and get free items?" Nabiki questioned, as she thought on her own question a moment as a light bulb seemed to turn on inside her mind.

Then both girls seeming to have come to a conclusion exclaiming in unison, "Since we are regarded as N.P.C.'s we have some system access."

"But what good it will do if all we can do is access the cash shop and give ourselves items that is only useful for our in-game needs and not a way to contact a game master," Ranma muttered, as she closed her console menu her thoughts a storm of emotions as she thought longingly of being in the real world and her ability to transform via hot water back to her birth form.

Nodding her head in agreement Nabiki pondered as she closed her menu not bothering to partake of the cash shop per the moment as there would be plenty of time for that later she figured.

XXXX

XXXX

Elsewhere back in what was left of the howling forest two individual's stood outside the Cathedral that stood ominously in all its glory, one of these two individual's was Samuel white, as well as one other, was a tall and lanky individual with a full head of silver hair, green eyes wearing dark purple robe.

"So old friend why did you teleport me here without asking?" Samuel inquired, as he was looking around at the land that had been changed so drastically eventually eyeing the Cathedral.

The silver-haired individual shrugged his shoulders at his friend, "I know you retired from the Developer team but I thought maybe you could help me with this mess." he stated gesturing to the Cathedral.

"Mess what mess Kenji?" Samuel questioned looking to the silver-haired man a perplexed expression to his features.

The man referred to as Kenji gestured to the Cathedral, "You have seen this structure before yes?" he queried.

"Well yes, it was in the core code of the engine the game was built on I even brought it to the game developers' attention and they told me they would look into it and remove it so I moved on to other things," Samuel explained as best he could remember it, though it was obvious it never was removed especially since the Cathedral standing before him was evidence enough of that.

Kenji chuckled at his friend shaking his head negatively, "Well its obvious you were ignored cause here it stands and now implemented into the game. Did you know what was contained within it?" he inquired.

"No not at all I tried to get into its code but it was locked behind a series of encrypted passwords that went way passed my means which is why I went to the developers of this game since some of them had better skills at programming than I did," Samuel explained coolly.

He then thought back to recent news media, "Does this have something to do with the recent hack attack?" he inquired.

"Yes the Cathedral spawned into the game during the hack attack that happened, and unfortunately a group of adventurers one of which is a good friend of mine happened upon the Cathedral and broke in only to find themselves face to face with two N.P.C.'s that killed their entire party with exception of their healer who managed to teleport away which is a good thing she did or her character would have been perma-deathed." Kenji explained to his old comrade.

Samuel looked to his friend with raised eyebrows, "There is no perma-death in the game how is that possible?" he inquired.

"Well we think and hope it was a one time glitch, I fixed that party's characters and the higher-ups want this event hushed. Also to put a stop to these two troublesome N.P.C.'s before they strike again." Kenji relayed.

Samuel looking to his friend with a knowing look, "So let me guess you want to draft me into investigating and finding these two N.P.C.'s and putting them back in the box?" he questioned.

"Well yea we would like to draft you back into game service with full pay benefits just to get this done, the problem is even if we wanted to put them back in the box we do not know how second if we want to stop them we have to find them but that is a problem in itself," Kenji responded with a nod of his head.

Samuel looked to his friend with a curious brow raised, "Problem in itself what do you mean by that?" he queried.

"Most N.P.C.'s as you well know have an identification code that can be used to teleport and or spawn them. Unfortunately, these two have no such code which makes them elusive and very hard to track unless we physically see them out in the world." Kenji explained.

Samuel let a sigh escape his lips, "Okay so if I am to accept and take on the job I need to know who I am looking for I assume you have a time stamped video to show me which depicts the two N.P.C.'s in question?" he queried.

Kenji nodded his head proceeding to stand closer to Samuel opening up a console displaying a video with timestamps showing the entire cathedral incident up until revealing the red-haired Angel casting a massive spell of destruction decimating the entire forest reducing it to ash and cinders.

"Wow that red-head she cast a world-altering ability," Samuel stated with an intrigued expression.

Shaking his head negatively, going on to say, "Its a hidden trump card ability equivalent of what can be cast by a world enemy."

Having listened to his friend Samuel, he proceeded to tap on the console rewinding it and connecting with the view of the healer who had gotten a good look at the two N.P.C.'s in question recognizing them instantly as the two girls he had given a ride too.

"Its funny I've not only seen these two but I met them coarse they were hiding their true forms with illusion magic though their faces are much the same. To be honest I thought they were actual players considering that one of them held a full conversation with me." Samuel explained, to which his silver-haired friend gained a surprised expression.

Kenji in surprise at his friend revelation then spoke up, "You actually met them and had a full-on conversation with them?" he inquired.

"Well yea if they are N.P.C.'s as you say they have an advanced artificial intelligence I thought I was talking to another player... and to think these two were hidden in that old Cathedral... who made them I would really like to meet this person." Samuel stated generally intrigued by this.

Shrugging his shoulders, "To be honest we don't know. As you well know the engine was around well before the developers of Yggdrasil got a hold of it and built their game around it." Kenji explained, closing his console while at the same time sending an email to his friend with photos of the two troublesome N.P.C.'s.

He then went on to say, "Look I sent you an email with their photos find them and deal with them if you can remove them from the game great if that is impossible then move them somewhere where they won't cause too much trouble with our player base. Your developer tools will be accessible soon so once done please begin your mission."

"I see well soon as I catch up to them I'll attempt to deal with the problem. I assume you are going to fix this place and remove the Cathedral?" Samuel inquired of his silver-haired friend.

Nodding his head, "Yes I am going to restore this place to its former glory, as for the Cathedral I already tried to delete it and even tried to de-spawn it to no avail so I will be moving it to a remote location since that is my only option available per the moment." Kenji coolly explained.

XXXX

XXXX

An Invitation...

At a tavern that was filled with patrons of all walks of life, a large table made of oak stood with a banquet of various foods sat atop it, smaller table with various groups of adventurers sitting around them were here and there chatting away with one another.

At the bar, a beautiful human woman with long blonde hair, her eyes green wearing a long green dress served as a hostess held a tray in her hands, and a graying older man behind the bar sat mugs of ale on the platter she held.

The focal point of the tavern was a fireplace, before it on the floor was a black bearskin rug, four chairs and a log that served as a bench sat just in front of the fireplace.

Sitting upon the rug was Nabiki who faced the fire seeming to stare into it with a faraway look since she was lost in thoughts of times gone by, sitting just behind leaning against her with her eyes closed was Ranma who appeared to be asleep despite the noise of the chatting patrons along with the soft melody played by a bard somewhere within the tavern.

Both still wearing the cloaks they had looted from the twins with the hood down as well as having their illusion magic in place to give them a human appearance.

Time wore on unbeknownst to the mercenary girl who was still staring into the fire group of five adventurers were spying her and her sleeping companion from a table off on the far right corner of the tavern.

Eventually one of them stood up from the table being a raven-haired human girl in her teenage years with dark blue eyes, she wore a gray tunic, with black leather pants, with black boots, a black cape with the hood down worn about her shoulders.

She crossed the distance until she was standing about a foot from the mercenary girl studying her for a few minutes before finally speaking up.

"Excuse me miss?" she softly called in an attempt to elicit a response, however, the brown-haired girl continued staring at the fire.

The raven-haired girl shifted from one foot to the other, leaning down she tapped the mercenary girl on the shoulder speaking up once more, "Excuse me miss we were wondering if you and your companion would like to join us for an adventure?"

Nabiki having felt the tapping snapped from her thoughts, though she barely registered what the woman had asked of her, "Huh, U'm what did you just ask?"

"My comrades and I were wondering if you and your companion would be interested in joining our team for an adventure we really could use two more members if you are interested?" she offered.

Nabiki seemed to internally contemplate whether or not to take the woman up on her offer, a few more moments she hesitantly spoke up, "Sure I suppose we got nothing better to do."

The raven-haired woman gained an excited expression as she clasped her hands together briefly before raising her right hand giving her group a thumbs up letting them know she was successful in the endeavor.

A few moments later both Ranma and Nabiki sat at the table the adventuring group they had joined all sharing pleasantries.

The raven-haired girl was the first to introduce herself, "I am Cat I am very skilled with a bow." which caused the red-head to gain a very brief look of fear just at hearing the word.

The second to introduce himself was a man who looked to be in his early thirties with spiky blonde hair, he wore the typical leathers expected of a rogue or assassin, he gave both girls a toothy grin.

"Names AJ ain't a lock I can't pick, nor a heart for that matter," he called confidently which elicited a few eye rolls from his companions.

A third member spoke up being a woman that looked to be in her twenties with dark emerald eyes with long raven black hair tied back in a pony-tail, she wore black plate armor if you could call it that since it looked like bikini armor, her skin pale with goth black makeup, she gave them a warm smile.

"My name is Brianna I specialize in a two-handed style of fighting and or if need be tanking."

The last individual looked like a young girl with a loli-goth flare about her, her long white hair done up in long twin pigtails, a black Victorian-era hat with a long snow-white feather on the right side.

Her dress was also Victorian in era being black, with a red sash around her waist, with a large red bow that rested at the small of her back, red stockings, with frilled boots.

"Names Elfyra I specialize in fire magic, but I am also the party medic," she called in a soft voice that was barely heard over the crowd,

"Quite the introductions." Ranma offhandedly commented briefly skimming over the crew she was soon to be working with it would seem.

"So tell us about yourselves ladies." the man referred to as Aj called, as he looked to them expectantly.

"I guess I will start I suppose." Nabiki said pausing momentary deciding to opt with a half-truth going on to say to the group, "I am Nabiki I am just a humble mercenary girl who likes to make a few extra coins when possible, as for what I specialize in that I prefer to keep a trade secret though to be honest I am very new to the game." she finished.

Internally shaking her head Ranma closed her eyes, whilst she heard Brianna speak up, "A woman of hidden talent who is also new to the game I like that, but I am sure we will soon know what you specialize in during our soon to be an adventure."

"What of you my fiery haired friend?" she coaxed.

Opening her eyes Ranma considered a moment opting for her own truth, "My name is Ranma I am also new to the game and in the real world I am a martial artist so I wanted to be able to be similar- she found herself interrupted by Cat, "Oh a brawler nice hand to hand combat is always nice to have."

"Yes, it is." Ranma agreed, before continuing, "I am capable of wielding a wide variety of weapons as well I can serve as a healer for both area effect and single target if need be." she finished.

Nabiki then spoke up inquisitively, "So when does this adventure we will be going on start?"

"We will be wanting to get started tomorrow at six o'clock in the evening server time meet us back at this table at that time please, we will discuss the details further then," Brianna called with a bright smile to her lips.

Ranma nodded her head standing up from the table, "Sounds good see you all then, C'mon Nab's I am tired let us go up to our room."

With that both the brown-haired girl, and the red-head left the table heading up the stairs to the room they had rented for the night.

Elfyra watched them go until they vanished atop the stairs frowning ever so slightly, the rest of the group looking to her expectantly.

"Well what about it did you get a look at their stats armor or anything?" Aj questioned, picking up the mug of ale sitting on the table before him down it.

Shaking her head negatively Elfyra spoke up, "No to be honest I couldn't see anything because those cloaks they are wearing are typically worn by assassins to mask their items, levels even skill sets. Also they had a monstrous aura of illusion magic about them that I couldn't see through which I don't get I should be able to see through most illusion spells just by a glance almost like NPC level, but that isn't possible with player characters which means they may be at a higher level than myself."

"I see so due to those cloaks they may actually be higher level than you which means they may not be new at all, but myself and Briana and Cat are level one-hundred so shouldn't be a problem there is only two of them after all." Aj simply stated, placing his now empty mug down on the table.

Cat then chose to speak up, "I say see how the adventure goes... I mean this may be a good opportunity to add them to our group permanently which would mean we would take on larger more skilled groups." she offered.

"I rather just kill them at the end of the adventure, after all, it would mean more loot for us. Not to mention a couple more notches on our belts." Brianna added, a sinister grin to her lips.

Aj nodded his head a smirk to his lips, looking to the stairs the duel had went up, "A martial-artist in real life I can't say I have ever met one before, but its a game so guess it doesn't matter all that much, do you think the red-head would want to hook up with me outside of the game?" he questioned which Brianna rolled her eyes at him.

"I seriously doubt she would I mean no self-respecting girl would hook up with someone she just met on a video game, that and judging by her accent she isn't even in the same country as us." Elfyra dully said, which caused her spiky-haired companion to sigh.

Aj spoke up, "Oh what country do you think she is from?" he inquired.

Elfyra spoke with confidence, "She is most likely in Japan, and most likely is a boy you never know."

"If so then that would put a dampener on things I suppose, but then maybe you are a boy Elfyra?" Aj dully questioned jokingly, turning his attention to the table before him.

Shaking her head giving her companion a scowl, "Right... you know better than that big brother!" she exclaimed.

Cat listening to her friends banter, her thoughts on their potential victims, though it wasn't the first time they invited a couple of unsuspecting players to adventure with then rob and murder them, though something about these two had her stomach doing flips especially since Elfyra their key information gatherer couldn't gather any useful information about the duo.

She debated whether to voice her concern to her cohorts, but she kept tight-lipped knowing full well they would accuse her of chickening out.

XXXXXXXXX

Desert Pursuit

XXXXXXXXX

The following day both girls met the adventuring group who briefly decided to ensure they had the supplies needed for their trip, after several stops they eventually had left the town by horseback, Nabiki riding with Elfyra on her Horse, and Ranma rode with Cat upon her Horse.

Ranma kept her silence as did Nabiki, as both were listening to the hoof, falls off the Horses her party rode upon, while also listening to the casual conversation that went on within the party who were talking about a quite a few things even of player versus player combat their likes and dislikes.

They especially paid attention to anything involving the game for which they were residing in finding it seemed to have a rich history thus far, even some big named guilds that were considered the elite guilds, and even some of the mid-ranged guilds of note.

~So guess this game has big ties with Norse religion, and this being one of the nine worlds which is basically Earth which as you well know is primarily human-populated and dominated.~ Ranma relayed telepathically to her counterpart.

Nabiki glanced over the desert landscape, replied also telepathically, ~Yes in Norse Mythology Earth is known as Midgard. On another note I really think after this adventure runs its course Ranma-baby we should find a much more favorable environment.~

~Agreed Nab's I am not liking this environment at all its too hot.~ Ranma whined though she observed movement in her peripheral vision, glancing in the direction of the movement she noted several figures on horseback seeming to ride parallel to her group.

"Ca-C-att U'm I think we have company to our right," she stated through chattering teeth since the word seemed to cause fear to well up in her.

Cat didn't turn her attention from the direction she was riding, calling over her shoulder in a low voice just loud enough for the red-head to hear, "Yes we know they been following us for days now, I hope you are ready for a fight cause things may get dicey soon."

"I can handle my own, so who are they?" Ranma inquired, her curiosity peaked.

AJ overhearing the two's conversation, "Probably bandits they like to hunt down small adventuring parties like us though don't you worry we will be fine just follow our lead and you should be fine darling."

'Call me darling again and you won't be fine.' Ranma internally thought, gritting her teeth due in part she wasn't quite interested in any advances from men.

"Do you have a weapon Nabiki-san?" Elfyra inquired, realizing her group may soon be in combat with the adjacent riders who had been shadowing them for days in advance.

Nabiki thought of her naginata, however, remembered what White said about keeping items like that hidden deciding on a lie, "No my last weapon ended up broken and I haven't replaced it as of yet."

"You mean we went through all those shops and you didn't even buy a weapon?" Elfyra questioned in dismay, however, she let a sigh escape her lips, "I'll loan you a two-handed sword I found when the fighting starts you can use one yes?" she inquired.

Nabiki nodded her head, going on to say, "Yes I am proficient in two-handed fighting though I am a novice such a weapon would suffice."

"What about you Ranma do you need a weapon as well?" Elfyra called to the red-head.

Ranma shook her head negatively, "I don't need a weapon I can use my bare hands if need be." she relayed confidently.

"Okay suit yourself. Here they come!" Elfyra exclaimed, observing the riders were now riding hard diagonal in their direction leaving a trail of dusty sand in their wake.

Sparing a glance to the incoming riders Ranma observed each of them were wearing black hooded capes that hid their faces in shadow, each wielding what appeared to be long swords that glinted in the light of the sun, she could even make out they were wearing armor of some type as well.

Also she could hear shouting something she couldn't quite make out due to the thunder of their horses though she was quite sure it was aimed at her group.

"We can't keep riding our horses this hard Aj we will need to face them." Brianna called, proceeding to leap off her Horse expertly landing on her feet to face the incoming enemy, her Horse instinctively slowed eventually stopping in its tracks.

She retrieved a two-handed sword similar to a katana that crackled with dark energy that looked like a black-n-white lightning along the blade which was quite long, taking a fighting stance her right eye glowing fluorescent white.

Aj came to a stop, leaping off his horse retrieving two daggers from his cloak as he seemed to vanish from view as if going invisible.

Elfyra, stopped leaping off her horse, retrieving a two-handed broadsword handing it off to Nabiki who had also climbed off the Horse.

Cat came to a stop leaping off her Horse, retrieving her bow knocking four arrows at once, that had started to glow fiery red.

"Don't fire yet let them get closer," Brianna called to her companion.

Ranma climbed down from the Horse, observing as Elfyra was busy casting spells upon her party to bolster their combat abilities, her gaze looking to the incoming riders who hadn't at all slowed their pace and would soon be upon them.

She internally counted the riders observing they numbered at least twenty which was quite a bit of riders for such a small group, shaking her head negatively going on to think, 'They must really have pissed someone off.'

She then noted her companions observing they were moving with purpose and calm as if they had done this time and time again as if the calm before the storm and Brianna seemed to be the leader of the group, though had thought Aj was the lead, but now she was sure he was but a typical member of any party.

~Stay close Nab's I'll protect you the best I can.~ she telepathically relayed.

Nabiki didn't have to be told twice, proceeding to stand closer to her red-haired companion who she knew could hold her own in a fight even when the odds were stacked heavily against her.

Ranma grimaced, observing more movement off in another direction another set of riders heading in their direction, "Hey guys we got more company comin'" she pointedly said pointing in the direction of the incoming party.

Brianna bit her lip, turning her attention to where the red-head was pointing. "Elfyra can you conjure a lightning storm to cover our flank?"

"I haven't gained that kind of control magic yet sorry, but I'll do my best to cover the flank. Ranma will you assist me?" Elfyra inquired of the red-head.

Ranma nodded her head going on to offer, "Yes I'll assist you just tell me what you want me to do?"

"Just keep them off me as I cast my spells if we are lucky they will fall quickly, though if I had control magic lightning storm would make life easier," Elfyra noted, proceeding to cast a spell which sent a barrage of meteors in the direction of the riders who seemed to barely avoid the spells blast radius.

'I... hope I didn't send her off to her death... if she is truly new I guess it can't be helped.' she internally thought with regret since she hoped to be the one to kill the red-head at the end of their journey.

Nabiki looked to her red-haired companion with concern, taking up a position just behind and to the right of Elfyra, 'I hope he holds back some.'

Eventually the riders who initially had charged towards their group were upon them, though before five of them were able to get off their horses they were cut down in quick succession by Aj who moved with the skill and grace of a seasoned assassin.

The rest of the riders dismounted, charging Brianna who proceeded to engage them with her two-handed style with two cleaving slashes she had managed to take down five of the riders which left ten more who were quickly fired upon by Cat who incinerated them with a wide cone burst of fire.

"Too easy!" Aj called with excitement, looking over to Elfyra's flank noting the red-head was weaving in and out of the riders seeming to take one down after another with precision as they all were doing their best to get a hit in.

Aj started forward just as he observed Elfyra launch yet another barrage of Meteors further back behind the group Ranma was engaged with that is when he observed there was yet another group of riders heading their way.

"Damn it is this an entire guild assault?" he inquired, hearing the thunder of hooves, he looked back in the direction of the first group seeing several more waves heading their way, Cat unleashing a torrent of arrows of varying contents between flame and lightning abilities at her disposal.

Brianna pondered on this, "I suppose so, But we are the Bitter Roses should we fall let their victory taste of bitter ash!"

"You talk as if we already lost. Well, I tell you we won't fall this day!" Aj called excitedly, relishing in kills yet to come.

Ranma continued fighting though while she was using precision strikes, she did hold back as to make sure she didn't one-shot her opponents, while internally pondering on the current situation.

'A whole guild of incompetent fools, they must truly hate these people to give them this kind of attention' she inwardly observed.

Nabiki held the sword in her hand firmly, though she didn't move from her spot opting to trust in the fact Ranma had the situation under control for the time being since not a single attacker had gotten through to either her or Elfyra who was casting spells like they were going out of style as if she had a large mana supply.

Moment later though she felt something hot in her side, turning to look she observed one of the riders had managed to get through and had plunged a sword into her right ribs, she bit her lip stifling a scream proceeding to swing her sword wildly as her attacker pulled his sword out of her while dodging the clumsy attack.

The man then proceeded to attempt to strike Elfyra, who had already taken notice and lunged forward into a roll narrowly avoiding being slashed, proceeding to turn the bottom of her staff slightly yanking it off revealing it to also double as a sword she used to fend off the man managing to cut his throat with one well-practiced swipe.

"Are you okay Nabiki do you need healing?" she called, to which the mercenary girl placed a hand upon her side shaking her head negatively, "No it was just a graze." she lied though she could feel the wound that was quite deep mending itself due to her passive regeneration.

'Odd that looked far worse than a graze, but maybe I saw it wrong there is no blood.' Elfyra internally noted to herself, "I see well be more observant or next time that could be you on the ground." she admonished.

"Understood," Nabiki stated, still holding her side in an effort to conceal the wound while it mended the pain was but a dull ache until eventually, she felt nothing.

Ranma continued her battle with the various enemies just as three more groups appeared on a nearby hill overlooking the desert plain seeming to assess the situation not making any effort to come forward instead they stayed stationary.

Elfyra watched with intrigue at how well the red-head appeared to handle herself against multiple enemies only seeming to take minor glancing blows from the few that managed to get through, she then chanced a look observing Cat, her big brother Aj, and Brianna were in combat with the approaching riders at the front nearly decimating the entire lot.

'Damn we are good.' she thought to herself confidently turning her gaze forward observing Ranma take down the last of her attackers, just then the sound of a trumpet was heard and the groups on the hill faded from view meaning the assault was over.

"So who were these people friends of yours?" Ranma inquired, as she stepped over the bodies of the bandits she had dealt with her sapphire gaze directed at Elfyra.

Shrugging her shoulders saying, "Can't say I know any of them in particular."

"In these parts, there are bandit guilds that like to rob and murder adventuring parties such as us, but they were no match for us or you since you took out all those guys by yourself," Cat called, as she crossed the distance eyeing the various individual's on the ground.

Ranma instinctively scratched the back of her neck, "Oh it was nothing really beginners luck." she offered.

"Or you are truly gifted to have not sustained any injury at all." Brianna commented, as she looked over the carnage, 'These weren't simple bandits but skilled assassins sent for us.' she inwardly noted.

"Loot quickly we will wish to move fast they will return," she ordered, to which the members of her group went about looting coins, and potential spoils that could easily be carried.

While she got up on her horse not bothering to loot, instead she kept an eye on the supposed novice who had defeated several assassins with her bare hands.

Elfyra looked to the brown-haired mercenary girl observing the spot where a wound should have been there was nothing but unblemished skin which meant that like the girl had said she had only taken a grazing blow or so it would seem.

Eventually, the group was once again riding in the direction of the dungeon they had planned to dive, Aj sparing a glance behind before turning to his group leader, "What's wrong Brianna?" he inquired.

"Its nothing probably my imagination," Brianna whispered back to her partner.

Aj pondered a moment, "What is your imagination?" he whispered back.

"I may be wrong, but I think our new companions are not new in fact they may be bounty hunters that were lying in wait for us and we took the bait," Brianna whispered back, sparing a glance to the red-head who was leaning against Cat's back seemed to be role-playing sleeping again.

'I swear she must be one of those player types I can't stand them.' she inwardly complained.

Aj considered the possibility, "Well even if we did take the bait that just means we get two bounty hunter kills under our belt. This is one assignment they will wish they didn't sign up for." he whispered back with confidence.

XXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXX

Eventually, the group arrived at the entrance of what appeared to be an ancient doorway shrouded in shadow, an iron door barred their path covered in countless spiderwebs, the scurrying of spiders in torchlight could be seen as Aj had lit one up so as to get a better idea if the door had a lock that needed to be picked.

In fact he noted six locks, as well as an elaborate trap which he skillfully went about disarming said trap he had noticed, all while Cat and Elfyra stood watch at the rear, Ranma and Nabiki watched him work, Brianna standing just behind them.

"Be mindful of falling stones." Ranma murmured, which elicited Brianna to tilt her head having overheard what she had said.

Nabiki as she watched on seeming to grip the hilt of the sword she was holding her knuckles turning white as her thoughts were of the Cathedral and the gory scene she had been greeted with before she realized they were trapped within the game.

Moments later some clicks were heard along with the creaking of rusty hinges that were in a bad need of oiling after their long years of silent vigil as Aj pushed the door open slowly and cautiously on the off chance there might be a trap that could get sprung from the inside.

"Are we good to enter?" Brianna called, looking to her cohort who gave a thumbs up before heading inside, she then called over her shoulder, "Elfyra, Cat we are in let us get inside."

Upon entry, the group was met with complete darkness especially since the door was partially closed behind them by Cat since the sound would alert them should they have been followed. Ranma found she had no trouble seeing.

~Hey Nab's can you see as well there is no torch and its damn near daylight in here?' Ranma inquired telepathically.

Nabiki gave a nod of her head, then telepathically replied, ~Yes it would appear we both have passive night vision which could be very useful in some situations.~

A moment later both found themselves briefly blinded by a flash of light, then when their vision cleared they observed Elfyra had cast an orb of light that lit up everything within a twenty-foot radius.

"Well looks like this corridor travels further on ahead we should continue forward. Be mindful of where you step in here Aj you are on point, Elfyra up here with me Ranma-Nabiki lag behind us and follow in our footsteps. Cat you have the rear."

The group continued further navigating the long winding corridors meeting the occasional skeleton or goblin that roamed them dispatching them with very little effort, "Wow if I didn't know any better I would say you all been here before." Ranma commented as she followed along, Nabiki right beside her.

"Ah yes we like to initiate potential new members to our group with this dungeon, You both are seeming capable of following orders thus far," Aj called over his shoulder.

Nabiki spoke up with a question, "Oh so you may consider keeping us permanently at your party at the end of the dungeon?"

"Yes if you make it to the end depending on how you do on the boss we may consider allowing you to further run with us if you die and need a resurrection you are out, but you get loot regardless if you succeed or fail so do your best," Elfyra called over her shoulder.

Ranma continued her forward motion pointing down with her left index finger, Nabiki observing this motion sidestepped a floor trap, "Well then we will do our best to prove ourselves worthy won't we Nab's." she called with seeming enthusiasm.

"Absolutely adventuring with just the two of us would be quite boring." Nabiki offered with just as much seeming enthusiasm.

Cat gained a smile to her lips, "So what do you both think of player versus player combat?" she inquired.

Nabiki thought on this a moment, "I really don't know haven't gotten to try it myself as of yet. Ranma-baby what about you?" she inquired with a partial lie.

"I really enjoy player versus environment myself, but if I must defend myself against another player I will do as I must." Ranma relayed, whilst observing up ahead looked to be a large room with a large Ogre that looked rather hideous, wielding what appeared to be a gnarled club with spikes throughout it.

She then asked, "is that the boss of this dungeon?"

"Yes, this is the boss of the dungeon its a relative short mid-ranged dungeon which should be a good place to test a rookie player such as yourself." Brianna called over her shoulder, 'Or claim to be...' she trailed in thought.

Eventually, the group entered the boss room which was fairly large which would provide the group with plenty of options should they have to avoid boss mechanics which were a staple of many an M.M.O which typically playing said mechanics properly would mean the difference between success or failure.

The haze of fog was close to the floor, several rows of torches lit up the wall, the Ogre let out a bellow of a roar that seemed to shake the chamber as he smashed his club on the ground twice as if to taunt the player party forward.

"Okay, so for this boss avoid his... Hey, get back here you fool!" Brianna called, as she watched the red-head run forward towards the boss.

Nabiki rolled her eyes as she watched her red-haired companion rush in without a word, the Ogre bringing his mace in for a swing which Ranma easily avoided, proceeding to toy with the boss dancing around his wild club swings.

"Don't help her it will be a good lesson to learn," Brianna called to the rest of the group.

Elfyra shook her head negatively, a smirk to her lips, Cat watched on with anticipation as she had seen many a player do much the same only to be pounded into a paste.

The group watched on as Ranma seemed to avoid the boss's strikes, then in an instant, the boss brought his club down once more seeming to make contact to which the red-head went flying hitting a nearby wall cracking it, she then slid to the ground with a groan.

"Lesson learned, alright everyone move in and let us help her," Brianna called, with that the rest of the group moved in engaging the boss, Elfyra casting cure light wounds on Ranma to which she got up and rejoined the fray.

Cat proceeded to take aim with her bow, three arrows knocked one with fire, a second with ice, the third shrouded in shadow to which were loosed flying with precision into the boss causing him to howl in agony, his health point slowly being depleted by damage over time effects.

This combined with the rest of the group getting their licks in eventually succeeding in defeating the boss, a giant golden chest appearing on the floor just in the middle of the room.

~Good acting I almost thought you took a real hit.~ Nabiki telepathically stated to her red-haired companion.

Ranma inwardly snickered, ~I've had lots of practice over the years. Well how do you want to do this Nab's?~ she inquired.

~Let them make the first move after all they have a ritual, but go easy we best not reveal too much.~ Nabiki relayed, as she slightly raised her right hand up towards Aj emanating a faint aura of pink with hearts that went unnoticed by the rest of the group with exception of Elfyra whose gaze had been drawn having had detect magic being used though she couldn't tell the nature of the spell.

'What did she just do?' Elfyra inwardly wondered, going on to speak, "Hey what spell was that?"

Nabiki bit her lip, sparing a glance to the owner of the voice she heard, "It was a detection spell the chest it would appear is not trapped." she quickly lied, inwardly cursing herself for forgetting the magic caster of the group.

"Wow you really are new, boss chests are never trapped," Brianna called having overheard the conversation.

Elfyra raised her left hand cupping her chin, nodding her head. "I see I never have seen that visual effect before." she relayed.

"Well, you both did rather well in this dungeon so it is only right that you get to open the chest," Aj called, gesturing towards the chest.

Ranma looked to the chest walking over, "Cool Nab's you wanna or you want me to?" she inquired.

"You go ahead Ranma-baby," Nabiki called, as she deposited the two-hander she was wielding in her inventory after she unequipped it.

Brianna crossed the distance now standing beside the chest, as Ranma did the same bending down proceeding to open the chest, to which the former brought her sword into a cleaving motion aiming for the back of the redhead's neck only to find her sword stopped short by the red-head who without looking reached up with her right hand stopping it gripping it tight causing cracks to spiderweb throughout its center.

Brianna grit her teeth as she attempted to force the blade down, she then observed a black liquid dripping from the cut in redhead's palm meaning her attack did damage, but what she would expect to be crimson was not.

"What are you?" she questioned through gritted teeth.

Elfyra watched on, along with Cat both observing the scene with shocked expressions, meanwhile, Aj crossed the distance until he was behind his sister bringing his daggers to bear he quickly stabbed them into his sister from behind causing her to howl in pain.

"Brother..? Elfyra questioned, turning to look over her shoulder before falling hitting the floor.

Aj spoke his expression one of shock and bewilderment, "I don't know I have no control over my body." he then let out a cry as he felt something stabbed into his left side ribs, then another as whatever had stabbed him had slid through.

He with horror looked to his right ribs observing an ornate blade that had an aura of darkness, turning his head mechanically he found the owner of the weapon was Nabiki who's expression was of mirth.

Cat observing what was transpiring backed away, Nabiki following her with her gaze as she started to run only to find herself slamming into an invisible barrier.

"Don't run we are just getting started." the mercenary girl called.

Ranma turned her head looking to Brianna who was struggling to pull her sword out of her iron grip only to find it snap under the pressure, "What I am doesn't truly matter, does it? More to the point is how many of your fellow players have fallen for this twisted game you pull. Oh, you were right we are bounty hunters of a sort we were paid to do a job."

She paused momentarily standing up straight, idly looking to her hand the wound slowly regenerating itself, whilst Brianna took a few steps back, turning her head hearing the ripping of flesh she observed Aj hit the floor dead, Nabiki stood there with a weapon dripping with his blood.

"How much are they paying you? We can offer you more to walk away." Brianna questioned in an offer, still wielding her now broken sword.

Ranma regarded the woman dispassionately. "You think if you bribe us that we will turn a blind eye to your treachery, why mere seconds ago you made an attempt on my life."

"They offered us a considerable reward, and while I myself may have entertained your offer, Ranma-baby, on the other hand, she would see you punished for the crimes you have committed against your former guild, and all those players unlucky enough to fall for your treachery." Nabiki relayed coolly, looking to Cat who was doing all she could to somehow leave the room.

Pondering over her situation Brianna took a few more steps back tossing her broken weapon to the ground, proceeding to retrieve a katana, "I see... Tell me this what level are you both you obviously are not new?" she inquired.

"We are both your level currently." Nabiki returned, still watching as Cat was desperately trying anything to try to escape.

'My level she says, so level one-hundred, but she shattered my sword with one hand that is far beyond normal human character means, a hacker by chance?' She inwardly wondered to herself, a wistful sigh since if it was the case she stood no chance.

She then looked up hearing something cutting through the wind as Nabiki had loosed her naginata as if a javelin striking Cat down in one blow. "You both are monsters!" she exclaimed, proceeding to charge the red-head with all she had.

Ranma smirked at the irony of her words, waiting patiently as Brianna came close dodging a precision strike, returning with a palm strike to Brianna's midsection at which she burst into a red mist that splattered across the stone floor.

"Well Nab's the hand of vengeance has been sated, let us loot the chest and their bodies and go collect our reward," Ranma called feeling satisfied, as she bent down picking up Brianna's nameplate.

Nabiki nodded her head, saying "Yes let us hurry and quit this place, Though let us hope they learned a lesson but they will respawn again be it five levels short."

"Yes five levels, but this will not be the last we both have seen of them they will want revenge naturally... I wonder Nab's if we shouldn't cast off these disguises and- Ranma started to say finding herself interrupted.

Nabiki shook her head negatively, "And what Ranma-baby? Reveal our true forms we will be hunted at every turn... We don't know if we will even respawn and to tell the truth, I am not sure I want to find out." she offered.

"I see your point Nab's, suppose we will keep this up for a while longer." Ranma dully stated though she wasn't ever one for long term deception she knew it was necessary since given the world they currently resided in wasn't friendly to their kind.

XXXX

XXXX

Later the same day on a mesa overlooking the desert Ranma, and Nabiki stood before a group of men who were the assassins from earlier, one of them being a gray-haired man with a pockmarked face, one eye pale the other dark blue, he had a gray goatee that was quite long.

In his hand, he held the nameplates of the members of Bitter Rose, a smile to his lips, "You both did well though I had my doubts considering you are only two mysterious individual's larger teams have failed to subdue these monsters, you have laid them low and for that, you have my thanks."

"It was a pleasure to serve justice for all those wronged by them," Ranma stated with a feeling of pride.

Nabiki gained a slim smile, "You are most welcome, and should you need our services in the future feel free to ask."

"Aye that we may very well if in the future should have need of your services. Right then five-thousand gold wasn't it?" the man inquired.

Nabiki nodded her head, a slim smile. "Yes, I believe that is what you offered though you were joking since you figured we couldn't do the job."

"Yes you are right I was in jest, but you did pull the job off and I am a man of my word joking or no, So take your payment you have earned it." the man said, gesturing as two members came forth with a chest placing it upon the ground.

Ranma looked to the chest, then to the man with satisfaction going on to say, "Lord Varon should you need us as Nab's said feel free to call on us again."

The man referred to as Lord Varon nodded his head, speaking, "Yes it would be an honor, Now ladies if you feel our business is concluded my men and I have other matters to attend until we meet again."

With that Lord Varon and his entourage took their leave, whilst both Ranma and Nabiki looked on before turning their attention to the chest feeling quite satisfied with having completed an objective which created a potentially lasting and beneficial partnership.