A/N: Sun Dancer, where even Kirito's considered average.

Theawesomess1: Garr used sleep, it's not very effective. Anthem uses Poke...
NetherOrbit: Kirito could 1v7 without any problem...too bad Garr ain't him.
Thunderwolf: Great to hear back from you :D FINALLY SOMEONE PICKED UP THE BUNNY GAG!

Lo, a [Dagger] offers a quick and easy means of losing one's dignity. Don't believe me? Look onto those who'd dare wield such, the edge pouring off their mere presence. Forsooth, we adore the fact thou gets [Sneak Attack Criticals] so easy, rubbing it in others faces.

The real question is why aren't thou using a [Slaughter Maul]? Dost thou even hoist, or should I call upon thy sister?

Jokes aside, try not to backstab a creature lacking a spine (Slimes, thyself), thou wilt find disappointment. Ho, but that's when thou should punch!

- Godfree, noted in December 22nd, 2022

November 11th, 2022 - 102 hours - Garr

Couldn't sleep, no matter how long I closed my eyes. From my ankles to upper back, unrelenting stings left me shivering. Kept licking my cheeks, their smooth texture unchanged, but no longer split. Crickets left after a while, isolating me to whatever forest dwelling neighbors lurked. Curling up, I kept wishing the crickets would come back, something to sound off besides a shallow stream's dripping.

Eyes darted back and forth at every new sound, only to close them again. Resting against bark, my Zweihander shined dully, a worn [Cutlass] at my side. Clutching them both tightly, they were all I had to ease my mind. While self defense was stunted, it was better to have something. Tried sleeping, only to be alerted at the crushing of leaves.

I glanced where I heard it. Stray wolf? Boar? Another vigilante? Raising Rus' [Cutlass], my gloved hands shaking. Whatever it was, it wasn't taking me without a fight, had to work for its dinner. Much to my relief, however, a familiar herbalist, tall and lithe revealed herself.

"Hey..." I groaned, lowering my weapon.

"Oh god, you look awful." she blinked, eyes wide and soft.

"Oh, I'm having a swell time." I laid back, tilting my head against the tree. "Mind helping me out?"

Haru nodded, pulling out red potions from her pockets.

"They messed you up pretty bad." she gasped, examining my meter. "Your health's red."

"You kidding?" I chuckled deliriously, "I'm as green as the damn grass."

Uncorking one of them, the herbalist passed it over.

"Let's try this again."

[HP: 10%]

Drank it down without pause, not a droplet wasted. Haru took a seat beside another tree, her neck long white hair sharply contrasting, even at night. Seconds passed, with only one result. Seeing it too, the herbalist groaned.

[HP: 10%]

"Why won't it work? I made these myself."

Haru got up, checking her bottles. Despite her calm tone, a tapping of Haru's foot said otherwise.

"That is so bizarre, you should be healing right now."

That's when it occurred to me, something else was needed. Fighting pigs, wolves, they all revealed one thing. Relief.

"Haru?" I leaned on a side. "Could you bring me a pig?"

"I've already got [Boar Meat]." she glanced, eyes bright with alarm.

"No, a live pig."

"What could they possibly do?" Haru's expression turned incredulous. "Besides eat my herbs?"

"Think attacking it will heal me." I noted, "Can you bring one?"

A raised eyebrow was her first response, but Haru eventually rose.

"Okay, but can you get up? I doubt you're swinging that in your current state."

I patted the cutlass at my side.

"Um...where'd you get that?" she blinked.

"It'd hurt me if I told you." I grimaced, "May you please?"

"Fair enough."

Haru began her walk out.

"Haru?"

Her feet held position.

"Thanks for coming back."

"Sure." she bowed her head a little.

While about to leave, she stopped a second later.

"Actually, how about I help you out of this? Finding you again would be difficult...especially with wolves out here."

Okay fine, this was a better idea.

"Yea, let's do that." I extended an arm, accepting her hand in helping me up.

Goddamn, getting up had me groaning. I let my Zweihander's pommel press down, my gloved hands gripping its blade. Every step felt like prying nails out of my thighs, Haru ensuring my mobility whenever I'd fail. Walking together, every sound had us looking.

"It all seems so loud." I muttered.

"Right?" Haru shivered. "And I like it quiet. Ugh, gonna miss reading tonight."

Further west from us, a creature unknown to us sounded off. Its cry was belch-like, ending with an echoing croon...unlike anything I've ever heard. While too far for immediate concern, it was motivating enough to quicken my ragged step.

"The hell was that?" I looked back.

"Don't know." she peeped, "Don't want to either. Quick Garr, be the jock and mano e mano it."

"Oh hell no-o." I sang weakly.

Nothing similar to this was heard repeated, only barking from wolves, too distant to be worrisome. It was so out of place from what came to be reasonably audible, left me believing it was some strange beast, formed by fantasy game devs. Thanks to Haru, I managed to reach the end of the forest.

"Kay, now just a boar." I gasped lightly, my injuries stroked by a light breeze.

"You sure? I mean you can barely walk."

"It's a theory, but I have prior evidence. Promise to back me up if I frack this up?"

Haru nodded, helping me look. Thankfully this was easy, little bastards snorting like they did. Putting away my Zweihander, my borrowed [Cutlass] raised forward, Haru inching me forward. Blue furred prick didn't even move, giving ample time to strike.

"Wait." Haru held me back, drawing something from a pouch. "Let's make sure it's wounded first."

Pulling out some berries, she dumped them near my target, who promptly gobbled them up, left [Poisoned] in a matter of seconds.

"Better." I nodded. "Now?"

"Wait."

The [Frenzy Boar's] HP dropped by almost a third.

"Get the bigger sword."

"But I can't lift it like this." I looked back.

"What if I help lift it? I can lift something too."

I simply blinked, glancing at her bony arms.

"...point taken. Come on, it's worth a try."

[HP: 48%]

My [Siege Blade] met grass, sending me lurching forward, our target's spine tapped. Had my mouth open, a cooling sensation rushing through me. My legs no longer stung, I could walk on my own. Stepping out, Haru let go to observe.

[Level Up!]
[2 - 3]

[Place your 10 stat points where you'd like!]
[Vitality: 10]
[Endurance: 7]
[Strength: 26]
[Agility: 6]
[Dexterity: 5]
[Intelligence: 6]
[Luck: 5]

[Strength] was fine as it was, [Vitality] and [Intelligence] though, they got the most attention.

"Hey...you're right." Haru noted, "How're you feeling?"

I said nothing, shivering in relief.

"Garr?"

"I can...walk again." I smiled, enjoying sweet freedom. "Thank you so much, Haru."

"Yea, yea, what're your conclusions?" she looked down.

"Apparently I heal from...injuring...others." I stopped, grimacing. "I-I didn't ask for this."

"It's okay." Haru slid hands in her pockets. "It's weird, but at least you know."

She yawned, shaking a little. Her eyelids drooped a bit, her posture bending.

"Think I'm gonna go, this whole day's been crazy."

"Wait." I held a hand up.

Haru paused, green-yellow eyes focused.

"I'm heading to the mountains, gonna hold out till rescue arrives." I looked around to ensure no eavesdropping. "Tomorrow, wanna join me? Could use the help."

"Um..." she frowned, "I don't know."

"It's away from the nutcases back in town. Even if evac's not coming, I'm pretty sure things will settle by then."

Haru still seemed unsure.

"Your name's Haru, right?" I nodded, "Look just...take your time. I'm gonna be out here, gathering some stuff before I go."

"I mean...I'm not exactly okay with going to hang somewhere with a guy, alone." she crossed arms. "Plus, those people need our help."

"How about no." I groaned.

"Why? You could probably do some good."

"Cause, I'm never gonna see any of you after we're freed. And not to be rude, but that'd be a plus...considering what's happened."

Haru sighed, brushing her hair a bit.

"I think it'd be better to wait till the others calm down." Shouldered my Zweihander. "What do you say?"

"Don't blame my people for what yours started." she concluded. "I'll consider it."

Drawing a rolled up piece of parchment, Haru opened it.

"Teleport, Town of Beginnings."

A brightly colored sphere flashed, the thin herbalist vanishing as soon as it arrived. A swishing of grass was all I could hear, alone again. Preparations had to be made, couldn't sleep yet. Plus note, I felt so much better. I looked to my Zweihander, examining. Multiple notches, Christ I was sloppy.

[Durability: 200/250]

Had to keep this maintained, or I'd be forced to use stuff I scavenged. While a [Cutlass] was sheathed to my hip, I couldn't stand to look at it. It wasn't luck keeping me alive, it was this ability, ghastly as it was. Moonborn rays poured heavily from above, pale light my guiding body in a quiet night. With a moon so close, its vastness appeared several times Earth's. Looking nearby, however, I jumped back.

I thought I saw shadows, not of people either. Upon closer examination, only waving green hairs were accounted. Game was already getting to me, was seeing things. Went looking for more [Frenzy Boar], had to recover more. Gathering [Saint's Touch] would be next. While I couldn't use it, future teammates could. Teammates, hopefully Haru would be the first. That being said, Yuri easily could.

Sun Dancer

A few hours later

A lone [Frenzy Boar] squealed its last, vanishing in a puff of glass.

[HP: 100%]
[Boar Leather Acquired!]

Been finding a couple of these, figured I'd make something off it. Grass turned bright, a morning sun rising gently over pillows of green. Stroking my cheek with its warmth, I let out a smile. Day three, still alive. Only by God's will have I lived this long, was about time I did it myself. Fully restored, I was presented with a new day...even if I had gone for two without sleep. Bright green hues saturated my eyes, our world looking friendlier as light returned. Floating islands shined above, their waterfalls shimmering like crystal curtains.

From where I stood, a mountain range rested further north, past the forest, my decided destination. It'd take hours to get there, but such facts led to my choice. A lake, glittering like an opal rested between woods and mountains. Behind me stood light grey stone walls, the Town of Beginnings standing tall.

"Ugh, getting distracted." I huffed, "[Saint's Touch], gotta grab."

I ventured west, my tired body dragging along. Marching through grass up to my belt line, I looked for anything red, shielding my eyes occasionally from sunlight. Several Boars wandered, munching on various patches of grass. One bush in particular stood out, drawing my approach. With its branches spread out in a fan shape, its break from common pattern was easy to see. Little blue berries hung off its many branches, each sized equal to a grape. Maybe they were edible, that'd be nice. Picking off a few, I stopped.

I fed them to [Frenzy Boar], let the mobs test if they're safe.

Luckily there were at least three of them nearby. Dropping two pieces of blue fruit, pigs swarmed in to consume. Munching away, I was left disappointed. The [Frenzy Boar] flashed purple, [Poisoned].

"Noted." I blinked, moving further west while pocketing the rest.

Stray clouds floated by, bloating out the sun for moments at a time. Grass darkened in its shadow, losing some of its hue. Colors dulled, warmth reduced, albeit fleeting. This game continued to amaze me, even when it was trying to kill me. Could I say it was...working as intended? Hours passed, wandering aimlessly on bare fumes. The grass flattened under my boots, clouds shifting, transitioning back and forth between light and shade. Came across my first [Saint's Touch] bush after hours of searching. I wasn't the only one looking either, a [Frenzy Boar] trotting along to have a bite. Lowering the Zweihander, I tried to swing without damaging it further.

The pig squealed in protest, the mighty weapon splitting its back with a single downward whack. Another thirty Cor, along with yet another piece of [Boar Meat]. Unfortunately, I again managed to hit rocks, my [Siege Blade] ringing in response. Ten outta ten, will stab a boulder again. Looking back to the herb, I paused.

[Select the item you wish to list]
[Make a specific hand motion, then repeat for calibration]

Placing my [Siege Blade] in [Hot Wave's] item box, I contemplated. I'd wanna summon and use it as quickly as possible, specially with it being as slow as it was. Raising my right and left hand over my shoulder, I heard a soft ping.

[Please repeat the motion]

With instructions followed, [Hot Wave] was set, my focus back to acquiring [Saint's Touch]. Resembling a rosebush, it was easy to pluck, too easy in fact. With a single tug, my delicate hands tore half of its root ball out.

[Saint's Touch (Damaged) - Class D Herb]
[Uses: Unknown]

"Nice. How about some grace next time?" I blinked, shoving it away in storage.

Spent quite a few hours gathering more, digging beneath any new samples first yielding better results. Yawning, today's sun was reaching midday height, a healthy sum of seven plants stowed away. I've had nothing for a short period of time, no way was I gonna be there again. Had me thinking though.

This [Ares] skill had benefits, wouldn't need to spend money on healing potions. With mobs and NPCs everywhere, I was a few punches away from recovery. Course, with sentient AI I would most certainly focus on mobs. Constantly found myself putting a hand in my pocket, reaching for a phone I didn't have. Might as well be in an EMP crisis, devoid of electrical commodities. Dammit, missed my music already. Maybe that's why so many were losing their minds.

I kept wandering, looking over my shoulder every few minutes whenever I wasn't yawning my mouth off. Seven plants turned to eleven, my leather gloves splotched with soil. Was Haru gonna join? I'd be fine heading alone, but not if I could help it. A new visual stopped me. A tiny blue flicker appeared resting on a nearby hill. Anxious to inspect I rushed over, its glow more evident. The heck was this even, a plant, mob, maybe a rock?

Getting within a few feet of it, my gaze lowered. It was very small, barely measuring past my boots. Flowerless, it was an incandescent plant, bearing tri-tipped blue leaves. Maybe Haru had a use for something like this, was definitely unusual. Readying to dig, however, I heard something. Turning back, my heart raced when I saw nothing. I crouched, Zweihander summoned by [Hot Wave].

Silence wasn't helping. Something wasn't right, a footstep without followup? Why couldn't I hear any [Frenzy Boar]? Slowly rising again, my gaze turned left and right, picking out nothing. Looking south, I again spotted no one. An anxiety took hold, pushing me to quickly take my find. Ripping out grass roots and rocks, I heard it again. A soft press. I swerved. A slim figure dressed entirely in an enshrouding dark blue was spotted, a bow drawn back.

"Holy shit!" I screamed, falling back instinctively.

The unknown hunter fired, an arrow punching square into my chest with a crisp snap. It knocked me down with ease, leaving me yelling as a fresh bolt bobbed.

[You have been Poisoned!]
[HP: 88%]

"Freaking cunt!" I roared, groaning as my back hit the ground, the sword clutched tightly in my hands.

Rolling on my knees, I was swiftly kicked by a hardened leather sole, sending me rolling downhill. The arrow twisted, snapping as I bounced, its head twisting in my pecs like a knife as I fell. My back hit bottom again, a burning wound and dazed vision leaving me staggered, stumbling.

[HP: 78%]

Another arrow flew, slamming into my gut without pause.

"Agh!" I yelled, nearly falling again.

A fire broke out in my stomach, breathing made painful. I couldn't even think straight, only cry as I tore it out, a knee jerk reaction I quickly regretted. Its hooks ripped away whatever it gripped, paralyzing in its wake.

[You are bleeding!]
[67%]

[Poisoned] and [Bleeding], a bronze missile rested in my hands, body almost seizing in shock. Only after another round, was I alerted. I couldn't let my body overload, Forcefully slowing my breathing, I stuck my thumb inside. Had to maintain a vacuum within myself, or my lungs would collapse.

[HP: 52%]

Growling, I rushed for a flank, Zweihander dropped for better mobility. Racing around, I refused to make a straight charge, well aware of how easy it'd be for my assailant to nail me if I tried. Sadly, my speed was heavily stunted, the pain of a stomach wound forcing me to ground again.

Face first in grass, I cried as I writhed. There was no way I'm dying to some goddamn skinny bastard sneaking up on me. I opened my menu, drawing [Pebbles], lobbing them recklessly. He flinched, recoiling as rocks flew by. I kept missing, leaving me further frustrated, throwing more in response as I tried getting up.

[HP: 39%]
[Poisoned, Bleeding]

What was I doing, pussying out like this. I've expelled three kidney stones growing up...one with a kidney infection at the same time. Why couldn't I tough this out? My arm slacked, tired, sneaky prick left standing. Another arrow readied, exhaustion breaking me down. I couldn't die here, not after everything, I had to dodge.

Throwing another rock, a loud smack lit me up. By sheer luck, I struck his face, my assailant gripping it as he stumbled. Throwing myself forward on all fours I yanked him behind his knees, slapping away those pesky arms before I climbed on top like a dog. Knuckles met jaw, temples, finishing with a hammering blow to the throat and a stab with my newly acquired [Cutlass].

"Not here." I groaned tiredly, "Not to you."

A cloud of blue blinded me, weapon freed from my target. Feeling my knees on the grass I rolled on my back, gasping pathetically as I stared up above. My body shook, exhaustion entrenched further.

"Can't...keep doing this. Gonna..."

I suddenly shook, having nearly fallen asleep.

[Assassin defeated! A note has fallen, revealing the sender.]

A sliver of paper glided down, my arms shaking with distress as I reached up to a falling note.

[Sender: Anthem]

Anthem...had to be one of them. God, how many more could he send? Anymore than this one today and I'd be done, I wasn't going to make it. Feeling terrified, I readied a message.

[To Yuri: Hey man, you alright?]

Took a few minutes till I got a response, my eyes darting to the bright blue plant.

[From Yuri: Been better, you?]
[To: I'm getting out of this town, wanna join? Got a plan]

Took more precious time. Flipping on my stomach, I crawled slowly uphill, breathing as I retrieved my [Siege Blade], reaching my grass encompassed treasure. Still intact, I went on my shaken knees. Painful or not, I owed Haru for helping me. Digging my fingers in, I clawed out dirt, searching for the roots. This thankfully didn't take long, as the soil was much softer than what I was used to back home. With a gentle pluck, I held it up in my grasp.

[King's Torch - S Class Herb]
[Uses: Unknown]

"Oh damn." I smiled weakly, "Yea, me...likey."

[From Yuri: Sounds good, wanna meet around the market?]

[To: Yea, see you there.]

One ally, couldn't be happier. Laying back in the grass I forced myself to breathe, Even as small as this was, any little positive meant everything. Gonna make this work, gonna get out of this mess and I'm gonna have me some real world breakfast. Oorah.

Sun Dancer

Kibaou - [Population Count: 496,390]

Kibaou and Lind monitored their immediate situation, central plaza crowding with desperate players. Gathering a few hundred to their cause, their group stood together in an effort to preserve a sense of order. Street wide violence ground to a halt, most instigators weeded out, leaving only those with a modicum of preservation.

"You four." Kibaou waved over. "First team's back from their patrol, mind going for a run?"

"Yea man, same as last time?"

The stout, soul patched figure nodded, his squad leaving shortly. Lind organized another team to head east, performing similar functions in an effort to rein control. Several other small parties took refuge among their groups, huddled with relaxed gazed. As sun rose to midday, an array of white crystals rose from several stone towers. Each was finely honed like a pick, an aura emanating between them all. Never having seen this before, town dwelling players stopped, most fearful of what it might pertain.

"Travelers, this is Governor Ilioc." a voice boomed, denizens stopping to listen. "We've welcomed all of you to our city with open arms, a decision we're starting to regret deeply."

"You've gotta be kidding." Lind sighed.

"If you continue breaking our laws, drastic measures will be taken to ensure the safety of our people. This is your first warning. Cel be with you."

Returning to alcoves within their respective towers, communication ended with another unearthly silence. Sachi's group, remaining relatively close to Kibaou, approached with widened eyes.

"Kibaou, what're we gonna do?" Sachi peeped. "Are they gonna kill us?"

"Unlikely." Kibaou stroked his soul patch. "Lind? This complicates things."

A red cloaked Heathcliff emerged, decked in [Full Plate] as he approached both leaders.

"Where to do we begin?" Kibaou raised hands in defeat, "Since when've the NPCs started acting like people?"

"When the hacker messed things up." Heathcliff answered, drawing both men's attention. "We need to talk, quickly."

Lind raised a brow, his blue eyes recognizing Heathcliff.

"Kibaou?" Sachi blinked.

"One sec, Sach." Kibaou walked off.

All three walked to an empty alley, away from lit streets. Resorting to hushed whispers, Kayaba checked for outside listeners before speaking.

"Please tell me you got progress?" Lind furrowed.

"Our situation's not improving." Heathcliff put lightly. "I need one of you to make a decision regarding the governor or Illfang."

"Why?" Lind asked softly.

"AI's advanced further than anticipated. They're not kidding with drastic measures, could either decide to evict us or kill us."

"You serious?" Kibaou fretted, "Great, now we've got politics to consider?"

"Yes, but hear me out." Heathcliff kept low, "The dynamic between him and Illfang has consequences. Sadly I cannot alter a thing, having lost admin powers. Worse, I barely remember it all, bogged down in the business of making this game sell. If Yatsuki was here he'd be better help."

"Who's that?" Lind pondered.

"Hey, what's with the shady talk?"

A [Town Guard] emerged, leaving the game's developer chilled as it approached. Kibaou and Lind turned to the watchman, conversation stopped abruptly with its presence.

"Nothing sir, we're just trying to get some peace and quiet, away from the streets." Lind defended.

"We'll go somewhere else, we mean no harm." Kibaou argued.

The bot paid no heed to their statements, its gaze set exclusively on Heathcliff.

"You've been acting sneaky all day, what is your business here?" the guard growled.

Heathcliff glanced to his younger allies.

"They've been following me ever since I came back to town." he blinked, "I'm telling you, the AI's watching me."

"I don't like your tone." the guard started walking towards him, "I fear you're conspiring against this city, you're under arrest."

"Let's move!" Lind called, motioning Heathcliff and Kibaou away.

"Stop!" the [Town Guard] chased, "Hey!"

Running yielded a blow of the patrolman's whistle, Heathcliff glanced quickly at his allies as they ran, fleeing from items of his creations like a night strolling vandal.

"You need to deal with Ilioc and Illfang." Heathcliff called, armor clacking. "If you don't find a solution, they might declare us as invaders."

"That's just perfect!" Lind cursed. "We barely have control of ourselves right now!"

"Can you do that?" Heathcliff barked. "You've got the best grasp of control in the region, you would have the best chance!"

"How can we change this?" Kibaou called.

"Send a player with high [Reputation] to speak with Ilioc, or get someone to do a bunch of quests for these guys to get the rep. [Charm] skill might work too!"

Kayaba raced away, his pursuing watchmen stopping as he exceeded town borders.

"Glover...can't have trouble like that." the guard grumbled.

"They're gonna turn on us, man." Kibaou grabbed Lind's shoulder, the two bolting.

Reaching their zone of control, both Kibaou and Lind huddled back with their ragtag group of players, warning them of possible entanglements with local law enforcement. While no immediate attempts were made on their arrest, both eschewed themselves for future concerns.

[From Heathcliff: From what my employee recalls, an eviction scenario may take up to 3 days, long as everything continues going down. Doing favors will extend it, until either good status is restored, or we make it out.]

"We need a plan." Kibaou paced the plaza pavement. "We should call Diavel. Guy's done plenty of quests in this game, he should have good rep."

"Or we could have every player rush the governor." Lind whispered, "There's nearly five hundred thousand of us."

"Judging by that guard I'm betting that wouldn't fly well. We gotta try negotiating."

"Guys!" Kibaou's patrol returned, panicked further. "The NPCs, they've stopped selling us stuff."

"Oh that's just great." Kibaou growled, "Supply lines cut off, guards pissed with us, what next, surprise werewolf attacks?"

"Should've expected it!" someone shouted. "Only one way to fight werewolves!"

A bear doll was tossed around, an attempt of relieving downed mood resulting in a few sporadic laughs.

"Get Diavel." Lind commanded.

Minutes after calling, their knight arrived. Putting away his [Lance] and [Heater Shield], the average framed Diavel approached, blue hair brushed aside, chiseled jawline sharp.

"Problem? Well besides the announcement?"

"More then that." Lind answered, "Bots have stopped all business with us too."

"Oh...nice." Diavel rolled his eyes. "People are gonna get desperate."

The soon-to-be cavalryman stared off to distant buildings, explained what predicament and option Heathcliff provided.

"Be right back." he turned. "Gonna see if I can talk sense into this governor."

It wasn't difficult for him to find, as such a high standing official would have little reason to be anywhere outside of Black Iron Palace. Its name was not by accident, though reasons behind its particular composition were unknown. A monolithic redoubt of darkened metal, whose walls angled out in an oddly spherical manner, bearing remote resemblance to bubble wrap. Beyond venerable doors, past a foyer of layered stone defenses, [Town Guards] roamed in high numbers. Bots within wore luxurious clothing, each looking at Diavel with wary eyes, whispering as he approached double doors, guarded by two figures in heavily decorated [Full Plate].

"Halt." one barked, a fist raised. "Name and business?"

"I'm Diavel, I wish to speak to the governor. It's important."

"If you wish to speak to Lord Ilioc, you will have to set an appoint-"

"Let him in." A voice called from inside. "Cel's grace, you two. He's not eating a Swordfish."

Both heavily armored figures drew individual keys, freeing a two way lock together. Within was a winding staircase, a flared brass tube sticking out nearby. Escorted up several flights, a reasonably fit elf resided. Scarred all over his face, he looked to Diavel with an amiable expression.

"I've heard of you, that's why I let you in." he smiled softly. "Governor Ilioc. Hope you didn't mind the stairs, Church of Cel refuses to make a wheelway."

"Oh no it's fine, Governor." Diavel bowed softly. "I'm frankly surprised you let me in."

"You've helped my people, of course I'd happily speak to you." Ilioc interlocked fingers, elbows on his desk.

Diavel glanced behind him, both knights standing beside him, carefully observing.

"I tell you, I'm this close from starting another investigation. Lost another person overnight, no clues, no known enemies, gone. As if Illfang was bad enough."

"Illfang, you mean the boss?" Diavel blinked.

"He's your boss?"

"No, no. Forget what I said."

"Then speak, I've already had to boost security to the north gate...can't be having [Frenzy Boar] rushing in...whoever did that. Or [Beach Geese] from the south. Whoever died to geese, despite wearing armor should be shamed."

"I'm here because of your last announcement, the one involving us?" Diavel fretted.

"Us? Diavel, you're nothing like them. These humans have been attacking my people since they showed up. Thought we befriended them a century ago."

"Look, I'm sorry." Diavel played humble, "The last few days have been rough for us, we've been separated from home. Wait...what about Illfang again?"

"It's complicated." the governor sighed, leaning back.

Governor Ilioc retrieved a slip from his drawer.

"Think this'll explain the situation to you." he passed. "Received this yesterday."

To his governorship Ilioc,

The Taurus threat has remained abated as promised, however, it has come to my attention that some travelers attacked one of my servants. While I'll assume this was a freak accident, I will look dimly upon any further incursions.

Meantime, I'm going to be requesting a temporary ten percent increase in food shipments. This is assurance that you are still agreeing to our deal. I await your next tithe, Governor.

Lord Illfang

"I never sent people, and this isn't the first 'temporary' request." Ilioc leaned forward in his chair. "Again, I can only assume it's your kind committing this behavior. I'll have to inform him."

"How about we take care of him?" Diavel smiled, "We could save your people from this taxation."

"You insane?" Ilioc's yellow eyes sharpened. "Illfang's the only reason why Taurus haven't overran this place. I'm not letting what happened to Urbus occur here."

"Then can I speak to Illfang?" Diavel bowed again. "We gotta figure a solution to this."

The governor rapped fingers.

"Do inform him it was a mistake? I have no interest in fighting our protectors."

[Alert: Accepting this will warp you to the event map, do you accept?]
[Y/N]

Diavel agreed, vanishing in a blue aura. Left alone with his guards, Ilioc leaned back on his chair.

"Sire, I feel if we send these 'humans' to slay Illfang...it could benefit us." one guard offered.

"Then what, do you think they have the strength to hold back the Tauran hordes?"

"Unsure, my lord."

"Exactly." the governor brushed his hair back, "For the safety of my people, I won't court the risk. Clearly, you've been listening to Wudramor."

A suffocating level of darkness enveloped Diavel, warded off only by a pair of torch bearers. Pairing innumerable clouds of dust with low visibility, he could only barely make out nearby pillars...and large rodent feet.

[Castle Diebry]

Illfang's bodyguards stood incredibly tall, their distended bellies hairy and splotched with wet dust. Diavel couldn't make out anything over their stomachs, dim torchlight from escorts revealing only a thick fleshy tail and the staff end of polearms. These titanic guards hissed, their stomachs turning away.

"Ah." A grizzly voice gargled. "Ilioc's messenger are you, we forego form-alities. Intruder is here, patience I'm losing much."

A throaty, collective growl left Diavel shaken, unable to see what spoke. While aware of its appearance, Illfang's throne room differed from last time. An absence of light, ability to speak, the threat of death, it all left Diavel uncertain, disturbed even as he clung to his own light source in absolute darkness.

"Intruder?" Diavel blinked, "Right now?"

"Wan-dering halls, attacking servants." Illfang spoke. "Fam-ily stuck, in tunn-els they're stuck."

Anatomy made pronouncing 'n' and 'm' difficult, a fact Diavel quickly grasped.

"Um...maybe I can deal with him? I wanna talk about your deal with the governor."

"Deal with him, then we talk." the beast king snarled.

[Quest Updated!]

A green marker appeared behind Illfang's throne door, covering over his culprit, standing surprisingly close. Approaching, however, Diavel remembered this was an event driven room, leaving would send him back. So instead, he chose to wait, watching the cursor wander. At one point, it seemed to hover just beyond the door, to which Diavel knocked.

"Hey!" he called.

Whoever it was, he stopped.

"Hey listen, you need to stop farming those mobs. You're putting a lot of people at risk!" Diavel called.

"How'd you get in the boss room?" a male called back, mid teens. "All the mobs here stay in these tunnels."

"Event map." Diavel called, "Can I get your name real quick? I'm Diavel."

"Hm, I don't know." it answered with disinterest, "It better not be for tips, I don't do coaching."

"I'm asking you for the sake of others back in town."

To this, the boy on the other side paused.

"Kirito. You know how to spell that, right?"

Diavel readied a message, putting his name as Kyrito. Doing so, however, resulted in failure, his selected name not existing.

[From Kirito: You clearly can't spell.]

Diavel sighed, sitting against Illfang's stone door. Alone with monsters, whom he could barely see, whose intentions differed from his own, unease was evident. Describing their situation to Kirito, he kept as brief as possible.

[From: that's strange. I'll have to find somewhere else to farm then.]

Teleportation was heard shortly afterwards.

[Quest Completed!]

"Good." Illfang sighed. "Now, what is it you came for?"

"It's about the gate you're guarding." Diavel stumbled. "Would you be willing to let us through? We don't wanna fight."

Illfang snorted, thinking in unlit space.

"Doin-g that risks fam-ily. Taurus beyon-d castle, vicious very. That said, I don-'t wan-t to fight either."

A nearby dripping led to unpleasant thoughts for Diavel.

"Tell you. Kill Ilioc...an-d you m-ay pass. Freely an-d as much as you like."

"I thought you said you didn't want further conflict?" Diavel argued, "That's going to bring problems for the people back there."

"Ilioc's innocent not. That elf is form-er gen-ral. Some say he feared people's safety. No, I know guilty elf...smell bad very."

Illfang huffed, struggling to speak in Diavel's native tongue.

"Look at picture big. Taurus hon-est m-ore, wishing raid very much. Ilioc deceiver, we're struck."

Diavel blinked, trying to find an immediate answer.

"I'll...have to think about that." the knight reasoned, "Any deadlines I should know about?"

"No, patien-ce good virtue very. An-swer when again meet."

With the Kobold lord's decree spoken, Diavel left. As his face warmed with a greeting sun, his mind clouded with uncertainty. A debate was needed, a plan to enact. Meanwhile, the Lord Illfang turned to his assistants.

That food has to keep coming, our mines still haven't come up with anything worth trading. What am I gonna tell the others if the shipments stop? What're we gonna do about him?

Boundless energy kept within a translucent solid, [Teleport Crystals] allow players like you to run away from your problems! As a price, however, it requires cooldown time to use again, or it may destroy the item. This teleport stuff though, it only works if the locations either channeled or has an [Aetherial Tether], more on that later.

Peeps can possess only one of these, already tried that a dozen times. Duplicate crystals will fly out of the personal space of someone that's already got it. Want one? Go beat some crystalline monster types, then have 'em appraised, you might get lucky.

Or you'll be cool like me and get three dozen [Stream Crystals]. Seriously, who needs this many?

A Beta Tester's Survival Guide, written by Argo on November 10th, 2022

A/N: Intrigue intensifies, a bigger world awakening for the players to endure.

Hey guys, thanks again for reading my story. I know some of you were looking for book 3, but I have to get my foundation set first. That being said, you've all been really patient and I appreciate it greatly!

Be sure to review, I eat those regularly (Bad and good). Favorites and follows are sought after, shows me I've earned such. See you in a week guys!