A/N: Demon Slayer is not responsible for creating SAO, but Demon Slayer IS responsible for any lost feelings of hope. Happy fourth of July, guys! For anyone who doesn't know what that means for us, well imagine finally kicking out that oppressive ex girlfriend (England).
To any Englishhere, s'all good.
NetherOrbit: One who has not experienced compassion expects none.
Thunderwolf: Glad you enjoyed it, Siege Blade beats Spear
Doctor: Thanks man, now I got Nether reminding me of your new name for a certain blue haired prick!
Reviews please, me want.
Enjoy!
What nave doesn't appreciate the splendor that is a good [Siege Engine]? Thou who haven't with thine own eyes seen the chaos of a boss battle would barely grasp how useful these tools are.
[Battering Rams], [Ballistas], [Catapults], [Trebuchets], Edit: Your mom -Argo
What's not to love? Forsooth, such allows us to engage enemies without risk of retaliation (Edit: sometimes). Alas, without [Carpenters] and [Rope], none of these devices would be possible to build or maintain. Remember though, a handful of [Animal Sinew] helps us make more rope. More rope means more [Siege Engines].
They also require a crew to operate, though I'd be hard pressed having to tell anyone that.
-Godfree, Beta Tester's Survival Guide, March 3rd, 2023
November 14th, 2022
Three pairs of eyes surveyed what business encompassed them. Galleons rocked softly, bobbing over greenish watery cradles. Homes of a squat, crooked, and impoverished kind resided, their anterior wooden surfaces left brittle and dried from constant blasts of salted wind, their residents sharing similar wear. Morning's fog departed hours ago, leaving clear sight of ivory white sails. Birds of light blue feathers and webbed feet watched, cackling with conversation, eyeing a sunlit vista of nets, whose volume dripped with remnant moisture of fish. Bells rang, new shipments arriving as sailing vessels returned to port.
Fresh imports of aquatic origin arrived, their pungent, semi-rotting odor leaving Argo's nose wrinkling. Using her cloak as a cover, she averted from watching seagulls receive their share of a fisherman's catch. Her feet tapped moist wooden planks, position shifting constantly. Green eyes darted to a nearby stack of wooden boxes, a checkpoint between dock hands, nestled squarely against rope barriers.
"Sure is taking a while." Oran leaned on a weathered lamppost. "Argo, could you stand still for just a minute? You're bout as subtle as a 'nice guy'."
"Yea." Graye kept watch, sleepily listening as water lapped against rock. "Cause if Yole was right, then we're being watched."
"How's the smell not bugging you?" Argo clasped hands over her nose. "It's so gross."
"It is irritating, love." Oran rubbed his nostrils. "We just gotta stay low, least till we 'see the whales'."
"You know what?" Graye perked. "If SAO's got at least one floor that lets you swim with whales? I'm staying. Screw real life, I'm swimming with whales."
"Saaame." Argo nodded. "Hm, it's too bad there weren't any ocean themed floors. Probably not gonna see any at this rate."
Workers cycled through positions like clockwork, hauling all manner of containers to and from storage. What Oran hadn't calculated, however, was an immediate challenge from another woman, whose dark blue hair color rivaled their local coastal waters. She approached with a hop in her step, red eyes glinting.
"Whales?" she said, stopping to lean.
Graye first caught sight of Oran's questioner, whose lithe frame was kept well covered by strips of purple and red, her thighs most notable in girth. With a bandanna adorned, a childish grin was as easy to see as a rising sun.
"Dammit, Argo I wasn't-"
Glimpsing upon her left an impressionable smile on Oran, eye contact made quickly.
"Oh good morning, deary." he leaned back, baby blue eyes focused. "You know, I didn't actually mean what I said."
"Huh?"
Argo's eyes rolled, observing how quickly he changed focus.
"Um." Graye calculated, glancing around before whispering to their newest guest. "There's more involved here."
"Oh really?" she smirked, crossing arms with shoulders bare. "She the third wheel in this date? Mean I'm a fan of yaoi myself..."
"No?" Graye raised an eyebrow.
"I ship it." Argo chuckled.
"Really?"
Oran groaned.
"What? I do."
"Shipping anyone together, while we're sitting in a dock?"
Argo said nothing, her slight smile paired with a jutting chin.
"Love." Oran turned. "Those're the kinds of puns that get you fucking fired."
"Nyahahaha."
Laughter escaped faster from Argo's lips.
"Argo!" Oran chuckled.
Graye kept focus on their checkpoint.
Not like I'd mind...he'd still be better than Juris.
"I'm sorry, you just made it funnier." Argo hands covered her face.
"Oh so it's you two dating, darn." the girl smiled.
"Pretty sure she'd kill that lech first." Graye narrowed his eyes.
"You bet I would!" Argo growled.
"I'm not that bad. Tell her, Graye!" Oran stopped. "Oh...yea."
"Darn, was gonna say I'd fix that." the inquisitive female shrugged.
Oran's face heated, a subtle hint not lost for their guest.
Another passerby took invitation to Oran's statement, observing with a tight grip in his gut, seeing how many were congregating around an otherwise unremarkable dock. While Graye's blonde friend remained fixated on their first inspector, he himself detected him. Purple was again a prominent color, with it taking a substantial portion of his clothing. Intermixed with bright shades of orange, he was easy to pick out. Equaling Graye in height, he still towered over both present females, dwarfed only by Oran.
"...Didn' know whales come here." he barely peeped, fingers clutching a paint brush.
A Brooklyn accent, coming out of a man whose eye shape pointed him out as Chinese left only puzzled glances between members.
"Oh for god's sake." Oran cursed. "What kind of accent's that? If you're English, I swear to god, mate...I'm getting ya tea."
Their second inquisitor only blinked, eyes directed to all four with rapid transition, quickly looking down at his feet.
"So what's with the whale talk? Besides killing my excitement?" their first guest smirked. "I'm about five seconds from leaving."
Oran shook his head.
"Graye, could you PM them? Saying it might bring us trouble."
"Sure, um...your names?" Graye glanced at both. "Kinda can't say it."
"Yuuki, yours?"
"Oh um, Wick."
First to answer, Yuuki leaned on one hip, her curvature prominent under a midday sun. Wick's body language contrasted sharply, a soft shift back paired with hands diving into pockets, pomegranate eyes averting from contact.
"Graye. Lech behind me's Oran, Argo's our assistant today."
"Assistant?" Argo grumbled. "You're the new guys."
"Feels bad, doesn't it?"
Oran's smirk resulted in a kick, Argo's boot mashing into his stomach with a dull thump.
[HP: 79%]
"Owie." Oran lurched, his lack of [Vitality] costly.
"Nyah! You don't feel pain here!" Argo fumed. "Nu, instead you're here...piping on with that British accent."
Graye tried messaging all necessary information, but an arrival of goods prompted an immediate pursuit, a pair of workers hauling four boxes. With each sized roughly similar in length to [Daggers], there was no mistaking it, only five minutes off from schedule.
"So wait, there's no whales?" Wick followed, stuffing his paintbrush away.
"No, there's no whales!" Oran said.
"Darn, would've been a pretty sight." Yuuki sped along. "So what're you guys after?"
"Important stuff, now hush." Argo slowed. "Keep quiet."
"Oo, adventure." Yuuki grinned, quieting her voice. "Lead the way, cutie."
Argo's left hand clenched, eyes wider and face redder.
Thought Oran's flirting was bad enough, now I got two flirts to deal with!
Entering crowded streets, Oran kept distance. Being six foot five was unusual, especially among native Japanese individuals, leaving him sticking close to buildings for even a scant sense of subtlety.
"Argo?" a random player said. "Any news?"
"Sorry, busy!" Argo led frantically. "Will be back soon!"
Graye had his back towards his friends, watching behind for even a suggestion they were being spied, wheeling every few moments. Wick walked with little focus, chin low, gaze on pavement. Preferring silence, his steady gaze focused exclusively on feet, their targets wearing each a pair of rubber fishing boots.
Hm, feels jus' like home.
He put away his brightly colored hat, exchanging his attire for lower tones. A crowd was forming around both haulers, players with furrowed brows and rapping fingers. Oran veered down an alley, keeping smooth and slow, tugging Argo and nodding to others.
"Oran?" Argo called. "Wrong way."
Graye turned similar, leaving both Yuuki and Argo perplexed, but content with following.
"Bad touchie. Stranger danger." Oran motioned, keeping up a steady pace down tight corridors. "Move, those guys aren't looking friendly."
Yuuki giggled, glancing briefly towards Wick before joining them.
What's that guy doing?
Wick kept his gaze low, turning position and matching step with his target. Unremarkable in appearance, not a single member of the mob paid attention, even letting him congeal. Infiltrated, Wick lifted an ear, listening in to their conversations.
"Best quest I've had all day. Done hauling milk to west bumblefuck."
"Know right? Ten k just to stop a few stalkers? Worth it. Get some exp too."
Someone ordered a Brooklyn special. Guys betteh keep heads down.
Wick kept a hand on his [Shortsword's] handle, surveying like other mob members. Oran's group was forced to retreat further away, reentering a central road a few blocks away. While silent, their path left Oran checking both sides, pacing faster as seconds passed.
"See them yet?" Oran whispered.
"Nope. Gr, what were those people doing?" Argo paced around quickly.
"Looking for trouble, lived in London long enough to know that."
Graye pressed against a wall, brown hair masking some of his forehead. "Guys, even if it comes this way, we're gonna look suspicious."
"Then stop looking like broodies." Yuuki kicked her hair back, venturing out to shop.
"Yuuki!" Oran kept a bare strand of silence. "Love, that is not subtle!"
"We'll see." a red eye closed briefly.
Oran shuffled back to Graye and Argo, his great height quite conspicuous among most denizens.
"We gotta find that package before it ships. I don't know where it's going but we-"
He paused upon hearing encroaching feet, multiple. By this time, Wick had joined in, biding his time. His crowd had turned restless, having seen no pursuers, their reward of ten thousand Cor growing less certain.
"Where'd they go?"
"Shut up, dumbass. You'll scare 'em off."
"What if they're among us right now?" Wick looked to who was leading. "Group's gotten much bigger since our...last turn."
One member perked.
"...wait a second."
Psychological poison circulated, pluming throughout Wick's group. Parties turned on each other, shouting as its instigator slipped aside, skirting around to avoid confrontation. Accusations flew, deflections made with childish retorts. Alliances between individuals formed, any attack on one leaving open grounds for retribution.
"What's to stop you from pretending you're protecting this, cashing in, then taking the loot?"
"We were here first, you shit! Clearly you're lying!"
It all started with a shove, NPCs catching on as overreactions occurred, brisk in their departure. Weapons were drawn and swung without further provocation, seeking a hidden foe. What came next, however, was another swarm of players, surging in rapidly, grabbing the hands of these fighting tribes.
"Bro, I ain't getting kicked out of town for this!"
"Our stalkers are in here, somewhere! I need that reward!"
Wick continued eyeing his prize, four crates bobbing between two burly workers, both of whom quickened their steps. Oran watched with widened eyes, Wick sweeping aside an obstacle without drawing his sword, allowing them safer passage. He nodded to Oran, walking casually in false innocence. Oran quickly slipped up beside Wick.
"Clever move...how'd you do that?"
"They were offered a reward. Jus' flipped switches, made 'em thirsty."
"Come on, let's keep to it." Oran patted Wick's shoulder.
"Too much heat on me. Good luck."
Wick turned down an alley, sharp and briskly vanishing between squat buildings. Oran shrugged, swiftly rejoining his group.
"He's not staying, too much aggro." Oran informed.
"Damn, might have a drink with him after this." Argo smiled.
Graye kept a straight face, green eyes glancing back to a mindless mosh pit. Nausea gripped him, seeing a red spillage stain stones, veering his gaze from a brutal sight.
Greed can't be that prevalent...we're being pushed into a corner. If we had any room to breathe, it wouldn't be so bad.
"Dark times are upon us, ungeared!" a lone priest cried out, fingers clicking. "Rekindle your faith in Deus Cel, He who has protected us from evil till even now! Baptize in His holiest of waters!"
Oran shook his head. Yuuki hadn't been noticed at all, figured as a mere shopper. As her prize ventured forth she raced out, [Agility] dedication lending to her swift return to Argo's side. A glance back, however, yielded no sign of Wick.
"Where'd our ninja go?"
Argo veered her head, green eyes thoroughly searching corners.
"Oran said he's done, nyahaha...true trickster, that one."
"Aw, could've used more help." Yuuki frowned.
Their pursuit led to what some considered a familiar sight, its peculiar red wood structure sharp against its white stone neighbors. Entering without hesitation, twin haulers disappeared. Argo groaned, losing sight of precious cargo, held within a [Waytalon Trading Company] building.
"What're ya stopping for, love? They're not getting away." Oran said. "Let's get on that caravan, there's four of us."
All four signed up, an uncomfortable but brief wait culminating. Tired from an initial chase, Argo sat on a hay stack, eyes narrowed.
"What if we fail?" Argo curled. "How long will it be till Godfree and Diavel can be freed? What if this doesn't work?"
"The more you speak of failure, the more likely it'll occur." Graye said. "Keep smiling, we'll make it."
"Yeah, keep positive!" Yuuki cheered. "We're here, we made it, just gotta score."
"Right, lads." Oran grinned. "Graye and I've done this before, just follow our leads."
"Good, cause this'll be a first for me." Yuuki leaned on a log column. "Looked pretty boring to be honest."
"Can be, if everyone's a boring do-good." Oran eyed Yuuki. "Back in the beta, you never knew what you'd get. Sometimes it becomes an auction, sometimes a drop party, other times a free for all. Then again, death wasn't on the line."
"Ooh." Yuuki nodded. "Huh...not used to people being this mean."
"You get used to it." Argo shrugged.
"Graye?" Oran nudged his friend. "What's that guy's name again, the one who saved our asses?"
"Uh, Wick." Graye rechecked his message history.
"Then we're finding him after this." Oran stretched. "Owe him a drink."
"Still surprised he didn't stay." Yuuki quivered her lips.
"Nah, I get his type." Argo kept lax. "After pulling a stunt like that? He's gotta stay low."
A bell tolled, a roster filled with [Crate] carriers. Loaded up with rope harnesses, they once again traveled out, smidgens of conscious in a sea of golden green. Not a single party member held a strong posture, contents within each box hidden behind nail and board. Their travelling group remained quiet, disinterested in even small talk, eyes low and wet towards tall grass and unyielding stone.
[Caravan Guards] watched over front and back, Argo eyeing them with tight lips. What came to pass, however, was another bandit group, their usual scout halting them without fuss. Oran watched as familiar faces emerged from lush green brush without a twitch.
It still doesn't make sense, why don't these bandits attack? They obviously outnumber us, maybe they fear the governor's wrath? Then again, they always seem to have money to buy these [Crates].
"Woohoo! Another winning pick!"
Bandit Leader Allston stepped out, muttonchops sharp against his tanned, roughened skin. Layered in mail, cloth, and leather, his shoulders leaned back, head held straight. Smiling, he splayed hands, scanning everyone involved.
"I'm seeing some old faces, likin' it! Alright, Allston here, how much they payin' you unlucky strong backs?"
"Two." one blurted.
"Two hundred? Aw sir, humor's something this land desperately needs." Allston pointed. "Shit, me and my boys are tired of this cultist stuff. Coming in all angry, ruining our fun, damagin' business...man's gotta make a living. Two hundred, more like one. Cause I'm paying one twenty."
Yuuki watched with bright eyes, hands shaking as she reached for her [Anneal Blade].
This thug's not ruining our plans, but I can save it.
Allston stopped, Yuuki's motions putting a wide grin on his weathered face.
"Got something on your mind, Miss? Sword's nice, but it ain't worth your life, not by damn sight."
Enjoy this, it's a video game...THE game.
"Yea, I don't think you should be in charge anymore." Yuuki raised her chin.
A collective 'Ooh' rippled through Allston's group, members stepping back as he approached, casual in his step.
"Do you now?" he leaned forward, hands on his belt. "Well, I'd hate to be the one to beat down a perfectly good lookin' woman, but reputation."
Allston drew not one, but a pair of hooked [Hatchets] from his belt, whirling them between fingers. A dull slide brought forth Yuuki's [Anneal Blade], a blue [Arming Sword] glinting under a shared sun, angled forward with both hands. Her opponent stopped, eyes wider.
"Where'd you get your hands on that?"
"Just a quest." Yuuki smiled.
Allston shook his head.
"Give it to me, I'll spare you from that childish gab."
"Not happening."
A half lunge sent Yuuki back a step, Allston testing her with short hops forward and back, waving his hatchets smooth and steady. Sweating and shaking, Yuuki swung, only to watch Allston dodge, skidding away from an [Arming Sword's] edge.
"Not too many walk around with an [Anneal Blade], looks untouched too."
Yuuki said nothing, Oran and Graye staying back in fear of retribution from Allston's group. Argo only watched, eyes wavering as weapons clashed, producing auroras of sparks. Each glint faded like an ember, their descent unseen halfway down, forgotten in moments. Stabs were met with hooks, deflections, slashes missing her target, air whirring softly from their speed. All this time, Allston kept smiling, eyes keen on Yuuki, who struggled to score even a glancing hit.
"Listen kid, give it and everything will be fine." Allston stood down, [Hatchets] ready.
"N-No, I meant what I said!" she shook her head, red eyes dim.
A chuckle was heard, his gang craving to witness their leader win. Yuuki kept falling back, energy draining as she evaded blow after blow, Allston dancing with his every swing. A single misstep in her retreat sent him lunging, Allston tackling into her with little remorse, an axe brushing aside her sword, his offhand tool hacking into her stomach with a squishing tear.
[HP: 34%]
[You are Bleeding!]
Yuuki's gasp barely escaped, looking up at Allston with a stunned expression. Pain wasn't present, nothing past a sting defeat brought to bear. Stopping himself, he brushed her hair before shoving her off his hatchet, picking up her weapon.
"I'd prefer it if you didn't die, but that's up to your friends now." Allston looked to his subordinates. "Boys, hammer?"
Allston's [Warhammer] was granted, to which he shouldered snug, approaching the caravan, red dripping off one of his axes. A finger was raised, directed straight for Oran.
"Yours, one twenty."
Oran huffed, nodding as he dropped his [Crate]. Brushing strands of blonde aside, he watched as Graye and Argo nursed Yuuki's wounds. Her eyes devoid of color, mouth drooping.
Wish I could've stepped in, but Allston's gang would've surely punished the rest of us. Poor Yuuki, looking like a bird with a broken wing.
A crack of planks reached his ears, a dull thump as Allston dropped his [Warhammer], his band of followers surrounding him.
"Huh, bricks." Allston inspected. "Well I guess our smith got a furnace. That's okay, I got a sword."
Yuuki bared teeth at his remark, crying silently as they departed. Downgraded to a basic bronze [Arming Sword], her red eyes grew distant, staring off to hills near and perceived.
I thought I could do it...
"You're really lucky, Yuuki." Graye helped her up, having spent a couple of [Saint's Aid] potions.
All Yuuki could do was put her harness on, staring off as they continued.
I nearly died over a stack of bricks, but dammit why'd he have to be so good? He's a bandit leader, not a high level knight or something!
Hungry wolves spectated their caravan from a distance, searching for stragglers. Without divergence, however, they departed, Oran's group closing in with Harunka's border. A wall-less village of logs came into view, whose smoking chimneys trailed over trees like a hot cloud of mist. Built like their starting barn, red wood stood, black spots nowhere to be seen.
"Wonder how Ki-bo's doing." Argo blinked. "He loved coming here."
"Ki-bo?" Oran hauled.
"Kirito, my nickname for him." She parted short blonde hairs. "Haven't heard from him in a while, since it all started in fact."
Oran grimaced, hurrying to deposit his [Crate].
Still mad I lost to that brat, kid's balls have barely dropped and he's acting so up there.
"How ya holding up, Yuuki?" Argo paid little heed.
"I'm okay." Yuuki spoke dryly, dark blue hair wavering in a westward breeze.
"Sure? I can help getcha a new sword. One just like it even, for the right price."
"That's my sword. He took it, I want it back."
"Think she needs alone time." Graye frowned. "We can think of something."
"No, I'm fine." Yuuki marched on. "Lets finish this."
[Waytalon's] outpost stood large among its cabin sized neighbors, another improvised barn of similar architectural design. Filing in, all members dropped their [Crates], each receiving a hundred Cor as promised. Rolling his shoulder, Oran watched as spectators within the building gathered, cherry picking packages.
While many were lumberjacks, huntsmen, and carpenters, one in particular stood out. Clad in relatively clean, colorful clothing, his pristine attire stood him out sharply. His selection was made, a familiar pack of four boxes. With him, however, stood a pair of [Full Plate] decked guards, armed with twin headed [Halberds].
"Tell his lordship there were no complications, Cel be with him."
"Cel be with you, brother."
Oran stepped back, his hand immediately touching Argo's stomach.
"Oh, sorry." he kept cool. "You seeing 'em?"
"You kidding? Super obvious." Argo's knuckles rested on her hips. "As for the grip, could've been worse. Had one guy think he could get away with an 'accidental grope'."
"And you beat his brains out right?"
"Oh worse, I gave him bad info. Word of advice, never pick the big red fruit in the woods."
"Wait, this happened before or after we got trapped?" Oran grimaced.
"Before."
"Ah good, you seemed way too chill with murder for my liking."
From there, Argo and her companions traveled north, sticking among trees while following three individuals of notable wealth. Far northeast, another clearing was noticed, buried deep past a shroud of pines and coastal fog, another world rested, separated by a tall metal fence.
Oran quickly ducked beneath its cobbled stone and mortar foundation, watching as an elaborate gate swung open, another pair of guardsmen motioning the arriving crew inside. Atop similar foundation rested a manor within, composed of logs, stone, glass, and planks. Thirty feet high, it rivaled trees vertically, topped with a shallow roof.
"...I'm saving my money." Oran blinked. "Shit, I want a house that big."
"How are we supposed to get in?" Graye shifted, tapping the fence. "It's hollow enough to ring if something tried climbing it."
Argo glanced back, Harunka forest's trees hugging a space nearby.
"Anyone got [Sneak] skill?"
"Nope." Graye rested. "Oran's got [Agility], but he'll never be Batman."
"Eh, I prefer Flash." Oran shrugged.
"Nerds..." Argo rolled her eyes. "Anyway, it looks like we're sneaking inside. Sadly it seems I'm the only one boosting their stealth stuff. That is unless Yuuki also-"
"Nope." Yuuki blinked, straight faced.
"Dammit. How're we gonna distract the guards?"
"Oi, leave that to me." Oran smiled. "Remember the southern side geese invasion?"
"That was you?" Argo raised an eyebrow.
"Oh good, someone remembered." he giggled quietly. "Anyway, you go ahead and ninja yourself inside, I'll get some 'friends'."
"Oran, wait for me." Graye hissed, hoping to keep close with Oran, who raced back between trees.
"Still ship it." Yuuki smiled sly. "Hm...well what can I do then?"
"Well, what skills ya got?"
Yuuki played with her hair, leaning against stones.
"[Charm], started a [Tailor] trade a day ago." Yuuki paused. "Actually..."
Without further hesitation, Yuuki drew a set of clothes, identical to what she already wore. Drawing a [Dagger], swift cuts were made all over, hacking off parts before replacing her current dress. Completing her application with dirt and grit on elbows, face and knees, she opened her menu.
"Yuuki, what're you doing?"
"Hang on." Yuuki typed.
[To Oran: What're you bringing?]
[From: Crazies]
"Argo? Get ready to sneak in."
"W-What, um okay." Argo shuffled towards a leaning tree.
Using her heavily invested [Agility], Yuuki dashed off, past sight of the estate's guards. Returning to a dirt road between trees, she quickly heel turned, running in circles to simulate sweating, a look of fatigue before running towards their target's home. What made for a more authentic aesthetic were shouts from [Crazed Kobolds], chasing both a panicked Oran and an irritated Graye.
"I can't believe you, Oran!" Graye shrieked.
"Shut up and keep running!" Oran cried.
Yuuki raced up, a pair of gatekeepers crossing [Halberds] as she approached. Activating [Charm], Yuuki fell on her knees before them.
"My lords, please let me in!" Yuuki pleaded. "Kobolds, they're after me!"
Both stood there, frozen behind closed helmets. Hearing cultists shout behind trees, however, left them readying, one grabbing a nearby bell and ringing.
"Kobolds!" one shouted. "Kobolds, man the gates!"
One opened the gate, motioning Yuuki inside. A garden perimeter was left accessible, flowery vistas of brilliant color exploding with life in plain sight.
"Stay put, we'll handle this." The guard barked.
Argo had long climbed a nearby tree, using its overhanging branch to sneak her way over. Landing in a pillow soft field of orange shoots, Argo quickly crouch ran to wherever the brush was tallest, laying low with her green cloak. Heavy metal boots were heard clacking, [House Wardens] gathering for a fight, armed with [Tower Shields], [Spears], [Battleaxes], even [Crossbows]. Yuuki stared as she sat nearby, in awe of such mer-power put forth. Scores of Elves stood at the gate, numbering over forty on their own, a ringing bell alerting sentries within.
These are the people we're going against? I couldn't fight a shirtless bandit leader, what're these like?
"Yuuki."
She almost jumped, squatting nearby the manor's front walkway.
"Shh, don't look back. You see anyone watching?"
"Yea, two archers...windows."
"Bascogne, L'gtha ng'miya!"
[Crazed Kobolds] spotted their garrison, rushing them with scampering, webbed feet. Crossbow strings cracked, rounds lobbing by in quick succession, nailing a few members of their contingent in a hail of darts. [Tower Shields] echoed, their metal surfaces repelling those who swung with dirty, mismanaged axes, [Halberds] punching through their lean, rodent bodies like paper.
Oran and Graye hid behind trees, recovering as they witnessed what was essentially a slaughter, not catching on to even a hint of Argo's presence. Argo was crawling on all fours through brush, using [Sneak] skill while observing window resting sentries. Glimpsing upon an instance of chaos, she smiled slightly.
Thank you, Oran. Good job, Yuuki.
She dropped again, hearing footsteps approach. Additional forces came forward, only serving as observers to what little combat remained after a few minutes of hollering. Cultists were butchered like lambs, their remnants turning to glass without leaving so much as a scratch on their gate. What stopped Argo, however, was who was observing. Standing there was Captain Wudramor, his bright red cape and bronze lion headed pauldrons easy to see.
"Captain, it appears to be a terror party, like the ones attacking Tolbana."
"Keep archers on a scheduled cycle, every three hours." Wudramor stood firm. "If another group arrives, I'll cancel tonight's festivities."
"Seems a bit quick to say, sire." his underling bowed. "You are the esteemed guest."
"My responsibilities won't be shirked for pleasures. Besides, I've been through this before. You follow my orders, dear boy?"
"Of course, sire." his subordinate bowed. "Just an observation."
What's he doing way out here? He's not a noble, he's the Captain of the Guard. Town of Beginning's isn't anywhere near here.
Wudramor glanced towards Argo's direction, his youthful, deep purple eyes scanning where his host's metal fence resided. Seeing nothing of interest, he turned back, heading inside a manor of log and stone. Wooden floorboards were laid across the front porch, leaving a harder means of sneaking for Argo. With conflict capitulated, Yuuki was escorted back outside, despite her pleas to remain. Oran and Graye regrouped with her several yards away, hidden behind trees.
"She back there?" Oran peeked past a tree, though eyeing Yuuki's more exposed frame.
"Yea." Yuuki changed out with a quick switch, trumping Oran's attempt.
Argo climbed, her boots clinging to jutting stones along the manor's side face. Her nails scraped, clutching to smooth rocks, pulling herself to a nearby support. Guards passed beneath her, non-receptive to a small climber. Hugging an overhang, Argo's eyes searched for another rest spot, finding only one nearby. A roof panel, perched below the full manor's rooftop, shingles partially shaded from sunlight. Argo shook, breathing shallow and quick as she readied a [Teleport Scroll] and [Record Crystal] in her [Hot Wave]. Her horizontal shift was as quiet as she could make it, taking her boots off to further reduce signature.
I don't know about Yuuki, but I'm getting laid after this. Jeez, this is stressful!
Her sock clad feet tapped shingles, Argo leaning harder on ceramic surfaces, eventually resting fully over its pale red surface. With a octagonal window nearby, she kept herself against a wall. There she found someone within, covered in white. A chef was assessing a vast dining room, whose brick backing held a great fireplace, a colored portrait of an unknown noble standing above. What struck Argo as off, however, was the its race. It bore similar physiology to Oran's [Kobolds], though its white, wide brimmed hat masked its eyes, though not its snout. Bristly whiskers, a fleshy tail, their chef was a [Kobold]. Hobbling about, every angle was inspected, its tail swirling circular, only to swerve and hurry downstairs.
What's his story, I wonder.
Unfortunately, Argo's whole plan of ascension bore little fruit, little information regarding those [Crates]. With her nearby window partly opened, however, it brought a new choice, infiltration. To this, she turned away.
Kobolds have a good sense of smell...he must've been too focused to care. Won't be testing that any further.
Instead, Argo chose to descend, her feet hitting dirt after half an hour of slow climbing. Sneaking around, her eyes peeked through every window possible, her small stature making subtlety an easier pursuit, stopping as she spotted the manor's kitchen space. Four red boxes laid on a wooden counter, opened with contents plainly exposed. Closer inspection led Argo to only a single conclusion
We came all this way...for fish?
With a window open, she reached out to inspect, only to hear someone approach. Slipping back, Argo softened breathing, clothing smothered in dirt.
"Yard hands near, begone I say!"
It was their [Kobold] speaking, voice raspy, struggling to broadcast. What was clear, however, was simple, Argo was detected. Hurrying away, she dove back into the garden flora, hearing her window close. Keeping low for what was perceived to be hours, Argo peeked up, sunset arriving.
Maybe I'll take a pic this time.
Taking out her [Record Crystal], Argo snapped a few images, noting a curious feature. What was stored in those boxes were fish bits, including its head. While everything from its lower jaw to forehead was similar to trout, a fairly large, curved crest rested like a crown. Bright reds, yellows, and blues left a rainbow-like hue, its shape reminiscent of a [Cutlass].
Hey, this kind of reminds me of something Godfree mentioned. Could this be a Swordfish?
Servants emerged from further within, assisting a scrambling chef, gathering plates and condiments. While Argo couldn't hear what was spoken, hand gestures suggested urgency, coaxing her back to the dining quarters she previously spied over. Returning meant climbing again, with dwindling light to assist.
[From Oran: You alright back there?]
"We understand Ilioc trusts you, Captain. Even if you tend to differ in opinion, he keeps you close."
"I'm honored to be there for him, thank you again Lord Malyer." Wudramor bowed slightly, fork in hand.
An elf in luxurious fur attire smiled, middle aged and fully bearded, graying around patches.
"Having friends all around's the best way to live, I'd know that personally."
Argo scooted herself against a wall, [Record Crystal] ready. Both figures spoke on, eating bits of fish meat, to which Argo took photos.
"Your son's disappearance's taken a heavy toll on you, I'm sorry Ilioc hasn't been too attentive."
"I don't know what to say, Aeson's never had a rebellious streak to him."
"Tell you what. I'm going to send my hunters for him, but I wanna ask you of one favor."
Wudramor gazed harder, nodding.
"The Committee wishes for greater freedom in outer town security."
"I...don't know if I can do that." Wudramor grimaced. "My son means so much to me, but I don't want them ruling over us. My lord, that'd be akin to putting Gundark in charge of relations."
Servants gazed at Captain Wudramor sternly, an awkward cold swelling across the dining room table.
"I'd be careful, speaking that way here." Lord Malyer sighed. "Look, it'll just be for a few weeks. I've already sent my men, so it's not like his rescue is dependent on your cooperation. I just want a favor."
Argo took several images of him eating fish meat, curling up behind a short support for cover, readying a [Teleport Crystal].
Got everything I need to defame you. Time to head back and free Diavel, Godfree too.
In most RPGs, [Skeletons] are nothing more than a cheap enemy to fight till it folds. Here? Ya, you wish. Here? These guys will be easily shattered, but will keep pulling themselves back together, coming back at you no matter how many times you break 'em.
Unless you destroy their spine, they will always return. More on why this is with more research.
-Argo, Beta Tester's Survival Guide, December 20th, 2022
A/N: Like a cat, Argo catches her prey!
Hey guys, thanks for reading this low brow OC power fantasy! Be sure to write your flame on reviews so I may burnnnnn. Seriously though, feel free to review.
See you guys in a week, I'm enjoying the beach!