A/N: After a long hiatus, Demon Slayer's back again :D

NetherOrbit: Yea, PR's definitely not Garr's strong suit...DX
Den3424: Hey, I don't mind it. Was just worried the story bored you.
Awesomess: Fam, your garrlic was a lie :3
bitchbot: Please donate to Kat actually getting better treatment, sign today!
Doctor: Watch your tongue, you're expressing very penguin-phobic beliefs.

Enjoy!

As a citizen of the Protectorate, you are endowed with inseparable rights. I as ruler of this province, as well as any ruler past me, has and never shall possess the authority to remove them. Among them, without restriction, include.

I. Freedom of Arms: Your right to keep, use, maintain, and acquire weapons and armor shall not be restricted.

II. Freedom from Excessive Taxation & Punishment: Taxes shall not surpass twenty percent of one's income. if tried, you shall be judged by a jury of your peers, your trial held within two days of imprisonment.

III. Freedom of Speech: Under no circumstance shall any person(s) be restricted in expression or speech. To silence speech is to end creativity, creativity is strength.

IV. Freedom of Privacy: Under no circumstance are others (including officials of the Protectorate) allowed to enter one's property without warrant.

V. Freedom from Debt: The Protectorate shall only spend what is within their immediate balance. If an imbalance is detected, all members shall receive a fifty percent reduction in income.

While this document remains in its infancy, know that the first five are set in stone. To modify these first five is to dissolve the Protectorate entirely, no exceptions.

-Garr, The Urbus Rights Address, December 3rd, 2022

December 5th, 2022 - Garr

Under the shade of my base's roof, I stood with a rock bouncing in my gut. Sitting outside my hub Illfang kept still, his snout and face guarded by round helmet. We had to talk about Aigen, of matters detrimental to our deal. We spent a good hour speaking back and forth, the king generous with his gratitude. Sighing under a rising sun, I rubbed my forehead.

"Illfang," my gut crushed before I breathed in, "rest assured, there are kind ones."

"Hmph," Illfang growled, "Hu-men confuse. Violent and kind don't go together."

"It wasn't everyone," I shook my head, "Aigen killed your messenger, he started this. I'm sorry about what happened between our peoples."

A message flickered, its green backdrop sharp against shaded grass.

"Be honest with you, Altai...or is it still Garr?"

"Either works," I stated, "better a minute of honesty, than a second of appeasement."

Illfang, his people were almost annihilated from the altercation, an affair I'm partially responsible for. My own mind wouldn't let it down, saying weeks before how I'd sacrifice NPCs like him to save a real person. Was I a hypocrite for sparing his life? He killed, yet I would not kill. I put my honor above all that, but why'd it taste foul?

"This takes me back...back when Cong-regate needed their ore. Miss those days, wouldn't have left if I knew better."

"Huh?" I watched.

"When I was younger, I lived in Honningstein. Was the great Kobold capital, cycles ago. I hated authority back then, figured we'd do better if we stopped dealing with Elves. I was right and wrong, but I wish it wasn't my family paying the price."

I stood there, listening to every word.

"My people fear you, Altai. While the mines you gave are generous, we fear retribution from your kind. They are a ravenous species, unwilling to talk."

"That was Aigen," I repeated, "things will get better, we just need time."

His portly fifteen foot self turned away after a quick bow, readying his [Nagamaki].

"Where is Honningstein?" I said softly.

He stopped, his heavy feet planted.

"I want to help you get home, directions would make things easier."

Illfang huffed, pointing northwest with long fingers.

"You mean the really big mountain?" I followed.

He nodded, his ears folded back.

"Her gates closed long ago...had to stop the Blight."

"What's that?"

He shook his head.

"Bad..."

I paused at his simple answer.

"Well what happened recently was bad," I said, "I need a-"

"Invasion bad," Illfang shuddered, "Blight...evil."

If his people's near annihilation was scaled this low in comparison, I had to do research. I was genuinely frightened, my mind scrambling to consider what we as people were possibly up against. If something was gonna hurt them, I had to do something about it.

"Okay then!" I smiled sheepishly, "so about the gates, how do we fix that?"

He shrugged.

"Cong-regate design, no unders-tanding. My apologies, King."

"Don't call me that," I shivered, "Alltai or Garr works fine."

"You rule like King, why not?"

Nothing left my lips, my mind searching for a plausible answer. He nodded, leaving me to my business. Honningstein lurked close by, but what floor was it supposed to be? Five messages, had to read.

[From PoH: Got bots looking for you. They'll be impressed of you]

[From xXMinusXx: People like you should die slowly]

[User has been blocked]

[From Oran: eyo, Graye Sight would like to meet with you today. We feel our goals align well, King.]

[From Teika: Please release her? She regrets her decision]

[From Taiyama: Can we talk?]

My heart raced as I stared down at dancing blades of grass, Tauran security passing by with affirmation to me. It was nauseating, a pox at a fundamental level.

"Do you think any of them will grant you mercy?"

Briskly bursting into my foyer, a small crowd awaited attention, with a few familiar faces staring as I hurried to my creaky wooden chair. A shiver ran down my shoulders, seeing more than a few frowns. Sitting beside me, PoH brushed hair aside before cupping his mouth to my ear.

"You wouldn't believe what a few of them were telling me," he whispered, "how they wanted me to help drag you out? Your taxes leave them foaming."

"Really?" my eyebrows raised, "but it's only three cor a week. I gotta gather income to buy them [Town Halls]."

"I know," he nodded, "they wouldn't know a good leader if they saw one."

I couldn't believe it, people were already talking about it. PoH was right for holding back on voting rights. Once things calmed down, I'd put it in and go, this was nuts. I raised a hand, motioning to our guests. A quick exchange and request for organization brought forth first an elf in white, his salute resulting in arms straightened like a clock towards me, his hat square.

"Lord of Urbus," he said with falling arms, "as representative of the Cel's will, I thank you for your hospitality."

"What're you looking for?" I kept straight.

He cleared his throat, clearly not approving of my tone.

"Your people are of noble soul, taking His holiest of water as any good elf of faith. We can continue this supply if you would grant us an outpost east of Urbus. We have business to attend to in Zumfut."

"Not now," I adjusted my seat, "not while my people are still recovering. I ask that you return this question in a month, when we are better settled."

A puzzled expression splayed across his face.

"Forgive me, lord. What is this 'month', you speak of? And are you not aware of your people's dues?"

Shit, forgot these bots didn't abide by our notions of time.

"What dues?" an eyebrow raised.

"Liberating Diebry was a costly endeavor," the priest said, "Ore, food, lumber, tents, weapons, armor..."

Slumping down, a notice for over twenty million Cor narrowed my eyes. I had to pay this off, or everyone else would. Any profits made from my agricultural network, taxes, mining, nipping this parasite off would be top priority.

"When do you expect payment?" I looked the priest in the eyes.

"Three full moons."

If lunar patterns were identical to Earth, I had three months.

"Twenty one million Cor," I nodded, "contract?"

A flick of a quill consigned me, a fee to be paid without fail. Gut dropped again, I had to assume this wasn't salvageable in terms of public relations. God, first holding back voting, then debt consolidating?

"Notice," I raised a hand, "any other organizations wishing to make deals, come back after a month."

"But Altai," an elf clad in green spoke, "our people's farms were burned, we need supply."

"And you will get them," I cleared my throat, "your shipment will arrive through Diebry. When shall Ilioc arrive?"

"The seventh, sire."

"Then you are dismissed, tell him I patiently await our meeting."

PoH leaned again, our elven representatives departing.

"Are you really going to let the elves have their way with you? Surely your army can crush them."

"I'm trying to be cordial," I blinked, "making friends is better...believe me, I've been there."

"Do you think they would say the same to you?"

I shivered slightly. Of course they wouldn't, but I had to be better than that. Looking to him softly, I whispered.

"Change the tax rule to three cor every day. Tell them this will last for...dammit where's a calculator..."

I lowered my head, playing with numbers. four hundred and forty thousand people. Suspected a margin of rebels, so seventy percent contribution. Three hundred and eight thousand times twenty one a week...

"Four weeks," I nodded, "if a third refuse to pay. Two and a half if all contribute."

"I will see to it personally," PoH smiled softly.

Some players stepped forward, their expressions neutral as I waved one in at a time.

"Can we tame these horses wandering Urbus? The Taurans have been kinda uh, mean about it."

"I really want to agree," I groaned while face palming, "the Tauran, however, take serious offense to horses being ridden...or driven. Their skull structures' similar, so they see them as kin."

"Seriously?" they balked.

"I'm working on it," I splayed a gentle hand, "I'll find mounts, you guys need them."

"Are you?!" a non-related individual stepped forward, "or are you just gonna dictate what we do?!"

"Guards," PoH motioned, the figure escorted out by armored Tauran.

While frustrated, I had to commend them for remaining polite, more than that guy. I had to find something besides horses, upsetting the culture making the bulk of my defense wasn't a good idea. Course it made me look like a dick for not letting these people ride horses. Finding a solution was key.

"Garr," PoH whispered, "those priests mentioned a place, Zumfut. Think it may hold value."

"True," I eyed him, "hold that thought," waving more questioners over, "next!"

[From Horsedick69: Hey asshole, why not stop being a douche and help us out?]

"Oh Christ," my eyes widened, "check this."

PoH glanced, his eyes narrowing.

"That name," he cringed.

[User has been blocked]

As my interface closed again, my sight set forward. Across our throne sat our newest decoration, a gift of fealty from the former Silver Snouts. Consisting of a rectangular white stone base, a statue of two animals shared its bronze base. A bear, whose horns extended like a bull's laid on its back, locked in a struggle with a [Trembling Cow], who raised a mighty hoof over its gut. I couldn't for the life of me understand it, how would a cow beat a bear?

Next up was Teika, just as emotionally low as he was the day before. Poor guy.

"Aoki hasn't answered the question," I said, "so the answer's no."

"Come on," Teika frowned, "you've held her for two days."

"You're right," I nodded, "she's stubborn as hell...kudos finding a woman that strong. No torture's being done, just keeping her hands wet. Can't have her melting the place."

"Can I at least see her?"

I nodded, waving a Tauran to escort him. Why couldn't she just tell me how she got those powers? If we're going to conquer this place, maximizing our tool variety wouldn't hurt. This blight, it had me thinking, imagining. What sort of horror awaited us? I had to get people ready, for anything.

December 4th, 2022 - yesterday

Leaning back on a borrowed chair, I stared from across bronze bars, Aoki pacing like a trapped tiger.

"Please let me out," Aoki frowned, "I'm sorry for attacking you. I just lost my cool, that's all."

"Only after you give the intel," I stiffened, "I've seen this power twice before, but never from a person. Where did you get this? You're free the second you admit it."

"You just want it for yourself," Aoki shrunk back, "I'm not gonna let others hurt my friends with it."

"Reality check," I leaned back casually, "they're gonna hurt them with or without it. People suck."

Aoki fell silent, minutes on end without conversation. Reaching down beside me, I drew a water filled bucket.

"Hands."

Last thing I needed was her immolating my base, considering her temper. Up next was Aigen, who lurked in a neighboring cell. With a twisted smile, he approached bronze bars, dinner plate in hand.

"I don't want your food," Aigen tossed his servings out between bars, "it'll turn my teeth gay."

I chuckled a little, would've been louder if this wasn't a serious situation.

"Gotta hand it to you," I nodded before seating, "least you kept your humor."

Sticking to my chair, I left his food on stone floors, the palace's basement almost without light.

"Would you just apologize?" I raised my head, "keeping you both in here's a serious waste of skill-sets."

"So surrender to those rats," Aigen grinned, "that's what you're saying?"

"War's over, you're not surrendering to anyone."

Aigen brushed it off with a swipe of a hand, looking away all smug.

"That's what you think," he laughed.

"I intend to keep things peaceful," my hands wrapped together, "this is why your life sucks right now, why you're in a cage."

"Still better than what you've got," Aigen patted the cell bars.

"You high?" my brow raised, my face incredulous.

He leaned up against the bars, towering over me with his shadow. His brown eyes were bloodshot, clothes torn.

"You see, when the others get tired of you? They won't kill you, they'll stuff you in a box, just like you did to me. You will sit here for the rest of this...trap, the punchline of every joke for the next three months. Me? They'd just kill me, cause I'm 'crazy'. A bot lover like you?"

Aigen grinned as his laugh darkened, my body chilling.

"I wouldn't ask for much."

December 5th, 2022 - Present

I shivered briefly, eyes drooping. As confidence waned, a chill trickled down my arms.

"Garr?" Taiyama bowed his head slightly.

My chin snapped in place, regimented back into a higher stance, furrowing my brow to force fear back. Seeing Tai, our duel flashed in my mind, fingers curling tighter.

"Speak," I stated.

"I know it's been a while since we've met, didn't wanna say this over something lame like a messenger either. Look, um..."

Something in his voice caught my ear, Tai sounded...less sarcastic.

"Is there any chance we could like, start over? I feel we got off on a bad start and...okay while I miss Aigen, I understand why he's here. So how about it?"

My brows eased, shoulders drooping as I laid back against my chair's spine.

"I'd like that," I nodded, "quick question though, what's with you and the square-hat priest?"

He explained his newly acquired position in the Church of Cel, something I caught on quickly, as Lis told me of it once. So he had business around Zumfut, sparked an idea with me. Looking to PoH, I leaned close.

"I'm thinking we need an intel run north, send maybe a squad?"

PoH scooted over, his blue tunic bending softly.

"I'd be willing to lead that, might hold something special."

I nodded, returning sight to Tai. A quick explanation yielded a quick answer, his enthusiasm again rubbing off on me.

"PoH will lead you," I smiled, "I'll also send Godfree and...Argo too."

"Still not coping with it?" PoH smirked.

"I thought Argo was a guy," I leaned away, "wasn't exactly hinting at it."

"Pf," PoH shook his head while rising, "she said she was suggesting that all week!"

"...ugh," I lowered my head, "don't remind me."

"I'll call 'em up, how long do you expect us to stay up there?"

"However long you need," I nodded, "but don't be afraid to come early, your lives mean much more to me than the intel."

"Eh," Tai shrugged, "I'm sure we can handle ourselves."

They left soon after, my foyer quiet for a good few minutes. Sitting alone, my breath deepened, goosebumps growing behind my arms. With a drift of eyes came a dream. A girl of curling brown hair and freckled face, a knee high skirt fluttering in a meadow breeze. A devilish smile, a brightly colored flower bright in her hair. A soft tread of hooves snapped me to, my hall vast and lonely. Opening up my interface, I looked back on day old exchanges.

[From Lisbeth: So how'd it go? Was hoping you'd stop by, see the shop]
[To: bit rougher than expected, didn't want anyone taking stuff out on you. how's your day?]
[From: Pretty good, you wouldn't believe how many people showed up with acid damaged stuff, was just about to rant like, "Garr I told you to stop poking those beetles!"]

I smiled, scrolling down slowly as I giggled.

[From: Got to meet Asuna again, was so happy to see her. Brought a lot of friends too]
[From: You would've lost your shit, seeing what I did to Leafa]
[From: Had so many customers, my arms were gonna fall off.]

Lisbeth's business had a good start, seemed nobody attached her to me, thank God.

[From: So far I've fought it back, no drinks today]
[To: You'll win, Lis. Don't believe it, know it]
[From: Thank you. It's not easy]

My gut jumped a little, a smile growing with heat. I'm glad Lis was happy, sober too. If only I could solve that riddle. Until I'm measured I'm not known, Yet you miss me when I've flown. What am I? No doubt this was an easy answer, I had to be overthinking it. In my bliss, a message arrived, my smile lingering, thinking of her as I pressed.

[From Darkblade329: gonna cut you up, rat-fucker.]

"Oh piss off!"

Sun Dancer

- PoH

Argo flailed and shrieked wildly, Godfree pulling her out of what Garr called "glory holes". These were disgusting, fecal in coloration. He said things lived in this?

"Go-Fee!" Argo wriggled, "this is pit-iful!"

"Hark, thy struggles impede my efforts!" Godfree tugged her, "Lo, thy puns curse my ears profusely."

"Are you calling my puns bad?!" Argo blushed, "you're so mean!"

Taiyama's [Tower Shield] leaned back, using it as a means of palming his own face. Errand boy.

"Remind me why we're taking her?" Tai said, "she's just gonna spew puns all day."

"We'd be crazy not to," I said, "haven't you read the book these two have written?"

"Don't read Godfree's notes," Argo squealed as she was lifted out, "they're full of his machismo!"

"Silence dexterous casual," Godfree stated, "get good, raise other stats!"

Alongside us, the former commander Wudramor, as well as his son followed. While silent most of the time, catching sight of a large Tauran camp sparked conversation.

"Never thought I'd look to these camps without fear of attack, by Cel have times changed."

"Change is good," Godfree smiled, "Keeps matters fresh, spring cleaning for thy soul."

"Absolutely," I nodded.

Our way north led us through a fairly large camp, with Tauran patrolling virtually every square foot. Some wore bronze armor, others didn't, yet all praised him.

"Hail Altai!" some shouted, dancing ritualistically.

Hearing their translated praise left me cringing. Garr was so easy to bend, he really thinks there's people after him. To consider him equal to me, I'd have to suffer a dual lobotomy, each with cafeteria soup spoons. To take his place, however, I'd need more than just words...I needed resources.

"Hail Altai!" Taurans called, marching in columns like soldiers, "may his harvest never end!"

"All-taint," Argo giggled.

I passed them with a straight face, indoctrinated fools. If I got in charge, much more progress would be made.

"Still not sure why he refused our offer of service," Wudramor watched, "my men are already trained, he gave us shelter too."

"You think he might despise you?" I said, "I mean, he should utilize your manpower."

"Not sure," Wudramor said, "I'd find it strange. He saved my son, you see."

"Pf," Argo chuckled, "boy named his title after a horse breed. Brony confirmed."

"I wasn't the only one laughing?" Godfree choked, "good show, Argo...you scheming rascal."

"Still don't get it," Taiyama shook his head, "how he obtain so much control in such a short time?"

"Easy," I smiled, "don't you see what's growing south of here?"

"Nope."

"Corn," I answered.

"Forsooth!" Godfree lifted a finger, "his lordship's used agriculture. There's no way he'd beat Asterius, the second floor's boss by brute force!"

"Not if he likes living," Argo smiled, "these Tauran are stronger than people."

"Speak for yourself," Tai chuckled, "and what would you do?"

"I'd just sneak."

"Is that why they call you the rat?" Tai smirked.

"No!" her tone jumped, "I got that for...wanting whiskers."

"Hm, mean you'd look cute with those."

"H-Ha, you're funny."

I rolled my eyes, letting them have their flirtatious banter. Closing in, trees of gargantuan size leaned, their equivalently large shadows casting over us like mountains. Shade covered these lands beyond us, a pale fog hovering over patches of unlit wood. With pillars of bark packed so tight, it left little mystery as to why these eight foot beasts had such trouble entering. They were simply too big.

"Dayum," Taiyama stared up.

"The lumber," Godfree muttered, "we would be foolish to not use it."

Stepping inside, a big notification blared, almost blindingly bright with our current background.

[Now Entering...Floor 3]

[The Malishard hums...the veil weakens]

A new quest was available for me here, something operated in this forest. I knew there had to be value here, the Church of Cel may be full of pious clockophiles, but they had a decent hunch. Looking back to my companions, I smiled a little.

"Least we get some shade, right?"

"I would wager that a positive," Godfree nodded, "may not be a mountain, but it is still a fair welcome."

"Could you like, never stop talking?" Tai nudged Godfree, "the way you speak, it's like being fed a five star meal."

"I know right?" Argo jumped, "okay, let's sign a tree-ty!"

"Argo!"

A quiet forest, whose rows of trees stood barely four feet apart, even with their many times thicker width. I had to find what lurked, get it under control, all without alerting anyone.

Sun Dancer

-Urbus, 6:50 AM

Yuuki giggled from behind a window, Lisbeth staring out to her lawn with a red face. Among trimmed blades of grass stood little pillars of metal. Their three-legged bases dug in deep into enriched soul, entrenched in formation. Hearing her commotion, the red eyed prankster stepped out, a curious Wick following closely behind. A quick look at a frustrated Lisbeth only tested Yuuki's resolve, holding back laughter behind a gloved hand.

"Seriously?!" Lis pointed down to her lawn, "forks?!"

This reaction blasted Yuuki's defense, her choked guffaws escaping. Wick eyed their placement, purple eyes lit.

How'd she get them to stand so precisely in columns?

"What?" Yuuki blushed while cupping her mouth.

"Our shop opens in ten minutes," Lisbeth raced down, "everyone's gonna see this!"

"But it's funny, hey!" Yuuki watched Lis pluck forks, "no!"

"It's gotta go!" Lis plucked faster, kneeling in open grass.

"No it doesn't," Yuuki whined jokingly.

Wick walked over with mild motivation, Aincrad's sun yet to rise over Urbus' mountain high walls. Right as he turned to aid Lis, however, he paused. Thick thighs flexed beneath a meaty posterior, a shallow curve of the spine revealing what basic brown tunic and pants masked.

Wow. Lisbeth's frame has a very natural flow to it, not only a nice pair of melons. Leafa's muscular for a woman, could probably break my bones too. If both asked me out, I'd take both.

"Wick," Yuuki laughed, "run."

Snapping to reality, his gut dropped, Lisbeth staring up at him from her kneeling stance. An eyebrow was lowered, lips straight.

"Um," Wick blinked.

"You gonna help, mate?" Lis said, "or ya like starin' up my arse?"

Her confrontational approach was like a punch for Wick, who rushed away with a blushing face. Groaning, Lisbeth returned her focus to cleaning, dumping forks in a bucket.

Damn, did I break something?

Watching Wick almost slam their door, Yuuki mirth turned tearful. Wiping her face, she skipped over to help the owner finish up.

"Sure is something, isn't he?" Yuuki grinned.

"Mhm," Lisbeth discarded.

"Might not be the king of voice, though Techi thinks so."

"Who?" Lisbeth scrapped more.

"Oh he's my friend, real quiet."

"Well where is he?"

"Away right now," Yuuki dumped forks.

Lisbeth nodded, continuing to pick away.

That's odd, I don't remember anyone named Tecchi. Guess I'll ask Asuna later.

As they gathered forks, a ring of glass bottles twisted strings in Lisbeth's mind. Her hands froze for a moment, staring at dew-covered grass. An old friend sounded off, an old deliverer from grievances calling to her. Salivating, a subtle pull of her gut coaxed away.

Why did you stop drinking? Things were so comfy then.

"Really quiet too," Yuuki said, "Selene hasn't said much yesterday, was probably worried about Asuna."

Lis' mind drifted, swiping away old claws from seizing her sovereign conscious.

No, no, I don't need it.

"Mean, Wick's quiet too...wouldn't pair him with her. I'd ship you two though, it'd look so cute. Oo I'd call it Lick! Wait...Wickbeth!"

Another soft ring of glass sent Lisbeth curling up, eyes shut.

"Aw," Yuuki squealed, "Lizzy, you're blushing!"

Hearing her, Lisbeth put a skin deep mask, smiling as her eyes wandered.

"Aw, you're fired."

"Hey!" Yuuki turned pale, "not funny!"

"You're right," Lisbeth tossed bangs aside as she carried her bucket full of forks back inside, "it's killing me."

Yuuki growled softly, following her and dumping forks in the bucket.

Maybe I should give her a break from pranks. Thinking about Wick must be hard, she does like him!

"You okay?" Yuuki scooted beside Lis as she filed inside her shop.

"I'm good," Lis shrugged, "get in dress, we open in three."

"Aye, aye, Cap'n!" Yuuki performed a slapstick salute.

Behind a desk stood Asuna, her borrowed [Maid Outfit] masking her slim shoulders under a red top. While an enthusiastic greeting was made, Lisbeth's was a bit tenser, making a beeline for her forge, hastily closing the door behind herself. Left to man the store front, Asuna turned to Yuuki.

"Where'd you get all those forks anyway?"

"Recon," Yuuki waved, "he thought he could break gravity with it. How silly is that?"

Asuna glanced back, shrugging.

"It's glitch testing!" Recon addressed from within the forge room.

Lisbeth dropped the bucket on a nearby cabinet, grumbling and pacing around with darkened eyes facing her bronze anvil.

The bottle is not my friend. You've gotten this far, Rika! Why can't you see it destroying you?

"But what gives him the right to tell us what to do? He wasn't fighting, yet now we obey his rules?"

Lisbeth's eyes veered to Recon, whose meticulous note taking of her already organized stores left him buzzing about. Leafa stood beside him, instinctively masking her chest behind arms at Lisbeth's presence.

"It's stupid," Leafa said, "Kibaou and Lind should just take care of it."

"Exactly," Recon raised a finger, "though I'd rather have PoH in charge," he glanced to Lis, "yo Lis, quick heads up. Running low on [Tin]."

"Thank you," Lis brushed off, "Leafa, I want you to be ready for weapon testing, Wick's designing, yes?"

"Oh!" Leafa jumped, "sorry! Yes he is!"

Her quick exit left them alone, Lisbeth shouldering her mallet before approaching her anvil.

"So hey," Recon nodded, "I could go get [Tin], keep busy."

"Was gonna do that myself," Lis said while inspecting forge menus.

"But you're the blacksmith," he turned, examining his inventory, "you should send some muscle to do that."

Lisbeth shrugged.

I would send muscle, but he's not done yet.

"I don't like limiting myself," she defended, "plus there's this thing called fresh air."

"Huh, alright."

"How's this, go explore. See if you can find anything interesting?"

"Sure," he grinned.

His departure was quick, Lisbeth sighing as privacy returned. While no windows existed between the stone blocks composing her walls, she found herself thankful. No one could see her, Wick, Leopon, and Leafa her closest contacts, lurking within the confines of her shop's weapon test room. Her eyes faded, browns dimming.

It's so upsetting, listening to them curse him. I can't talk about him, cause it'd be obvious. Everyone would see my face, the flutter of color, the deepening of my voice, they'd all see it. Dammit, why did he choose this?

November 29th, 2022

"So that's my plan," Lisbeth grinned, almost hopping, "what do you think?"

Garr's arm rose, rubbing his chin as he observed cornfields growing.

"I like it, but it begs one question."

"What?" Lis turned her head, eyes meeting.

"Where's your personal incentive?" Garr's arms fell slightly, "mean, everyone sharing? What do you get out of it?"

"The joy of helping my friends succeed," Lis cheered, "starting with you as our bouncer!"

Garr smiled softly, watching Lisbeth bounce in her step.

"But what if it's not enough?" he said with a steady voice, "Where's the you in this?"

"Huh?" Lis slowed her dance.

"What if they slack off, leaving you pulling everyone's weight?"

"Oh they wouldn't do that," Lis waved a hand, "I mean, you really think Asuny would do that to me?"

"No," he shook his head, "but that's not the point. You've got great drive, something I'd hate to see wasted."

"Don't worry," Lisbeth tapped his chest with a hand, "it's gonna be great, you'll see! How about that position though?"

He shook his head again, Lisbeth's feet planting.

"This place has huge potential. We could turn this into something big, a way to win with minimal losses."

"That's a lot of responsibility though," Lis put hands behind her back, "why not just hand it off to the others when they arrive?"

"I just...wanna set up the rules first, I've got people helping me set up a fair system. I'll consider it once I'm done."

"Okay!" she grinned.

December 5th, 2022

Am I crazy, or did something change?

Lisbeth's hammer rung, anvil buzzing with vibrations as [Bronze Ingots] reformed. Behind her, Leafa almost perfectly recited Recon's rants about Garr, his disregard for the current leadership as obvious as a car crash.

His confidence fell like an iron tub, talking about rules for this Protectorate. What's gotten into him?

A knock on her front door was followed by Asuna entering with hands cupped together.

"Lis? This boy was wondering if you could remake a weapon?"

Lisbeth's momentary gloom vanished, a bright freckled smile plastered.

"Bring him in!"

A trench coat clad boy stepped inside, his choice of somber colors starkly contrasting the light of Lisbeth's forge room. Known as Kirito, an emotionless expression blared, eyes blank. She glanced to him, his distant stare gripping her.

Dang, mate looks bleak as heck.

"I hope you don't mind," Kirito stepped briefly closer, hands in his pockets, "but I asked your clerk if I could test your weapons."

"Eh?" Lis blinked, "sir, we already test them."

"Yea, well a few thousand Cor in fees says otherwise."

"Wait," Lisbeth raised a hand, "you...broke one of my weapons?"

"Not intentionally, bu-"

His sentence was silenced, Lisbeth delivering a solid punch to his stomach, her [Strength] stats leaving him tumbling.

"Next time, ask for the manager's word on it!" Lis glared, "you trying to make me look bad? Huh? Ugh, what was Asuna thinking?"

"I'm sorry!" he pleaded with hands raised in surrender, "I paid you back, I just...I want to know if you can remake this."

Lisbeth paused, stepping back as he offered a sheathed sword.

The hell was that? Why'd I punch him?

Drawing it from its leather scabbard, an [Anneal Blade] glowed a faint blue in her hands.

"Damn," she let out a small gasp, "a steel blade. Is this enchanted?"

"Ya," Kirito said, "got it off this old woman from Harunka."

"And you want me to remake this?"

"Yes please, into a-"

"Lis!" Asuna called again, "Heathcliff's looking for you!"

Lisbeth's eyes glowed for a second.

Heath? How long has it been?

"Let him in!" Lis called before glancing to Kirito, "keep going? Sorry, we're usually busy."

"I was wondering if you could format this into a [Longsword]," Kirito bowed his head, "it'd give me more reach than an [Arming Sword]."

A ruined knight in tattered red mail walked inside. From his boots to the helmet protecting his head, dents, gouges, and corrosion marred his once gallant appearance with a visually sour display. Her jaw dropped in dismay, eyes scanning his damages.

"Shite," she muttered.

"Is my daughter here?" Heathcliff croaked, his voice deepened.

"Uh, yes!" Lis pointed towards the weapon test room, "Heath, you look terrible. Let me fix your gear."

"In a minute," he walked past her, his torn cape gliding past.

Lisbeth swept back to Kirito, sighing with embarrassment.

"[Longsword], right?"

He nodded.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do. That'll be..."

Resting the [Anneal Blade] on her anvil, a notice arrived.

[Warning: Tech level exceeded, additional wear on anvil will occur!]

"Aye, twelve thousand Cor..."

"Twelve!?" Kirito cocked back.

"My tools haven't reached Iron Age tech level, my anvil's gonna get damaged."

"Mm..." Kirito's lips pressed, "damn, now I really wish I didn't...yea, test stuff."

"You don't say!" Lis piped up, "Ugh, but it gets my quality guarantee. How about that?"

After moments of pondering, Kirito yielded with delivery of the cost. Afterwards he left, saying he had spare weapons to use while Lis prepared his best. Letting it rest on her bronze work surface, a cold sweat grew.

Whether I mess up or not, this'll delay business. I'm already low on [Tin], so a new anvil would break my bronze supply.

This fear grew, a single notification hovering above her newest request.

[Anneal Blade+4 - Arming Sword - 78%]
[Repair Difficulty: V. Hard (Tech Level Breached)]
[Accept/Decline]

"What is this thing?" Lis said under her breath, "[Siege Blades] aren't this hard."

Peaking through a window, a pair of red eyes lit, watching Lis hammer a familiar tool.

Hey, an [Anneal Blade]!

[Poor]

[Good]

[Too Hard!]

Lisbeth's first effort ended with an [Abort], Kirito's weapon reforming. Grimacing softly, she inspected it again.

The hell's this thing got? It's sensitive towards its center.

"Lizzy!" Yuuki rushed in, "w-where'd you get that? Was daydreaming!"

Lisbeth glanced up at Yuuki, firmly gripping her repair work.

"The guy in black?" Lisbeth tilted her head, "why?"

"I had one of those before!" Yuuki stared, "Ooh now I miss mine."

"Gimmie a sec," Lisbeth raised her mallet again.

[Good]

[Great!]

[Poor]

A second attempt left not only an unsuccessful recycling, but a damaged anvil beneath it, its surface bent out of shape.

"Ouch," Yuuki frowned.

"How'd you lose your sword?" Lisbeth wiped her brow, letting her hammer down for a second.

A long story was told. From bandit leader Allston, to secret connections with Cogitant Yole, it swooped in and stole Lisbeth's curiosity. Staring down at the faintly glowing blue steel on her anvil, her eyes softened.

Why do those guys want this sword? Now I'm really curious. Sure it risks my anvil, but I can make another.

Raising her hammer one more time, Lisbeth let off a sigh.

"It's amazing," Yuuki rambled, "those little things sight brings."

[Good]

[Great!]

[Good]

A bright blue flash sparked, Lisbeth's anvil bending from rigid metal. [Steel Ingots] formed along its flat-ish surface, three as expected. Most curious of all, however, was a glass-like cylinder, bobbing on the bronze surface with a semi-gelatinous quality. Embedded with many colors, it left Lisbeth and Yuuki stunned, reaching out for what unknown substance she had witnessed.

[Thaumatic Scope]

"The hell is this?" Lisbeth's eyes grew.

Emerging from steely liquid, his hands weighed him, a rigidness taking over. His bones had turned like iron, storing what awful energies he had found. His motions had slowed, his touch exceeding, weakness receding. Lightning bent to his will, thunder within his palms, as any and all true apostle of the Blue Nova shall.

- Excerpt from a destroyed book

A/N: