A/N: Don't finals make you wanna read depressing stuff? No? Then Demon Slayer's your read!

NetherOrbit: Imagine a CinemaSins channel dedicated to this story...with Recon leading it.
Den3424: Does anything going on interest you particularly? Love to see!
bitchbot: Ironically, I replicate mindsets okay-ish! Otherwise, I butcher!
Doctor: Lizbitch? XD Good man, surely you jest! (PS: Please don't hurt him D:)
TheAwesomess1: Hope you're staying immersed, fam...cause I need to git gud.
Thunderwolf: Glad to hear you again, stay tuned!

Enjoy!

[Whips] a weapon of most carnal taste, would you not say?

One cannot simply parry such a simple band, its hide would rebuke thee with allous disregard. Nay, it would be wiser to simply let such hateful mass sputter away from thyself, dodge. Forsooth it possesses great range, do not heed your basal nature by ceaselessly discharging such upon others.

That would mask thee in the guise of a casual.

-Godfree, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. December 2nd, 2022

December 6th, 2022 - 12:24 AM - PoH

My skull grew in height, eyes enlarging as pupils swallowed the whites. Darkness left, sight highlighting a damnable wood, whose trees packed close together. Not a second after, however, I was forced to shut my eyes, peeking again after a moment of dead quiet. The trees, they glowed a pale green, like some sort of radioactive cabbage.

"Uh," I muttered, their forms rippling in brightness.

Their incandescent trunks fluctuated, beating faster as I passed. Dead branches compressed beneath my feet, but none cracked. Mushy, they were like sponge on leaf ridden soil, glowing like their planted kin. Stepping through this alien forest, a faint light was made out, peaking barely beneath soil. Prying loose vegetation, I pulled my face away. Dozens of wooden stakes lined a eight foot deep pit. Left me shivering, to think I'd be impaled. This forest's been hitting every note of the tourist's guide to 'Hell No Valley'! Nothing walked out here, nothing flew. I had to keep looking, I had to find where this marker led.

Eventually I closed in on my target, that pyre of corpses. Staring up its ten foot claw-clamps, a stench of rot ripped into me like a wolverine. The bodies, they glowed too. Deactivating [Abyccipitus], my whole world darkened, nothing illuminating further. The [Malishard], it was showing me something, but what? Looking through my quest menu's interface, my stomach dropped.

[Lie with them]

Disgusting, but it clearly would help me solve this mystery. Thinking about it, this clicked into a train of thought. Why stack them like this if you're meaning to bury them? This had to be for collecting, probably for some witch's science project. That idiot Godfree couldn't tell intentions if he earned a doctorate in it. Staring up at a wall of rigor mortis and clammy skin, I gulped.

My fingers gripped arms, my face cringing as nails dug into cold, mushy skin. It squished in my grasp like rotten fruit, hairs raising as it shuddered. Their lifeless forms bent as I pulled, sticking to each other like wrapped up old cheese. There were no bugs emerging, as if they too couldn't stomach it. Reaching its decrepit summit, I breathed while sitting. This was a bit much, resting upon this. Time, however, wasn't on my side. A deep hiss groaned from beyond.

At first I thought it was a set of small geysers, their steam gushing out of an unseen vent. It repeated though, closing in at a sluggish pace. A soft squishing followed by a compression of material, something heavy approached. Motioning hands over my eyes, I activated [Abyccipitus] again, scanning for what I couldn't see.

Past thick trees, A giant of perplexing form lumbered through, hunched, mechanical. Its skin wasn't flesh, but metal. Steam fizzled out, its legs human-like in function, though clunkier. Stakes jutted out of its sides, their masts unseen due to indiscriminate substance stuck to it. It hissed with the exhaust of water vapor before stopping in front of the pyre, an array of rotating and clicking lenses flickering inside a dome shaped face.

[Carri-on - level 40]

Its bloated frame grabbed the pyre's clamps, closing it with great force, its claws sliding up to me, hacking into my neighbors with its sharpened interior face. Just as it clicked shut, the machine lifted with a great pump, planting it on like a backpack. Its stakes serves as hook-ons, the iron cage swinging around me, a trapped bird. With a soft groan, it turned away, venturing into paths unpaved, leaving me wondering what I'd find.

Sun Dancer

December 5th, 2022 - Hours before - Garr

I leaned forward in my seat, sunlight leaking in through high windows. A pair of guys sat across from me, Graye Sight's leaders. An Irish and Englishman, sitting side by side. Wearing light gray and a dash of red, my guests' blue and green eyes glowed, though mostly Oran's.

"So why Australians?" Oran brushed his golden hair, "seems oddly specific."

"Cause," I shrugged with elbows on the table, "Aussies sound happy, even if they're pissed off."

"Ah," Oran nodded.

Graye slid back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. Green eyed baby face's been about as amiable as a cactus, like I pissed in his ear and told him to look my way.

"Luckily we have two," Oran glanced at his interface, "Renee and Korrin. Pair of real cheery types, right Graye?"

"Uh huh," Graye said blankly, his posture jolting a bit.

"I'll take 'em," I nodded, "when should they be ready?"

"In a few hours."

A green message flashed in my HUD, resulting in a brief glare.

"Oh joy," I rolled my eyes, "I apologize, gentlemen."

[From Recon: Please help! We found this temple. Its got weird Tauran in it, they're gonna hurt these people if something isn't done!]

Attitude completely shifted, eyes fixating like rifle scopes.

[To: Coordinates?]

[From: 3764, 21, 2100]

"Asterius," I displayed the map location, "got hostiles threatening human life. Eliminate all entities stopping their ventures. Surrender is acceptable."

"Yes Altai," he bowed, motioning immediately towards his Lieutenants.

[To: Confirmed. ETA 5-7 minutes]

Watching thirty steed-men rush out, Graye and Oran's eyes turned.

"Good to be the king," I leaned with elbows on the table, "even if I sleep in a closet."

"Okay," Graye stood up, "could you cut it with the whole gratitude thing? How am I supposed to know you're not lying? Do you just get a kick out of self pity?"

"Graye," Oran groaned.

Smiling softly, I motioned them both over.

"Wanna see? You'll love my setup."

Graye followed closely, Oran hesitant in his pursuit. Second door to my left, its simple wood frame lacking any form or artistry. Pulling it open, a six square foot plot led to wrinkled faces.

"It's functional," I shrugged, "what more could I want?"

Graye's expression softened, his eyes averting. Oran stepped inside and laid forward, trying to lie flat. Being over six feet tall, however, doing so left him at an angle.

"Mate," Oran blinked before retreating, "my broom closet's bigger than this."

"I can change it later," I ushered us back to our table, "if necessary. So any questions? Gonna be meeting Kuradeel later for extended training."

"How did you make all this?" Oran leaned back on his chair, "honestly this is pretty good."

"Teamwork," I smiled softly, "teamwork and a little guts. She had both and more."

November 28th, 2022

[Slaughter Mauls] readied behind us, though none dared step forward. Lowyse, the infamous Flame Witch emerged from her lair, a hut of thatch and branches atop a scorched mound northwest of Urbus. With hands glowing and fingers hooked, Lis and I bent knees.

"You've got this," Lisbeth raised her [Buckler].

"We've got this," I said, "ready the bag, throw high if she gets stupid."

Stepping across chalk-like dirt, I stopped several meters from Lowyse, a trio of orbs floating over her head. The accursed Wind Mane exile drew back shoulders, looking to all who backed our play. Spotters, Red Hooves, Silver Snouts, all wearing new yellow face paint.

"You dare sacrifice this many?" Lowyse snarled.

"And set a poor example?" I shouldered my seven foot weapon, "all you've got to worry about is me...and the water lovin' devil."

"Hey!" Lisbeth jeered.

A snicker left me, the witch snorting in opposition.

"I say it again," I circled around Lowyse, "your days of starving in a hut end if you join us."

"And face Wind Mane judgement?" Lowyse spoke coldly.

"I'd rather have you clearing out Urbus with your power, how about that?"

"Hm," her shoulders dropped, "what's to stop me from turning you to ash? Your armor won't save you."

"I know," I said, "but have you ever seen stars?"

A deep breath was taken, Lowyse raising both hands, [Aethereal Nodes] priming.

December 4th, 2022

"His partner threw small rocks at me," Lowyse circled fingers around her scars, "blasting it with fire, they burned brighter, digging into me, cursing me with greater pain than I had ever felt. He was right to call her devil..."

"Jeezus," Oran frowned.

"They pulled them out," Lowyse bowed her snout, "letting me negotiate how I help."

While Oran grew a smile, Graye remained neutral, his eyes barely staying anywhere.

"So whose this devil?" Oran looked to me.

"The blacksmith," I kept neutral.

"Ooh," he nodded, "wait, why isn't she here?"

"We didn't see eye to eye."

"Damn," Oran shrugged, "must've pissed you off real bad, not even calling her by name."

I nodded, looking to Lowyse's scars to hide my brief cheek bite. Operational security was mandatory, Lisbeth's safety wasn't open for compromise. PoH showed me how bad they hated me...I wouldn't wanna fathom what they'd do to her.

"She broke rules," I leaned back in my chair, "can't have rules if there's no punishment for breaking 'em."

"I see," Oran laughed weakly, "oh well, sounds like a badass woman."

I nodded again, letting my chin raise.

"Was and is."

Sun Dancer

"Five minutes?" Yuuki blinked, "that's crazy!"

"That's what he said," Recon nodded, "fast as fuck."

Lisbeth smiled softly, her eyes drifting as they waited beside a gravel beach.

Thank you, Aiden.

Silica snuggled up to Teika's side, whispering in his ear.

"Why're you looking at Yuuki?"

"I don't know, it's like she's talking to someone."

Standing awkwardly beside them, Aoki watched ocean waves crash against a great stone. While a passive glance showed constitution, scrutiny disillusioned its user. Cracked along its many surfaces, time would ultimately return ambitious matter to sightless watery depths.

If I could aim well enough...I could make that rock explode. Hey, that'd be fun!

"So what's your story?"

Lisbeth's shift in position and postulation drew Aoki's focus, who glanced up at clouds briefly.

"Hm, besides being the worst best friend ever?"

"How so?" Lis tilted her head, "sorry to ask, I just didn't get to know ya. Was rude of me."

"No harm done," Aoki wagged a hand, "was just about to practice casting stuff. There's an option to [Breach], seemed neat."

"Go for it!" Lis smiled.

Gathering a pair of [Aethereal Nodes] in her hands, Aoki pressed them together. As if compressing air bubbles, two red orbs formed one orange. Her ash-stone hands glowed, shaking violently as they worked to keep together.

[The air heats...]
[-5% Fire Spell Cost]

"Wow," Lisbeth's eyes glinted, "pretty."

Aoki's body shivered harshly, wracking to contain it while aiming. Looking over, Teika stood up.

"Aoki?"

"I'm okay!" she said, "just testing something!" looking to Lis, "name's Aoki, livin' the dream."

"Cool," Lis grinned, "I'm Lisbeth."

Molten orange slag leaked out between fingers, forcing Lis to back away. Aoki jerked and arced, rushing to a release, launching [Flammekanon] with jerking recoil. Brighter than its red counterpart, its molten form sailed farther, but ultimately lacking range to strike what was a hundred and fifty yard target. Detonating a quarter the way, its embers sank. While Aoki fussed over her supposed incompetence, Lisbeth checked elsewhere, upon a dancing Yuuki. Her dark blue hair twirled before a tranquil sea, her arms rising and falling as if intertwined.

Why does she dance like there's someone there?

"I love you, Tiki!" Silica giggled.

Aoki watched them cuddle, smiling softly while priming more nodes.

"Adorable aren't they?" Lis snickered.

"Ya," Aoki said distantly, "I guess it is..."

Dust plumed as Lis and her briefly spoke, two platoons of armored Tauran arriving. Brandishing [Executioner Swords] and [Spears], they stopped before their group with a resounding stomp. A quick snort later and they prepared to breach, lining up spearmen center, swordsmen on flanks. Without hesitation they twisted the cog shaped latch, the door swinging up and open. Light broke through, a harsh wave of moisture washed over, a heavy scent of stagnant sweat clawing its way out.

While not everyone expressed verbal chagrin over its initial odor, all faces twisted in varying degrees of disgust. Forces filed in two at a time, Tauran lined up side by side down a narrow, cog walled passage. Torches were readied among ranks, leaving little hidden. Looking around, Teika's eyes were lost in detail. Cogs spun slowly, clicking away with seaweed jammed in them.

"Ugh, this place smells like a dirty sauna," Recon groaned.

"You sure it's that?" Aoki choked, "or the horses?"

"Both?" Teika smiled.

"The king's right!" Yuuki nodded, "it's probably both. Hey, if you used Silica as bait-"

"Shush!"

A loud cry echoed from within, Yuuki's exuberance alerting whatever lived inside.

"Nice going," Lis groaned.

"Sorry," Yuuki shrunk.

Aoki raised rocky hands, the Tauran in front of her grumbling in distaste.

"Why's this dancer using her gift as a weapon?" one said in Taurec, "does she not heed our traditions?"

Quick rebuttals from his superior officer led to silent obedience. Grated stairs of brass led down, hooves and shoes thumping with every step. Venerable machinery scantily masked their approach, clicking away as it had years before. Approaching the mist carpeted foot, Yuuki drew an [Arming Sword], unable to mask her eagerness.

"Finally," Yuuki smiled, "ready Siune?"

"Yea," Recon rolled his eyes, "time to forget how useful [Sneak] is."

Drawing a twin-headed [Battleaxe] from his back, Teika flexed his arms tight, gripping its four foot handle with both hands.

Who's Siune?

A hall of brass and green opened before them, both Tauran and human spreading throughout its thirty foot wide space. Puddles covered patches of metal grate floor, along with a seaweed of sorts. Laid out between slits, their yellow leafy mass jammed clockwise mechanisms. For Lisbeth, her feet dragged, warmth retreating from her ears.

Oh no, this feels too familiar.

[Warning: Moisture levels high, fire damage reduced]

The commanding Tauran motioned members different directions, their hoofed feet stepping onto slick, green surfaces. Examining doorways west and east, Recon clung to quieted walls.

"Oh I'm not liking this," he said, Teika taking an opposing side from him, "dude, there're skeletons laying around. It's such an obvious trap!"

"Really?" Teika peeked in, "Ah, Aoki?"

Running up between both men, Aoki primed a [Flammekanon], a jet of red plasma crashing and detonating against metal walls with an ear-ringing crack. Any skeleton laying about flew apart, a lack of any HP meter leading to a nod from Aoki.

"Reckon that's safe, right?" Teika patted Recon's shoulder.

Looking through another room, Lisbeth and Yuuki inspected another skeleton littered floor. Clutching long depreciated weapons in their hands, they shared injuries respective to these tools.

"A battle took place here," Lis whispered, "no Tauran either...all elves."

"Wow," Yuuki held up one's wrist bone, "think you can use this?"

Lisbeth narrowed her eyes, careful examination of both radius and ulna leaving her craning back. They were dark, shining a dull teal.

"Iron bones? That makes no sense."

A loud ding sent Tauran charging further, weapons raised to inspect. Bodies around them laid broken, but distinct enough to continue warranting search. Lisbeth's brow shifted, raising a skull from seaweed covered grates.

Its whole face looks projected, jaws, nose, but leaving the chin and forehead back. Freaky shite, that is.

"What's with these white clothes," Yuuki lifted a broken cloth, "does nobody like purple?"

Lis looked up to her, the article's gold trim sparking in her eye. A deafening neigh sent everyone jumping, weapons ringing as words were shouted.

"Surrender, Altai forgives!"

Sun Dancer

-PoH

Space closed around me, this [Carri-on] machine hauling without break. Been riding on its back for a good half hour. Wouldn't dare open my interface, its light would've exposed me. From my time laying atop corpses, sky darkened, sound echoing. I was being dragged into a cave. My unconventional taxi had manipulated a rock of some kind, activating a secret doorway within an otherwise dead end cave. Venturing down a stuffy cavern, stone crackled behind us, something sealing us in. It got warmer, brighter. Pale blue letters of jagged appearance glowed on walls, contained within perfect circles. Upon passing them, my ride slowed to a stop.

Gears groaned, plopping down with a rusty clank, prying off the pyre with a firm push. Its claws opened, the bodies beneath me tumbling. Continuing to play dead, I waited as my carrier wandered ahead, ceaseless in its motions. Footsteps echoed minutes later, shoes. Peeking with one eye, a pale blue cloaked figure inspected bodies, most specifically the faces.

"Ooh," he muttered, "you're gonna need replacements."

Letting him toy with the recently dead, I reached full stature, my skinny bones barely popping.

[Quest Updated!]

[Reveal your power...]

"You," I pointed.

I must've popped a spring under his shoes, way he jumped could've cleared fences. Drawing a [Dagger], he pointed to me. While he yammered on about intrusion, it was a draw of my [Malishard] that silenced him.

"Wha-What?!" he stared dumbfounded, "y-you're not-"

"Drop it," I said, my voice amplified.

He did as demanded, his weapon ringing as it struck stone. Retreating from its white glow, he went on a knee.

"I-I apologize, I didn't know Acherres' package arrived."

"Who are you?" I said.

"Lunaris."

"Hm," I glanced around, "what were you doing?"

"Recycling," Lunaris said, "as ordained by Thalamus Acherres."

"Is he your boss?"

He nodded quickly.

"Take me to him, now."

"Immediately," he jumped up, escorting me through the nearest doorway.

Walking through a wayward narrow passage left me glancing, people in similar attire attending differing matters. Some stood in circles, chanting around each other. Others committed surgery, taking notes while some inspected. Others still read books, eyeing me with gentle, inquisitive gazes. Being the only guy in a tunic, sadly I stuck out like a loose nail, catching eyes from everyone in there. Their eyes were pale blue, all of them.

"To better our situation," Lunaris spoke, "we must study deeply."

"What're you studying?" I kept serious.

"Ourselves mostly, what differs us from the Asteroya."

I nodded, letting him ramble on.

"Tell me, where're you from, traveler?"

"Tolbana," I said deeply.

"Ah, you've roamed far. I'm surprised you'd find such a relic there, the clock worshipers hoard like rodents. I'm sorry you had to cope with such ignorance."

Guards stood around corners, their stoic stances unmoving. Yellow wolves sat beside them, their eyes the same color as their masters. They too weren't moving, these things Argo noted on. Approaching dual wood and iron barred doors, an inner sanctum of white mist stagnated. A long figure resting hunched on a chair.

"Thalamus Acherres is communing," Lunaris whispered, "if you wish to make dealings with us, you must visit him in his dreams."

"Beg your pardon?" I looked to him.

"Sleep here, this is a holy place. Upon sleeping soundly, you will meet him in a transcended plane...better than here. You will not be tampered while communing, as it is a great offense to our leader."

"Ah," I sighed, "okay was just about to say. Quick question, how often does he listen to these offers?"

"To be fair, lord...you're the first in over fifty something cycles."

Sun Dancer

-Lisbeth

I leaned hard against metal, my back pressed as I gripped notches. Tauran soldiers raced by, goring and hacking whichever cultist they could reach. I'd hardly call them scary, least compared to what I saw with Miakane. They were simply loin cloth clad horse-men with an obsession for draping everything around themselves and their area with seaweed.

Watching them all, I couldn't lift my feet. There was no openings, everyone dug in. Swinging, dodging, kicking, all that stood out were Silica's [Dire Wolves]. They bit at heels, only to be kicked aside, their petite master diving away from danger at any chance she could. I guess it was her really young age getting me to pay attention, cause I couldn't stop worrying. She had to be thirteen years old at least, she shouldn't even be fighting. Sure enough, one of those semi-naked beasts cornered her, Teika caught between two others.

"H-Hey!?" Silica cried.

With a [Mace] and [Buckler] in hand, I rushed in without hesitation. Shoving my way through with [Strength] stats, I yelled before slamming her pursuer from behind.

[Sneak Attack Critical!]

My [Mace] struck its side, causing something inside to crack, sending it shrieking and lurching. Turning its sights on me's, it bought Silica time to escape. Growling and huffing, its body bulged with muscle as it lunged, swinging fists wildly. I raised my shield, leaning forward tight, curling up my legs. Punching my barrier left me stumbling, balance broken with me gasping in shock. Taking a fat hand, the Tauran swiped with great range and speed, sending me flying with ease.

[HP: 84%]

[HP: 70%]
[You are Dazed!]

My head struck a temple wall mid-flight, a brief groan escaping my lips as vision was lost. Besides reminding me to make a helmet, another loud neigh sent me slamming back again, air forced out my stomach.

[HP: 53%]
[You are no longer Dazed!]

"Ugh this is bollocks," I winced.

Squealing loudly, I turned to flee, unable to combat the angry Tauran chasing after me. It was so humiliating, I was getting my arse kicked by a dancing seaweed enthusiast! My body went cold as I swerved away from every punch, my heart jumping as my opponent raised a leg.

"Nope!" I jumped away, sliding on wet floor.

Air blew as it kicked, swooping over my lowered head like a hawk. A shin landed near me, prompting a hard whack with my [Mace], resulting in it whining and stumbling, its bones ringing. The Tauran's voice turned raspy, stomping my hand till it let go of my weapon. Life flashed in my eyes, my body tensing as a hoof was raised over my face. It was only when a sharp crack ruptured, did it freeze. A gaping, burning hole had been made in its stomach, leaving it gasping.

[Sneak Attack Critical!]

Teika swept in like a gale, whipping his [Battleaxe] wide, splitting my hollowed pursuer like a twig. Both halves fell forward, sadly towards my position.

"Hey!" I screamed, the Tauran falling and bleeding all over me, "ew!"

My struggles ended with my opponent turning to glass, Teika helping me up on my feet.

"Lis, right?"

"Aye?" I sighed.

"That guy talking to you earlier's up to something, please keep an eye?"

"But I was protecting Silica," I frowned.

"I've got this," Teika sprinted back into battle, "just go!"

Nodding, I retreated to where Recon party status hid. Wanted to cry so bad, not being able to fight to save my soul. While swords clashed, I found him crouched in front of a door, his fingers delicately shifting.

"So tell me," Recon griped, "why's the blacksmith trying to fight?"

"Cause I want to?" I turned to watch his back, "got a problem with that?

I heard hinges creak, Recon turning an ancient knob.

"Nah," he smiled, "my way's just better. Come on, let's snatch some loot."

"Wait," I froze, "let's let the others know!"

He crouched, [Sneak] skill activating before he strolled into the dark corridor within.

"And let Teika's group get it?" he said, "nah, come here and mule."

While my first thought was to challenge him for calling me a beast of burden, my experience playing MMOs played reminder. My feet stuck, eyes swerving back to Aoki and the others. They told me to protect Recon, Teika said they'd be fine.

"Ah who am I kidding," Recon ranted.

"Coming," I turned quickly, following him through.

Wherever Recon was going, this seemed to be more like a vault than old holy site. These walls consisted of dense stone, without so much as a slit of opening between them. Every surface was really smooth too, the ceiling corners chiseled inward.

"Hold."

I stopped abruptly, Recon sneaking a few feet ahead.

"just spotted a little something."

"What?" I tried crouching.

He reached out from his lowered stature, pressing near a floor tile. Looking above himself, he cast an eye back to me.

"Head out the door," Recon said, "do not stop."

Wasn't gonna ask why, this seemed dangerous enough. Running back where we began, I called out when ready. I heard a soft click, my body jumping as its mechanism unleashed! Its ceiling of solid stone fell with a thunderous crash, sealing the room entirely with a smooth wall. It had to be several meters thick, my [Mace] was ringing from my attempts to break it.

"Recon!?" I stammered.

"I'm fine. Hang on while I disarm this."

I sighed with relief, leaning on the door frame.

"Hey uh, listen. This has a lever somewhere around your area. If you hit it, I won't panic."

Looking around, I searched the metal grated walls, their choked mechanisms running. While everything within the immediate area fit in, I eventually found a switch hidden precariously behind one of the thicker bronze barrier struts. Reaching through cold bars, I tugged it down. A grinding of stone lifted my face, leaving me racing to Recon.

"I did it, I got it up!" I said, watching the barrier lift.

Recon was looking wide eyed, clearly shaken from being crammed in there. Drawing out a wrench and other tools, he dove in the floor opening.

"Think we can make our time a little easier if I just keep this turned off," he rose, "just gotta keep pressure off it."

Another door rested across this perfectly smooth passage, metal in framing. Recon slapped a moist strip of leather on its handle, drawing it back and feeling.

"See," he rolled it up, "you never know when a dick's gonna heat the doorknob, or oil it."

"Why oil?" I turned my head.

"Makes your hand slick," he drew lock-picks, "makes some tasks harder, fun times."

[Laboratory Key Required]

"Yea I don't care," Recon smirked, digging in its keyhole.

Might've taken a few minutes, but Recon proved competent in this, sliding the door open casually after seconds of clicking.

"Tried teaching Wick this," he shook his head, "book of his isn't saving him from traps. Better at it than Leafa already."

"Oh?" I watched.

"Yea, she treats picks like [Daggers]," he chuckled, "broke three of mine before asking for a hammer."

His grip loosened sharply, water pouring out at serious speed, rushing from its one foot deep pool and into the hallway.

"Oh, bad!" Recon tried closing it, only to be repelled by moving water.

Behind us the water trickled into the tiles, a familiar hiss sounding off.

"Inside!" Recon motioned, "inside!"

I practically threw myself inside this partly flooded room, Recon leaping in after me. Despite his efforts at disarming, the ceiling fell again, sealing the way behind us. Water seeped against multi-foot thick stone, pushing past our shins briefly before settling.

"Whew," Recon sighed, "nothing like a trap."

"There's gotta be another switch!" I shivered, "just gotta find it, aye?"

"It's not gonna work," he groaned.

My eyes scanned around, our newest room consisting mostly of work surfaces, containers of marble, ceramic, and metal. Water dripped from its ten foot ceiling, pouring gently off the tops of cabinets installed above tables. We were shin-deep in water, a tide pool for little crabs and rock-like plant life.

"give up Lis," Recon started raiding, "this buys us time."

"But we could use help," I turned, "why're you giving up so quick?"

"Eh," he walked past me with hands in digging into cabinets, "I know what I'm doing."

I kept turning back and forth, trying to decide which was the proper answer. Ugh, I wanted to get help, but the promise of loot...mm. I wanted first shot too, might find something useful.

"Oh...and I wouldn't count on the trap not setting off after you open," Recon whispered, "Water's just gonna flood in again."

Looking back to the trap ceiling, I took a shallow breath. It'd risk my friends more if I tried messing with this. So a quick message to Yuuki helped relieve any concern.

"Told them we'll have to find another way," I slogged over to Recon, "she said a bunch of them surrendered, so they're okay."

"Oh good," Recon snickered, "they aren't that crazy. Well come on, you've got plenty more muscle here."

I nodded, though followed behind carefully. Neither of us were exactly fighters, so I could only hope so much. With paths ahead barely lit, partly submerged, and winding, to say I felt safe would've been a lie. A terrible, terrible lie.

Sun Dancer

-PoH

A fragrant aroma stealthily seized my nostrils, lulling me with a consistent, pleasant charm. Lavenders, that was what it reminded me of. I knew a girl back in Spain who'd only put on Lavender. Wasn't a particularly special one, people rarely earned such distinction. No, it simply reminded me of home, the home I wish I was never taken from. Warm air turned cold, my body lighter, much lighter. Opening my eyes, I twitched in surprise. The sky, it bore a texture like polluted water, rippling above, its green hue only noticeable from certain angles. Air escaped my lips, turning into a puff of fluctuating color.

"Um," I checked below me.

Flat ground, sandy particles laying without much articulation. It softly ebbed as I rose, possessing a lunar-like quality. I scooped up some of this stuff, appraising it as best I could.

[Drelica - D Class Dreamlands Material]

My breath turned this sand different colors, seemingly random too. Scattering them, whole patches of ground imitated their grain's choice. In a world of white, dark green, and grey, this boast of hue was lifting. I could take this stuff and mold it as I saw fit, the material keeping its form. I formed a horse, tiny of course. A brief huff upon its form loosened its sandy limbs, its body swaying before trotting.

This got me excited, watching it go around as I wished. It lived because I deemed it should. Sucking in air close to it, however, and it slowed to a halt. My heart jumped a bit at the possibilities, my hands working to create. Mountains, trees, wildlife, I could make it all, all as I saw fit! Water droplets fell, globs of gunky green. Landing on [Drelica], it expanded like a puddle, only to harden. A glossy texture, it was forming something I'd attribute as glass. These sky-drops fell upon my creations, giving them a smooth, reflective quality. Grinning, their colors too shown brighter. Sweeping my hand across them shifted pigments, all to my exact liking.

"Hm," I nodded, "neat place."

Walking out of my personal grove, I approached another landmark, the only landmark. Its tidal wave-like appearance hung with toothy stalactites, sickle patterns of white growing out from its mass. Approaching this, I spotted two figures, standing about, talking and motioning to each other. Both were made of [Drelica], their clothes bearing more unity and individuality than either. One bore a female physique, pointed ears indicative of an elf. Beside her, a young boy clad in white and gold attire approached. While facial features existed, they were greatly muddled by their composing particles.

"Are you here to see Master Acherres, sir?" the boy said softly, "I'm Yole, I'm...well I'm hoping to be a great Cogitant someday. I like your tunic, sir."

"Actually yes," I grinned, "who's the woman beside you, boy?"

"Oh that's lady Xenia, wife of Acherres. Would be gifted to have her for a mother."

This caricature of a woman said nothing, looking at me with her eyeless face. While nothing from her forehead and cheeks indicated negative feelings, an emptiness emanated. Glancing back to who I could only guess was young Yole, I smiled.

"Come now," the boy turned, "my master would surely be happy to see you."

I bowed my head before following, brushing through ocean wave walls, around rotating dioramas of stars, their glassy exterior holding within big dipper patterns of smaller stars. Everything had this boomerang-ish pattern to it, angled for rises and falls. Eventually, I met a figure much like the one I found meditating. Completely hairless, his entire head almost gleamed in whatever light source existed here. A notable under bite stuck out, his small lips chanting as hands woven a new figure.

"Master, this man wished to meet you."

Acherres chuckled softly, his voice echoing through the ripple-filled skies.

"Good my dear boy," he looked to me, smiling with perfect teeth, "Yole, why don't you go find some fresh fruit? My sweet Xenia is surely hungry."

The boy affirmed his master's wish, running off after a quick raise of hands, arms in a three o' clock position. With his departure, Acherres sighed softly, raising from sand a tricorn hat.

"What is your name?" Acherres smiled, tossing the hat upward, "can't say I've met one of your distinction before."

I stared at the sand hat, it was floating.

"Oh," I affixed my sight on him, "PoH. I've met your people. Chill guys."

"Ha," he gently slapped his knee, "funny. Usually I get a desperate disciple, looking to know about Cygoth-a. So what brings you here?"

He brought the hat down with a wave, tearing it in half before throwing it again. Each flapping half grew a replacement, forming vertebra, antenna before flying off on their own.

"I was hoping we could start a sort of deal," I watched these butterflies go, "your guys mentioned wanting something."

"Oh?" he giggled, "prompt and with bartering power, I like it!"

Mentioning the [Malishard] got him moving, like I was promising a million dollars every week for the rest of his life.

"Master PoH for what you have to give, you will not find a corner of this forest I cannot reinforce you with."

He motioned a hand to another corner. Walking in, Xenia stopped a few feet from Acherres, taking a hand in his.

"For what you have, I will raise the arms of thousands..."

Stroking her coarse shoulder, he looked to me with soft, pale blue eyes.

"Cool," I grinned, "let me guess, you're a sorcerer."

He laughed calmly, releasing Xenia's hand.

"Just a little. As enchanting a place as this is, I still don't know how to perfectly replicate life. Sure, my creations act as they did, but asking them of tomorrow?" he shook his head, "What is it you want in exchange for this blessed gift?"

"You're not getting the [Malishard]," I reminded, "I'm giving you a line to its power. What I want is to keep communication."

Acherres blinked, smiling blankly at me.

"Oh of course, silly me. But Tolbana? My, my powers only go so far."

"I'm not living there," I corrected, "it's Urbus."

His eyes narrowed.

"A ghost town?"

"It's been resettled," I cleared my throat, "I can explain everything."

Exhaling softly, his hairless hands coupled fingers.

"Do tell."

I must say most wise reader, how profound your ability to sit inside a town and do nothing is! Jest as I might, I figure now's a good time to mention town building. See, building a [Town Hall] is only the beginning.

When thou dost build such a structure, a territory is established, small at first. Making a pre-established building a [Town Hall] doesn't cost as much, but payment is necessary.

Rules have to be established, what nation/guild it belongs to, as well as food and water sources. Yes, NPCs may choose to live among thee, but only if they find adequate reason. (whichever the elves think is reasonable)

Oh and it would be most wise to build a wall. Last thing thy needs is a [Red Spotted Beetle] gnawing the mailbox.

-Godfree, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. December 1st, 2022

A/N: Connections sprout, like crops in Venezuela-...oh wait. Hey everyone thanks for reading my humble story, be sure to review and save from an inevitable demise by college finals. If I die, you'll know why.