A/N: Math final? Nani!?

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Do not underestimate [Undead] opponents. Our immortal enemy possesses a uniquely horrible passive skill, known as [Undying Will]. By some mockery of what make heroes great, there's a chance that upon reaching 0 HP they will resurrect themselves to half full health.

While special circumstances will reduce and/or eliminate likelihood, (setting them on fire, using magic to destroy them, holy stuff, etc) never assume death upon first fall. From [Shamblers] to [Grave-Sinns], to [Lich], complete destruction is best.

If you find any roaming without control, contact Korrin from the Protectorate's Office of Defense immediately.

-Garr, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. [Redacted]

Edit: Sorry guys, the meathead gets overly dramatic. Don't freak out, this's blown outta proportion. -Argo, Godfree, et al.

December 5th, 2022

Recon peaked his head out with great restraint, eyeing past our nearest door. Water bobbed below our knees, soaking my shins as its pattern reflected off his glow rock lantern.

"Looks like a workshop," Recon whispered, "clear."

With a delicate pull, a rotten wood door swished aside. A realm of unlit torches and coastal dwellers opened. Slipping through bleak waters, Recon dimmed his [Glow Rock], hiding it in his fist. I could barely see him, but creaking hinges told what he's doing. Water dripped, machinery groaned, artifacts to a bygone era. A shakiness overwhelmed me, we should've waited for the others.

Room was built like a kitchen, ceramic and wood sharing a watery tomb with barnacles. Tables of a complicated underbelly consumed a whole corner. With half a cog faced down, a wooden bar dug between teeth, iron nails bolted down. A flat surface, whose bottom half teemed with tendrils of leather, a buckle on each.

"Jeez," Recon adjusted a bar, "know what this is?"

"Yea," I grimaced.

"Something broke out of these," Recon shuddered on touching these straps, "...chewed."

My legs tightened. Recon stepped away to inspect cabinets, muttering something to himself. Water swished, its ripples reflecting blue on a clammy ceiling. Three doors, one on each side, one forward. A pat on ceramic made me swerve, Recon motioning me over. Crossing over murky canals, my eyes surveyed his findings. A pair of [Brass Scraps], formed into a twisted ball of dented strips.

"This shouldn't be this messy," I whispered, Recon holding up an aged book.

"No two victims look alike, yet all behave the same. Surely, it would be unbecoming of us to assume commonality with these," he sighed, "and I'm totally passing this to a lore guy. Cause this is creepy."

Across from where I stood, my eyes fixated. A bottle, old but dry rested on a cabinet. My heart yanked forward, only to be leashed. Craving returned, every sound bouncing off whatever surface wasn't submerged. In my focus, a distant splash sent my soul reeling. It wasn't isolated, it repeated. Softer, coordinated. Something lurked here, in a place so detached from sun, flowers, and warmth. In my terror, I reached for what I knew.

"Ps."

Recon's call electrified the air, eyes turning as I froze. His body was positioned towards the door right of us. A metal label was nailed above it, 'Sensitive Storage'.

"Recon," I stammered quietly.

"Loot," he waved, "let's go."

"B-But," I shook, "there's something...in here."

"No shit," he growled, "probably a skeleton, come on."

I sealed my tongue behind teeth, looking to an old bottle.

Rika, you're so much funner when you're drunk.

Take some and calm down, you need it.

A click set me back, water pitching. Recon took our one light source, its exit prompting my retreat. Standing behind him, I silenced my breath, waiting on his word. His fingers coyly pulled, our next door barely opened. A quarter of it spread, only for him to freeze. Fingers constricted, his eyes bulging. Color left Recon's face as air stuck in his chest. Breathing in soft jolts, he slowly closed it. His terror, the silence, my feet skidded away. A raspy gurgle scratched at our hearts, Recon quickening his silent race towards separate paths.

"Recon?" I cried.

He wouldn't pay attention, his fingers shivering as he opened another door. All heat returned, a loud crash bursting from where we refused to go. Dust flew, wood cracking as something flailed against it. Crouching behind a stone table, I coiled like a spring, another click turning my head. Recon was leaving for another room, he wasn't waiting. My legs bobbed, instinct compelling me to follow. This, however, was quickly silenced by treading water. I ducked back, breath turned shallow, even if I wanted to cry out.

Its footsteps weren't well composed, they were quick, excited. Sharp, quick sniffs echoed, a shaky snarl, powerful lungs. Hearing a door shut behind me, a tear rolled down. Recon was abandoning me, that coward. It hissed ravenously, wading about, sniffing. It was gonna find me by smell, it'd tear me to shreds, eat me, whatever came first. Crying quietly, I dipped myself in knee high water. I'd be harder to pick out if I smelled like the water. It clawed at wood, pausing every few swipes to breath. Smelling like sea water, I slipped opposite of its direction, keeping as low to ground as possible. Time and light had abandoned me, I couldn't hear Recon anymore.

Seconds drew out, my north facing doorway groaning before collapsing to bestial tools. Sniffs were met with splashes, a frantic exit. Opening my interface in a desperate call for help, I nearly screamed. Its white color brought light, and with it came the stalker's pause. Closing it, all sight fell away, a snarl closing in. Gritting teeth, my [Mace] wobbled softly in a cold grip. It moved quicker, anxious to find me.

Its breathing grew louder, teeth clacking. Turning to flee, my boot caught a barnacle mound, a dull thump largely muted by surrounding water. My heart slammed against my chest, legs screaming for me to move faster as my hands probed. I did this with Aid before, going into a dungeon with scary things, I could make it. It wouldn't go away, no matter how quiet I moved. Having only memory and hands to guide me, I slid fingers on ceramic cabinet skirts.

After what felt like hours of searching, my fingers touched a broken doorway. A rush of warmth pushed me forward, seeking an exit. A splash and harsh thump, however, sent me sprawling. A loud, impatient growl, quick movement.

I vaulted from my position, throwing myself past any obstacle my flailing arms found, a biting cold consuming me as I fled aimlessly, crying out as I heard it close in. What chased me proved faster, crashing into objects in a reckless, mindless, and relentless romp. Knocking aside all in its way, I turned a sharp right, only for my head to slap against stone. In my desperation, I slammed face first into a wall, knocking me back first in water with a loud splash. Even with my ears submerged, I heard it coming, forcing me to surface.

"Oh god Aiden help!" I flailed, mace raised.

It descended without mercy or restraint, its claws setting upon my armor, shrieking and tearing as I screamed and swung. Hooks met bronze, a soul crushing tear echoing as it met my skin, my attacks glancing off its lean body, panic ruining my aim. This was hopeless, I was done, I was gonna die in this place and nobody was gonna know. I'm sorry Asuna, you were right! Recon was right! I should've stayed inside!

"It's not about being fearless, Lis. It's not letting it take you."

My breath softened for a moment, Aid's words circling back, this predator slashing away. My grip tightened, [Mace] rigid between fingers, pulled behind like a hammer. This focus, however, was broken by a harsh clamp, a set of teeth biting down on my collar.

[HP: 32%]

[Your blood warms…]

Shrieking in panic, I tore myself free, an awful rip echoing. I threw my [Mace] threw down like a hammer, bashing finally against a rigid surface. A crack, followed by a whimper left it scampering off, water splashing hurriedly. Seconds later, silence.

[HP: 26%]

[You are bleeding!]

I couldn't stop, I had to find Recon…anybody. Wasn't sure why I felt so warm, its bite had to mean something, nothing good either. I turned on my interface again, I had to see where I was going. Pale light leaked throughout a maze of bookcases, their contents in various states of age. Aisles and rows of knowledge, lore probably explaining so much of what I was seeing. It was when I reached its farthest corner, however, did I pause.

A book of incredible thickness rested, clutched in the arms of a figure cloaked in red. Long turned to bones, I took it to inspect. Whoever made it put serious artistry into its cover, pipes popping out and glowing between leather. Flipping pages, their metallic material left me curious. A book written out of paper-thin metal? it flipped a page a second later, then another. I almost jumped, its contents opening at an exponential rate, pages cycling faster than I could track. Images, geometries, formulas, flashing in my eyes, vision brightening, blinding me to a egg-shell white.

[Entering Celiac…]

Seconds later a warm, humid puff of air stroked my face, metal squeaking and winding around me. Opening my eyes, a rounded ceiling of glass and engraved gold supports hung, with spherical chandeliers hovering above. Steam ruptured from its levitating mass, its pale blue mist vanishing to a background of red. Bowed walls of a clay-like texture, a sharp difference from where I was.

"Um," I glanced around, "this…aye, this isn't…right."

"I beg to differ," A soothing voice echoed, "it is everything your world isn't."

I turned to face who spoke, but only found pipes.

"Can you not perceive me?"

I stumbled, watching pipes breathe steam in sync with its voice.

"Ah yes, Lisbeth...Urbus' up and coming blacksmith. You've met my gears not too long ago."

It knew my name here, must've been a quest giver. Easing myself to a slight slump, my eyes followed where steam belched.

"Do I have to ask who?" I narrowed my eyes, "I'm pretty pissed right now."

"Oh I'm sure," he chuckled, "I'm guessing you'd like that gone, wouldn't you?"

"What gone?" I softened my tone.

"An instinct driven mechanism. I'm sure you felt it earlier."

"Oh," I frowned, "the pronoun game, cool."

"Do not fear," it continued, "I am Deus Cel."

"And you're a poor salesman," I put hands on my hips, "tell me how I just won cruise tickets to the Caribbean why don't ya?"

"Where?"

I blinked, forgot this wasn't Earth. Glad to see a god without humor, made me feel so much better.

"It's a...never mind, what's happening?"

Floorboards shifted aside in front of me, a rounded grandfather clock shaped pillar rising in its place. In its center, however, was spinning array of gear teeth, nothing perceivable inside this.

"I've brought you to Great Ciliac because you possess a great gift. I can cure you, if you will accept what is before you."

"So get my fingers crushed," I nodded, "nice...but I'll pass."

"Merging with the machine is a trying matter, but it's superior to what will take you. No harm will come to you, I guarantee it."

Hands dug in my pockets as I stared into this vortex of spinning metal. Merge with machinery, this some kind of cyborg stuff? What's this doing in a fantasy game? Either way, it's this or turning into anything like what bit me. Raising my left arm, I decided to do the most Scottish thing that came to mind. Punch it.

My fist crashed against steam powered cogs, a moisture encompassing it with a soft hiss. Pen-like points poked, changing spots every few seconds as heat washed over me. It was after several moments, that was my hand eased out. Raising it, a sigh escaped my lips.

"Why do you look so defeated?"

"It's-It's hideous," I cried, "you-!"

"You are what millions wish they were. You will come to terms with this someday."

I couldn't focus, this curse clicking away.

"We will meet again, Lisbeth."

Sun Dancer

-Garr

My head hung low before Asterius, torches crackling along support beams. Sunset had barely passed, yet his report had already fouled matters for me. My countermeasure held a price I wasn't prepared for.

"Damn," I rested my elbow on our map table.

"Apparently these worshipers were trying to contain something," Asterius grumbled, "a monster of some sort. They intended to starve it to death, so it may not threaten others."

My palms pressed briefly against my face, sliding down before eyes set back on him.

"Any specifics as to what it is?" I brushed my hair.

"No, Altai. While humans slew it, they claimed they couldn't identify it."

"Mm," I nodded, "may I speak to one of these worshipers? There's been a misunderstanding."

"Of course," Asterius bowed, "Altai, this will worry my people. Hearing of you committing to such an assault so quickly."

"It's harsh, but tell them I take full responsibility. I care for all of you, I have to be more careful."

I leaned back in my chair as he fulfilled my request.

[-5 Reputation with Sun Dancers]
[-10 Reputation with Wind Manes]
[-5 Reputation Silver Snouts]
[+5 Reputation Red Hooves]

Looking out a high window, stars shined through an otherwise monotone sky, cool air swapping with warm. Thankfully no one was harmed, supposed it's mission accomplished. How many people were there? What was it they found? I ought to invite them for a chat. A green flash stifled my thoughts, a message bursting in.

[From Lisbeth: can I come see you?]

My front door opened, a couple of Tauran dressed in plants approaching with Asterius as their escort. Nodding to them, I wrote back.

[To: I'll come to you upon my next message, stand by]

December 6th, 2022 - 1:07 AM

My worn boots scraped upon decades old pavement, slowing as a familiar forge-maiden approached. Draped in a brown cloak, her pace quickened, almost tackling me as she fled Urbus' torch lit tunnel. Clasped in my arms, a sniffle broke out, shoulders drooping.

"I'm so sorry," Lisbeth stammered, "it's late, I know you're busy...I-I-"

"Sh," I hugged, "let's go."

It was a quiet walk under a blanket of stars, Lisbeth hurrying with me past fields of crops. My night time gatekeepers saluted me, letting us pass without pause. With her arrival in my palace, I prepped a fresh fire with logs of a fairly spongy nature. Seating her left me only further embarrassed, knowing I had such shabby furniture. Nonetheless, she remained content to sit still, staring at a budding fire.

"Would you like anything?" I smiled.

"No," she shivered, "no thank you."

A heaviness rumbled from Lisbeth's voice, a quaking fear. Before I sat across from her, I placed a blanket over her shoulders. Snuggling into it, she shut her eyes for a minute.

"Aid?"

"Hm?"

A pause from Lis sparked an intuitive reminder, prompting me to leave, relocating myself beside her. Cold blew in, but not from outside. My blacksmith, she breathed harshly, her trademark pocket dig commencing. Something hurt her, something was going to hang.

"I...I'm sorry," she burst into tears.

"You keep saying that," I said, "why? I'm not getting why."

A bottle was brought forth, its content partially consumed. Picking it up, I glanced to her with confusion.

"It was all so much...I was so scared," she stuttered, "the monster, Cel..."

"Wow," I held a hand up gently, "let's start this off slow. Like, with the monster?"

She nodded, describing how she ended up on this journey.

"It was inside this temple...never got to see what it looked like. But it hunted me, it wouldn't stop."

"You were there," my hands clenched, "why didn't you tell..."

"Cause I know you," Lis whispered, "I knew the first thing you'd do is come help me. So I didn't. I wanted to prove I can do it...for myself."

A hunt was brought up, my gut twisting as Lis described being preyed upon by an enemy unknown.

"Recon left me there," she sniffled, "hiding as it forced itself through."

"Coward," I growled, "I should have him dragged in here, he nearly got you killed!"

"Aid don't," Lis shook her head, "you're better than that, remember the chief?"

"The Red Hoof chief earned that respect, this Recon didn't. When he would desert a friend, I'm supposed to express compassion?"

We clearly disagreed on the matter, nothing wrong there. Lisbeth and I moved on to her perilous encounter, a long and painful recollection spilling forth.

"It tore at me," Lis curled, "shrieking and ripping, I must've been screaming the whole time."

To think she was so close to death left my soul crushed, my expression waning.

"I swung at it so many times," Lis said, "I kept failing. It reached down...biting me."

She curled up tighter, eyes shut again.

"I got it off, gave it a bad headache. It ran, whimpering like a wounded animal."

I looked back to Lis, who at this point had her eyes up to our ceiling.

"When I got back, I couldn't say no."

Her eyes lowered to the bottle again.

"I," she broke down, "I failed...I'm..."

Shooting up from my seat, I stepped in front of her, offering a hand. Lis looked up at me funny, so I took hers anyway. Lifted to full stature, I shuffled my feet, swaying my hips, taking my blacksmith for a silent dance.

"W-What're you doing?" she tensed, "are you listening to me?"

My fingers kept gentle hold of her little wrists, moving her like a leaf through wind. She stumbled a little, delicate in my grasp. Long eyelashes flapped, brown eyes dilating as they met mine, shoulders lowering. Fire really brought out Lis' freckles, one thing I learned from time spent by a campfire with her.

"You are closer to success than ever before," I said, "why lie to yourself?"

Ebony dark bangs partly shielded her eyes, their rims red from distress. Swaying together with me, Lisbeth silenced herself, her feet tapping in step with me. Her wrists slipped down, fingers sliding against my palms.

"Cause..." she stumbled with words, "now I gotta fight it all over again. Just like every other time."

"Of everyone I've met here," I smiled, "your strength humbles me the most, you've got such a good heart. You can beat this."

Reaching around my shoulders, Lisbeth's head rested on my chest, sniffling softly.

"Aid...you don't know me," she whispered, "do you have any idea...how many days I've woken up, feeling disgusted with myself, my mattress stained and smelling."

Her steps shortened, her breathing tighter.

"How many nights I've spent, lying about what I tasted, hiding the fact I lost my breakfast barely before noon, where the money went."

Her fingers tightened around me, arms wobbling softly as we swayed before a warm fire.

"How many times I failed my friends, lying to them to get money? How many times I make it up that everything is okay, that I'm feeling happy? Have you?"

Her pace stopped, looking up at me again. What Lisbeth had unveiled was a wreath of thorns, what she had stitched to her heart. They tore at me, cause I didn't know. I was an alien in her world, from some distant land she would've never known. A shake of my head brought us both to a subtle cold.

"How could you stand there and say so many good things?" her face wrinkled wet, "I hid stuff from you, shouted at you, cursed you."

"Saved me," I interrupted.

She stopped, her breathing hitching for half a second.

"Fought with me, planned with me. Laughed, joked, comforted, believed...honored me."

I had Lisbeth's total focus, listening to my every word as I eased my hold of her.

"You're right, I don't know how that feels. You do so much just to keep up a smile, to keep me believing you were happy. That you weren't fighting demons I couldn't see."

Silence fell, Lisbeth's grip softening as she shifted side to side with me.

"It doesn't make you a liar in my eyes. Nothing you said makes you a coward, a thief, or weak."

Her eyes darted up to me again, foggy and despaired.

"You always stood by my side, no matter how bad things got. Remember our first day here? Travelling around an alien world like this? You never gave up."

She sniffed, but nodded, her lips tucked away.

"You and I," I smiled softly, "everything that exists here, is cause of us. These people can sleep soundly at night, cause we sacrificed. You and I, made this possible. Doesn't that count for something?"

I pulled her in a little closer, heat growing in my chest.

"You have been a fighter all your life...you just need to believe in yourself more. Your friends, Asuna, Leopon, they believe in you. I believe in you. This isn't it, Lis...it's just a bump on the road."

Her pink lips lifted, a tiny smile budding, eyes clearing.

"Thank you Aid," she swayed with me, "I...I will. Though things have changed."

"How so?"

Removing a glove from her left hand, her pact shined bright, a set of smooth, cylindrical pipes characterizing fingers bent. A steampunk styled prosthetic hand, operating like a normal appendage.

"I'm a [Mechanist] now," Lis lifted her affected hand, "I know, it's a bit freakish...I had to."

"You kidding?" my eyes widened, "that's bad ass!"

Her face darkened, freckles shrouded by a deep blush.

"Oh?" she smiled weakly.

"Yea," I fixated on her eyes, "you know what it can do?"

"I haven't fully read up on it," she opened her interface, "but it's about building steam-powered robots called [Krigsinn]. Apparently Deus Cel's into that."

A discussion of this book, an [Autonomicon] flowed. A conversation of lands beyond our plane, of a being whom I had discarded as lore, wallpaper in a background I wouldn't heed. I was wrong again, Deus Cel was more relevant.

"Hm," I examined the list she scrolled through, "so this book gave you all this?"

"Yea," she smiled, "sadly I can't seem to give it to anyone, it acts like a quest item."

"That's fine," I danced a little faster, "these offer all sorts of neat options."

"I know right?" she brightened, "Ooh, what if I made these for you? To be soldiers, defending this place?"

"That," I raised an index finger, "would be bitchin'. Perhaps we can set up a business deal."

A sly grin grew on her face.

"Oh?"

"I'll pay for every ten units of a model. What's the base cost for one?"

"Melee types cost around," she examined her menu, "mm," her smile faded, "okay it's got a lot of infrastructure needed."

Apparently storage facilities, fuel sources, and lots of metal. Some models barely skimmed at shin height, others towered over buildings. It was a bit bewildering, my mind twisting internally. If she completed upper echelons of this [Unique Skill], she'd more powerful than me. What were weapons like mine when she could deploy armies at her will? All this, yet her first concern was regarding looks. Left me wondering if Lis was even fully aware of what power she possessed here. With her mind, however, left only one conclusion. God help her enemies. As our discussion dried, my blacksmith's smile was restored. Night air flowed in, our fire waning, hungering greater yield. Holding her hands, I knew what she'd wanna do.

"How about some [Karaoke]?"

Lisbeth's eyes narrowed, her iconic face of mischief.

"I thought you hated that."

"I do," I laughed, "but tastes can always be acquired."

Our eyes met like swords in practice, smiles mirroring as Lisbeth's challenge arrived. We sung away the cold, malicious world from this place, our shoulders touching as I feebly tried holding any sort of tune. We sang for a living peace, a sovereign life, air heating as we bumped and nudged. Our third song pulled up, with Lis dropping her mic, grabbing on and pulling me close. Our bodies pressed together, hearts mashing to hear one another, our hands on backs. Lifted like a feather, I spun her around, easing down after Lisbeth's laughter softened.

"Altai?"

We both froze, our expressions flattening, stepping apart not a second later. With music still playing, our moment of joy had betrayed us. One of my two newest ambassadors stepped out, a redhead named Renee. She took a good look at Lis before setting her piercing sight on me.

"Who's this cutie?" she smiled, "gonna say it right now, only one of you should be singing."

Lis and I laughed, our duel of voices ending with an [Abort].

"Just helping someone find a little joy," I turned to our questioner, "I believe her name's Lisbeth, right?"

"Aye," she nodded, her eyes dimmed slightly.

"Really?" Renee crossed arms dramatically, "at two?"

"She was one of the people in that temple," I said, "help was necessary."

Whoever my ambassador was, she was not buying it.

"Right," she kept smiling, a hand on her hip.

"I really should head back," Lisbeth said quickly, rushing to grab her cloak.

"I'll take you," I waved in superficial indifference.

"Yea," Renee chuckled, "you do that."

We returned to colder air, reunited with a ceiling of stars. Escorting Lis to Urbus, a request of specific dealings was made. She knew of something called an [Anneal Blade], going to detail of its unique internal material. Research was desired, its purpose was sure to benefit everyone should she find out. Magic defense, spell absorption and elemental attack application, they needed this. Urbus slowly rose to view, its entrance lit like a furnace. Our pace slowed, the return trip near completion.

Until I'm measured I'm not known, Yet you miss me when I've flown. What am I?

What could be measured, fly, and be missed? What's one thing unknown until sought after? As if all the wiring in my mortal, limited brain had lit off at once, an answer came from my lips.

"Time."

Lisbeth said nothing, but her smile grew, creeping up on freckles.

"Not sure if that's the answer," I puzzled, "it-"

She swerved, placing a firm hand on my beating heart. Leaning in close, our noses touched.

"Rika."

My blacksmith's quip ended with a sly grin, bowing before turning away. Smiling childishly, I bowed my head in return, my fingers curling. What a tease, getting me hot n' bothered, only to walk away. I rushed Rika, grabbing those little shoulders. To my surprise though, it wasn't a giggle I got, but a [Mace] and a shriek.

[You are crippled!]

My right arm fell limp to my side, her blunt weapon snapping my collar bone like a pencil. I froze, Rika dropping her [Mace] immediately, hands raised.

"O-Oh m-my god," she flinched, "I'm so sorry."

It wasn't pain gripping me to stillness, but a lack of it. I wasn't feeling it, at all.

"Why doesn't it hurt?" I raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"It doesn't hurt," I looked to Rika, "mean my arm's disabled, but there's not even numbness."

Her posture corrected, though her eyes looked frightened.

"I didn't mean it," she shook her head, "I just-"

"It's fine Rika," I nodded with a smile, "I know what shock does, pretty personally. I'll go get myself home."

"No," she motioned, "I'm finding you one of those birds, get you healed."

Conceding was inevitable, Rika was helping. Giving me her [Mace], a repaired limb was only moments away. She proved my point that night, I could only hope she recognized it too.

Sun Dancer

December 7th, 2022 - Urbus

A plainly clothed Haru stepped eagerly from her nest of glass and chemicals, a beaker filled with a viscous, bubbling white ichor.

"Look Bale," Haru presented with both hands, "Marshmallows."

Her slim, handsome audience ceased all conversation, his table mounted elbow flattening against wood abruptly.

"Oh...sorry," Haru hunched slightly, withdrawing from what was a private discussion.

Sitting nearby, Johnny's eyes followed a quiet alchemist, observing a return to her dwelling with a soft gaze. A corner of his lip folded, returning visual focus to both speakers.

As much as I despise people, Haru is almost like watching my younger brother. She keeps trying to impress people, bringing up some new accomplishment or creation, just to be shot down.

"You were saying?" Bale tilted his head, brushing aside flowing hair.

"We need to smuggle in some guys," Kibaou leaned on the table, "since Lind's in charge of Diebry."

"We'll get them through," Bale smiled, "this ought to spark something. I will not let Ilioc get away with what he did. How do we spark this though?"

Johnny's eyes shallowly rolled, getting off his chair before heading for an exit.

"Johnny?" Bale turned.

"Sorry," Johnny shrugged, "politics bore me."

His bandaged hands eased aside Bale's front door, sunlight blasting him as he stepped out. Drawing a [Tricorn Leather Hat], however, his progress down westbound streets was slowed. A soft voice, sweet and pure carried tunes above him. Muffled by walls, Johnny paused to listen.

Hm, interesting.

Johnny knew of its source within seconds, smiling gently as his shoes met open road. His eyes remained soft, viewing every soul crossing his path or otherwise. Under a bright sun and pale sky, flat roofed buildings of a light gray stone material lined every plot available. Smooth walls stuck out between natural crags, homes built within Urbus' walls. Where Floor One's towns filled with garden and vegetation, Urbus was arid, dust skipping lowly across the floor. Walkways carved out by tools along higher elevation plateaued, resulting in layers of dwellings of similar layout. Strolling west from a central spot, however, Johnny slipped off his hat, onyx eyes hardening.

My hunting license has yet to expire, especially for wolves.

Bystanders observing his direction called out to him, "turn away, don't get robbed."

Johnny shrugged off their concerns, their warnings fuel for a fire in his eyes.

My disguise is unbroken, my scent masked by a fawn's skin. Before long the hyenas among sheep will emerge, eager for an easy meal. Then, then, ooh then it'll be their pelts I wear tonight. I'd dig overly dramatic speeches, but everyone would laugh at me. Like they did about meat toboggans!

Wandering further west, Johnny lowered his head, hooding it softly. Right and left were people of identical phenotype, whose broad faces concentrated in quiet conversation, glancing as he slunk among their crowds.

"Japanese devil," one uttered.

A few trailed behind Johnny, cautious in their footsteps. Continuing to walk casually through lightly shaded streets of stone and dust, his hand slipped, but not for his [Falchion]. A [Dagger], serrated and curved hidden under his cloak, his eyes set upon a lonely alley.

It's been so long since my newest hunting rule, best I follow it...this time.

His pursuers slowed, looking to each other.

"I think he's baiting us," one whispered.

"Yea," another stepped away, "not liking this."

"Hey!" one shouted to Johnny, "islander! Go back and love your sister!"

Johnny stopped, his cloak lapping briefly against his heels. A soft exhale ended with a turning of shoulders, hands splayed out to his sides.

"Why? Is yours checking me?"

A glaring pause erupted, followed by racing feet as all three rushed out, weapons extended. Johnny leaped back, entrenching himself between building walls as they shouted and flung. A [Falchion] was drawn first, its sheath wobbling with its smaller counterpart bobbing above it. His [Dagger] was nestled, free from wear, waiting as Johnny deflected swords like his own. Forced to approach one at a time, their weapons rang as parries were scored, friends shoving by to protect each other.

"Devil!" they thrashed, "someone get help!"

Sweeping an [Arming Sword] aside, Johnny leaned on their weapon, reaching with his left to another sheath.

[Dual Wield not acquired, can only attack with one weapon at a time!]

Releasing tension on his downward [Falchion], Johnny whipped away his prey's only support, a fear of death warding him. Left with a single opponent, Johnny drew him out, letting panic and adrenaline betray senses. Wild swings flew, the brawler slamming his tool against walls left and right, his center opened. And like a hawk, Johnny swooped in a mere inch apart, a knife angled down and plunging. His friend screamed in rage, rushing to assist, readying a [Spear]. Johnny's eyes fixated on his gored prey, who stared back with trembling eyes at who towered over him.

"Do you have friends besides these?" Johnny grinned.

"Y-Yes!"

Not a second more was wasted, Johnny shoving the brawler into his friend's [Spear].

[Sneak Attack Critical!]

A puff of blue brought his second target collapsing, crying and screaming as his weapon dropped with a soft ring. Through glass shards, a bandaged hand reached, grabbing and dragging who remained feverishly. A boot planted, [Dagger] poised above.

"Do you have friends past these two?"

"Bu-Bu-" the man cried out, "y-you."

Johnny shook his head, a sharp stab and harsh stomp resulting in more glass. A [Dagger] bounced against pavement, stained before a retrieving hand, its tip bent. Taking their weapons, Johnny slipped away, shivering gleefully.

Oh it never goes right, does it? First I said no solo players, nobody cried over them. Hunt groups? Utterly stupid, only capable of winning through numbers.

Dozens of feet clapped against stone, rushing to find Aincrad's jaguar, hollering and cursing. Changing attire, Johnny merged within eastern Urbus' population, a blank expression embroidered on his pale face.

What good is it to do something I already know I'm gonna beat? I need something more fulfilling!

West residing players rushed those dwelling east of them, weapons brandished. Demands for a killer, however, were quickly lost as emotions flared. Threats of violence were met with surprise, its arrival without warning as men poured forth, seeking Johnny without clear directive. Having looped around, he helped himself to a formerly occupied house in west Urbus, its residents seeking him elsewhere. Snatching what food he found, a casual seat was taken, black eyes lighting as they set upon portraits of a old man, a totalitarian.

PoH and Garr, two big names in one building. One leads beasts, another leads fools. Me? What if I can have the big win...and take them both? Oh man, it'd be an even better hunt than-

A flash of green brought forth a message.

[From PoH: December 13th, be ready]

Shouting could be heard, hundreds rioting outside. A toothy grin spread across his cheeks, a hushed chuckle escaping, silenced by a bite of bread.

The Holy Dragon Alliance
Needs You To Bring
Aincrad's Best Future.

Promotional Slogan on bulletin, December 12th, 2022

A/N: Not a day goes by without something happening! Hey guys, thanks for reading my stuff, please be sure to drop reviews! Bad or good, it helps me improve the story! See you next week!