A/N: Happy New Years from this humble author!

NetherOrbit: Sounds like you're finally taking a side about the king, fam :3
Den3424: Hey fam, be sure to put that journal entry to a PM, I don't want anything possibly spoiled in the future!
Doctor: Three inch wide blade and nothing of substance behind it...mwahaha.

Enjoy!

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ALF Poster, found on Urbus Bulletin. December 17th, 2022

December 15th, 2022

The wooden horse's head circled around the pawn, its movements unthinkable to a more basic unit.

"Check," Taiyama leaned back.

A set of purple eyes on high looked down upon a checkered field, his lead piece uprooted by a looming threat.

"So wait, that's all you have to do?" Wick looked back.

"Yep," Tai smiled, "you can have the most powerful pieces in the game and still lose. Dad'd make a weekend hobby out of beating me in chess."

"Hm," Wick nodded, "I admit, I'm better at black jack than this."

"It's a different sort of game, man. Probabilities might be your strength, but this? This is psychology, strategy. Never stopped being interesting."

Wick shrugged, inching his king away from Tai's knight.

"Asuna was acting a bit strange these past two days," he glanced up, "she spoke about what happened during that uh...attack. Wanted to know what you saw."

Taiyama's eyes set on Wick, a shiver running through him.

December 13th, 2022

Their chests pressed into dirt, arrow fire whizzing over whipped blades of grass. Shielding eyes and shoulders, Taiyama's [Tower Shield] cemented, dull thumps rippling out like a beating drum, their ambushers shouting and laughing.

"Move!" Tai roared, "to the tree!"

"Cowards!" Aigen shouted, looking ready to launch.

"Friggin' snakes," Thanatos scooted himself aside, replacing his bright clothes with green.

Asuna yanked Aigen, coaxing him towards a lone tree behind Tai.

"But they're pinning Tai!" Aigen tugged.

"We gotta flank!" Asuna ducked, "let them get close first, I won't stop you!"

Seeing reason, Aigen followed as directed, Taiyama steady in his retreat. Hammering their tank constantly, arrows stopped flying. A dozen men rushed forward without pause, [Spears] and [Glaives] poised forward with uniforms of green. Witnessing their mass convergence, Taiyama scraped back, raising a [Spear] beside his decorated shield.

"Charge me, come on!"

Thanatos said nothing, letting a few pass his prone self, breathing shallow as militants rushed to encircle. Cursing loudly, Taiyama continued backpedaling, jabbing and zoning as they advanced. Polearms swung, their masts wobbling against their target's large shield. Tai spaced them with a sharp swipe of his [Spear], catching one's arm harshly. Blood flooded out, partly flung as its source drew back.

Aigen and Asuna rushed as their tank's back touched bark, circling around to combat all who assaulted him. Their opposition stabbed and shouted, Asuna swiping at wood, chipping at staffs, stabbing thighs to cripple movement.

"Islanders!" they laughed, mimicking the hoot of primates.

Aigen slammed a [Spear] aside, wrestling it away from its user within seconds of a grapple. Disarmed, the combatant fell behind his friends, who slashed angrily, forcing Aigen back. Taiyama raised his shield from Earth, charging his friend's assaulters, knocking over flanked combatants like a charging bull. Bodies flew off their feet, others stumbling away, disoriented as their backs cushioned against allies.

Opportunities were opened, Asuna descending like a falcon on broken ranks, stabbing fighters left open by battery, sometimes repeatedly. Her [Rapier] shrieked against some of her opponents, [Scale-Mail] repelling, disks dented by hardened tip. Armored or not, however, Taiyama's shield would crush them from within, its hard wooden edge crashing against ribs.

"Run or die, bitches!" Tai shouted.

With backs turned fully to him, Thanatos emerged with clenched fists, a [Throwing Knife] in one hand, and a [Whip] in the other. A wide sweep followed with a crack, lashes striking spines and backs with recoil and [Stun]. While some opponents attempted to [Parry], the leather tail simply flexed around, slipping away. For those ensnared, Aigen's [Ninjato] carved away, fingers and wrists lopping off with soft squishes.

"These guys Chinese or something?" Aigen groaned, "the hell?!"

Reinforcements piled through, dozens of attacks resulting in wounds across Taiyama's team. Asuna's arm was hacked, Taiyama's leg nicked, Aigen's stomach stabbed, Thanatos' shoulder dug.

"We gotta run!" Tai waved, "back to Garr's place!"

"You crazy?!" Aigen hollered, "he probably sent these guys! We can handle this!"

Aigen rushed forward, ducking beneath polearms, tackling three in a rush of fury. His [Ninjato] flew like a bird's wing, chopping into arms, chests, and necks, drawing back only when they failed to punch through. Thanatos ran around, seeking a flank to punish, only to find figures observing some distance away. Wearing light blue cloaks, their sharp color contrast only confused him.

"Who?!" Thanatos drew back his whip.

All three raised hands forward, palms down, fingers twisted as if pulling up. His weapon of leather limbs reached far, a wall of sightless darkness forming a mere second before it hit, vanishing within its sightless surface. Not a second later, his [Whip] re-emerged, flying out from its abyssal dive, careening towards him.

"Are you-"

Flagellation struck Thanatos without pity, [Stun] sending him tumbling. Lashed by his own weapon and back first to dirt, all he could do was listen as cries reached his ears. Pained screams.

"What kinda clown show's this?"

Asuna and Taiyama fought desperately against a steadily reorganizing opposition, slashing their way through an attempted encirclement with every fiber of their being. The former's [Rapier] couldn't match her enemies' range, their numbers limiting her approach. The latter possessed [Spear] and shield, locked between tackles, slashes, and retreats.

"Asuna, I'm gonna break my favorite direction," Tai groaned, "sheesh, my leg's hurting."

"My arm too!" Asuna fretted, "Okay, go!"

Taiyama slammed left, breaching an incomplete formation, Asuna diving behind him to repel flanking strikes. In their desperation, however, they failed to heed a tiger descending upon them. Asuna swung right, only to be blocked by a stained [Falchion].

"Why...I remember you."

Asuna's eyes widened, bandaged arms her first sight, a towering shadowy figure menacing over her.

"Got friends past these?"

Taiyama swerved his sights, growling and lashing at who assaulted Asuna. Cackling in retreat, Johnny leaped back, whacking Taiyama's [Spear] aside without a second's blink. Taiyama's original ambushers turned on Johnny, yelling in protest, divided against both forces.

"Get back!" Tai said.

Johnny sprinted away, his eyes set on others. Thanatos was encircled, forced to commit wide sweeps with his [Whip]. While his original targets retreated, their green clad neighbors made up for it with massed stabbings and slashes, forcing him to dodge and roll.

"Western monkey!" they jeered, laughing as Thanatos threw knives.

Thanatos slowed his breathing, tracking his nearest opponent as he bent his legs. A brash charge was made, a [Glaive] raised high. Throwing another knife, the Texan swung his [Whip], snaring his opponent's tool. Yanking it aside in frustration, the combatant failed to focus, Thanatos leaping, driving his stomach digging knife deep with a hard kick.

[You are now Hemorrhaging!]

Sent rolling backwards in a great spurt of red, one assailant wriggled on grass, his choked groans spurring others to stare. A swift jump and slip brought Thanatos out, turning to re-assess.

That snake's HP hit zero, why's he still there?

Aigen dove out from his wounded crowd, his eyes darting to a converging Johnny, a [Falchion] nearly catching Aigen's throat.

"Stay sharp," Johnny spat, "I don't want this to end fast!"

"Islander!" a stray supremacist lunged.

Instead of letting him charge, Johnny jumped, kicking Aigen's pursuer across the face, stabbing his exposed back without pity. His arms flashed red, veins bursting with new life as Johnny's prey collapsed. Aigen's breath hitched, watching his enemy strengthen, pumping with rejuvenation.

[HP: 120%]

"Your welcome," Johnny grinned, "let's hope these pretenders don't nail your friends. They suck at this."

Aigen rushed Johnny, a diagonal cut crashing, a [Falchion] lifted.

"Guard's open," he chuckled, struggling to hold Aigen at bay.

"Shut up!" Aigen shoved, forcing Johnny back with pure strength.

Johnny slid, weapon set to a low stance as he regained footing, its tip at ankle height. Filled with rage and vigor, Aigen rush and swung, his foe deflecting his two handed attacks with broad-side slides, guiding him aside with diverted energy. In reply to a dirt planted [Ninjato], Johnny toyed with Aigen, teasing at a rib level kick, a down angled stab, prompting a brief retreat from his prey.

Seeing his friend in trouble, Taiyama rushed forward, Asuna peering left.

"Wait," she paused, "what're those guys doing?"

Their ambushing opposition seemed to cave, dividing among themselves, their weapons swinging within their ranks. Without warning they turned on each other, slashing and screaming, some fleeing in full sprints. Thanatos stared as weapons fell, their owners shortly after, a mindless massacre cascading on dry dirt and golden grass.

"You punks are nuts."

Taiyama and Aigen, however, were too heavily locked in battle to care. Johnny chuckled to himself, slinking about like a fox, diving away from stabs and tackles with swift, smooth motion.

"Just telling ya," Johnny splayed hands with palms up, "round two's gonna be interesting!"

Neither of his opponents listened, resorting to attacking at once, eyes burning as their weapons whipped in hot air. sliding away from Aigen's downward swing, Johnny nearly caught a [Spear] grazing his ribs, launching himself off as the polearm veered wide. While leaping, however, Johnny drew bottles, tossing one at Tai. Glass broke as juices spilled over armor, igniting the tank.

"Shit, fire!" Tai threw himself down, "oh god, it actually burns! Oh god, help!"

A second bottle struck grass left of Johnny, stopping Asuna from crossing with a frightened shriek. Fire grew, feeding on vegetation like a locust swarm, Aigen lunging to break distance. Putting himself out, Taiyama sighed in momentary bliss, eyes set to an orchestra of contested bronze.

"Aigen, don't!" Tai shouted, "he's too strong!"

"Guys!" Thanatos called, "fall back!"

"But Aigen's-" Asuna turned.

A pained choke chilled Tai's face, eyes dilated as his whole world froze. One of the ambushing [Spear] wielders dove with precision, driving his weapon through Asuna's stomach. Her breath choked, mouth agape as a spearhead burst through.

"Asuna!" Tai scrambled to his feet.

Without mercy or wait, Taiyama's [Spear] jammed through Asuna's attacker, slamming him aside like a bowling pin. Dropping his weapons and protection, Tai drew [Holy Water], grabbing the impaling [Spear] from Asuna's gut. Staring up at him with teary eyes, all Asuna could do was groan.

"Not here, not now!"

Thanatos rushed to Taiyama, who lifted a crying Asuna.

"Tai?" she groaned, "help me..."

"We're going!" Tai clutched her close.

"Best be movin'!" Thanatos glanced back, "dammit, where's Aigen?"

His mind raced at thousands of miles an hour, their situation dissolving around them. Their polearm wielding adversaries split, some fleeing and screaming, others moving slower, quieter, plummeting into grass without a fuss.

"Aig!" Thanatos shouted, "come on, we're leavin'!"

Aigen was locked in battle, twin bronze blades shrieking as he danced with a bandaged man in rags. Johnny drew his foe out, opening his guard, falling back a few steps further, wearing his opponent. Strong in body, Aigen relentlessly charged, fishing for quick cuts, sometimes going on all fours in the attempt. Johnny swept over Aigen's head, dancing away as Aigen rose, letting his [Falchion] aside, opening his guard.

"Ha!" Aigen rushed up, "bad move!"

Stepping in for a stab, Aigen threw all of his weight forward, muscles contracting and sword propelling. His eyes watched, heart racing as a [Ninjato's] tip nearly met flesh, time slowing as his opponent stepped aside. Raising his [Falchion], Johnny's sword swung clean, Aigen freezing as a squish reached him. Aigen's [Ninjato] met grass, bobbing between fingers. His right hand clutched it, despite severance. Johnny smiled, watching Aigen freeze and shiver, his loss overwhelming him. Taiyama screamed out to Aigen, but his calls were lost to a reverberation, Aigen's world echoing around him.

"Run," Johnny whispered, "keep this going, so I can spend the rest of your life cutting you down."

In anger Aigen did as he was told, straight into Johnny. Knocking his assassin off balance, Johnny's [Falchion] slipped off, its stained bronze meeting grass as his brutish opponent rose. Slugs were given, sometimes by a knuckle-less stump, Johnny's head spinning as these fists flew.

Wait, why am I feeling pain?

Punching over and over, Johnny's health depleted, his mind sent spinning with every hit. Aigen slowed, a burn growing where there once rested a hand. Not moments after dedicating an assault, Aigen's scream choked out, tightly gripping his stumped hand in alarm. Groaning and dazed, Johnny's vision barely afforded him a single observation.

[HP: 21%]

A weak laugh left Johnny, his heart beating faster. Arrows whizzed overhead, the last line of Taiyama's ambushers forcing a cessation of attack. With Asuna wounded, a begrudging retreat was chosen, Thanatos calling to Aigen one last time.

Hm...first time my HP went that low.

Reclaiming stolen sight, a [Dagger] was drawn. Its sheen brought the brute's eyes downward, his remaining hand reaching. For all the strength he had, however, nothing would halt its destination. Carving through his side, Aigen was left thrashing, knocked off Johnny.

[HP: 33%]

Due to body height volleys, Johnny's deed was masked by Aigen's broad frame. Under a whistle of steadily declining fire, nothing more would be heard...a gurgle his prey's last noise.

December 15th, 2022

"Jeez," Wick paled, "you couldn't help him?"

"How?" Tai said, "Asuna was down, I had to protect what I could. All that, and Garr wouldn't just act."

Sun Dancer

December 14th, 2022 - Garr

Air weighed down, words of murder turning my hall quiet and cold. Mere meters from where I sat, Taiyama stared. His color was gone, eyes lacking what his bosses had, fire. Raising fists and darkening their faces, these officials demanded justice.

"A Slayer died within your territory," Yole pointed, "whether you had a direct, indirect, or no hand, your responsibility is indisputable. Therefore, it is you who must answer to Cel."

Sighing, I leaned back in my chair. Cogitant Yole was correct, this all happened under my watch.

"It bothers me," I said quietly, "this-"

"You will submit to Cel's authority," Yole pointed a crooked finger, "He will see whether you are guilty or innocent."

"I will investigate this manner, Cogitant." I nodded politely, "I only ask that you-"

"You won't investigate a thing," he furrowed his brow, "surrender to Cel."

"So how'll you find who's responsible then?" I groaned, "you can't just arrest without proof of-"

"You dare step in Cel's way?" Yole growled.

Fuming from my head down, I shot up to my feet.

"Do I?"

My voice erupted, echoing throughout the room. Yole quieted, flinching briefly as I lowered my tone.

"This matter will be investigated on fair terms," I pointed harshly, "not for pretentious witch-hunters, looking to force others into their sense of right."

Yole said nothing, his retinue reeling slightly as I lowered my tone.

"You can go praise whatever god you want. But here, he answers to me."

Shivering, I eased myself down again. Standing up, PoH patted my hand, whispering.

"Let me, Altai."

He turned to Yole, softening his stance.

"Great Cogitant, if you will give us seven sunsets, we will have your culprits. We only wish for friendship between our families, not hostility."

Seven days, was PoH insane? A creak behind me turned my head, Korrin extending a hand in deference.

"If I may, we can help you find them."

"Yea!" Renee stood, "we've got the people to do it."

Taiyama's eyes concentrated on me, an unnerving pain resonating off them. My heart sank to stomach depth. I pitied him, I truly did. His friends were gone, all of them. These murderers would get what they deserved, either by my hand, Yole's, or his. It was overwhelming, all of it. I had to talk about this, I needed Rika.

11:09 AM

My bedroom door closed, its latch quietly clicking. Shifting like a shadow, my freckled devil took a seat beside me, her newest hair color radiating like a flower in daylight. While pink wasn't the first shade I'd peg as exceptional for Rika, it proved its merits. Alone in a candle lit space, all I could do was stare at a wall.

"It's okay if you don't wanna talk," Rika snuggled up to me, "I know it's been tough."

"I need your opinion though," I cleared my throat, "you need sleep too."

"Pf," she brushed her bangs aside, "bout time you started talking sleep with me."

"Hey," I nudged, "trying to focus."

Rika inched away, raising her arms high for a dramatic stretch, her cleavage perked just about in my face.

"Li-," I almost said, "Rika!"

"What?" her trademark grin and narrowed eyes my second hint.

"I need to think about what I need to do, not what I should do."

"Darn," she slumped, "and to think I wanted to go for it."

"It's called timing," I grunted, "ugh, now I've got that in my head."

Her giggle did little besides encourage such distractions.

"Rika."

"Fine!" she cuddled back, "just trying to break the mood. Besides, Asuna's latest news had me curious."

"Hm?"

"She uh...felt pain."

My eyebrows lowered.

"Asuna was hurt really bad during that fight, Tai too. Got me thinking, cause that used to be you know, your problem?"

Raising a fist, I hammered my thigh, wincing as muscle absorbed the blow.

"That hurt," Rika grimaced, "not good."

This complicated matters, more than I planned. He had to be informed, after Rika went home.

December 7th, 2022 - 10:45 PM

This abandoned dungeon's machinery ran, cogs spinning, arms folding and extending. Heavy footsteps, metal against metal. He was here, he told me there wasn't to be anyone present. Turning to his path of approach, I shooed away my Tauran security. Decked in red metal, a white cape flowed. Nodding to him, we filed deeper inside this old structure.

"Op sec?" I whispered.

"What?"

"Operational security, nothing said leaves this place."

"Oh, yes."

My eyes drifted low, to the long deceased. While they were mere bones, Cel attire draped over them.

"Do you recall anything before we arrived in this floor?"

"Besides some lag, Illfang's [Palace Guard], Aigen and Aoki, nothing much."

"Hm," Heathcliff said abruptly, "do you remember the talk we had about dreams?"

"Those things you wish you had?" I smirked, "yea, why?"

"How do I explain this. Have you ever had an out of body experience?"

"That feeling after acing a big test? Nah...wait, where're you going with this?"

"Let's just say the NerveGear won't be an issue, course you won't have to worry about pain either. Cardinal's out."

"Really," I smiled, "no AI gone mad, no more feeling injury, what's the catch?"

"...I don't know where we are."

"What?"

"All this you see around you? It shouldn't exist. The source providing it is off. Wherever we are, it's taken our environment. I suspect we've crossed an event horizon, we've reached a plane outside our own."

A cold swept over me, deep and biting.

"I don't know how we're getting out, but you and I have to work together on this. While I research, you must do everything in your power to keep people safe."

My eyebrows furrowed, arms crossing over pectorals.

"I don't know what to expect, this 'Big Freeze' has left me completely clueless. Garr, things may get messy."

"Then I'm your man," I forced a smile, "you geek out a solution, and I'll take out what stops you. Do you require a facility?"

"That would help."

"Done. I've got a few connections, we'll make this work."

December 13th - 2:33 AM - Lisbeth

"And Tai didn't tell you?"

"No," Aid shook his head, "he didn't mention that."

That struck me as off, weren't him and Tai buddies after everything? Cause Taiyama sure mentioned it to me. Maybe he's overwhelmed, I wouldn't know.

"I had an idea today."

Aiden's rough palms rubbed against mine, his fingers wrapped.

"Aye?" I looked quickly.

"There're kids in Urbus, right?"

"A few," I looked up in thought, "kind of a rare find."

"I've spoken to Oran and Graye already on this, I wanna start something special for Christmas. I wanna get at least one toy in the hands of every kid trapped here. I figured you'd want first crack at it."

A bright smile grew on me, tugging a bit at my heart.

"I'd love to," I said, "though I would've preferred more time."

"I know," his chin lowered, "get distracted easily. But ya, I've got Kobolds helping with resource gathering, I can send those shipments to every smith in town. Quality toys, something they can keep for comfort."

I don't think he knew how bad I wanted to kiss him that night. We ended up talking for hours, ideas on what they'd like, what'd comfort. This had to tell Asuna something about him, that he's not just some jerk I met on the street. Others would get a chance to see what hid behind those near-golden eyes.

Sun Dancer

December 14th, 2022 - Graye Sight Headquarters

Oran marched through narrow halls, peacekeepers easing out of his way. Light gray was their uniform color, with members all around speaking between both player and NPC, settling quarrels in every corner. Donning red, however, their English leader stuck out sharply, reaching his personal office to the base's north wing. Inside, two volunteers rose.

"Alright you're good to go," Oran waved, "remember mates, keep your heads down. What we have here is an organized group, not a wank-bucket. Get out of your uniforms, you know the drill."

Both agents left without further notice, exiting their base with a stoic gait. Their plain attire was discarded for less conspicuous patterns, cloaks replaced with tunics. Between both, the girl sighed first. A slight face, hidden away by short hair.

Gray is not dark enough, black's sharper!

"Ready?" her partner adjusted his shirt collar.

She shrugged, refusing to speak.

"Take that as a yes."

They wandered between crowds, avoiding spacious corners. Under a bright savanna sun, umbrellas of many colors sprouted like flowers, shading bone dry land. Wherever space resided, [Vendor's Carpets] covered, their green mat surfaces decorating stone. Lux barely made eye contact, keeping strictly to herself.

Better watch for thieves, too many people.

Nautilus, however, remained focused, eyes scanning between faces. With [Advanced Hearing] active, conversations turned audible. A minor twitch, however, displayed what listening to hundreds did to a mind. Switching it off, a brief smile of relief stuck.

"Found a clue?" Lux whispered.

"Nah," Nautilus brushed his hair back, "just saved my ears."

To this, Lux gave no acknowledgement, continuing their patrol. A rare sight hung overhead, clouds. Packed and gloomy, rain would no doubt be a future occurrence. Bands of Tauran danced in open streets, hands rising and falling as they chanted with glee, their language rough on ears. Wanted posters swayed, fifty thousand Cor rewards for murderers unknown. These signs, however, grew sparse as they marched further west. While speaking to local populations was met warmly, nothing of particular substance emerged.

"Our [Pain Absorbers] have been cut off," Garr spoke solemnly in the distance, "former game staff are working around the clock to fix this minor setback. Be safe everyone, no group ever won a fight by dying for their cause."

Lux held back a groan, Nautilus ignoring the announcement. Entering a bar, a crescendo of glass tipping and jokes flew, a warm world of relaxation surrounding both investigators. Lux tucked within herself, surveying as eyes turned briefly to her, warded off by her less than pleasant aura.

"It might help if you stopped that," Nautilus said.

"They're perving on me," Lux shivered, "I know it."

Reaching a bartender, a bag of Cor got his mouth running at full speed.

"Crazy stuff? Well there's this story floating about a party fighting south of here. Bunch of 'em turned weapons on each other and got messy. Hehe, must've been something brewing."

"But friendly fire's off in parties," Nautilus' nose softly wrinkled.

"Ya? Well King's saying our absorbers went off, why not? You know what I think it is? I think one of the admins is fed up with us. Altai's probably in on it too."

Lux said nothing, the bartender providing lukewarm evidence.

This is precisely why I don't join big groups. You never know when one's gonna ruin everything.

"Besides that, word has it Kibaou n' Diavel have been pushin' on Floor three, ignoring the King's order. Say the level gap between four and three would get their men killed if they listened."

"Interesting," Nautilus nodded, "so about that party incident. Any names?"

"Nope, but I did hear they were Chinese..but some say there were Ceph too. Could also try that blacksmith shop center of town. Lot's of business goes through there. All female too, all of them needing a bunker busting."

"Okay then," Nautilus patted the counter, "thanks."

Turning away, Lux's eyes caught on to another's gaze. It averted sharply, earning longer focus, especially with its observer perched in a corner.

"We're being watched," Lux said as they left.

Nautilus drew a bar of soap, wiping his hands copiously and rubbing.

"Getting too much heat on us won't win anything."

"But we've only got a story about some fight yesterday."

"South of Urbus," Nautilus exacted, "while Altai's palace is east, granted. We need more details, think I know our next stop."

"Fine," Lux slowed, though keeping her distance from Nautilus.

"So what brought you here?" he lowered his chin, "pay good?"

"Pretty much," she crossed arms softly, "you?"

"Ya, getting my girlfriend all the help she can get this New Years."

"Why?"

"That whole Rite of Grass festival's happening. Gonna have a singing competition, beauty pageant, dances," he smiled, "that fifty k's gonna help a lot with her winning."

Kibaou paraded through their street, rows of guys marching behind him. While their armor resided mostly of [Chain-mail], their helmets bore a new pattern. Wide and slanted, a bowed curve guarded jawlines, another around their temples.

"Join the ALF today, people deserve their needs covered!"

Towards Urbus' eastern wall resided a barracks, housing both Elves and Ceph. Former soldiers of Ilioc's army, yellow paint across their pauldrons indicated new allegiance. Sitting central of squads coming and going, Wudramor filed notes, his eyes squinting.

"Excuse me," Nautilus inched in front of the seated captain, "I'm with Graye Sight."

A pair of icy blue eyes set on both investigators, their focus hardened with barely a glint.

"Yes?" he said.

Lux leaned back slightly, put off by Wudramor's unyielding gaze.

"We're wondering if you have records, regarding Ceph patrol routes?" Nautilus leaned.

"That's confidential information," Wudramor said slowly, "do you have authorization?"

"Yes, the leaders of Graye Sight."

Wudramor's skin altered, turning rigid.

"Insufficient. I require authorization by ranks higher than an ambassador guild."

While Nautilus was locked in conversation, Lux opened her interface.

[To PoH: Minister, I need authorization for Ceph patrol routes. Wudramor's call. May you ask Altai?]

[From PoH: Don't worry about him, I'll handle this personally]

Minutes later, a message arrived for Wudramor. The Ceph's skin softened, putting it away before facing both.

"What do you want to know?"

"Travel times around the east and south quarters of this floor. Between Altai's palace and Urbus."

Lux's eyes surveyed Wudramor's soldiers as records were checked, whose conversations were plentiful, but none interesting.

"We had one squad patrol the eastern perimeter at roughly mid-day, one twenty pm."

[To Oran: When'd the incident occur?]

[From: Roughly two]

Nautilus' gaze sharpened.

"May we see these guys?"

Wudramor nodded, waving them to follow him.

Sun Dancer

Floor 3 - Zumfut Forest

Landing a foot against a soft trunk, Kirito rebound with great speed, his target bashing to reach him. Trees swayed with every slam, his [Anneal Longsword] blurring, narrowly missing steam spewing pipes. He returned to ground, weighing options of direction, his lumbering opponent stomping towards him, metal clacking. With an HP meter barely scratched by his weapons, Kirito glared while stepping back.

This thing's built like a tank, but it's the only thing out here. Argo wasn't kidding about this place, but why?

Glass lenses flipped and clicked, a deep groan resulting in a wild plethora of swings, the [Carri-on] lashing out as Kirito lunged right, ducking behind a tree. A mighty hand of metal crashed against bark, its soft core bobbing as it struck again and again, clawing for its breathing target. In its blind rage, however, it failed to keep observant. Diving low with a roll, Kirito leaped with a downward swing, catching a rusting vein.

[Critical Hit!]

Green, polluted steam billowed from its breached vessel, the beast of metal flailing in a sudden flight of despair. Blasting Kirito with its fumes, a cold shiver rattled his bones.

[You've contracted a Disease!]
[Paint-Lung level 1]
[-10% END]
[-10% AGI]

Coughing in utter disgust, Kirito stepped away, asthma like symptoms developing.

Wait, why do I feel this?!

Seeing an opportunity, the [Carri-on] splayed a hand, pouring a yellow mist from its palm, Fired like a jet stream, a sickened Kirito was enveloped within seconds, his body collapsing as breath was taken.

[You have been Paralyzed!]
[Time: 19s]

"You've...gotta be kidding...me," Kirito collapsed, face pressing against cold soil.

Heavy footsteps distanced, the [Carri-on] making efforts to escape Kirito's assault. Every second dragged, silence creeping over a coughing, crippled swordsman. Face first, barely able to breathe, a chilling moisture washed over him. Gasping, he shut his onyx eyes for a moment.

Why'd it run, I barely cut a quarter of its health.

[Paralysis wears off...]

Sighing, Kirito returned to full stature, brushing off wet dirt from his coat. Shallow in breath and shivering, his sight shifted rapidly.

Thing's got a rare item for sure, I won't let it get away.

Waving a hand over his eyes, [Hot Wave] activated [Tracking], eyes turning a leafy green. West of his position, a set of round prints glowed brightly against damp Earth. Uncorking [Holy Water], Kirito drank briefly.

[You are cured of your afflictions...]
[HP: 100%]

His lungs were freed, their tainted invader removed. Clouds hovered overhead, sailing south. Dark in body, what little light breaching the forest roof was further blocked. Bleak as night, Kirito followed his trail, glancing occasionally for traps. A low wind blew, as if moaning in grief. Furthering himself, several objects rested in darkness, prompting a light to be drawn. A torch, however, would only leave Kirito shivering at what laid before him.

All around laid twisted, splintered wreckage. Siege engines rotted in mist, their mechanisms tainted a dark, kelp-like green. Puddles of water splotched patches, their surfaces slightly viscous. Arrows lined trees like infant branches, their root base stained. Helmets, weapons, shields, broken and dirtied were strewn about. Shoe marks of many sizes marked mud, some barely reaching past six inches. Kirito's eyes widened, his body chilling, his soul returning to Diebry, to the acidic pits. In his ears came shouting, crying, cursing. Feeling his feet sink, Kirito forced himself forward, wading through a monument made long before.

I will find a way to keep others alive, I will not let it happen again.

Pyres stood tall among ruined weapons, their iron clutches gripping cold shoulders. Kirito wouldn't dare look, its impression haunting him to days gone. Above him, tarantulas of a brightly colored sort perched along trees. They made no effort to impede Kirito, their glassy white eyes unblinking. With a [Sneak] skill of their own, not even he noticed them.

Leaving behind a battlefield of no known purpose, Kirito's path led further into Zumfut's woods, its trees growing denser. Eventually, their width formed gaps so thin, walls were created. No birds sang in this forest, not an animal called, let alone breathed within earshot. Venturing to its greater depths, a cave was found. Its mouth was vast, its lack of light stopping him.

Yeah, that's a dungeon entrance. Think I should turn back.

"A precise blow, you have good aim."

Kirito spun, eyes affixing on a figure in light blue.

"Were you hoping to take it down?" it said.

"I really don't think you should ask."

"Was just curious. By Cel, I'd say you look more frightened than anything."

"Shut. Up."

The figure did as requested, its face hidden away.

"Why're you out here?" Kirito pointed.

"I'm an herbalist, this is my usual route. You must be quite brave, wandering where elves aren't welcome. What're you looking for?"

Kirito paused, arms slacking as he collected himself.

"Not sure, figured I'd find something."

"Like?"

Kirito softened, a chill rippling through him.

"Answers. People are dying where I came from, and I wanna help."

"Hm, then I may have something. Though my fellow scholars may disapprove..."

"What can I do to prove myself?"

"By listening," it whispered, "listening, and patience."

Sun Dancer

-Urbus

Both detectives left the barracks, their gazes distant and muddled.

"I don't think they did it," Lux said.

"Mhm," Nautilus nodded west, "too jock-ish to really plot anything. Besides, they were too cheery. If this was as messy as the bartender suggested, they'd be withdrawn. Not sure why Wudramor kept so passive aggressive, isn't he working for Altai?"

"I think he does, he wears the same colors as the Tauran after all."

A crowded single story building resided along Urbus' central roads. A compound of several rooms, a wooden sign swung, Lisbeth's blacksmith shop. Entering yielded an issue of space, with customers left and right. Forced to wait in line, a recurring trend reached their ears.

"What's a beautiful girl like you doing here?"

"Asuna, what're you doing here?"

"How about we go to that festival together?"

Lux leaned her head to one side.

So much thirst, I'm certain this doesn't get old.

Looking about, Nautilus spotted a tall figure watching the crowd. Decked in large panels of bronze, a hawkish gaze surveyed every single guy with an almost angry implication. Both reached the front desk, their eyes stopping to look at the contested clerk. With an hourglass frame and near flawless face, Lux was left blushing herself.

Um...okay, I see. No, I understand everything now.

"Welcome to Lisbeth's," Asuna smiled sheepishly, "heh, how may I help you?"

Nautilus almost spoke, but quickly turned his gaze behind. A long line had formed behind them both, robbing either of subtlety or privacy. Turning back to Asuna, he sighed.

"Can I speak with your staff on something?"

"Ugh," Lux facepalmed, "let me."

She leaned in, whispering to Asuna.

"We're looking into your case. Could we ask you all some questions?"

"Oh uh, sure...just not now."

"Yo," Tai motioned to them, "got somethin' to say?"

His voice was low and cold, Lux grimacing at his question. Nautilus gulped, stepping up to the angered tank, looking up at him.

"We're just asking questions, no offense."

Taiyama's scowl did little to settle either, his eyes hardened.

"Chinese bastards," Tai grumbled.

"Tai," Asuna frowned, "not all of them are like that."

"Whatever," he clenched a fist, "they're sheltering those murderous fuckboys. How about we do everyone in this town a favor and get rid of 'em? It'd sure give the rest of us some peace."

Some customers looked with fright, hearing such vitriol from a large male. Others simply nodded, passively agreeing, or simply staying neutral. From behind a door, however, another voice shouted.

"Tai! In here, now!"

Dark in expression, Taiyama did as asked, both investigators following behind. Inside a forge room waited a glaring Lisbeth, motioning him to shut the door, preventing both agents from entering. As it clicked shut, her shoulders hunched, pink bangs failing to hide red in her eyes.

"You will never speak like that in front of my customers," Lisbeth raised a finger, "you are going to go back out there and apologize right now."

"Oh ya?" Taiyama crossed arms tightly, "Apologize for what? Is it not logical to make protecting criminals painful?"

"This is not the place for that," she got up in his face, "this is a business, people should feel comfortable coming here!"

"Right," Tai nodded, "and what would you be doing right now if those same 'customers' broke through?"

"Save that for your private life," Lisbeth raised a hand to stop, "for god's sake, Wick's...you know! You think he's guilty too?"

"Maybe," he nodded, "in fact maybe I should talk to him, see if he knows anything about them."

Lisbeth slid in front of the weapons testing room door.

"Leave him alone," she growled, "he helped protect this place."

"Psh, who're you to be so mighty?" Tai laughed, "all that noble shit would be gone the second I waved a bottle in your face."

Lisbeth's position faltered, her eyes glinting slightly.

"Now step aside," Tai reached for the handle, "I've got-"

Lisbeth's [Mace] was drawn, shaking in her hands as she raised it like a bat.

"Stop," she said weakly, "or I will call security."

"Security?" Tai glanced around, "where?"

Standing her ground, she stared hard at Tai.

"I will not let you ruin my reputation. Go back, and apologize. Asuna doesn't need to know you did this."

"Your rep?" Tai nodded, "that's what matters here, huh? My friend was gutted like a fish and it's your reputation you care about?"

Lisbeth's face turned a fiery red, gloved hands clawing as she held position.

"Go back there...and apologize."

"Alright," Tai nodded, "ya...I see what you mean. Sleeping with the right guy, getting everything you want handed to you. Never have to leave the shop, life must be real tough."

Taiyama stormed out, Nautilus glancing nervously to Lux, their entrance left vacant. They knocked softly, their host's invitation drawing them inside. Left alone with an enraged, bubblegum haired smith, they did well to keep their tongues held behind teeth.

"Sorry about that," Lisbeth kept her gaze low, "this...has been a bit challenging. I'm Lisbeth, how can I help?"

"Ma'am," Nautilus kept distance, "we're here to ask about what happened yesterday."

"You mean the day people lost their minds?" Lis shook her head, "sorry, I just fix and build things. Asuna knows more than I do and Tai's...you know."

A creak led all three to look to a deeper room.

"Is he gone?"

"Yes Wick," Lis nodded, "don't worry, he's just...coping. We've got detectives here."

"Detectives?" another voice cried out, "wait, I gotta say something!"

Leafa rushed out, nearly tackling Wick on her way out. Extending a hand to both agents, she breathed in recollection.

"Please, I gotta find Recon. It's been days since he disappeared."

"Uh," Nautilus slowed.

"Do you know anything about yesterday?" Lux said hesitantly.

"No, I wasn't with Asuna. But please, you gotta help me, we all miss him."

"We're a bit low on time," Nautilus said.

"That's fine," Leafa bowed her head, "please...I wanna find him."

"We'll see."

Leafa accepted, giving them Recon's physical description and date of disappearance. Swapping Asuna with Leopon for desk duty, Lisbeth brought her out to tell everything she knew. She spoke of guys in light blue cloaks, the attacking party turning on itself. Their case further muddied, matters obscure to their previous debriefing leaking out.

December 15th, 2022

Black wooden pieces stacked near the table's edge, discarded after an hour of play.

"You had me a bit nervous," Wick sipped some water, "saying stuff like that...but now I understand."

"I know it wasn't you," Tai shook his head, "I was so angry. That's a big reason why I wanted to have this game with you, I'm chill with you."

"That's good," Wick turned his head to a moonlit sky, "you think Asuna's gonna talk to you again?"

"Don't know. I love her, Wick. That's what last night proved to me. With her playing so vague with me though about Garr, he's playing games. But I've got a solution, gonna train for it."

Wick refused to speak, fire emanating from Tai's heart.

[Tomahawks] are among the largest of handheld throwing weapons, least compared to [Shuriken] or [Throwing Knives]. Their range is short, travel time's slower, so what's good about them? Simple, they've got something called mass!

While most projectiles might stun your opponent on a really good day, a [Tomahawk] will stagger for less. Having an axe's edge too, it can cause [Bleed] or even [Hemorrhage] if you're really lucky. As a bonus, you can also use them like a [Hatchet]!

Mixing a couple of these with [Throwing Knives] is sweet for ninja builds, gives you zoning.

-Argo, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. December 18th, 2022

A/N: The environment tenses, a time limit brought forth. Pleas be sure to review, as it helps me make the best story I can (constructive criticism is the best road to excellence!)

Thank you guys, see you next week!