A/N: Demon Slayer, cause Kawahara's pledge to go woke doesn't apply here!

NetherOrbit: When Wick gits gud...you cue the MLG horn.
Den3424: Here's to a sweet character exchange!
Doctor: Fail is not Carmen Sandiego, also never punch porn salesmen!

Enjoy your completely incorrect entertainment!

[From Lisbeth: Hai-die I hope you don't mind, but I've decided to get you a new suit]

[From Garr: Armor? Aw sweet!]

[From Lisbeth: No silly, I got you clothes! If you wanna lead people, you're gonna need sharper stuff than wife beaters. Just how many of those do you have? Or have you been wearing the same one this whole time?]

[From Garr: Um, two?]

[From Lisbeth: Ha, not surprised. Well hope you love it, got a Tailor to make it personally]

Message Exchange, December 20th, 2022

December 20th, 2022

[To Lux: Report? You didn't send a sit rep]

[Target is within dungeon, messaging disabled]

Oran paused, an eyebrow raised as he read.

"Um," he opened his [Guild] interface, cycling through members.

Selecting Lux, its results brought the Englishman out of his chair.

[Target is within dungeon, tracking disabled]

"Bollocks," Oran checked his interface, "Graye, wanna hear some good news?"

Graye stumbled out of his bedroom, rubbing his eyes lazily as he turned to Oran.

"Huh?"

"Those people we sent, Nautilus and Lux?"

Graye sleepily shook his head, stretching before nodding.

"They've pissed off, they're nowhere on the guild tracker."

"When'd you last hear from them?"

"Last night."

"Oh no," Graye's hand dropped, "what're we gonna do, where do we start?"

"Bloody hell."

Oran shot up to his feet, summoning his [Bo-Staff].

"Where're you going?" Graye excited in his movements.

"This's getting out of hand," Oran turned, "Let's get Garr and his Tauran on this."

Graye scrambled behind Oran, his purple cloak sharp against his friend's gray and red. While morning had barely risen over Urbus' walls, Graye Sight's staff were on site, communicating between players locked in bitter disagreement.

"Another thing, Oran?"

"Yea?" Oran glanced back.

"Can we change our guild color to something brighter?"

"Why? It's worked so far."

"It's dreary as hell, mate. I say we get ourselves some Navy blue, something sharp."

"Fine, but I'm keeping mine."

-Garr

A set of bronze arms raised before falling, their sockets fastened to bodies several inches taller than I. Rounded, their core left little concern of direct puncture by either blade or [Spear]. A dome shaped head laid atop, its glassy eyes lit by steam powered contraption, unblinking. Staring at rows of these, alongside their [Crossbow] armed counterparts, I couldn't help but grimace.

What I looked at was not merely another mob, it was a game changer. Every time I've fought in this world, I used psychological tactics. When I first loaded this stupid game, I chose [Siege Blades] specifically to induce fear. I picked everything possible to put my opponent off their game, whether by high aggression, dirty moves, or the promise of destruction. Living beings shared that in common, fear of the immediate.

These [Krigssin], however, they took my strategy and swept it aside like a mischievous imp. Fear wasn't programmed in these. All of my strength was laughable compared to hydraulics, pain was alien to them too. Any enemy I couldn't use my strategy on, was far scarier than any of these people.

[From TheRealDeal29: Can't wait to feed you to my dogs, hope you don't have family]

I smirked at this, absolute trite nonsense. It got to a point where I wouldn't block them anymore, got a little fun. I disdained holding back the whole voting right, but PoH was absolutely wiser than I. We had to wait until they were calmer first, or their own immaturity would tear it all apart. He predicted all of our work would be mangled, disgusting. Rika and I built this place on our will and vision, this is our land. I'm sure she'd hate what they're doing, she put precious time into this.

Hearing a heavy set of hooves, I brought my chin high, a door's creak bringing my eyes level. Asterius entered our newest storage facility, parked outside and behind my palace.

"Excellent time," I moved beside my first [Krigssin], "Asterius, these'll be your first automatons, metal warriors if you will. Production is slow, but subtlety is important. What do you think?"

All twelve feet of Asterius turned rigid as he gazed upon their bronze chassis, inspecting them from his great height. I envied my general, rippling with muscles at a size I could possibly never attain. Just looking at him, I felt the need to do a push up.

"I see," he nodded before returning to me, "they are...unusual, but good."

He ended input, but not on a level of honesty I expected.

"Asterius, be real with me. What're your thoughts on these?"

He paused, his snout bobbing gently before steadying.

"Our kind won't like these things. Where's their life? What's their name? These things matter to us, does it even die, Altai?"

"Technically no," I patted one's torso, "if or when these fall in battle, we can recover and recycle them. Send them back into battle."

"We Tauran believe in a life cycle, Altai. If it lives, but cannot die, then what's to complete the circle? We all return to dirt someday, they won't."

"And I concur with you on all three points," my arms slacked, "could you, however, see using them in an emergency?"

His lowered head gave clear indication, a sigh coming out of me.

"Very well, I'll keep these under my command."

"Altai, please...don't replace us with these."

His outburst stirred me, Asterius raising his posture.

"You've brought us prosperity, ended starvation and warfare between us. We gave you kingship, and when a Tauran gives fealty, it's valid until all who swore fall. To trust in these things over us, it would break our spirits."

Sincere was his message, like a horse to its rider. Smiling a little, I patted Asterius' arm.

"I won't replace you," I nodded, "in fact I should let you know ahead of time. Tell the men there'll be no combat exercises past noon, starting today."

"Hm?"

"The tribes need time to prepare for the Rite of Grass. You all work very hard, take it."

Asterius fussed as expected, but accepted nonetheless.

[+25 Reputation (Tauran)]

"That being said," I concluded, "I only have one condition. Along with your people's dance, you must make a unified dance. All tribes, one dance together."

"I doubt the Red Hooves would be keen on this," Asterius said.

"Can't please everyone, tell them this is important for bringing about a better tomorrow. A unified Tauran people is a stronger people."

A loud knock stopped my declaration.

"Altai, Graye Sight's leaders are here."

I looked to Asterius.

"I trust in your judgement, work as close to this goal as you feel reasonable."

Knees were raised in salutations, loved working with Tauran. Returning to my amphitheater of a hall, I rushed to Oran and Graye, their faces wet and troubled. They spoke to me as if they had lost a beloved family member, their detectives vanishing without a trace.

"Oh God," I looked back, "PoH?"

"Yes Altai?" he stepped forth, formerly conversing with Illfang.

"I need your advise, stay with me."

"Of course, my king."

"They were last heard from the southeast corner of Urbus," Graye said, "Lux was staying at a Ceph's house, her name's Imra."

"Have you gathered anything from the place?" PoH calmly spoke.

"Yes," Oran said, "we recovered a torn blue cloth, traces of blood have been noted."

"Imra's been working with us all morning," Graye frowned, "we're pretty confident she had nothing to do with this. Garr, we just weren't sure where to turn on this. We need our people back."

"This proves something though," Oran wrinkled his face angrily, "we got a group playing games in Urbus, all sneaky peeky like."

"Ugh," PoH face-palmed, "did you seriously go there?"

"He's gotta find some way to slide an old meme," Graye groaned, "but really guys, they were looking for evidence of a group operating within our territory...and they got nabbed."

"Keep it quiet," I said, "but take all our notes and conduct a little op of our own. PoH? I'm sure we can arrange for more...persuasive responses."

PoH simply smiled, nodding once.

"We'll get them back," I said to Oran and Graye, "don't let up, but be careful. Whoever took these two, they're gonna be watching your guild."

"Which is perfectly fine," PoH rubbed his hands, "we've got plenty of resources, it just needs time."

Designating PoH to lead was easy, he had the grace and subtlety necessary to conduct this with decent skill. This investigation was getting deeper by the day, something was attacking us from within. Whoever sent these parasites, they better hope we don't find out.

-PoH

"We can't just throw forces out it seems," Oran spat, "would give us away."

"Ah," I rapped fingers, "but you can't leave your ambassadors defenseless. Any motive you're aware of?"

"They're after books," Graye brushed his curly brown hair, "non-fiction, history mostly."

"Science too," Oran interjected, "these boys had plenty of chances to steal rarer shit, never did."

Smile as I may, I couldn't have been more annoyed. Acherres, you promised me you would not conduct anything without my express permission. I'm very careful with my words, I told him I'd keep specific and clear.

"How about we do this?" I spoke softly to both, "we set ourselves a line, a little bite of what they want."

"Okay?" Oran followed.

"We give them a little piece three times, enough to keep them looking. The trick is, putting another group in charge of whacking them."

"Who though?" Graye watched.

"I'm no tactician," I lowered my posture, "but having the group they're watching do it would be silly, wouldn't it?"

"Yeah," Oran nodded.

"Therefore, we get someone else to do it. Tell me, who would be the most willing of anybody out here to get a chance at showing off?"

"Kibaou," Graye rolled his eyes.

"No," I sarcastically quipped, "I'd never imagine that. Now, we can't have his men just slaughter them all, we've got to know where they came from."

"Right," Oran rubbed his chin, "someone would have to remind him."

"Don't worry," I bowed slightly, "I know of your history with him, I can manage this just fine."

Graye smiled, Oran too after a second.

"I see why Garr chose you."

"I do my hardest," I bowed again, "I can only thank him for his trust."

Going in line just as I wanted, perfect. As much as Graye Sight liked sucking Garr's dick, helping them find this mole would help...to an extent. I needed my source untouched, yet clipped. And I thought Aigen would satisfy him enough. Was still a fair trade, leaving Taiyama open for more contemporary guidance. Acherres, you naughty little shit.

-Garr

With noon came sparks, my hands shaking as they gripped a flexing Zweihander. Outside my palace and under a cloudless sky, Kuradeel's Spadone would once again find its way to my gut, stopped only by program's rules.

"Mm!" I groaned while stumbling.

"Too predictable," Kuradeel positioned his [Greatsword] low, "[Strength] is great, but it does not obviate technique!"

"But if I could break them first," I shook slightly.

"Don't assume you can," Kuradeel stepped back.

"Face it," Ithe leaned on his planted shield, "there's gonna be someone stronger than you."

"I know," I huffed before rising, "okay, ready."

Leafa stepped forward, drawing a [Katana] before entering a high guard stance. Its handle was leveled to her temple, its blade pointed straight out, aiming at my face. My Zweihander was lowered, pommel behind my hip, handle rubbing the hipbone, tip pointed up to her chest. In this position, I resembled a planted pike-man, using reach to keep control. With [Training Mode] active, Leafa sidestepped.

"So when'd you start learning?" I smiled, throwing out a quick stab. "You're much smoother than I am."

Leafa swept wide, lowering her guard to deflect.

"Seven."

"Liked it?"

"Stay focused," her [Katana] slid down for a quick cut.

Pivoting sharply, my Zweihander's ricasso caught its sailing edge. A pair of upward pointed 'ears' of metal, their location several inches above my hand-guard made for a great catch.

"Just wondering."

With Leafa's weapon caught, I threw my weight forward, knocking it aside before burrowing a Zweihander's pummel in her gut. Slammed to a seated stance, Leafa's mouth was left agape.

"Foul!" Ithe motioned us apart.

A brief huff left my lips, an excited grin growing as I stepped back. Leafa's scowl was scalding, returning to a more defensive stance.

"What?" I said.

"You know what you did," she growled, "that wasn't honorable, but you did it anyway. What kind of a king are you?"

"He thinks it's funny," Kuradeel groaned, "brute forcing. Just like Aigen."

"And hot damn if it isn't fun," I smiled, "remember Leafa, honor's a commodity. Giving it to everyone only gets you hurt. And wastes limited supply."

"That's a lousy excuse," she took a low stance while circling, "you only say that cause you lack it."

"Reality doesn't work that way," I raised my weapon like a scorpion's tail, "hold on to it."

Leafa slashed diagonal, her curved blade whipping as I slammed my Zweihander to block, only to be poked in the gut. A new bruise was gained, Leafa's feint quick and clean.

"Hit!" Ithe cheered, readying his shield and sword to fight next.

A soft sheathing was followed by a hair toss.

"Wick's better than you."

"Who?" I grunted briefly.

"Wick," Leafa spaced herself from me, "unlike you, he's quiet and honorable."

"Good for you," I rose.

"Get a room, you two."

A snicker left me, Ithe's commentary bringing Leafa to turn on him.

"You're disgusting."

Heavy hooves closed in, prompting a brief pause in practice. Asterius hurried out from the palace, slamming to a stop beside me to whisper.

"Altai, one of our scouting parties is missing."

"Coordinates?" I planted my Zweihander into grass.

"Below Honningstein, the Badlands of Nohr."

Had to recheck my map, boy were they in a bad spot. Floor five, perfect.

"I really should've scheduled your vacation," I groaned, "alright," I looked to my teachers, "you're dismissed, I'll pay you all for the hour previously planned."

Leafa was quick to take her money, leaving with only a compulsory goodbye. Ithe was irritated, missing out on his turn for King-beating. A promise was good enough to get him eager for our next lesson, with Kuradeel remaining longest.

"Bit of a short notice, don't you think?" Kuradeel sheathed his Spadone, "You still need work on feinting."

"Happens," I shrugged, "but I'm afraid this isn't something I can just leave to my general, not with my current situation. Your English's improved."

"Ya, had to practice a little more, but I...got better."

I smiled, issuing a quick farewell before facing Asterius again.

"Get Korrin and Renee ready, we're getting them back."

"Alone, Altai?"

"Course not. Bring your best men, but stay here afterwards. PoH's gonna be busy and I'd rather not leave Lowyse in charge. You've seen her quirks."

Asterius bowed his head, affirming my command before getting reinforcements. Calling out Renee and Korrin, I informed them of our objective.

"I hate sand," Korrin tried keeping a straight face, "it's coarse, rough, gets every-"

"No!" Renee slapped his shoulder, "no, no, and oh hell no!"

Sun Dancer

-Taiyama

This crazy Ceph's house was such a fucking mess, she couldn't keep track of anything. Seriously, everywhere I looked I worried I'd find a dead cat, lost in the maze o' bullshit. Just about had it with everything here, Nautilus should've called me, but no. Missing, that's all Oran's fucking people could say. Nice, as if we didn't know that!

"Lux caught a Ceph stealing my books," Imra lamented, "she was such a sweet girl, staying and helping me around the house. If they do anything to her, Cel will surely curse them."

"I'd say he already has," PoH said softly, "did you see where they ran?"

Imra lifted a flabby ass arm north, getting PoH and I to go that way. Crowds moved like slugs today, was like they had nowhere to go. Made PoH's attempts at using [Tracking] pointless, wasn't sure why he kept trying.

"Must be awful. Waking up, nothing going right all week."

God, that Spanish accent was crisp.

"Yea," I sighed, "it's gotten to the point where I stopped caring."

"Surely there's something to look forward to," he frowned, "yes?"

"I mean," I grimaced, "There's still Asuna...but I don't know."

"Don't know what?"

"I've been trying to get with her.

"Ah, she does get a lot of offers."

"You know that?"

"Being a minister gives you a lot of contacts, that is if you do your job right."

"You're probably right," I sighed, "makes trying to impress her difficult."

"You know," PoH softened his tone, "Garr's spoken of her a couple of times."

"Really?" I looked.

"Yes. She's even visited the palace more than once."

"And what does he say?"

"Garr's easy on compliments, even if it does come off as cheesy to some. I'm afraid most of it is private, but she is the most frequent guest...besides of course his instructors."

Not good, this demanded more action.

"You know," he looked ahead, "I think Garr may be losing touch with his people. It bothers me that he's never told you this, trust isn't to be broken."

"Did you know he's buying dirty pictures?" I glared.

"No, but it wouldn't surprise me. Power does things to a man, hence why democracy exists. You want proof of his corruption?"

"It might help."

"Then ask Garr this, what does he think of democracy. You'll hear an honest answer, because he fears no retribution."

This all made sense, Garr's been smug as hell.

"Think I'm just gonna do myself a solid and confess," I turned, "move on if it doesn't work."

"Where?" PoH slid hands in his pockets.

"I dunno, anywhere but here."

"Do you think that'll help the situation? Tai, I've met you before all this."

Didn't say anything to answer his question.

"I've met you before all this, you have great potential."

"For what?" I snorted, "Do your thing, man. I need to do this alone."

PoH bowed his head, stepping off to continue his search. What did he know, I was nothing without my friends. Maybe I should just set myself up with Wick, guy couldn't be more opposite of Aigen, made for a relaxing friend. Everywhere I looked, people smiled and laughed, enjoying their fucking time like nothing's wrong. They worried about how their clothes fit, or whether they'd get their recipe right this time. Me, I wondered if I'm gonna live tomorrow. For all of Urbus' light colors and basic looks, I felt like its biggest shadow.

[To Lisbeth: Is Asuna around?]

[From: She's the clerk, Tai. She's almost always in here. What's up?]

[To: I want to tell her]

A few minutes passed, my body crunching inwards.

[From: *Thumbs up*]

Wish my stomach agreed with the idea, it wouldn't stop bouncing. Asuna had to understand, I was more than okay, we understood each other, more than anyone else could. If we worked together, we'd get out of this. Had to pick my chin up, it couldn't hurt.

Arriving at that shop, a stiffness came over me. I couldn't start mouthing off this stuff with customers inside, that'd embarrass her. It was weird seeing its front entrance vacant, Yuuki was always happy to greet me. Haru must've been keeping her busy, bought me a free pass in terms of subtlety!

Approaching, the door's ringing bell sharpened my focus, a shouldered [Slaughter Maul] left me sidestepping. Damn thing's as tall as I was, with a pointed hammer head to match!

"Oops," a soft voice squeaked, "sorry, I forget how large it is sometimes."

"All good," I said instinctively before glancing, my eyes near popping outta my head.

Holy shit, this girl was thick! Tanned skin, light purple hair running down to her mid back, and a rack fit for a porn star. Dark eyes fit for staring into, a light French accent, perfect for seduction. For some reason though, her breath came out foggy, like she was in a snowy place.

"Yea," I clamped my mouth shut.

Passing me by without a second glance, I let off a silent sigh.

"That pretty friend of yours likes you better than anyone, you think that'll last forever?"

I had to man up and talk, it was the only way my feelings would get across. I guess I've always wanted to say it, though I had no idea when it first blossomed. Walking through, it turned out to be a slow day, nobody was in besides her. Checking time, I could only guess everyone was having lunch, perfect.

"Welcome to Lisbeth's," she said, "I'm Asuna, how may I help you? We provide the very best in armor, weapons, tools, you name it."

"With or without cheese," I said, forcing a smile.

"You know the answer, jackass."

Asuna saying that was alone more relieving than anything I've heard for days. Walking inside, it all got a little smoother, less stressed, like old times.

"Don't mind the smell," Asuna exhaled light with embarrassment, "Lis found the air freshener."

Lisbeth cackled from within her forge room, clearly enjoying herself. Only when I reached Asuna's desk was it clear what she meant. Fuck, was suffocating on it.

"Wow," I swatted repeatedly, "should I be thankful it wasn't perfume?"

"Sh!" Asuna waved, "don't give her ideas!" her head slumped, "she's gone on a pranking spree since Yuuki left. Missing her."

"It's like missing your daughter, huh?" I smiled softly.

Her eyes perked up, nodding as she rose.

"So uh, how's it going, Tai?"

Had to admit, it was weird, hearing her stumble a little over me.

"I've..." I bit my tongue, "been missing you."

"Leafa!" Lis shouted, "where's that violin? The smallest one ever made must be played!"

"Lis!" Asuna turned her head, "Tai, I don't know where to start."

"Just find where you're comfortable," I said, "think it's time we really talked about this. Like, where we go from here."

"Yeah," she tilted her head, "hm."

"Aye, a big wet one will do!" Lis laughed.

"I'm gonna deck you with a table!" Asuna squealed before muttering, "wanna kill her sometimes. Look, I've had time to think it through. I just didn't know how to start it. Do you...remember that tennis tryout we went to?"

"Hard not to," I leaned on the table, "you nearly hit the ref with the ball."

"And you had to go there," she laughed weakly, "I mean after I lost."

"Yea?"

"My mother had the worst look," Asuna's eyelids drooped, "she was so disappointed with me."

"I remember that, though I think she was madder about your outburst."

"But I scored a good goal," she said, "I was so happy. For years since that, I wondered why that was."

"Did you find out?"

"Not quite, but I got that same feeling back at Castle Diebry. It's really led me to some...problems."

Asuna glanced back to the forge room door.

"I wanna find that answer, but I don't wanna leave them. Leafa's the only real fighter here besides me, and I've got a gut feeling it's only gonna get worse."

"You too?" I said, "well what if we tried improving the place?"

"I'd love to," Asuna perked, "though we'd have to pinpoint the source."

"Simple, we go for Garr. I've got a plan too," heat rushed through me, "wanna hear it?"

"Uh Tai," Asuna grimaced, "Garr's gotten a bit like Aigen lately. I've visited him recently, he called me over."

"For what?"

"He's looking to recruit generals to lead his troops, someone willing to fight by their side."

"Why not Kibaou then? Diavel? Anybody?"

"He thinks they're cowards," she groaned, "I quote: Anyone unwilling to lead their men from the front is unfit to lead at all."

"Okay fair enough," Tai shrugged, "but I've got a plan, a way to make it legally work."

Asuna nodded, watching me specifically.

"The Rite of Grass hosts a fighting ring-"

"Guys, oh my god!" Leafa burst out from the forge room, "I got a message from Recon!"

Asuna and I both looked, Leafa's cheerful grin aided by...an admittedly great bounce.

[From Recon: Hey Suguha, miss you and our friends back at the shop. I might try and stop by for Christmas, but I'm not sure if I can. Beware the hollow people, there's more of them now]

"That's great," I smiled softly, "well...okay maybe not the last part."

"He's been alone for a while," Asuna shrugged, "I doubt I'd be much better."

"This is wonderful!" Leafa spun, "this Christmas's gonna be great."

Retreating past Lisbeth's forge room, I glanced down to Asuna.

"I love you, Asuna."

Her hazel eyes widened, a beat red encompassing her cheeks before she averted her gaze.

"Yeah."

Sun Dancer

Haru raised an empty jar, charging an [Aethereal Node] with a shaking, glowing fist. With a clipboard by her side, her muttering words barely reached her helpers.

"Test three, nothing worth noting."

Yuuki watched closely as Wick stood back, letting their alchemist prepare another experiment.

"I want that hand magic too," Yuuki frowned.

"Ho ho, I don't know about that." Haru laughed, "been having to hide it since I first got it."

"Don't see why that's necessary," Wick watched, "looks pretty innocent. Spell names don't exactly come off as dangerous."

"It's not the spells," she eyed him, "it's the people around us. I wasn't kidding about keeping this ability a secret."

"But people would love it!" Yuuki smiled.

"In more ways than one," Wick blinked.

"Test four," Haru mumbled, writing down on paper, "ready, Yuuki?"

"I guess," Yuuki swayed tiredly, "wish I knew what was wrong."

"We'll find it," Wick patted her shoulder, "Haru's been recording everything."

"Step back a sec please?" Haru waved, "gonna see if isolating her does anything."

Three [Aethereal Nodes] were prepped, their pale effulgence bringing a glint to both observers eyes.

"You still haven't told me how you got this," Wick puzzled.

"Maybe after this," Haru shrugged, "though I doubt you'd get that far. I'll explain why later."

A [Fledgling Ward - Magic] was cast, surrounding Yuuki in a wreath of green light, runic letters dancing around her. Consuming all but one of Haru's nodes, a cylindrical barrier beat with warmth. Yuuki giggled a bit, a bounce returning to her step.

"Can't hurt me now!" she rushed up and tickled Wick, "you cannot escape!"

"Hey!" Wick laughed.

"I wouldn't say that," Haru wrote down, "I only set this one to block magic, general stuff that is."

"Well I feel better," she got off Wick, "little colder though."

"Hm," Haru wrote Yuuki's remarks, "drop in temperature."

The ward followed Yuuki as she danced around, sliding around with a steadily slowing ripple. Green light overpowered all other light sources within Haru's lab, the alchemist recording more information as seconds passed.

The room seems to be getting warmer, ever since I placed a ward on her.

"Do you see anything, Yuuki?"

"No," Yuuki looked around her barrier, "it's so pretty."

Wick smiled, watching Haru write further.

Haru's a really patient person, she makes dealing with Yuuki look easy.

Yuuki's red eyes glinted behind her ethereal shroud of green, walking back and forth, mind buzzing as she slowed, rubbing her arms every few seconds.

Why am I feeling colder the longer I'm in this?

"Ward's gonna shut off in a few seconds," Haru put her paper down, "let me know if anything changes."

"Okay!" Yuuki spun, "I'm in the spotlight, the crowd is wild," her eyes wandered, "I'm reaching the crescendo," she slammed to a halt, eyes turning wet.

It wasn't noticeable at first, not for a momentary view. Only careful examination, a sharp eye, and an open mind could make out what breached pristine normality. Against this protective green fabric, a pale set of lines drew down. Five lines were drawn downward, their thick signatures barely apart. No sound was made by the motion, its path ending almost a foot down from its origin.

Another pack of five formed close beside it, each lines starting height varied, but in a way all too familiar to Yuuki. The three central lines were similar in height, leaving only in question the two opposing ends. Their origin started shorter, with one near equal to their central neighbors. Forming an image in her mind, a shiver broke out.

"Ha-" Yuuki said, "Haru, don't turn it off!"

A bright flash answered her plea, the [Fledgling Ward] gone. With all trace of Yuuki's observation gone, Haru's green eyes held sharp focus.

"What did you see?"

"Something was scratching the barrier," Yuuki shuddered, "it looked like a person's hand."

"I think we should stop," Wick looked to Haru, "this's scaring her."

"But it could've been the barrier dissolving," Haru motioned to calm Yuuki, "weird stuff happens when the energy wears off."

Yuuki eased, softening her breath as she found herself a seat.

"It had a hand's outline, Haru."

"All the more reason to check again, right?" Haru prepped more [Aethereal Nodes], "we'll see whether it's ward degradation or not."

"But what if it isn't?" Yuuki paled.

"Then we'll be making our first breakthrough, won't we?"

While Wick said nothing, his eyes fixed on Yuuki, who clutched her chair with cold fists.

Should I stand up for Yuuki? Or should I keep following? This could be very important.

Seconds later, Haru drew nodes, casting another [Fledgling Ward - Magic] over Yuuki. A pale green curtain encircled, its runic letters flashing with infantile life. Eyes watched with great intent, veering only to inspect spots outside their focus. Every inch was inspected, both members outside the ward pacing around it. Sitting in her bubble, Yuuki curled up tight, her knees pressed chest high.

Seconds after it formed, a set of lines grew.

"There!" Yuuki pointed, "right there!"

Wick looked with furrowed eyebrows, Haru writing while glancing.

"Hm," Haru mumbled, "so it's not degradation, I just spawned it."

"Haru," Wick grimaced, "shut it down."

Yuuki's wordless whine turned Haru's focus, eyes swelling. One set of five turned to two. Two multiplied to five, five to eleven. Within seconds of activation, numbers exceeded twenty. Yuuki shrunk as they spread silently, surrounding her from a plane neither her or her friends could witness. A reality outside their own had capriciously breached, lapping against them like waves from a beach. Cold and unfamiliar, not one looked in with anything past a deeply welled terror.

Becoming a Cleric of Cel grants different powers than a Slayer, as well as spell-casting way earlier. While healing injuries is included, don't forget their ultimate tool. Pure, unadulterated hatred!

If you follow this deity exclusively, you as a healer (not Slayer) get a +10 - 15% bonus damage boost against worshipers, beings, or entities not worshiping Cel! Why, cause this god's fed up with mortals abusing his healers!

-Argo, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. January 4th, 2023

A/N: Unapologetic, just the way I like it!

Hey guys, be sure to drop a review! It lets me know how I can improve my shoddy work, I wanna get good.

See you all next week!