A/N: Demon Slayer, please take 50 kg of it every day until container is empty.

NetherOrbit: Who says Acherres was at all reacting to them? :3
Doctor: Thanks for the support, fam :D keep it spicy!

Special shout out to jnardie for their recent favorite, always happy to know my humble story earns an audience.

[Vill-Dorn] art to be called out their egregious nature. They are a plant based, savage group. Coming from the deserts of Nohr, these thorn covered bullies seek little more than water sources. While most monsters focus on thy destruction, these art their most aggressive around water.

When approached while feeding, they shall approach thee with a desire to brush against, impale, or otherwise deter you from its source. Miraculously, these beasts have no known tactics, tools, or an intelligence to speak of. It would be best if they were simply gotten rid of.

-Godfree, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. December 29th, 2022

December 27th, 2022

Hiding my glare was fruitless, not with who I was staring at, or what took space in the cell. Those icy blue eyes. They looked to a wall behind me, but no energy emanated past those bars.

"Where are they, Wudramor?"

Absolutely nothing, like I was preaching at a mannequin.

"What happened in Floor three?"

I couldn't hide my shiver, it wasn't even blinking.

"What did you do to your men? These people followed you through Diebry."

An echo chamber was all I met, could only hear myself.

"Aeson?" I shook my head, "don't you remember?"

Uncanny, all of it. I couldn't keep my gaze on him either, a terrible fact worming through my subconscious without tact. People swayed when they stood still, no matter how hard we worked balance. Wudramor, however, remained without sway or twitch. While isolation was assumed, his subordinates showed an identical stiffness. Seventy guards, none spoke, all with the exact same eye color.

It wasn't simply a similar shade, no they all had it identical. I drew my Zweihander, jamming it between bars as it plunged through one of their sternums. Gouging out of his back, not a twitch or groan was reported. It drained color from my face, tearing it out and seeing through him.

"That is not okay!" I whipped my gaze around all of them, "I punched your heart out!"

My voice bounced off stone, unmet by another's word, or so much as a gesture. I had fully expected a confrontational approach to imprisonment, pleading, dejection, anything. No points exported from their faces, their lips flat top and bottom.

"Where are my men!? What did you do to them?!"

PoH was right, something had gone amiss with my security force. How many days were they...converted? I'd call them zombies, but PoH distinctly told me they spoke to him. Why not now? Why don't they move?! A sliding of hinges brought my eyes right, the man of the hour stepping down.

"Have you had any luck?" PoH spoke softly.

"Worse," I shuddered, "I can't even hear their breathing."

"Perhaps they are taking advantage of your compassion, have you told them of any consequences?"

"Consequences?" my gaze weakened, "look at this man!"

Pointing to my recent hit, PoH grimaced.

"Oh..."

"I need to get control of this," I said, "if it's infectious, it could kill everyone."

"I'm certain we will find all of them," PoH said strongly, "clearly this is beyond what we imagined."

"Let's go upstairs," I motioned PoH to follow, "it's creepy here."

Closing the hatch, I double checked our bronze lock, sighing after a quick tug.

"Are they zombies, PoH?"

"I'm not sure," he paced around me slowly, "speech wasn't beyond them before."

"I can't stand to look at him," I shook my head before sitting on a rickety throne, "I saved his son from a cult. I still have his letter, I spoke with this man. Now he's...he's a bumble-fuck."

"I don't wish to see you so haggard," PoH patted my shoulder, "I know you feel for Oran and Graye. All I ask is if you find my progress acceptable."

"You crazy?" my eyebrows raised, "I wouldn't have gone nearly so far without your help. Really."

"And neither I without you," PoH bowed his head, "thank you."

A message flashed, PoH's interface risen a moment later.

"It's Kibaou," he glanced to me, "his people are being attacked. Guys in blue."

"Are my Tauran assisting them?" I jumped, "further human losses cannot be tolerated."

PoH wrote away, sweating as he sent a sit-rep.

"I grow weary of this."

"I bet," I nodded.

A reply flew in moments later, PoH pouncing it without pause.

"Plenty of wounded, but everyone's okay."

"Thank God," I sighed, "how about them?"

"It seems they committed a hit and run, I believe I should meet with Kibaou over this matter."

"Go," I waved, "let him know I will handle this personally. He will have Tauran assistance. We cannot let this happen to people, not under my watch."

Sun Dancer

A breastplate of bronze was born, its exterior resembling rippling human muscle. With abs peaking and pectorals wholesome, its frame led its forger's imagination astray, to a night between both king and blacksmith. Narrowing her eyes, a smile failed to rise. From the store's front entrance, Asuna spoke her usual pitch. From the testing room, a blonde thief swung away at a man of straw.

I'm gonna give it a try. When I go, Leafa will have the place to remodel into a dojo.

Putting down her mallet, Lisbeth cautiously stepped out, keeping her gaze off Asuna.

"Lis?"

"Don't mind me," Lis smiled, "just taking a walk."

"No I mean, could we talk?"

Lisbeth's guts twisted, tethered to this request against her will, turning to face Asuna.

"Let me start with Haru," Asuna sighed, "I've made purchases of glassware and stuff, but what should we do if Bale comes here?"

"Offer him business as usual," Lis put hands on her hips, "alright?"

"Wait," Asuna followed Lis as she turned away.

Lisbeth looked up to her.

"You haven't spoken to me for days," Asuna frowned, "why is that?"

"I don't wanna talk about it," Lisbeth shook her head, "wanna keep it happy."

"But you aren't."

"I am," Lis put hands on her hips, "Asuna, I wanna drop it."

"No, you wanna avoid it. Leopon's not sure if she can even talk to you. Why haven't you talked to us?"

Lisbeth's feet planted, turning slowly towards Asuna.

"I've been hearing things, about a friend stealing something from me."

"How do you know that?"

"Because that something was a someone, he told me."

"Lis, let's not jump to conclusions."

"No. Leopon came into his palace and tried seducing him. Worse, I know it wasn't just her planning this."

"She was only following her father's request!" Asuna glared.

"Not just his," Lis glared back, "I figured we wouldn't have to fight over this. I thought we could just set it aside, agree to disagree, but apparently not."

"Oh please," Asuna tossed her hair, "you're the one choosing against yourself."

"Why? Why do you treat me like I can't make rational decisions?"

"Who are you?" Asuna growled, "you sit there in that forge room all day while we work."

"Work?"

"Wick and Leafa have to haul in those mineral shipments you buy off Kobolds everyday, I had to do the talking, Leopon had to make sure those weapons you make work."

"You wanna talk like this?" Lis leaned forward, "who's paying the bills? Huh? Who's bringing in the most here?"

"You're not listening!"

"You know what," Lis raised a finger, "I'll be honest with you. I am sick of how little you respect everything you've been given."

"Excuse me?"

"Garr and I have fought for everything," Lisbeth shook, "we have homes because of it. Do you even know what he did while we partied for Christmas?"

"I don't care."

"He had to wake up at two in the morning and fight, fight against an entire invasion, against cactus beasts of some sort!"

"So?"

"Garr hates thorns! He hates them and he still went out and did it. You should've seen his face."

"Oh please, you've been gaga over him since you got trapped in this floor. Don't you see the Stockholm Syndrome? He was brutal with you."

"We disagreed on something," Lis crossed arms, "and he apologized, saying I was right. When will you just accept how we feel?"

"What does he actually bring?" Asuna leaned on her hip, "besides pleasing your fetish?"

Lisbeth's glare darkened.

"I'm waiting."

"Okay, how about this?" Lisbeth looked away, "he's real, honest to the core. He's always been by me, no matter how bad things might be. He doesn't treat me like a child, he encourages me everyday to strive, to direct myself in a way I'd find happy."

"Wow," Asuna rolled her eyes, "sounds like a fairy tale. He's barbaric, plain and simple."

"Maybe I'm setting too high an expectation," Lis sighed, "but he's given me no reason to question his loyalty."

Their bell-tied door rang, a tired Taiyama stepping in.

"You two okay? Could hear some shouting from outside."

"We're fine," Lisbeth erected herself, "I was just telling Asuna to go."

"Excuse me?" Asuna's eyes burned.

"I am not going to disrespect you in front of your boyfriend," Lisbeth drew cash, "here's your last paycheck, even added a little extra."

"What?"

"I'm closing shop, I'm done with this place."

Asuna froze, though remained fiery in expression.

"Fine, but don't come to me when he abuses you."

Passing through doors a second later, Tai looked to Lis, pointing a finger outside with a raised eyebrow.

"What, you wanna be next?"

As if performing a Houdini act, Taiyama was long gone, Lisbeth sighing as she set herself behind a wooden counter. With eyes drooping to its top surface, heat flared from her throat. Minutes later, her forge room door opened, a blonde stepping out in bright red [Full Plate]. Catching an eye from a fuming Lisbeth, her expression softened, even as the blacksmith inched a bag of Cor forward.

"Take it."

"I-I can't," Leopon shook her head, "not after what I-"

"Leopie," Lis took a deep breath, "in one way, I should thank you. You proved to me how loyal Garr is. I can never replace that."

Leopon remained perfectly still, muscles rigid beneath red steel.

"I know how important your father is to you, that's why I've tried moving on. But you should've talked to me, I would've understood. But this," she shook her head, "I'm gonna need time to myself to clean this. I'm sorry."

Leopon looked away, her eyes wet and fragile.

"You look good in your armor. Go, don't let this keep you down. I hope you find that little joy somewhere."

"Thank you," she turned away, leaving the cash untouched.

Watching Leopon leave, Lisbeth rested her head on wood.

I feel awful. I hate confrontations, they end like this every time. But I'm fed up with this too. Aid's got my full support, he earned that with me. I guess there's at least one last thing to do now.

Brushing through her forge room door, Lisbeth combed through hair before breaching weapons testing. Inside, Wick and Leafa stared silently, Haru standing off to one side with her potions on a table.

"Whatever's going on," Leafa grimaced, "I'm not taking a side."

"Are you okay?" Wick blinked at Lis.

"I was actually coming to ask," Lisbeth put hands behind her back, "you wanted a dojo, right Leafa?"

"Did we find an opening?" Leafa's arms fell.

"Aye, how about the one you're standing in?"

"But, this is your shop."

"Wait, you're closing?" Wick splayed hands, "why?"

"Got bored, come here Leafy. I'll give you the perms needed to modify the place as you see fit."

Leafa hesitated in her step.

"No surprises?"

"Nah, but you wouldn't mind if you keep Haru comfy, right?"

"I know the drill," Wick glanced to the alchemist, "I'll cover it with Leafa."

"Great," Lisbeth sighed, "gonna keep my things in the back room here, least until I set a new path."

"I'm okay with that," Leafa smiled, "thank you so much."

Transferring equipment to the furthest room of her shop, Lisbeth was intercepted. A white haired alchemist followed, her green eyes lit.

"Hope you're happy here," Lisbeth said, "it's been an exciting what...day?"

"You could say it was eventful," Haru slid hands in her pockets, "where's this blacksmith off to next?"

"I don't know, anywhere but here?"

"Ah, wish I was that adventurous."

"Nothing stopping you from joining. Might not be leaving right now, but I will be when I find a path."

"Hm," Haru played with her hair, "I might take you on that offer...except now I'm wondering who's gonna fight."

"Don't worry, that'll be covered. Meantime, I'm going for a walk. Gotta relax after that whole thing."

Sun Dancer

A fifteen foot tall capital stood tall against yellow grass, its circular shape topped by two skirting roofs of ceramic scales. With its ground floor walls colored a dull gold, its white and red mixture set it apart from Urbus' square architecture. Within, several pools of clean water rested, their rectangular bowls layered in tiles. A throne of polished stone was chiseled away, Nobel observing as a lone artist eyed and sanded.

"Do you think Jinping would be proud?" the artist glanced to Nobel, "I've yet to meet him, sir."

"He will be, as long as you ready the throne for fixtures. The stone represents his immortality. It speaks for his will, energy, and grounded virtue."

"Indeed, sir. I shall chisel powerful words upon the trim. Do you think Altai will suffer envy?"

"I do not even see him," Nobel smirked, "his throne is made of a weak wood, barely fit to hold him up...let alone represent."

"A weak leader then," the artist filed away, "that explains Jinping's lack of action. He's so weak, he lets his women get screwed by horses."

"Yes he does," Nobel chuckled, "keep vigilant, mason. I must inspect other projects. Remember, great care will bring great reward. Jinping might raise you from your lowly status."

"I would be honored!"

Stepping out with a grin, Nobel shielded his eyes with an umbrella, walking proudly as building foundations formed all along a line. Nestling themselves besides a loose trail of gravel, he stopped to look at his palace. His right eye twitched, face turning a bright red, a fist squeezing his umbrella's handle.

That son of a bitch, he messed with the build site dimensions again! I can see a slight offset already! I'm killing him, I'll have his bones broken one at a time. I'll heal him too, enough to not die, but keep going. How has he evaded security so well?

Following a similar design pattern, roofs were built slanted, bowed to an elaborate flange. A gatehouse was constructed for each sector, creating a layered defense, towers watching from higher elevations of the hill. With gold a common color, New Beijing grew as thousands poured in to assist construction. Either willing, or by external motivation.

"Remember!" a [Club] wielding watchman addressed, "the islanders and West would have you fed to bugs! Embrace your protector, for he alone stands for your tradition, your way of life. Jinping will lead us to safety and prosperity!"

"Hail Jinping!" some shouted as they hauled.

Nobel hid his smile, walking past droves of his unknowing subordinates.

SAO is a game, a corrupting influence at that. With a land so clean and beautiful, so free from my father's reach, what's to convince any to return? Westerners have already influenced them so much, I had to take them away. Only I can save my people from corruption, only I can prepare them for the coming storm. It would be addicting for any man, woman, or child to remain in this place too long.

Tauran grunted, dragging carts of stone in pairs, their legs bending heavy with strain.

"Tauran," Nobel pointed south, "place the stone there, we do not fear intrusion from the north."

"As you wish, governor."

Where Nobel directed, New Beijing's first wall rose. formed out of thick stone blocks, its surface adorned the hill he chose with a sheer edge, preventing approach. With another wall planned around the outer town, maximizing defense held first priority. With Urbus' Chinese population routing to New Beijing, space tied close.

[From PoH: How goes town construction? I do hope this exchange has proven worthwhile]

[To: It's been acceptable]

[From: Good, cause I need a sponsorship. Garr has me dealing with crime investigation, I need your people to claim he's prevented violent crime in your neighborhoods]

[To: No]

[From: I only need a few to "represent" your people]

[To: And you're advocating that someone else be a hero for my flock]

[From: Let me spell it out for you. You do this, but then declare this to be a hoax a day or so afterwards. Garr looks bad, you and I both win]

[To: Then play your game, I won't whore my people for you]

Chuckling to himself, Nobel closed his interface, continuing his stroll through a budding town.

[From PoH: I miss home sometimes too, I had great times. One of my first friends from secondary school was a Chinese fellow, his name was Lang Peng]

While Nobel read, his fingers pressed no letters.

[From: he was such a gentleman, came all the way to Spain for a better education. His scores were spectacular, and an absolute pleasure to deal with]

Nobel snorted, PoH's rambling grabbing his eyes enough to stop his walk.

[From: He planned to be an engineer, had such drive. It was heartbreaking, that his end would come from a drunk driver. You never know how good you have it till it's gone]

"Well that's too bad," Nobel smirked, "serves him right, betraying his home for himself."

Sun Dancer

"And set," Leafa smiled.

Wick and Haru's gazes swept over their new surroundings, interior walls shifted. The first room was a vast, square space, with panels of walls decorated with written paper. With sliding doors replacing their hinged predecessors, a uniformity prevailed over distinction.

"I know, it's a bit basic right now. We haven't invented mirrors, but windows should be arriving soon!"

"That's great," Wick smiled softly, "mirrors would make seeing one's form better."

"What kind of art does Leafa teach?" Haru said.

"I would focus on the use of [Katanas]," Leafa bowed, "though basic swordsmanship is the main course."

"Let's just say the techniques used in movies are more for show," Wick snickered, "learned that on my first day."

Leafa nodded, pacing around the vast dojo.

"So how much should membership be?"

"That's up to you," Wick said.

"But I don't know where to start," Leafa paced around, "I have to repay my debt to Lis, she bought the building."

"But she gave it to you," Haru said, "how are you in debt?"

"I just want to repay her," Leafa turned, "even if her behavior was...unruly."

"How?" Haru glanced to Wick.

"Lisbeth was very touchy-feely," Wick made a groping motion.

"Oh," Haru's eyes returned to Leafa, "what did I sign up for..."

"She'd worry my chest would break her anvil," Leafa shuddered, "always making fun of its size."

"Good to know?" Haru sighed nervously.

Their front entrance slid open, a figure in red plated steel stepping through.

"Oh hey Leopon," Leafa smiled.

Blue-grey eyes darted around briefly.

"Wow, did you do this?"

"I had help," Leafa said, "you came at a perfect time too! How much should I pay for membership? Per week? Three days?"

"I don't know, look is Lis still here?"

"She's out," Haru walked through a backdoor, sliding it closed behind her.

"Aw," Leopon frowned, "was gonna ask if she could repair my [Rapier] before I left."

"Stay here for a bit, she said she'd be back in a little while."

"Yea," Wick drew a [Scimitar] before taking practice swings, "we're still figuring things out here."

Leopon nodded, initiating a [Training Mode] duel with Leafa. Exchanging between slashes and pokes, both participants did well to avoid clashing weapons, neither possessing very resilient tools.

"I'm sorry about what happened," Leafa deflected a dig.

"Decisions were made," Leopon dashed right, "gonna miss this place, don't know how Klein's gonna handle it."

"Who?"

"Friend of mine, leads this Samurai guild. Gonna be traveling with him after this."

"Sounds cool," Wick smiled.

"Yeah," Leopon sidestepped, "you should listen to him talk, he's quite the actor...when he's got a decent script."

"What happens when he doesn't?"

"Ham, just ham."

Wick chuckled to himself, gasping as his [Scimitar] swung astray from his flurry's intended direction. Minutes later, their dojo's front door slid open, a boy in dark attire and glazed expression emerging. Gazing to him, Leafa's smile grew.

"Oh hi, Kirito! You came at a wonderful time. Is one grand a week too much for a membership here?"

"Only if you don't grind," Kirito said nonchalantly, "can make three times that in a day, especially if they drop any items. I wanted to ask you something."

"What's that?"

"It may sound strange, but hear me out. Have you ever seen someone with a metal hand?"

Leafa's practiced swing halted, Leopon's gaze fixating on him.

"Why do you wanna know?" Leopon said.

"Just curious," Kirito brushed hair, "it's my business and it sounded interesting."

"Yes-" Leafa said, Leopon stepping closer to Kirito.

"No she doesn't."

"Leopie?"

"What's the real reason?" Leopon pressed Kirito, "I've seen people asking all around Urbus. None of it for trustworthy reasons."

"It's not a big deal," Kirito inched back, "I just wanted to know. What were you saying, Leafa?"

A [Rapier] was raised, its tip pointed towards hardwood floors.

"I don't believe you."

"Wow," Wick retreated, "uh, I'm stepping back."

"You know who I am, right?" Kirito looked blankly Leopon's direction.

"Doesn't matter," Leopon prepped a [Cross Shield], "you want that knowledge, you gotta beat me in a duel first."

"Leopie wait," Leafa stirred, "Kirito's my cousin, we can trust him."

"Not with everyone else asking," Leopon honed on him, "it's too suspicious."

After seconds of Kirito staring at Leopon, he sighed.

"I suppose there's nothing to stop you. So what're your conditions?"

"First strike," Leopon rolled shoulders, "if I win, Leafa can't tell you anything. If you win, she can."

Wick scooted beside Leafa, who at this point quieted herself.

"Leafa, why not just tell Kirito?"

"I may not know exactly why she's opposed to this, but I have to honor this deal."

Wick's eyebrows lowered, turning his sights back on both duelists.

That's dumb. If she just told Kirito, this whole thing wouldn't be necessary!

"I guess that's fair," Kirito reached for a handle beneath his trench coat, "you seem very defensive of this though. Maybe I should ask you?"

"I wouldn't tell you," Leopon raised her shield, knees bending.

I might've hurt Lis with my decision, but I won't let her secret be known.

"Okay then," Kirito filed a duel request to her.

[You have been invited to a duel!]
[Accept/Decline]

"She's going to lose," Leafa frowned, "Kirito was the top PvP'er during the beta."

"Oh no," Wick shivered, "the very top?"

An [Anneal Longsword] was drawn, its blue steel shining bright against torchlight, raised to Kirito's shoulder for a power stance.

"Oh...and could you replace that [Full Plate] you're wearing?"

"So you can get an advantage?" Leopon glared, "not happening."

"You don't understand. If you wear that, I couldn't drop your HP. I won't honor your call if you say no."

"It's that tough?" Wick blinked, "sounds O-P."

"It'd be a different story if she was wielding a [Mace]," Kirito said, "or pole-arm, [Greatsword], or bigger."

Leopon groaned, opening her interface seconds later. Changing out into her blue leather jerkin, blonde hair flowed out like a river to her mid-back.

"There, you happy?"

"I'd ask how you got that," Kirito raised his weapon, "but yes.

His vein wreathed left hand twitched, forced down by conscious effort.

Using spells would give me away, I don't need them to win this.

[First Strike - Best of Three- Duel Initiated!]

A fifteen second timer bought both competitors time, Leopon pressing her shield forward, a [Rapier] resting on its upper arms. Keeping his weapon shouldered, Kirito hopped back and forth, eyeing the space around her. Whatever peace this time brought, a gong's chime sacrificed it, quiet replaced by the clashing of metal.

Leopon rushed forward, forcing Kirito to engage head on, her [Rapier] whipping around a hard blue shield. Sweeping wide with a [Longsword], Kirito caught Leopon's weapon, a [Parry] executed with his foe flashing yellow. Possessing a shield, however, the blonde was afforded a repelling bash, though her sword was kept out.

Despite her attempt to repel, no attack was initiated, Leopon's tackle wasted as Kirito skid right. Sliding on a leg, Kirito launched a pecking stab, its steel passing just inches behind her back leg. Wind brushed the blonde warrior, prompting her to veer hard towards a grounded Kirito, who rolled backwards to avoid a [Rapier's] sting.

"Wow," Wick gasped, "she's holding up better than I thought."

"He's testing her," Leafa whispered, "I only wish I knew who to cheer for."

Kirito's feet met wood, knees bending before committing to a soaring back flip, scoring several feet of distance away. Without a sword raised to stop her, however, Leopon simply lunged, her shield crashing against Kirito's prepping defense. With his longsword pressed against his chest, her [Rapier] struck home, his ribs flexing from a swift cut.

[Hit!]
[0 - 1]

Both fighters stepped away, Kirito holding back any cries, his eyelids closing slightly as he took a quick sip of [Holy Water]. Ten seconds were given, Leopon shivering as both raised weapons.

Don't lose focus, don't. I'm gonna win this.

Swords flew at a gong's notice, a sprinkle of sparks soaring, Leopon forced to draw back. Steel met bronze with a single strike, the result of grossly different technologies producing a gouge in her [Rapier], blue eyes dilating as trembling commenced.

He damaged my sword!

Kirito crouch hopped left, flicking his weapon across Leopon's shoulder, causing her to squeal with a cut.

"Ow!" Leopon cried out.

[Hit!]
[1 - 1]

"You mind stopping?" Kirito stepped back casually, "I don't like hitting girls."

"Don't condescend me!" Leopon growled, drinking [Holy Water] herself.

Both shivered slightly, a last chance at victory presented, hearts pounding from both fighters and audience. Glancing at Leopon's legs, Kirito again adopted a high stance, dark eyes stoic in focus.

I will not let Acherres remain with those detectives unchallenged!

Keeping close to her shield, Leopon's breath turned haggard, [Rapier] shaking as she stared angrily.

I can't let my friend's secret be uncovered!

Breath was all one could hear after the gong, Kirito sprinting away and around the dojo, circling around Leopon as she inched out of his radius. Picking up speed with every other second, Kirito turned to a near blur, his feet close to touching walls. Watching him, Leopon raised her sword for a tracking shot. A stab flew forward, only to be met with a wooden plank's tear, Kirito running along a wall's sheer face for a mere second.

"And I thought I was fast," Leafa blinked.

"He just cranked his [Agility] stats," Wick said.

Leopon stepped away, clutching her shield firmly as Kirito raced around, lowering her [Rapier] as she closed eyes.

My ears never lie, let them track him.

His feet tapped against walls, gravity dragging him to floorboards seconds later, forcing a leap towards his opponent in fear of losing momentum. Reaching out far with overextension, Kirito's [Anneal Longsword] swung down above Leopon's head.

Swerving hard with a whipping slash, Leopon's bronze [Rapier] collided with steel, weight crashing as Kirito flew by. Both figures froze, Leopon gazing at her weapon, whose stature had been stumped, red salt dragging down her face.

[Hit!]
[2 - 1]
[You have lost!]

Sun Dancer

Reaching what was once a Central Urbus blacksmith shop, Lisbeth let a gentle breath escape.

Floor three and five are dangerous according to Aid, that still leaves four northwest though.

Easing aside a wooden sliding door, no bells jingled, Asuna absent as well as a front desk. In their places, instead were Leafa, Wick, and Kirito.

"Oh hi Lis," Leafa said.

Kirito stepped forward with little hesitation, getting in front of the pink haired smith without hindrance.

"Hey," Wick leaned, "get off her."

"Don't," Leafa looked to Wick sharply.

Lisbeth's gaze honed on Kirito for a second before deviating, leaning away slightly.

"Can I help you?"

"we need to talk in private," Kirito said, "you're in serious danger."

"Really?" Lisbeth smiled wry, "and why would that be?"

"I can't say it here, if we can go into the back room-"

"You wanna take me to the backroom? Gonna say right now, I'm not interested."

"It's about your hand," Kirito groaned, "please do not make this harder than it has to be."

Lisbeth's eyes glinted slightly.

"Who told you?"

"Leafa."

"Alright, try not to forget I'm Scottish."

"I don't care," he walked past her, "come on."

"Enter the bad boy," Lisbeth followed, "thanks Leafy."

"It was complicated," Leafa sighed.

Weaving into temporary storage, Kirito closed the hinged door behind them.

"Alright what's going on with my hand?" Lis watched carefully.

Kirito checked behind her, ensuring nobody was around, lowering his voice to a dull roar.

"You're the Mechanist?"

"Aye? Gonna pay Leafa back too, soon as I find that dress."

"Stop joking, this is serious. There are necromancers looking for you!"

"Eh?"

"A cult has taken notice of your powers, they sent me to find you. Look," he splayed hands, "I'm on your side, okay?"

Lisbeth by this point had a hand on her [Mace], whose warhead shined with iron's luster.

"Look, you know about Graye Sight?" Kirito stepped back, "peaceful guild?"

"Aye?" Lisbeth followed with a honed gaze, "be quick, you're in hot water."

"The cult kidnapped two of their detectives," Kirito got behind her anvil, "they're dead unless I complete my deal."

Lisbeth stopped, her hard view softening.

These must be those two poor sods Aid mentioned.

"Their leader Acherres made an offer," Kirito slowed, "if I bring you to him, he'll spare them."

"If you know this?" Lisbeth flustered, "why haven't you told the king? Or Graye Sight?"

Kirito shook his head.

"They would've gotten spotted by the time they crossed Floor three's border, Acherres is a powerful wizard. He has eyes everywhere."

"But Altai's powerful too," Lisbeth blinked, "he'd destroy the whole forest if it meant saving two people."

"Too risky," Kirito shook his head, "I've seen Acherres display his power. Brute force won't solve this."

"Well I trust him," Lis stood erect, "and I'm not going into any scary place like that without back up."

Kirito exhaled forcefully, bobbing his head as thoughts swam by.

"I suppose you leave me little choice."

Lisbeth gripped her [Mace], only for Kirito to lower his hands.

"I'll talk to him, but I wouldn't expect anything from that tyrant."

After his words fell on Lisbeth's conscious, Kirito walked past her, his head lowered.

"You wanna see him move?"

Kirito stopped briefly.

"Put any one of our lives in danger."

"I guess you're free to your opinion."

"I'll prove it," Lis matched his pace, "just watch."

Sun Dancer

-Garr

"Alright PoH," I stepped out from my quarters, "I've made my first draft. Project Renaissance will change everything, for every human being and the entire continent."

"Oh really?" PoH turned, shutting off his interface. "Let's see it."

I laid out the papers, their rolls expanding across the table, curly tails hanging above wooden edges.

"Magic has been something out of our grasp for a while," I nodded, "I don't expect this to change immediately. But with this incentive, this disadvantage can be flipped into a strength."

PoH read through a few segments here and there, his black eyes inquisitive.

"You're inviting these magic cults to come advertise their powers in Urbus...as long as they follow set rules and instruct the people in town. You think this might be just a bit risky?"

"It's a bit of a gamble, but I believe in choice. These wizards I'm sure are looking for a place to share their wisdom, a place to study without fear of persecution. It'll turn Urbus to a new Athens, where any one can get strong. Muscle, brain, heart, I wanna put them all forward."

"I would curb your passion slightly," PoH held a hand up, "remember, these people don't understand what they're dealing with."

"They don't have to," I sighed, "with these being taught, mistakes will happen, but they'll be self-correcting. Besides, I'm not sure how long I'm gonna remain here."

"Really?"

"I'm tired of the hate mail, man. I've visited a guy someone tipped me to being an assassin. I wanted to drag him out, PoH."

"And you didn't," PoH said softly, "because you valued the promises you made to them."

"Exactly," I nodded, "but I saw the temptation. This power, it's corrupting me."

"Ha!" PoH laughed, "if it was, you wouldn't be saying that. I think you're still getting used to this."

"Maybe," I chuckled weakly, "but man, how much longer on this vote thing?"

"Considering your last PR boost falling flat?" PoH rubbed his chin.

"The [Vill-Dorn] had to be dealt with. At what point should I keep holding on to this? Surely things are better now."

"Ah," PoH smiled, "you remind me of something. It happened during secondary school, some years ago as you can imagine."

"What happened?" I softened.

"It wasn't so much what happened to me, as much as it's what happened to a friend of mine. His name Lang Peng, was a foreign exchange student arriving in Spain to earn a degree in engineering."

"Good pick," I smiled, "there can never be enough of them."

"Agreed," PoH nodded, "I myself am a great fan of efficiency over looks. So Lang was a hard working man, spent who knows how many hours in his dorm studying. The only time I could talk to him face to face really was during lunch break, but he always had such class."

"I've always had a great time with foreigners," I chuckled, "just about every single one I've met's been amazing in manners. It's one thing I wish more at home shared."

"That's why I wasn't surprised when he told me about Connie," PoH sighed happily, "she was one of the girls, was known for being a real socialite."

I focused on his story further, amazing how a Spanish accent could enchant one.

"I don't say love lightly, but those two were inseparable, two sides of an even weighted coin. I was so happy for them, I wished them the best. I never thought it'd end so tragically."

"What happened?" I said softly.

"Jealous men, ex-boyfriends displeased with Connie's newest selection. One night, they threatened to kill Lang if he didn't break away," PoH's head sagged before shaking, "he didn't listen. Told me they were just words, that they wouldn't actually follow through."

A choked breath left him.

"I'll never forget the day I saw Connie in black. Not just outside, but within. Part of her died there with him, never saw her again." He nodded, "he didn't heed the warnings, then this happened."

Rika and I, we had to keep it low.

"Are you telling me...I can't leave?" I frowned.

"No," he shook his head, "was just a moment, deja vu. How about you go next week? I'm confident an idea like this will leave them cheering your name."

"As long as they don't deify me," I lifted a finger, "I plan to reduce this government to a representative republic too."

Something in those black eyes flickered, sharpened like a knife.

"Oh?"

Palace doors swung open, a pair of individuals stepping forward. Rika walked in, a stranger in black leading the way. Stopping several meters away, my blacksmith bowed briefly, as well as him.

"Welcome," I smiled, "I hope you're finding safe travels."

"Yea," Kirito huffed, "no thanks to you."

Oh boy, another rebel.

"Anyway, I hope you're ready for what I have to tell."

I glanced over to Rika, doing my best to hold back a smile.

"Yes," I snickered at Kirito. "I will go out to the prom with you."

Kirito's look, oh God it was priceless! Still, what if those threats made against me were real? I wouldn't wanna leave Rika to fend for herself, not in a world like this.

What is a demon in this universe? If you asked the Church of Cel, they'd tell you they're tempters of flesh, despising Deus Cel's glorious creations. Tauran believe them to be disloyal ancestors, brought from darkness to trick children into selfishness.

Kobolds say they dwell below Honningstein, in a mantle fortress built long ago, ready to eat any who enter. But without any confirmed sightings, we can't be sure. If you find a [Demon] type mob, be sure to let me or Godfree know!

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

A/N: and the plot thickens xP...

Reviews are always welcome, be sure to let me know whatcha think!

See you on Sunday/Monday!