A/N: Demon Slayer, wishing you all safe travels wherever you go. Zumfut is cursed.

NetherOrbit: Wick's lived in Brooklyn, trust never comes easy for him.
Den3424: Sorry Taiyama had no role to fulfill.

Beware those who cling to flesh, their ignorance is best rooted wherever found. Deus Cel's way is the only way to salvation.

The beast is a defeated foe, who takes defeat like a child. Consult your local Arm-Father if hair is found below your chin, on your cheeks, or in your ears. Faithful Arm-Fathers, cleanse yourselves of any and all hair, it is more accepting of Cel's way.

-Holy Book of Cel, 3:13-14

December 27th, 2022

Hot blood was turbulent in my veins, new facts puncturing like spikes, its messenger giving freely. Speaking under our palace's vaulted ceiling, an energy surged in my fingertips.

"I wasn't planning on coming here," Kirito said, "cause for all I know, Acherres has eyes on me too."

"I didn't know anything about a Mechanist in my midst," I lied, "but unless this prick releases those detectives? I'll burn his whole forest down."

"You think machismo will help," he shook his head, "he'd use the dead matter to boost his numbers."

"Then what," I said sternly, "I don't bargain with punks."

"Not to intrude," PoH slipped in, "but what do we have to believe you're saying the truth?"

"I told you," Kirito said, "I was sent here to find and capture her. She insisted that I tell you, so spare the criticism."

PoH kept looking at Kirito, and I meant with an unusual fixation. Clearly this mage Kirito mentioned was stronger than Miakane, when fire bombing wasn't going to work.

"I doubt him," PoH whispered in my ear, "be wary, Altai."

I nodded, eyes turning to my messenger.

"So if sending troops won't work, what will?"

"That's where things get complicated," Kirito said with a groan, "can I speak with you one on one about that?"

This kid looked hardly threatening, his color palette hurt my eyes more. Nodding, however, I ushered him to a backroom, closing the door behind us.

-PoH

I had to admit, I wasn't quite prepared for this little exchange. On a plus note, I acquired a valuable piece of knowledge, one I could certainly bargain with. Eyeing this 'Lisbeth', I couldn't help but find her appearance strange. She bore many Japanese traits, but possessed some European.

"Where're you from?" I said, "you don't look pure Japanese."

"I'm half Scottish, that's why."

"Interesting."

"So how's Spain?"

"Beautiful, least it was last time I've been there. While I've lived in Japan for years, I still don't quite fit."

"Aye I know the feeling," Lisbeth smiled, "bet you get the girls wild with your accent though."

"Actually yes," I stopped, "good point. That's actually something I never put much thought into. Mm, can't imagine yours helped."

"Ha, no. They'd call it sewage garble, what's your name?"

"PoH, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lisbeth."

"Aye, same!"

First impressions were pretty appealing, this girl really had a cheerful disposition.

"So you assist Altai?" she laughed, "must be really something."

"It's difficult at times," I smiled, "but I appreciate a learning experience."

Lisbeth stared at me for a second, her eyes piercing into me.

"You're a smart guy," she smiled innocently, "I wouldn't worry."

She looked away, drawing a glass bottle and bubble blower. This woman was a bit too sharp, best not bring her to the table. No, I had to get rid of her, quickly. Nobel was manageable, but she could ruin everything with her position. Problem was, hurt her and I'd wake other dogs. Then again, it could make Garr far more flexible. I could see it. Blue cloaks killed his sweetheart, turning his heart hard with profound animosity. Ah, made me wonder, did I actually want his throne? This game's so fun. A door creaked open, my bumbling king and the edgy teenager stepping out.

"Alright," Garr said firmly, "so details are taken care of."

A chill ran down my spine, teeth clenching for a moment. That witch, she distracted me. How'd she know I was looking to listen in on them? Garr had a conversation of great secrecy and I missed it, because of her. Kill or boot, I had to deal with her.

"So I think we should take the bait," Kirito said softly.

"Only on two things," Garr lurched, "the absolute certainty that we get our detectives back," Garr spoke deeply, "and if our Mechanist is willing."

Lisbeth paled slightly, hands burying themselves in pockets.

"I don't know, this...is kinda dangerous."

"That may be," Garr smiled, "but if you succeed, we could end this nightmare for everyone in Urbus. Like a certain eccentric I've met before, your reward will be great."

Heh, course it would. Way this was looking, I wouldn't be able to touch her. There was one, however, not beyond my reach.

"I..." Lisbeth stopped herself, "aye."

"Very good," Garr clapped hands, "gentlemen and lady? I say it's time we put an end to this."

"Good," Kirito smiled.

Something odd sparked between those two, friction between this rogue and the king. It wasn't friendly, nor was it entirely hostile. As both left, I turned back to Garr, who slumped in his creaking chair.

"Hey PoH," Garr smiled, "I wonder if she'd like to have dinner."

"I wouldn't doubt it," I kicked back, "you bear a certain confidence, and I can't argue with that jawline. Actually, that does beg the question. Why not host yourself as a prize for the Rite?"

"You serious?" Garr laughed, "I'm not nearly good enough for that."

"But that's one of the benefits of being king," I leaned, "god sake, you take life too seriously. Get laid."

"Nope. Last thing I want is to get a relationship using this position."

"Why not? You get to have virtually any girl you want! Barring lesbians of course. There're some tens in Urbus."

"Nah, it'd be gold-digger heaven. That being said, that mechanist's hot. Have you seen her thighs? Skirt hides it just enough."

Bonehead, she's got him wrapped around her finger. Oh well, had to initiate plan B. Renee and her boyfriend would return soon, as well as Garr's teachers. Best I let him play.

Sun Dancer

-Floor One

Four sets of boots crushed leaves, one with joyful youth, two with aim and focus, one more with hesitation and fear. An oak forest familiar to this party shifted around them, its sways muted by several bird greetings above. With many patches exposed to sunlight, little was present to promote concern. For Yuuki, however, no phenotype of pleasantry was enough. Following behind Silica, her red eyes applied themselves with little calm, a voice calling out to her ears only, lingering in the forest's shadow.

"Tiki, how much more do we need to collect?"

"Depends if Yuuki plans to stay with us," Teika chopped a branch with his axe, "each of us needs to carry charcoal."

"It's gonna be yes," Aoki scoffed, "you've got a damn harem here."

"But he's mine," Silica pouted, "not for sharing!"

Yuuki looked south, to a shoreline miles away. With lips pressed and back stiff, color faded.

There's something telling me to return to Starting Town, but I can't imagine why. They'll be there.

"I wouldn't worry," Aoki smiled, "though these trees might beat you out, the way he's looking at 'em."

"I'm checking for small branches," Teika kept focus, "while I could cut down a tree, I doubt our neighbors would appreciate that."

"We're deep in the woods," Aoki groaned, "nobody would care. Besides, I can't imagine them still hunting people."

"Yeah!" Silica bounced, "wait, why not visit Harunka Village? We can wear hoods, hide our ears."

"Would make this gathering trip much easier, might even save us the week."

"Guys?" Yuuki said, "you think...maybe we can visit Starting Town?"

"For what exactly?" Teika swung at a fledgling tree branch, "Aoki, got more."

"Something's telling me to go back there, I don't know why."

"To a place so uptight you can't wear gloves?" Aoki shook her head, "I'll save myself the trouble."

"But what if it's that magic guiding her?" Silica perked, "we should listen to it."

"The way this game's going?" Teika shrugged, "I wouldn't doubt your claim. Course I don't plan on going there, not after what Ilioc did. I'm gonna keep foraging."

"Even when the village would be quicker," Aoki sighed, "Silica? Could you and Yuuki get us some firewood from Harunka?"

"But the town's dead," Yuuki grimaced.

"It might have new people," Silica smiled, "you can count on me!"

Silica raced eastward, forcing Yuuki to trail behind her, catching up moments later as Silica struggled traversing forest landscape.

"You think I'm ready for Floor four?" Silica looked up to Yuuki.

"Why're you so determined to go there?" Yuuki blinked, "Teika's only going there cause it's away from two."

"It's more than that, there're bears there."

"Bears?"

"Yep. Big, strong, fire-breathing grizzly bears. If I can get a cub, I can raise it and get a very strong companion!"

"Why haven't more thought of that? It sounds great!"

"It's...um, babies are pretty rare for all mobs. And they're guarded by mothers, they're stronger than normal."

"Hm," Yuuki put a finger on her cheek, "Yea, I think you're ready. Think the others just wanna stack resources."

"Pretty boring," Silica said, "thanks for training me by the way."

Yuuki's eyes again swept south, her gut tugged towards Vaznia's shoreline.

"So not to bring up old pains, but...why did you kiss my Tiki?"

"It was me getting excited," Yuuki looked to her, "I've never told anyone this...but this being told me he's the king of fire. I still don't know what it was."

"Being?"

"It looks like an elf, but it was far from one. It's able to mute all sound at will, exert weight but later possess none."

"I wouldn't trust it," Silica shivered.

"It didn't hurt me, so I figured it was okay."

A fragrant odor reached both hikers, cooked pork lingering and teasing their senses.

"Oh god," Yuuki laughed, "I can hear Lis and Leafy now, food!"

"Let's find it!"

Cheered on, both caught sight of log walls and smoke stacks. Finding the nearest gate, their interface indicated entry into Harunka Village. While architecture remained largely composed of log cabins and mortar, many doors held up pink bulbs, with guards numbered twice their original garrison. Walking through, many villagers cleared away from them.

"Get inside," mothers ushered children inside, "they're here."

Silica looked to Yuuki, tugging her ear back slightly. Guards stiffened, watching them carefully.

"Altai's savage laws don't run here," one uttered, "don't think you can step on us."

"Don't challenge them," one whispered, "Altai will hear you."

"Could you help us?" Silica looked to them, "we just wanna buy wood."

Both guards obliged, guiding both Yuuki and her towards their nearest general store. This escort, however, persisted past its door, with neither hesitating to observe their transaction. Watching both approach, the store's owner almost jumped.

"By Cel, what do you want? I don't wanna be dinner for his flesh eating Kobolds!"

"What?" Yuuki blinked.

"Altai, he's a savage among savages. He's so brutal, he took command of the horse-eating Tauran. He tamed those disgusting Kobolds too, probably offered them the old village residents as a bargain!"

Silica's stomach clenched, shaking her head as she stepped back.

Is that true?

"We're looking to buy firewood," Yuuki put Cor down, "this still good?"

Yuuki eyed both guard and merchant, grimacing a bit at a common expression they shared. While the latter sold her as much firewood as she was willing to buy, it was done with a near frantic swiftness. His hands shook, scrambling to shove every square he could.

They're really scared of Altai, maybe they know something.

"Thank you!" Silica cheered, "oh, could you help us with one more thing? My friend's wondering something."

"Yes!" the merchant kept rigid.

Yuuki stepped forward, asking for details regarding a woman of short black hair and tanned skin.

"I know at least one of your kind was arrested," a guard behind them said, "was many weeks ago. He or she's at Black Iron as we speak."

"Oh no," Yuuki's heart fell past her ribs, "Silica...I gotta go."

"Don't worry," Silica followed, "I'm coming with you."

"No, I mean it. Please, I...I have to deal with this. I'll help you get back to Teika, but I'm going."

Both were closely escorted on their way out, every villager watchful as they turned west.

"But what if something happens to you?" Silica frowned, "you helped me, why can't I help you?"

"It's personal, I need this."

Sun Dancer

A lap of coastal air swept through Yuuki's hair, a tall stone wall imposing over the meadow. Its gate was open, Ilioc's bronze clad security ever watchful. While free of heavy traffic, Yuuki's view filled with faces known and gone, of eyes long faded. Staring at her from within, their intangible presence dug her feet between stones, planting with near-shaking knees.

They're waiting for me...God please help me.

Breathing deep, Yuuki stepped forward with weighted shoes. Air turned cold all around her, arms forming goosebumps in defense, old pavement squishing beneath her. Under a gatehouse's shadow, her shoulders stiffened, stroked by arms she couldn't see.

"Why did you leave us, Yuuki?"

Looking left, Yuuki's eyes swelled at a sight of Jun. Several inches under her height, his dark eyes reflected dimly, his blinkless stare met with a sidestep.

"Stop," Yuuki avoided, "this is a bad joke."

Jun's body was still as a sculpture, moving only to stroke a hair on his head.

"Why haven't you painted?"

Walking faster, Yuuki was met with the gaze of several townsfolk. Word of human influence was spread under breaths, guards watchful. In her panic and speed, she nearly ran into a smiling Siune.

"It's the thought that matters, we know you meant well. Now it's time to do your part."

"Siune," Yuuki fumbled, "no...no, I can't."

Yuuki veered left, rushing around a broken Siune with panicked feet.

"We know she's lying, she isn't like us. She never was."

"I didn't mean to!" Yuuki clamped her mouth shut, continuing her path as quietly as possible.

"I can still remember her stick, smiling and laughing as it tapped around. I hope that never ends, He can make it last."

Tears poured between palm and cheek, red eyes darting. Behind every lick of ocean-wrought fog hid a face, a sincere gesture, a fragment of times gone.

"I tried my best, Yuuki."

She didn't look, her face twisting as it spoke.

"They hurt my friends, I didn't like that."

"Tecchi," Yuuki cried, "you should've kept going."

"You know how he gets."

Talken emerged from mist, his glasses cracked as he took Tecchi's side.

"But," Yuuki looked, "guys, please. I need you!"

"We were never going to get far," Talken spoke, "you knew it better than anyone. "

"That's not true," she shook, "we were gonna make it, we were gonna find beautiful places together!"

"Why is Yuuki crying?" Tecchi frowned, "she can't change it."

Siune formed beside him, Yuuki stepping back as arms wrapped around him. Her clothes were torn, pale with death's embrace.

"Because she's been missing us. She won't stray though, it's set."

"Yes," they mouthed in near sync.

"I-I was forced to run!" Yuuki bent knees, "please, I love you guys!"

Guards approached, townsfolk scared by Yuuki's ramblings.

"Human, why are you here?"

Yuuki shivered, looking to them with a quick jerk.

"I-I-I'm l-looking for...to speak to Ilioc. Please, my friend...is she in prison?"

"She's lost it, why give her the time of day?"

"Can't, Altai would send his hordes to eat us if we do anything to his people. Let's try and make this work. Do you have a name?"

"Yuuki," she sniffled, her eyes staring back at the blinkless deceased.

"We'll see if he has an opening today, if you'll come with us."

She nodded, letting them coax her away, her friends vanishing behind another wisp of mist.

"When is she going to see the truth?"

"Soon, Talken. She can't run from it forever."

Yuuki's eyes watered harshly, masking Black Iron Palace's details with dozens of refractive angles. Warm air brushed her face, heavy boots crunching against ceramic a constant noise as she stepped. Double doors grew as she drew near, voices talking around her.

"Is he here?"

"Who is this?"

"She's looking for her, I believe Ilioc placed a standing order?"

"Ah he did, open up."

Wiping her face, Yuuki witnessed as elves in [Full Plate] and high stature drew keys, twin locks clicking. Snatched open, eyes were awash with sunlight, blinding her prior to entry. Seated calmly, sight adjusted.

"First time speaking to a human in a month, let's hope we're on better terms, yes?"

A heavily scarred, older elf sat with elbows on his polished desk. Yuuki leaned back slightly, avoiding his soul-gouging gaze.

"My men say you're looking for someone. Would her name happen to be Nori?"

"Yes!" Yuuki made eye contact, "please, I'm here to take her back. She doesn't belong here."

"That feeling is mutual," Ilioc adjusted his seat, "however, I need something in return for this."

Yuuki bit her tongue, faces growing out of white plaster walls.

"He killed us..."

"Forgive...forget..."

"Pay them back..."

"H-How so?" she kept gentle.

"Altai terrifies my people," Ilioc said, "and while this isn't preferable, I can only hope for better relations in the future. No, I want a certain someone and their ilk returned to us. Wudramor, does that name ring a bell?"

Yuuki nodded.

"He was my Captain, my right hand. Like Alston before him, he decided to pitch fuel. I suppose it's a bit cliche where I come from, but I want him returned to me for treason."

"Can I see her? I'll talk to Altai, I'll do as you ask, but I have to see Nori."

Two guards brought her below Black Iron Palace's surface, its frigid underbelly holding dozens behind bronze bars.

"Kill him..."

"Avenge them..."

Yuuki shivered, hands twitching for a sword, silenced only by a resounding command.

No, not when he holds her.

"Nori," a guard called, "you have a guest."

Yuuki swerved, a crumpled figure resting on a wooden bench. Short black hair shifted, a set of eyes opening, widening with a rushed elevation.

"Yuuki?!"

"Nori!" Yuuki grabbed the bars, "stay calm, I'm getting you out!"

Nori rushed forward, reaching out and hugging Yuuki through bars, security tapping shoulders as a reminder to keep distance.

"What's going on up there?" Nori shook, "it's been so quiet here, I thought we lost."

"Lot's of things," Yuuki smiled, "good things. We have a town of our own up there. How are you?"

"Bored, perpetually bored. Every now and then, the guards bring in these crazies..."

"That's enough," a guard said to Yuuki, "do your job and she goes free."

Sun Dancer

December 28th, 2022 - 1:49 AM

Kirito clung close to walls, his dark clothing masking in areas shielded from moonlight. Wind scratched at Urbus' summit, whistling softly above from its central opening. Heading for southwestern districts, few if any soul remained awake, let alone out and observant to his movement.

"When you find the Mechanist, you will report back to my men in Southwestern Urbus. Don't worry about specifics, they will come to you on arrival."

Walking himself into an alley, however, a stray crack froze him in his place. Coming off a leather sole, Kirito sharpened his gaze, back against stone.

Is that my contact?

[Enhanced Hearing] was activated, Kirito softening his exhale. From around both corners of his wall, all he could make out, was breathing and a winding of string.

Definitely not.

His body shook, a pack of unseen wolves waiting in darkness, in corners he couldn't cross. Looking up at rooftops, he held an urge to groan.

Jumping there would make too much noise. Where are my contacts? You know what, I don't have to deal with this.

[To Garr: got trouble, can you send guards]

His interface closed, heart pounding as boots stepped closer. An object of unknown origin clicked, a whisper in an unknown language. With [Anneal Longsword] drawn, he shifted slightly right. His stalkers reacted, his more distant pursuers closing in, his closer withdrawing. All this ended, however, with a clomping of hooves.

A Tauran patrol filed through, lighting areas with torches. Sharp heel turns were heard, the unseen distancing themselves from immediate viewing. Marching through with six members, Garr's squad eyed locations as directed, allowing Kirito safe passage from immediate counter. Moving further south, however, Kirito distanced himself greatly.

Whoever these guys are, they've got bad intentions. Sadly, my contacts won't show up around Tauran security either. Garr also can't have them follow me, or it'd imply I work for him...the last thing I want Acherres knowing.

Footsteps again slowed Kirito's pace, his pursuers recovering quickly. A mass whirled forward, [Enhanced Hearing] allowing a split second to dodge. Ducking and sliding aside, glass broke against the wall in front of him, gaseous contents spraying around in a cloud.

[You have been Silenced!]
[Node Generation Disabled!]

Kirito grunted, left with only three nodes stored within himself to use. Pointing at a corner he was passing, darts flew out of his fingers, burying in the wall, prepping to fire. Crossing, he pulled a sprint, hearing it go off a second after. Looking back, men in dark blue pursued him, none injured by his spell.

You've gotta be kidding, these guys aren't normal.

A crack broke out, Kirito's leg popping sharply, muscle tearing as a metal tip dug into his femur with barbarous cruelty. Knocked onto his hands and knees, Kirito could barely move, shock rendering him stunned as a bolt's energy pumped through.

[HP: 66%]

Damn, these projectiles hurt!

Dragging himself frantically, Kirito listened as footsteps converged on him from two angles, one back, one left.

"Freeze," one of his pursuers growled, "ignore any of our requests and we will fire."

Kirito did as requested, his stomach pressed against cold pavement. Matter bubbled as they drew close, prompting them to stop, raising odd looking crossbows. Figures in blue cloaks emerged from walls, forming ahead of Kirito despite all natural laws of physics, dispersing from solid stone without hazard.

Weapons cracked, strings flying as rounds flew, Kirito's closest stalker jerking left not a second later, an arrow lodged through his right hand. A second dragged like paint, the struck stalker's missile-crossbow turned on a comrade, a salvo of three bolts digging into his center of mass.

Cygothans marched through, absorbing rounds with pained effort, their bodies recoiling. Taking rounds from several operatives, one fell in a heap of bolts, shaking from raw energy dispersal. Nonetheless, this one mistake broke the stalkers' frontal assault, their heels turning swiftly as both front line operatives fell to either friendly fire, or hooked blades.

The speed of the altercation left Kirito's mouth agape, wincing as he drew [Holy Water]. Its application removed the bolt without pain, his wound sealed.

"Atleans," one elf in blue cloak moaned, "good specimens. Killed me once too."

Kirito shuddered, listening as cracks and pops reached his ears. One approached with a rigid stature, stopping mere feet from him.

"Kirito, you've brought me presents. Tell me you have news, you are a generous one."

A harsher shiver ran through his brain's folds, Kirito slow in his rise. Through a blue cloaked figure's body, Acherres voice rippled out, its comrades mutilating corpses behind him.

"Depends."

"Ooh," the possessed minion smiled, "why does it depend? I'll have you know I caught one of your friends trying to escape me."

Kirito quieted.

"It fascinates me too, because I am very thorough. You wouldn't happen to have dropped a pin, would you?"

"No," Kirito shook his head, "I'm sure one of them has a high [Sneak] skill."

"Hm, perhaps. So why does it depend?" he leaned over Kirito, "because I am very...open minded."

Kirito tried finding a statement, keeping eye contact with a cold set of pale blues.

Shit, he's already got me on suspicion. I can't tell him anything, not with this.

"I was joking," Kirito said, "sorry, I kinda suck on delivery."

"That so? Well then I can only assume you were avoiding these...MoSS operatives. Perhaps the king knows of your attempt."

"I wouldn't dismiss that, what'll you do about the rest?"

"They're going to be harder to find than you think," a minion picked up a dropped weapon, "hm, remember what I said about [Atlean Auto-Bolts]?"

Kirito looked closer, a crossbow armed with a multitude of pull-strings. On top of its metal chassis, a rectangular box rested, its lid a claw mechanism away from opening. Within, it held a few small but thick bolts.

"It took only one round to cripple you, though I'd wager it more on the skill of its user. Its a cheaply made device, but effective. Perhaps you would have use for it."

Grabbing it, Kirito grimaced slightly.

"It's got more weight than I'd like."

"I suppose you're not the card type, so no surprise."

"Card type?"

"Another story for another cycle, find the Mechanist. This tribute bought you time."

Sun Dancer

-Garr

"Two weeks?" I looked up at Illfang.

"Acquiring silver is no simple manner," Illfang said, "it requires the smelting of many rock types, each element has a differing melting point. I'm sorry, Altai. We'll work as quick as we can, but two weeks is still our estimate."

"It's fine," I softened my tone, "I was just a bit surprised. Never knew much about this stuff."

"May I ask why're you after so much of this metal?" Illfang scratched his perked ear, "it's very sudden, especially for one who's asked for so little. Thirty pounds is no small quantity."

"It's for future trade deals," I sighed, "in case Cor loses value. On a side note, I'm gonna be setting sights on Rovia's gatehouse."

"Oh, already?"

"The Badlands are very hostile, even by Tauran standards. Just wanted to be sure you're up to date."

"Very good," Illfang bowed, "perhaps we can discuss what Christmas is soon? It's a new holiday for me."

I smiled, nodding to this once gargantuan rodent. Kobolds really were a considerate kind, their biggest crime's not being the most forward of personalities. The fact they weren't thieves, however, struck me as peculiar. For quiet people, I'd personally recommend Kobolds. Had a meeting with Oran, him and his ambassadors would speak on two matters. Both reminded me how little I liked being king, responsibilities containing me to one of a mixture of spanking or shoulder pats.

"Had Red Hooves admitting something to me earlier this week," I said.

"That better red than dead?" Korrin smirked, "filthy commies."

"Korrie," Renee sighed, "they're clearly fans of ketchup."

"Of?" Oran motioned.

"Sorry was distracted by these two," I nodded to my ambassadors, "they don't like their cow milk sold. Sets a bad precedent for their children."

"Then don't sell it?" Korrin shrugged, "I can't exactly feel bad about it when they make the choice."

"Ooh this," Renee nodded, "yea players really like the cakes made from it."

"It's got me stuck," I sat, "between tradition or answering the needs of people back in town."

"I say let 'em keep their milk," Oran said, "buggers are your main defense force, pissing 'em off won't do us any service."

"Actually may I speak what I think?" Korrin dropped his smugness.

I gave him a second glance, since when was he this serious?

"What if we made a quest out of getting it? Where people who want the milk have to go through the same hurdles as their little Timmy. We don't charge for it, the Tauran get their respect, and players who might not be able to afford it otherwise would get a shot."

"Wow," Renee blinked, "wait, why don't you think this hard more often?"

"Cause you'd shoot me down, love."

"I do not!"

"That's actually pretty good," I nodded, "Korrin, I think I'll take your idea."

"Cheers mates," Oran raised a bottle, "Aussie got it done like a gent. Okay so second thing?"

"Wudramor."

"Ah bloody hell," he groaned, "please tell me you got somethin' outta him?"

"Piss all, that's what." I glanced towards the prison vault, "but that's the problem, him and his butt buddies? They don't do anything. They just stand there, not even sway or breathe."

"He showed me," Renee waved, "one's got a hole in his chest the size of a fist and he's still there!"

"Great," Korrin paced a brief circle, "so what do we do with them? Guild's got our arses parked till this shit's over."

"These aren't living," I shuddered, "but they're not zombies, least not what we see all the time. They don't hunger."

Our doors opened softly, a familiar head of dark blue hair peeking in.

"Is Altai here?" she squeaked.

"Yes, Yuuki." I looked to others, "hold, civilian."

They nodded as I turned, motioning her forward.

"I...came as fast as I could," she huffed.

"And bagged another bandit?" I smiled, "you saved everyone in Urbus a lot of trouble, Yuuki."

"No, I found Nori. Ilioc has her."

"Oh marvelous," Oran moaned.

"I-I talked to him, he'd be willing to trade Nori...if you'd surrender Wudramor."

My lips pursed, looking to my ambassadors.

"Brilliant," Oran waved, "pass the stiff wanker off, we get a person back."

"I don't see why not," Renee shook her head, "he's just gonna make trouble for us if we keep him."

"Same," Korrin nodded, "hey for once we agree."

"Shut up, Korrie."

"Wait," Yuuki waved hands, "what're you talking about?"

"Classified," I said, "tell Ilioc I'll be sending him, to be executed."

"Mate?" Oran blinked, "what if they wanna judge him?"

"I don't care," I grunted, "you three know what's stirring. I suspect an NBC class entity, I will not allow it travel."

"I'm so confused," Yuuki looked back and forth.

"Leave it," I waved to my colleagues, "he will be dragged out of Diebry and executed by sword. Along with all of his 'surviving guards'."

"Okay," Yuuki stared with swollen eyes, "Wudramor...helped us...you know."

"Yes he did," I played a fake smile.

She left quickly, fearfully. Looking to my assistants, I nodded softly, relinquishing my grin.

"You know what?" I opened my interface, "I think...this is perfect time for a do-over. Oran, will you be there? I'll send my best guards to watch over you."

"Graye'd lose it, sorry mate."

"Fine, fine, Korrin?"

"Nah, I don't need to see that."

"Renee?"

"The sight of blood makes me faint."

"Was hoping someone could preside over it," I sighed, "oh wait..."

[To Lind: I know you and I had our disagreements, how about a fresh start?]

[From: I'm listening]

[To: Good, cause this's gonna be a bit messy. It's not secretive, but it needs doing]

Had to explain this scene to Lind, poor guy wasn't happy at all about it. Apparently he and Wudramor were allies. While I understood him, past alliances never meant much to me. Yesterdays friends could be tomorrow's enemies. Was pretty much done with policy making, bastardizing myself in front of other civilized people, had to have some bacon.

[From Lisbeth: Hai-den, could you give me some advice?]

[To: As much as I can offer, dear]

[From: What do you know about operating a gun?]

Not all spectral beings wait to be seen to act, some do so without restraint. [Shades] are invariably malicious in their pursuits, seeking out and strangling the living in their sleep. Any being with a soul slain returns as a new [Shade], hungry to enact as its progenitor started.

[Shades] lack a physical form, their existence restricted to a two dimensional plane. Whether this was due to limitations of the base creature, or an active restraint placed by outside forces remains to be proven.

There are many towns across the Congregate who've trembled under the [Shades]. Clerics of Cel, Slayers, please keep these guys out of our towns?

-Argo, The Beta Tester's Survival Guide. January 15th, 2023

A/N: Fear what your mind cannot understand, powers beyond our reality exist.

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