A/N: Demon Slayer, fashionably late as never!

NetherOrbit: Defeat really is the greatest teacher

Special shout outs to Unsophisticated Mores and dylansandy1993 for favoriting the story, I apologize for the long chapter delay! Thanks also to skafoosh for following, hopefully I can earn a favorite someday!

Enjoy!

January 3rd, 2023

-Lisbeth

Froth burst from stretched lips, snouts lowering as we took position, red eyes poised as shoes shuffled. Haru drew bottles from a waist high belt, her [Dagger] tugged out by delicate fingers.

"Oran, you wanna try?"

"Hit it, love." Oran smiled.

Silica's wolves emerged with a gesture, their master directing them to trees at both sides. [Yellow Backs] snapped as members turned, their larger relatives leering as Teika's [Battleaxe] lowered, Aid's Zweihander raising. Summoning my three boxing model [Krigsinn], I felt pretty inadequate. I've never seen these perform in battle, their bright, round chassis untested. Oran stepped back, borrowing a potion from Haru before chugging, returning it a second or two before it took root.

"Phew!" Oran shivered violently, talking at an almost intelligible speed, "mates, why's everything so slow?"

"Go!?" Teika looked back.

"Move!" Aid pointed, "keep them cornered!"

Teika stormed forward, Graye kept restraint, but Oran moved like a goddamn bullet, zipping in past their front line. [Yellow Backs] snapped wildly, some yelping as a [Bo-Staff] cracked at open flanks, select members howling at a blanketed sky as Teika arrived. Like a body of water, individual wolves funneled out, leaping and biting at both from the side or behind.

Directing a metal finger, my creations rushed forward without hesitation, steam pumping as fists of bronze crashed against bone. Wasn't past three seconds, yet three of my bots crushed and mashed six of their members. Their teeth couldn't hurt them, all they could do was flee from them, felt bad about it. These were animals trying to survive, and we were killing them all.

A larger wolf emerged from between trees, directing its gaze towards Haru, growling briefly before its attentive members charged. Aid rushed as [Yellow Backs] closed in on her, his [Siege Blade] whipping them back, but failed to make contact. Aoki decided this wasn't acceptable, coming in with rock-fists flying.

"Dude, take the leader!" she spat.

His head turned to their largest pack member, rushing with [Siege Blade] forward, his target forced to abide by Aid's rules. Graye's [Glaive] and Silica's wolves kept them all packed together, Oran flying between members, his coordination turned to absolute shite. Seconds drew out his movements, slowing dramatically as [Yellow Backs] bit at any exposed limb.

"Oi!" Graye called, "Oran?"

Englishman fell so hard, a small pack of six descending, Haru writing notes as she glanced.

"Haru!" I shouted, "why aren't-" I stopped myself, "ugh!"

"I'm no fighter," she said calmly, "I've got my part."

Graye lunged faster than Teika, his pole-sword sweeping over Oran's attackers like a sideways guillotine. Catching two blade first, his strike was swiftly followed by Teika, whose descent turned grass red. The [Yellow Back Alpha] was left distracted, Aiden pouncing it non-stop, its underlings scattering as machinery broke them down.

Dragging Oran away, Graye's left hand examined stats.

"What's its effects?" Haru said.

"Sleep, five minutes!" Graye huffed, "Stamina Inhibition, sixty five percent, ten minutes!"

"Hm," Haru wrote, "a bit drastic for thirty seconds."

Teika and [Krigsinn] crushed their remaining population, a shivering crack bursting from Aid's hands, their leader limp between fingers. Without an enemy, my bronze creations rose to full stature, heads spinning slowly in search as we picked through. It was an absolute slaughter, the wolves were ruined the second Oran punched through. With a raise of meat, however, Teika sent everyone digging in.

"So that's your skill?" Aoki turned to me, "damn girl."

"Aye," I nodded blankly, "sorry, kinda surprised how well they actually performed."

"Still not as good as [Flammekanon]," Aoki flexed, "but hey," she looked Teika's way, "I'd take it."

Aid stomped through, picking through for every scrap available, consolidating resources for distribution. Graye kept close to Oran, who remained slumbering despite heavy rainfall.

"How much do you think's there?" Aoki said.

"Twenty, I hope."

"What's wrong?" she smiled weakly, "you look like you lost."

"I do?" I blinked.

"A little bit."

Aid marched over to Oran, talking to Graye with widened eyes, shoulders relaxing moments later.

"Just got a lot in my mind," I shook my head, "hoping the Magnatherium's this easy."

"Pf," Aoki brushed hair back, "this would all be much easier if my hands weren't wet."

Teika approached, patting her on the shoulder.

"Good news, got thirty pieces."

"That's great," Aoki rubbed her arms, "can we head back now?"

Sun Dancer

Hands outstretched from all across us, eyes lighting with delight as food was exchanged. They blessed us, thanked us over and over, called us heroes too. Truth be told, they could do the opposite and I wouldn't care. I was cold, wet, and needed my blanket.

Clear skies tomorrow they said, perfect time to kill it they said, where'd a bed figure into this? Meeting all under one roof, a well-fed fireplace lit our space with blasts of vibrant orange.

"I won't lie," Teika said, "the risk-reward basis is kinda steep here."

"What're you after?" Oran stepped between him and Aid, "there's gotta be something to benefit us. Let's find it."

"I'm not sure," Teika raised hands, "I'm all for helping people, but a fire breathing bear kinda pushes it."

"You mean turns it up?" Oran smiled.

"Boo," Aoki's eyes rolled.

"You seeing what I mean though?" Teika sighed, "I'm glad I could feed them, but I'm worried about my friends. Risking them all for 'spawners' isn't very practical to me."

Silica and Graye sat beside me on the couch as they talked, hands extending to a warm fire.

"I'm glad we could work together," Silica smiled, "we made a lot of people very happy."

"Yeah," Graye rubbed palms, "but I'm not letting Haru use him like that again."

"She didn't mean it," Silica looked.

"I know, but Oran could've gotten hurt."

"People were gonna get hurt," Aid blinked, "risking it out here, you have to expect it."

Said nothing between them, Graye was reminding me of a mom so much. My turn was coming, and it wasn't gonna be fun. But I had to say it, cause that's the responsible thing to do. It was a fight, but nothing direct. This monster was in charge of worse than the Magnatherium, he had plans to hurt hundreds, thousands of innocent people.

"I understand," Oran motioned to Teika, "but remember, we've got Lis' bots to keep it easy. I doubt they care about fire. Right, Lis?"

"It won't hurt them badly," I looked briefly, "but better safe than sorry."

"How many of those do you have?" Aoki glanced.

"Three."

"Only?"

"Unless you can convince the priest to let go of some bronze," Aid said.

"I can do that," her fists formed, "what's he look like?"

"He wouldn't be hard to spot, you know the white garb they wear?"

"Yeah," Teika said, "have you asked him?"

"He doesn't care," Aid nodded, "until he gets his holiday back rubs, he'll let them starve."

"Huh," Teika rubbed his chin before looking to Aoki, "I can't imagine fixing this problem, you?"

Oran turned around, looking at Aid with splayed hands. Wasn't disagreeing with Aid, though he sounded a bit...callous.

"Nope," Aoki smiled deviously, "how much bronze's in there?"

"Enough for her to make dozens."

"Hold on now," Oran put a hand out, "violence's never our first option, Garr."

"What," Aid laid back, "I'm not doing squat."

"Mate, you're turning a blind eye," Graye stepped up beside him, "we shouldn't resort to these conclusions so easily."

"Yeah!" Oran raised a finger, "we should talk it over."

"Already tried," I scooted slightly, "I'm a saint according to the priest, still wouldn't let me through."

"Well there's gotta be some way to handle this without pain," Oran snapped, "Garr, you're doing what Tai did with the Tauran. If they weren't in line, he killed them."

Aoki and Teika looked awkwardly to each other, pretty sure they had no clue where to go.

"I'm not ordering anyone to do anything," Aid blinked, "and Tai didn't have people on the brink of starvation."

"That's not a good excuse," Graye crossed arms, "don't think that your loss gives you a free pass at being a dick."

"I think we'll be going," Teika sighed, "this's a bit much for us tonight. Meet you all in the morning?"

"Alright," Aid nodded, wishing them goodnight.

"We'll be going too," Graye spoke with sass, "we hope you reconsider this."

Silica hugged and wished me sweet dreams before she left, was down to Aid and I when that door finally closed. Staring at the fireplace, a shaky fist told me everything. Rain pattered outside, his descent on the couch forced and rigid. Scooting to his side, a gentle hand stroked my knuckles.

"Wish it was so simple," he said, "so easy to do the right thing."

"I agree with your decision," I looked up, "not exactly sure how they made a comparison like that. Mm, you're not gonna like this either."

"What?"

"Kirito's coming," I grimaced, "it's time."

A groan left Aid's lips, a heat radiating.

"You're kidding."

"Nah," I sighed, "I'll leave my [Krigsinn] with you, that way you can protect yourselves. But it's bad."

His silence was draining, his hands warm and snug in grip.

"I didn't plan this. If I don't go, the detectives might be killed."

"I know," he nodded, "just gonna have to deal with what we're given. So much for using the priest as bait."

"What?" I craned back.

"Prolonging this town's pain isn't right, we have to deal with him."

"Hold up," I raised a hand, "you were the one with all of the peacekeeping ideas. Something hit your head?"

"Your machines made that fight incredibly easy," Aid turned fully, "if we had more, the bigger beast will fall too."

I shook my head, this was absolutely not okay.

"No," I said, "Aid, I know you're upset about Urbus. But that's not you, that's not how you deal with things."

"What options do I have?" his eyes softened, "we're already going to have a hard time without your extended support. I've got nothing but a handful of civilians versus a fuck-breathing bear."

"You can't do that," I stood up.

His gaze honed on me, determined and dim.

"Please, you have to find another way."

"I hear you, and I'm tossing my hands. Knowing me, my focus will be getting you out the second you're gone."

"And I'm asking you to focus," I raised a finger, "you made a promise to these people. Are you really going to throw that away?"

"When you are at risk?" his jaw clenched, "I agreed to that plan from a position of strength. I had armies under my command, an entire Kobold mining force, a vast playerbase ready for a new venue!"

He simmered slightly, his eyes busy with calculation. My whole body twisted at his words, but from two directions. Aid was willing to throw their lives away for my sake, but there's the other side of it. Shaking his head, a soft sigh left his lips.

"I have to raise a new power-base, I'm not leaving you like this."

"Do you trust me?" I said.

"You, yes. Them, no."

Honesty, couldn't expect less from him. Sighing softly, I looked out to a moonlit lake.

"I'm not happy with this," I said with a sniff, "what you said? I can't support that."

"I'm only trying to save lives," Aid said, "you and I are on the same page."

An unseen cement clamped around my feet, a green flash bringing my eyes low.

[From Kirito: let's go]

"Aid," I showed him.

His expression darkened, but not towards me.

"He better do as he said," Aid growled, fingers coiling tighter, "cause if I even suspect that a hair on your head was so much as breathed on? I'll beat Kirito's master to death, with his student's arm."

"You promise me you won't do what you said?" I focused, "the baiting people thing?"

Aid paused, looking into my eyes with a glossiness in his.

"I'll think of something," he raised his chin, "it'll have to be quick though, Acherres must be dealt with."

"Thank you," I relaxed shoulders, "don't let this anger win, you're better than that. I know it."

He nodded half-heartedly, rushing up to gift affections without restraint. It was difficult then, I was under a great deal of shock from what I heard. Walking feebly for our front door, a question emerged from this. What was he gonna do without me to remind him? He's no liar, but his own determination was worrying. But I had to step out, I had to close my eyes and trust him. My fingers pressed against a wooden barrier.

Here I was safe, warm, happy. Out there, a black ocean of uncertainty. Were it up to me, I would disregard everything, go back to him. Leaving my last [Krigsinn] with him, however, my feet made the decision for me. Stepping near a rain smothered road, Aid grabbed my hand. In it, he placed a sheath, whose curved shape destroyed any suspicion, a used [Cutlass].

"If I told you I love you now," Aid said calmly, "I would be called too fast. Mostly from me."

My eyes set upon him, a smile born despite the cold.

"Since when's that stopped you?" I leaned.

"I'd hope my actions prove that," he pulled a tough face.

"More than you know," I smiled, "Call me fast, but loving you was easy."

His eyes wavered as I turned, water splashing down as I left Rovia's lake-town. Butterflies soared in my gut, his acknowledgement and admittance sending me spinning. Was about time he said it, was wondering if I had to whack him a few times. It left me with a bit of spring in my step, the dim village quick to leave me glancing. For a valley of darkness beyond her southern bridge, it wasn't without certain comforts. My goal was simple, to infiltrate and destroy from within. I was gonna find every pillar they had, and use my power to ruin it. As my boots mashed against mud, a fire built up in me, the certainty that this was temporary, that I'd be traveling again. Finding a band of six men in sky blue cloaks, a set of black eyes stood out.

"Hand?" one of Kirito's mooks barked.

My left glove was lifted, its metal confirming who I was.

"Excellent," one said, "Mechanist, we will ensure your safe arrival and the best hospitality we can afford."

"Good," I smiled, "Kirito's been plenty polite already."

Sun Dancer

January 4th, 2023

-Taiyama

Asuna whirled gently in my arms, eyes bright with torchlight as we stepped back and forth across polished stone. She seemed pretty happy with my sways, but I wouldn't know. I wasn't psychic for crying out loud.

"Has he responded back?"

"Not yet," I said, "but Wick's got six days. He'll come around to it."

"What if he doesn't?" Asuna put her head on my chest, "it's not exactly the kind of party we'd attend back home."

"I can always throw Thanatos in there. It's certainly not a party I'd be in."

"And if not him?"

"Diavel, maybe? We gotta make waves, get these guys to listen to us."

"I know," she nodded, "I'm proud of you, denying yourself that sort of thing."

"It's tough," I bowed my head, "you know me."

A knock from a nearby door stopped our dance.

"Priest's here!" one of our guards called.

"Let him in," I let Asuna's hands go before muttering, "cause I'm so excited to see him."

"Can I ask you something after this?" Asuna watched me, "it's been on my mind all day."

"No," I smirked, "didn't you know? Your entire role is to stand there and look pretty."

A smile and toss of hair was followed by a playful slap of my shoulder. My palace within the mountain wasn't nearly complete, but there was no possible way I was greeting a snob like Yole to a fucking barn. Smelled like horse too, not good for setting a precedent. Pillars were chiseled out of Urbus' skin, their grey, white, and tan exterior splotchy compared to a certain Elf's coat.

Yole's pale grey eyes stopped upon seeing me, his shoulders dropping slightly.

"Good morning, Slayer. Where is-?"

"The king's replaced," I raised my chin, "I am him."

"Are you?" Yole leaned forward, "would change much of my original plan if that's the case."

Asuna shifted in her seat, its undoubtedly uncomfortable stone padding cold. I told those men to get us some cushions, or wood for god's sake.

"He is," she said, "I hope you don't intend to usurp him."

"As good as his position is," Yole looked to me, "he still answers to me. I hope he remembers that when speaking to me. Don't think that replacing that un-geared Blight rune changes this."

"Then what does it change?" I leaned in, "last I checked, this is my land."

"Only your capabilities, and as such my respect. Congratulations for your success, Slayer. You've brought the light of Cel back to this bestial mound. Where are the Tauran?"

"Routed, they reside in the Badlands of Nohr."

"Efficient," Yole looked around the throne room, "it's definitely nicer looking than the wooden hovel the old ruler called home."

Thanatos stepped in moments later, watching an observant Yole as he explored our limited space.

"You called, Arm-Father?"

"Yes," Yole spun to him, "I've-" he stopped, eyes set on Asuna.

"She's with me," I said, "what's up?"

Yole's look was real nasty, like I let him step on a turd.

"Address me properly, Slayer. It isn't beyond my power to remind you."

"Fine, Arm-Father. What's up?"

"I've received word of a Mechanist awakening in your midst," Yole turned gaze between Thanatos and I, "have either of you met this individual?"

"No, sir."

"I've been approached by agents about it," I nodded, "why's it so important?"

"Why?" Yole focused on me as he approached, "Slayer, a Mechanist is a child of Cel themselves! To be blessed so profoundly, it's" his eyes lowered, voice slowing, "it's to be destined to stand among angels, a standard bearer for all of us."

Asuna's eyes blinked quickly, something was going on with her.

"That explains a bit," I nodded, "sadly Arm-Father, I have no...knowledge of it."

"I would respectfully request you set your sights on retrieving him," Yole raised a finger, "manipulators and blasphemers won't hesitate in their search."

"Where'd you get this?" Thanatos rubbed arms, "if you've got a general direction, I can probably find him."

"Visions," Yole waved his hands, "Cel was kind enough to bless me with sight. Though I wish he gave depth. I'm sorry, Slayer. I will meditate on this in time, after I set both of you on this goal."

"What about Zumfut?" Thanatos followed, "that was our old objective."

"And it still remains, luckily I now have the means to assist you."

"Can we start with a supply line then, Arm Father?" Asuna stood, "our people require water."

"Ah," Yole nodded, "I can certainly provide, if your roads are secure."

"We've got horses," I said, "want a few?"

Yole's smile grew.

"I would think a certain governor would like this too. Slayer."

"Then maybe we can use it as leverage," I grinned, "as my queen put it, we need supply routes. Urbus is open to building your churches, but you have to provide one thing."

"And what obligation do I have to abide by?"

"Training clerics," Asuna said, "my king told me you can do that."

"I would have to escort my eldest there," Yole's gaze distanced, "the others aren't quite experienced enough to teach, not yet."

"We'll make sure it's a safe trip," Thanatos put hands behind his neck, "just need a date n' time."

"I will provide those," Yole glanced briefly, "our enemy's power is undeniable. We'll need volunteers."

Asuna leaned into my ear.

"Do you know what happened to those books we had? I haven't seen them since the move."

"No," I whispered back, "have you asked PoH?"

"Not yet. I'll ask him when the time's right."

"I hope you don't mind," Yole drew a map, "but I've determined a location I'd like to build an outpost on."

"If you satisfy our requests," I looked sharply, "they will find no resistance."

Oh god there was so much minutia involved with just putting a couple of buildings there. Found myself forgetting half of it by the time we concluded the meeting. Yole was quick to leave, saying he will begin the move shortly. Thanatos left with him, his eyes never meeting mine throughout this verbal deal. After all that, I couldn't help but think...what was I gonna have for lunch?

"Okay," Asuna rose before turning to me, "this may seem a bit sudden, I mean it depends."

"Hit me with it," I rubbed my forehead.

"I know who the Mechanist is, but you gotta keep it a secret."

"Course I will," I shrugged, "Asuna, I'm not into Yole's clock faith. Let's hear it."

Asuna's lip flattened, closing in with me before whispering.

"It's Lis."

"Hm," I nodded, "figures it'd be complicated."

"That's the thing," Asuna returned to normal personal space, "I wanted to go to Rovia today. We should try and restore our friendship."

"By all means," I lifted hands in defeat, "there's no way Garr would forgive me though."

"Eh, you and apologies never work out. I'll go, see if we can work something out."

"Do you have an escort?"

"I was thinking of bringing a few friends," she smiled, "Leafa's really good with a sword, Kuradeel too."

Wasn't liking the latter member, not being alone with my woman. That being said, I completely agreed with her, this had to happen.

"Okay," I nodded, "take uh two horses."

"Two?"

"One of them's gonna give birth, not a good time."

"Right," Asuna sighed, "sheesh, reminds me of Garr's first speech. Oh dealing with him's gonna be fun."

"Kuradeel can handle him if he gets too...much? Yeah, too much. Got food? Water?"

"Yep," Asuna smiled, "it'll take a day to get there, another to come back."

"Go, hopefully I'll have a better home for you here by then. Besides, got another session with Wick today."

Sun Dancer

A roundhouse kick stopped, my foot bare to a dark sea.

"Swinging in with your hip is key," I said, "unless you like tickling your opponent. In which case, get outta my sight."

"But I love tickling," Wick smirked, "well, maybe if it's from some people, my king."

"Please don't," I cringed, "we're friends, how's Leafa n' crazy?"

PoH's feet went back to back, humming to himself in a cheery tune. Think it was some kind of Spanish dance, my best guess.

"Unsure," Wick mimicked my motions, "Leafa had to go, said Asuna requested her help."

"And you stayed?"

"She said it was an armed security kinda deal, and I know I'm not there yet. Plus I, I think I've made my choice."

"Great," I smiled while performing a slow roundhouse kick, "cause I've got at least five ready this Friday."

"That's uh, not what I meant," he looked away.

"Dude, it's fine. You're stressed, you deserve a little fun."

Wick just shook his head.

"I'm sure someone else deserves it more."

My smile slighted, eyebrow lowering.

"May I act in his place?" PoH leaned in during his dance, "can't afford to disappoint, can we?"

"Sure," I tossed a hand up, "was hoping Wick would go ahead."

"It's not my thing," Wick crossed arms over his stomach, "how about a new move?"

Wait, Wick wasn't mad? He wasn't making any jabs, retreats, nothing.

"I guess," I sighed, "gonna suck, knowing you're goin."

"Who told you that?" he watched intently.

"Bro, Leafa's definitely not with me. And you pretty much went to her side on it."

"When'd I pick sides?" Wick raised an eyebrow, "I don't like confrontations, maybe you've noticed that."

"I'm with him on that," PoH laughed, "fighting and me, no."

"You mean," I blinked, "you're still my friend?"

"Did you take my sketchbook?"

"No."

"Then maybe," Wick eyed me dramatically, "I know you."

"Pf!" I lurched briefly, "good one. Sorry I put you and Leafa there, was complicated."

PoH turned away, continuing his dance practice.

"Do you hate Garr?" Wick tilted his head, "I get this conflicted message from you."

"No," I showed an elbow strike, "though I bet he hates me right now. Guess it comes to show, I don't make the best decisions all the time. Cause I try being logical all I like, but I keep coming back there."

"Like an addiction," Wick's voice softened, nodding. "I know that sign."

"How?" I turned my head.

"My Dad and I don't talk much anymore," he glared slightly, "could never step away from card tables."

"Oh," I watched.

"He'd say sorry, how he'd get our money back," Wick nodded faintly, "only made it better a few times. I don't think you're like that, I was just clarifying."

"I know."

"It'll happen with time," Wick grimaced, "long as you acknowledge and work against it."

"You really sound like him," I nodded, "my bro? He'd talk all wise and stuff."

"Sounds like he was nice," Wick practiced a slow punch.

"Yeah," my voice drifted.

"But that just leaves me wondering, how do you ask a girl out?"

PoH's eyes glimmered at this, like his Spanish blood was kicking in.

"My friend," he slipped beside Wick, "it is an art in of itself. I can help you there."

"Isn't it his problem?" I blinked.

"Please, I'm a Spaniard. There is always time for romance."

Sun Dancer

-Lisbeth

Fog brushed past me, dark tree bark lifting as I stepped below soggy dirt. Rubbing my eyes with moist palms, I sniffed briefly at neutral air. Kirito repeatedly slowed his pace, his gaze hard-set down whatever sub-surface path his cronies were leading towards. Whoever they were, each shared a nigh identical gait, despite varying size and width.

[Dungeon Detected - Messaging Disabled]

"So why'd you join?" I looked to Kirito.

"Wanted to learn a lot," Kirito shrugged, "Acherres offered to teach."

"Ah," I smiled, "ditto."

A boulder was pushed aside, a wreath of light blue markings glowing behind it. Two legged machines lumbered towards us, their backs covered in stakes three feet long, with covers tarnished and bent in ways my stomach detested. My tongue lifted, but I dared not speak. Another entrance laid ahead, its worn stone a backdrop for the crowd standing before it. Among them, a bald and jovial figure approached.

"Oh the angels must be rolling in their cradles," he smiled, "I hope the trip wasn't too arduous."

My head craned back, eyes blinking rapidly at his voice.

"Oh right, we've greeted already."

"Why do-" I pointed a finger between a minion and the guy, "you sound the same?"

"That is a lesson in my expertise," he motioned broadly, "Kirito has a habit of exciting me, he is a fan-tastic student. Speaking of which, Kirito! Let 'em go, the one still alive."

Kirito blinked, eyes widening.

"By Cel," Acherres laughed, "don't be so rusty, I'm only twisting."

A silent but relaxed sigh left Kirito, whose feet carried him quickly inside. Turning to me, a wandering set of eyes lowered.

"May I have your name?" he bent over, "I am Acherres of Atlea."

"Lisbeth," I smiled back, pronouncing my hips, "you're younger than I expected."

"Careful care of one's body lasts," Acherres bowed, "let's not stand here, meals don't stay hot forever."

"First time I've been greeted this nicely," I followed, "why so much?"

"Goodness," Acherres groaned, "don't remind me of the times. Feels like nobody exudes good manners. I treat all of my top priorities with great care, that's been true for...hm, how long has it been?"

"I like it," I softened my voice, "you definitely top my previous host. Couldn't be bothered to do that much."

"Back when I was hopeful," he shook his head.

Kirito passed us by, these two people walking behind him. With their heads bagged, however, all that clued me to them breathing was their gibbering. Poor guys, at least they were finally free of all this.

"A beautiful exchange," Acherres rubbed hands, "so much to do, so little time. Do you have any metal on you?"

"Sadly no," I lowered my head, "supply of bronze has been limited."

"Hm, then I suppose the Church hasn't told you. Very well, your stay will definitely endure."

A long table of stone was crowned with food, reds and yellows flooding corner to corner in the form of fruits, vegetables, and roasted animals. Oh god, there was no way I could say no to it all, though a pause left my eyes drifting as we sat.

"I often find myself arguing one thing," Acherres wiped his hands, "Draugr, or Grave-Knight? Not sure if you know the difference."

"Nah," I looked back to him, "but I'm interested."

This food, where'd he get it? I've seen no farms here, this guy lived underground. The animals were believable, but the rest was stirring my gut.

"Draugr come with amazing benefits," Acherres spun his fork, "they can say...change size at will. Their strength goes far beyond any Ceph, maybe humans too. Though I haven't met your strongest, I'm sure."

"We're probably similar," I smiled while leaning forward, "same height, body shape."

"Ah, but I've found some differences," he wagged before digging into a chicken leg, "Ceph are more in tune with sneaking, their foot structure differs. Their bones, not as thick as Kirito's, or yours I'm sure."

Acherres watched as my fork lowered, but returned to my eyes a second later. Taking a pig's skin with a knife, I was quick to chew. Thick, juicing fat poured between teeth, a shiver running down my back as I hung over.

"Good, isn't it?" he smiled, "the Giccan were absolutely right about pig skin."

"Mhm," I nodded, slowing my chewing.

"But yes, Draugr are capable of casting curses, transforming to beasts of any size, move through Earth without effort."

My jaw stopped at this long list, staring up at Acherres, whose own cheeriness was almost unsettling.

"And almost no weapon will work, be it Iron or otherwise."

"That's a pretty strong one," I grimaced weakly, "how's anything gonna match up to it?"

"Simple," Acherres leaned on one elbow before biting a fruit, "they're like children if left out of control. While they have some intelligence, it's hardly anything worth conversing with. Grave Knights, however, mm!"

I bit into more pork, but carefully watched what Acherres ate.

"Not nearly as strong," Acherres put down his food, "resilient, or mobile. But they carry their mortal selves intelligence. That," he again wagged his fork, "is why they're dangerous."

"I don't see why," I shook my head, "one can literally phase through matter."

"And one can think past their sight," Acherres reached for a yellow veggie, "I don't say this easily, Lisbeth."

He lowered the fruit, refusing to eat it. Biting off more pork myself, my eyes narrowed. He was either playing, or anxious. I'd have to ease up, he's sharper than I thought.

A/N: Let the games begin!

Hey guys, just so you know we're approaching the end of Sun Dancer. I know it's been a long run, but I feel it's best to start informing you all.

As for the Demon Slayer series, I plan to make an original series out of it. You guys have really encouraged me to try for the fantasy genre as a whole, hopefully I can make something that can captivate not just you, but your kids for years to come.

Next chapter will come out as soon as possible, thanks again!