Chapter 9 - The Girl of the Milky Way

Author's notes: As the title might hint at, this chapter will mirror the part in the original SAO where Kirito and Asuna find Yui. Of course, the Yui substitute is an actual character from Dragon Saga, and the next chapter will even incorporate some elements from the "Caliber" arc of SAO II, one of my favorite bits from the show, as finally gives the entire cast a chance to just 'play the game' with no strings attached. However, since this is still in my equivalent of the death game, the stakes shall be raised accordingly.

24th of December, 2022

Vartika Hill

[[Mantine (Paladin – Lvl. 53)]]
[[Morana (Priest – Lvl. 52)]]
[[Rance (Paladin – Lvl. 52)]]

For the first time, Knight 40 found themselves on the Continent of Chaos, crossing over from the Magma Belt. Despite its name, the locales weren't as horrific as some rumors the odd few players had spread. Though it contained stronger monsters and a greater challenge, the continent offered many a gorgeous view.

Vartika Hill was a former holy ground, named as a corruption of the word 'Vatican'. In the past, its churches and other holy structures were destroyed, angering the spirits that resided there. Even without these places of worship to an unknown god, the land retained its old beauty. Rolling hills blanketed with flowers and fallen leaves complimented the romantic ruins left behind.

With the Holiday festivities out of the way, Mantine, Morana, and Rance had found their way here, not only to clear the area boss before the GF got to it, but to claim its especially tempting bonus reward...

"...A food-themed house! Imagine it! Haven't you ever just wanted to drift away on a fluffy pile of scrambled eggs, or store your items in a real cracker box, or..." Mantine said persuasively.

Rance fervently shook his head. "No way, broseph! That's stupid! What if unwary guests end up chewin' on the furniture?! That's bad for business!"

"Yeah!" Morana chimed in agreement. "Besides, we should have a cat theme anyway! Kitties everywhere, with black-and-red stripes, like Scarface! If we're going to live together, I want something comfy, dammit!"

"Cats?! Laaame. And Scarface? What is this, 2007?!" Rance shook his head again. "What you two need is somethin' a little more mature! I was thinking, in honor of the real Rance, we could set up a hentai theme! Luscious waifus as far as they eye could see! Maybe add in a vibrating bed, and..."

"That's a little... much, don't you think, man?" Mantine urged his friend to reconsider. "We don't want to be turned on, er... all the time?"

Rance stared the Paladin in the eyes. "You ain't getting it! You need to be turned on all the time, so you fight at 200%! Really, I figured you'da thought of that by now!"

"Why don't we make it interesting?" Morana interjected. "The player-owned house here... it's a last-hit bonus, right? So, let's get competitive! Whoever scores the last hit, gets to choose the theme of our house!"

Indeed, the main reason Mantine wanted to have one last adventure before his break was that so he and Morana could obtain a proper house, separate from the Guild Hall or the inns. Evidently, this quaint cabin was highly sought-after, but other players had yet to reach the boss guarding it. Mantine and the others had to run past several mobs of enemies just to reach it early.

"I'm all in." Mantine said confidently.

Rance struck out his palm. "You got it, Morana! Just don't be too bent outta shape when you lose."

The other two put their palms on top of his. "It's on!"

Wasting no time, the trio of players made a mad dash for the area boss, who happened to be a rotund, flaming bird demon by the name of Donply! Bright red feathers molted from his body as he savagely swung his axe at Knight 40, mixing in with the leaves below! The ground shook under his talons as he charged the three players, ready to cleave them to ribbons!

However, tenacious as Donply was, he was no match for the three seasoned veterans of Knight 40, who took his health down to critical levels in mere minutes! It was time for one of them to finish the fat bird off and claim the coveted last-hit bonus!

"As if you two had any chance! I'll leave you behind with my... STABBING RANCE ATTACK!" Rance shouted, zeroing in on the weakened boss!

Morana twirled her staff! "I don't know what made either of you think you could've outran a ranged class. Maximize magic.. Diffusion Cannon." She announced in a deadpan tone as three glowing orbs of magic launched past Rance and straight toward Donply!

Mantine shook his head. "Aww, and you were so close, too! Time Reversal Aura!" he activated one of the Paladin's special aura skills, forcing everything around him to move in reverse! The orbs seemed to move back toward Morana, while Rance appeared to moonwalk! Mantine, of course, was free to move how he pleased, and lightly plinked at Donply with his sword, emptying out his health bar for good.

[[Area boss defeated... moving to safe location...]]
[[Player "Mantine" has received Last Hit Bonus: Breeze Estate!]]

"Awww... no fair, bro! That skill's plain broken!" Rance protested as they arrived back at the mission lobby.

The paladin wagged his finger. "You and I are the same class, Rance... provided you invested a few points into it, you could've used Time Reversal Aura before me... that skill of yours is powerful, but you shouldn't rely on it for everything... as much as it does fit your character. As an old friend of mine once asked, 'what is this, a roleplay server?'"

Morana crossed her arms. "I guess a food theme doesn't sound so bad... could we at least have a Cookie Cat table or something?"

Mantine smiled at her warmly and nodded. "We can do Cookie Cat."

Rance grinned at the two with his razor teeth. "Besides, you only wanted the 'fluffy eggs' thing 'cuz of that thicc bitch from the H manga you gushed about to me. So it all works out!"

"Guilty as charged. It was a good one..." Mantine admitted.

Rance stretched his arms and cracked his neck. "That said... it's 'bout time I get back to the ol' crew in Port. With you two lovebirds busy, it's my duty as a marine to whip those civvies into shape! I'll have 'em ready to really take on the world the next time you see them... uhh... hey, I'll miss you. Try and come back soon... I'll be damned if the GF steals our glory or something... ahh, look at me, rambling. I'll go now."

"Give the others my regards. We'll link up before you know it." Mantine said with sincerity.

Morana blushed and laughed. "Jeez, Rance, you're so... needlessly sentimental. It's not going to be that long before we're all kicking ass together again."

With that, Rance held his fist up as he parted ways with the two. The moment had filled Knight 40 with hope!

"Gorgeous! I bet Honest Abe himself built this one!"

Mantine and Morana wasted no time moving into their new home, which gave the outward appearance of a quaint but sizeable log cabin. They had unloaded furniture items they'd gathered over the months within the game and, per Mantine's requests, applied a food-themed skin to each one. Highlights included a strawberry shortcake loveseat, cookie tile flooring, a pie table, and even a scrambled egg bed.

"At this point, why not make it a gingerbread house?" Morana asked sarcastically.

Of course, Mantine took the question entirely at face value. "Why didn't I think of that?! I'll get on it as soon as I can!"

Over the week, Mantine and Morana had settled in well to their little escape from the world. He rediscovered his cooking hobby he had back in the real world, doing his best to replicate the Tex-Mex dishes he loved back home, and she resumed her studies of the Japanese language, hoping to converse with the OGs of Dragon Saga Online once the crisis was over. They never forgot to send letters to the guild during their away time, getting quite the kick out of the harsh training Rance was forcing upon Tort, Chammeng, and even Sutahime.

They'd taken the time to trade stories of their personal lives, Mantine recounting when someone planted a bomb in his school's restroom and when he shopped online for sex toys with Kite while they flirted with his friend's sister, and Morana going on about her adventures with her high school anime club, and her brother punching holes in their walls after his PSP got destroyed in the washing machine. At last, they had their chance to spend some much-deserved time alone together.

"Sounds like you two weren't always the bitter enemies everyone sees you as nowadays." Morana said.

Mantine smiled and shook his head. "You're not wrong. We were nearly inseparable, despite being on different sides of the world. He was a valuable friend and we'd spoken about the idea of meeting for real several times. It's why I don't want him to die outright."

"I get it now... hey, Mantine, do you have a bit longer?" asked Morana, seating herself onto the egg bed and offering Mantine a spot next to her.

"For you? At this point, I feel like I can't refuse. Man, this reminds me of that time Kindon and I were up all night on the Xbox... I literally fell asleep in my scrambled eggs! Was there anything you wanted to discuss?"

Morana nodded. "Actually, yeah. It's nothing life-or-death, but... I never had time until now. Please, sit."

Mantine did as she asked, joining her on the edge of the egg bed. "I'm all ears."

"It's about Tort... and the way you handled yourself with the GF members back at Spectre's Tower." she said.

Mantine smiled at her. "I know... I showed them what-for, right? If you're here to shower me with praise, you're hitting every note just right!"

Morana shook her head. "From a tactical standpoint, you did well, but... you've got to realize, they're all still human. Not every one of them is a blind follower of Kite or Dirgegun."

Mantine was taken aback somewhat. "Y-yeah, well... We need every last soldier we can get!"

"Doesn't mean you have to bully them into our ranks. I'll be honest, I don't like what you did to poor Tort when we met." Morana said sternly. "Quite the kneejerk reaction, Mantine."

The Perriwinkle Paladin protested, "Hey! It was a safezone! It's not like I could've killed the man! He wasn't in any danger, as far as I see it."

"Danger had nothing to do with it." Morana stayed firm on her stance. "You can still hurt someone without killing them. I should know... I dealt with plenty of that kind of abuse growing up."

Her words were armor-piercing. "D-don't you think I know that? I mean... I can't help but associate anyone from that group with... with what happened to Yuuki and the others. Besides, I even apologized to the guy back at the tower. What more do you want from me?"

She smiled warmly at the knight. "I... just don't want you losing what makes you human, Mantine. It's all you've got. The Mantine I fell in love with was the same one who put on that grand show after we beat Hookah. It would mean a lot to me if you hung onto that, if nothing else."

"I'll just have to do my best then, won't I?" he asked, mirroring her smile.

"Guess you will." She leaned in for a kiss, then pulled back. The Californian woman hesitated a bit. "Now... are you... uhm, ready?"

Mantine blushed beet-red. He knew exactly what Morana was getting at, but... back home, being the southerner he was, he'd always adhered to the Christian faith. Even if they got married ingame, would that count? We could very well die before we escape this place... let God judge me, then! "As I'll ever be, I suppose... that didn't sound very romantic, I know. I'm still working on that."

Morana met his blush with her own. "Silly boy, disable your decency filter... and don't look til I say so!"

Mantine smiled and opened the menu as she asked. They both unequipped their clothing piece by piece. Mantine's heart skipped a beat as he finally got an eyeful of Morana's curvaceous, full figure. It was everything he'd ever wanted. "Don't be afraid. I'll ease you into it, I promise."

At last, Mantine and Morana had sealed their relationship unbreakably.

31st of December, 2022

Meanwhile, back at Knight 40's guild hall, Rance was making good on his promise to whip the other three into shape!

"Alright, recruits! Listen up! Back in the ol' days, we didn't have any fancy weapons like you guys got now... We had two sticks and a rock for the whole platoon! And we had to share the rock!"

Suta sighed at the obvious Halo reference. "Aren't you like seventeen?"

Ahem! I... haven't actually shipped out for basic training or anything, so I've only got what I've seen on TV to go off of! Don't you worry, I've watched Saving Private Ryan almost 10 times! Once in Japanese! I think I've got my bases covered, soldiers!" Rance shouted, standing opposite of Tort, Chammeng, and Sutahime.

"...I'd melt you on the spot if we weren't on the same team, boy." Suta said through gritted teeth. "Germany may have lost to you before, but... we're not as proud of that part of our history..."

Chammeng looked back at Rance with wide eyes and a hopeful smile! "I was a leader once, too, Rance... I'll make you proud, Sir! Just tell me how to get stronger!"

"Your voice has got me filled with inspiration, mike. I'll get right on... whatever it is. What, uhh, are we doing?" asked Tort, tilting his head.

Rance clicked his metal boots together! "It's simple, really! I've got plans, big plans for all of us... but for now, we'll start out with an exercise for each of you! So look here! Look! Listen!" He turned toward the German warlock. "Suta! Since you have an incredibly threatening aura despite your beautiful depths... uhh... and you're our only ranged unit... how about some target practice?!"

Suta's eyes lit up, as did her dark spear!

"Not on me, you crazy chick! I set up a basic course in the back of the guild hall! Just run through it as many times as you can and hit every target on time! Remember, switching to your other weapon is faster than reloading!" Rance explained.

Suta rolled her eyes. "...I only have the one... here... and it's got infinite ammo?"

"The bun is in your mind, Suta! Now get going!" Rance insisted. Suta shrugged and strolled off to the course. "Now, Tort!"

"Aye-aye, mike!" he said, saluting the Harem King.

"It's taken some doing, but I've got this here... turtle shell! Despite the limitations of this game, or... lack thereof, I've managed to set its weight level well past the human limit! I made it not only to honor your name, but the original mentor with an eye for the ladies... it's a turtle shell!"

Tort looked at Rance like he was an alien. "It's a dream come true! What... do I do with it?!"

Rance laughed heartily at such a question. "GHAHAHAHA! Wear it on your back, of course! I want one-hundred laps around Port of the Winds, soldier! Understood?"

"Sir, yes sir! I'll give you a hundred-and-one! Just watch, it's a simple as a tortoise!" Tort vowed, strapping the shell onto his back and sprinting outside!

Chammeng looked at Rance nervously. "W-what's in store for me? I feel like I'm too soft for this sort of thing..."

"That's exactly why I've gotta harden you up, Cham! Yours will be easy... See, I heard from my grandpa a few stories... his platoon got stuck on an island for weeks, surrounded by enemies with no escape in sight... supplies were running low, and evac wouldn't be there for days... So all that was on their mind... was survival! They had to forage the island for whatever sustenance they could find! …'Course, in their case... it was coconuts... I haven't managed to find any. However! I, a foraging non-gourmand did manage to scrounge up a surplus of the second-best island fare, mangos!" Rance produced the colorful fruit from his inventory. "Actually, I have no idea where these things grow... but they have that tropical feel. Therefore, until Mantine and Morana get back... I will not allow you to leave the Port's middle platform! With no other food in sight, you must prove your fortitude by subsisting only on these mangos!"

The golden gladiator stuck out his tongue. "Rance... why'd you have to pick out the food I absolutely detest the most! I hate, hate, hate those mangos! So cloyingly sweet..."

Rance laughed again and threw the fruit straight at Chammeng's head! "It's natural sugar, soldier! Good for ya! Not to mention these things are packed with vitamins! Plus, this is a game, soooo... who knows what awesome stats they'll give ya! Back in the 'States, one of the best gamers of all time named himself after the mighty mango! And do you know what?! He was the best Fox player of all time! Of all time! He was a true American!"

Chammeng raised an eyebrow at his claim. "Didn't... didn't that guy get drunk before every tournament... and get arrested more than once... and he got really fat, huh?"

"Like I said, a real American!" Rance doubled down. "Now, eat up! If you wanna attune yourself to your nature element, what better way to start than these wild fruit?! I'm not letting you leave Port center 'til you devour a hundred mangos! You try to leave, and I'll whoop ya!"

Chammeng resigned himself to his fate. "Why me? I can't escape these forsaken fruit...! ...Help me..."

Back at Breeze Estate, Mantine and Morana woke from a deep slumber, ready to attack the day!

"Whoa! Is that Gfuel!?" Mantine asked, stifling laughter as he leaned over Morana's shoulder while she enjoyed her breakfast.

"It's just a sandwich." she said plainly, in between bites.

Mantine crossed his arms and nodded. "The sandwich of Yoko Littner."

"Must have plenty of meat, then." Morana held back her own laughter, finishing the meal. "Anyways, I was thinking... we should probably explore the ruins around here. The rare enemies might show up, and we might even find the next boss room, who knows?"

Mantine switched from his casual clothing back into his armor. "Good point. We never got to really scope the place out, and I'd love nothing more than to be one step ahead of Kite. Let's head up east, see if we find anything."

"Over there? Those walls are way too high to see anything, unless we find another bounce pad." she said, tilting her head.

Mantine blushed. "That, or... I could carry you up there?"

Morana smirked seductively at the man, putting her hands on her hips and swaying them lightly. "Pshh. You think you can lift me?" she taunted, flipping her scarlet hair that she'd just had straightened and dyed an even darker cherry red.

Those words triggered something deep within Mantine that he was ashamed to even remember. "Ah...! Wh-what did you- how did you know about that? Are you trying to...?" he asked, more flustered than ever.

"I knew because you just told me, big boy. I've seen Dance Flick too. Careful, I just ate." she continued, winding him up further.

The knight gritted his teeth, nearly beet-red in the face. "Morana! What, you think I'm going to give you two years' worth of my love just because you made a cheap attempt at catering to my- err ehem! That weird fetish?" he bit his tongue at that last bit.

"Gotcha good. Now, let's go, honey." she said with a wink. At her request, Mantine lifted Morana up on his shoulders and made a beeline for the ruin walls to the east. The journey, however, provided to be fruitless at first.

"No rare enemies..." Mantine sighed.

"...no portals or anything..." Morana moaned.

"...NO NOTHING!" they lamented in unison.

Morana shrugged. "I mean... the giant fish was cool and all, but it wasn't a boss... it wasn't even edible! These ruins are a whole lot of nothing... where haven't we looked?"

"I guess we could check the rest of the forest. It's near the house anyway, so we'll take a look on the way back... say, did I ever tell you about that time I was on the way home from school, and... there was this guy on the bus, right? Well, the whole time... this guy was smiling at me and trying to talk with me... and well, the way he was talking... I'm no one to jump to conclusions, but... I think he might've thought I was..."

Morana gasped! "A girl!"

"What?! No, I think he thought I was gay! Nothing against the lifestyle of course, but-" Mantine corrected her, still lost in his story, only to be snapped into reality when Morana jumped from his shoulders and ran ahead of him!

"No, I mean there's a girl over there!" Morana pointed towards a tree, which indeed had a slender woman slumped against it in slumber. "You alive over there, lady?!"

Mantine caught up to his girlfriend and got a better look at the mystery woman. Long, cobalt blue hair draped her neck, and she was adorned in a strange pale blue silk robe trimmed in glimmering gold, unlike any equipment he'd ever seen. "Another player out here alone? Listen, ma'am... you won't last long on this continent. I've got a few spare teleport crystals if you need to get back to Port, or Morana here can-"

...there was, however, no option to trade or interact with her.

Morana looked at the tall woman, puzzled. "Maybe she's one of those hidden quest NPCs? Let's have a look..."

Yet again, nothing. No dialogue options, no character tag... no nothing.

Mantine and Morana flinched in unison as the pale lady awoke, looking the scarlet-haired woman in the eyes. "Huh? ...S-Sister?" she asked... before promptly collapsing lifelessly in Morana's arms.

With no other ideas left, Mantine and Morana carried the strange woman back to Breeze Estate and laid her gently onto their bed, in hopes she... whatever she was, might recover. As luck would have it, the next morning, she opened her eyes and walked once more. "Bro? Sis? It's been so long! I was all by myself for what felt like an eternity... I thought you'd never return..."

Mantine raised his eyebrow. "Wait, you're misunderstood... you think we're your siblings? We're not even related. I may be from the south, but I have a sense of self-respect!"

"Yeah... I'm glad you feel such a close bond, but you're sadly mistaken." Morana agreed. "Anyway, who are you?"

The pale woman stood up, showing her impressive height; she nearly towered over Mantine! "It's strange... I can't recall much... but I was separated from my brother and sister in the forest near Vartika... oh, my apologies... my name... is Crete."

Morana gasped at her stature. "Goodness! She's a giant!"

"I've, uhh... never met a woman taller than me before. I'm at a loss for words. No offense, er, Crete!" Mantine said, looking up at the blue-haired lady.

Crete smiled warmly. "It is fine. Lil' bro and lil' sis used to say the same thing. Are you certain you aren't them?"

Morana sighed. "Yup. Last we checked. Not sure how to go about asking this, but... who, or what are you?"

"Mmm. Inconclusive. I remember nothing beyond wandering out into that forest before the two of you brought me here... My apologies, I simply cannot get over how much the two of you remind me of bro and sis! I feel so at home in this place! Would it inconvenience you if I stayed here for a bit? With rest, I may regain some memories and be able to help you further." She asked.

Mantine extended his hand for a shake. "No objections here. If you really think of us that way, consider it a family visit."

"Welcome home for now, Crete. We'll help you figure yourself out!" Morana said with a smile. "It's getting late, so we'll have late supper and then hit the bed. I wanna get up early and explore the Gorge past Vartika! It has those cute gryphons!"

Mantine chuckled. "Those cute things'll try to kill us."

"I'll take them over the Gorge 'Monsers'. Seriously, did the devs know how to spell?" said Morana, in reference to the weird cloud-like enemies that floated around the Gorge.

As the sun set, Mantine prepared their meal, straight from a recipe Yuuki had left for him back in Moonlight. "Here it is! The Jimmy Firecracker! An old friend of ours named it in honor of one of the best sandwich shops of all time... and that awesome reporter dude from DBZ! Using what she left behind, I was able to recreate the distinct flavor of Habanero. Now, Morana and I have our tastes attuned to such a scorching Texas heat, but you might want to go easy on this one, Crete."

Mantine served each of them a sandwich, stacked with traditional meats and veggies, but with bright orange sliced peppers bursting from the sides. "A long time ago, these were considered the hottest peppers around... that was a long time ago, though. I became fascinated with these things growing up watching The L.A. Beast... I miss those times! 'Have a good day'!", he said, doing his best impression of the famous competitive eater, before taking a big bite... only to nearly spit it out when he glanced to his left! Crete was absolutely devouring her sandwich with utter bliss, savoring each bite as though it was her last!"

"This is wonderful, bro! Please make me another for breakfast!" Crete begged. "Where did you obtain such a recipe?!"

Mantine chuckled, then looked down a bit. "From... an old friend. She was an aspiring chef from Germany, but had a knack for southern cuisine. You two would've hit it off great."

"Wow! The balance of flavor couldn't be more perfect! I cannot wait to meet this friend!" Crete beamed.

Mantine took a deep breath, unable to look Crete in the eyes. "I hope to see her again someday too."

From behind the table, the three heard a light 'baa!', coming from Morana's pet! "Oh, Altoid!" she greeted the sheep, petting its snowy wool. It shook its head and let out another sad-sounding 'baaaaa...' "Aww, you hungry? I can't use your abilities if you're on an empty stomach, silly sheepie!"

"Glad I could bring the ol' boy out of that frosty dungeon. He's much more at home here... eat up." Mantine offered part of his sandwich to the sheep, knowing its icy body would resist the pepper's heat. Altoid took a big bite... and nipped Mantine's bare hand in the process! "Mee-owch! What was that for, you little...?"

Altoid gave a sheepish smile and returned to the couch with a full belly. Morana giggled at her boyfriend's misfortune. "He's probably still sore over you chucking him into the ground when you retrieved him! Poor thing."

Mantine appeared flustered. "Hey! I made sure he landed in the softest part of the snow! I think..."

"Just be gentle with him. He may be icy, but he'll warm up to you." she said, before yawning and stretching. "Either way, it's time we hit the bed, dont'cha think?"

Mantine met her yawn with his. "Good call. Get some rest too, Crete. Don't want you fainting on us again."

"I will... slumber sounds exquisite..." she said, taking a spot on the couch by Altoid.

The next morning, an idea struck Morana! "Wait, Crete's outfit!"

"...What about it...?" asked a groggy Mantine, still waking up.

"I remember now, you can get that same white-gold dress at The Mix, that high fashion shop in the Town of Beginnings!"

Mantine put a finger on his chin. "Odelia? Man, I haven't been to that place since we started... I didn't stick around long, so it's no wonder. I must have never saw the place."

"I don't blame you. Port had just about everything we needed and more... As a matter of fact, the only ones who did stay were the ones who gave up entirely... The only fighter I know living there is Chocolate, and only because he got a good deal on the biggest POH." Morana said.

Mantine smiled at the mention of his friend. "Wouldn't mind paying him a visit, now that we've got an excuse. If she got those expensive threads from The Mix, maybe going back there would jog her memory... let's puff there!"

Lucky for them, Crete had woken up, feeling less hazy than she had been last night. "Odelia? The name does sound familiar. I'll accompany you and see what I remember, bro. Just say the word."

With that, Mantine and Morana returned to the Town of Beginnings with Crete by their side. The humble town had fallen into a sad state of disrepair since they'd left back in January, even the ornate fountain that Mantine had ran his fingers through when he logged in for the first time now cracked and leaking. They couldn't help but feel sad themselves, as they made their way toward the market district, knowing that most of the players living her had effectively given up hope. The streets were quiet, littered, and dimly lit with decorative box lights. Mantine nearly teared up remembering his favorite game, BioShock.

Next door to The Mix was Chocolate's house, a cozy two-story modern home with a front counter near the entrance so he could sell weapons if he needed spare coin. Mantine and Morana decided to enter uninvited, since he'd left the door unlocked. "Chocolate, you home? It's your old pal Mantine dropping in!"

Heavy footsteps met them down the wooden stairs. "You two again? I was hoping for some customers... What's good? Haven't seen either of you since the Tower."

"Fair point. You did great back there, for the record. Your crowd control can't be beat!" Mantine said, flashing the dark-skinned warrior a thumbs up.

Morana chuckled lightly. "I didn't have to patch you up once back there... boy, this town sure has gone to shit."

Chocolate met her with a warm smile and a long sigh. "You ain't wrong... shit, the year's been good to us though, huh Mantine?"

The blue knight felt his old memories well up. "That it has. All things considered, we're doing damn good. We'll reach Black Claw Nest before you know it. Get us all out of here."

"I'll be right there with you, G. Sorry I've been distant these days." Chocolate said, turning away.

Mantine had a hard time looking the man in the eye. "Don't be. I never made the effort to reach out until now... and even then..."

"Hey, bring it in!" Chocolate said, opening his arms for a brotherly hug that Mantine didn't hesitate to meet.

Morana looked happy at the sight, crossing her arms and letting them have the moment. "Man, I can never get a bead on those boys..."

"Who's the tall lady near your girl, anyways?" Chocolate asked, pointing toward her.

Crete smiled and greeted the man. "Pleased to meet you, Chocolate! My name is Crete. I know nothing of you, but I feel I could always trust a friend of bro!"

"...you got a sister, Mantine?" Chocolate asked, confused with a raised eyebrow.

He shook his head. "Not exactly. It's a long story. We met over in Vartika Hill, but figured we'd come back here and try to help her remember what she forgot. Say, what happened here anyway, since we left?"

Chocolate scoffed. "More like... who. After you left, our old pal Saffron formed a protection guild, making sure the players here... 'specially the younger ones, didn't get killed. 'Course, that protection came with a price... he and his men promised they wouldn't die if they wandered off... but he's been extorting every last piece of gold from the people still living here. It's more like a mob than a real police force..."

"That rat bastard... and after he shook my hand at the Temple of Water and everything, I thought he'd put that lifestyle behind him!" Mantine growled. "To think he had the nerve to call me a cheater!"

Just then, the bell above Chocolate's door rang! "What's everyone discussing today- Oh, Mantine! Morana!" Jin exclaimed gleefully, after bursting through the door. "I was going to have Chocolate upgrade my crossbow, and here you are!"

Morana smiled at the young girl. "Jin! Chocolate was just telling us about our... ugh, old pal, Saffron. Word on the street is, he's up to his old tricks..."

Jin clenched her fists. "You don't have to tell me twice! I thought such things were above him, but here he is extorting those who can't protect themselves! That said... I'm glad you're here. As much as that man turns my stomach... on my honor as a knight, I must rescue him!"

Mantine and Morana's jaws dropped at the suggestion.

"If I were not such a good woman... I'd... I'd let that scoundrel suffer the fate he bought himself, but... he's still a human back in the real world like us, and... and I... I... it's even harder to stomach the idea of another dying!" Jin stuttered. "It was my fault, anyway..."

"How do you mean?" Mantine said, giving the girl a chance to elaborate despite his misgivings.

"Saffron, Chocolate, and I all found a hidden entrance to DSO's bonus dungeon. Eugene must've hidden it in the last place we'd expect – the starting town! We were going to gather a party and take it on together, but I was the one who told Saffron, and he went off on his own... but how he's trapped down there. I know the man's not your favorite, but could you find it in your hearts to rescue him?" she pleaded.

Mantine gritted his teeth, unable to muster a response.

"Look at it this way, man..." Chocolate said. "It'll be your only chance to confront the guy about what he's done. Don't you want closure?"

Mantine's fists shook at his sides. "Agh! More than anything, right now..."

"You've got him good. Jin, show us to the entrance to this bonus dungeon. Now, while he's fired up." Morana commanded.

Jin lead the group to the old Chamber of Resurrection. The room, wrought in black iron, was now a sick taunt of what the game was promised upon release; a room where players were meant to respawn. Now empty and derelict without purpose, the room was seldom visited. The young sniper tapped on one of the stone panels, revealing a ladder straight down!

Crete approached the chasm... and something clicked inside her mind! "Bro, sis... you were right to bring me here. My heart is not connected to Odelia, but further down... into... this..."

The tall woman once again collapsed into unconsciousness as she had in the forest, Morana catching her on her shoulder. "Crete! Not again..."

"Damn... I hate to say it, but that's an even better reason to head down. She said herself that she was linked to it in some way. If we can keep her safe, we should be able to get her memory back. With the four of us, we should have no trouble keeping any threats away from Crete." Mantine insisted.

Morana sighed. "Alright, but... I'm taking command of the party! Mantine! Chocolate! Jin! Form up!" she opened the interface and formed a new party. "As long as I'm calling the shots, this division of Knight 40 is... Bungee Gum!" she announced, typing in the name.

Mantine smiled at her. "I get the feeling you like Hisoka."

"I'll let you name yours after a waifu if we do good down here!" she taunted, descending the ladder.

[[Bonus Floor – Halls of the Imperfect]]

The four players wasted no time making quick work of the enemies within this new dungeon – mostly giant frogs and lizardmen – as they carved a path to the trapped Saffron! Luckily for them, the dungeon, for its sheer length, was incredibly straightforward; long hallways of ornate gray and black stone with little in the way of traps or dead ends. It was a regular race to the finish!

Mantine, feeling hungry, voraciously chowed down on the legs of the fallen frogs, much to Morana's chagrin. The Paladin showed an unnatural level of enthusiasm for tearing through the enemy horde, perhaps because he was promised closure with his old foe. "I won't let you die, Saffron... but you have a lot to explain to me!"

Before long, they'd carved a bloody path to the end of the dungeon... where the man they'd been looking for was in plain sight! "Thank fuck, the rescue squad's finally – aww, come on! Of all people, this simp had to show up?! It's seriously... you?! I'd rather be left to die than this miserable..."

Mantine shook his head. "No time to be picky, old friend. Let's get you out of here. I'll make sure I get plenty of answers out of you, but let's do so back in town!"

Saffron crossed his arms in a huff. "I don't owe you anything, cheater! Whatever, for now... just get me out of this hell hole. I'll deal with you on the surface. My business isn't-"

"SAFFRON, YOU IDIOT, DUCK!"

Behind the yellow-armored warrior rose a shadow, readying its scythe just above his head! "Hwoah!" he shouted hitting the floor just in time to avoid the lethal swipe!

The four players noticed a boss meter appear on their HUD...

[[Khoumari – Scythe of Fate – Lvl. ?]]

There he was, draped from head to toe in a sinister robe of pitch black and sickly green, with a glowing holy cross covering his face! His neon, spindly claw clutched a long, well-worn scythe!

"Let's cut to the chase, boys!" Morana said, sensing the enemy's power! "Maximize magic! Diffusion Meteor Crush!"

Chocolate readied his greataxe! "You sure know how to start a party, Morana! Get ready! Grizzly Assault!"

"Tocino, now!" Jin said, summoning her ferocious boar! "Go! I'll peg that monster with my piercing shot!" she shouted, raising her crossbow! Tocino charged down the strange entity full-force!

Mantine's icy blade split in two! "Harmonious Duality! I don't have time for you, so just keel over, would you?!"

The four players rushed Khoumari down with their strongest attacks, switching after each one! The strategy appeared effective at first, but...

KWOOOOARRRR!

With a single slash of his scythe, the boss had managed to repel them all, and recover in an instant. Each player found themselves under half health!

"No way! From just one attack?!" Chocolate yelled in disbelief!

Mantine struggled to his feet. "Shouldn't be possible, but... this thing's level... I can't even see it! it's got to be on par with the final boss, or something!"

Jin recalled Tocino. "If that wasn't good enough, we'll just hit him harder this time!"

Morana nodded sharply. "Right! I'll heal us all up, and then we'll-"

"So that's how it's got to be, then."

As if triggered by their pain, Crete awakened from her slumber... and approached Khoumari with all her conviction. "It did not have to come to this. If you had left quietly... no matter. I shall give you my judgement. For the salvation of these humans, I shall arrange it so that you no longer exist."

The cloaked foe readied his scythe once more, targeting Crete directly!

"Hey, lady... uhh, sis?! This is no time to be a hero! Just let us recover and handle the-" Mantine protested, just as the great sickle struck Crete's chest.

…

[[Immortal Object]]

The four players collectively gasped! "Crete... just who... what are you?!"

"I am Crete... and my dream shall not end here, vile creature. Let it never be said that I was not a woman of mercy." she said plainly, summoning her own scythe, nearly twice the size of the one the boss held!

"Paralysis level six." she said, forcing the boss into a state of immobility and immense pain! "Now... triple maximize magic... Fallen Down."

Crete's great scythe levitated and spun like a buzzsaw in front of her, cleaving Khoumari in two in a single stroke! What followed was an immense pillar of light, engulfing the boss and ending him then and there! "There. That is all I can do now..."

The Bungee Gum party, along with the newly rescued Saffron rushed to her side as she returned to the floor. "I don't believe it... that supreme power... incredible! if you have any of your memories back, now's the time to let us know, sis." Mantine implored.

"Indeed, Mantine. My memories have returned. First... players Chocolate, Jin, and Saffron... execute command – return to nearest safezone." she said, teleporting the three back to Odelia. "You may speak to them all later. They are safe."

Mantine and Morana looked on in sheer confusion. Crete understood how they felt, doing her best to clear things up. "Now. Let us proceed to the treasure room, where all will be revealed."

Crete lead Mantine and Morana into the final room of the bonus dungeon, where several chests awaited them against a blindingly white backdrop. "Now, all is clear to me. Or rather, I can speak freely about my nature. I am Crete. My existence is complicated. I am neither a player nor an NPC in the traditional sense. Rather, I was a failsafe created by Eugene Wesley when Dragon Saga Online was conceived. Believe it or not, he was not always such a malevolent man. Using the same technology to create the game's NPCs, he fashioned me by cloning the brain of his own sister, Carolina. My purpose represented the sympathy he once had for human life. I was meant to monitor the mental stability of all players, and help them should they consider suicide or other dangerous thoughts... but upon the game's launch, my brother changed his mind. I was disabled... sealed away. Useless."

Mantine clenched his fist. "Crete... I never knew..."

"Furthermore, I had never lost any memory. That was simply a ruse. I was further disabled temporarily a time or two, as you saw, but... I knew my purpose all along. I simply did not think you would help me if I told you the truth from the beginning. I can't even bring myself to say I'm sorry." she lamented.

"Crete... I still trust you!" Morana said tearfully.

Crete shook her head. "No. How could you? I understand completely if you feel like I deceived you. In life, I was never able to gain the trust of others despite my best efforts. Ironic that I should choose to betray the trust I had earned. I feigned a story in hopes that someone would bring me here..."

"That doesn't matter now! Knowing all that just makes me feel worse for you! Let's just get out here and-" Mantine begged tearfully.

Crete shook her head again. "No need to have sympathy for a liar, Mantine. Didn't your mother teach you that? It doesn't matter now – since I've revealed my purpose, the server admin will likely disable me within a few minutes. At least I can die correctly."

Mantine's voice wavered. "That's... that's not cool... I never had a sibling before, and just when I was getting used to the idea... isn't there anything we can do for you, sis?!"

Crete smiled back at the man. "As luck would have it... there is one thing. After I disappear, it might be in your best interests to contact your friend in green, back home. He will have your answer. My journey is yet incomplete... goodbye for now, Mantine. Morana." she bid them her farewell, fading into fragments of light for the time being.

[[Obtained key item - ?]]

Mantine and Morana had no words for what had just unfolded before them. They shared a tearful hug in the stark white chamber that felt like it lasted forever... until the voice message notification snapped them back into reality!

"Fam, you've gotta come quick! Meet us in Port as soon as you can! Somethin' big just hit the center... if I didn't know any better, I'd say a new dungeon entrance!"