A/N: And so another chapter arrives.

A quick definition for those who don't know. An NPC is a "non-playable character."This is a character not assumed by a Player and is typically controlled by a series of limited commands. However, given the fact that this is a real world, are they actually human?


"These supposed 'gifts,' bestowed upon us by an entity born and perceived by man's conflicting images, are both a symbol of benevolence as well as of an uncontrolled destiny promising self-destruction."-Ray Andylon

Chapter 11- Comrades

The Virtual World

Pirugan Continent, Iris Hills

In-Game Timer: Day 13

1:16 PM

The days following the revelation of the existence of the supposed virtual world brimmed not only with travel and the search for power, but were also accompanied by the distraction of self-discovery. For the most part, journeying through dungeons and defeating enemy monsters to obtain greater strength became a painstakingly mundane task as the conclusions of the dungeons provided no more secrets about the world that Ray hoped for. He knew it was necessary to explore the area around the great military city of Sarkast and to win the race that was the quest for power.

Leilan had explained how dire their situation was. The Guardian monsters were losing the war against the Legion due to the fact that many of their allies had been banished to dungeons much the same as Verche. The realization that they were still alive was a great relief; however, it also meant that they would be out of the action as the enemy also worked to regain the lost strength from the Reversion. It was also likely that by now the enemy monsters understood their true potential that could be unlocked with the skill of a competent Player.

And Takamura. The man who had created this world. Who were the people that were after him? Ray knew for a fact that there was no way they would possibly give up on something as powerful as creating worlds. Where, when, and how would they make their next move?

Leilan and Verche had opted to withhold some of their knowledge from him out of fear that this all-knowing ally of the Legion was still watching from all around them. Ray gave a hesitant assent to this reasoning. It was sound, but he knew that it wasn't the only reason. He knew that they didn't fully trust him yet. He didn't take offense to this. It was only rational to have suspicions about humans who came from another world, especially when these humans had arrived with the intention of divulging in pleasure in the form of combat. It was a world that was meant to be just a game to them.

Ray became lost in his pondering as he sat at the exit of the latest dungeon that he and his monster companions had recently completed. The dungeons in the area ranged from the intermediate difficulty to expert. The levels of master that he wanted to attempt still eluded him as well as the special dungeons.

He glanced up as Leilan and Verche returned from the forest with a dark mystic knight in tow. The knight had clearly decided that resisting the god monsters was a waste of effort. Leilan and Verche released it and it fell to its knees awkwardly. Ray noted the deep red gash in its side as it forced its body up.

It stilled amazed Ray how real all the inhabitants of this world were. The knight had a rasp to its breath and its shoulders heaved involuntarily with random spasms due to the erratic air intake. Ray took note of how a metaled finger at its side twitched and tapped against its armor. Every individual in this world was different from the other.

Leilan's voice woke him from his stupor. "Best start talking now."

The knight on the ground shrugged off a hand that Verche had rested on its shoulder to keep it still. It did no more than grunt in reply.

"That's a bad answer," Verche said offhandedly. He rested his foot on the mystic knight's back and pushed it helmet-first into the dirt. The knight let out a pained gasp as it landed on its injured side. It rose to its hands and knees and swore.

Verche crouched next to it and drove his broadsword into the dirt right in front of the knight's face. It flinched involuntarily as the blade scraped against its helmet.

"What are dark mystic knights doing so close to Sarkast?" Verche asked.

The knight stared at Verche. Ray couldn't see its eyes in the darkness of its helmet, but he could sense the hate it felt towards the god monster. It didn't answer.

Ray, Leilan, and Verche had discovered a sizable force of dark mystic knights at the exit of the dungeon that led to the Iris Hills near the outskirts of the town of Teril to the northeast of Sarkast. With the help of Ray's skillful use of orbs along with Verche and Leilan's careful aerial assault, they were able to intercept a stray scouting group. The enemy was dispatched quickly and quietly with the capture of the knight that now sat before them. To top it all off, the knight knew Leilan.

"So you were at Caramoc Cove with Satan," Leilan commented.

The knight let out a sigh and cracked its neck. Leilan waited patiently.

"Indeed," the knight answered.

"Where were you heading?"

"Classified."

Verche let out a controlled, humorless chuckle. "I'm sure it is."

Ray couldn't stay quiet any longer. "Would they possibly attack a small town like Teril?"

Leilan looked at him as if she had just remembered he was there. She shook her head. "Doubtful. It's a small town, but with the number of outposts in the area and a partnership with Sarkast there are far too many soldiers to launch an attack."

"There are also monsters who have dedicated themselves to protecting that area," Verche added. "Monsters that do not have the status of gods but may rival our power at this point."

The dark mystic knight let out a short snicker.

Leilan regarded it curiously. "Something funny?"

"A little," the knight said. It looked each one of them in the eye. "Teril is small fry."

"What do you mean?"

The knight didn't answer and went back to observing them.

Verche looked to Leilan for her opinion on the situation. Leilan motioned for Ray to stand with them. He made sure that there was no hesitation in his step as he came forward.

"Torture isn't my style," Verche said.

"Nor mine," Leilan responded.

They both turned to Ray expectantly who took a bewildered step back. He stared at both of them in disbelief.

"No no. Noooo way," he said raising his hands. "I don't do that."

"Even with what you now know? You've killed enemies before."

"Yeah, but this is different. I am not capable of something like this."

Leilan and Verche glanced at each other and then at the dark mystic knight with a hand clamped over its wound. They both simultaneously looked back at Ray who stared with plain confusion.

Verche shrugged. "I guess I might have expected as much."

"Not a bad quality," Leilan concurred.

Ray's shoulders slumped. "Are you serious? Really?"

"Maybe," Leilan and Verche answered in unison.

"Unbelievable." Ray kicked a stray rock into the woods in frustration.

The two god monsters turned their attention back to the mystic knight that now lay on its side like a top-heavy turtle. Its hands now lay limp at its side with only a few faint traces of breath emitting from the black helmet.

Verche drew his sword from the dirt and stood over the mystic knight. In his opinion, it wasn't necessarily cold-blooded to kill the dying knight at this point. It was more of a mercy.

Verche drove his blade through the knight's chest.


The Virtual World

Pirugan Continent, Sarkast

In-Game Timer: Day 14

11:04 AM

The following day, after the incident with the stray group of mystic knights, Ray walked through the bustling inner city of Sarkast in the central market area. The streets were packed with throngs of people moving along the cobblestone roads. A number of stalls lined the alleyways with vendors selling their wares that ranged anywhere from light weapons to small animals. Ray read some of the wooden and stone-chiseled signs in the doorways of shops that provided everything an adventurer could possibly need: Deegon's Apparel, Sarkastian Dragon Alchemy, The Traveler's Den, RPTC Goods, and so forth.

Standing off to the sides of the street were guards in elaborate armor with the crest of Sarkast emblazoned on their shields and chests. The glaives they wielded were not the work of amateur blacksmiths. They were far more intricate, and each guard held the poles of the weapons easily in their trained hands. Their stern expressions eyed the crowds with unwavering attention. It was the military city of Sarkast after all. Each soldier was a hardened veteran in combat.

The road began to slant upward as he exited the market area and entered another section of the city that was more to his taste. Humans in armor and traveling gear roamed the streets. They exited gray stone buildings wielding newly purchased armor, weapons, and their own recently enhanced materials. The circle of buildings reminded Ray of a shorter version of Columbus Circle when he had visited Manhattan in New York City. Excluding the skyscrapers.

Even the statue at the center of the plaza reminded him of his own world. He took the time to approach the statue and stared at the large figure of a man wielding a double-sided axe. In his other hand was his helmet that looked as if it was just about to slip from his fingertips. He sat upon an armored horse that stared off to the side at some unseen enemy.

Ray squatted in front of the flat marble that was embedded at the base of the statue and observed the names etched into it: Lord Mal Saf, General of the 18th Royal Division and Second in Command, Storm Glory.

"He was an impressive man."

Ray whirled about at the sound of the gruff voice. A big middle-aged man stood behind him with his arms crossed over his wide barrel of a chest. He walked up to stand next to Ray and ran a hand through his thick black beard as he gazed upon the statue. Ray could hear the stretching of his leather vest from the movement of his massive arms. The man pointed at a medal that rested on the chest of the statue.

"That medal was given to him when he and his men disobeyed the orders of the third king, King Malkoff, and marched to the aid of a group of allied monsters near the southern Bakke Mountains. His men were loyal and ignored the warnings of the other generals. They followed their leader to take the shortest route so that they could provide reinforcements in time."

"They traveled through the deadlands," Ray breathed in admiration.

The large man looked at him with approval. "That's right." He then pointed at the same medal that was attached to the horse's own armor. "Even his steed received the medal. Storm Glory was a magnificent horse. He accompanied Lord Saf in a total of twelve campaigns. The tough bastard even managed to outlive its rider."

Ray examined the stone and noticed the same orbs that he had seen so many times on the boards he solved carved into the medal. The crest of Sarkast with its twin blades and outstretched wings encompassed them.

"What was the name of the medal?" Ray asked.

"Ah, that is something interesting about it," the man answered. "It was the first and only time the medal was ever given to a human. It is bestowed upon a human with the agreement of both humans and monsters for great courage and sacrifice. For the seemingly eternal struggle to bring all monsters and humans to peace. They call it the Union Medal."

Ray couldn't take his eyes away from the statue. This was a man who had fought for the sake of both humans and monsters. Ray remembered that most of the people of Millshore actually hated monsters. There were probably plenty of other people who had the same feelings. But there were some who were like this man.

"But I'm sure you aren't here for a history lesson," the man said clearing his throat.

"That's true," Ray said. "But I'm always looking to learn along the way.

The man gave him a wide grin. "Please tell me you are Ray Andylon."

"That would be me."

The big man clapped one of his powerful hands on Ray's shoulder and let out a loud laugh that could be heard from all around the plaza. "Wonderful! Follow me then. We'll get your weapons sorted out."


The man introduced himself as Desdon Maverick as they entered one of the gray stone buildings off to the side on the main street. Ray was met by a blast of heat that watered his eyes as Desdon opened the door. Desdon made a comment about how it was the best feeling in the world for a blacksmith.

The inside was not what Ray had expected. The first room consisted of a long wooden table with enough chairs to seat a sizable party. The front wall was lined with benches with soft cushions of a muddied brown color to match the wood supports of the room. The last piece of furniture was a desk off to the right side that was littered with documents and a variety of metal tools. An open doorway led to a massive room that Ray assumed was where the forge resided for the blacksmith's work.

"So you know Verche," Ray said.

Desdon nodded. "Aye. Rare to have personal friendships between monsters and humans, but we have some history."

As he finished this statement, a plume of smoke began to drift from the open doorway leading to the forge. A loud clang reached their ears accompanied by a shout of distress.

Ray's instincts kicked in at that moment and he rushed to the side of the doorway with his blade drawn. He stared into the other room bewildered as Desdon simply shook his head with a hand to his forehead. Ray looked at him curiously.

"It's alright," Desdon assured him. "It's just Sophie."

"Sophie?"

Desdon simply nodded and strode into the room. Ray trailed behind him and took the features of the room in. It was definitely the forge. Three anvils were set up along the center of the room with a wide assortment of metal tools on shelves lining the walls: chisels, different types of hammers, and other tools along with what appeared to be some sort of blowtorch with a gem embedded in its side. Ray couldn't believe the number of weapons that rested against the walls as well: axes, katanas, broadswords, spears. There was even a weapon that looked like some sort of giant shuriken.

An individual in a long-sleeve linen shirt rose up from behind the anvils and tools. A cylindrical helmet with a metal face mask and a thin-cut visor of glass on the front covered the person's entire head. Ray could tell by the figure that the person was a female as she patted down her breeches, even though there was no way she could possibly expel the traces of coal and soot that covered it. She tore off her full-grain leather apron and let it fall heavily to the ground. She removed her helmet to reveal her pretty face and an exuberant grin. Even with her helmet on, she had somehow managed to get some of the black residue in her blonde hair.

She rubbed the back of her head apologetically as Desdon let out a sigh of exasperation.

"Ah, sorry mister Maverick. I was, um, trying out a new finish." She let out a pleasant laugh. Ray wasn't really sure if there was any humor behind it or not.

Desdon approached her and took the large hammer and chisel from her hands and eyed both of them. "How did you manage to produce so much smoke from finishing?" Finishing a weapon usually involved grinding stones, some minor heat treatment, and the use of other fine tools. How she had managed to produce any smoke at all would continue to be a mystery even with her explanation.

"I had some secramite left over and that tends to spark more than other metals."

"It sparks! You are working at an anvil. It shouldn't erupt into flames."

The girl looked down at the ground dejectedly. "Sorry."

Desdon exhaled heavily and patted her on the head. "Don't you have orders to finish anyway?"

"But they're so boooriiiiiing. Enhancing isn't any fun."

The girl finally noticed that there was someone else in the room and she jumped back in surprise as she saw Ray standing in the doorway. Desdon seemed to have forgotten about Ray during his scolding and he returned his attention back to him with his good mood renewed.

"Sorry about that Ray. Sophie tends to experiment a bit with her work."

Ray shrugged. "It's fine." He turned his attention to Sophie and gave her a curt bow. "My name is Ray Andylon. Nice to meet you."

Ray's greeting seemed to put her at ease and she returned the greeting. "I'm, um, Sophie Katriin. Nice to meet you as well. Sorry about the mess."

Desdon motioned to the database on Ray's wrist. "Why don't you show us what you have."

"Sure."

Ray opened up his database and the holographic screen presented him with his options. Sophie stared in amazement as he accessed his inventory and highlighted a couple of selections. He confirmed his choices and the database closed to produce a short cone of soft blue light that began etching materials like a printer preparing a document. The cone retracted back into the database upon completion. On the ground was a mound of cobalt ores that he had collected from a dungeon recently conquered with his monster partners.

Ray gestured to the ores. "Well, you mentioned secramite. Here's some more."

Sophie's eyes sparkled as she rushed forward so she could examine the ores. She pulled out a bizarre device from a pouch on her apron with a round piece of glass attached to a handle much like a magnifying glass. She stepped around the ores and scrutinized them from all angles before she folded the handle of her inspection tool and placed it back into its pouch.

"Well?" Desdon asked.

Sophie massaged a finger under her chin deep in thought. After a few seconds a broad grin formed and she turned to Ray with that gleam still in her eyes. Ray tilted his head quizzically awaiting her verdict.

"This is some of the finest secramite I have ever seen!" she announced. "Secramite tends to degrade if it is not in the proper environment. A very strange ore. And the environment is very strict when it comes to moisture. This bit right here is nearly perfect."

Ray couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief at this news. He was aware of the metal's volatility and worried that it might be unusable.

Ray addressed Desdon, "So do you think maybe you can put together what I need?"

Desdon shook his head. "No, not me." He tilted his head to Sophie. "She will provide you with what you need."

This was an unforeseen complication. Verche had said that Desdon would take care of his weapons as a blacksmith with thirty years of experience under his belt. Now he was going to entrust his weapons to this girl whose age wasn't even close to that experience? After witnessing what she had done with the other bit of secramite he was beginning to wonder if maybe it would be best to find some other alternative.

Desdon seemed to have read his expression judging by his next words. "It's true that this is my forge. However, due to an injury in the war I am unable to carry out most of my work. Sophie here was my apprentice for many years and I have shared all my knowledge and techniques with her. Over time she has even developed some of her own. Now I could safely argue that she is one of the finest blacksmiths in all of Pirugan. She may even have surpassed me."

Sophie beamed at this and puffed her chest out proudly.

Ray sighed. Well great. Guess it's decision time.

Verche had sworn by Desdon and claimed that he could take care of anything he needed when it concerned metalwork. Ray wasn't sure if Verche could have possibly anticipated what he had just heard. This girl didn't even have the physique of a blacksmith. She had some decent muscle from years of work, that much was clear, but still, her clumsiness was worrisome.

Ray gave Sophie a sideways glance. Her eyes were practically quivering and she fidgeted her hands nervously at his apparent hesitation.

Ugh. I am so bad at saying no.

Well, if Verche trusted Desdon, and Desdon trusted Sophie, Ray reasoned that would be enough. He would risk giving her a shot.

"Alright," Ray said. "I leave it in your hands then."

Sophie clasped her hands together and wore that winning grin on her face once again.

She thanked Ray numerous times and even went so far as to hug him, which made him slightly uncomfortable.

"So what do you need?" she asked excitedly.

Ray drew his katana from its sheath and presented it to her. "I need you to reinforce this blade."

Sophie's enthusiasm faltered as she realized what he was asking. "You just want basic enhancement then."

Ray could read the disappointment in her voice. But it was one of the things he needed. He hoped that his next request would light the fire back up.

"That isn't all," he continued. He reached for the leather straps on his wrist that were a part of his hidden blade. "I need this reinforced as well. But that's not all. I would like for you to mimic this with a few other adjustments."

The fire was back. She swiped the hidden blade out of his hands just as Ray finished undoing all of the straps. She looked it over and tested some of the components. She prodded the switch that revealed the blade a few times to get a feel for its balance.

"I can do this," she finally said after inspecting the device. She seemed rather confident in her statement. It made Ray feel a little bit better about his decision.

"So do you just want another one?" she asked.

Ray shook his head. "No." He lifted his wrist to show her the database. "You might want to check this as well. I want you to attach a blade to this."


Ray didn't need to ask her if she could get to work on the new blade as soon as the time presented itself. She was ready to go with no need for persuasion. In order for her to commence work on the new blade she would need Ray to be present during the entire process. The database might as well have been a part of Ray since it was permanently attached to his skin.

Sophie first started on the reinforcement of his katana so she could save the more ambitious work for last. Desdon wasn't kidding when he said that she knew her way around the forge. She was able to multitask between enhancing his hidden blade while also working on the katana. Sophie carefully used the tool that looked like a blowtorch and seared the lower half of the blade. She then began to upset the lower portion with a flat hard material akin to a whetstone that took the searing blue heat and moved it up the blade. Ray couldn't begin to understand the strange process, but the results were palpable. He could clearly observe that the edge of the blade was finer with an angle that would allow for a smoother cut through the air. Sophie even went so far as to etch a wavelike design in the flat of the blade that she claimed would keep it from getting lodged in some materials. Ray discarded all previous doubt as he admired the blade when the work was complete.

Now that she had "warmed up," Sophie began the cutting of the ore into multiple small pieces that would cover certain parts of the database that were not used. The parts circumvented the slots on its bottom and circled the buttons that Ray needed to operate to access the database. The metal pieces interlocked like a puzzle and were combined with angled, jagged screws attached to thin strips of leather and then fused with ductile copper pieces that were sealed with a barely discernible layer of secramite.

There were some parts of the process that were painful since some of the metal already attached to Ray's wrist needed heating, but Sophie attempted to alleviate the pain with cloth soaked in a nonflammable cooling gel. Ray made sure not to betray his pain with any expression. He did not complain through the process or interrupt Sophie's focus.

Ray was relieved when the second-to-last step of the process allowed him to soak his wrist in a freezing cold bucket of water. Sophie made the last fine adjustments and the blade was complete.

Sophie stepped back to admire her work and nodded with satisfaction. "So, how does it feel?"

Ray extended his arm out straight and lifted it up and down a few times to check its weight. He then attached his other hidden blade that had been recently enhanced and lifted both arms out to his side a few times. Despite the fact that both of the hidden blades were originally made of different materials they still appeared to have the same mass. Ray flicked the metal switch on the blade attached to his database and it thrust out smoothly and without any sound. The same could be said of the blade attached with the leather straps.

"It's perfect," Ray answered.

Sophie clapped her hands together pleased with his response.

Desdon then entered the forge with a tray balanced with three large glass mugs filled with a liquid of amber hue. He watched as Sophie held Ray's wrist and began to explain some of the additions she made to his weapons that would make the blades easier to access. Ray listened intently to her instructions.

Desdon cleared his throat to indicate he was in the room. The two of them halted their conversation as Desdon approached them with the mugs.

"I'm glad to see that everything turned out alright." He placed the tray on a wooden table off to the side. He approached Ray and went to inspect Sophie's work. She stood off to the side nervously with her hands behind her back.

Desdon cocked an eyebrow as he curiously examined the switch that revealed the blade from Ray's database. "Switch is at an opposite sixty-degree angle," Desdon commented. "Why is that?"

"Ah, well," Sophie started with a nervous stutter. "Ray said he was right-handed. I figured if he still happened to have his sword in his hand it would be easier for him to engage the release with more of a circular motion to his thumb instead of clenching it inward like a fist."

Ray hadn't even considered that the switch was curved at an opposite angle from the natural movement of his thumb. The level of detail was even more impressive than he realized.

Desdon noticed the nervous expression on Sophie's face and laughed good-naturedly. "Don't be so serious girl. I trust your judgment. Was just a comment. This is some fine work." He turned to Ray. "But is the wielder satisfied?"

"Absolutely." Ray said.

"Wonderful! Let's drink to this success! And to a new friend!"

Ray found that the drinks were actually beer as he tested its aroma. Sophie guzzled nearly half of her pint in one down. Desdon sat back in a chair and enjoyed the beer as he savored the bitter and creamy aftertaste.

They sat for some time in silence, content with company without the need for any sort of conversation.

When they finished their beer Sophie broke the silence. "So where are you planning to head next Ray?"

"The plan is to head for the base of Flint Peak towards Teril. Had a couple of-"

Ray found himself interrupted by a loud gasp that came from Sophie. She clapped her hands over her mouth.

"Sorry sorry. I just got excited that's all."

Desdon groaned and went to stroking his beard. Ray soon found that this was a sign of either exasperation or a moment of deep pondering. Ray assumed the groan was an indication of the former.

"What's so exciting?" Ray asked.

"I'm glad you asked! Do you have any idea as to how many rare metals can be found at the peak?"

"Um-"

"Dozens! Even various dragon metals! There are even rare traces of caricthmian metal!"

Ray didn't like where this was going. "So what about it?"

She then sat back in her seat and went to the fiddling she usually did when she was apprehensive. "Could you, I dunno, maybe, let me tag along?"

Ray stared at her in disbelief. "You can't be serious." The words were out before he even had a chance to consider them. The idea seemed absurd. He was a Player in the company of monsters with the intention of entering hostile territory and dungeons filled with enemy monsters.

Sophie stared at him with the puppy dog eyes just as the same as in the forge.

Oh god please don't do that, Ray thought desperately.

He looked to Desdon pleadingly. The former blacksmith was pretending to look at something of interest outside the window as if he were deaf to the conversation. Ray looked back at Sophie who leaned forward breathless.

Ray crossed his arms and heaved a heavy sigh of defeat. Yukiko is going to kill me.

"Alright," Ray finally said, "You can-"

Before he could even finish, Sophie had already leaped out of her chair and rushed back into the forge. She was in such a rush that she tripped over her own feet and nearly drove her head into one of the anvils. There was the deafening clang of metal and the thumping of objects as they fell from shelves.

Ray turned to Desdon who gave him a sympathetic smile. He knew how difficult it was to refuse Sophie. Ray couldn't help picturing a small kitty shivering in a cardboard box in the rain when he saw her pleading eyes. He had always been a sucker when it came to people asking for favors. Females always seemed to be an automatic knockout, especially cute girls like Sophie.

Sophie returned in a matter of minutes (along with what sounded like the destruction of expensive equipment), and slung her sheathed broadsword over her shoulder along with a pack filled with what Ray guessed was traveling gear. Attached to her hip was a long, elongated dagger accompanied with a small pouch containing some unknown contents. In her arms were folded leather bags to carry the ores that she planned to collect on the trip.

"You do realize I can just carry the ores in my inventory right?"

Sophie dropped the bags. "How much space do you have?" Her excitement was mounting. Ray now realized his mistake. But he was a bad liar.

"Well, a couple doze slots. I increased my space with some magic stones. I guess my inventory could carry at least a hundred-"

Sophie grabbed Ray's hand before he could continue and pulled him to the door with a strength that seemed impossible even for a girl who was a blacksmith by trade. Ray's feet dragged along the ground before he could regain his bearings.

"I'll be back later Mr. Maverick!" Sophie shouted.

Ray could see Desdon wave his hand apologetically as he was dragged out into the street.


The Virtual World

Pirugan Continent, Flint Peak

In-Game Timer: Day 14

3:30 PM

"This is a stupid idea."

"I am inclined to agree."

"Well...yes. I suppose."

Ray and his monster comrades left the Iris Hills behind them as they came upon the tower of smoothed stone. Flint Peak was an area teaming with monsters of a higher class than the weak demons and goblins they had encountered as of late. There were reports of dark armored ogres and even a few sightings of a strange monster that other Players had yet to successfully analyze with their databases.

Everyone was against the idea of bringing along the blacksmith girl. For one thing, she was not a Player. She didn't have a monster to fight for her and there was no puzzle mode barrier to protect her when the fighting got dicey. Second, many of them were growing weary of her constant chatter. She was the type of person who was timid and reserved around new people, and the group traveled in silence for about half of the journey. It only took a few hours for Sophie to get comfortable with the strangers and she began to discuss frivolities that only Parvati even pretended to listen to. The incessant chatter was especially grating to Yukiko's nerves.

Yukiko had been the one who invited Ray on this expedition. Over the course of the past week Ray was surprised by how often Yukiko had requested him to join her to explore the areas surrounding the city. She was always the same as when he had first met her at Mercury Lake with her quiet, passive nature with no interest in any social interaction. But just the fact that she was becoming more confident with his skills was a good enough sign that she deemed him competent to at least be of use.

Ray had noticed the plain irritation on Yukiko's face when he met up with her outside of Sarkast to begin the trek to the dungeon. Her typical, static nature was disturbed by a slight twitch of the eye and the hint of a frown of disapproval.

Leilan was quick to voice her objection at the foolish idea and was certain that a normal civilian was not capable of surviving a dungeon meant for monsters and Players. Unfortunately for her, Verche didn't seem completely adverse to the idea. He didn't necessarily relay any approval, but his neutrality didn't help Leilan's case.

As they approached the dungeon, Parvati, riding upon her tiger, Somanandi, scouted ahead and moved along the eastern and western edges of the peak for any signs of hostiles. Verche flew up to a ledge a few meters above to scan the hills while Leilan covered the rear to make certain that they hadn't been followed.

Yukiko took this opportunity to approach Ray while Sophie started ahead of them. Ray pretended not to notice her until she spoke.

"I have to wonder what goes through your head sometimes," she said bluntly.

"I'm not sure what you mean." He immediately realized that feigning ignorance was a terrible idea with Yukiko.

"You brought an NPC with us. That girl is a liability. I don't care if she has some skill with a sword. It is foolish to enter a dungeon without the help of monsters."

Ray stared off at Sophie who now stood next to Parvati as she examined the entrance to the dungeon in the side of the peak. He knew Yukiko was right. It hadn't even occurred to him until a few hours ago that Sophie might not even be able to enter the dungeon in the first place. Dungeons were meant for Players, not the people of this world.

"I'm not sure," Ray said. "Guess I'm just bad at saying no."

Before Yukiko could respond to this statement, the scraping and rustling of the foliage towards the eastern side of the peak caught her attention. Ray drew his blade and skirted to the right while Yukiko fanned out to the left. Verche positioned himself above the target area on a narrow ledge and hooked his fingers on an outcropping of stone to lean forward. Leilan remained obscured by the hills to the south as Parvati positioned herself at the center of their wide formation. Sophie hugged the peak with her broadsword raised in a defensive stance.

What happened next took all of them off guard. The supposed enemy didn't appear from the disturbed area, but rather, dove into the clearing at breakneck speed from the exact opposite side. The monster bounded back and forth with absurd agility and latched onto the wall of stone with her catlike paws. Her cat ears twitched as she took in the subtle sounds of the monsters' and Players' movements as they attempted to reposition themselves. Her white linen sheath dress lined with gold fibers nearly obscured her tan body as she lowered herself to the ground and eyed them one by one. Neither side took a breath.

An eerie silence settled in and all Ray could hear was the strain of leather on the handle of his weapon from his tightening grip.

After what felt like an eternity, the female cat monster straightened herself. Seeming satisfied, she brushed the twigs and leaves out of her violet hair and rose her sharp paws calmly to show she had no intention of fighting.

Ray and his comrades eased their weapons but still remained on alert.

The catlike female monster spoke with a cute, yet punctual voice, "So, three god monsters eh? And, two Players? And a human girl. What interesting company."

Yukiko was the first to sheath her blade and compose herself. "You are-"

"Bastet. Nice tah meetcha." The cat girl ran her paws through her hair again and scratched at the side of her neck. She certainly acted like a cat.

Before they could take the conversation further everyone heard a desperate voice shout from behind Bastet.

"Bastet! Wait up! You always run ahead!"

Bastet made a strange face that was difficult to read as a young man came rushing out behind her. He rested his hands on his knees and gasped for air. He also had some debris from the forest in his brown hair. His lime green armor was matted in dirt on one side that indicated he had taken a heavy fall somewhere along the way to the peak. He looked up after catching his breath. Upon seeing the three monsters that stood around their Players he stumbled back and drew a hand axe from his belt and eyed them warily.

Yukiko settled her hands on her hips and addressed the new Player, "Relax. We can't fight each other unless we have a full team of monsters remember?"

The new Player froze in place. He let out a relieved sigh as he processed her words. He returned the axe to his belt and took a deep breath to compose himself.

"Right, right. So sorry. I forgot. Well, actually, that's a lie. I didn't actually read the game guide before coming here." He gave them a wide, silly grin.
An uncomfortable silence followed as the two groups stared at each other unsure of where to move next with their encounter.

Ray decided that at least someone had to step up. He didn't like to have to be the one, but he pushed through the anxiety.

"My name's Ray," he greeted. He gestured to his comrades. "This is Yukiko and Parvati. My NPC friend is Sophie. And this is-"

The young male Player interrupted him as he realized that Sophie wasn't actually a Player. So there were two Players and three monsters standing in front of him. "Wait a second! Holy hell! One of you has two monsters already?"

"Um, well, yes."

"That's crazy! Oh wait, sorry. I completely forgot to introduce myself," the young man said quickly. Ray could barely catch what he was saying. "My name's Kurt. Nice meeting you guys."

Ray laughed nervously. He attempted to steer the conversation in another direction to divert the attention away from him. "Well, anyway, we are about to enter a party dungeon so..."

"Oh yeah. I gotcha. Well, how many Players can enter these dungeons anyway?"

"Four Players, each with one monster, can enter party dungeons," Yukiko answered in irritation. She just wanted to get started on the dungeon already.

Kurt seemed to sense her aggravation and decided on getting straight to the point. "Well, if you have room, you mind if I tag along? We could sure use the experience and all. I know we just met and all, but, y'know. We could help out."

"He also doesn't have any friends," Bastet added mercilessly.

Kurt's head dropped heavily and his shoulders sagged at the blunt remark. "Y'know, it sounds really sad when you put it like that Bastet."

Bastet's shrug held no concern for his self-esteem.

Ray glanced over at Yukiko whose expression was unreadable. The impatient tapping of her foot made Ray nervous.

"Well, sure. I don't see why not," Ray finally answered.

Kurt's spirits lifted at this and he thanked Ray profusely for allowing him to join the group. He also expressed his gratitude to Yukiko who had not even expressed an opinion on the matter. She rolled her eyes as he shook her hand.

Verche and Leilan waved Ray away from the others while they were distracted so they could speak in private.

"Only one monster per Player," Verche repeated. "I suggest Leilan enter the dungeon with you Ray. I have a contact near Teril that I wish to seek out. He might know what is going on with the dark mystic knights moving in these large groups around the area."

Leilan voiced her agreement, "Very well. Afterward, we should meet back at Sarkast and prepare for our trip tomorrow. We have already spent too much time here."

Ray glanced back over his shoulder and noticed Yukiko giving him a hard stare.

Verche was aware of her as well. "The girl is sharp. Best keep to yourselves until tomorrow."

Ray nodded. "Will do."

With everything settled, Verche extended his wings and gave them a quick salute as he launched himself into the air with a single motion of his powerful wings. Ray and Leilan didn't move until he had vanished behind some of the lower outcroppings of towering stone that dotted the horizon.

They rejoined their companions and allowed their new comrade, Kurt, to open the entrance to the dungeon. After a brief moment of hesitation, Sophie took a step into the dungeon and a circle etched into the stone off to the side emitted a soft glow. She let out a breath of thanks that the dungeon had opted to admit her. The circle beside it lit up as Kurt and Bastet entered along with the third from Ray and Leilan. Yukiko and Parvati took up the rear and the last circle shined among the others. A pale film of smooth energy lowered from the dungeon's entrance to seal off any other individuals that might attempt to enter. The stone doors sealed and the torches along the walls flickered to life to push back the darkness.

As they proceeded into the dungeon Ray could still feel that hard stare stabbing into his back.