Chapter 16 - The Guildworks
Day 27
Lowee - Entremets
At the entrance of Entremets, the party was met by Financier after they requested another meeting. After Neptune recovered from her cold, the four continued to search other dungeons but found nothing, which led them back to Entremets. However…
"I apologize, but our goddess is not seeing guests today. She has ordered Entremets to be closed to the public."
"What? Is she still upset about last time? Can't you do anything, Ms. Chamberlain?" Neptune looked put out hearing that, and the others had similar thoughts.
"I have no way to change our goddess' demands. Please leave."
Neptune looked like she was about to protest again when IF grabbed her by the arm and started tugging. "Nep, she can't help. Let's just leave for now. I already thought up another plan in case this happened."
Financier looked apologetic as the party left Entremets. Soren looked at IF and asked, "So, what's this plan of yours?"
"Look, just follow me alright? I'll explain everything when we get there."
Lowee - streets
At a certain point when they were walking through one of the cities, IF stopped and turned to the party after seeing that they were alone. "Look, there's something I haven't told you three. I actually…belong to the Guild.
That made Soren raise an eyebrow as Compa said, "The Guild? I've heard a little about it. They're the people who don't worship the goddess of the land they're born on."
"So, they don't believe in the goddess' power?" Neptune asked.
"More like we don't believe in the goddess themselves. We're so-called heretics. Like, if someone born on Lowee worshiped Lady Green Heart instead of Lady White Heart." IF informed them
"So? Who d'you believe in? Tell me, tell me, tell me!"
"Nope! I can't tell that to anyone. Not even you." IF wagged her finger, something that everyone found a bit odd for IF. "Back to the topic, then. The heretics from each landmass gathered together and established the Guild. It's the same on every landmass, but people look down on Guild members, even worse than surface humans. They're branded as heretics, after all."
"Wait, what's the difference? I mean, from what I heard from Ren, humans from the surface don't believe in the goddesses either, and that's just as bad, right?"
Soren frowned as he tried to recall something. "Didn't we go over this already? Can't remember…anyway, the only reason that surface humans are above Guild members is because the Basilicoms think that they can be converted."
"Pfft, as if that's possible. I've heard that those on the surface have gotten along fine without goddesses for so long, and I don't see that changing anytime soon." IF scoffed.
"Um, just a thought. Where are these Guild members? Do they travel the world like you, Iffy?" Compa asked.
"One of the answers to that…is here, on Lowee."
"This oughta be interesting. What is it If?"
"I'll answer that soon enough. C'mon, we need to keep moving."
IF continued to lead the party until they were near the local Basilicom. When they were beside the entrance, IF turned to the others. "You know how there's a Basilicom in each Lowee city, right? They govern the local area?"
"Yes, I remember. It's a bit different from other lands where there's only one. Something about efficiency to reach the masses. Does it have something to do with the Guild?" Compa asked.
That's when IF's phone beeped and she went to answer it. "Hold on. I've got a helper today. We can talk after she arrives. She's involved too. Just wait a few minutes."
After waiting in the cold, they heard the door open but kept to themselves. It was only when they heard footsteps approaching their position that they looked up, and Neptune, Compa, and Soren were surprised to see who it was.
"Hello. We meet again. I'm Financier, Lady White Heart's Chamberlain." Financier looked a bit amused when her eyes landed on IF. "I would've never guessed IF was also a Guild member."
Neptune had a look of confusion on her face as she looked between IF and Financier. "She's your helper? Why? She's a Guild member, too? But…she's taking care of Lowee's CPU, right? This is whack!"
"Calm down Neptune, you look like you're going to have a brain aneurysm or something." Soren took out a piece of chocolate from his pocket and held it out to her. "Here, eat this."
"Yay, chocolate!" That wiped the confusion from Neptune's face as she took the chocolate from Soren, unwrapped it, and started eating.
Financier couldn't help but giggle slightly at the sight as she said in a whisper, "Yes, I'm a member as well. I don't worship Lady White Heart. Work is work. My beliefs are my beliefs. But I'm sure I'll be thrown out as soon as this is public knowledge."
"It sounds tough, being a heretic." Compa commented, with Neptune nodding in silence. "Please go on. How are the towns of Lowee and the Guild related?"
"The Guild's hideout, subtly titled Guild City, is among Lowee's cities."
"Hmm, what's it's cover name then?" Soren asked.
"I think it goes by the name of Sanctuary. Anyway, about ten years ago, there was an oppressive movement against heretics in Leanbox, leading to a major purge. Most members barely made it to Lowee safe. That's supposedly how the Guild started, with support from the heretics from Planeptune and Lastation."
"Huh, I heard about that a few years ago. From what I heard, the other landmasses didn't like how Leanbox handled the situation." Soren said.
"That's an understatement Ren." IF said bitterly.
"So now what are the heretics doing here in Lowee? This is gonna lead to another Leanbox!" Compa exclaimed.
"I dunno, if that were true, then that would've happened already, right? I mean, the whole thing wasn't exactly quiet." Soren looked at Financier for an answer.
"Well, what happened was, those who escaped to Lowee were temporarily taken into custody as heretics at Entremets, the Central Basilicom. Then, they decided, with the CPU's permission, to create a city for the heretics, run by heretics. That is Guild City, or Sanctuary. Either name is fine." Financier explained, "Their Basilicom is run by the Guild and their members are the city's residents. The whole city belongs to the Guild."
"Um, so does Lady White Heart allow the Guild to stay on the condition that they don't cause trouble?"
"Pretty much, which is why about a third of Guild City's residents worship Lady White Heart. They're very grateful to her."
"Long story short, this spot's part of Guild City, yeah? It's not really different looking from other places…" Neptune summed up.
"Wait, what? This is Guild City?" Soren looked pretty shocked about that.
"Pretty much. We wouldn't want make it seem obvious. But there's still more to the story." IF replied.
"There's even more? What Financier told us is a lot already." Soren commented, rubbing his head.
All of a sudden, Compa shouted, "We want to see the CPU! Ms. Chamberlain is our helper, right? How can we get into Entremets?"
Neptune gave a gulp, swallowing her chocolate and added, "Don'tcha have special Chamberlain privileges? I betcha they'll let us in if we're buddied up with you."
"A Chamberlain doesn't have much power. If I tried to let someone in without permission, somebody else will stop me. Not to mention the reprimands I'd get." Financier shook her head. "Back to what I was saying. Despite being able to live in Lowee, heretics that work at the Basilicoms will be thrown out once they're found. But depending on the situation, additional punishments may apply. The Leanbox purge is not an unrelated manner. It's only looked down upon due to the unnecessary violence it created. On that note, each Lowee Basilicom is connected to Entremets via secret underground pathways."
Seeing the looks of confusion on Neptune, Compa, and Soren's faces, IF clarified, "Underground tunnels for heretics who work at the Basilicoms to use as a means of escape. Financier can take us there so we can enter Entremets secretly."
Compa clapped her hands together as she saw what the plan was. "I see now! It makes sense! Let's head to that underground…tunnel…place. That's our best chance to see the goddess!"
"Alright. Please follow me."
Lowee - underground tunnels
The moment the party and their guide entered the tunnels, they heard an echoing growl of a monster. That sound particularly rattled Compa. "This is it? I just heard the growl of a monster just now! How would you really use these tunnels if it came down to it?-!"
"We've never had to use them. The monsters started migrating here to escape from the frigid weather top-side. I had to use monster repellent to keep them away when I came through here. I'm all out though." Financier replied.
"I-I see. That's only natural. Monsters are living beings with feelings too, after all."
"Hold on a minute." Soren held his hand up. "How are the monsters getting into the tunnels? I thought they were only connected by Basilicoms."
"I…I'm not sure. I have felt a slight draft when I came through here, so maybe there's an opening that leads directly to the surface." Financier looked a bit troubled when she thought about it. "I'll make a note with the Guild to check things out."
IF looked around before she said, "Let's move. Financier can't fight, so we have to take care of the monsters without her. Nep, Compa, form up on me. Ren, you're the final line of defense if any monsters get past us."
"Right, please stay close Ms. Fina." Soren nodded.
"Fina?"
"Financier sounds like a title, and it's a bit hard on the tongue, so it's Fina for short. You don't mind, do you?"
"No, it's alright."
"Ooh, I like that name. Fina. Sounds nice and easy to pronounce." Neptune commented when a monster came across her way.
"Focus girls!" IF slashed a plant monster in half before kicking the remains away. "Let's get moving."
Lowee - Entremets
At Entremets, a hidden door opened and Financier popped out, followed by the others. Neptune quickly took a look around and commented, "Hey, this is the hall that leads into Lady White Heart's chamber."
"Shh, please be quiet. We don't want to attract attention." Financier warned as she led the party to Blanc's chamber. "Oh, and please don't tell her I'm here. I'm not supposed to be here."
Meanwhile, Blanc was pondering something to herself. "…Neptune's already given up. Or, maybe she never meant to go back. Hmm…" When she heard footsteps approaching, she thought it was just Financier by herself. " Financier? I thought you took today off."
"Sorry-dorry! The correct answer is: Neptune and her four awesome birdies!"
"Who the heck is a birdie?-!" Soren hissed.
"D-D-Don't include me in this! I told you not to tell her I was here." Financier added harshly.
"…You brought them? Whatever." Blanc's passiveness surprised Compa, IF, and Soren when she said, "I'll hear you out…since you're here. Financier, go away. Take Neptune's cohorts too."
"Understood! Everyone, let's go before our Lady verbally abuses us, crushes our egos, and takes away our wills to live." Financier said a bit too quickly.
"Huh? She can do that?" Soren asked with skepticism.
"…Do you want to find out?" Blanc asked.
"Uh, no…"
IF didn't look to thrilled leaving Neptune alone with Blanc. "Financier! There's no way Nep can carry on an important conversation by herself…!"
"Nep-Nep, focus and do your best! I believe in your social skills!" Apparently, Compa thought differently.
"Well, if you pull this off Neptune, I guess I can get you that box of chocolate muffins you eyed at the bakery." Soren thought of sweetening the deal if it meant getting useful info.
"Ooh, hearing that, I'll be sure to try my best!" With muffin on the brain, Neptune looked fired up.
"…I can't believe this." Blanc shook her head in disbelief, hearing Neptune being bribed by muffins.
"C-C'mon, we better leave before our Lady gets angry." With that, Financier ushered everyone but Neptune out of the chamber.
When they were far enough down the hall, IF muttered, "I hope Nep doesn't do anything stupid like last time."
"I dunno, Lady White Heart doesn't seem to like Neptune for some reason. Maybe she did something to the CPU from before she lost her memory?" Soren gave it some thought as he folded his arms.
"I don't think so…I don't remember seeing Miss Neptune visit Entremets from before you all came. I asked around a bit, and the Sanctified don't recall seeing her either." Financier recalled.
"I hope things go well between Nep-Nep and Lady White Heart. We really need new info." Compa looked anxious, rubbing her hands together.
"…Shoot, I forgot to ask Neptune to ask about Arf! Ugh, this sucks."
"Did something happen to Miss Arf?" Financier asked, "You sound like something happened to her."
"…I haven't seen her in over a month. Normally she take anywhere between a few days to a few weeks depending on the job and landmass. If it takes longer, she would've called saying she's been delayed. But now, it's like she vanished off the face of the landmasses."
"Hey Ren, you don't think…"
"I seriously doubt it If. You can throw her into a pit of monsters and she'll come out looking like a firerose. I'll only believe it if I see a body."
"That's kind of morbid, isn't it?"
"It's all I can go on Compa."
"Hmm…Soren, was it? I can see that you're from the surface from your eyes. Can you tell me what it's like down below?"
Financier's sudden question surprised Soren, as well as Compa and IF. "Uh, I'll try. My memory's fuzzy and all that. Not too much different from the landmasses. People live on continents surrounded by ocean, monsters exist on every continent, with Africa being the worst and each continent used to have a goddess."
That last bit of info made everyone's eyes widen as IF asked, "There used to be goddesses down below?"
"Yeah…but it's more now of an obscure legend that everyone seems to hear about, but was warped due to time. The only thing that they could get straight was that there were five of them. The continent that I lived on, Asia, still remembers their goddess' name, Lady Ne…something. I never really paid attention."
"Um, what's an ocean?" Compa asked.
"It's a very large body of salt water that has marine life. I think there are seven oceans that are connected together…? Geography isn't my strong suit. "
"H-How can anything live in salt water? Wouldn't it be impossible with the salt? I know it tastes very bad and…salty!"
"Hahaha, I don't know Compa. I'm not an ocean expert."
"Huh, anything else you can tell us Ren?" IF inquired. This conversation was becoming very interesting for her.
"Well, each continent has sub regions called countries, which all have their own populations and cultures. Some have come and go, and those that have actually lasted over 20,000 years are quite proud of their history. Each continent has a few treasured spots, despite the monsters."
"Ooh, the surface world sound so interesting. I can't believe you all are having this conversation without me!"
Everyone jumped at Neptune's voice coming out beside them, revealing the girl herself standing right by them. IF shook off her shock first as she said, "N-N-Nep! Don't sneak up on us! How did your meeting with Lady White Heart go?"
"Um, well, one moment she was angry, then really angry, then confused, then indifferent. Oh, and she said to write down any questions we have and give them to Fina, and she'll write back."
"Uh, what?" Soren had a hard time understanding Neptune, but got the last part down. "So, we write down any questions we have and we'll get written responses?"
"Pretty much, but for now, it's back to wandering around for info."
"Oh joy."
"But for now…muffin! Gimme, gimme!"
"Aw, crap."
Lowee - streets
"Oh, look! Is this a game store?"
The party was busy walking through town when Compa pointed the store out. IF gave it a look and said, "Yup, and a big one at that."
"Yeppers! Whoa, I ain't never seen games like this before!" Neptune looked at one in particular that was on the center display with interest.
"This is called the Watch & Game. It's the original portable game." Compa told Neptune as the later kept staring at it.
"That must be the original version, from the looks of it. Must be a showpiece now." Soren eyed the game with interest.
"Everything about it is so retro and bleepy and bloopy. How d'ya play this dealie?" Neptune turned to Compa for info.
"Choose the difficulty level…then choose either 'Game-1' or 'Game-2'…" Compa replied, "You can used this as a normal watch when you're not playing. It was a real start of an era."
"Is it? Well, maybe back then it was pretty cool and stuff."
"Well, the game itself evolved with the times. The latest ones are for handheld consoles." IF told them, "The game became a whole series that's pretty popular for on the goers."
"Okay, now Compa has a question for the new gaming fan!" Compa suddenly declared.
Neptune looked at her in anticipation as she held up her fists. "Ooh, yay! Bring it on, miniskirt!"
"This ought be interesting." Soren muttered with a thin smile.
"Which product led to the invention of the Watch & Game? I'll buy you dinner and dessert for today if you get it right!" Compa challenged.
Giving it some thought, Neptune eventually replied, "Hmmm, I dunno… I would guess a calculator, maybe…?"
"Wh-Wha…?-!"
"Huh? What's up?"
"…Ooh…"
IF and Soren looked slightly surprised as the former informed Neptune, "…Seems she didn't expect you to get it right."
"Yeah, how shocking. Hey Compa, you alright?"
"…"
"Looks like she's in a bit of shock. It seems she made a wager not thinking of the consequences~."
Lowee - Guild City
The party was back in Guild City, due to a request they received about a monster. However, a strange feeling washed over them when they entered a certain section of the city.
"It looks the same, but it feels different. It's all tense. Is this the Extremist side of Guild City?"
"Shut it!" IF hissed at Neptune, "There are Extremists and Moderatists within the Guild. I'm a Moderatist."
"What's the difference between an Extremist and a Moderatist? They're both Guild members, right?" Compa asked.
"Simple. Moderatists focus on worshipping, while Extremists despise the other goddesses they don't believe in."
"Simply put, Moderatists are passive, while Extremists are aggressive, violent pricks that don't know when to butt out." Soren started whispering when he hit violent, though IF heard every word.
"…What happens if you believe in a goddess they don't?" Compa asked timidly.
"I hear you die. Get shot until your body's a beehive, or they'll flame you on website forums for being a fanboy." IF replied, looking at Soren with concern.
"Are you cute little things here to fight monsters, or us? How brave of you!" A female Extremist spoke up, "There are monsters in the forest west of here. They're pretty violent, so do whatever you want with them."
That's when they noticed the Extremist staring at Soren rather oddly, and he asked a bit irritably, "Yes, is something wrong?"
"Oh, it's nothing, never mind me."
The Extremist walked away, and when she was out of earshot Soren muttered, "Yeah right."
"Is something wrong Soren?"
"Nah, just something private. Let's get going."
Lowee - forest
"So, you had a bad experience with Extremists, Ren?" IF asked as they entered the forest.
"They're the worst." Soren spat, "Not only they interfere with some of the monster hunting jobs, they declared that surface humans should be wiped out for not worshipping any of the goddesses, or something to that extent."
"What? That's just… I can't put my finger on it, but that's just plain bad!" Compa shouted, blasting a monster with fire bullets.
"Eh, the only reason I haven't been targeted is because Arf's my sister. They're deathly afraid of her."
"Huh? Why are they afraid of her?" Neptune asked.
"Um, I think it's because she blew the crap out of them with bombardment spells after interfering with one of her jobs, I think?"
"Wait, I heard this story. It's pretty famous in the Guild. I think she levelled a few blocks before she got the Extremists to back off." IF said, "It caused a bit of trouble with the Basilicom, but it was quickly hushed over."
"Wow, the world's got some serious issues, huh?" Neptune said as she punted a monster crab of all things away. "Anyway, should we be looking out for anything specific? Like a boss monster or something?"
"…How about that?-!"
A large monster known as a Tadpole, came crashing through the trees straight at Soren, who just barely managed to dodge out of the way after pointing it out. In an instant, Neptune transformed and tackled it, blade first. Compa and IF followed suit as Soren got up and shook his head.
"Ugh, where the hell did that come from?"
"Who knows, but we better get rid of it!" IF shouted as she charged at the Tadpole.
Five minutes later, the Tadpole was defeated and the party could hear the other monsters starting to retreat from the forest up towards the mountains. "Huh, that takes care of that."
A quick flash of light and Neptune turned back to normal saying, "Yipee, job's done. Now for dinner, dessert, and muffins Compa, Ren!"
"…Crap, I thought she'd forget about it."
"Ha, when it comes to food, I seriously doubt she'd forget." IF commented.
Lowee - inn
"Whew, I really don't want to go back to the Extremist side anytime soon." Neptune groaned as she plopped onto the bed.
The party were back resting in their room at the inn. Soren was talking with Touma about something, leaving the girls by themselves. Compa and IF were busy with the computer when they noticed an update on Blanc's blog.
"Looks like Lady White Heart updated. Maybe she posted some information based on our questions?" Compa asked.
"I doubt it. Still, I guess it's worth a look." IF replied.
Clicking the post with the title, 'Planet PR [Islands]', IF hit the play button and the audio started playing.
"I wanna talk about the islands surrounding Lowee."
"Hmm, I wonder if Lady White Heart knows a few things that we haven't found." IF mused.
"I don't know who built the stupid thing, but there's some ship… A stone tower…and a cave…are also out there."
"All dungeons we've already been too. Boring." Neptune moaned.
"One's called the Cave of Dragons. You'll find it if you go there."
"We haven't been to that one Nep-Nep. It sounds dangerous."
"Dragons are one of the stronger monster species. Out of all landmasses, Lowee and Leanbox have the largest dragon populations. It a really harrowing thing."
"Really Iffy? Maybe we'll find a Key or Jewel Core Fragment there?"
"Even experienced adventurers and monster hunters barely make it back alive. Civilians should definitely stay away."
"For some reason, I can imagine her saying, 'But go ahead Neptune, since your so stupid to see the dangers.'" IF said.
"…But if you wanna push your limits, feel free to try, like that monster hunter…Arf, was it? I've met too many of them to remember."
"Huh, so Ren's Sis went there and came out alive? Maybe we can level grind there." Neptune suggested.
"Maybe when we get a bit stronger Nep-Nep."
"I plan to go there soon, so if you're lucky, maybe you'll run into me."
The recording ended, making Neptune say, "That's it? That sure ended abruptly."
"Oh well, we'll just wait for Lady White Heart's reply then." IF replied.
*BOOM*
"Motherf&#$%#* hell!"
"What was that?" Compa asked with worry.
"That sounded like Ren. Wow, he sweared so bad that it had to be censored." Neptune commented, "Think we should check it out?"
All of a sudden, IF's phone rang, and when she answered it, Soren's loud voice came through. "Please don't come down. Everything's under control. Just a potion that went baaaAAGH?-! It's coming to life man-!"
The line went dead as they heard a number of thuds and squeals. The only thing that was going through their heads was, 'What the heck is going on down there?'