Hello all Storm here with a new chapter, and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Here we'll be seeing Naruto collecting a few more scans as the first day of the Scan Quest is wrapping up, along with a look at Krystella again. So, without further ado.
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Once he uploaded his scans, Naruto took a moment to look around the Port Court at the other players, still seeing plenty rushing back and forth between the Transport Center and the docking tables. Though he noticed how they were no longer running around to gather as many scans as they could. Instead now moving at a more sedated, but still quick pace.
The Uzumaki also saw there were several players simply sitting down, either rest and eating/drinking, or those sitting at the docking tables, likely going over their new scans.
'The first day is almost over and it won't be long before the second day begins. Everyone's probably wanting to rest and recuperate after having to suddenly start going all over Perim, collecting scans for the tournament, along with likely trying to come up with strategies for what they've got so far. Soon things will really get going though.' Naruto thought, knowing with it being just the first day players will take the chance to rest when they can, before things shift into high gear.
Not doubting that the second and third days of the Scan Quest will be much more hectic and chaotic as everyone scrambles to get the required number of scans, along with any others they can get. Naruto also knew that the closer they got to the time limit, the more panicked players will get trying to get scans.
'I might get a couple more scans for today, then go over everything I've got to see-' Naruto thought, wanting collect a few more scans before taking break.
Only for him to tense when he got the memories back from one of his clones he left in Prexxor Chasm, flinching slightly as he felt the phantom pain of being ripped apart by something. Even more so that from his clone's memories, it didn't see what attacked it.
'Okay, looks like I'm getting another Prexxor Chasm Creature.' Thought Naruto, heading back to the Transport Center and porting away to the Chasm.
*Prexxor Chasm*
Appearing in Prexxor Chasm, Naruto scanned the Location again for his third scan for the tournament, before creating a few Shadow Clones.
"Head to where the clone was before being dispelled and distract whatever Creature is there. I'll follow from the shadows." Naruto said, with the clones nodding before they took off through the forest.
Waiting a few moments, Naruto soon followed after his clones while curious of what exactly kind of Creature had destroyed his clone.
Sticking to the shadows as he followed his clones, it wasn't long before they arrived at the spot and began looking around for any sign of the Creature, if it was still there or left. While the whiskered blonde stayed crouched and hidden in a tree, doing the same. Only to frown when he didn't see any sign that a Creature had been here.
'It couldn't have gotten that far, already, it should've at least smelled my clones and come investigate to-' Thought Naruto, only to tense when he saw one of his clones tackled to the ground before it promptly dispersed.
The Uzumaki unconsciously grabbed his neck, getting the memory that whatever attacked his clone bit down on it. Naruto's eyes then widened when he saw something moving through the smoke cloud created by his clone.
'It's invisible?!' Naruto thought, not expecting there to be a Creature that could turn invisible in Prexxor Chasm, before seeing the Creature had destroyed another of his clones as the action forced the others to begin moving around to avoid it.
Acting fast, Naruto pulled out his Scanner while keeping his eyes and ears open for any sign of disturbance the Creature would make. Managing to a hear a faint growl before seeing some dirt being kicked up, just as another of his clones was sent crashing into a tree. With Naruto quickly aiming his Scanner, only for the Creature to have already moved again before he could scan it.
'Come on, where are you?' Thought Naruto, looking around for where the Creature had gone before he heard a loud roar and saw a shockwave traveling through the air towards one of his clones.
With the clone quickly jumping to the side before it could be hit, only for the invisible Creature to rush it dispelling the clone, along with taking a chunk out of the tree behind it. Though this gave the remaining clones the chance to begin throwing weapons at the Creature, forcing it to get out of the way.
'There!' Naruto thought, seeing the Creature kicking up dust as it skidded across the ground before quickly scanning where it was, grinning when he saw he managed to get a lock and scan it.
As the scan of the Creature appeared, Naruto saw it resembled a giant bluish-white tiger with black stripes, solid green eyes, long black fangs poking out of its mouth and very long black claws. Along with it wearing what looked like armor made of stone on its chest, back and all four of its legs.
'Yes! Byaron, not only can it turn invisible but it also has some very powerful Air and Earth attacks. This'll definitely be a great Creature to have!' Naruto thought, please at the new scan.
Only to tense when he heard a low growl, making the former Ninja look up just in time to see Byaron reveal itself, which also showed just how large it was. Naruto gulped when he saw that even if he fully stood up, Byaron still stood a few inches taller.
"Uh…bye!" Naruto said before quickly porting out just as Byaron roared at him and stomped its paws on the ground, unleashing a wave of rocks at the Uzumaki.
*Chaotic*
Appearing back in Chaotic, Naruto sighed in relief at getting away before Byaron could attack him, smiling as he looked at his new scan.
'A non-Mipedian Creature that can turn invisible will be a great surprise, even more so since it's a Creature from Prexxor Chasm.' Naruto thought as he went to upload his new scan, while also thinking of where to go next.
'Okay, that's another new Creature, where to next? I could head to an OverWorld Location and see what Creatures I can find. Maybe…Pouril Forest would be a good stop, maybe I'll even be able to find Yokkis to get another scan of him.' Thought Naruto, nodding as he grabbed his Scanner once the scans were uploaded and returned to the Transport Center.
Going to one of his scans of Pouril Forest, Naruto ported away.
*Pouril Forest*
Once he arrived in Pouril Forest, Naruto scanned the Location before going off to search for any Creatures he could scan. Only to immediately stop when he saw smoke rising not far from where he was, making the Uzumaki frown at the sight while wondering if a Creature was camping or a fire was started.
'Either way there could be a Creature I could scan, and if it's a wildfire then I should also make sure that no one gets hurt.' Naruto thought before heading in the direction of the fire to see what was happening.
The closer he got to the fire; Naruto began hearing the sound of fighting making him start running at realizing that it was a battle between Creatures.
"Flame Orb!"
Hearing the attack, Naruto ran as fast as he could to reach the fight, stopping behind a tree once he was close enough to see just who was fighting, looking in surprise when he saw the Creatures.
'That's Rellim and Ghuul.' Naruto thought, not expecting to see either of them here, watching as Rellim jumped out of the way of Ghuul's fireballs.
"Torrent of Flame!" Said Ghuul quickly shooting jets of fire at the OverWorlder, making Rellim cry out as the flames hit him.
The sight making Naruto ready to move and help, only to stop when he saw Rellim pull out a piece of BattleGear, surprising the whiskered blonde again when he recognized it.
'That's a Riverland Star!' Naruto thought, remembering the BattleGear Peyton showed him and the others, after he and Kaz helped Chaor stop Lord Van Bloot's coup.
"Torrent of Water!" Rellim said, shooting a jet of water at Ghuul's fire while feeling his energy return thanks to the Riverland Star, allowing him to extinguish the flames and force the UnderWorlder to get out of the way.
"Steam Rage!" Said Rellim while releasing a large cloud of pressurized steam, gaining more energy as a result, making the attack stronger.
With Ghuul growling in pain as the steam crashed into him with a force to launch him back into a tree, grunting as he was pinned to it.
"Now beat it UnderWorlder! Hail Storm!" Rellim said, holding his hands out and began firing a powerful barrage of hail at Ghuul, making the Taskmaster shout as he was thrown back further away as the hail impacted his body.
Seeing this, Naruto aimed his Scanner at Rellim and scanned him along with the Riverland Star, grinning once he had both scans.
'Nice, getting Rellim and a Riverland Star, even better that Rellim's got a boost thanks to the Riverland Star.' Naruto thought, looking back at the fight just in time to see Ghuul making a run for it.
Glad to get three new scans, Naruto ported away back to Chaotic to get them uploaded.
*Later*
After uploading the scans, Naruto looked through his Locations to decide where to port to next for more scans, eventually deciding on Broken Edge. Believing it'd be a good spot for him to get either more OverWorld or Mipedian scans.
With the Uzumaki scanning the Location the moment he arrived and began looking around for any sign of any Creatures.
'Nothing at the moment, but-' Naruto thought, having a feeling that he'll find something here.
Before his thoughts were cut off when he suddenly sensed something behind him, making the former Ninja tense. With Naruto quickly jumping into the air just as a large green blur shot past, much to his surprise at seeing a Creature move that fast. Even more so when he got a good look at the Creature when it stopped.
With it resembling a large, humanoid-looking cactus with solid white eyes and thin, needle-like teeth. While his attire consisted of red and gold pauldrons with gold straps connecting to a white stone on its chest, along with a matching colored belts and an indigo-colored sash hanging around its waist.
The sight of the Creature surprised Naruto, having not seen or heard of one that looked like this, before he tensed in preparation for a fight. Only to relax when the Creature didn't attack and stood up straight while looking at him.
"Forgive my attack, it's a force of habit whenever I see someone I don't recognize at Broken Edge. But you are that human, the one with powers that warned the Tribes of the M'arrillians." Said the Creature, with Naruto nodding in response.
"Yeah, I am, my name's Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto introduced, glad that he wouldn't have to fight.
"I am Akkerbal an OverWorld Guardian, I guard the Broken Edge from any who would try sneaking into the OverWorld." Akkerbal replied, the whiskered blonde nodded again before their attention turned towards the sound of an approaching engine.
Naruto being surprised again when he saw a Creature driving a bronze-colored vehicle hovering just above the ground, only to smile when the vehicle got close enough to see the driver was Malvadine.
"Hey Malvadine!" Naruto said, waving to the Mipedian once the vehicle came to a stop, with Malvadine looking at him in surprise for a moment before nodding.
"Naruto, good to see you again. I see you've met Akkerbal, already." Said Malvadine, not expecting to see the Chaotic player, but didn't mind the sudden visit.
"Yeah, though we almost had some trouble when I ported here, but it's fine now. What about you two? What're you both doing here?" Naruto asked, curious of what the OverWorlder and Mipedian were doing here together.
"Maxxor and Prince Iflar have assigned us to work together in patrolling Broken Edge as a means to help support the Tribal Alliance. Creatures from different Tribes have been assigned to work together when patrolling the boundaries of our respective territories." Akkerbal explained, Malvadine nodded in agreement.
"He's right, since if we're all gonna be working together when the M'arrillians eventually show up, the Tribal Leaders want everyone getting used to the idea by starting out small with shared patrols. Then eventually training together and dong some combat exercises to familiarize ourselves with how the other Tribes fight." Added Malvadine, making Naruto smile at this, pleased to hear how the Tribes are starting to work together.
"I'm glad to hear that everyone's making an effort to work together more closely." Naruto stated, only to see both Creatures grimace slightly.
"Well…not everyone exactly. There are still plenty of Creatures who aren't too happy at the idea the Alliance, some who are more outspoken than others. One that comes to mind being Ruhban, who had left to form his own militia with like-minded Mipedians. They're the ones we're meant to keep an eye out for, to make sure nothing's done to jeopardize the Alliance." Malvadine said, knowing there were several Mipedians that didn't like the idea of working with the other Tribes.
"Indeed, even among the OverWorlders there are those that have no desire to work with the other Tribes, especially the UnderWorlders." Said Akkerbal, with the Uzumaki frowning now but also knew something like that was inevitable, doubting all Creatures were jumping at the chance to work with those that were their enemies not too long ago.
"Well as long as there are those who make an effort, that's what's important." Said Naruto, with the two nodding in agreement.
"Anyway, the reason I came here is because I'm collecting scans for a tournament happening back in Chaotic. Would it be alright if I got scans of you two?" Naruto asked while looking between them.
"Sure, you can even scan my Bronzeflight here. I also have a Melody of Mirage and Fanfare of the Vanishing on me, as well. " Said Malvadine while patting his BattleGear before pulling out the aforementioned Mugic.
"Thanks, I really appreciate! How fast can it go?" Naruto asked while scanning Malvadine then the Bronzeflight and Melody of Mirage, planning to scan Fanfare of the Vanishing after uploading his scans.
"On a full charge, you can get from the Mipedim Oasis all the way to Mount Pillar in an instant. It's very useful when you need to traverse the desert quickly, even more so when patrolling up and down Broken Edge." Malvadine replied, knowing a Bronzeflight can cut down days' worth of travel to a few moments.
"If you wish, you may scan me as well and my Indigo Sash." Said Akkerbal while grabbing the sash around his waist, getting Naruto's attention when he got a closer look at it, noticing an emblem on the sash.
"Is that a Mipedian emblem?" Naruto asked, recognizing it as one he'd seen around the Mipedim Oasis, palace and OverWorld Embassy.
"It is. The Indigo Sash is a Mipedian BattleGear that greatly boosts the wearer's speed and gives them a little extra energy, and it's normally worn by Mipedian Nobles. Akkerbal was given one to show he's an ally of the Mipedians and is welcome in our territory. Ambassador Kinnianne has one as well to show her status." Said Malvadine, much to Naruto's amazement.
"It sounds like a really useful piece of BattleGear. I'll come back in a few moments to scan it and you, Akkerbal, as well as the Fanfare of the Vanishing. I just need to upload my current scans since the Scanner can only hold one of each type of scan." Said Naruto, with the OverWorlder and Mipedian nodding in response.
"We'll await your return, then." Akkerbal said, getting a grateful nod from Naruto as he ported back to Chaotic to upload his scans.
*Later-With Krystella*
"This better be worth my time, Rarran." Krystella said, looking at the bat-like UnderWorlder with narrowed eyes as he lead her through The Pits.
Having heard that Rarran had come across a rare Mugic that he stored down in The Pits, with Krystella wanting to get a scan of it if it'd prove useful for the tournament. Unfortunately when she found Rarran, he refused to tell her what the Mugic did, instead having her simply follow him. Much to her annoyance at her time being potentially wasted.
"Don't worry, you'll like what this Mugic can do to an opponent." Rarran said with a smirk, knowing a player like Krystella would appreciate what the Mugic did.
Rolling her eyes, the brunette followed the Scout deeper into The Pits until they soon arrived at a pool of lava with several stone platforms in it.
"Well? Where is it?" Krystella demanded, not seeing any Mugic in sight.
"It's over there." Said Rarran, pointing to the outcropping in the lava that he stuck the Mugic to, making sure only he'd be able to reach it safely.
"Then bring it over here so I can scan it." Said Krystella, feeling her annoyance grow, while Rarran's smirk grew.
"I'm waiting." Rarran said, much to the UnderWorld players annoyance.
"For what?" Demanded Krystella, with Rarran merely crossing his arms.
"To see what you offer me first in exchange for the Mugic." Replied Rarran, having no intention of letting Krystella scan the Mugic without getting something in return, first.
While the brunette narrowed her eyes in anger that he brought her all the way down here and now refused to let her scan the Mugic unless she made an offer for it. Before Krystella soon smirked, not really surprised since she knows exactly how things work in the UnderWorld and that it'd be foolish to expect to be given anything without a price.
"How about…I get you a Dragon Pulse in exchange for the Mugic." Krystella offered, getting the Scout's attention.
"Hmm, a Dragon Pulse…deal." Rarran said after a few moments, liking the chance to have a Dragon Pulse to boost his courage and improve his Fire Attacks
Before he flew over to the outcropping, grabbing the Mugic in his talons and flew back over to Krystella, tossing the Mugic up and grabbing it once he landed.
"It's called Modulation, with it you can switch the attacks and power of yourself and your opponent. Even a Creature like H'earring could become as strong as Chaor with this." Explained Rarran, making Krystella smirk wickedly as she scanned the Mugic.
"And even the strongest Creatures could become as weak as Bodal. You were right Rarran, I really like what it can do." Krystella stated, imagining the look on Naruto's face when she takes one of his Creature's power for her own, right before turning him to code.
*With Naruto*
'If Wamma's right, then Khritlaan should be around here somewhere.' Naruto thought as he snuck through Mount Pillar searching for the Danian Noble.
Having met up with Wamma after porting to Mount Pillar for some Danian scans, learning that Khritlaan has been meeting with Lore recently. With Naruto hoping to get a scan of him, given Khritlaan's ability would let him still call on his coded Mandiblors for the Hive. Plus he's one of the few Danians that can do Water Attacks, making him even more useful to have on his team.
Leading to Naruto sneaking through Mount Pillar to try and find Khritlaan, remaining out of sight of any guards. Since while he might be friends with Aszil, Naruto still didn't want to take any chances of the Danians attacking him for sneaking into Mount Pillar.
Though as he moved through the tunnels, Naruto stopped when he heard footsteps, only they weren't accompanied by the normal clicking of the multi-legged Danians. Instead they sounded just like regular footsteps of any other Creature, making the Uzumaki curious as he looked for where they were coming from.
Only to be surprised when he looked around a corner and saw the source of the footsteps, and it definitely wasn't a Danian.
The Creature resembled a anthropomorphic rat with dark black skin, blue eyes, pearl-white hair that spiked up and shaped like a mohawk and a matching beard. With him wearing a luxurious, embroidered moss green robe, along with several pieces of jewelry.
'An OverWorlder?' Naruto thought, surprised to see an OverWorlder walking so openly around Mount Pillar.
"Excuse me." Naruto said, stepping out into the open while calling out to the Creature, curious of who he is.
With the Creature stopping and turned towards the former Ninja in surprise, before smiling kindly at Naruto.
"This is surprising. I didn't think to find a Chaotic player wandering around Mount Pillar." Said the Creature, making Naruto smile in amusement.
"And I didn't think to find an OverWorlder in Mount Pillar at all, at least not one left to walk alone." Replied Naruto, with the Creature chuckling lightly in response.
"Yes, I suppose it is rather unexpected. I am Raznus, the OverWorld Ambassador to the Danians. It's a pleasure to meet you." Raznus said while holding out his hand, which Naruto shook.
"You too, Ambassador Raznus. I'm Naruto Uzumaki." Said Naruto, much to Raznus' surprise.
"You are Naruto Uzumaki? Ah, forgive me for not recognizing you sooner, I've been rather preoccupied recently. But looking at you, you are exactly as Maxxor and Princess Aszil have described." Said Raznus surprised, but also pleased, at the chance to meet the whiskered blonde.
"You've spoken to Princess Aszil and Maxxor?" Naruto asked, with Raznus nodding in response.
"I have, though I've only recently begun speaking with the princess. Before, it was mostly with her mother, Illexia. And Maxxor, we've been friends for many solons, since we were both your age in fact. And I must say, I'm happy that I've finally gotten the chance to meet you in person myself, as well as to thank you for your help in bringing the Tribes together." Raznus said, happy to meet the one who helped bring the Tribes together as allies.
"O-oh, it's no problem really, I haven't even really done anything besides tell them about the M'arrillians and do what I can to help." Said Naruto, not thinking he's really done much to get the Tribal Alliance started.
"Perhaps, still you have my thanks for what you have done. I just wish that such an alliance wasn't merely the result of a greater enemy to fight." Sad Raznus, sighing that the only reason the Tribal Alliance happened is to fight the M'arrillians while also knowing that alliances formed from the threat of a common enemy usually don't tend to last long once said common threat is dealt with.
"I take it this isn't how you hoped the Tribes would unite together." Naruto stated, with the Ambassador shaking his head.
"No, it's not. I have been the Ambassador for the Danians for many solons now and I've had minimal success in forging an alliance between our two Tribes. But it's my goal to unite all the Tribes in peace, that there will be no more fighting and that together we can work towards improving life across all of Perim. It's only recently that I've begun making progress towards that goal as we prepare to face the M'arrillians. Though it may be naïve, part of me hopes we can achieve peace even with the M'arrillians, to better understand them and they in turn us. Rather than risk destroying each other." Raznus said, preferring if they could avoid war and instead make peace with the M'arrillians.
While Naruto frowned slightly at this, but could understand where Raznus was coming from, he'd rather it not come to war either. But with everything he's seen from the M'arrillians, what he learned from Aa'une's memories, then peace is impossible as long as the Oligarch is alive.
"I don't think it's naïve, how hard you've worked to forge an alliance between the Tribes is quite admirable, even if it seems impossible. But the M'arrillians…I can't speak for all of them, but the ones I've dealt with definitely wouldn't care to work with the other Tribes. While Aa'une only seeks to control everyone, to have them serve the M'arrillians. But if he's taken care of, who knows, maybe there'll be those that will be willing to accept peace rather than keep fighting." Said Naruto, not denying the chance some M'arrillians are good.
"It pleases me to hear that, Naruto. And you are correct, while I prefer the more diplomatic and peaceful solution, I also accept there are times when fighting is inevitable. But as long as there are those willing to listen to reason, then there is always hope for a better future." Said Raznus, before the two sooner arrived at the OverWorld Embassy.
"Welcome to the OverWorld Embassy. Though looking outside shows how far one is from the OverWorld, it still has the comforts of home while I'm here." Raznus said as Naruto scanned the Location, figuring he might as well get a scan of both Embassies.
"Hey Raznus, do you think I'd be able to scan you?" Naruto asked, making the Ambassador look at him.
"I'm afraid I wouldn't be of much help in your Chaotic game, I'm not a warrior like many others." Said Raznus, knowing he's not a fighter like many OverWorlders were, only for Naruto to shake his head.
"That's not true, the wisdom you have would be a big help on any team." Said Naruto, believing that Raznus would still be a great addition thanks to his wisdom, with Raznus smiling kindly at his words.
"Then be my guest. And perhaps you'll find this useful as well." Raznus said while going over to his desk and grabbing a OverWorld Mugic.
"What Mugic is that?" Questioned Naruto curiously.
"It's known as Vidav's Voicing, named after the creator. Vidav created it so that it may be used to heal any non-OverWorlder, to help promote unity among the Tribes as an OverWorlder would be needed to cast the Mugic." Said Raznus, much to Naruto's surprise and gratitude as he scanned the Mugic and Raznus.
"Thank you, Raznus. And you're right, it'll be a big help since I always use all the Tribes in battles." Naruto said, smiling at the OverWorlder while looking at his new scans, surprised when he saw that with Raznus any Danians he has can cast OverWorld Mugic.
'Now it'll really be useful.' Thought Naruto, knowing getting Khritlaan as well will really be a great addition.
"It's my pleasure. If you ever need my assistance with anything, don't hesitate to ask." Raznus said as they shook hands.
"Same to you, if you ever need help with anything or someone that can get from Mount Pillar to Kiru City in an instant, I'll be here if you need it." Replied Naruto, much to Raznus' gratitude.
Before the Uzumaki waved at the Ambassador and ported away to upload his scans, intending to come back to get his Khritlaan scan once he's done. Pleased that he was able to get more scans than he planned to, knowing he'll be more than ready for the tournament.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto heading back to Prexxor Chasm where he gets scan of a new, original, Creature Byaron that can turn invisible and has powerful Earth and Air Attacks. Before then going to Pouril Forest where he sees Rellim battling Ghuul, sending him running thanks to his Riverland Star, with Naruto scanning the OverWorlder and his BattleGear.
We then see Naruto going to Broken Edge where he meets Akkerbal and Malvadine, learning how the Tribes are having some Creatures working together on patrols to get used to working with each other. But not all Creatures are eager to be working with former enemies, with some going off on their own being joined by like-minded Creatures. With Naruto scanning both Creatures along with their BattleGear and Mugic Malvadine has on him.
Next we also see Krystella meeting Rarran, making a deal with him to scan Modulation much to her pleasure at getting a Mugic to weaken her opponents Creature while strengthening herself. Knowing it'll be a nice surprise to use on Naruto.
Finally we see Naruto at Mount Pillar to get a scan of Khritlaan, only to come across Raznus much to his surprise at seeing an OverWorlder here. Before the two begin talking, with Naruto getting a scan of the OverWorld Embassy along with Raznus and Vidav's Voicing. With Naruto being pleased with his new scans, while intending to return to scan Khritlaan, knowing he'll be more than ready for the tournament. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway. And I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Storm out
