"Man…" Karol was doing his best as they traveled through the crowded city street, "Where the heck did Yuri go?"

Rita was vexed too, mostly because she was still fuming over Ragou, "That guy… He's probably gotten himself in some kind of trouble…"

Aile looked around, "We lost Deesh too. Maybe she already found him without us."

"Yuri!" the others started heading toward him when Estelle noticed the figure talking to him, "Huh? Isn't that…"

Rita suddenly stopped in her tracks, "I've found you!" Raven waved off to Yuri before running away before Rita rushed off like a bullet screaming, "I'm going to beat the hell out of you!"

"Eeee! Someone save me!" Despite what he was saying, Raven didn't seem all that worried as he slid himself into the crowd like a viper into the grass.

"Wait you!" Rita tried to follow, but her smaller size made that difficult to move through the people.

"Just leave them be." Yuri turned back, "Besides that, Karol, do you know where Caer Bocram is?"

"Oh, sure." Karol had to remember exactly, "I think there was a town to the northwest called that, but…"

"Alright! We'll leave first thing in the morning!"

"Eh?! So soon?!"

"We've got to settle this before the lower quarter dries up."

Aile tapped Yuri's shoulder, "As much as you may not want more responsibilities hoisted onto you, Flynn has left the protection of Lady Estellise to you, for now."

"Of course he has." Yuri didn't seem to mind, especially given how Estelle's healing magic could help later down the road.

"Now that everything is settled," Deesh returned out of nowhere, hiding within her cloak, "We should learn more about this city, Caer Bocram. Who is in charge, how corrupt are their law enforcement, everything," looking down to Karol for the answers.

"Well," Karol was still remembering, "It's rumored to have been some guild's headquarters about ten years ago, but it was destroyed by an earthquake."

Aile didn't like this, "That doesn't seem right. This continent, or at least from what I've seen thus far from this harbor town, hasn't been afflicted by such a natural disaster recently. Signs of it, or precautions against it, would be visible in how that inn was built or the lighthouse. They may be lying to deter unwanted visitors."

"And from how large of a guild this Blood Alliance is," Yuri looked back to the ocean, "it wouldn't be outside of their power to build or obtain an entire town for their headquarters."

Karol was still not awake yet, yawning as they continued onward earlier than planned. Deesh turned back, "If you're this tired, give me your bag and ride on Strider. She needs the exercise." Strider started to whimper now, "You're just carrying the kid, not the bag! And you haven't exactly been earning those treats people have been sneaking to you lately."

Rita was shooting daggers at Yuri, "If someone wasn't so well-known, we would have gotten a decent amount of sleep!"

"Well, it'll all even out, somehow. Right, Repede?" Repede's groan didn't seem to sound like he was in agreement.

"Somehow…that doesn't really bode much confidence you know." Aile turned back as they continued to march through the forest, "So, are we just going to continue ignoring the elephant in the room?" her gaze leaning toward Shadow.

"Well, if you mean the wings, that's easy to explain."

Aile finally turned around, pointing, "No. I mean the fact that your heart stopped after that electrocution from Deesh. And don't tell me that wasn't the case," tapping her metal ear with the antenna attachment.

Shadow looked to Deesh, but she had no indications just the same. "We're bound to run into a situation where a death or two would help us in the long run." Shadow held out her hand as a spiked orb materialized, "This is my Ghost, Shade. He found a resurrected me from bones. So, whenever I die now, he just pops out and does it again."

Shade frowned using the spines, "Don't forget that I can only resurrect you. We're bound as partners but that's also means I can't help anyone else."

Rita wanted to get a closer look now, "The power to resurrect… And it can talk… If it ran on aer we might have been able to replicate that technique."

Deesh huffed, "Numb yourself now, girl," stopped next to Aile, "If we end up working together beyond this world, I will be utilizing her 'unique' talent to its fullest. And remember, any deaths at the hands of that man, from this point on, are on your hands for stopping me."

After handing out new orders to Schwann via messengers, Alexei resumed his work to move the Heracles to the next target's last known location. Continuing the paperwork, the office window suddenly opened. There shouldn't be anyone with him, not even his aid Khroma.

Alexei slowly got up, hand moving to his sword. No need for such hostilities. Afterall, we are kindred spirits, human.

"Where are you?"

I doubt you'd believe unless you saw me. A strange purple device started floating toward Alexei from behind some books. The name is Vile. As you can see, human, you're not dealing with your average partner. Don't really care what you're planning, but if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.

Alexei wasn't too convinced that this thing could do as much as it was promising, but it was at least worth inquiring. "And how exactly would you be able to do that?"

The strange device then materialized another; this one was dark purple in the shape of a triangle with the top edge glowing yellow. Grab it. You should resonate with this. The moment Alexei touched it, he could feel the power hidden within it. It was different from the sword he has created yet equal, or perhaps more. This is a Biometal. Model W specifically. Only select individuals can harness its incredible power.

"And what does it do?"

What doesn't it do? Enhances your abilities, provides superior armor, even giving you powers you couldn't imagine. I'm sure you know of the assassin Zagi, since he's under the employ of two of your unruly subordinates. Combined with me we could easily cut down hundreds of your knights without breaking a sweat. Hell from the weapons and skills I've seen we could push even you back. I do have to warn you, the combination does put a strain on the mind, at first, but you will adapt.

Alexei was holding Model W, its power alluring in of itself. But Alexei easily kept his composure during such an interesting proposition, "Even though my plans are coming along with only a few minor inconveniences, what makes you think that I would require such power?"

Don't give me that reservist crap. You and I both know that power is everything. With that no one in this world, save for one individual, would be able to stop you. And that's where the beauty of our deal comes in. See, that same individual carries a number of Biometals on her person at all times. All I ask in return for that Model W is for you to get me that girl and her Biometals. Hell, I'll even throw in a bonus and sever you if you can bring the girl to me alive.

One life for all of this power and a potentially powerful subordinate. This was starting to sound too good to be true. "And why go through all of the group of getting this girl?"

Because I want to inflict upon my enemies a pain that even death will not be sufficient to put them through. I want them cursing my name as I crush them to dust and prove once and for all that I am the superior Reploid. Without warning the Biometal in Alexei's hand dematerialized then reappeared next to Vile, So do you accept my deal, or do I float away and continue my efforts with Zagi?

It would be a waste to leave such powerful tools in the hands of a single-minded assassin. "Very well. When an opportunity arises, I shall capture this Biometal user for you. I expect the best from my subordinates."

Of course. Can't allow your efforts to go unrewarded. The Model W floated back down to Alexei, Use this to keep me in the loop. And be sure to keep that thing away from her. She'll be able to detect that Biometal if you keep it on your person if you meet.

Alexei would not trust this Vile or the Biometal given to him. Yet it was undeniable that a new tool has fallen into his grasps and at a very simple price. Though he would not utilize this power until he learns more and sees the true potential of these Biometals firsthand.

When the group finally reached the ruins of Caer Bocram it was already nightfall. Yuri scoffed looking at the barren ruins, kicking some pebbles, "Looks like the old man gave us some bad info again…"

"It was him?! I'll kill him!" Rita grabbing hold of Karol as a replacement for venting her rage against that sly Raven.

"Well, it's fine, isn't it?" Estelle couldn't be any happier, going from one wall to the next, "This town is full of old and historical buildings. To see such splendid architecture first-hand is like a dream. Like that round roof using the Lian method, first developed by Emperor Heliorus IV! Or these buildings over there are from the late Ellicasm civilization! That must make this a very old town."

Rita had dropped Karol as Estelle continued to examine many different architectural designs from each building, "I guess it's good someone's happy."

Shadow poked her head into one of the rundown buildings, "Really? I mean it's weird to see how destroyed this place is and all. But is this really the damage from an earthquake? I've seen earthquake damage; this doesn't look like that."

Aile was sifting through some of the rubble too, "Yeah this isn't typical earthquake damage. This looks more like shockwave damage."

"Stop right there!" A new voice called out, "This area has been closed off by the Hunting Blades!" Deesh adjusted her cloak, ensuring her face was still hidden, though her deepstalkers were ready for a fight as she ensured they didn't escape the satchel.

Karol got back to his feet, "That voice…"

The voice was coming from a little girl about Karol's age. She was standing on top of a cliff above them carrying a large crescent shaped weapon on their back, "These measures have been taken to prevent the injury of innocent bystanders."

Even in such little light, Karol could tell who it was, "Nan! That's great…I finally caught up with you." Looking down, Nan noticed Karol, much to the disdain now on her face, "Are the chief and Tison with you? Have you guys been getting along without me?"

Nan shouted at him, "Don't take that buddy-buddy tone with me."

"Aw, don't be like that. I only got a little lost."

"A little lost? What a load of bull! You ran away."

"I didn't run away!"

Nan wouldn't even bother to look to Karol anymore, "Making excuses again?!"

"It's not an excuse! I really did beat an eggbear, just like I said I would!"

"More lies."

"It's true!"

She finally turned back, pointing at him, "Is this how you repay being taken in by the Hunting Blades? Who was it that said, 'I swear I won't run away this time'?! You're always like this! You always run at the first sign of trouble! There isn't a guild that hasn't kicked you out! You always, again and again…"

"Shut up! You shut your mouth!"

Nan was quiet and let Karol yell, but she finally continued, "…and again, you're fired!" She turned her attention back to the others, "You've been warned by the Hunting Blades! Leave this area at once!" She turned to leave, "If you fail to heed this warning, you do so at the risk of your own lives!"

"Nan!" Unfortunately for Karol, she had already jumped away.

Yuri looked around, "That still doesn't explain what the Hunting Blades are doing here."

Shadow nodded, "Good point."

Rita continued down the ruined road, much to Estelle's woe, "Rita, wait. Are you forgetting about the warning?"

Deesh continued past Estelle, "She said nothing about not being allowed to enter."

"But what about the 'risking our lives' part?"

Rita scoffed, "Are you implying that I should listen to that brat? Don't make me laugh."

Shadow pumped her arm, "Besides I'm around. I'll take the fatal hits for anyone."

"Either way," Yuri was about to join Rita, "the Blood Alliance isn't here. We should still look around."

Unfortunately, Karol was too devastated to move. "F-fired… She said I was fired…"

Estelle was the first to try and cheer up their depressed friend, "Karol, you've got to keep your spirits up!"

Yuri looked back to him, "She was just worried about you. So, there's still hope, right?" nudging Aile's arm to help them.

"Uh…Of course…" Aile had already seen how quickly Karol ran from fights, so the decision to let him go, both for the guild and his safety wasn't out of reasonable possibility.

"But…Nan said…Nan said I was fired…"

"That's enough!" Rita took to tough love, smacking Karol around a bit, "Just how long are you planning on moping around like that?"

Aile stopped her, "We should find shelter before the storm hits."

"Storm?" Estelle looked up, "It's cloudy, but it doesn't look like it's going to rain yet."

"Trust me. When Model L says it's going to rain, she's always right." Aile was silent for a moment as Model L floated before her. "And it's going to be a downpour."

They took shelter in one of the buildings with a roof before the rain came down hard. "It's really coming down…"

The deepstalkers were curled together next to the fire as Deesh sniffed the air, "This storm doesn't seem like one that will subside anytime soon."

Rita opened up her pack, "I suppose since we have a minute, we can finally take stock of our situation."

Karol was just sitting alone, looking rather pathetic. Estelle had an idea to help get him over this hurdle, "Karol, please tell me, what sort of guild is the Hunting Blades?"

Aile caught on, though she was genuinely curious herself, "Yes, they must be quite strong to call themselves that."

"Huh?" The question took him by surprise, but Karol easily knew that answer, "It's just like the name says, they're a guild that makes their living hunting monsters."

Yuri tried to help too, throwing out an obvious remark, "Seems like business must be booming. Since we can't avoid monsters outside of the barriers."

"Yeah, that's true. They definitely get a lot of commissions. But the Hunting Blades aren't killing monsters just because someone asked them to. 'Monsters are evil. This evil must be punished.' That is the creed of the Hunting Blades. A lot of the members hold a grudge against monsters. Nan, too. Her parents were killed right in front of her. …That's why she hates monsters."

Deesh stepped away from the window, "We have company outside." Fortunately, she was still covered by her cloak when she spotted them.

Karol and the others rushed over to see, "Those are the Hunting Blades." Nearly every member there had bits of their armor or weaponry that utilized monster parts to some degree. Yet no two member was the same, each carving and forging their equipment to tell their own tale.

Estelle recognized one of them, "Th-that man…we saw him in Deidon Hold," pointing to the big bruiser of a man with scar covered arms and a massive sword on his back as big as he was. He was dressed mostly in black with white pants and a distinctly large ring only on his front side weighing down his clothing and resting around knee level.

"Now that you mention it, we did see him." Yuri glanced at him, "So he's the leader of the guild, then."

Karol nodded, "Yeah, he's Clint, the leader of the Hunting Blades." Clint had reddish-brown haired man of significant height and muscle mass compared to many of his followers.

They had cornered a powerful looking monster as Clint drew out the massive sword with a single arm. The noticeable thing about the blade, beside it's unusually large size, was a red sash tied in a small opening near the base.

"He's gonna fight that monster alone?"

With a single swing of his mighty blade, Clint felled the massive creature. "Wha! No way!" even shocking Rita at the display of power.

"He took it out in one hit…?"

Karol recognized it, "That was a fatal strike."

Yuri never heard of this, "A fatal strike?"

"It's a crazy-powerful technique that extremely skilled swordsmen can use."

Deesh was trying not to be seen, but it was difficult after seeing that. "Sounds useful. How do you do it?"

"How do you do it? H-how should I know?!"

"Fatal strike—A strong attack which throws your opponent off balance…" Estelle continued, "Followed by a single, well-timed strike to finish the enemy."

Rita turned to her, "Is that something else you read in a book?"

"Y—yes, it is…" Estelle a little embarrassed now about showing off again.

Yuri was starting to wonder if he might be able to pull it off, "I see…It sounds like it's easier said than done."

The Hunting Blades started moving now, giving Deesh concerns, "I wonder why they have so many? You'd think if someone like their boss was here, they'd only need two or three more members to help him clear this place out."

Karol also looked confused, "This is actually the first time I've ever seen this many guild members gathered in one place."

Aile seemed confused, "Really? Wouldn't hunting in a group be more effective and safer?"

"Yeah, a lot of the members are loners. They tend not to travel in groups. And the chief being here is out of the ordinary, too." Deesh could see what Karol meant. Many of the Hunting Blades were not moving in any real confidence with the terrain. And when they cornered the monster, they were more concerned with their positioning than they were of the monster breaking through.

Shadow understood, "Guardians like me rarely gather in groups bigger than three when we go out exploring for resources and other tasks. But when we do work in larger groups it's usually for taking down something big. Maybe these Hunting Blades are after something even more dangerous than that pup the guild boss took out. Something the general public doesn't know about."

"Curiouser and curiouser…" Rita turned to Yuri, "Should we go after them?"

"Nah, that sounds interesting, but" Yuri started to get his things to leave, "our first priority is the Blood Alliance. So, let's hurry and keep going." Repede got up from his rest now as he followed Yuri's lead.