And Chapter 42.
Not a lot to say, really.
Around three more scenes were supposed to be part of this whole thing, but I stretched it out so much adding those scenes would make this Chapter around twice as long as any other Chapter until now.
So the continuation of what happened in here will take place in the next Chapter, just to make things easier for everyone but especially me -_-
Ah yeah, and the thing I promised in the AN in the last Chapter? That's one of the scenes that didn't make it here, but don't worry, I didn't forget. It'll be part of CH 43.
So yeah.
That's about it.
Hope you enjoy the read, and as always…
*Cocks shotgun*
Do leave a review if you have the time for it. O_O
OrIfYouValueYourLifeForThatMatterOkThatsAboutIt.
Kay bye.
XXX
"And that's about it...Phew…"
The Goddess left out a long sigh as she moved towards the side of her office, to where her bottles of alcohol where placed.
She had just finished going through a couple dozen reports regarding the progress of her Familia as well as complaints which came in following her swordsman's rather self-centred actions.
To think that even after three days people were still complaining about that...Loki couldn't help but sigh.
Some people needed a life.
Grabbing a glass she took a moment to decide on what she wanted to drink. Wine was always an option, but her eyes lingered on the bourbon for a second longer, so she decided on that.
Now with a glass full of alcohol she went back to her desk and took a seat, slowly enjoying the first slow sip.
Following that event half a dozen teams of her children formed parties to dive into the Dungeon on small-scale expeditions, taking whatever quests they could along the way to maximize their gains.
It wasn't surprising, not at all in fact.
Despite being a Deity herself, she could understand where their eagerness came from. Having a turd half your size go out and achieve a feat the likes of which he did, it worked wonders in motivating people.
'...Would be pretty nice if they understood their spontaneous desires create a lot of work for those of us stuck behind the desks, though…' The Goddess mentally sighed as she took her second sip.
Of course they would be inspired.
Her Child had achieved a feat like that, defeating an enemy even one of her Executives had had difficulties with.
At times she wondered if he ever truly showed them what he was capable of. Knowing him, he probably held back up until now.
'Cheeky little cutie, that one…'
Placing her glass on the desk Loki reached for the side compartment and unlocked it, taking a single piece of paper out.
It was a Status Update.
Fuzen Katsumi
LV 2
STR E 473 → 480
VIT F→ E 396 → 404
DEX C 608 → 618
AGI C 608 → 618
MAG G 260 → 295
Magic: Ikazuchi Jigen Bussei
Skill: Inazuma no Michi
Tenmashin
Development Ability: G Sword Disciple
Fuzen's Status Update from a while ago. From before he went to Altena, from before he left her Familia.
It was also the last Update she had performed on him.
When he came back from Altena and asked to be allowed to join again, he asked for his Status to not be updated at all until a much later date.
And when she and Alicia escorted him back to the Twilight Manor three days ago she also suggested for her to update his Status.
With everything he had been doing and achieving as of lately Loki had little doubt a Level Up to Level 3 was set in stone. Even if by some miracle his Skill reduced his Excelia gained to a ludicrous small amount, he nonetheless still had Rank C in two Basic Abilities, and the fact that he defeated what would be the equivalent of a Level 5 or 6 would be enough to secure his Level Up.
Only problem was, he refused her offer once again.
'Why?' This was by no means the first time she asked herself this question.
Why did he refuse?
What reason could someone have to deny power they, by all means, deserved and fought for?
When she asked him his reason for denying the Update his reply had been a simple shrug.
A shrug, of all things.
Of course, during his stay with her Familia Loki had grown accustomed to his antics and the fact he was peculiar in more than just one way. And that is why this concerned her.
'What is he actually planning in that head of his…?'
Loki knew this much, because she was aware that her swordsman, despite his young age, did little without a reason or motive. If he refused an Update, there had to be a reason for that.
But what?
This is where she lost him. He was an Adventurer, he already accepted a Deity's Falna and walked down a path of strength. Loki also knew it wasn't a shallow reason: he had shown on numerous occasion just how responsible he was towards others, towards his Familia. Hell, he had even left the Familia to avoid getting them involved in his conflict with Altena.
Someone like that choosing to remain as they were instead of gaining more power...No matter how she looked at it, for someone like him to go this route meant that whatever he was planning was big.
Very big.
In the span of less than two years he had surprised her more times than any other of her Children. He was intriguing. And so she allowed his request.
Of course, she could also force him to have his Status Updated for the greater good of the Familia and he would no doubt accept, but that would make their relationship slightly more sour. He disliked people using his honour against him to gain something out of him, after all.
So she decided against it.
It mattered little, anyway.
With his ludicrous strength and Magic he could still serve as a strong fighter for the Familia until his next Status Update, nonetheless.
'...I wonder how you will entertain me next, 'lil Fuzen.'
Loki grinned to herself as she took another sip of her drink, already imagining how much her Child would shake things up with whatever he was planning next.
And tomorrow would be no different.
Because tomorrow...Fuzen would bring a girl to the Twilight Mansion.
'Then again I'm not giving him up, whoever this girl might be. He's mine and mine alone.'
XXX
"Pick up the pace you useless Pallum!"
The shouted threat was accompanied by a grab of her shoulder, the Chienthrope man roughly pulling her forward with enough force for her to trip and land on her knees and palms.
"L-Lili is sorry, Master Adventurer!" She apologized while cowering and trembling, quickly picking herself up again and breaking into a light jog to keep up with the three Adventurers she was accompanying.
It was all an act, of course.
She was no longer scared of people like that, having already conquered her fear of them. They were still stronger than her, each of them somewhere around mid Level 1, but she knew she could take them.
In truth this was not planned.
Today was a day she planned to be used solely for her Supporter job. She could not always go hunt down her Familia members after all, that would not be smart and it would no doubt give her away as the perpetrator. She needed to continue her Supporter job as well, to build herself an alibi and a somewhat stable source of income.
She of course took the most valuable pieces of armour, weapons and Items she could find on the members of her Familia which she killed and sold them on the black market or in Rivira, but that was done under disguise by means of her Magic.
She also needed to make a public appearance, sell Magic Stones gained from her Supporter job to keep up the image.
Her Familia was by no means very strong when compared to other Familia in Orario, but they were very numerous. And it's members always kept an eye on themselves, using everything they could exploit about another for personal gain. For one more Valis they could use to buy Soma wine.
'Bunch of degenerates…' She thought to herself as she lowered her gaze and glared at the backs of the three Adventures she was accompanying.
She had spotted them in the distance while scouting out which party or solo Adventurer she could approach to try and tag along as a Supporter for the day. She wasn't very familiar with the three, but she did recognize their faces and knew they were part of her Familia.
Scouting had been a priority after she decided on her path and she knew these guys were usually part of a slightly bigger party. None of the others counted among her targets as she mostly kept to low Level 1's so far, and she wasn't aware of any recent deaths in her Familia.
With that all said she realized they must have been in dire need of money and decided to enter the Dungeon as they were: with few members while thinking of recklessly fighting on Floors above their skills.
It was a golden opportunity to say the least. A chance to get rid of three more vermin.
So waiting until they entered the Dungeon to not be seen as part of their group on the surface, Lili made her way into the Dungeon herself and caught up to them, choosing a time when no others were around.
She used the pretence of wanting to lighten their burden as fellow Familia members to try and get them to accept, but they kicked her aside. So she was forced to use another method: pleading and begging them to take her along, even going as far as to say she'd play the role of Monster bait. Once she continued with her act and played as if she was desperate for money, any amount of money, they had finally agreed to it.
Following them she came to find out through their conversation that those three had been thrown out of their party as they failed to meet their monthly payments to the Familia and as such were now desperate to make money, both for their payments as well as the wine and with the hopes they could join their former party, as well.
Now they were on the 9th Floor, on their way to the 10th where the group was hoping to make it big.
In truth they had only been to that Floor twice, and both of those times they had their Level 2 party leader to thank for their survival. To say their plan was reckless would be an understatement.
Lili had already thought of a couple ways she could take care of them. The best way would be to wait until they were on the 10th Floor, where she could use the mist to her advantage. But that was also dangerous for her: Monsters could attack her at any moment. Worse even, they could surround her.
Either way Monsters would be drawn to her location if she were to start a fight there. This was no problem in normal circumstances...except that she really needed the equipment of the Adventurers.
She had after all chosen to be late on her latest monthly payment. If she did too well it would raise too much suspicion: a simple Supporter, a Pallum no less, managing to pay off all her monthly payments all of a sudden? She would just make a big target of herself. Others would suddenly direct their gazes her way.
If was better for her to not pay, even if that meant she would get a beating by her Familia.
So she needed to plan for the future and make enough money to pay two payments worth next month. The Adventurers were not even high Level 1, but their equipment was pretty good and they even had some good potions with them from what she noticed. Easily a couple tens of thousands Valis.
'The 10th Floor's no good. Don't have enough time to loot them there. Gotta be on the 9th Floor.'
Luckily for her the group of three decided to take a short break a short distance away from the stairs leading to the Floor below. It was an open room, spacious but just about wide enough for roughly ten people to walk through it shoulder to shoulder.
A good spot.
"Hey, useless. Bring out some of that food!"
"O-Of course, Master Adventurer!" She flinched and stuttered, keeping her danger level as low as possible. Setting her Supporter bag to the ground she grabbed the dried jerky and crackers from inside and walked up to the group of three.
Two of them were sitting on the floor while the last was sitting on a stone. They were close to each other but far enough that she needed roughly five steps for the distance in-between them.
This was the opportunity she looked for. After all, without them realizing she had slowly equipped herself with her knifes, bolts and bombs while the three were fighting Monsters. She also let down her Supporter bag so she would not be encumbered.
Walking up to the first man she extended the food and he grabbed a handful of both, caring little in the ways of sharing equally with his comrades. The second did the same. "Creepy little bitch…" He muttered to himself as he locked eyes with Lili, her smile pissing him off despite no provocation.
By the time she reached the third man there was barely anything left for him, just a couple crackers and two pieces of jerky. "Hey you fucks!" He shouted at his comrades, looking away from Lili. "Who gave you permission to eat all of-?!"
He never got to finish his sentences as he felt the cold sting of a knife piercing his throat, the words dying in his mouth. His widened eyes looked to the side and he met Lili's cold gaze. A moment of silent shock hit all three of them before she twisted the knife and pulled it out, an incredible amount of blood getting drawn in the process.
He had been the most dangerous one, because unlike the other two he was not sitting on the ground. All he needed was a swift movement to be up on his feet and ready to attack her.
Not giving the others any time to organize Lili reached for a smoke bomb and threw it at the other two. The area was immediately filled with smoke, though it would not distract them long. The room was big enough for it's effects to last only a couple seconds.
She moved to the side and immediately fired a couple of bolts, having remember where the two were despite the lack of visibility. A couple of shots in she heard she first shout of pain: her bolts reached their target, at least one of the two. Lili had fired with the thought that the men were already on their feet, so she must have hit his thighs or abdomen. Not a lethal wound but as long as she could hinder at least one of their movements it was good, anyway.
Having shot all her bolts Lili grabbed the knife she tucked away and with a low dash approached the Adventurer closest to her, the one previously in the middle. The smoke was starting to fade away but even so her approach had not been seen until she was in the man's face.
From what she could spot in the fraction of a second three of her bolts managed to hit him: one in his upper thigh, one in his side and the third in his upper arm. Not exactly desired locations but at least those wounds would keep him from moving around at full efficiency.
Grabbing her knife with both hands Lili jumped and performed a downwards thrust at the man, her target being the side of his neck. He noticed her however and brought his arm up, her knife instead now stuck inside his forearm.
The man winced in pain but otherwise bit through the pain as launched a punch towards her. Lili reacted quick however and bringing her knees to her chest while still hanging onto his arm threw her whole weight down, evading the punch and ripping a chuck of flesh out of his arm in the process.
The moment she was on the ground again she noticed a sword coming her way from the corner of her eye, bringing her head down and side-stepping to avoid the attack.
Unfortunately it seemed like the last of the three was uninjured, none of her bolts having reached him.
She was nervous but kept her calm. If she was smart about it she could still take care of them both out. Most importantly, both of the remaining Adventurers were mad, very mad. If she learned anything during the last couple months it was the fact that an angry Adventurer makes mistakes.
"You little bitch!"
The sword came at her again in a downwards slash. Lili used her small frame to side step again, the ducked her head to avoid a horizontal slash while stepping out of range.
It was then that she remembered the advice the one she betrayed gave her.
'Swords are dangerous but unless the user is very skilled, any attack will force them to go through the whole motion once they started their attack, one-handed attacks more so than two-handed ones. It's a small window of opportunity, yes, but if you can time it right you can attack as soon as you dodged the incoming sword. That's what a counter-attack is.'
She side-stepped again to avoid an attack, her eyes wide open. Her opponent's next move was a diagonal slash, from right to left. Lili kept her ground, waiting for him to attack. The sword came down on her and she only took a step back.
Her skills were not good enough to guess distance in real-time battle, but she had a gut feeling her movement would allow her to avoid getting hit.
As soon as the sword missed her by mere inches she bent her knees and dashed at the Adventurer from his right side. Dagger in both hands she thrust forward, putting her whole strength behind the attack. Luckily her opponent did not wear metal armour, instead opting for a leather set. It still provided some resistance but with some effort she managed to push her blade through, twisted the dagger and then pulled it out.
She quickly stepped back to avoid a back-hand hit from the man who winced in pain but kept his ground.
Indeed, they may have been degenerates but they were still Adventurers, people with more experience in fighting than her.
'Even so...I'm winning.'
Lili fought the urge to smirk ever so slightly.
And good thing she did because just then she felt movement to her left and turned around just fast enough to put up her arm and half-block a strike from the more injured adventurer with the bolt wounds on him. He held a stone in his hand and tried to smack Lili unconscious with it, but it hit her forearm instead of her head.
Even so the power behind the strike was no joke and she was thrown to the ground. Not a second later she felt the pointy end of a boot hitting her in the stomach, over and over again. "Goddamn bitch! How's that feel?! Eat shit and die, you fucking Pallum!"
Somewhere after the second hit she curled up in a ball, as she had done in the past to avoid the worst of the damage. But the Adventurer would not let her rest and instead switched to stepping on her ribs over and over again.
After what felt like an eternity he stopped his barrage of hits and grabbed her by the hair, pulling her up and then wrapping his good arm around her neck before lifting her up. "Hey, gut her! We'll leave her like that for the Monsters to deal with." He yelled to his party member and the man nodded, drawing closer to the two and grabbing her by the jaw.
"You're the one, aren't you?" He asked as his eyes narrowed down on her, just as angry as his party member but slightly more composed. "The one who's been killing off Soma Familia members left and right for a while now?"
"…" Lili kept her silence and simply stared at the man.
His composure soon dispersed and he yanked her jaw hard, to the point she almost felt it dislocating. "I asked you a question you bitch-!"
And then she spit in his face.
The man immediately took a step back in disgust, using his sleeve to wipe off the spit. Lili wasted no time and lifting her leg up she used the heel of her foot to kick the one restraining her in the privates. He let her go and ducked down, both hands grabbing the part of his body which made him feel as if his heart just stopped.
As soon as her feet touched the ground again Lili reached for her lower back, taking out a smaller dagger she kept concealed and turning on her heel twisted her body towards the man, plunging the dagger deep into the side of his neck while her right palm pushed it even deeper.
Then with a downwards movement she pulled it out, drawing an insane amount of blood from him as the man fell flat on the ground, twitching ever so slightly before going completely still.
'That's two.' She thought to herself, turning to face the third and last of the group.
"You...bitch…" The man spit out with venom in his tone, even angrier to see the second of his party member's kicking the bucket.
Dagger firmly in her hand, Lili bent her knees and prepared herself for the last confrontation.
She felt tired.
Long fights like this tired her out quickly.
And the pain from the kicks and steps erupted with the smallest of movements she made.
She felt like crap, really.
But it didn't matter.
Because right here, right now, she was fighting.
She was confronting that which she cowered before her whole life.
She was taking control of her own life, no longer at the mercy of others.
She felt like crap, yes.
But she was alive.
And that was more than she could say about the last thirteen years of her life.
'Still, this is nothing compared to him…'
Lili was no stranger to gathering information, and so she was aware of the recent event which took place.
Kenshi of the Loki Familia, defeating a strong fighter loose in the Dungeon. Rumours were, she had come to hear, that the stranger was very powerful, comparable to a Level 5 or higher.
In any other instance she would have hardly believed such rumours. A Level 2 defeating someone that strong?
Impossible, by all accounts.
But she was aware of what he was capable of doing. What he was capable of achieving.
And so she knew the claims and rumours were accurate.
'If I want to apologize, I need to do better. Much, much better than this...'
She inhaled, then exhaled.
In truth she was not one for such things, but she remembered how he used to do the same, during fights and outside of fights, as well.
And somewhere along the way, she began to do it unconsciously, as well.
Funnier still, it even worked to calm her down.
"Alright, let's go..."
XXX
How long had she been frozen in place?
She honestly couldn't say.
However her eyes had been looking at the tips of her shoes for at least a couple of minutes, that much she was aware of.
It wasn't much longer.
In truth, once the turned around the corner she would be there.
But she couldn't do it.
Her chest felt tight and her stomach was in knots.
She had already given her word she would be there today at the set time, but now she was wasting time.
'Get it together, Mikoto! You can do it!'
The raven-haired girl tried to pump herself up but it worked little. No matter how she tried to twist it around, the fact that once she turned the corner she'd have to face some of the most famous Adventurers in Orario did not change.
And that thought alone made her head all fuzzy, worry taking over her.
'How did it come to this…?'
She let out a long sigh, some of the anxiousness leaving her body along with it.
The answer was obvious to her: she had gained the attention of Fuzen Katsumi.
She knew little of the younger boy despite how much he had helped her and the Takemikazuchi Familia upon their arrival in Orario.
It wouldn't be a lie to say he had been the very first Adventurer of Orario she interacted with, on that night she lost her way to the inn and he helped her find her way again.
Following that he even offered to help her Familia by guiding them through the Dungeon and explaining it's dangers to them. That knowledge had proven invaluable to them, having avoided tricky situations more than once using the advice he gave them for free, first-hand advice which came from experience and not only books.
She had been highly grateful to him for all he had done for them, people no more than strangers to him. Strangers from another Familia.
It wasn't until the Vindictive War that she truly realized how powerful that boy three years younger than her was, the extend of his strength and influence.
How was it that such a person turned his gaze towards them?
Mikoto couldn't say.
But she knew that it at least spoke of his character, for few were so willingly to help as he had been.
And now here she was.
On her way to the Loki Familia Home, after that very same person made her an offer to teach her the secrets of his sword style.
In actuality she had not yet given him a firm 'Yes' or 'No' regarding his offer, not had he pushed her. All he had asked was for her to visit his Familia Home so they could talk to his Goddess and Captain, see if they would agree to his request first before deciding on anything.
After all, if his Familia declined his request of training a person from another Familia, there was little either of the two could do, Mikoto thought to herself. And who could blame them if they turned his request down?
She was from another Familia, after all.
Following the day the offer was extended to her Mikoto went to her Deity to ask him about the Lightning Sword Style, the martial school Fuzen Katsumi was the Successor of. Her Deity, a God of War, was familiar with the martial world and the different styles and schools.
However when he remained silent as he pondered on his answer, Mikoto had grown worried.
Apparently his martial school had been at the top of the Far Eastern martial world ever since it's founding, more than six hundred years ago.
They had held great influence and many Tsuwamono came to be from within it's ranks, their deeds and strength impressive enough to be granted the titles of Nobles by way of their strength, and not birthright.
Mikoto still had difficulty imagining something like that: being granted political power and authority by the Imperial Court for no other reason than the strength of your sword arm….Just what kind of power and deeds would one need to accomplish for something like that?
'It's almost like something out of a story…'
But of course, it wasn't. This was still very much real life.
And from what Takemikazuchi told her, the Lightning Sword Style had been killed off to the last man a little over a decade ago, all it's members of both the main school and sub-schools cut down in the span of a single night, from what the God had heard.
In truth he had believed that to be the end of their long history. His surprise upon meeting Fuzen Katsumi and the boy introducing himself was as such understandable.
Whatever may have happened in the past, he was still alive. And he was now extending a hand towards her, someone he barely knew.
Was she truly worthy of it all?
Was she even worthy of the offer alone?
These questions had persisted in her mind ever since that day because she could not answer them herself. However, there was something else which overshadowed even those questions: the feeling that remained with her since she decided to join that Quest he put out.
The feeling of fighting that Orc and winning.
By all accounts, she should not have been able to defeat it. Her Status was under the requirement of facing such a foe, and she unfortunately knew she lacked the skills to defeat it by herself.
Yet she did that just.
She defeated it and emerged victorious.
And it had been an incredible feeling, so strong it persisted until now.
Before long Mikoto felt her legs guiding her forward, no longer stuck in place. She turned around the corner and already she could see it on her left side: the Twilight Manor, the Home of the Loki Familia.
The fence around their property was long and covered almost half the street, the towers of the building reaching higher than any other structure nearby. It was magnificent and a testimony to their Familia's wealth, influence and power.
As she drew closer she could already make out the figure of the person who invited her here. The boy three years her junior was standing by the fence slightly to the side of the two guards stationed at the gates, back straight and eyes looking ahead. His left forearm was resting on the hilt of the sword fastened at his hip, his posture relaxed yet ready to strike at any moment if the need arose.
Even from a distance she could make out his steadfast expression and the discipline behind it. Their interactions had been few yet even so the girl was always amazed at how disciplined the boy really was.
She remembered the time she was around ten or eleven of age. Granted she also started her training at around that age so it wasn't all fun and games all the time, but thanks to her Deity and the shrine she grew up at she still had experienced playing with her friends and laughing.
When she looked at the boy she could imagine none of that, his expression one which could only come forth from years upon years of daily training and discipline. As a swordswoman herself she could say that with confidence.
"...You have arrived." He addressed her as she neared him, his eyes looking up to meet hers. Mikoto had to fight the urge to look away, just as she had done in previous meetings. His gaze was intense despite his relaxed posture, intense enough to make most people look away, unable to keep eye contact with him.
"Y-Yes! I apologize for being late."
"No such thing, there is time yet." He waved her worries aside and made a head gesture for her to follow him inside. Walking past the gates Mikoto bowed to the two guards and walking three steps behind Fuzen.
With the way from the gates to the entrance as long as it was, she took a moment to look around. The scale of their property was insane, the front part of the garden alone was enough to fit in a couple hundred people.
'Loki Familia is insane…'
"Is something the matter? You seem nervous." He asked without breaking his rhythm as if he could read her emotions.
"A-Ah, yes. It's just...I don't know if I'm ready to meet such amazing people…"
"Hm? The Captain and the other Executives may held a lot of prestige, but they are just people in the end, as well."
"Yes…" She knew he was trying to make her feel better, but to meet the Braver in person? Nine Hells? Elgarm?
Worse yet, for them to gather together just for her?
It still made her stomach twist in knots just thinking about it.
After what probably felt longer than it actually was they reached the front doors and the younger swordsman invited her inside. If Mikoto was to describe the Loki Familia Home in any one word it would have been 'grand'.
That and a lot of stairs.
The inside was not unlike what one would expect to find within a castle, with lots of tall hallways and pillars spread across the bigger corridors, while red carpets covered the many spiral stairs leading up the many towers into the upper floors of the building.
Truly, an incredible sight to behold, Mikoto thought to herself.
What was even more incredible, however…
"A-Ah, greetings…" She voiced as she bowed her head ever so slightly as a group of Loki Familia members passed them by on a corridor. They greeted her back after they received a quick nod from Fuzen, however she could feel it.
Most of them were very experienced.
Level 2's and 3's, she had no doubt of that. The way they scanned her from head to toe in the blink of an eye, already categorizing her as a threat of a certain level in a single a single second after their eyes met...That was something only those with experience could do.
Indeed, she would not say anyone in her Familia was weak...but in Loki Familia, they would be at the very bottom of the power hierarchy.
"...Sorry about that." The sudden apology came from before her, Mikoto humming out a quick 'Hm?' in return. "The Executives and Loki-sama are expecting you, but I did not tell everyone else you were visiting today. They are just being vigilant, since they do not know you."
"A-Ah, it's fine!" The girl replied louder than she was originally planning to. "I would do the same in their shoes, so it's alright, I understand."
"You do? That's good, then." Her reply got a nod out of him and they continued on, going ever higher until they reached one of the upper floors of the Manor. "We're almost there. Remember, we are here to see if my Familia agrees to me teaching a member of another Familia. Meaning, we are on our way to gain the first of two blessings required for this whole thing to get started."
"Yes, I remember."
Indeed, two days ago Fuzen had visited the inn her Familia was staying at and told her of his desire to first stand before Loki and ask her of this. After all, even if Takemikazuchi agreed to it, if the Familia of the soon-to-be teacher would not agree to it then they could not get started, anyway.
With that said the two of them would ask for Loki's blessing while Takemikazuchi would use the time to ponder on whatever or not he wanted his Child to learn from him.
In truth Fuzen would have liked for the God himself to be present today, but besides his part-time job not aligning with the schedule there was also the fact he could hardly see two Deities, even more so if his own Goddess was part of the discussion, reaching a timely conclusion.
"Uh, Fuzen-dono…"
"Just Fuzen is fine. I am hardly worth the respectful approach."
She was not of the same mind, but nodded anyway. "It's not my intention to speak badly of your Familia, but...realistically speaking...what are even the chances of them agreeing to this?"
Her question was not a bad one. It was rarely the case for any one Familia to agree with such a request. After all, besides the person next to you sharing the same Falna, anyone could become an enemy at any given time.
Not only in the Dungeon, but also on the surface. It all depended on a Patron Deity's mood and desires, after all.
"The chances are very high." Fuzen answered bluntly as he continued to guide her through the interior.
"H-How so?"
He looked over his shoulder at her, the same intense look in his eyes present as earlier. "Just believe me. And worst case scenario...I do have a plan."
She wanted to inquire more about this plan he spoke of, but kept herself from doing so. For some reason she felt like the answer would not be to her liking.
Unfortunately after a short while her guide stopped in front of a door, turning to look at her. "We are here."
"Alright. Alright…" She voiced to herself as she took in a deep breath of air, exhaling it slowly to help her for what was awaiting behind the door.
"...Just think of them as potatoes. I heard somewhere that helps some people with anxiousness." He told her before raising his arm and knocking a couple of times, announcing his presence. A young boyish voice replied for him to enter, and so he did with Mikoto just a step behind him.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting." He voiced with a bow, a gesture Mikoto copied a moment later.
"Who the hell are you comparing to potatoes, you shrimp?"
The first to reply was a Werewolf man with silver hair. Though she had not yet seen him before, his appearance and race told her enough who this was.
'Vanargand' The title immediately flashed through Mikoto's mind, her eyes lingering on the Werewolf a moment longer than necessary. This did not go unnoticed however, and Bete Loga raised an eyebrow at her as their eyes met.
"...Huh? The hell you staring at?"
His tone had been blunt and sounded irked, not even remotely trying to hide his annoyance at her. "I-I apologize!" She shouted as her eyes fell to the floor.
It was all she could do, the intensity the man was giving proved to be too much for her. It was a very aggressive intensity, not like the calm and focused one Fuzen himself had.
"Loga-sama, I would appreciate it if you would not antagonize this girl." Her guide spoke softly, nonchalantly, the same way he spoke to her the first time they had met. His composure in front of such individuals was impressive to Mikoto, despite knowing full well they were of the Familia. "She is very important to me."
'Waitwhat?' His statement took her by surprise and her eyes lingered on his petite back while the conversation continued in front of her.
"You already knew in advance this was planned for today so don't act like that now, Bete." The next person to speak immediately took Mikoto's breath away.
If her jade-coloured hair was not enough, then her beauty did the job in helping the eastern girl recognize her. 'Nine Hells. She's so beautiful...'
Indeed, the person looking at her was Riveria Ljos Alf, one of the few Level 6's in all of Orario, the strongest mage and the Princess of Elf-kind.
"I hope you can forgive our Bete's rudeness." Riveria spoke with a bob of her head: more than a nod but less than a bow. A fitting gesture for someone of her prestige, Mikoto thought to herself.
Once again she felt her stomach in knots, unable to stop herself from shouting the reply."It's nothing, please don't worry!"
Suffice to say her embarrassment was only growing by the minute.
'Please kill me…'
A chuckle was heard as the blonde Pallum at the centre of the U-shaped table moved forward in his seat, gloved fingers intertwined on the table. "I also hope you will forgive the late greeting. I am Finn Deimne, Captain of the Loki Familia. And this here is Goddess Loki, our Patron Deity."
The blonde raised a hand towards the red-haired women sitting besides him, a woman whose face screamed 'mischief' to the raven-haired girl. She remained silent but her open scarlet eyes shot invisible daggers at her.
'What did I do?!' The girl panicked as the Goddess continued to silently stare at her.
"We welcome you to our Home…" Finn continued from where he had left off, allowing for a moment of pause so that she could introduce herself.
A hint she caught on roughly two seconds after silence fell over the room, the awkwardness in the room increasing as did the redness in her cheeks.
"Y-Yamato Mikoto of the Takemikazuchi Familia, fourteen years old! I am honoured to be here!"
"Easy there, lass." The dwarf in the room addressed her with a chuckle.
Gareth Landrock.
'Elgarm.'
Rumours of his unparalleled strength had reached Mikoto's ears before and standing within the same room as the man himself now, she could understand why those rumours were always spoken so respectfully.
The dwarf was strong, immensely so, however his demeanour was calm and peaceful and there was no doubt in Mikoto's mind that among the people present in the room, he was by far the easiest to converse with.
"Take a deep breath." He told her and Mikoto did as such, feeling better a moment later. "There ya go, lass." Gareth gave a small nod as he noticed the improvement, a faint smirk noticeable behind his beard.
She mentally thanked the dwarf for the moment of respite.
"Well, Loki-sama and the Captain are already aware, but I'll say it again to avoid any misunderstandings." Fuzen spoke as he took a step to the side, arm stretched towards Mikoto. "I wish to teach this girl the secrets of my...of the Lightning Sword Style. And I called you all here today to inform you of this, as well as gain your permission to do so."
And as soon as she believed a moment of respite was present, the room was filled with an awkward silence which made Mikoto look down. She understood she was part of the reason for the silence and could not bring herself to look up.
"Well, consider me surprised. Didn't expect this." Mikoto looked up to notice one of the Amazon twins crossing her arms across her chest, one eyebrow raised in surprise at the words she had just heard.
Going by her long dark hair and voluptuous chest, Mikoto immediately realized which of the famous twins she was.
Tione Hiryute, 'Jormungand'.
A high Level 5 and one of Loki Familia's strongest heavy hitters.
Besides her sat her exact copy, were it not for the different outfit and short hair.
And the lack of a chest of any sort.
"Neat! Hey, does that mean I'll get to fight someone as strong as you in the future, Fuu?"
Tiona Hiryute, 'Amazon'.
Also a high Level 5 like her twin sister and a core member of her Familia's vanguard, well known for her monstrous strength and endurance.
"Please don't call me that in front of my possible apprentice, Tiona."
"It's no biggie, is it?"
"Haaa…Would I mention it were it not actually a, quote-unquote, biggie, Tiona?"
"Ehhh…? Why though?"
The banter between Fuzen and Amazon lightened up the stuffy mood from before, Mikoto even noticing Nine Hells smiling ever so softly at the scene before her. She was brought back to reality however when Vanargand slouched back in his seat and placed his feet on the table with a loud Thud.
"I thought better of you, shrimp." He voiced on a soft tone, though a frown was still noticeable on his face. "Why bother with the useless weakling?"
His words cut deep, for compared with the individuals within the room, what was she really? She was indeed weak and without a name for herself, her skills with a sword barely even bordering on average. Mikoto did not even know if she wanted to accept the offer Kenshi had thrown her way, but whatever her decision might be one persisting question remained in her mind: was she truly, truly worth it?
"That is where we are different, Loga-sama." The reply from the boy standing just one step in front of her came immediately, fast enough she was not allowed to ponder on her question any longer. "Were you in my shoes, you would seek only established strength no matter the way used to obtain said strength. I however sought and found the potential for strength, unblemished and yet untested."
Mikoto's stare jumped between Fuzen and Bete as she tried to make sense of their discussion. However, she understood little of what Fuzen meant.
Unblemished?
Untested?
What did he mean exactly?
She tried to ponder on the words but then looked to her left side, golden eyes meeting her gaze.
Ais Wallenstein.
'Sword Princess.'
There was not one living soul within Orario or the world at large who had not heard of the Sword Princess and her extraordinary strength and her skill with the sword, as well as her beauty which every Deity wanted for themselves.
In truth Mikoto did admire the girl to a high degree. They were roughly of the same age, after all, and she was a girl as well. Yet that was where their similarities ended, for unlike her Ais Wallenstein's name had already spread throughout the world.
And now that same nigh-legendary figure was staring at her.
Intensely.
If she tried hard enough Mikoto could even physically hear her staring.
Stareeeeeeeee…
'W-What did I do?!' She mentally questioned herself as the frown of the golden-haired girl grew ever deeper, by now almost looking as if the doll-like beauty was actively trying to look at her in a mean manner. 'Someone help me!'
Having the Level 5 girl focus solely on her made Mikoto's knees feel weak and wobbly, despite somehow unconsciously knowing the girl meant her no ill-intent. Maybe it was the fact she looked far too adorable even when she tried to be anything but?
"...Ahem." The Pallum in the room cleared his throat and all eyes were on him once more. "Fuzen, I will not pretend to be fully familiar with the martial world you live in, but you must understand that what you are asking is by no means a light request."
"Yes, I understand." Fuzen gave a small nod. "We are of different Familia after all, and affiliations play a big role in Orario. Not to mention, if I were to take Yamato Mikoto under the wing of the Lightning Sword Style, that would sort of indirectly put her Familia under the protection of Loki Familia, or at the very least, link them to us in some way with me as the middleman. Correct?"
Finn nodded, a faint smirk visible on his lips. Few except Loki and the Top Executives knew it, but he had high hopes in Fuzen's ever-growing smarts and how it could benefit the Familia in the future. "To say the least, yes. The East District was a different story, as they as a district were not affiliated with anyone. However, affiliating yourself with this girl would have some consequences for our Familia."
The more she listened the more Mikoto understood just how serious the situation at hand was. She understood little of the way large Familia like Loki's operated, or even how they interacted with other, big powerful Familia within Orario.
However as she listened to the conversation she understood that accepting Fuzen's offer would bring changes to both Loki Familia as well as her own. At this point she questioned if such an offer was perhaps a mistake, an error of sorts from Fuzen's side.
His next words told her he at least did not think so. "It matters little however, does it not?" He asked bluntly, confident in his own statement. "It is not uncommon for various Familia to be linked in some way. We get all our high-tier Potions from Dian Cecht, and are without a doubt one of their most important customers. The weapons of our Executives are forged by various smithing Familia, with some of us even having signed a contract with blacksmiths of renown. We may be central power within Orario, but we are hardly not linked with anyone else, are we?"
His words spoke some truths, but Finn was hardly convinced. His eyes narrowed as he placed his elbows on the table, fingers intervened before his face. "Those are services, Fuzen. You teaching young Yamato over there would not be a service of any kind our Familia would accept from hers."
"And even so, it matters little." Fuzen repeated, his head tilted ever so slightly to the side. "Though the Gods who descended to the Lower World may be beings of great influence, I think people all too often forget one simple fact." The Goddess sitting across from him smirked ever so slightly, amused by where he was going with this.
"And what would that be?" Asked the High Elf.
"That this is still the Lower World. Our world. My world." His last words were spat almost as if they were poison. "Surely the Deities of Orario, in their bottomless wisdom and understanding, would see little reason to interfere in my affairs with a girl of another Familia." The Executives in the room could almost see a smirk creep it's way onto the boy's lips as he voiced these words. Almost. "After all, I don't remember the Deities coming down to our world to tell us how to live our lives or tell us who we can and cannot talk to, or whom we can befriend."
Though it was not noticeable in his tone, the aggressiveness in his words managed to raise more than a couple of eyebrows from the Executives. They were not used to him like this, and the faint arrogance he was displaying reminded them of a dark day when Loki herself had persuaded him into being her drinking buddy. "And if that would be the case, then they would be idiots and their opinions would be hardly worth any of our time."
His last statement got a good laugh out of Tiona and Bete, neither of the two able to contain themselves from laughing. For Finn, however, it was not quite as amusing. "Even idiots are, unfortunately, found in influential positions, Fuzen."
"Sounds like someone made a mistake somewhere, then."
For a moment both Finn and the other Top Executives wondered just where his stubbornness came from. He had won his fight against Sakda a couple of days ago, a feat worthy of praise, and he had shown little change in his demeanour over the days following said fight.
Yet now he acted stubborn, too stubborn to even think about his words as he would usually do.
In a way, Riveria felt almost as if he was desperate for some reason.
"Fuzen, that is not-"
"You knew." The boy rudely cut off the blonde Pallum. "From the beginning."
"...What do you mean?"
"Both times when you two accepted me into this Familia." He eyed the Goddess and his Captain. "You knew the kind of person I was. You also knew that first and foremost, I would prioritize my goal and my martial school. So why...do you act as if that was some sort of secret until now? Are you getting in my way...simply for the reason of getting in my way?"
His words rang true. Be it the first time or the second time after the Altena debacle, the youth had always made it clear of where his true loyalty was placed and how he would act accordingly to that.
They all knew this and still allowed him to join them, both times for that matter.
Why?
Because his unusual strength was a great asset, one which Finn did not want to lose.
And so he looked over to Loki, the person who accepted his conditions both times he joined. As much as he was the Captain only she could truly decide what would happen next.
The red-haired Goddess got the hint and let out a small hum, leaning back into her seat and placed both hands behind her head, letting silence reign over the room for a long couple of seconds.
Finally she raised her index finger up, pointing at the ceiling. "You wanna grasp the Heavens, right, 'lil Fuzen?" It was a sudden and somewhat rhetorical question, as she was already aware of the answer. Nonetheless, Fuzen decided to humour her and nodded. "Well, it's not like I have any idea how that would work out, as no one before has achieved something like that. But...dont'cha think you should prove your resolve first before being all arrogant like that?"
Her words caught his attention, they sounded almost like a challenge. "What do you mean?"
"Well...how can you achieve your goal if you'd fold over at the commands of another? I mean, standing up to us right now, it's no small feat. Few could do that. It shows character, you know? But...that's hardly anything difficult to do, innit?"
"...You can get to the point, Loki-sama."
"You see, the Patron Deity of any Familia has a bit more authority over their beloved Children than you think thanks to the Falna that connects us. One might even say...if we so desire, our orders are quite impossible to withstand." By now, judging by the look on his face, Fuzen understood what she was trying to say.
Silence took over the room once again, the other members wise enough to understand they should be quiet and let the Goddess lead the discussion forward. Finally Fuzen sighed and gave a nod: he didn't exactly know what Loki was about to do, but he accepted her challenge.
"Ok then. Fuzen…" She leaned forward from her seat, her red eyes open by now. A nonchalant expression her Familia rarely got to see from her was plastered on her face. "Kneel."
XXX
If he was supposed to process any thoughts, then he by no means had the time to do so.
Instead, all he could make of the situation would be only describable through a single word: overwhelming.
'Get down on your knees. Just do it.'
He heard his own voice inside his mind, echoing over and over again. But for now he could withstand. He blinked once, realizing that he was no longer standing upright. Instead he was crouched over, almost, almost kneeling. His left hand was resting on his thigh, his right hand, perhaps through an act of instincts alone, was on the wooden floor. His right knee almost touched the floor, too.
But not yet.
Not yet.
He felt hot and found himself unable to breath: his face was on fire, as was the rest of his body. There was no presence behind him he could feel, so he was aware no one was pushing him down. But even so, something was doing just that.
Something was forcing him to the ground.
Loki's words popped up in his mind: the Falna on his back.
It made sense. What was a Falna, after all, but a contract? A contract where you gave yourself to someone of divine origin in exchange for power and the potential to grow far beyond what was possible, what was natural.
He felt as if every muscle in his body refused to listen to him, as if they had another Master forcing them to bring him down until the divine command was fulfilled.
An incredible amount of sweat gathered on his forehead and ran down his face and neck. When was the last time he had sweat so much? Fuzen couldn't remember, certainly not now.
Huffs and puffs escaped his lips, the strain of standing against the command was hard. Harder than anything he had experienced. His own body felt as if it were getting crushed, the Falna ever increasing it's authority on him.
His mind was a haze, his consciousness slowly slipping away. Better said, he felt himself slowly falling unconscious just from how much he was tensing and protesting against the command.
He tightened his grip, right hand slowly pressing and crushing through the wooden floor until his palm was closed in a fist. Then he gripped even tighter until the wooden splinters bit into his palm and drew blood.
The pain, however faint, was welcomed.
It helped him stay conscious.
Focused.
'Just get down on your knees. It'll be easier. Safer. Painless.'
His own voice once again echoed in his mind.
Fuzen pondered on the words.
It didn't sound bad.
And now, after using Rupture against Sakda and being made aware of his inability to ever change, of his life-long curse that would undoubtedly, sooner or later, lead to his downfall?
Any decision and action not originating with or from him was the better choice.
Of that, he was sure.
More than anything else.
So why resist, really?
'That's right. Give in. Kneel. Don't resist. Why bother?'
Indeed, that sounded better.
'Yes…'
…
…
…
"...And then fucking what?" He hissed barely above a whisper through gritted teeth and huffs of air.
Bend the knee to others again, so that tragedy could happen again?
So that he could once again build up regrets after regrets for doing what others told him?
For letting others use him?
For thinking others could be trusted in their judgment, in their cause?
No.
'Hell no.'
If tragedies were to follow him actions, if regrets were to pile up, if failure was to be his result…
Then they would follow only his actions, and his actions alone.
And most fricking certainly not his actions performed in the name of another.
For the cause of another.
Not again.
Not ever again.
That is why he would not bend to anyone else, no matter what.
And that is why…
"I refuse."
XXX
By now Mikoto no longer had any idea what was going on.
She thought this meeting would be a simple introduction, getting to know her possible tutor's Familia, maybe share some tea.
Instead she only got to see how the offer extended to her resulted in what looked like a very subtle Familia squabble and her would-be tutor slouching over as his Goddess gave him a divine command.
'Loki Familia is crazy!' That was the only thought persisting in the fourteen years old girl's mind.
In truth she had never heard of any such thing as a divine command from a Patron Deity. At the very least, her own God never mentioned it before.
If Fuzen's struggle to keep himself from kneeling down and his incredible amount of sweat was anything to go by, however, it seemed to be a very real thing.
Yet, the most surprising thing to date had to be…
"I refuse."
Mikoto thought that maybe, his Goddess had not put her back into the so-called trial she had in store for the boy. But if her and everyone else's expressions were anything to go by, his ability to refuse, to stand against divine command was anything but expected.
And it was then the girl noticed it, as she stood right in front of her opposite of the table.
The Goddess Loki, smiling from ear to ear.
It was not a gentle smile: if anything, it sent shivers down the young girl's spine.
It was then Mikoto remembered the Loki Familia flags outside, and the jester emblem found on it's fabrics. Right now, Goddess Loki's smile resembled it.
Or perhaps it was the other way around?
'The Trickster Goddess. She is...scary.'
Right there, in that moment she truly felt her own words. Fuzen raising his hand towards her however shook her out of her thoughts. "Help...Help me up."
"O-Of course…"
It seemed that his struggle had come to an end and he was no longer under the influence of whatever Goddess Loki threw his way and she moved to help him up to his feet. As soon as she grabbed his hand she noticed that his body was trembling, but whatever it was out of fear or the struggle itself, she could not say.
A couple of ragged breaths later Fuzen got his breathing under control, his eyes directed at the Goddess across the table. "Satisfied?"
"There has yet to be any instance where you made me feel anything but, my 'lil Fuzen ~"
"I'm not yours."
"My bad, my bad." The Goddess waved the comment aside. "Well, as far as I'm concerned, go for it. Train this cutie as long as you want. Though, I suppose I'm not the one who should have the last word this time around…" The Goddess's stare fell on the blonde Pallum to her side, who sighed and leaned back in his seat.
"Fuzen, what will you do if this request of yours brings any consequences to the Familia?"
His question had Mikoto gulp down anxiety she wasn't aware she was holding in, but for the boy besides her it seemed to be a question like any other. "I'll take care of them, before they become consequences."
"What about your duties to the Familia?"
"I'll do my duties, as always. Nothing has changed."
"Despite wanting to spent time training this young lady?"
"My duties, and her training and initiation, I'll do them both."
"Can you say that confidently?"
"Yes."
"Based on what?"
At this question the boy took a moment to answer. Mikoto looked down, at his face. A frown was visible on his face.
He almost looked insulted.
"I'm Fuzen Katsumi."
She herself had not expected the answer but the giggles and laughs across the room told her his own Familia members had seen this coming.
'They really...trust in him a lot...I knew he was amazing, but for Fuzen-dono to gain such trust from Braver and all those other well-known Adventurers…'
"So I have your blessing, then?"
"Yep ~" Said Loki while making two 'V' signs with her fingers. "All good on our part. However…"
She stood up and slowly walked up towards herself and Fuzen. Mikoto found herself gulping once again as she noticed Loki's stare on her. She approached and then slowly walked around her once, giving herself a couple of hums as she did so.
'W-What is happening?! Why is she examining me?!'
And then she heard it.
A loud and blunt 'Tsk'.
"E-Eh?"
"'Lil Fuzen…" She then walked away from her and behind Fuzen, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You kids do what you want as far as swords are concerned, but don't let yourself fall for her big assets. I won't allow it, you hear? You're mine so I won't allow it!"
"Uhh..E-Eh? What?" Her words confused Mikoto, greatly so.
Assets? What was she speaking about?
Her answer came a couple of seconds later as she noticed the Goddess drilling holes with her eyes at her chest.
Mikoto looked down at her chest, then back at the Goddess.
Down, and then back.
Down, and back.
Then she felt her cheeks catch fire as her arms immediately jumped to cover herself with them. "P-P-Please refrain from insulting me, Goddess Loki!"
"With a chest and body like that I've no doubts you've got boys wrapped around your little finger, Yamato Mikoto! But I won't allow you to do any such thing with my Fuzen! Better yet-!" She grabbed the boy from under his arms and lifted him up, forcing her to look at him. "Look at this nonchalant yet cute expression! I'll let you know he's so socially inept any suggestions you might throw at him will just fly over his head! So try as much as you want!"
"J-Just what do you think I am, Goddess Loki?!"
"A girl with a big chest!" Loki exclaimed loudly. "And women with big chests can't be trust-!"
Her sentence got cut short as the boy she held from under the arms slipped out of her grasp, then proceeded to grab her arm and in a display of beautiful technique performed a full shoulder throw on the Goddess, slamming her butt-first into the ground.
Only a leg twitch signalled she was still alive.
"...annoying…" Muttered the boy as she looked coldly at his Goddess with a hint of disgust in his eyes before he hopped over her and towards the exit. "If we're done here then we will be on our way. Thank you again for taking the time to be here at my request."
"...Good luck, 'lil Fuzen."
"Hm?" His Goddess's words caught his attention and he turned to stare at her. "What do you mean?"
"Well...You are going to Take next, to gain his permission as well, right?" She asked and both Fuzen and Mikoto nodded. "Yeah...I think you'll soon find out our permission was actually the easy one to gain." Loki voiced with a smirk, still laying on the floor as her rear hurt too much to move. "So good luck~"
"...Hm." Was all Fuzen said in turn, opening the door and leaving.
Mikoto was closely behind him but turned as she left the room and bowed at the Loki Familia before respectfully closing the door and going into a light jog to catch up with Fuzen.
In all honesty, this day proved to be one of the most stressful in her life until now.
'Haaaa...That felt like it took a whole day…And the Sword Princess's stare…' By far the most memorable moment of that meeting had been when her eyes met that of Ais Wallenstein.
It was an intense stare if she put aside the fact of how cute the girl herself looked during it. However, what confused her was the fact she could not shake off the feeling that the Sword Princess was somewhat...jealous of her.
Of her, out of all things.
'Yeah right...As if that could be true. Must have been just my imagination...Haaa...'
"This place is a maze of stairs so hurry up if you don't want to get lost." Fuzen voiced and opening her eyes she noticed he was already halfway across the hallway already.
"A-Ah, I apologize!"
And so she went into a light jog again, but no matter how hard she tried she could not catch up to Fuzen at all, despite the boy just walking while she was almost running after him.
Until they left the manor she had not been able to catch up to him, at all.
'...It's just my imagination, right? Right?!'
She pondered on the happenings of the last couple of minutes as she caught her breath.
"Hurry up, or do you want to keep your own Deity waiting?"
And by now, somehow, somehow, the boy was already waiting by the front gate for her.
'...Right…?'
XXX
Dunno If I dug a grave for this fic with that little scene there of Fuzen being able to refuse a direct, divine order from his Patron Deity.
But then again, I did state a while ago that I won't hold back and that I won't keep him "within reasonable limits" anymore, so yeah.
Even if this is a turn-off or I get BS feedback for it, I'll stand by it.
And if you were wondering, yes: Ais is kinda jealous of Mikoto.
I mean, girl just tried to imitate Fuzen and got beat half to death for it, and here comes this girl many Levels weaker than her, having been offered the secrets of the LSS by my boi himself.
As awkward as she is, even Ais would feel something at that I think.
Anyway, that's about it.
Next Chapter should be up pretty soon thanks to certain factors on my end.
So if you enjoy my crappy work, look forward to it.
Kay bye.