Hello, fellow readers! Welcome to an interesting idea I had recently. So I got back into Assassin's Creed by playing AC3, the last one I played to the end before burnout, when I realized something:

If Ezio was a guest character in Soul Calibur, what if another assassin had the chance to accept the invitation?

Over the years when I look back at the series, while I do like the assassins like Ezio and Altair, my personal favorite assassin is Connor. I honestly love the character and the themes his story explores, and I love the weapons he brought to the table.

When it comes to the Soul Calibur series, I notice that the story in SC6 could fit pretty well if Connor was the protagonist. The 'Libra of Soul' mode specifically, where the 'conduit' has their journey outside of the main story. But before we do, let's get some rules down:

1. While the general structure of the quests will be similar, I'll gladly change things up to fit to what Connor will likely do in the scenario presented to him. Could range from simple dialogue changes to even a different outcome of a fight.

2. I'll try to include the DLC characters to the best of my ability. Not sure if I'll include 2B and Haohmaru, as I don't really have ideas for them at the moment, but we'll see.

3. Considering the amount of characters this game has, it'll be quite the challenge to try and feature them in one way or another.

4. I might include other characters from previous SC games, but it'll be mainly for extra side quests if need be.

5. In terms of the AC timeline, Connor has lived his life and passed away. After that, what if his soul went to the Astral Chaos? This will apply to any other assassins I'll include.

6. Speaking of the AC timeline, I'm someone who is familiar with some of the games. There is barely any extended media outside of them that I'm even aware of, so I apologize if there are any details I miss that are mentioned in said extended media.

As for his moveset, I'll have him mainly use weapons that were introduced in his game. The Assassin Tomahawk/ Pivot Blade combo, his bow and arrows, and his respective tools. There is more to his repertoire, but that will be revealed later.

Also quick note here, this is the first time I'm writing any of these characters from their respective franchises, so bear with me as I'm learning how their personalities work.

With all of that said, let us dive into the tale of souls and swords!

Prologue: From One World to Another

?

"Where... am I...?"

He wasn't sure where he go after his passing, but this feeling of... temptation was familiar. Like the strange energy of-

ROAR!

A sudden unholy roar echoed around him as his sight began to return. What he sees is a realm unlike any he can imagine, with broken buildings and landscapes contorted beyond recognition. There was two sides of the void, swirling to and from each other at the same time, yet had two different energies he felt surging around him:

One side was pure chaos, a thirst for destruction and bloodlust that overwhelms even the strongest animals.

The other side was extreme order, intent to purge the darkness and the power of control that easily rivals the Pieces of Eden.

Then like the aftermath of an earthquake, the realm grew eerily quiet before he heard a voice. Despite having no clear source, it was heard vividly:

"Consumed within the chaos, yet still with presence of mind... A link between here and the mortal realm. You are quite the interesting one. Still, you will eventually succumb to the chaos unless you engrave a clear image of yourself onto your soul."

The soul this mystery voice spoke to was confused beyond belief, having questions as to where he ended up, but halted them. If he wanted to remain who he was, as he lived, he must remember. With the most vivid of his memories coming to mind, from his past to his time as an Assassin, his soul began to form a physical body.

The form he took is at the age where he fought to end the Templar Order in the Colonies. Combined with the experience his later life granted him, this will prove strong enough to fight off this chaotic realm. Once he proved his willpower, the voice spoke to him again:

"If you can keep a hold of who you are, you will be able to stave off the chaos. Now arise, take up your weapon, and fight. Your life depends on it."

With that said, the newly-formed soul finds himself blinded by light before visions began to invade his mind. Events he doesn't recall ever having, ending with a sword... with a monstrous eye staring into his soul.

Journey's Dawn

"Ah! Hah... Hah..."

Connor woke up in a sweat, laying down on his chest in a grassy clearing of a forest. His head was pounding as he pushes himself up to his feet, feeling his body shake and at a loss of breath. His body soon calms down to a manageable level when he hears a familiar voice:

"You're finally awake. It seems you had quite the nightmare."

Connor turns to see a mysterious man holding a scythe and wearing a hood, but the latter is not like his or any Assassin he knew about. From the designs of his cloak and attire, he likely has ties to a tribe of his own and comes off as quiet yet strong-willed. Perhaps he can read minds too, as he answers the question that he was just about to ask:

"My name is Zasalamel, and I know what's happened to you. Your soul was greatly affected by the 'Evil Seed', a power strong enough to bring souls from other realities to consume. You just escaped such a fate, and escaped becoming a 'Malfested'... but I'm afraid that you may not escape death."

Connor finally found his voice as he follows up with another question, "...How much do you know about me?"

"I have the power to see into one's soul. As you were regaining yourself, I saw your life and your struggles. Your birth name is Ratonhnhake:ton and was given the name Connor by your mentor Achilles. Needless to say... it seems fate gave you that first name for a reason."

What made Connor intrigued was the last sentence, where the man's tone was that of... sympathy? Empathy? Maybe pity? Whatever it was, there seems to be an urgent matter at hand as Connor speaks up on what he mentioned:

"You spoke of this 'Evil Seed'. What is it?"

The scythe wielder shifts back to his neutral tone as he answers, "It is a great evil that burst forth from Western Europe, rising as a torrent of light into the sky and rained down around the world."

"And I suppose that it is connected to this 'Malfested'?"

"You catch on quick. They are beings whose bodies and minds have been twisted by evil. Symptoms vary, but some are known to becoming monsters. Many malfested lose all sense of reason, becoming violent and attack anyone in their way. Luckily for you, fate put you on a different path."

"Then... is that what I saw in those visions?" Connor mainly said that to himself, but Zasalamel answers regardless:

"Your body does not appear to have been altered by the 'Evil Seed'. However, it seems to have affected your soul, linking it to what is called the 'Astral Chaos'. It is a curious realm where great powers collide. In time, it will consume your soul, resulting in your death. Those visions are a sign of what is to come."

Now knowing that his arrival here isn't a possible coincidence, he looks at the scythe wielder with a determined gaze:

"What would you have me do?"

"If you wish to continue living, come with me. I will teach you how to extend your life."

Connor steels himself as the two walk deeper into the woods. The way there brought them to a strange power as they approach, the air around them becoming stifling and making each step take more effort to do. Zasalamel on the other hand, seems to be unfazed by this change in the atmosphere. The two soon reach their destination, where they see some strange portal of energy.

Zasalamel spoke with certainty about its origin, "That is an astral fissure, a rip in space and time. It is caused by the great power that flows through the Earth and the energy dispersed by the 'Evil Seed'. To continue living, you need to obtain its power."

"Its power?" Connor repeats, "If what you say is true, such a feat is easier said than done if it is capable of warping the fabrics of reality."

"Hmph, naturally. These fissures exude a massive amount of force that will either destroy anyone weak who dares approach it, or turn them into a malfested. However, when someone with great power approaches..."

He simply steps forward, which was soon met with a flash of light. Along with it, a visitor from the other side. It appeared to be a man, but his eyes shine red with bloodlust as he lets out a mighty roar. Connor instinctively readies himself for a fight, pulling out his tomahawk and pivot blade.

"It will summon a warrior to challenge you." Zasalamel states, "Be sure to fight for your life."

With that said, the scythe wielder steps aside as the berserker leaps upon Connor with blade in hand. The assassin was quick to dodge, quickly countering back with equal strength. To his surprise, his opponent is quite tough, shrugging off wounds that would kill a normal man.

The only thing that kept Connor alive was his experience, knowing that a wild animal is dangerous but predictable. In a short time, he wore down the berserker before disarming him of his sword and landing a decisive blow into his skull. Removing his tomahawk, the berserker's corpse fell onto the ground cold.

What he didn't expect was the corpse bursting into particles of light, rising into the air before fading away. He catches his breath and puts his weapons away as Zasalamel steps back in to explain what that was:

"Those freakish warriors - Berserkers - appear when a strong soul approaches an astral fissure. They come from the memories of warriors who sought strength. To defeat them, you simply must be stronger. There is no other way."

Connor looks at him as he summarizes his new goal, "I must fight to live by defeating these warriors?"

This time, Zasalamel corrects him on his assumption:

"No, they are only an obstacle in your path. Your goal is the astral fissure itself. Its phenomenal power will enable you to continue living and provide resistance to the Astral Chaos's attempts to devour your soul. If you can withstand the power emitting from that realm, you will no longer have to fear for your life."

Connor's face rarely shows emotion, but the bewildered expression was clear. Honestly, everything he's been hearing since his arrival has been as absurd as the artifacts back in his world. Yet... something about all of this seems familiar...

Zasalamel brings him back to reality as he spoke, "Now, claim your power from the astral fissure."

Connor braces himself as he thrusts his arms into the fissure, seeing light emit from the portal as its power flows into his body. His heart pounded, his body began burning feverishly, but he pushes through until it disappears before their eyes. He felt its power settle into his soul as Zasalamel spoke up again:

"As long as the scattered evil and the earth's power remains, astral fissures will continue to appear. I hear that there is another one, located on the outskirts of a village to the southeast. Before you go, take this."

He hands Connor a set of scales, which intrigued the assassin as each scale houses a colored fire. One side has a blue flame while the other has a red flame.

"What is it?" Connor asked, quite curious at such an interesting set of scales.

"This is a set of 'spirit scales', otherwise known as the Libra of Soul." Zasalamel answers before explaining its function:

"Your body is overflowing with energy from the Astral Chaos, represented by the scales tipping towards the power of chaos or order from your choices. This will show you the state of your soul and determines which power you draw from. It should help you maintain control, should you find yourself going down a path you would rather not walk."

With that said, the scythe wielder hands Connor the scales before turning away and leaving him with his final words:

"Now, you must embark on a journey to save your life. So long."

The assassin wasn't sure if he may see him again, so he made sure to give him his thanks:

"Zasalamel, I am grateful for your help. Should we meet again, I would like to repay you however I can."

"...I will consider your offer."

With those final words, the scythe wielder walks off into the forest to parts unknown. Connor held the scales for a moment longer before they faded into light, the respective flames of each side soon settling into his soul like the fissure's power. Now having a goal, he soon heads off towards the next astral fissure, officially beginning his journey in this new world.

The Blades of Fate

His next destination was rather far, so he had to make camp to rest for the time being. When he falls to sleep, he sees those vivid visions again that ends with that demonic sword's eye staring back. Though that was the beginning of the dream, as his body soon felt adrift in the still air.

He eventually opens his eyes to see an impossible sight, a vast space where the ground was nowhere to be seen and the sky stretched on to infinity. Ruined chunks of masonry floated nearby:

A broken pillar from a temple, a half-collapsed house, a fallen tower - structures of every shape and size from every corner of the globe.

At the center of it all was an enormous whirlpool of light. Connor watched as a colossal building was drawn into it, bricks ripping from their mortar and accelerating into the brilliant glow. A piece of rubble made contact, and disappeared in utter silence. The light was strangely captivating in its beauty, yet filled his heart with dread.

He realizes that it was drawing him in and begins struggling from its inexorable grasp. Yet no matter how hard he tried breaking free, he couldn't move an inch... but he fought nonetheless. If there was one thing he knew throughout his entire life, is that he fought no matter how impossible the odds are against him. The British, the Templars, even nature itself couldn't stop him before, this harbinger of death is no different!

With this new power, he'll fight for eternity if he must!

SHING!

As the light drew near, he then sees a pair of swords appear before him as time grew still. As he begins to reach out to them, a voice broke the silence:

"Those who desire strength must make a choice. If you value freedom and wish for the power to pursue your own path, choose the golden sword. If you honor the virtues of harmony and reason, and wish for the power to bring order to a chaotic world, choose the azure sword."

Connor hears these words clearly, yet they speak in a way that sounds absolute. Like there is no between, you must choose a side... a mentality he once believed.

Throughout his life, he believes that the world has a clear goal of knowing what is right and what is wrong. Upon becoming an Assassin, he learns that it's not so simple and that there are those who believe to doing what must be done for the 'greater good'. However, such a goal meant that they are justified in doing what is necessary to achieve it, even if it meant sacrificing their own humanity for such a cause.

Despite all these experiences... he didn't lose his beliefs. He understands what he's learned, but he still believes that things can change for the better. One word comes to mind, the epiphany he had reached as he recounts all that he had lost in his life, yet still moves forward...

The word that defines HIS strength.

With both hands, he grabs both swords in an iron grip and felt their powers flow into him. Two different energies collide inside his soul, causing him great pain as he grits his teeth. He focuses on his senses to avoid getting overwhelmed, soon speaking his next words with pure conviction:

"I have made my choice long ago... This, is my compromise!"

He then raises the swords and swings a swift blow at the swirling light before him, engulfing him in a flash.

Partners in Crime

"Hey, you. You okay?"

An unfamiliar voice brings Connor back to reality, where he awakens to the sunlight shining in the sky. In his vision, he sees a figure standing over him as his eyes adjusted to see a friendly face:

"Good, you're finally awake. I was traveling nearby when I heard someone's voice. Name's Maxi, what do you go by?"

Connor slowly gets up to his feet, still feeling the aftereffects of that nightmare, before steadying himself. "Call me Connor."

"Connor? Nice name. By the looks of you and the weapons you have, I'm guessing you're a warrior of some kind. If you're up for it, wanna have a spar?"

The assassin didn't mind, as it may help get his mind off that nightmare and keep his skills sharp. "I accept your challenge."

"All right!" Maxi cheers as he pulls out his nunchaku, "Get ready!"

Pulling out his tomahawk and pivot blade, Connor braces himself for another fight. Thankfully it wasn't for survival this time, but he isn't gonna hold back. Maxi proves to be pretty strong and swift with his weapon as he kept Connor on his toes. The two exchange blows multiple times, none fatal or severe, before they eventually reach a standstill where Maxi ceases fire:

"Woo! You're pretty good, Connor!" He compliments, "If you want, I got a job offer that I think is up your alley."

Connor wasn't sure at first, as he has a task at hand, but decides to hear him out. "What is your offer?"

Funny enough, the offer Maxi proposes correlates to his task. From what the nunchaku wielder heard, the residents of a nearby village suddenly vanished one day. At the same time, a mysterious hole formed nearby, from which strange creatures had started to emerge. The village head believed it was these creatures who had attacked the villagers, and ordered that they must be found and exterminated.

That info lines up with the fissure near the village Connor was heading to. As he connects this, Maxi continues with his offer:

"I know how to handle myself, so I agreed to help. But, they wanted me to take care of the hole as well as the creatures. Right when I was thinking I needed help, I ran into you. The reward's juicier than a rare steak, so how's a fifty-fifty sound?"

"Do you happen to know where the village is located?" The assassin asked.

"Yeah, it's down that way to the southeast."

"Then I accept your offer."

"Alright then. Let's do this, partner!" With a self-assured grin, Maxi extended his hand, which Connor returns with a firm grasp.

The two headed off towards their destination, where Maxi didn't mind sharing some stories to pass the time. Connor wouldn't have guessed it, but his new ally is the captain of a pirate crew who ventures around the globe, yet didn't speak like those he's met.

As the sun was beginning to set, the nunchaku pirate lets out a sigh:

"All I hear nowadays is crazy talk. To the west of the continent, some lord suddenly went nuts. In another town, there was a massacre that wiped out the entire population, but nobody knows who or what caused it. We were even attacked once by a bunch of creeps with red eyes."

"I have heard of them." Connor mentions, "They are people gone mad from evil energy, known as 'Malfested'."

"Is that what they're calling those people? Strange, but so are glowing eyes. Changing the subject for a second, what's given you the travel bug these days?"

"I am not fully sure of what my true goal is yet, but I have the strength to deal with these 'mysterious holes' you have heard about. I was on my way there when we met."

"Whoa, talk about a coincidence. Then do you know anything about them?"

Connor decides to give him the truth of his journey, "I have been told that they are called 'Astral Fissures', created by this 'Evil Seed' that rained down around the world to spread its dark energy. If not stopped, they will continue to appear and cause more destruction."

"That's pretty heavy. I never heard of them, but maybe some of my crew might know something. I'll ask around."

By the time the sun has fully set to give way to the night, they made sure to make camp to rest. Maxi was the first to go as he stretches his limbs and lays down:

"Man, I'm beat. I'm gonna turn in for the day. See you bright and early tomorrow!"

"Rest well." Connor simply said before drifting off himself.

Unfortunately despite his efforts before, the visions were still there as they ran rampart in Connor's mind. Eventually, he finds himself waking up later in the night with a splitting headache, which got the attention of Maxi who was awake too:

"What's up? You were making noises in your sleep."

"...Sorry, nightmare." Connor said, rubbing his forehead.

Maxi simply nods before handing him a water canteen, "Here, drink up."

"Thank you."

Connor accepted the water and took a few sips, giving it back to Maxi as he feels his headache subside. However, he doubts he's gonna be getting anymore sleep that night...

Another Face

The two had managed to reach the grassy plains outside another forest when they hear a voice call out from behind them. They turn around to see a young man walking towards them, staff in hand with a smile on his face. Upon reaching them, he gave a small nod before speaking:

"Greetings. May I assume you're also heading into this forest on a mission to hunt monsters?"

"Yeah, we are." Maxi answers, "You too?"

"Yes." The young man answers before introducing himself, "My name is Haoran. I heard there were others who'd accepted the mission, so I thought I would introduce myself."

"I see. I'm Maxi. This is my partner in crime, Connor."

Connor greets the man with a simple nod, which Haoran acknowledges before the latter speaks:

"Nice to meet you. I know this is sudden, but may I suggest that we join forces? When I signed up for this mission, my intent was only to save those in trouble. I have no problem splitting the reward with you."

"Sounds like a plan." Maxi said before pulling out his nunchaku, "But I'm gonna have to test your skills first. You game?"

"Yes, of course!" Haoran agrees before readying his staff, "Let us begin!"

Connor stood back this time as the two had a sparring match. While Maxi's aggressive style was strong, Haoran kept the battle even by keeping the range advantage. Though the nunchaku pirate was flexible, managing to land a few blows throughout their exchanges, which the staff monk returns in kind. It was about a minute or so after that they wrapped up their match.

"You win..." Haoran humbly said, "I must say, your aggressive style is impressive."

"You're not so bad yourself." Maxi compliments back, "Where'd you pick up those staff skills?"

"At Ling-Sheng Su alongside my brother. To be honest, I thought I'd fare better against you..."

"Nah, ya did good. I feel like it should be me asking you to join forces! How about it, Connor?"

Connor sees the two look at him and gives them a nod, agreeing to his recruitment. Maxi smiles at that as he welcomes their new ally:

"Then it's settled. Haoran, you're on the team. Welcome aboard!"

"Thank you!" Haoran happily said, "As a sign of our new friendship, how about one of Ling-Sheng Su's famous cakes? No one should fight on an empty stomach."

"Deal me in!" Maxi gladly accepts, "C'mon, Connor! Dig in!"

Connor couldn't help but smirk at their excitement, accepting the food and tasting such a delicacy. It was delicious, fitting its status of a famous dish.

The Qualifiers

The trio had managed to reach their destination after some time, approaching the location of the astral fissure when they see two men blocking their path.

"Stop right there! What are you doing here?" The brute questions.

"We Qualifiers watch over the area ahead." The pretty one adds, "Those without permission to proceed will be turned away."

Haoran was as puzzled as his allies, "I'm sorry, 'Qualifiers'?"

"I've heard the name from some rumors going 'round recently." Maxi answers, "Something about saving humanity..."

Connor immediately didn't like that. Such a goal sounds like what the Templars would do, so the fact that even in other worlds, there are those who choose to be a makeshift savior or make a new world order... some things never change.

"Quit babbling and get out of here already!" The brute shouts out.

"We're only here to hunt monsters." Haoran assures them, "If you share the same mission, it would benefit us all to work to-"

"You think I was born yesterday? You're just trying to get to the astral fissure! That's Lord Azwel's, and I'll be damned if you get in his way-"

BANG! BANG!

That was all Connor needed to confirm his suspicions. Pulling out one of his double barrel pistols, he fired a shot each at the two warriors. He made sure to aim at the legs, as he plans to get some more info. Walking over to the brute, he stomps his foot on the wound to increase the pain as he questions the man:

"Why does your lord want to save humanity?"

"Why... to save them, from being so weak!" The brute answers through gritted teeth.

"The lord plans to make sure such events, such as the 'Evil Seed', would not wipe us out..." The pretty one adds, "Evolve us, into something stronger! More beautiful!"

"Mankind cannot force nature to change, it does so on her own accord." Connor retorts, "Your lord will forever dream of a world that will never come."

"How would you know... you won't be there to see it..." The brute threatens, despite his current condition.

Connor switches his pistols and points the loaded one at him, "Neither will you."

"Stop, Connor!" Haoran calls out, "They are not a threat now, leave them be!"

"Yeah, I'm gonna agree with Haoran here." Maxi adds, "Let's just get going to the fissure."

After a moment to consider, Connor decides to obey their wishes and puts his gun away. Before leaving, he made sure to tell the Qualifiers a crystal clear warning:

"Consider this time to reconsider your path. Should we meet again, on opposing sides like now, I will kill you both."

With that said, his group goes on ahead towards the astral fissure. The two Qualifiers were angry at what had transpired, and will remember it.

Staring into the Abyss

Upon arriving, they can feel the power surging from the deep fissure. It oppressed the entire area, swallowing up even the surrounding sound in its aura.

"THAT is the hole they were talking about!?" Maxi shouts in shock, "Gimme a break, that ain't just any hole."

"How troubling..." Haoran worries, "It is certainly beyond our ability to handle."

"Not mine." Connor assures them.

"So, that thing is what you're looking for?" Maxi asked before shaking his head in resignation, "Then those rumors about monsters might also be true..."

The trio then see a burst of light come from the fissure, bringing with it a warrior who lets out a earth-shattering roar before readying its weapon.

"Great, they are true! As if this wouldn't be any harder!" Maxi comments, his tone carrying agitation.

"Get ready." Connor said before readying himself for battle.

While the berserker was strong, three against one isn't fair odds in a fight. Teaming up is a rare case for Connor, but he knows how to lead a team well enough. While the berserker put up a fight, it eventually fell to the ground and burst into light upon defeat.

"All right. We done?" Maxi questions.

"Yes, it is done." Connor answers.

"Good." The nunchaku pirate starts to calm himself as he wonders aloud, "Jeez, what was that all about?"

"The creature appeared to be human, but it left no trace of its existence." Haoran notes, "Like it was a phantom."

"I'm pretty sure the marks on my body count as traces." Maxi then turns to Connor, "Okay, so what about this 'hole'?"

"Stay back." Connor warns as he puts his weapons away.

The two watch as he approaches the fissure, with him staring into the seemingly eternal blackness before thrusting his arms into it and absorbs its power.

"Hey, what are you-" Maxi stops his question as the 'hole' soon disappears without a trace.

"The hole just... vanished..." Haoran mutters.

Maxi decides to change his question, "What the hell'd you do?"

Connor looks at his hands and clenches them into fists as he answers, "I told you that my goal was to deal with these fissures. This is how I do so."

"Oh, right. Well, I have no reason to doubt it after what I just saw."

"Agreed." Haoran adds, "I've seen some bizarre things in my life, but nothing like that... how are you feeling?"

Connor looks at them before admitting, "It feels strange, but I feel stronger."

Maxi stretches a bit as he spoke up, "I guess that's good. The mission's done now, so feel free to rest here while I check to see if the road's safe."

"I'll go replenish our water supply." Haoran said before pulling out some sweets, "Here, Connor. This should perk you up a bit. Help yourself."

"Thank you." The assassin said, accepting the sweets before the two headed off for their respective tasks.

The Man In Black

Connor rests in the clearing while he waits for his allies to return, but felt that something was heading his way. Activating his Eagle Vision, he notices auras approaching his location and quickly goes into hiding before the group enters the clearing:

"The astral fissure is gone... What happened here?" A man wearing a gauntlet questions.

"I do not know. However, something feels off." A tan man notes.

"Someone's been here." A woman with an intense gaze notices tracks in the dirt, "Still fresh. They must be close by."

"I will handle it." The gauntlet man said before pulling out his swords.

He scans the area for more evidence of their hidden target, eventually noticing that one of the trees had bark freshly broken off and a leaf falling off a branch... with no wind passing by. His special eye patch also caught a signature located in the branches.

"I know you are hiding. Show yourself."

Connor was impressed by their scouting skills, so he concedes and jumps down from the tree to reveal himself. "Impressive skills. Who are you?"

The man in black readies his weapon, which the assassin does the same as he felt a sense of bloodlust from the man.

"I do not know who you are, but I know you possess unnatural power." The man in black said, "Show it to me, if you dare!"

Before Connor said anything else, his opponent came at him swinging! His fighting style was interesting, having two swords that connect at the hilt and can separate into two when needed. It matched Connor's dual wielding style with the tomahawk and pivot blade, but that's where the similarities end.

The man in black was aggressive like Maxi, but more so on fast strikes than pure skill. This kept Connor on his toes though as the assassin tries to find openings. However, his defensive plan only served to annoy the man:

"Come on, show me that power of yours."

It wasn't a taunt, but a warning as Connor noted that the man was holding back. Not wanting to get overwhelmed, he goes on the offense. It wasn't an immediate turn around, though the power from the fissures helped in keeping pace with the man's strength.

The two clash blades more often than not, which the man notes and increases his aggression to land a few hits. Connor made sure to return in kind in the openings he spotted, even landing a surprise dropkick to knock his opponent back. Quickly getting up, the man in black was fast enough to block another attack as the two got into a deadlock.

During this moment, the man notices a subtle blue glow coming from the assassin's eyes. It was brief though before Connor shoves him off, pushing his opponent back a few more feet. The man in black swiftly regains his footing before dusting himself off:

"Hmph.., not bad."

Connor was curious as he sees the man relax his stance and puts away his swords, which his allies made a stir about.

"Are you certain?" The tan man asked.

"Is it really wise to let an outsider get away?" The woman questions.

"I have obtained all the information I need." The man in black answers.

Connor cautiously puts away his weapons before asking again, "Who are you?"

The man stood silent, as if pondering an answer, before they hear another voice call out to them:

"Hey! What's going on!?" It was Maxi, who has returned from his task.

"Fall back." The man in black orders before his group departed the scene.

Maxi arrives right after they left the clearing, checking up on Connor as he had understandable questions:

"You okay? What was their deal? And what's with their weird getup?"

"I think they know something we do not." Connor comments.

The two soon heard footsteps, which turns out to be Haoran who returned from refilling water. He also notices something had happened:

"Sorry it took so long, but I managed to refill our water... Did something happen while I was gone?"

"Yeah. Connor was attacked by some freaky group." Maxi answers.

"A 'freaky group'? Like bandits?"

"They didn't look like bandits... Well, at least everyone's safe. I think our way ahead's clear, but we should stay alert. Those freaks may come back."

The trio headed back out onto the road, leaving Connor to ponder what had transpired. Whatever it was, his gut tells him that he'll meet that man in black again. Time will tell what side that man's fighting for...

And done! Pretty lengthy prologue, but I felt it make sense to leave it off the first encounter with Groh. Funny enough, that is also where chapter 1 of the mode ends, so it works out. Like I said before, the plot is relatively the same for now, but I'll be changing things to fit the different decisions Connor will have later in the story.

And before I forget, I'll address certain concerns here:

1. When it comes to the fight scenes, I'm not doing a full fight scene for all of them. If it's a sparring match or one against minions, I'll keep it short. When it comes to the bigger fights, like the climax with Azwel, I will be giving them the full treatment.

2. When it comes to the assassins from the AC world, I'm only choosing ones that I'm familiar with. This helps me get a better feel for their personalities and in turn helps write them more accurately. Also to avoid having the cast be too big.

3. When it comes to the movesets of the AC assassins, I'll be having them use their main weapons they are known for. Any shared weapon types or tools will be interchangeable and only used when needed.

4. If any decisions they make at certain points are too vague on their reasoning, I'll gladly clarify my thought process on why they would make that choice. Also helps that most of the story choices are in a gray area rather than a simple good and evil, so it helps in flexibility.

5. In terms of the Soul Calibur characters, I want to mention that while VI has a good roster and characterization, there are a couple of changes that I didn't like them doing for some of their personalities. They are very minor, so when I write for them, they'll be the characters you're familiar with. I'll explain these nitpicks when said character shows up in the story.

With all of that said, thanks for reading and I'll see you next chapter!