Floor 5 - Chapter 2 - Remember, Remember...
December 27th, 2022 - Floor 5, Karluin Teleport Gate
The trio reached the rendezvous point with the other group, and discovered a fairly important piece of information - their allies were late, and they were currently very bored. As it turned out, Jet had an absurdly short attention span when waiting for things... whilst Koharu and Phillia were chatting about things, Jet was currently playing a rudimentary game of football with a brick, and currently putting Aston Villa to shame.
''Argo sure is late, isn't she? I've sent them a message, but I think they're in a dungeon, so they haven't got it.''
''We should probably stay put, I think. Besides, I'm doing well. 11-nil to me, the defence is non-existent.'' - Jet had decided that now was half time... and not that he was, in fact, completely bored.
''So, you really decided to date him... I'm not sure which of you is the more insane!''
''He's cute... in a weird, dorky way. Either that, or I've developed Stockholm Syndrome and latched onto the first person to show me any kindness in this world of insanity.'' - Koharu seemed remarkably nonplussed about her response, and the fact she'd inadvertently revealed some very personal details to Phillia. Phillia just looked somewhat concerned for Koharu's mental health, and made a note not to pry any further.
''Both of you it is, then. Anyway, maybe we should stay close to the teleporter, avoid drawing any aggro from the monsters.'' - The trio headed back towards the teleport gate, just in time to have to dodge an incoming blade strike...
''Crap! Where the hell did that come from!?'' - Jet leapt back to put some distance between them and the attacker.
''Koharu, you okay!?''
''Yeah, just fine... Jet!''
''Yup, I got it!'' - Jet threw himself into a roll, as the blade skimmed him with only millimetres to spare...
''Rrgh, (snarls), you've got good reflexes... for a human, that is.''
''Urgh, you lot again!''
''Why did you attack us...''
''I am in pursuit of a thief.'' - The blade was pointed towards Koharu - ''Hand back the Evening Star Ring now!''
''Guess we're fighting him then... plan of attack?''
''I've got a plan - attack.'' - Jet lunged towards the Commander, his blade scraping at the elf, but not really doing much damage. Luckily, that wasn't his intention, as Caliburn had one convenient advantage - it held a debuff effect to an enemy's agility. Not for long, and not by much, only really about 5%, but in the heat of battle... five percent was a great deal. The feint set up Koharu to come in with a rapier skill, Rage Spike, and whittle away the Commander's health, as the trio continued to swap into the role of striker, whilst the other two fell back on defence.
Minutes passed by, and the Fallen Elf Commander was finally beaten, beginning to fade in and out of existence after their defeat...
''We have heard of humans who murdered our brethren. You are strong... but you are naïve...'' - The Commander continued to fade, but not disappear, much to the confusion of the trio. ''His gauge is depleted... how is he still standing!?''
''The grudge that this land bears is giving us strength. You too will bleed onto these rocks...'' - The Commander held a ready stance, as the trio prepared for round two...
''Not bloody likely, mate.'' - Jet muttered, sword drawn, as a familiar voice shouted to the trio...
''Jet! Your turn to attack!'' - A purple blur struck the fading Commander, and forced him onto the back foot.
''A Dark Elf!?''
''I am Kizmel. A Sophora Knight of Lyusula. You are in the presence of an Imperial Knight! My sword will free those in danger!'' - If Jet had heard a more badass sounding boast in his life, he'd forgotten it...
''Oh, now you're screwed pal, she's one of the best... face it, your best bet is turning and running!'' - Jet readied his sword, but gave a smug look towards the commander...
''Tch, a change in tides. You've gotten lucky, humans.'' - The commander took Jet's advice, and fled at speed.
''He got away...'' - Jet seemed quite happy at the outcome, all things considered, whilst Koharu practically leapt at Kizmel with glee... ''Kizmel!''
''Are you okay, you two? And on that note, who is the new girl?''
''Oh, Phillia, Kizmel. Kizmel, Phillia. And yeah, we're fine, thanks for the save there.''
''I'm glad I could be of assistance, and thank you for the compliment Jet. I don't think I'd go that far, but you are very kind.''
''Eh, I called it as I saw it. You've kicked more ass than we have!''
''Okay, touching reunion, but who is she?''
''Oh right, Kizmel is a Dark Elf. We've helped her on a few missions, she's a very good ally, and a friend.''
''O-kay then...''
''I trust you've been keeping well, both of you? I admit, I have prayed for your safety on more than one occasion...''
''Oh, we've been fine. Well, other than Jet being beaten up in a bucket, but that was fine...''
''I would love to hear your stories, but I'm afraid now is not the time.''
''Any ideas who that Fallen Elf was, or what the hell they meant by 'Evening Star Ring'?''
''And how we were able to defeat one, before they then got back up like it was nothing?''
''I can't say I understand that. No one should be able to escape death, there has to be a trick to it.'' - Koharu looks down at her feet, as Jet leans over and takes hold of her hand, knowing that she's thinking of something that she doesn't want to say aloud for whatever reason. - ''What I can't understand is why they attacked you... wait, Jet, what did you just say?''
''Hmm? Oh, about the 'Evening Star Ring'?''
''Yes, can you show it to me, please?'' - Koharu summoned the ring from her inventory, and handed it to Kizmel, who studied it intently. - ''Yes, this ring is definitely Elven in origin, it had a spell to hide it's true value from thieves. Let us dispel it...'' - Kizmel muttered some random syllables, and the ring began to shine brightly in her hand, before changing into a more attractive item, the black slate appearance becoming more similar to marble.
''Whoa. The dark stone is shining like a starry night... it's beautiful. I can see why it's called the Evening Star!''
''It is beautifully made, yes, but the Fallen Elves are after it, so handle it with extreme care. It would probably be best if you don't let other people see it too.''
''Yeah, I'll just put it away so no one sees it.'' - The ring disappeared back into the hammerspace that was a player's inventory. - ''Still though, what are the chances that Mater would have that, find it of no use to her, and conveniently give it to us?''
''Knowing our luck, extremely high.''
''I doubt it is a coincidence. Fallen Elves are only really on high alert around Dark and Forest Elves. If they lowered their guard, it isn't implausible that this Mater obtained it, somehow. Where did you find it, anyway?''
''In the catacombs... in... oh. A human cemetery! Of course they wouldn't be on high alert, why would they? When have elves ever gone into the graveyard of another species!''
''That's precisely the point, Jet. The war over the Keys has reached a stalemate currently.''
''That ceasefire is still holding then?''
''For now, yes. I believe that the discovery of the Fallen Elves' plot was critical in establishing the ceasefire too, as discovering a more dangerous common enemy has probably shaken up the command structures on both sides.''
''So there's little chance of their plan succeeding now?''
''Sadly, there still is. The priests who haven't seen the lower floors refuse to take our reports seriously. They've been belittling the Fallen who gathered in the frozen lands for the longest time, and are only wary of the Kales'Oh. However, we knights know different, that the Fallen Elves are not to be taken lightly. For that end, we've set up a warning system. To think that you'd have such trouble handling the remnants here, I'm glad I made it when I did.''
''We were in trouble there, I've got to admit.''
''It was the first time we've had to face an enemy that wouldn't go down...''
''I wonder then, perhaps their trick might not work on Elves? Considering how fast that Fallen retreated when I arrived... we may be able to do something with that! He escaped... but I was able to put a tracer on him. I believe we should follow him to their headquarters...''
''Well then, Kizmel... lead the way!''
''It'd be a great comfort to have the Knight of the Tempest, and the Bladed Wind by my side, but I feel that you should leave this one to me. At least until I discover the source of their immortality.''
''Uhh, Kizmel... what did you just call us?'' - Koharu looked slightly confused, and even Jet was a bit taken aback...
''Oh, they are names that our storytellers have adopted for you. I can't say I understand them personally, but children seem to enjoy the stories, so...''
''Yay, yet more nicknames... though, Tempest on it's own would be pretty cool as a name...''
''Whatever you say wing commander...'' - Phillia mock saluted Jet, who just looked at her blankly.
''Huh?''
''You're going all in with the name, aren't you? A Tempest, as a name for Jet, a bit on the nose...''
''Sure, let's assume that's where the name Jet came from...'' - Jet gave a side glance towards Koharu, who started snickering.
''Aww, is she teasing you, Jethro...'' - Koharu teased her boyfriend, as he shrunk into his shoulders under the combined teasing of the two girls...
''No way is that your real name... Jethro?!'' - Phillia fought back her laughter, but wasn't doing a very good job of it.
''It isn't, and Kizmel, is there anything we can do to help... please?!'' - Jet asked in desperation.
''Let's see... oh, yes. There is a contact for the advance party near the altar in the Tower Ruins. Could you inform her that I am tracking Fallen Elves?''
''Got it.''
''The Fallen don't usually act in areas we watch, but keep your guard up.''
''Please be careful Kizmel, we're worried for you too.''
''I will keep myself as safe as can be, and I shall see you soon.''
''Umm, Jet? This is part of the Elf Quest, right? And we're still in the middle of our ghost hunt... what do we do?''
''I think we should keep up with the Elf Quest, you never know when it might prove handy, right?''
''Yeah, I suppose. The whole ghost thing still makes me feel uneasy though. Going solo in that cemetery is reckless! I can't let them do that alone... oh, hang on, message from Argo.''
''Let me guess, she's gotten side tracked, and is now trying to bust the mob or summat?''
''Uhh, no, but she has said to go and finish some side quests.''
''Well then, let's get going!''
''Following your lead, Jethro!'' - Jet began to scream, as Phillia started laughing.
''I told you, my name isn't sodding Jethro!''
''Heh, yes it is...''
The group headed towards the altar, but Jet could tell that Koharu was clearly struggling with something, as her attention seemed to be all over the place. If something was bothering her, it was his job to try and help, even if it was just in the form of giving her someone to talk to. After all, that was exactly what she'd do for him... - ''Hey, Koharu? Are you okay, you've kind of been spacing in and out for the past few minutes?''
''Huh, oh, yeah, I'm fine!'' - She tried to lie, but various subtle clues gave it away.
''That whole Fallen Elf thing messed you up a little, huh?''
''Yeah, it... honestly, it scared me. It felt like something out a horror movie, and I... never really liked horror stuff.''
''Join the club, Strea made me watch one of the Saw films once, and well... let's just say the aftermath wasn't pretty.''
''I know we're just delivering a message... nothing scary, right?''
''Well, other than the mummies and wraiths floating about, nah.''
''I know I'm being irrational about it, but it's just- something about the dead coming back to life always freaked me out, it's just... wrong.''
''Tell you what, when we get out of here, and we inevitably end up watching a horror film, we can hide behind the sofa together. Scaredy Cats Anonymous, how's that sound?'' - Jet joked, trying to lighten the mood as best he could.
''I'd enjoy that, probably.''
''Are you two done flirting now?''
''We... oh wait, we actually were.'' - Jet realised as he spoke.
''Yeah, well, we're kind of here, so...''
''Yeah... but where is everyone? Kizmel said there should be someone here, right? And we're definitely in the right place?''
''Yup, the Altar in Tower Ruins, we're definitely at the right place... wait, hang on. Remember what Argo said earlier! The invisibility cloak!''
''I... uhh, I missed that conversation.''
''Ah, Jet, Koharu. It is as Kizmel said, you are here. I am impressed that you aware of some of our equipment. This is usually all it takes to deceive human eyes.''
The Dark Elf revealed himself to the group. If Jet had to guess, he'd say he looked a bit older than Kizmel, but not by much, probably the human equivalent of being in his mid-twenties, with the same purple hair, and a similar style of armour, only with small differences to the markings on the chest plate. ''So, showing yourself means...''
''Yes, we have determined that you, friends of Kizmel, are trustworthy. My name is Merja, I am a knight sent to this floor from the fortress on the floor above. If you are here, then I take it that Kizmel isn't? Has there been some form of mishap?''
''Y-yeah, that's why we're here. The Fallen Elves are on this floor, and are looking for something, this Evening Star Ring.''
''Not only that, but they seem to be able to revive themselves, even on the cusp of death... it's kinda unsettling to see.''
''So, the Fallen Elves are here... Kizmel isn't easily defeated, but this is problematic.''
''Can you tell us what the situation is?''
''As you are aware, we are tasked with protecting the keys. On this floor, we have the Black Key sealed safely out of the Forest Elves sight. There is a strong spell protecting it, so nobody can get at it, as long as the ruins stand. But last night, a patrol reported eerie vibrations coming from the ground. I felt the same in a different location.
''It couldn't be an earthquake, could it?''
''Doubt it, we're on a floating lump of rock... but subsidence, maybe?'' - Jet's geology knowledge was entirely limited to Years 7 through 9 Geography, but even he suspected Aincrad didn't have tectonic plates.
''There's tunnels under the ruins, right? Maybe it came from there...''
''That is our theory too currently. We were going to search in two teams, but without Kizmel, that isn't currently viable.''
''We can probably take work as one group, if numbers are the issue?''
''It is comforting to have help from the warriors that fended off the elite forces of Kales'Oh. Still, we don't know what's lurking below, so I shall give you time to prepare, should you need it. I'll be here when you get back...'' - And with that, Merja disappeared into the ether...
''We're pretty well stocked for potions and stuff, right?''
''Yeah, weapons check?''
''Still there.''
''You okay with heading back into the Catacombs? Even knowing there might be enemies like Captain Pain in the Arse back then?''
''I hope that isn't his name...''
''Eh, family name perhaps?''
''Yeah, I'll be fine. But yeah, my worst nightmare is enemies that just won't die. That's just cheating...''
''Eh, push comes to shove, I'll leg it with you!''
''Be serious, will you? But yeah, we're partners. We'll be fine. No scaring me though! Seriously!'' - Jet just looked towards his partner in amusement - ''I'm glad I've got you here, talking about my fears, it's kind of putting them to rest a little. Also, I don't have much experience with games, but from you and Kirito have said before, and what little experience I do have, that Kayaba's spiteful, but even he wouldn't put impossible quests or invincible enemies in SAO. There has to be some kind of method to solve it. So... we can do it, right Jet?''
''There's only three of us, you really sure we can do this?''
''It's basically a recon run, we should be fine, really. But yeah, if things look hairy, we get the hell out of there. No point throwing our lives away like that.''
''Agreed, so we're all ready?''
''As I'll ever be.''
''Yeah, I've got you, so I'll be fine...''
''Aww, you'll make me blush.'' - Jet winked back to his partner, who blushed at the gesture.
''You'll both make me vomit...'' - Phillia began to wish she'd asked for someone else to help her. All she wanted to do was collect treasure, and now here she was, in the middle of an elf war, about to go grave robbing, with two lovebirds! When did her life become quite this complicated, she asked herself...
''Payback for calling me Jethro.''
''Can I call you wing commander then?'' - Phillia smirked, as Jet began to develop a twitch in his left eye...
''And they aren't here. Yay, yet more waiting...'' - Jet sounded thoroughly unimpressed, as he began kicking pebbles about.
''Still, we're progressing, right? I wonder if we're the only ones - I mean, we've not actually seen anything of either DKB or ALS since before Christmas, right? And that... umm, what was their name?''
''Liten.''
''I still wonder why he was in a dungeon on his own. Maybe ALS are silently endorsing their members to get stronger, and it would explain why he was anxious about meeting up with his friends ASAP.''
''You're starting to think like a gamer...''
''I feel like it's becoming second nature to me now... but yeah, if that competition between the guilds escalates any further, things could get bad. I sometimes wonder if they realise that, for all their efforts to clear the 100th floor, they're just causing more problems for each other...''
''Maybe, maybe not. But for now, let's focus on what we can do, not what goes on in someone else's mind.''
''Yeah, you're right. You're always pushing me forwards, so thank you...''
''Are you done talking?''
''Eeek!'' - Koharu practically jumped into Jet's arms, the knight looking on in slight surprise at the girl now clinging to him... - ''When did you get here, Merja?''
''When you were talking about the conflict between humans. I've heard that humans are working together to unify the Heavenly Pillars, but evidently there is conflict as well, I see.''
''It's a bit difficult to explain, it's like how the Dark Elves and Forest Elves aren't in open war. There's a lot to it...''
''So it's complicated.'' - Jet looked over to Koharu, who was slightly lost in thought, as Merja carried on with his explanation. - ''I take you have prepared?''
''Yep, we're as ready as we're gonna get.''
''We're looking for something strange underneath the ruins. I'll take you to the Catacombs, is that alright?''
''Let's go then...''
The group fought their way through the catacombs with relative ease, and in only about 30 minutes, had reached a large central chamber. Over to one corner were two Fallen Elves, stood talking, whilst the other side of the room appeared to be filled with crates, all of which had a fire like symbol on them...
''I'd say that counts as strange...'' - Jet quickly counted how many crates there were, around 45 of them, each containing... ''Oh. Oh no. That's bad. Really bad, like catastrophically bad.''
''Jet?''
''Quick, hide!'' - Jet pulled Koharu with him into a crevice in the wall, and hoped that his purple coat would blend in against the walls...
Three Fallen Elves came into the room. The leader, of the group, followed by a female one, who seemed very unhappy, as she stormed on ahead of her subordinate. - ''It takes such a long time to prepare the gunpowder...''
''We've had some... hindrances, but it's no problem, we're on schedule.'' - The male explained to his leaders.
''Hindrances?''
''A warrior Dark Elf appeared when we were trying to recover the Night Sky Ring from the humans. They got away using the Copy Charm, but now they're being even more cautious.'' - ''Copy Charm? Wait... that's it! They didn't revive themselves, that must've been a copy!'' - Jet carried on making mental notes of important names, items, and what he could see...
''You were trying to draw attention on humans, who can't even use the item! Just how incompetent are you?'' - The leader chastised.
''I am sorry Kysala. If you wish to make an example to the warriors, please punish me.''
''It's fine. The Dark Elves shouldn't be able to destroy our base, even if they found it. I will report it to the emperor. You wait for instructions.''
''Affirmative!'' - The more ornamentally armoured one, Kysala, left the room, leaving two others - the warriors, if Jet had to guess, as one of them looked awfully familiar...
''Ulises, as you've heard, Kysala is going to overlook your mistake, but I'm different. You've relied too much on the spell, and let your guard down. Next time you mess up, don't think that you will keep your head!''
''I know, Cervera. I'm your cute little brother. Please don't be too hard on me!''
''Foolish.''
''That's the one we met at the Teleport Gate, right?'' - Koharu whispered to Jet, who nodded back. - ''Kizmel was supposed to be following him, so I hope she's okay...''
''We'll have our house restored if we fulfil our mission. Don't sully our name any further!''
''We're just obeying Kysala like servants. You can forget about our house if this goes on.''
''That is why we're trying to become known in this operation. Just one job can change our future. You would be wise to remember that. I'll wait for the emperor's orders. You stand guard, and make sure the Dark Elves don't get in our way.''
''Alright, sister.''
''Crap... sorry about this, but...'' - Jet grabbed Koharu, pinning her to the wall, and using his coat to try to blend in with the wall. Koharu found herself embedded into Jet's chest, and narrowly avoided headbutting him by accident. What was in fact about ten seconds felt like a small eternity, before the couple separated from the weird embrace, and were able to move freely again...
''Jet, how much gunpowder is there, do you think?''
''A lot. We could probably level this base ourselves, but...''
''But what?''
''I think I've cottoned on to their plan. Remember what Merja said about the ruins? 'As long as the ruins stand', that spell will be active...''
''Oh my god.''
''There's probably enough gunpowder left over to target the Elf bases too. I don't even want to think what that would look like... we have to do something.''
''Remember what Yuuki told us about staying calm and finding the enemy's weaknesses? There's three of us, and only the Cervera woman here... we can take her, right?''
''I think we're gonna have to...'' - Jet mimed to Phillia, to tell her to follow his lead - ''Oi! November Fifth was two months ago, you're a bit late, Guy Fawkes...'' - Jet yelled, to get the attention of Cervera...
''Humans? The entrance should be charmed, how did you... Oh, you're working for the Dark Elves.''
''We heard you talking. You plan to blow up the Catacombs, and the Dark Elf base from underground.''
''And what, pray tell, do you plan to do about that?''
''We're gonna stop you. Right here, right now!''
''You talk big... still, a fitting place to die, is a cemetery! Now die!''
A short fight later, and Cervera lay slain on the floor as she disappeared, whilst the trio all recovered from the hard fought battle. Jet walked over to the gunpowder, and checked it, confirming his worst fears... ''There's at least enough here to level a small city block...''
''Can you imagine what that explosion would've been like?''
''Hell.''
''She's not coming back to life...''
''Good news for once. Let's check the room before her brother gets back...''
A brief search of the room revealed very little, other than a blank piece of parchment, which Jet picked up anyway.
''I think we should head back to Merja, now we know about the Gunpowder plot...''
''Agreed.''
Having made it back up to the surface without being attacked by any more Fallen Elves, the group headed over to Merja to hand him the parchment, and to explain what they'd found...
''I see, so it was the Fallen Elves.''
''We also found this, it's a piece of parchment.'' - Jet handed Merja the parchment, who began sniffing it, much to his surprise.
''Hmm, it has the faintest smell of magic. It's got to do something...''
''A Fallen Elf item. Do you mind if I take a look?''
''Kizmel! You're safe, that's good!''
''It looks like I've caused you both some trouble whilst I've been away. Sorry about that.''
''It was definitely one of the more eventful things we've done. Also, Kizmel, I think I may have an answer to our little reviving friend...''
''You do?''
''Whilst we were sneaking around, we heard one of them describe something called a Copy Charm. Assuming it does what it says on the tin, could they be controlling copies from afar, thus preventing themselves from getting hurt in the process?''
''It's certainly a possibility, given how that charm works... moving the consciousness of the operator into an elaborate doll, whilst the physical body remains unscathed, far from the battle. Certainly a formidable skill...''
''But only on humans. It would almost certainly be easily defeatable by Elves.''
''Unfortunately, we lost sight of Ulises during the cave in. It was strange, the place didn't show any signs that it would collapse until then... I suspect they were trying to lure me in with a copy, then destroy the ruins with me and the doll.''
''They probably believed that they couldn't win in a straight fight, but to think they'd go to such extremes.''
''However, I doubt it's the extent of their plans after hearing your story... Koharu? Do you still have the Night Sky Ring?''
''Umm, yes. Why?''
''Hold it up to the parchment.'' - A map began to appear on the parchment.
''Okay, that is kind of cool... ''
''It's reacting to the map right?''
''The Night Sky Ring is a tool that can make certain dyes react to it. Long ago, classified documents and rings were sent separately as to prevent secrets from being exposed. If the map was the reason why the Fallen Elves wanted to get the ring, then...''
''This is a map of the Catacombs, right? There are seals everywhere...''
''Wait, look!'' - Phillia pointed to one of the seals on the map - ''That's where the gunpowder was placed!''
''Their plan must've been to aim for the fragile bedrock, and destroy our base above to rob us both of our lives, and the key. Merja, prepare the warriors. We're going to take care of every single underground trap!''
''Yes, ma'am! Are you going to the enemy base?''
''Yes. To the origin on this map. That is where the magician will be. I'll hit him directly, and force the copy master out of hiding.''
''If you're taking the fight to him, we are too.''
''Yeah, if you're going to their base, you'll need more people! We're going too!''
''Heh, I'm glad that I could have you by my side for this fight, you two. He will be expecting us now, especially after the loss of his sister and the map. Are you three ready?''
''Always.''
''We are.''
''Alright then. The veteran troops led by Merja are proceeding to scout out any underground traps. We're going to head straight to the boss, whilst the Fallen Elves are preoccupied with them. Leave the Copy Charm to me. We know his trick, and he won't deceive us! Let's go!''
The group found their way into the base of the Fallen, ready to end this fight.
''The profane tricks of the Fallen will not work on us anymore! You are the commander here, right? Drop your sword and surrender!''
''Tch. You've made it this far, but...''
''I won't let you!'' - Kizmel began to tackle Ulises, but was grabbed back by another one of Ulises' dolls.
''Great, there's two of them...''
''We need to find out which is the doll, and which is the real one.''
''He won't be able to use the doll if you hurt the real one. The one that wouldn't die after being damaged was the doll, right?''
''Don't be foolish. If I stop focussing on small details, I can keep using the doll.''
''It doesn't look like he's giving up...''
''Then neither are we! Keep up the pressure!''
''You humans killed Cervera! She was stuck to the old days... but she was family!'' - Jet felt a momentary twinge of guilt, he had taken the warrior's sister from him, even if they were both NPCs... - ''If we open the cathedral's doors, a new age will come... and I will take my revenge!''
The fight against Ulises and his doll was short, but brutal. Even fighting two on one, they were constantly fighting to keep on top of the rage filled attacks, and evade them, in order to gain an opportunity to counterattack. Phillia was the one to score the killing blow on Ulises, and seemed less than pleased about it, her face giving away how conflicted she was internally.
''We have avoided a catastrophe here. Thank you Jet, Koharu, Phillia. Shall we head back to the surface?''
''Yeah, the air's beginning to get a bit suffocating down here.'' - Jet evaded
''Strange, I don't feel anything? But if you insist...''
As Kizmel took up the front of their group, that left the trio to discuss what had just happened...
''Jet?'' - Jet looked onwards as he thought things through. What had happened just, he had taken lives, even if they were NPCs. What both he and Koharu had said the other day about NPCs being equally real was starting to weigh on the knight's shoulders. Taking a life was never the right solution, he thought. Violence begets violence, and a vicious circle would emerge, until someone broke that circle, or there was no one left for the cycle to affect... ''Oi, wing commander!'' - Phillia shouted in his ear, loud enough to startle him out of his trance state... - ''Huh, sorry, miles away then... what's up?''
''Are you okay? You look... kind of upset. I can't pin it down, but something about that battle shook you...''
''It's just... look, I'm gonna sound as if I'm going mad, but-well, that Ulises elf, he kind of sounded... genuinely upset. Like we actually had killed his family. I mean, we're supposed to be the heroes, and them's the villains, but... well, it's how I'm rationalising that bothers me.''
''How d'ya mean?''
''It wasn't self defence. We could've stepped back, and retreated, but we chose to fight. We took someone's life because we thought it was the right thing to do. Far worse people have used that same excuse, and I'm terrified of what that path might entail for me.''
''I get it, I really do. Landing the killing blow just... I could see it in his eyes. Like a look of terror as he accepted what was about to happen, and I'm never gonna forget that image. I can't, really. It feels like brushing something important away. They might be NPCs, but they still look and act as if they were real...''
''Yeah, what I said earlier... these aren't just NPCs to us now, right? They're people in their own right... remember when Kizmel told us about her sister? I mean, we basically did the same to what's her face... god I feel like an arse right now, I can't even remember the name of the woman I killed!''
''Cervera.''
''Thanks, I know that being a pacifist isn't really an option here, and against monsters, it doesn't massively concern me, but, well...''
''Jet, if it's of any help, you took actions you deemed necessary to save more people. I don't like the idea of trading away lives like some twisted concept of equivalent exchange, but in this case, I cannot help but believe that you are overthinking your actions.''
''What she's trying to say is 'don't beat yourself up over this.'.''
''As Phillia claims, you aren't a bad person for one set of actions, and during wartime, you do become detached from those you fight, because the burden would be far too much to shoulder, even for the strongest amongst us.''
''Yeah, that's one way to look at it, I suppose.'' - Jet settled on that as a diplomatic way of saying 'I think you're wrong, but I don't want to carry on this conversation.'. Koharu saw it for what it was, and tried to comfort her evidently troubled boyfriend, holding onto his hand as they walked, not that it did much to help...
Returning back to the surface, the group regrouped with Merja, and his forces, who had evidently been successful, as there weren't currently any more gaping holes in the ruins than there had been when they left.
''Ah, human swordsmen! Thanks to your hard work, we were able to protect our base and the Key.''
''Merja, what happened with the Fallen hiding below?''
''We attempted to capture them, but they put up a fierce resistance, and all perished. It is a great shame that we failed to get anything out of their leader, Kysala.''
''I thought that would happen. It is not your fault however, but the Key cannot stay on this floor anymore. We need to continue moving up, and set up where the Fallen cannot reach us.''
''You seem pretty reluctant, Kizmel?''
''Oh, did that show? We shouldn't have kept the Key in one place to begin with, especially as nothing has really been settled with the Fallen or the Kales'Oh. Besides that, the Forest Elves have a large contingent of forces on the sixth floor, so we really can't stay there.''
''We cannot retreat, especially if the Fallen wish to open the cathedral... Only destruction lies that way.''
''Yes, I know. We shall not allow Tilnel's sacrifice to be in vain. We will protect it!''
''We'll be heading up to the sixth floor too, so hopefully we can help out up there too. We aren't ever giving up, right Jet?''
''Thank you, it's always encouraging to hear your words. May the Sacred Tree protect you all on your travels!''
''You be safe too Kizmel...''
''Heh, now you do sound like Tilnel, Koharu... Don't worry about me. See you both another time!''
''Well, we should be off, places to be, enemies to find, and a certain Rat to catch up with...''
''You three, can I ask something of you?''
''Umm, sure?''
''Human swordsmen have the mission to unify the Heavenly Pillars, right?''
''I suppose so, yeah. Why?''
''The guardian beast is said to be a living stone sculpture. A Copy Charm allows you to create dolls, but this is different. It is unquestionably a living rock. It will take a person with herculean strength to take on the difficult task to destroy a stone body. Like animals who listen to mountain rumbles to avoid disasters, defend when you don't think that you can take a hit.''
''Y-yeah, thank you for the advice.''
''We have a token of our gratitude for all three of you. A sign of our friendship, if you will...'' - Three swords were handed to each of them. A long, thin blade, halfway between a rapier, and a single handed sword, the blades were named Faith, Hope and Charity, which Jet attributed to Kayaba evidently having some grandiose ideas when it came to blades. Around the base of the blade, was some engraving with the name of each blade, alongside a metallic grey circular cross guard. Jet quickly gave his new blade, Hope a quick swing around, and found it exponentially better than Caliburn... - ''I pray that you will continue to be allies of Lyusula, human warriors - Jet, Koharu and Phillia.'' - Merja a gave a Lyusulan salute, before he headed off, leaving the trio to continue on with their adventure...
''So, Phillia, bet you never expected to stop a gunpowder plot when you asked for help treasure hunting...''
''It wasn't what I expected that I'd have spent my day doing, no. But, other than the last bit... it's been pretty fun. I can see why people look at you the way they do, I mean, especially now... you're literally wielding weapons called Faith and Hope! I'm glad I got to have a day of action, anyway...''
''So, you're going back tomorrow then?''
''Yeah, I've had my fair share of this, and I really don't think I'm strong enough to take on a boss. Not yet, anyway. I'll get there one day... Oh, before I go - keep hold of this, will you? I get the feeling you'll need Charity more than I will!''
Jet kept quiet, and ignored the obvious joke there. ''You sure on that? You did earn it, after all...''
''I did, yeah, and I'm a treasure hunter after all, but I think you'll need it later on. Call it my intuition! Well then, I'll see you both again... bye Jethro!''
''See you around Ginge...'' - Jet looked proud of finally giving an embarrassing nickname to their treasure hunting friend.
''I'll let you have that one...'' - And with that, Phillia took off, back to her inn.
''Reckon we should be heading back too?''
''Yeah, Argo's said she'll meet us in the morning, and that she's found our ghost...''
{Author's Comments}
There's a funny thing about planning. Half of the time, nothing goes quite to plan, especially this. I'd planned for Floor 5 to be 6 chapters long (4 chapters, boss, epilogue) but I thought that the whole ''ghost'' thing took up more than it actually did... which means these chapters are far longer than I expected them to be. Whoops. So, this'll only be 5 chapters long...
Anyway, enough of my dodgy planning, and I hope everyone's enjoying this so far, and for everyone reading, Happy New Year (5 days later.)
As always, any feedback is appreciated,
Midland 2541