Adventurers Guild Adventurer's Guild - Raid Arena

“Are you finally ready to go out, Amanda?” (Alberon)

“Yup~ I am~ Just a moment~” (Amanda)

The slightly muffled voice that came from inside the room, although tried to sound cheerful, was as lifeless as could be. Skimming through the pages of an old book, I tried to suffocate my nervousness as I waited outside of my sister’s, Amanda, room.

It’s been four months, but she finally made her decision to leave the library for some time, so I can’t help but get worried. Whenever this girl made a decision, seven out of ten times was because she had something planned.

The three left, what I hoped it to be, were the situations where she was genuinely just bored of what she was currently doing and wanted some breath of fresh air. Or at least I think it’s like that, but even after all those years I have yet to completely understand her.

“I’m ready~” (Amanda)

Amanda came out of the room dressed in a simple blue dress and with her usual disheveled hair. Her body was even thinner than last time I met her, with a face completely drained of life. And yet she was blooming with a smile. It was like seeing a dying flower, making her final struggles.

“Let’s go. We’ll be able to stroll for a bit today.” (Alberon)

Putting the book in my hands back at the satchel I was carrying, we headed to the inn’s exit.

“So~ Where are we going today~?” (Amanda)

“Probably the Recreation District. The day seems good for a walk.” (Alberon)

Or so I thought, but when we got out of the inn, there were a large amount of people walking hurriedly to the Central District.

“What’s it~! A festival, perhaps?” (Amanda)

“A festival, huh? I wonder if those creatures were invited to.” (Alberon)

Pointing at the sky, large flocks of crows danced in the air with a menacing aura around them. A group of the crows dived near a house letting some small things drop and several explosions could be heard.

“Huh? I guess they were not invited, then?” (Alberon)

“Are they mad because they weren’t invited, I wonder~” (Amanda)

“Hey, you two! Stop chit chatting, we’re under attack!” (Guard)

A nearby guard shouted at us while he was leading some civilians away from the confusion. I guess we should help, huh? But I don’t want to spoil Amanda’s first day out. What a shame.

“Amanda, let’s help a bit.” (Alberon)

“Yes~” (Amanda)

She said as she handed me her Enhanced Wood Staff. Sighing heavily, I took the staff from her hands. This is not exactly my ideal weapon, but it can’t be helped.

“H-hey, you two! Where you think you’re going! The temple is that way!” (Guard)

We sprinted to the group of birds I saw diving into a building before while ignoring the guard’s words. Flipping pages while running was a bit difficult, but I managed to do it somehow and find a suitable spell.

“Amanda…!” (Alberon)

“Sure~ Rune Gun!” (Amanda)

Pointing her finger to the flock of crows that had already noticed us, she started shooting runes wildly. Luckily, she was only using her usual weakening magics, instead of more destructive ones, so there shouldn’t be much problems.

The crows dived in her direction as she shot, so it was my place to step in.

“Kaa ka-!”

Swinging the enchanted staff, I hit the birds that were flying to approach her. From time to time, some spiders jumped out of them, so we had to retreat in those moments, but we had the overall upper hand as Amanda kept shooting her debuffing spells.

I wonder just what the heck is happening, but that’s not for now. Now I need to deal with those flying pests.

[OOC] Inside the city, in the inner part of the Residential District.

 

Drinking some herbal tea in the tavern, Rhialla heard a loud announcement.
*giggles~*
"A guild raid is it? This will be interesting~!"
(^_^)
Grinning happily, she left the tavern.
Fifna, how many civilians are in the Residential District?
This one can detect many civilians within it. They seem dis-organised...
I see...
Looking towards the Residential District, Corrupted Ravens flew over it, with black dots falling off their backs. Intrigued, she used her nature magic to enhance her vision, and saw they were spiders.
*Boom*
Plumes of smoke rose in the sky where the booms originated, coming from the position the spiders had fallen to.
"Suicidal spiders...well..this is interesting~"
Rhialla used wind magic to lighten her body as she ran towards her destination. Reaching it, she could already hear screams as the streets were filled with people running for their lives.
Fifna, use your wind magic to spread my nature magic to all the nearby civilians!
Of course, Eternal Daughter!
Seeing forty people nearby, Rhialla activated her nature magic, a calming scent wafted in the wind made by Fifna. Seeing everyone calmer, she spoke:
"Everyone! I am Rhialla, a member of the Adventurer's Guild! I've been ordered to help you evacuate! If you want to get to safety, then follow me!"
Obeying, the civilians moved calmly towards her.
Telva!
Yes, Eternal Daughter?
Create a barrier above the civilians so that those spiders can't land on them.
Command acknowledged, Eternal Daughter!
Fifna! Make a wind barrier around the civilians so that my nature magic stays effective on them!
Already initiating one, Eternal Daughter~!
Good!
Pleased with her pact-spirits' work, she turned her attention to the direction of the temple, and began guiding the civilians towards it.

***

After five minutes, the Temple came into sight, but shouting could be heard. Looking at the situation, she saw fifteen Corrupted Half-Orcs fighting adventurers and killing nearby civilians.
"Stop!"
Holding out her hand, Rhialla explained the situation.
"I'm going to deal with these enemies, stay here while I do it. My barriers will keep you safe, so don't worry. I shouldn't be too long."
The civilians obediently stayed behind. while Rhialla left to deal with the enemies. Activating her stealth magic, she disappeared and made her way silently towards the fifteen enemies.
Hmm...these creatures were our allies...they're under someone's influence...
Indeed they are, Eternal Daughter. This one can sense the darkness flowing inside them, whispering, coaxing, ordering...
Darva?
This one responds to Eternal Daughter's caressing voice~
Can you sense whether it can be reversed?
Hmm~ This one can feeeel the darkness is not theirs~ Its touch is molesting their minds~ This one believes the removal of its touch will remove their abnormal behaviour~
All right, I'll incapacitate them then and alert the guild staff of the situation. Darva, keep me posted on whether their conditions change, for the better or for the worse.
Eternal Daughter's commands are obeyed eagerly by this one~ Give more in the future~!
*sigh*
I will, Darva...
Reaching their location, she released a sleeping spell. With Rhialla's Nymph side enhancing the effects of the spell, they all fell asleep in a few moments, as did the nearby adventurers and civilians.
"..."
*sigh*
Dragging the friendlies to one spot, she used another spell to stimulate their senses, waking them up.
"W-what happened? One second I was fighting those things, the next I wake up here..."
Blushing as she spoke, Rhialla said:
"Ah...sorry about that...sleeping potions don't discriminate~!"
=P
Sticking her tongue out, she tried her best to look like she was telling the truth, to which they believed her.
"Well be more careful next time! Jeez!"
Getting up from the ground, they surveyed their surroundings before seeing their next target and going after it, but not before saying:
"Thanks for dealing with those orcs, we wouldn't have survived otherwise!"
Smiling and looking as cheerful as possible, Rhialla said:
"No problem~!" waving them off.
Such a naughty woman, Eternal Daughter is~! This one likes that side~
*sigh*
Enough, Darva, you know why I can't say what I really did.
Indeed, This one does~ It makes your darkness all the more delicious~
*sigh*
Looking at her incapacitated enemies, she used ice magic to freeze them inside a dome of ice, before going back to her evacuees and escorting them to the Temple.

***

The civilians were guided by priestesses further inside the building. After explaining about the orcs, she headed to the Residential District once more.


[Aerternus]

 

<Jin Vodka POV: [Verdant Forest]>​

In the northernmost part of the forest close to the Autumn Lake lay a large hemisphere of ice. The trees near it suddenly move as they walk with their roots moving towards the sphere feeling it as a threat. They started to move their branches as they keep slamming the thick ice.

*BAM!!*
As they keeping hitting, it didn't have any effect since the ice was as thick as steel. But they just keep continuing slamming their branches. They didn't know that the annoying noise is just awakening something they should have left alone.

“Annoying….” An eery voice which seems to be a bit irritated.
Suddenly a large trail of fire encircles the group of Mutated Treants as it forms into a magic circle with 6-star symbol. Swiftly the flame erupted high above to the sky, burning everything inside of it. The Mutated Treants has tougher build and resistant of fire. But they were dealing with the fire from a hell, the fire of wrath.

A loud scream was heard, as the treants keep shouting in pain. The flame won’t subside at all as it continues to burn them to crisp slowly. The wall of flame slowly disappears but the flame on the treants didn’t as it keeps torturing them. A thick black smoke was left as the treants finally burned to death falling to the ground into ashes.

The ice melted showing a small child covered in flames. His appearance was akin to a demon releasing a strong aura of death. He was still in a daze, with no life in his eyes. It was Jin the adventurer who isolated himself to the Verdant forest due to the wrath that is consuming him. But something was quite different about him as he was not like his usual self.

Spoiler: Gnev influence of Jin at 0.5%

He moves slowly to grab the souls of the treants and start eating them. Munching them as if they were a delicacy. Every bite, leave a painful screech from those tormented souls.

A couple minute later after finishing his meal, his eyes glow red as he looks towards the south of the Verdant forest.

“.....a strong dark energy in the south, lots of strong monsters.” Jin looks towards the south as he sees the black mist thickening. He grinned widely which is similar to a demonic smile. But it slowly disappeared as his expression change to expressionless.

He starts to move to the south slowly, every step leaves a trail of flames.

A couple of carnivorous plants ambushes opening their wide jaw. As their teeth approach Jin, his wings of a flame move as if it has a life. Swiftly it opens wide and releases flaming feathers towards the carnivorous plant burning them into crisps.

Moments later, the ground shakes as just below Jin emerges a corrupted forest mole trying to drag him to the ground. Jin quickly dodges as he flew above, he looks down at it and grins. “You will be, a perfect meal for me….”

<Sanie POV: [Aeternus Residential Area]>​

Sanie was with Grandma Alcea were doing alchemy studies.

"What is that..?" Alcea heard a weird noise and look towards the window only to corrupted raven trying to break the glass with their beaks.

*CRACK*
"Grandma Alcea!!" Sanie quickly pulls the old granny away from the window. The glass broke apart as the raven finally enters coming closer to the two.

"Monsters in the city...?" Alcea was horrified as she staggers.
"Don't worry Grandma Alcea, I'll protect you." Sanie readies her staff.

<Presia POV: [Aeternus Guild Tavern]>​

Presia noticing Tene with a stranger quickly approaches Tene to ask where Jin is. “Mister Tene, do you know where Jin is...?”
Before Tene could answer, aloud voice was heard alerting for an attack, ranked E-D adventurers are to evacuate the civilians.

“An attack!!?” Presia two tails stand alert. “Mister Tene, since Master Vodka is not here. You are the adventurer that I can follow. I will assists you. Master Vodka will be fine since he is quite strong. It is important to save the civilians."

Presia looks to the distance, 'master Vodka please take care of yourself.'

OOC: Jin now dealing with a Rank B Mole in the Verdant Forest just north of the Jungle Palace.
Sanie in Residential Area. Presia is to assist Tene with his follower in the Aeternus City.
@Quaesitor

 

*Looking at the chaos spreading on Aeternus Biel makes a grim face*
{Shit I can't simply shot powerful magic like this...}

Knowing that she can't fight properly here Biel uses her mind magic to contact the people she knows
Biel: {Alb, Wee Aeternus is being attacked, use the portal at our home to come to the city fast} { Rachii Dancchi where are you~?}

As she was calling out for reinforcements Biel notice that at the border of the Recreational district creatures were cutting the path of the escape of the citizens while a dense flock of gryphons was carrying creatures into the area, and knowing that it would take too much time for help to reach them Biel see no choice besides going there herself.

Biel covers her arms and legs with Myaso and then flew downward at great speed, Biel cross her arms in from of her head as she aims at one of the griffin's back, which she hits at a speed exceeding 800 Km/h.
The giant creature is pushed unable to resist the sudden impact from above it collides with the solid ground while howling in pain...

The impact creates a small cloud of dust hiding both the Griffin and Biel who is still on its top, Biel looks around a bit using magic, and see on the ground many serpent women's who was severely hurt from falling off the Griffing, and the griffin which was surprisingly still alive even after having its spine broken by the collision and crashing on the ground...

Biel slowly walks on top of the howling creature, till its head where she raises her left arms and with a fast motion brings it down craving her fingers on the creature's head... Biel them uses her magic to hold on the griffin's soul and rip it off its body.
She then proceeds to use Soulmancy to forcefully alter the griffin's soul's shape and turn it into a [Soul Spear]...

Biel looks at the sky towards the closest Griffin and after arching all her body backward she throws the [Soul Spear] with all her strength. The Spear flies fast while emitting a sound which was a mixture of the air being pierced and a ghastly scream, The Griffin notices the ominous object and make a turn to the side while flying, but that isn't as effective as it should since [Soul spears] have the ability to track and pursue their target...
...The Spear which changed directions 3 times finally reaches its target and piece its nape all the way till the middle of its eyes, making the Griffin fall dead on top of a building...

Confirming that her target was down, Biel wards off a serpent woman which jumped over her by kicking her chest, and then proceeding to step on the back of the other one which was trying to get up...

Biel: "shit there are just..." *BOOM*
Biel's complains are cut by a sudden explosion near her face...

Biel: "Ah!"
her face was protected by myaso which instantly expanded to cover her face in what looked a mixture of organic and metal helmet, but even so, the surprise made her let out her voice and also almost lose her equilibrium...
something which was not overlooked by the serpent woman which was faking her own unconsciousness ...
The serpent-woman pounced on Biel's back and bit her neck or at least tried to since her teeths couldn't pierce the living armor defences, and much to her unluckiness her actions were like digging her own grave as the wicked living armor delightfully took that opportunity to create several metal teeths of the size of daggers and on its back, piercing, trusting, crunching and ripping the unfortunate serpent-woman...

Ignoring the living armor who decided to make a small snack out of the woman on her back, Biel regained her equilibrium by crouching.

Biel: "YOU DAMN HATEFUL THINGS CAN'T [YOU SIMPLY STOP MOVING!] WHILE I KILL YOU?!"
While spitting out more of her annoyance at the enemies, Biel skillfully waves mind magic over her words making all the creatures on her surroundings stop moving against their will...

OOC: [AETERNUS RECREATION DISTRICT]

 

I, now called Aime by the adventurers in the Aeternus Adventurer Guild is currently adjusting to this world. Everything was very interesting and the people are quite friendly. Even if I’m not originally from here, they welcome me open arms.

For now my location is currently the agricultural area where I can check the spacecraft I rode towards this world. The agriculture area was a land filled with farms and lot of food for the daily consumption. The people were friendly as they smiled towards me and waved their hands.

While I was checking all the weaponry I have. My sensors detected multiple entity releasing strange heat waves.

BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!!

Loud explosion are heard as multiple spiders jump and start exploding on the corn field.

I quickly activated my booster and rush forward as I see another group of spiders. Activating my thermal vision, I have seen the spider emitting strong radiation. This only meant they are close to explosion. Seeing that it approaches a group of farmers fleeing. I quickly leapt towards them and activated force field emitting plasma barrier around us.

BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!!

The spiders exploded and as the smoke disappears. I turned off my force field and zoomed the whole area. The enemies are emitting strange and erratic radiation which I could easily segregated to the civilians. Quickly my system created a minimap with all the location of the hostile forces and civilians.

“Are you okay..?” I look towards the farmers as I pulled two Desert Eagle pistols from my item box and held them in each hands. One of the weapon I have collected from my world through my travels. It seems I only have 10 magazines left, I need to find away to get bullets or create one if there is none.

“We are fine but the others are....” The farmer expression is grim seems like there were casualties. My system alerted me of incoming flock of ravens emitting strange radiation.

Suddenly, I heard a command which to evacuate the civilians to the Temple.

“Command recognized, objective protect and defend.” I grabbed a device in my item box as I connected my connector on it inputting a certain program.

“Quickly go to the Temple and hold this device. This is automatically creates a force field when it detected intense radiation or hostile forces at 3 meter radius. Go straight and take other civilians with you.” I handed the device to the farmer with no injuries as I ready my pistols aiming to the sky.

BANG!! BANG!! BANG!!

I pulled the trigger which hits the flying raven's head that is heading towards us. There were too many and just too few bullets.

“How about you…?” The farmers holding the device worriedly ask as the others supported the wounded.

“I’ll buy some time and also search for civilians. Now go!!” I commanded as I keep shooting the ravens. The farmers nodded and runs towards the temple.

A wild raven swept towards them but was immediately killed by my bullet.

This is my first war against lifeforms and the mission to defend and evacuate the civilians.

[Aeternus: Agriculture Area]

 

---------------- Side Maligno ----------------

Hearing the announcement, I turned to a couch where Kuma was lying in the tavern.

“Master, it seems like there’s some troubles out there.”

“Don’t care. I’m relaxing, you damn cat.”

“Master...”

“I already heard it, damnit!”

Smirking, I watched as she rubbed her eyes with her black-ish hands, taking care to not scratch herself with the claws.

“This things look sharp...”

“Want to try?”

Kuma asked daringly as she got up and kicked the couch lightly.

“Wake up, Metal Blob. We got work to do.”

The couch melted into a mass of metal before turning into a short girl dressed in black, carrying a large sword.

I wonder how, and even where, Mirea got those weird habits, but that’s not important for now. Checking my things again. Let’s see… living rats? 6… no, 5! Damn, the poison sac must have melted… can’t be helped.

Riajuu punching gloves? Check. Elven Knives? Check. Oh, wait… they already left!? Don’t leave me behind while I’m checking my things, goddamnit!


---------------- Side Kuma ----------------


“Well then.”

Summoning the Soul Spear, Inkarn-something des Icecream, I started gathering the cold mist around me.

[Ellengarde - Angel Form.]

Beside me, Mirea melted her cape and turned into a pair of wings. Funnily enough, they were black, just as the cape.

I to spread my own wings. Although they should be painted in a clear white, with no stains, they were currently tainted with the blood curse, so the pair of wings formed with holy power had also some dark red parts, as if it were dried blood.

When we were about to set out, Maligno came out of the tavern.

“Hey, you to! Why did you ignored me and went!”

“Ah, sorry, we needed to prepare to fly.”

“Oh, so we’re flying to the forest?”

I glanced at Mirea and smiled wryly.

“No, ‘we’re’ flying. Good luck on the travel~”

With that, I concentrated the Cold Mist beneath my feet and used it to propel myself and flapped my wings. Mirea followed suit, leaving Maligno behind.

Taking advantage of the propulsion force, I dived into a raven flock, taking down as many as I could in my charge, but soon going one without minding much.

Our goal right now was the docks.

OOC: Aeternus~ In my way to ste- Take an airship~

 

Dozing off inside the tavern, Kynn does nothing and sleeps even with the ruckus outside the guild.

" Nyuu~ Suu~ Suu~ "

Sitting next to Kynn is her Familiar, Yuki. Swaying her legs and body while looking at her Master's sleeping face makes her Grin ear to ear.

Sure it's noisy and annoying but nothing can stop Kynn from Sleeping Peacefully as she want.

' Nufufufuf~ Master~ Sinfully Cute~ '

Then Suddenly not far from them, a rift slowly opens wide, but Yuki Gave no attention to it as it was a bit something Yuki knows about.

2 Figures Exits the rift and walks towards Kynn and Yuki, well one of them ran towards Kynn and tried to hug Kynn.

" Master!!! Master I Missed You- Gefu-!! "
' Silence Cub... Kynn is asleep, at least go and check whatever's happening outside. It's quite rowdy and noisy. '
{ That's why we're here... Looks like Aeternus's is under attack by Corrupted Beings... Sir Astalein's getting complaints from Local Dieties, High Spirits and Other Spiritual Beings... So? What should we do? }
' ohh~ so that's why these spiders keeps attacking us~ well... I'll do what master says~ so you do what you want~ '

There are 17 corpses of Spiders as if they exploded from the inside

{ Meh~ I'll also wait for Kynn so I'll just chill here for a bit... Also Cub! Do your Butler things and prepare for some sweets for Kynn when she wakes up. }
" H-Hai!! ... So this is still training right? "
{ Damn right it is }

Nilias alias Cub, the Black Catkin bandit from the far Eastern island who joined Kynn's Followers (and got trained by Lou for Butler and Combat duties) then equipped his Custom Gauntlets shaped as claws and walked towards the kitchen while battling Orcs, Ravens and Spiders.

 

The Small blue songbird leisurely glided on the gentle winds high above of the large city of Aeternus. Matthew had taken to these morning flights some time ago. Watching the city bustle to life each day, watch the people go about their way, brought a sense of joy and peace to him. On one street, the old widowed Baker was setting up her stall, a long line of Adventurers eagerly waiting nearby. On another, work was beginning on a new Shop. To the edge of the city, near the harbor, several gangs of children wandered about, selling their wares or playing. It was a slow and steady day, but Matthew enjoyed these kinds of days as well.

As Matthew enjoyed his time observing the City, he picked up a strange reaction through [Life Detect]. Rising up from the nearby Forest, a massive flock of ravens was approaching the city at high speeds. Small flocks of birds where common things, but this? This flock was massive, containing hundreds, if not thousands of the birds. Matthew sighed internally and changed his course and headed towards the flock. Something wasn’t right here. Matthew’s heart grew heavier as he neared the rapidly approaching flock and his mind raced as he struggled to process what he saw. The Thousands of signals that He’d senses before did not come from just the Ravens, but dozens of large, vile looking Spider like creatures that clung to each of the twisted, warped birds.

Matthew quickly veered off from his course, struggling to change his direction. Several dozen large ravens broke from the flock as he did so, however, and gave chase. Matthew flew away from the massive flock, the small detachment following close on his heel. He sent out wave after wave of [Spirit Wind] towards the pursuers, but their agile and intelligent moves coupled with his own low power while in Songbird form, made the task long and draining. After a long dance in the Sky’s high above the city, Matthew finally dealt the killing blow to the last of the chasing Ravens. It was then that he heard the screams.

Matthew quickly turned his attention to the city below and felt his blood run cold. The Sky was thick with the strange Ravens, flying through the city streets. As they did so, the vile spiders would leap from their body and begin to chase after the various citizens. To make matter’s worse; dozens of large gryphons could be seen carrying creatures from the Forest and over the city walls. The Adventurer’s Guild had responded quickly, and already there were signs of fighting scattered throughout the City.

He watched the scene play out beneath him in shocked horror before his gaze drifted towards the nearby forest, wondering what on earth was going on.

 

Verdant Forest? Those two words sound through my mind at the announcement of yet more trouble...this time right at our doorstep. I sigh as I pick up the still steaming tea and take a sip before placing the cup back down gently on the table top. As my hand brushes against the wood I admire the craftsmanship of the surface. The wood is worn from wear but is just as sturdy as the day it came into creation. Tapping the wood gently I smile, but as comforting as the silence was I knew it is time to take my leave.

As I make my way towards the door, the clatter of objects being dumped onto the counter make me pause. The figure behind my is no threat, no he is just the opposite. I hesitate slightly before turning around to face him.

"Blanc...you're leaving then?."

I nod my head solemnly, it isn't time for idle chatter and the quartermaster isn't one for wasting time so why did he...before I finish that thought something is pushed into my hands. I automatically hold onto it and realise it is the tortoise.

"Don't forget her. She could be useful." Retmas Quarret, the quartermaster for the Adventurers Guild nods grimly at the tortoise as he opens the front door. "Stay safe Blanc."

As the doors open the sounds of conflict become more distinct. Without a backwards glance, I step out onto the road. Today I am alone, but Jibs and Elyn would be fine. We didn't come this far to lose our lives just because we were not together. Perhaps we would meet today, perhaps not. But I knew in my heart that they would stay safe. Those of the Dancing Winds didn't back down from challenges, we faced them head on with all we had.

Lost in thought I almost bump into the farmer running towards the Temple. Without losing my stride I shift slightly to the left and twirl around the farmer. As I stare at him curiously, more civilians rush past towards the Temple. Guards and Guild members alike follow closely behind making sure to protect them on all fronts.

I tap the shaking tortoise in my arms gently in reassurance. "Don't be afraid. There's going to be more conflict throughout the day...it wouldn't do to exhaust yourself by being frightened right?"

She makes a slight sound before settling down. washu washu you forgot me washu washu that's more scary washu washu

Of course I didn't understand what she is saying but it must have been affirmation right?

I look towards the sky as a cloud of ravens pass by.

"Oh my..." I quickly take my umbrella out of the Item Box and open it up just as bombs go off in the sky. It was raining spiders...not terribly hygienic but they are certainly a nuisance. The tortoise shivers in my arms and tries to hide deeper in my embrace. I shake off the dust on my umbrella feeling amused at the situation.

"Don't be afraid of those who are smaller than you...hmm we should continue this later. Those things don't look like civilians..."

I step out of the alleyway just as the last of the current horde of civilians seeking at the Temple round the corner.

Grunt of surprise sound from the enemy as they skid to a halt.

"It seems today is just not your day gentlemen. Care to dance with me?"

Without waiting for an answer and swing my umbrella towards the Half Orcs.

***​

"See that wasn't so bad right tortoise?" I say as I finish tying up the group of unconscious Half Orcs. It seems they were...well used to be friendly but were corrupted. Luckily I noticed their...actually it was because tortoise made a noise making the Half Orc's pause that I had the chance to check their life force. Such bright light shrouded by darkness...were they too easily corrupted or was the enemy that powerful? I shake these thoughts out of my head and start to drag the Half Orcs along the road.

Where did I need to go again?

washu washu uuuuuuu Bai Shuang! Don't do these things unannounced! washu washu washu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I ignore her cries and look towards the Temple. I wonder...it won't scare the civilians right?

OOC: [Aeternus: Heading down the road towards the Temple. I need to find a place to leave the Half Orcs ^_^;;;]

 

----[Leeanne POV - Current Location Aeternus, Specific Location Tavern -]----

Leeanne was eating another of today's special dishes~
Then an announcement rang out

[E-D Rank members should focus on evacuating the civilians and bringing them to the Temple or the Port.]

"W-What?" Muttered Leeanne aloud after she heard that, An attack?!
She rushed out of the tavern in time to see hundreds of dark-bird sans and spider-sans flooding into Aeternus!

[1st person Leeanne POV]

Th-This is a chance!
to help people in need AND become more popular!
I rush out to the residential district and tell my mom to keep indoors, but dad had already activated his monster 'defenses' he installed on the house, what with the sealed doors, windows, and an expensive air producing plant in the house they were all set

"Mommy, Daddy are you all right?!~"
I knocked a few more times
My dad's voice rang out
"Yes Yes, We're fine sweetheart, Go guide the others to the temple or the port. We're safe in here"
My mom's voice rang out a bit later
"Hey~ My cute little wubbly bubbly~ You might have a little sibling in--" My mom's voice cut off and my dad continued talking
"Just go help them quickly!"
Sensing the strange sudden urgency in my father's voice, I became alerted to the screams of some people nearby, they were getting attacked by the bird-sans and bug-sans.

I rush to the nearest Spider and threw a peach I created with my magic at it, It did not hit but instead, the spider started eating it instead.
"Nooo~ you aren't supposed to do that!~"
a few more spiders start munching on the peach
I threw another one, to stop the spiders from eating the first one, but then one of the spiders that were eating the first peach thought the peach thrown at it was an enemy and exploded itself causing a chain reaction of self-destruction.

I sigh~ This is simply not for me right now, I've gotta help people to the temple!
I call out "Everyone~ I'm an E rank adventurer healer~ follow me to the temple~"
Strangely, only the neighborhood children followed me.
"I can really rely on Leeanne-chan to take care of misbehaving children~"
"Us old folk will go on ahead since we will slow you down~"
A strange glint was found in an old man who was in the group who sent me their children
This man was surprisingly the man who taught me how to heal and make peaches~!
"Go on Leeanne-chan, I'll have a word with these trespassers who dare enter and make trouble, right company!"
"""Together, We Stand!"""
Hmm? that's strange, they had swords and wands? Why did they go in the opposite direction of the temple so happily~?

One of the neighborhood kids pulled on my robe
"Lea-oneechan, let's go!"
So I headed to the temple
throwing peaches and distracting bird-sans and spider-sans

---[POV Mili - A random neighborhood kid]---
Wow~ Bis sis is really cool!~
Though I don't know why she keeps on saying her peaches were loved by both the spider-sans and bird-sans~
The birds get their beaks stuck inside the peach and kill themselves while trying to free themselves and the spiders just seem to---Gather at the peaches?
Maybe it's a huge swarming instinct to gather at peaches?
or gather at magic containing spots?
Will note this down~
I'll show my mom, I'll become a renowned monster researcher in the future!

----[Arrival at the temple - Leeanne POV]----
After I left the children to a friendly caretaker, I looked around, helping heal minor injuries of people.
"I really should have learned more healing spells" I sober up as I begin to treat more moderate injuries, and having to rest in between the healing...
*stares as a woman starts dragging in injured half-orcs*
"Really~ Is it more patients?" I grumble a bit as I continue healing a man's arm.

 

Previous events...

Back to the present.
~~~​

It was eerily quiet in Verdant Forest. Because of the will-o’-the-wisp that had taken refuge in my body, it allowed me to view my surroundings with a different light. I could see those small tendrils of corruption that looked like coils of hair creeping along everywhere. It reminded me so much of the Kejoro, one of the many youkai I had hunted back in the day. Earlier, I had chanted a simple mantra that kept me protected from this encroaching corruption. The speed by which it was spreading was shocking. I wondered if the Guild knew of this already.

Suddenly, something made me pause. Spreading out my senses, I saw it. The plant looked normal even with the help of the will-o’-the-wisp that was helping me see through its eyes except for one thing. My kalman väki blood sensed something dead in the confines of its roots.

Not even questioning myself, I used my Ignis Volley to take care of the questionable plant from afar. It gave a bone-chilling shriek as the ignis stakes continuously pierced through it without mercy. Soon enough, it was lifeless.

“Are there many of those around?”

Yes. They’re bigger because of corruption.

Better to be extra cautious then. After my encounter with that strange plant, I also came across a swarm of what was supposed to be moonlight butterflies. They looked so bright but it must have been due to my will-o’-the-wisp companion that it didn’t affect me.

Activating Ankle Biter, I did my best to defend myself from these insects. Again, Ignis Volley saved the day. It really helped that I could pinpoint each one of these giant bugs thanks to my ignis sensitivity. Even then, I had to be extremely careful especially after seeing one of the butterflies give off a shady cloud of poisonous spores.

That finished and done with, I proceeded deeper into the forest. It might have been a wrong decision for me to do this but judging from what the will-o’-the-wisp said to me, it would be impossible for me to get out now. I had to find out what was causing this. Maybe then I’ll find a way around what was keeping me here.

Before I could get very far, I sensed something rapidly heading my way. Except, it was from underground. Promptly, I activated Specter Guard and braced myself for the impact. Even with the help of my protective barrier, the impact was jarring. At least it did its job by absorbing all the damage I would have taken otherwise.

I didn’t wait to get a clear view of what had attacked me and sliced at it with a heavy blow of Rend. The animal made a pained cry and retreated back. Upon seeing it better, I found out it was a forest mole and a huge one at that. Before it could get its bearings back, I activated Tuoni’s Shroud as well as Mirrored Presence Skill in quick succession. By the time the huge beast looked my way, it had trouble pinpointing my exact location. That helped big time.

Rushing at the furious animal, I readied my daggers. Being that this was a forest, I had installed Flint of Oya in my right dagger earlier causing Burn injury to accumulate over time on my enemies. I slashed two Soul Cleavers at the mole and even a barrage of Ignis Volley. As an afterthought, I summoned Wraith Hound and because of that, the mole ended up disadvantaged with the madness of fear.

Gritting my teeth, I didn’t want to let up. This creature looked strong. I didn’t have the luxury to be idle. During my continued attacks, the forest mole tried to have a go at me but I had activated Ankle Biter causing its movements to slow a significant deal. Having started this skirmish with an upper hand, I kept it that way all throughout.

After a solid ten minutes with the forest mole, I finally watched as it breathed its last from its compiled injuries and it was only then that I heaved a huge sigh of relief.

We must go. More are coming.

Without even questioning the will-o’-the-wisp, I started to run where it directed me. One forest mole was tough enough. I wouldn’t be able to handle more of those.

[OOC] In Verdant Forest, trying to find the source of the Black Mist.

 

Hikari got back to Aeternus with Mama, and then... Chaos issued...

The monsters were attacking from everywhere, and Hikari could see the adventurers fighting back to the best of their capabilities... And screams, screams of horror and terror...

Scary... Hikari... Hikari wants to help... But Hikari can't... Hikari can't interfere...

What should-

A man ran and hugged Hikari. "Help please!!" he shouted.

"Hi-Hikari can't! Not like that!"

"The-they're coming!!! Aaaah!!"

The man got up and ran, some crows chased and... Spiders flew from then, grappled on the man, and... Exploded...

There was a red pool in front of Hikari... A few pieces of the man could be seen as well...

"Ah-ah..."

The crows turned towards Hikari and started approaching... No-no! "Get away!"

Hikari pointed put her hand in front of herself and a blinding flash of light came from it. Hikari closed her eyes, and when she opened them... There was no more monster nearby... What... What was that...?

Hikari was confused... What did Hikari do...


Smell, Hikari smelled something strange... Coming from her side... Hikari turned around and saw... That pool... That red pool...

Hikari turned around and ran, Hikari ran and hid under a house that seemed to be in shamble... What-what is Hikari supposed to do here...? What can... What can Hikari do...?

Hikari hugged her knees and cried...
----------------------------------------------
Aeternus, somewhere in the residential district.

 

Aboard an airship bound for Aeternus after being gone for months and a few weeks since activation of the Facility’s Ghost, the masked soldier now aims to return to the guild. With him free from worrying about the management of the Facility he can now concentrate on finding resources, exploring this strange world he was sent to and spread his web of influence across it. Bringing a few new toys to play with him and now aiming to scout west, take several contracts in Verdant Forest and hopefully embed a couple of radio beacons that hopefully Geist can pick up and start working with it.

“It’s burning.” Aeternus is burning. He could see it from afar, smoke and fire. The floating city is under attack.

The airship accelerates towards the floating mass and Kroenen takes out his K-31 rifle and looked through the scope. Things must be quite bad if the Guild’s headquarters is under attack itself, strange that one of the reasons for a floating fortress is to eliminate the threat of a siege is being bypassed. Maybe suggesting anti-air batteries to the guild master would be a good idea or even a Flakturm, it would be another project for him piled on top of the others he’s already working on. Good thing the manpower issue is now being addressed even when he’s not present back at the research center.

500 meters from the landing platform he started engaging the orcs trying to overrun the defenders near the airport. Emptying the magazine of the bolt action rifle he switches to the M12 shotgun to counter the approaching ravens. Birdshot against ravenous birds, birdshot wins. Jumping off the airship before it touches down he inquires about the situation. Evacuation of civilians to the temple and Guild HQ is ongoing, the maintenance district is swamped by the enemies, residential district is holding up for now, Agricultural district is a killzone for the Boss’ airship artillery, the recreational district is an unknown but they’ve lost contact with several sentinels deployed in the area. Right now the best course of action to wrestle back the initiative is to secure the maintenance district, if the enemies figure out how to sink Aeternus then every one of them will die.

Reloading the shotgun before stowing it away in his item box, the masked man takes out his Indian 841 Motorcycle and slung the MG82 on his back. And he was looking forward to tormenting that lecherous cat-man after his long absence.

[OOC] Aeternus. Going towards the maintenance district.

 

Meanwhile, as Levana marched through Verdant Forest, all hell broke loose in Aeternus. Monsters upon monsters showed up and were causing mayhem and havoc to the floating city of the Adventurers. Hildagarde watched as so many creatures of different sizes ran amok in the city.

Unacceptable.

Suddenly, a serpent woman sees her and hisses at the Peacekeeper as it quickly slithers for an attack. However, much to its surprise, Hildagarde rushes at the serpent woman without fear and abruptly takes hold of its neck. Without warning, Hildagarde crushes the creature’s windpipe and it was dead before it could even really do anything.

Off to Hildagarde’s peripheral, she could see numerous spiders scuttling towards the outer walls of the Tavern and she grew irritated. With the serpent woman still in her grasp, she throws the whole creature to the oncoming spiders and she watched as the bunch exploded.

“Hmph. None will damage this Tavern while I’m here.”

 

POV Verdant Forest
It seems I've been away for too long. Chaos has risen again and my investigations have become lax. Countless monsters have risen due to darkness and it is time to show them the true ruler of darkness. With a single thought, I leave the Plane of Darkness and exit through the shadows of the trees.
Arriving at the entrance of the forest, I see a number of my fellow adventurers still fighting, as they creep ever so closer to the boss. Seeing as the situation was fine, I rushed past where most of the fighting was taking place, and headed towards the largest density of monsters. To my luck, I see a large group of Mutated Treeants, barring my path, causing me to stop in my place. Annoyed, I reach through the shadows and summon my blade, then brandish it in preparation to fight.
The Treeants seeing my hostility extend out their arms in an attempt to blind me with their many branches. Chuckling at their silly attempt to deter me, I take a deep breath, letting the Dark energy of the mist flow into me, then swing my sword. A beam of sword energy appears and cuts through the Treeants and immediately bisects them.
Seeing that there is nothing blocking me anymore, I sheathe my sword and continue down the path, but not before calling Fluffy and having him scout the path for anything interesting.

 

In the agricultural district, an assorted group of half-orcs and goblins were aiming to destroy the orchards and farm lands toiled by the local farmers. As it were, this part of the floating city was a labor of love as many different conditions had to be taken into account in order for these plants to grow in this special environment. Special, complicated sigils helped to support the different climates needed for so many of these greenery to grow.

And yet, here were the enemies oft to cause harm to this place. Arden’s fury was a cold, merciless entity. Normally, this staff of the Guild was a low-spirited, melancholy, and quiet man but today, he was oh so very angry. Counted as a gopher by many, his main job, in truth, was to look after this district. It was his pride and joy. Today, none had the right to destroy it.

Stretching out his arms to the sides, an aura of green enveloped his body and he chanted few words.

“Seeds of Yggdrasil, awaken to my call.”

The ground shook and, unexpectedly, thick vines sprouted out from the vast farm lands and started attacking the intruders. No blood spilled on the soil as the summoned plants fed on its prey. Arden walked to a particular vine feeding off of a panicking orc, he gives it a chilling smile and quietly spoke.

“They’ve been hungry for so long. I must show you my gratitude for giving them such great nutrients.”

He bowed and looked up.

 

"Verdant Forest is acting up? Huh...guess I better go over there to help." Razogul says this as he makes a dark portal to the entrance of Verdant Forest. Walking through the portal to appear directly in front of the forest.

Seeing the dark mist, he can only have an expressionless face.

"Whoever has done this, has been very busy. Well, too bad that persons plans are for naught." Razogul steadily walks into the forest seeing his fellow adventurers fight countless monsters. The dark mist surrounding them as they fight.

As the dark mist surrounds him, he smiles.

"It seems that it's stimulating my dark magic...I fear for the others who use holy magic and the like however." Right as he says this, he creates a dark spear and throws it into a mutated treant, destroying it.

"Such a sad sight...it's corrupting the nature of these monsters."

Suddenly a group of mutated treants surround Razogul. He smiles evilly and blinks into the air as they all slam his location. Crushing the ground where he once was. Still in the air, he gathers dark energy and creates dark spears in the air.

"Have at this!" Yelling this, they pierce the treants, splitting them in half as he lands on the ground. More monsters start appearing soon after and he sighs at this.

"So many monsters...guess this will take a while. Time to do a massacre!" Laughing hysterically, Razogul starts going further into the forest, killing any monster in his path.
-----
Verdant Forest, Entrance going further into the forest.

 

The corruption has reachced the edge of the forest.

I felt my feet falter after hearing the will-o’-the-wisp say that. Wasn’t that too fast?

It is fine. The black mist is the concern.

But wasn’t the corruption from the black mist?

Yes. However, the corruption causes gradual decline of one’s sanity. The black mist will be worse. It will cloud one’s mind completely and take over.

It felt ridiculous talking to my mind but the will-o’-the-wisp was a treasure trove of knowledge where Verdant Forest was concerned. Also, the more I talked to this will-o’-the-wisp, the more that I realized that it was using my own ‘voice’ to converse with me. As if it was using what it could find in my mind that would best describe what it intended to say. It actually felt like I was talking to myself.

As much as I wanted to talk to my companion though, most often than not, I had to refrain so that I could focus on the numerous problems at hand. The deeper I went into Verdant, the more creatures I encountered. It felt endless. The moles were the least of my worries.

One of the opponents I came across was a treant. It was a bad pairing. Flint of Oya was useless against it and Ignis Volley could only do so much. The most I could do was change from the fire gem to the lightning one and hope for the best as I waited for the paralysis effect to take place. Two out of five attacks was successful. Even then, it was hard to take down a tree.

This was a taxing journey but I tried to remain optimistic. As dangerous as this place was, it still wasn’t to the point where I felt it was like the forests back home. Beasts there were different. If I had to base it off of Guild rankings, the lowest ranked animal that could be found in the forests back home was a rank C. The more common ones would be one rank higher. It was mainly why the temple was placed on the top of the mountain. We treated the creatures of the forest as our defensive line for more persistent enemies that wanted to infiltrate our lands. If not through the woods, the only way one could enter our home was through a teleportation array and that was only accessible if one was marked by our kamis.

Back to the matter at hand. Besides the many creatures I had to face off against, another concern was the prospect of getting lost. Thankfully, because of my will-o’-the-wisp companion, that problem was negated. However, that didn’t mean it didn’t give me problems. Though the will-o’-the-wisp did help, that only meant that I was led to go through so many routes just to get out of a certain part of the forest that would prove to be very dangerous.

At this rate, I wondered if I was ever going to reach my destination in tact.

We’re close to the black mist.

I paused at that. “Help me to scout around it first.”

Okay.

From there, I grew even more careful. I didn’t know what the properties of this black mist was. I hoped it wouldn’t cause me too much of a problem.

[OOC] Heading for the black mist at Verdant Forest.

 

After having evacuated around 150 civilians more, Rhialla could see the growing numbers of Corrupt Ravens and Suicide spiders. Looking to see where the largest concentration was, she made her way towards it, readying her nature magic and having her pact-spirits give their support.
This is a bit ridiculous...
What is, Eternal Daughter?
The other adventurers haven't managed to eradicate the enemies yet...
Perhaps Eternal Daughter could help by incapacitating those winged beasts.
Yeah! That's a brilliant idea,Telva!
Not brilliant, big brother Fifna, just logical.
Wika agrees with Wika's siblings~! The fastest way of evacuating the civilians would be to remove the obstructions~! Wika believes that what Eternal Daughter did with those Corrupted Half-Orcs would work other enemies~!
This one believes that to be most logical.
This one says, go for it!
I agree with your idea, it's more the practicality of getting them all.
That's a simple thing, Dark Mistress~
Please...Darva...I am not a dark mistress...
Oh~? But This one feeels such darkness within Dark Mistress' heart~
*sigh*
Fine. Get on with it, Darva.
Dark Mistress simply has to attract the naughty molester~
(-_-)
...
...
...
...
I'm not even sure whether to dignify that suggestion with an answer...
Why, Dark Mistress is so awful to This one~ This one likes that~
Explain to me why I should allow you to keep talking, Darva.
Because the enemies have been corrupted by a darkness not their own~
So?
This one believes Darva means to use darkness to attract darkness, since they seem to thrive on it.
Meaning, they would all congregate in one location.
Yes~ However...that would only be within a certain range~
I understand. You've only been my pact-spirit for a few years, not nearly as long as Fifna and Telva have. You won't have as large a range as them.
Of course Darva wouldn't!
This one agrees.
Going by your strength, how far would your range be?
This one's length can increase just by Dark Mistress' touch~
Darva...enough with the jokes and be serious.
This one apologises and expects to be given punishment later~ This one's range would be about 100 metres in all directions~
Very well. How much sustenance will you need?
This one wants Dark Mistress panting from This one's actions~
So a lot of energy, then...Everyone, but Darva, go on standby until further notice.
Okay!
Wika understands~!
Command confirmed.
After having decided on her next course of action, she sent her Darkness pact-spirit, Darva to an area with what seemed like the most enemies, and had him act as a darkness beacon.

* * *

After a few minutes of Darva attracting all enemies within 100 metres, Rhialla decided her turn had arrived.
Fifna, activate a wind barrier of 100 metres range and create a wind strong enough for my magic to touch all the enemies.
And what of the civilians, Eternal Mistress?
I can differentiate them from the enemy now, so only the enemies will be affected.
All right, erecting barrier!
An invisible barrier of wind was erected as a strong gale blew through the streets and sky. Using her sleeping spell, she altered it so only the enemies would be affected. After a few more minutes of using the magic, there were Corrupted Ravens, Suicide Spiders and Corrupted Half-Orcs strewn along the streets. Gathering them up, she separated them into a pile of Corrupted Half-Orcs and a pile to enemies to kill. This took about 20 minutes to complete, in which Darva had stopped emitting darkness and Fifna had ceased the strong wind blowing through the streets. In total, there were 33 Corrupted Half-Orcs, 127 Corrupted Ravens and 86 Suicide Spiders.
"Let's burn away the rubbish~"
Pyra!
Yes, Eternal Daughter?
Help me burn these enemies to dust!
Pyra will do as you command.
A small orb or red, fiery light appeared, before being absorbed into Rhialla's body. She closed her eyes as this happened and, upon opening them, they glowed hot like fire. Waving a hand at the piles of burnable enemies, a scorching flame hit each pile, the heat partially melting the walls of the nearby houses as the bodies turned to ash.
"Right~! Enemies eradicated~!"
Seeing just ask lying on the ground, Rhialla wet up to the Corrrupted Half-Orcs and created an ice dome to ensure they wouldn't be harmed. After doing that, she began searching for any civilians in the area, finding some and, once again, escorting them to the Temple.
*sigh*
This is kind of tedious...

[Aeternus]

 

Nothing could distract Peony from a nice relaxing day with tea and her flowers. Well almost nothing...she could ignore the cries for help but that wouldn't make a good citizen right? Living on Aeternus was definitely more peaceful than living in Nyllia (they still did not have a name for that world, well last time she checked they didn't). She had traveled to this world/land/something a couple years back and decided on this Floating Island as her home. It didn't have anyone she knew but then again that's what traveling was! She did miss everyone and if she met someone who looked liked her friends...well it was no use dwelling in sad thoughts. Better to think about something else more fun? Fun...fun...Ah yes she had just registered to be an Adventurer because the fellow farmer from down the road said it was fun.

Wait that didn't sound right...he didn't trick her...right? Just because her field in the Agriculture section looked better than his, he didn't suggest it so his would win the Annual Agriculture Contest right?

Peony pouts at this thought and stands up as she immediately rushes to the door.

"That farmer better have not sabotaged my plot of land. The flowers can't be touched otherwise...urg I don't even want to think of the consequences...they aren't ready to be released yet!"

When Peony arrives at her plot of land (three plots down and 5 to the left...wait don't note it down! You can't go there either!) she sees a black mass covering her flowers. She cries out loud and frantically runs forward to pick up her sturdy rake to knock the black things off her land. The black things make no sounds of protest as they are flung into the sky and burnt to a crisp. Peony pays them no mind and continues to do this until her plot of land is free of the black things.

"Phew, I thought it would never end. How are you my flowers?" She looks at them tenderly to check for injuries and sighs in relief. "At least it wasn't that bad this time. Only a teaspoon was released. Any more and the air would become...a tiny bit toxic...might be best to clean off the rest of the fields."

Looking at the other plots of land in the agriculture section, Peony winces slightly. Those black things covered the other fields too...she best get to work before the other farmers came back. Otherwise she would never hear the end of it.

{Hi everyone! I'm in the Agriculture district cleaning up the Ravens! Don't come too close unless you have immunity to poisons! It was accidental! Really it was!}