《First》


 Ch. 01 John Ryder A1

    John Ryder peered at the horizon, perched atop a cliff. It was the brink of dawn and the sky was an eerie red, enough to partially dye some white fluffy clouds lingering in the night.


    The red sky seemed to be made entirely of malice but with that it was still beautiful. A storm would surely fall tonight; tearing through the land like it was a toy. But like countless times before, seeds would again sprout, trees would grow and life would return. Beat it to the ground, stomp on it, rip it apart and still it returned.


    There was pain though, as the forest became a tinge of red from the intensity of the sky. Like a mirage of blood foretelling of an event not so far away. Even though life would return, it was hard to see it go.


    A family of tiger cubs pounced on one another, showing and failing themselves to be dominant to one another, their efforts amounting to a rolling ball of fur. A red bird with gold tipped wings sparkled in the rising light of dawn, delivering some morning grub to some hideous looking chicks. Dimwitted fish moved up stream for god knows why as they ended up in the mouths of a hulking brown bears for their attempt.


    John jumped and spread his wings. His large black feathered limbs opened wide, filling themselves with the wind of the fall. Muscles twitched and his wings redirected the air so that he may glide.


    He found the currents in the air, joining the animals of the forest already in flight.


    Then it began as the sun passed the horizon and the day began.


    The earth shook, shockwaves could be seen in waves as they traveled across the forest. From this alone life began to be snuffed as trees fell and life became buried under rising and falling dirt, but this was only the first part.


    ¡°Power from the deeps of time heed my command, arcane shield!¡±


    John wanted to see it happen with his own eyes and as such took precautions. He could and would use magic to see this through.


    Next he witnessed the second phase as in the distance vision distorted with the distortion becoming larger by the second. His barrier was struck, straining to withstand what could only be described as an earth shattering explosion of air encompassing everything in sight.


    It a moment though the blurry air past, showing a land that had been devastated, devastated once more. It was silent, the screams of creation where not to be heard, be it on the ground or in the air.


    Then a spark, with such a release of energy it was inevitable and there was not only one. Everything began to burn. The air had shattered the trees and left particles of dust and flammable plant matter to float in the air.


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    *BOOM*


    The flames rushed over the forest, burning hot and fierce so that it all would disappear. John felt it really was the end with this as the fire reached out for miles, connecting with other fires to claim the region. Somewhere in the distance it rose to the height of a small mountain, a mountain made entirely of the forests last flaming signs of life.


    It grew and grew, sucking the air from the entire region to fuel in a self-generated updraft.


    With this the final chapter came and the horizon disappeared, replaced with a wall of water. It came, washing everything away and replacing the presence of everything with itself. The end was just a big mass of water, reaching over his cliff of a perch and beyond.


    In time that water would recede, giving birth to a new forest and homes for life but for now, this was what it was.


    John readied his wings; his arcane shield had kept him fixed in place but once he released it, he would once more need to fly.


    ¡°Shield release.¡±


    *Thunmp*


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    John could only feel confused as something heavy and fluffy landed on his head. Reaching up he checked what it was.


    John was dumbfounded while brining it in front of his eyes. It was a white skytiger, he must have survived by hiding in the shadow of the arcane shield.


    Though of a race that could rival some dragons, it was a baby and survived all that. He did not see the reason nor would he be its executioner by leaving it in this place.


    Taking a blank white card from his waist, John tapped it to its forehead ¡°Seal.¡±


    A white light spread across its figure, covering its features so that they could not be seen. Then when no part of it was visible, the light and creature fell apart into sparkling dust.


    That dust did not fall; instead it gathered on the card and changed it, revealing a picture and words upon it.


    John placed the card in a pouch where it disappeared from the world as if it had never been there to begin with. It did not bother him and John simply rose, flying higher and higher until he was above the clouds.


    There, where one could not see the surface below awaited his ship, Icarus.


    Landing, John logged out.

 Ch. 02 William Thacker A1

    William Thacker was once again, thinking and moving as himself.


    Where he had been was the world of First, a virtual reality environment considered to be the world¡¯s first virtual reality massive multiplayer online role playing game (VRMMORPG).


    There, a person, or player as they were called there, took over another body of their own creation and forged another life. Be it to become an unknown beggar on the streets or a legendary hero known by all, it was their choice, provided they had the strength and talent to back it up.


    It was set in an old world, a place without advanced technology and where electricity was hard to control because of the world¡¯s mechanics. Though, in place of humanities greatest strength of technology, they had something else, magic. Fueled from their now mana enriched bodies, they could defy the laws of heaven and earth allowing them to replace the wonders of science with the wonders of magic.


    William got out of his capsule.


    Stretching and checking the time on his clock, it was Tuesday, 10:30 AM. Gathering his belongings, he went to the library. It was a day without classes so he had a chance to study, as a student of virtual reality it wasn¡¯t something he could neglect.


    Being in his first year of the studies, it was not at a difficulty that challenged him but still he had to keep up with it or he would fall behind. Allot of the material was actually what he already knew as the institution tried to place students on even footing with each other. They came from countless different schools so it was a necessary step to not loose promising individuals down the line.


    General sciences, language skills, programming, mathematics and ethics were the brunt of it.


    Today would be just math and John somehow finished it. It was a difficult task for one readily thinking about the power of nature rampaging and shaping the land. John squeezed out some actual concentration in the end to make sure there were no mistakes in the work but found it accurate.


    Finishing around 3, he went for a late lunch.


    Torn between pizza and a salad bar he digressed and choose the healthier option. Though when he did sit down to eat, he made sure to have his back to the window where the pizza was clearly visible. He would likely never finish his meal of greens if he was staring at cheesy, smelly, yummy pizza.


    *Munch, munch*


    *Munch, munch*


    He felt like a cow¡­


    ¡°William!¡± A female broke away from her friends and approached. It was Amy Kite, someone he met at school who took similar classes to his own. Waving her friends along, she let them know it was ok to leave without her and they did.


    ¡°Hi Amy.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re eating salad.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m eating salad.¡±


    It was definitely a look of surprise that came across her face then.


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    ¡°I¡¯d have thought to find you eating pizza across the street.¡±


    ¡°Thought did cross my mind¡­¡±


    William found the greens between his teeth get drier and harder to swallow.


    ¡°Well it¡¯s nice to see you eating healthy.¡±


    ¡°I guess, though there wasn¡¯t much choice. My capsule has been warning me about my eating habits for a while now. Pushing it anymore might not let me access it.¡±


    ¡°I see, well it¡¯s good to eat healthy regardless, the gym helps too. And capsule? As in capsule for First?¡±


    ¡°Yup, why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had one. I¡¯ve just gotten started with it a few months ago. There you call me Mirajia Redknight, I¡¯m a water mage.¡±


    ¡°A water mage. They are pretty useful in a raid, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have lots of fun with it. They have strong offensive and minor healing capabilities. That and they really shine when they go underwater.¡±


    ¡°Yah¡­ I¡¯m not that far yet but I¡¯m training hard with the guild I¡¯m in. I think they were saying something similar. But if I may ask, what about you?¡±


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯ll find me as John Ryder, scout.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t entirely a lie but William was reluctant to reveal his true class. Saying scout was convenient because many of the abilities of the class could be found in his. That¡¯s not to say they were even remotely similar though.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Amy was a little a little taken back after hearing he was the class noted as only having ¡®good eyes.¡¯


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so down, scout isn¡¯t as bad as people say.¡±


    ¡°I. I know that. I¡¯m not looking down on the class.¡±


    A flush on her cheeks was telling a story of embarrassment at being caught looking down on another.


    ¡°I know too.¡±


    John finally finished his meal. He was half expecting a flower to sprout from his head and start his body on photosynthesis. Salad was definitely not on his list of go to meals for the immediate future. Next time he¡¯d take it in a smoothie with a bucket of sugar¡­


    ¡°Anyways, we should meet up in game. You anywhere near Avalon?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, not for a while. Why are you there though? That¡¯s basically one massive construction yard.¡±


    ¡°Our guild bought a flagship.¡±


    ¡°Oh ho, congratulations. That¡¯s a big deal.¡±


    A guild was only a guild in name until it had a home, a place where it¡¯s members could declare as ¡®theirs.¡¯ A flagship was one way to accomplish this.


    ¡°Thank you, but be that as it may. We¡¯ll have to continue another time, it launches today so I¡¯d like to be there when it does.¡±


    ¡°No problem. Have fun and good luck.¡±


    William smiled as she left and with a grunt, picked up another salad that he would be having for dinner.

 Ch. 03 Skytiger A1

    William placed his would be dinner in the fridge and returning to his capsule, John returned to first.


    He was greeted with a backdrop of endless clouds and a clear blue sky. The three moons of Eden could be seen though the Sun was still high enough to clearly light the sky.


    ¡°Welcome back John.¡±


    It was a mature female voice that sent shivers down your spine. If it had not come from a half foot tall flying pixie looking creation, it may have flustered him.


    She was the ship and the ship was her. One may describe her as an AI that controlled every part of the ship but as this world had no science, it was not the case. She simply had a name¡­


    ¡°Thank you Icarus.¡±


    ¡°Shall I head a new course?¡±


    ¡°Set course for Avalon.¡±


    ¡°Understood, we are now on route to Avalon.¡±


    The ship began banking ever so slightly, heading on its new course.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡±


    ¡°No, but I may need some extra hands in the lab, care to join me.¡±


    ¡°You need not ask such a thing. Please lead the way, I will follow.¡±


    John did just that as he was facing a problem. On him was a baby skytiger and he was not its mother. He was definitely not in the position to feed it naturally.


    Entering his lab, he saw it was as he left it. Vials, tools and materials strapped in place to keep them from falling over and smashing if Icarus had to perform hard maneuvers.


    John reclaimed the card that held the skytiger from the nothingness he once placed it. Laying it down on a corner of the table, he kept it aside for when he was done.


    He needed a list. This would be his first attempt in making baby formula so what did he need? Digestible calcium, antibodies, protein, vitamins, and mana.


    ¡°Icarus, please fetch me some raw meat and dragonroot from the stores.¡± That would take care of the necessities.


    Then elixir and marrow for the rest? He couldn¡¯t pass on antibodies but hopefully he already had enough to last him. An elixir should skyrocket his vitality and help him get through anything unexpected. He had both in this lab as they were both important bases for most alchemic creations.


    Icarus scurried back in with the requested items. It didn¡¯t take her long, the ship wasn¡¯t that big.


    Icarus dumped all the items in a small pot and with a few drops of alkahest, it was well on its way to becoming a goopy mess.


    Luckily John didn¡¯t need a syringe as with magic coursing through his veins, he only need will it and it would rise and shape to his thoughts.


    Placing a hand on the card, ¡°unseal.¡± The card returned to its former state and above it the skytiger appeared, the light now working in reverse to reveal its feline form.


    It was tired. So young and surviving such a display of nature, it was no surprise.


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    Skytigers could grow to be larger than the size of his entire ship given enough time. As this one was no larger than his forearm, it would still have its first coat of hair.


    John made motions with his hands over the pot and the mixture rose. Drawing his hand closer to the tiger, the mixture followed and slowly the tiger was fed.


    It was cute, in a way; the tiger didn¡¯t even open its mouth or eyes. Its nostrils simply flared and a pink tongue slipped out, dragging with it some of the mix into its mouth. John opened a vial of water and saw it delivered and consumed in a similar fashion.


    Full and out of danger, it fell asleep.


    John moved his mixture to a jar with enchants so that it would not spoil while the water was fine to return to its former vial.


    ¡°That¡¯s a skytiger!¡± Icarus spoke in a hushed yet excited voice.


    ¡°It is.¡±


    ¡°But why? How?¡±


    ¡°It kind of just happened. I went down to see some natural disasters and somehow this guy got saved by my arcane shield. Then I brought him back with me.¡±


    ¡°You came across a baby skytiger by accident? In that situation?¡±


    ¡°Bizarre right? But that¡¯s how it was. I¡¯m thinking something else was in play but I don¡¯t have any idea what or how.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    John picked up the tiger and held it in his arms. It was surprisingly light. It was a girl.


    ¡°Here, come closer Icarus, you can touch her.¡±


    ¡°Can I?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s soft.¡±


    She really was. Her fur wasn¡¯t wiry like he had expected it to be at all.


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s asleep so I¡¯ll leave her in your care. I¡¯m going to fly around and see what there is out there, seems we are in a new area.¡±


    ¡°Yes. We just entered Sector 178, it¡¯s a mountain region. Should I slow the ships drives?¡±


    ¡°No need. I¡¯ll be armed this time so I don¡¯t expect resistance.¡±


    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll maintain course and heading but still, be careful.¡±


    John took the skytiger and laid it upon the lab¡¯s bed. John sometimes never left his lab so there was a benefit to having one nearby. Today it would serve this little creature.


    Next John lifted a spear from the wall. Heavy for most, it was very light for him. A simple creation made of enchanted metals that he could throw or thrust into an opponent. This, in addition to the heavy and rapid fire spring action stingers strapped to his left and right forearms respectively, he had the means to fight at any range.


    Standing at the side of Icarus and looking down, John opened his wings and fell. The ground began to rush towards him but as he caught wind, began his flight.

 Ch. 04 Mirajia Redknight A1

    It wasn¡¯t much to look at but it was beautiful in their eyes, her eyes, Mirajia Redknight.


    Cranes were holding her up, the shield of Paroxysm, over the edge of the Avalon. She would be the guild ship of the newly flourishing guild, Paroxysm.


    The first test began as a dim blue light began to glow from behind her aft. Her main drive unit was in its startup sequence.


    1,2,3,4 and all 5 engines started up as intended allowing the cranes to let go. Blue magical lines made of special runes began to shine at her underside, providing her hull with the lift it needed to support her weight. She was now independent of Avalon.


    Mirajia, as well as others of her guild roared in excitement and it was justified. Much work had gone into gathering the means to reach this point and now, they could officially call themselves a guild. With this ship they would not be limited to play in the current continent of Trent and be allowed to expand their interests beyond its borders.


    There was a loud boom from the Avalon, followed by a few more just like it. Everyone fell silent but as the Shield rotated its guns and fired, they simply began cheering even more. The Avalon had just launched targets to test the shields gun emplacements and they had all hit their marks. The Avalon then fired on the shield and was met with a semitransparent shield of blue appearing at the point of impact. The shield¡¯s magic shields had just been tested and had passed.


    The last test was maneuvering and the drive unit became a hot blue to meet it.


    A smaller utility craft of Avalon flew out and fired smoke bombs to create rings. They would not continue to exist for long but it was enough to see the shield through them and test its steering and thrust capabilities.


    The crowd continued to roar in excitement as the ship moved away and showed them how it could fly.


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    Then it returned and the tests were done.


    Everyone clambered aboard. As the cost of the ship was payed up front, there was no need to delay.


    They had one task in mind, to touch the resonance stone. It was a clear crystal ball located in a large room near the heart of the ship. Registration to it meant that when someone died in First, their body would be resurrected near this small sphere. Players also had the ability to cast a spell of recall that did the same thing but without death and limitations for activation. One could not use recall while receiving hostile intent at present or for a set time of it passing. This meant you couldn¡¯t use it to run away from a conflict and had to find the means to disengage yourself for sufficient time to activate it. Still, even with that limitation it was more than useful for gathering the guild members when they were needed to work together.


    Mirajia touched the small sphere and felt slight chill run through her, connecting her somehow to this spot.


    The last one to touch it was a Growler Draconis, Mirajia¡¯s Guild leader and head Paroxysm. He then spoke.


    ¡°Shield of Paroxysm. Set course for the nearest available class 3 hunting grounds.¡±


    A female, sweet, and childlike voice returned to him.


    ¡°Course laid in. Avalon has been notified of our departure. We are now on route to Trent fire salamander territory 72. Class 3.¡±


    More cheers erupted from others hearing the voice of their ship for the first time. Even Mirajia couldn¡¯t contain herself and let out a little yelp.


    Their guild was here, now and ready. It was beginning.

 Ch. 05 Paroxysm A1

    3 cases of air sickness, 7 on the verge of joining them. The Shield of Paroxysm was not a state of the art vessel like the Avalon and was also much smaller. This left much to be desired in comfort but despite it, they all continued to wear smiles.


    The Shield met its destination without incident regardless of those who were sick. Firing anchors and reducing its magical upward thrust, she lowered herself to the ground allowing those onboard to disembark.


    The Shield was not a combat vessel and would be no help to them now. It had cannons but should they be used, it would eventually run out of ammunition. Those weapons were meant for defense should something dare approach it.


    Letting her feet touch the ground, Mirajia was about midway amongst the ranks. When they were all on the ground, they moved out.


    At the center of the formation was a beast tamer and his huge rockworm. It wasn¡¯t the fastest but reliable for digging and carrying large amounts. He had another but it was hard to see. Frost bees were like that as their boddies allowed allot of light to pass though them. If you didn¡¯t look carefully for the distortion, you might miss them.


    To the front were the tanker classes, warriors with shield or combat magicians with defensive spell augmentations. Some of those tankers were mixed with the entire group as a precaution but next were the ranged fighters made of cannoneers, rangers and magicians. Growler was midway between and tank and an attack so he was found near the front.


    Everyone now out of the ship, they began.


    ¡°Cannoneers, wide spread, maximum range to the front.¡±


    The cannoneers took the barrel like weapons they held under their arms and began to charge them. Mana in the air flowed towards their weapons, making them glow. What was around 30 seconds later, successive booms could be heard as the cannoneers were pushed back a few feet while launching their projectiles.


    Unlike magician classes, cannoneers could display their power regardless of range. Magicians controlled devastating magic but as they applied it over greater distances, saw that power harmlessly dissipated and highly wasteful. Cannoners locked the mana they collected in their projectiles and delivered it to their intended target giving them one of the higher ranges. Archers had the same problem as magicians in that regard for obvious reasons.


    Hideous screams were heard in the distance.


    A random member yelled. ¡°Hostility registration confirmed. We have 64 small targets, 12 medium, and 1 Large.¡±


    Growler barked commands.


    ¡°Cannoneers, magicians, thin them out. Archers, wound the larger targets. Melee and tanks, hold the line and deal with the small fry. Have the rock worm dig in and spit out some rocks for earth mages. Main healers, prioritize the tanks, secondary, focus on minor injuries and status conditions. Those who can, prepare buffs.¡±


    The cannoneers began a slow charge, magicians began to chant for large area attack magics, and archers knocked their arrows. Some players glowed as buffing magic took affect. The rockworm was already in the ground, more than happy to stay out of the fight. The ice bee was¡­ somewhere¡­ though that was ok because its job was entirely to protect its master.


    It began.


    Mirajia quickly released her spell along side others that did the same and they struck, hard.


    Magic, given the elemental forms of lightning, fire, earth, water and many others flew as a small army of black slimy salamanders began passing the tree line. Cannoneers released their own volley shortly after and together they made many of the salmanders fall on the spot and succeeded in their task of thinning the herd. Still, there were more and they kept coming. Regardless of broken limbs, protruding bones or burning flesh, they were monsters and they would come.


    They shrilled in defiance of the first attack and as if hearing that call, the medium sized monsters emerged, calling for the archers to take action. Arrows flew at their marks, trying to hit the eyes and anything else they would expose.


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    These medium monsters were much large, reaching almost 20 ft tall compared to the 4 ft tall minions in front of them. Their skin was slightly lighter than their brethren and showed portions of their bodies to be covered in harder skin.


    All Range capable units kept firing as they got closer. There was a large bang and audible grunts soon heard as the small ones struck the defense line then much silence as melee players got involved to reduce the strain on tankers. Soon the small ones fell but the medium creatures continued to approach, albeit somewhat blind and gimped from the archers efforts.


    They struck the defense line but were too worn out and injured. Concentrated fire from all players quickly brought them to a quick demise.


    But these were just the warm up as trees could be heard falling over. A king salamander poked its head from out of from the treeline, the head alone was just as big or bigger then the medium sized salamander with the rest of its body equally enlarged. Simply calling it massive did not do it justice.


    Growler barked out new orders. ¡°Cannoneers fall back, switch the smoke bombs and blind it. Magicians as well, stay out of harms way and bombard it with attack spells. Tankers on the limbs, don¡¯t let them move and build up speed and that includes the tail. Melee, do damage from behind the tanks and don¡¯t get caught in an attack. All those that can heal, heal. I need two combat healers at my side with quick heals, I¡¯m going in.¡±


    With his spiel, Growler broke through the tanks and was quickly joined by two of the more well-known healers. The rest of the players quickly changed their positions and did their jobs.


    Miraja¡¯s healing was limited but as one of those that could, did what she could and joined the ranks of attacking magicians to perform her chants.


    ¡°Tranquil spirit of water, show thyself and heal my allies, lesser aura of healing water!¡±


    A mist of water swirled around Miraja and began covering the field. She could do nothing else while this spell was in affect, she needed to keep it supplied with her mana or it would stop.


    Meanwhile Growler met the head and struck, stopping the monster in its tracks as it no longer found a need to move forward. It portrayed sharp teeth and snapped down in an attempt to finish him but only found dirt as Growler dodged.


    That pissed it off but the tanks were already in place when it tried a second attack of stomping. It was like dragging its feet through mud and useless for anything but a slow forward march. Its tail was definitely problematic but the tanks in the rear were managing. Some resorted to jumping on it while others kept the shield sturdy to stop it from moving left and right, it was working, for now.


    Growler and his two healers kept at it, they took some close calls but had yet to die.


    With a final leap, Growler struck it between its eyes in one final downward thrust. It jerked, and then died.


    With this, the fight was over.


    ¡°Casualty report!¡± Growler barked.


    ¡°None!¡± another barked back excited and happy.


    ¡°Good.¡± Growler wheezed out, letting his romper fall to the ground and his body rest.


    Mirajia kept her aura active as there were still those showing damage on their bodies but there was no one in a dangerous state.


    The rock worm came out of the ground and there was a glimpse of the ice bee nearby. People gathered around it, taking food, water and medical supplies from the bags it carried.


    A few players with the ability to laid out some blankets and took the roll of distributing it. Growler was one of the first to be treated and then went back to talking.


    ¡°Alright, everyone who needs it, gather around and get what you need. Back off when you do and after everyone is done and ready, were doing this again.¡±

 Ch. 06 Oops, thats not what I thought it was A1

    John was soaring, this place was not as beautiful as his former sights but still held its charm. The high mountains left a breathtaking view and though the monsters bellow was not particularly pleasant on the eyes, they were full of vigor and always doing something.


    John picked a target. For him it would be something that flew, he needed the practice and air combat was generally fun.


    Stalking his prey he flew high and above its senses and watched as grey reptilian wings carried the body of a snake through the air.


    John dive bombed, hoping for a quick end but was detected. He only managed to scrape its wing before it was able to evade by tucking its wings and rolling away.


    John sighed thinking he really needed to work on his stealth approaches but didn¡¯t get much time to think about. The creature was attempting a similar maneuver, mouth wide open and attempting harm.


    Thrusting his spear, the fight was over. Well, perhaps calling it target practice session was more accurate.


    Then something caught his eye.


    It was an earth dragon, which were nice durable targets that though strong, were not capable of fast attacks. They typically kept their fighting capabilities hidden and relied on their powerful hide to keep them safe. Then, when the moment was right, they released an attack of fearsome proportions far beyond the expectations of its opponent. It was not considered a dragon only in name, if an opponent forgot that during the encounter they would stand no chance of survival.


    John eagerly wished to test himself against one, he would not be caught up in its tricks and in the worst case, he would just retreat. They were limited to short range attacks.


    There was just one problem and John¡¯s eyes went wide from the blunder. That wasn¡¯t an earth dragon¡­ That was an earth dragoon!


    Though from afar they may appear similar from affar, there was one clear difference. Dragoons could fire at range and were essentially massive natural anti-air implacements.


    John dove knowing what had already begun. If he could see it, good chances were that it could see him.


    Dropping his altitude quickly, John dodged a spike of earth he didn¡¯t see coming.


    Faster!


    John beat his wings faster, pushing him to the edge of his ability.


    The sky was soon filled with spikes and though missing their mark, John got to witness glimpses of their destructive nature during his spiraled descent. Part of the forest simply disappeared as the spikes landed in the far off distance while toppling innocent trees.


    Safe!


    John got below the trees and out of sight just as another spike ripped through the tips of many.


    Landing with force, John kicked up allot of debris, making his own little center of destruction. His efforts only kicked up debris and scarred a few trees with none of them falling.


    John had no intention of facing that Dragoon and quickly began walking away from where it was. He needed to find a location clear of that monsters range which was likely a few kilometers away.


    One step then another he continued on. Releasing a fair share of bloodlust, none of the lesser creatures came close and bothered him. He had no intension of wasting stamina and time on them now that we was forced to walking. But he still found a use for his time as normally he would not be spending so much time in a relatively small area.


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    Looking at small plants, fungus and insects he found a few he could use and stored them. Alchemic ingredients were always helpful and would eventually serve a purpose if only to fetch a good price at a market or auction.


    Not wanting to get hungry, John slipped out some food from his inventory.


    ¡°Minor water summon, water sphere.¡±


    Controlling the water like an apple, John took a bite from it and let that portion loose from his control. The skill allowed him to wash down his food and rehydrate. It was a common spell for those with magic but none the less helpful.


    The downside of it was that it was actually spirit water. His body could process it but in experiments, the remnant magic it held from the spirit realm was likely to cause problems. It just had too many energies mixed within it and they could be anything when summoned. One needed to purify it or simply use another source to get water one could use without worry.


    John finished the meat and ¡®water apple.¡¯


    A few creatures didn¡¯t get the message transmitted through the bloodlust and attacked but as expected they fell from the slightest tap of a spear. They were just too weak to comprehend the difference between themselves and what they opposed. He just continued on, they were not worth his time more than a single strike.


    One of them that appeared before him didn¡¯t want to kill him however. That one was not a monster, she was an elf.


    It was obvious, pointy ears, beautiful figure, and white baby like skin only pointed at one race, elf. And while being well endowed, she was clearly female.


    Standing there, her eyes shone fiercely of confusion, desperation, and fear. An arm limp, blood driveling from her mouth, splatters of ripped cloths and dirt everywhere you looked. A dagger in hand, she pointed it a John but couldn¡¯t keep it up as her good arm refused to listen to her will, joining its other limp arm at her side. As it did, her eyes went lifeless, her struggle to stay conscious at an end.


    She began to fall but before she could hit the ground, John was there. His wings and legs let him burst forward in one swift motion to be at her side as she fell in his arms.


    John sighed. ¡°What¡¯s with me picking up strays¡­¡±


    He took out a spare potion from his inventory and tried to have her swallow it but failed. She was choking, the blood in her mouth was flowing back into her airways.


    Unwilling to let someone die like this in front of him, John commanded magic to draw her blood out and force the potion down. It wouldn¡¯t save her but it would stall the conditions enough for him to get her to his ship where he could.


    John with his wings already open, pushed himself upwards above the trees for a few moments and then came down again. Expecting a spike of earth to fly by, nothing came so he took it as a chance to leave.


    With an elf in his arms he left, fighting to gain an altitude above the clouds. None of the monsters of this area flew that high and neither could anything below see him to try something else. Something like earth spikes from a particular dragoon.


    Up, up and up he went, reaching his intended safe height, with an elf in his arms.

 Ch. 07 Welfare Potion A1

    John landed with a thump atop the bow of the Icarus. He was frustratingly tired while having to carry another body along with his in flight in addition to requiring a longer flight. Walking was much slower for John and the Icarus had produced quite the gap to overcome by the time John was back in the air.


    Under his breath he cursed the creature and even had a moment where he thought of ramming Icarus full force straight at it. This was of course the worse idea imaginable and he cursed himself again for entertaining stupid ideas.


    Ultimately he put it behind him and tended to the elf. She was still in critical condition and required immediate care. Carrying her below, he took her to the ships infirmary.


    It wasn¡¯t much but a crystal hanging from the ceiling froze status effects. If someone was in a state where they should bleed, they would not bleed in this room. This didn¡¯t mean they were cured as it you removed them the room, the status would resume if you did. It was just an effect of a unique crystal that would continue as long as it was charged.


    John laid her down on the room¡¯s spare bed. She would be fine for now but it couldn¡¯t be left like this.


    ¡°Icarus, please watch over her and warn me if the charge in the crystal starts to get too low.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    John was no healer, but he was an alchemist. She would probably not enjoy what he was going to make for her and might even protest should she not be unconscious.


    He was reluctant to use his main stores for a stranger and instead would use what he gathered in his walking.


    What would it be? There was fungus and moss, two of the strands had recovery properties but risked delivery of decease. Using particular flowers and their roots would counter the decease so it would be alright overall. Adding some insect shells to the mix would give her something her body could use to recover bones and tissue. A few more ingredients would make it work and touch more for flair and it would be done.


    The main issue was the potency, she would be drinking allot of this for her to reach a state worthy of being considered a recovery. There was no helping it though.


    Taking a mortar and pestle, he removed the required ingredients from his inventory that was the space where various objects appeared and disappeared within his outfit, and placed them in to be crushed.


    Doing it a few times, the pestle became infused with the action and began repeating his movements. Moving to another he added the same ingredients and worked the pestle like the one before. Soon it too followed the actions of the first and John was able to work on more. The result was a creepy looking workspace seemingly run by ghosts as a number of mortars and pestles worked to crush together various ingredients.


    ¡°Minor water summon, water sphere, water sphere, water sphere.¡±


    Normally he would avoid using spirit water but as the ingredients were of a low standard, it would suffice and more importantly, was free to use. There were just some adjustments needing to be made so that the spirit energies didn¡¯t overly harm her. If she took in too much spirit energy that she couldn¡¯t process, her mana reserves would become unstable and tear her mind apart until she entered a vegetable like state. Spirit energy was not the same as mana, it could be quite harmful if not accounted for.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    So John drew it out. Letting the spirit energy spill into a pot, John willed his mana into the water and gripped the spirit energy. Tugging at it like a third arm, an aura appeared over the pot for a brief second before John could feel the energy disappearing to nothingness. When removed, the energy simply left and ceased to exist. It did not linger and likely slipped back into the spirit realm.


    The purer John tried the make the water, the hard and more mana he would have to use. He stopped part way to a complete purification, he didn¡¯t need it, where it was at now was enough.


    Stopping the pestles, John poured in the crushed mixtures into the pot with the water and started a low flame below to start the fusion process.


    Dabbing his finger in some of the mixture left stuck on the mortars inner walls, John drew a magic circle on the side of the pot. Alchemy required magic and he wasn¡¯t planning on being the source. Such a low quality production could be produced though latent mana in the atmosphere as there was more than enough there to finish this without further intervention from himself.


    John opened a drawer down and to his side, placing the used mortar pestle combinations within it. Besides being able to overlap multiple drawers of the same size in the same 3 dimensional space, so that he may pull out what he needed from the same location with, it also served as a makeshift dishwasher. The magic space rejected unregistered components and organized incoming items to a predetermined state which would strip the most recent mixture off the mortars wall and fall down a shaft to an essence extractor down below. The little bits left were still magical ingredients and held far higher concentrations of mana then normal plants. It wasn¡¯t much but it was still worth using the little bits left over for the long run and the system more importantly kept tools and utensils clean.


    But now there was nothing for him to do.


    The skytiger was sleeping on the lab¡¯s bed, it might actually be a few days before it woke up.


    Taking another look at the elf in the infirmary¡­


    ¡°Icarus, any changes?¡±


    ¡°No, she is stable but won¡¯t be waking up for awhile.¡±


    ¡°I see, I¡¯ll be taking my leave for awhile then. Be mindful of any hard banking, a decent amount of potion is brewing in the lab.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Take care john.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye Icarus.¡±


    And John disappeared from first.

 Ch. 08 A Run A1

    Night had fallen as William returned and a cool breeze blew in from an open window. Summer had ended and fall was showing itself with dropping temperatures. Thank Nexcom for that, as where this was it was not a natural phenomenon.


    William looked out, pausing to take in the sight of an empty street that ran past his dorm¡¯s window before pulling it down to close. It was that time of night that might be good for a run and he decided to do just that.


    A shirt and shorts with shoes tight and at the ready. Locking the door William was done stairs and running.


    Fitness in Virtual reality was important. Nexcom, the creators of First, felt they had a responsibility to the community at large to keep individuals from losing themselves in the technology. There was always the possibility for one to spend their life in the capsule and it was their choice should they do so. What Nexcom didn¡¯t accept was abusing the body to accomplish it.


    Nexcom had a complete monopoly on the Virtual Reality market at this point which gave them the power to deny it to individuals when they found the justification. Try to stay in the game for too long without sleep and it would eject you. Live an unhealthy lifestyle that harmed your body¡¯s chemistry and it would deny you access completely until it registered you as healthy. Moreover, all systems were interlinked with one another at all times so there no hopping capsules to get around it. Neither could you lie since the machine interfaced directly with your body.


    It wasn¡¯t a bad development. Of course food companies that thrived on obesity fired ever lawsuit they could at Nexcom though that drama fest lasted about a day. It wasn¡¯t even an argument of Virtual Reality vs. fast food. Nexcom flat out bought the major companies and shut them down with force, the smaller companies couldn¡¯t survive on their own and simply dissolved. Some thought of it as a show of force for others that might think to do the same while the official release from Nexcom was ¡°it was distracting, so we made it go away.¡±


    The media had a field day with that one¡­ Buying out some of the oldest companies in the world and closing it down because it was distracting... But what could anyone do? They had the money and they did it.


    William began to move, slowly at first but then picked up the pace to pass some summer penguins. They were runners that in the winter wore coats with slanted reflective tape that made them appear to have tails in the dark. In warmer weather they took off their coats but didn¡¯t lose the nickname and were just called a ¡®summer¡¯ variant.


    He caught some looks as he passed; they were mostly ones of surprise in having something new in their surroundings that had only just realized was there.


    Pitter patter, pitter patter, his feet continued to move. There were no shortages of places to run at this place.


    The institution William attended was sponsored by Nexcom and located near the intersections of the Tasman Sea, south pacific and north pacific oceans. This location was also the HQ of Nexcom which might explain the level of care and development undertaken across the island. In a word, it couldn¡¯t be explained.


    It was an island, large in its foundation and even larger in its completion as Nexcom artificial expanded the land. Around its large central mountain, it was now capable of independently housing around a million individuals, at least on record. This number was only the public recordings and half the landmass was dedicated to Nexcom and unapproachable. In that area, there could be just as many or even more but no one knew or was ever likely to.


    Where William ran was nearing the outskirts. He was close enough to lightly hear and smell the waves clashing against a cliff but far enough to not be bothered by them. Inland he could see the colossal mountain just peaking over the 20 meter high concrete wall isolating the civilian population from Nexcom¡¯s facilities.


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    For such a defense, it really made one wonder what was in there.


    More immediate were thick trees and colorful gardens. They were not typical of this climate and as such required substantial care, another showing of Nexcom¡¯s wealth. It gave off a subtle feeling that ¡®this shouldn¡¯t be here¡¯ yet here it was, living proudly, strong and tall. With all the variety and vivid displays, some might forget they were on earth.


    Everytime he ran, William was reminded of where he was and had his mental fortitude renewed. Under such circumstances, his 10 mile run seemed but a trivial matter.


    Overhead flew airships, zephyrs running off electric fans. Strangely, they never stopped or wavered. This place was a dead zone for winds that could disturb them and as a result, there was not one car in use as these air ships were more than sufficient to move the residences to their destinations. That is, in addition to the aid of a hover train that circled the island. With the airships moving individuals from terminals a few hundred at a time and most being close enough to the rail to not require the service, this place remained a manmade gem of nature.


    It was in this place that William ran.


    He ran and ran, displeased at the effort exerting his body yet enjoying every minute of it.


    At an empty clearing he rested, taking a bottle of water he brought with him in a gulp while panting heavily.


    Here there was just a field of grass but it was still fresh and worth seeing when compared to other sights. And with the mountain in sight to the far off distance, any observation became majestic.


    William, grabbed some berries from beside his bench and snacked. They were succulent and juicy and William couldn¡¯t help devouring them in the blink of an eye. He picked the bush that only had a few clean, planning to pick them for ¡®savoring.¡¯ That was the plan at least though half of them were gone in the first gulp.


    But before he could finish the second gulp, he had a visitor. It was a small, average bird. With tiny grey feathers covering its equally tiny body, it starred at him with beady black eyes. It was him or the berries in his hand as without seeing the whites of its eyes, its black pupils focus were impossible to determine.


    Experimenting, William moved his hand with the berries and saw the head move.


    ¡­


    It was the berries.


    William took a berry and tossed it near the bird, unable to take the guilt of eating these berries infront of this small, wanting bird.


    Flapping its wings, it appeared to be jumping for joy. It approached with haste and attempted to eat.


    ¡­


    It could not eat it. The berry was too big and the skin or flesh too thick to rip apart.


    William wanted to fall off the bench laughing, it was too cute, but contained himself. He did not want to scare the poor bird.


    Instead, he took a berry between his fingers in his other hand and squished it. The juices immediately began running down his finger.


    He didn¡¯t eat it, instead he placed his hand on the ground, berry stuck atop his finger.


    Timid yet fiercely desiring the berry, the bird abandoned its efforts on the whole berry and approached the finger with quick short hops.


    Peck peck, nibble nibble, the bird enjoyed its meal in a flash then flew away. It enjoyed some of the flesh but was mostly after the seeds.


    ¡°What a strange bird¡± was all John could muster before he continued on his run and finished it with a time a little longer than expected.


    William finished the dinner he prepared that he so very much did not desire and went to bed.

 Ch. 09 Dive! A1

    Coming back to First, John Ryder instinctively ducked at the whirling sound of a projectiles flew overhead.


    Huh? He was dumbstruck and immediately called out. It had narrowly misses this small ship and John truly disliked the idea that someone had fired on him.


    ¡°Icarus! What¡¯s going on!?!¡±


    The pixie-like AI rushed over. ¡°We are being perused. Counting 13 ships, 12 are destroyer class attack ships with the last of unknown design and slightly larger, none of them have any markings stating their origins.¡±


    ¡°Bandits?¡±


    ¡°That is the most likely. Though something against this theory is the state of their ships, they are in pristine condition.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, they fired first and I don¡¯t want to deal with anything that deals with things like this. Get into the clouds and alter course.¡±


    Icarus began to sink, the view of the bow showing more and more of the clouds beneath them until suddenly they began washing over them like a sea.


    The bursting clouds left only a foot of sight for John.


    ¡°Arcane eye, Veil of concealment.¡±


    John released his magic, creating a construct made purely of magical energy. The Arcane eye was a skill that he shared with the scout class that acted like a floating camera. When he closed his left eye, that eyes sight would be replaced with that of his little camera. In addition to this, its location was controlled by his thoughts and could travel a fair distance to observe what he wished.


    The Veil of concealment was not of the scout class. It was a rare magic that made small objects nearly transparent. Unless one caught a glimmer of its figure while it moved, it was very difficult to see. Together they were exceptional at spying.


    John raised the eye above the clouds. There he observed the movements of the ships that had been in pursuit.


    They were changing course.


    &#$*!


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    John was swearing at their movements. They were too precise, as if he were a pole and them a compass.


    Icarus had been marked!


    John instantly looked back at his most recent experiences. There were only two new elements to Icarus, the skytiger and the elf.


    The skytiger? No way, a tracking curse would of shown up on his sealing card when he first did so. The only explanation was the elf.


    Immediately John rushed over to where the elf was, she was in poor health. As a result she was still sleeping and completely unaware of his existence.


    Sending a pulse of his magic over her, he found the culprit. There was a reaction underneath her clothes over her right breast.


    Like a beast he tore apart her clothes to reveal the seal along with ample tender white skin.


    John¡¯s eyes narrowed after seeing it, while praying she did not wake up this instance and misunderstand the situation.


    It was no normal tracking seal.


    ¡°Who would make a tracking seal this complicated?¡±


    In perspective though, to John, this was just annoying and didn¡¯t change his plans at all.


    Finding a key within a labyrinth was indeed difficult and if one made it more so, the difficultly could only increase further. Facing this seal, it was exactly that kind of situation so what was he to do?


    Blast it to oblivion was his answer. This magical labyrinth though complicated was still but a magical object. He had no intention of wasting his time solving its construction that someone obviously put much time into. All that was needed was brute force.


    A quick burst of strength from John¡¯s magic reserves collided with the seal and it was no more. It was like smashing a small, dazzling sculpture of stained glass with a hammer the size of a mountain. It had been truly a beautiful creation of magical design but alas, John had no patience for it.

 Ch. 10 Shes awake A1

    It was with relief that John saw the pursuing ships begin to drift. If he had engaged them without knowing who they were, so there would be no way to estimate the escalation of the encounter. A fleet of more then a few ships could only be afforded by nobles or someone who stole from them.


    It was a very likely possibility that other ships would arrive at the sign of conflict. And knowing nothing, letting himself get boarded didn''t sound like a good idea.


    The ships eventually stopped a pursuit entirely and headed in another direction, John didn''t recognize the route and so left them just like that.


    John wanted some answers and went to the alchemy lab, turning off the low flame and picking up the pot of medical gue. It was not of the quality of a potion and such took on the appearance of a lifeless slime. Potions were well refined medical miracles while gue, being the same, was just a poor quality variation.


    He returned to the elf''s room, placing the pot beside the bed. Not wanting her to drown while forcing the large quantity of medicinal a down her throat, John placed his hand on her mouth and stuck his fingers in to hold her tongue down. Then with his spare hand he activated magic that caused the concoction to rise into a stream through the air like a flying snake.


    Next John directed it above the elf and forced it into a decent, into her mouth and down her throat.


    Like a waterfall it came down, not a drop slipping past her tender lips, all of it going straight to her stomach.


    And of course, it was this moment that she came to wake. With a hand on her mouth, a man''s weight on her chest, a great pain coursing through her body, and of course, wet slimy goo working its way into her.


    Wide eyed, her pure velvet green eyes showed a 100 emotions, none of them good.


    John worked quickly, accelerating the medicinal flow. He knew she wanted to struggle and also that she couldn''t. Before the medicinals began to take effect, it would be best to finish this. Then regardless of what she wanted to do, she at least wouldn''t die from her existing wounds.


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    The last of the medicinals went down and John immediately jumped back and gave her space.


    Switching to an Elven tongue he repeated the phrase, "it was medicine, you were hurt."


    All the elf could do was tilt her head and stare. In doing so a stream of tears fell out her eyes.


    The medicine began to take effect as a light glow appeared on her skin. Cuts closed, black and blue areas portrayed once more skin like a babies bottom, and bones out of place travelled to their rightful place.


    John knew it would be painful, it would be all the same with a higher grade potion. If you wanted it painless, get a proper healer. Still, she stayed awake.


    He was genuinely impressed with the will power the elf portrayed to accomplish this.


    "Wh.who are you?" Her lips were shivering as a result of the pain and unsettled heart.


    "John Ryder, though you should save the questions until you''ve recovered somewhat. That medicine that I gave you will heal your injuries and this room will suppress them."


    "Th. Thank you for your care. B. But me being here puts you in danger."


    This stubborn elf wasn''t considering her health at all. Even if she managed to get herself up, then what? Was she planning to leave the room? That might kill her. It was definitely getting under John''s skin.


    "Why, because they''ll track your seal?"


    The elf made a quick grab for her chest then teared up again.


    "No. No. No! It''s gone! It can''t be gone! NO. No. no... I''ve failed..."


    Ah? John wasn''t expecting this reaction and watched dangerous emotions rise up on the elf''s face.


    John came closer.


    "Hey, what''s your name?"


    No response.


    John snapped his fingers in her face while raising the pressure in his voice, "oy oy, your name."


    "It''s it''s, I''ve. Ive never given it to anyone."


    "Don''t care, what is it?"


    "Niera Val Makor."

 Ch. 11 Niera A1

    Maybe if she had her former vigour she could of resisted, she seemed so strong a moment ago, but now... She just couldn''t. Something was falling apart inside her.


    "Well Niera, could you tell me your story?"


    "I. I can''t"


    Normally John wouldn''t pursue this further but their where obvious death flags appearing in her demeanour, he over stepped his usual bounds.


    Suddenly John''s wings began to expand off his back. They were too large for the room but that only made him more imposing in this small space. There was a glint of purple showing across their surface, leaking a trace of powerful arcane energy.


    "Niera, I need you to tell me what''s going on. If you failed, what''s the harm in telling me?"


    Startled by the energy, she relaxed her presence.


    "You''re right, at the end, what good are secrets. For saving my worthless existence I''ll tell you."


    John stayed silent, folding his wings back and retracting the presence of the arcane.


    "I, Niera Val Makor, am the shadow maiden of fallen elven princess Leda."


    Tears welled up in the elf''s eyes at the mention of that name yet she continued. John on the other hand developed a theory though did not reveal them in case she stopped. Unless he was aware of her problems, he could not help her.


    "This princess stood for life to her core and went against the consortium with ideas different then it''s own. They have been corrupted, wanting to perform genocide against anything not of elven blood. It''s madness and there will be no peace with the other races while they think this.


    Her greatness, the white dragon. The princess wished to speak with her about the situation of the elves but was not allowed or able to approach. We as elves have an affinity with the spirits and this dragon holds much weight in the decisions of elves.


    With this, I was tasked to find another elder dragon and speak with them to arise the white dragons notice. Surely it was within their power to at least notify the white dragon of a need to meet. If the white dragon only knew, the two would surely find a way to reach each other. But now... The princess is dead... Without her, there is no one of influence to represent the idea of peace. Even if the white dragon knew of everything she can only support and can not support the dead"


    The elf went silent at the last comment, remorseful of everything that happened. Her complexion was much better though, her straining accelerated the medicinal flow in her body so that only minor injuries remained at this point.


    "I see. What makes you certain the princess is dead?"


    "This seal on my chest is connected with her. Placed on me by the high arcane counsel, there is no other was to remove besides the end of the princess'' life. If it is gone then..."


    Her voiced trailed off.


    "I thought as much. It wasn''t the princess'' death that broke your seal, I did. Furthermore your princess should notice that I did. A break would be a distinctively different feeling then a trigger."


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    "That''s not possible. As strong as your magic is, it''s not stronger then the entire council."


    There was anger and mockery in her voice but they were held back by a trace of needing to believe.


    "Mmm, maybe on a human it would of been a bigger problem but your an elf. Your spirit affinity makes it harder for magic to stick to you, it''s literally cut in half compared to a human. I hit the foundation with a surge of arcane and without your body as a physical anchor, the seal quickly dispersed."


    "Ah? You''re being serious? I''ve never heard of something like this."


    "Just because you haven''t heard of it doesn''t make it true."


    "Can you prove the truth of your words?"


    John thought for a second.


    "Yes, but I don''t want to. Making and breaking my own seals would be... Difficult. But regardless, my words should at least give you some hope so don''t be giving up on life."


    "Ah?!? The princess could really be alive?"


    "Yes, now get some rest and don''t needlessly die on me."


    But the elf didn''t listen. Instead she painstakingly rotated her legs off the bed and came to a knight''s kneeling position before John.


    "John Ryder, I am eternally greatful. Should it not effect my mission with the the princess, I will surely repay this favour ten times over when the opportunities arrive."


    "Not to step on your pride, but there is no need. Though I appreciate the sincerity in your words, it still stands that I have for a long time now travelled this world alone and will continue to do so in the future."


    "I understand, but my words stand true for eternity and I believe even the princess would wish to repay it given the chance."


    John sighed


    "Do what you want but first... Here."


    John took out a card from his inter-spacial pocket of wonders. On it was the picture of black leather clothing and the name, nightmare set.


    He tossed it at her feet, then left the room.


    "Ah!"


    Neira''s face went beat red. Previously John had ripped open neira''s top to access her seal and she had not taken this in consideration, or even noticed. When she went to kneel before John it had come off, revealing her overbearing mountains and valley in all their dazzling glory.


    With shaking hands she grabbed the card.


    This man. He knew her name, title, and mission. And now. And now... She couldn''t bring herself to think the words. Until now, only the princess and the princess alone had known things. Her face had been concealed at the sealing ceremony of the high arcane council and she never once revealed it again. Her presence was enough for others to recognize her. But now, by a human no less...


    Niera let go of the thoughts, she couldn''t let her dignity as a woman interfere with her mission.

 Ch. 12 Nightmare Armour

    Niera placed a hand on the cards and from it rose a tidy pile of armour.


    The nightmare set was a player creation and as such came with certain, ''intents,'' with its design. This was a game to players and that even applied to outfit design. In a gamers mind, the idea of being modest, did not exist.


    Made primarily of shadow drake scales, the outside was a hard shiny black. Enchanted, the scales would move with the wearer as if the scales were on the living drake itself. If the muscles so much as twitched, the armour would show a response. The footwear was heeled, yet another sign that this was player made. Who in their right mind would wear heels into a fight? Then there was vile green core at its centre, the cornerstone of its strength. That stone provided the armour with magic for its abilities and operations and could be recharged through ones own or another''s magics.


    This lead Niera to wear an attire that should only be found in sexual nightmares. It was most definitely alluring but also gave one the thought that their throats would be ripped should they approach. Coupled with her mission focused eyes, it was intoxicatingly terrifying.


    Still, the look wasn''t what John cared about as the elf walked out of the infirmary. The nightmare armour was made for assassins and was capable of turning oneself invisible, improving mobility, and most importantly, changing the appearance of ones features. In this armour, Niera could appear human.


    They were still currently headed to Avalon and it was a human ship. With elves and humans in a state of cold war, an elf showing up in the kingdom would surely cause a ruckus.


    Now what stood before John was a seductive black haired, human, beauty. Her once straw blonde hair turned black by the armour''s magics while her face was no longer exotic and her ears not long and pointy.


    "How is it?"


    "Embarrassing but highly functional and surprisingly comfortable."


    "It has a cloaking function, try thinking of something clear."


    Niera pictured the scene of a river, the fresh water giving her the thought of clearness she desired. In turn, she disappeared from sight, revealing only a shimmer of distorted light when she moved. Even her head which wasn''t covered by the armour was concealed.


    John raised a hand and small sparks of Arcane released in Niera''s direction over a wide range. The energy was so small, it was harmless. But when it struck the armour, the cloak disappeared like she suddenly was covered in a mirror which disappeared in a crash, revealing her once more.


    "Any attack will break the cloak. Moreover, activation of the cloak is what drains the mana core so avoid repeated activations in a row. It was made for assassins who typically end their combat immediately after engaging. Which is to say, keeping it on for extended periods of time is alright, when u have the chance test it yourself.


    Remember, you still make noise while in cloak and can still be seen to a slight degree. And again, activation and re-activation is the same, just think of something clear."


    "I understand. Thank you for this, I will make sure to repay this as well."


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    "Ah, there you go again. This outfit was a gift, think of it as something for my own sake as I''m not sure where I was supposed to put my eyes with your previous attire."


    A flash of the embarrassment swept across Niera''s eyes.


    "Well anyways, your looking for an elder dragon correct? There''s the elder red dragon in the human continent you might try, not my first choice but I don''t think there are others that you can reach.


    The next closest is the elder coral dragon but it''s underwater, without expensive gear and support, it''s out of your reach.


    I''m already heading to Avalon, so just stick with me until there and then go with a hunting party in the red dragon territory. I''m sure with your looks you won''t have trouble finding some men that were ''already going there.''"


    "Thank you."


    "Doesn''t mean the trip is free."


    "Of course."


    John moved to the alchemy lab and Niera followed.


    Inside they found the skytiger still sleeping. John grabbed some of the prepared formula and began feeding it to the tiger.


    "You''re going to feed this guy and be responsible for him."


    Niera starred. Then starred and starred some more.


    "That''s a skytiger cub." She was completely monotone in her words, disconnected from herself in its presence.


    "Yup. He''s pretty tired so he might not wake up for days. Just feed him that and it will be fine."


    With that he passed her the formula. He had to lift her hand and curl her fingers around the formula as she didn''t respond and continued her stare.


    Leaving he left for the open deck, it was about time and seeing him leave Niera snapped out of her daze to follow him out.


    Looking over the bow he could see it, a cloud of dark jade green 3 kilometres tall and wide sphere, releasing countless bolts of lightning in all directions. It was a dragon line gate.


    First was simply too large, even if technology could be made real in this world it may not even match for the planet''s shear size. Over a thousand times larger then earth, Eden required special characteristics to travel. These were the dragon line gates.


    Dragon lines were the planets veins in a matter of speaking. They existed everywhere on first and carried enormous amounts of energy within them. Don''t think of them as something to tap into though, if the shear energy didn''t kill you like a nuclear blast, Eden would follow up with something worse. It didn''t like anything tampering with its dragon lines and was at a level of strength well beyond the combined races might.


    Dragon line gates were a phenomena when dragon lines crossed each other. By flying into clouds generated over the crossing, one could reappear at another gate down the dragon line where it crossed another dragon line. The process was like travelling through a tunnel, a very windy tunnel. The one danger it possessed was that inside ran extreme winds that only lessened at its centre. Carelessly fly away from that single safe path and you would be ground finer then dust.


    Of course Icarus was flying straight into it.

 Ch. 13 Going Through

    There was a huge continuous roar that began as soon as Icarus entered the cloud while the surroundings changed. They were now in the dragon line gate, flying dead centre.


    Niera began chocking beside John though John himself was fine.


    The high winds, while mild in the centre, were forcing out the air like a vacuum.


    John took out a leaf from his inventory and placed it in front of Niera. Her eyes narrowed on its simple single purple petal form with red veins. She had never seen one.


    Seeing the confusion John placed it against her lips and had he not held onto the stem, she would of inhaled it. Though as she attempted a fresh breath of air greeted her cough. The leaf was releasing air, allot of it.


    Like this she couldn''t talk and the two only starred at their surroundings.


    The tunnel was dark and loud, only illuminated by the cloud behind them and in front. Their forms releasing light in flashes from the Lightning within them that were inaudible over the wind.


    And then they were out.


    It was not a long trip but most definitely dangerous.


    Niera''s face began bulging like a chipmunk. The leaf in her mouth was still releasing air.


    With a great puff she let it go, scrabbling to catch it her hands.


    John let out a laugh, it was most definitely a cute face that she made. Then she ran to the alchemy lab and he followed quickly after.


    The sky tiger was fine, magic enchantments on the doors kept the room at a constant and it was still sleeping.


    Niera let out a sigh of relief. Had her responsibility died on her without even being able to act, she would not live it down. Despite how driven she was, life was still precious to her and more then that, taking care of this animal would get her closer to helping the princess.


    Niera handed the leaf back to John thinking it was precious.


    "That was in your mouth, please keep it." John didn''t think he could get sick in the world of first but this was a bit to intimate. It reminded him of people sharing the same piece of gum which on a second thought, went past intimate and straight to disturbing.


    "It''s a trident sea coral tree leaf, it has special attributes that release air. Push some magic into the stem and it will seal for awhile. Just bite it to break the seal if you need air, then repeat to get it back on."


    "I have nothing to give for something like this."


    "It''s fine, just take care of that sky tiger well."


    "I. I understand. Thank you."


    John smiled. Company wasn''t so bad even if she was but a timid twig before him. It was usually just him and Icarus.


    "By the way Icarus, where are we?"


    "East side of the unclaimed region four eight four."


    "What''s the danger level?"


    "Based on the charted territories moving towards this region, it should be a minimum of eight but that guess is highly speculative."


    "I see. It wouldn''t be good to leave the ship then."


    "Excuse me, what are you speaking about?" Niera inquired.


    "Ah?" John just realized another problem and it was a big one. How exactly was she going to pass as human when she didn''t know their languages? That was like trying to run a race with no legs.


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    John just shook his head. Did this Niera have any planning at all? Or was she just hoping to bump into a dragon after a hundred years of walking? Then again, with that firefight from before, maybe she didn''t get the chance to prepare.


    Not wanting it to give him a headache later, he went below deck.


    The Icarus'' main body was an elongated ovoid, split in half with its top pushing toward the stern. In the area the two overlapped was a gap where they were attached by a series of rooms built between, a few of which were the ones most recently used by John.


    Within the top half was the helm where navigation tools, manual steering, and a large table meant for planning. Though that area didn''t have much use as Icarus had, for some time now, taken up the roles.


    The lower half was where the magic crystals were found, that stored the required magical energy to maintain the runes. One would suffice for a ship but Icarus had two, the second serving an additional purpose yet to be revealed.


    In front of the crystals yet still in the ships belly was John''s personal archive. John kept most of his items on him but doing so for books would be confusing and so he left them down here on shelves where they could be organized. A, b, c, d, they were all in order.


    It was here that John brought Niera.


    Pulling out a book containing a faint trace of magic, he handed it to her.


    "This is a book on the tongue of ancient human, it hasn''t changed since back then. The common tongue of humans is just limited and contains less words in comparison.


    Now learn it and return it in one piece. I''m only lending it to you because you would bring me far too much trouble otherwise."


    "Thank you." Niera followed the motions of a curtsy and though she did now have cloth to hold in this armour, it still came across as polite. "I will repay your kindness."


    John yawned. "I''d never expect that much since I just do what I do on a whim. Now I''m going to get some sleep so I''ll leave. If you need something, just call for Icarus. Oh, and don''t forget about the skytiger."


    Niera stayed in her curtsy and left for above.


    After a few minutes Niera returned to a proper standing position. Though she was the shadow maiden of the elven princess, paying her respects to this man didn''t seem wrong. Even if she was back in the empire, connected to her vast resources, she would probably say the same.


    His alchemy healing, magical arcane presence, black wings, his likely ability to break seals, him giving her exquisite armour, his ship, a skytiger, and knowledge of ancient languages. They all added to image of someone big but he was clearly acting the role of a nomad.


    Meanwhile, John hoped up to the ships top. Laying back he watched the sky full of wonders that were more then a moon and stars, then fell asleep. Sleeping in virtual reality or reality made no difference as long as the mind had its chance to rest.

 Ch. 14 Little Flying Trouble

    William found himself in one of his many classes, this one in particular taught by a professor Doodles.


    He proposed a question regarding our instincts when it came to telling real and virtual apart.


    "What is reality? We can feel it, sense it, taste it, touch it and do many things within it. But what is it and how is it different virtual reality?"


    William rolled his eyes, knowing that, out of the class currently containing close to a thousand students in this lecture alone, someone just went off the deep end to insanity. Because when one was in First, there was no difference. Your virtual experience was your reality until such a time that you left the experience. If someone started looking for differences, they wouldn''t find any and could only go mad trying to find what didn''t exist.


    The question was a trap but still, there were decent responses in the crowd.


    A hand went up.


    "Professor, we do not ''play'' reality"


    "Yes, it''s a good answer, life is not a game though there are still those that treat it as such. Anyone else?"


    Another hand went up.


    "We can die in first and continue living."


    "Ah yes, the immortality factor of virtual reality. I think it goes hand in hand with the comments of the one before you as it is the single factor that makes it a game. But, you can''t run that test in reality because to die here means to really die. How can they be compared?"


    William raised an eyebrow. Had anyone here actually experienced dying in First? It wasn''t the flashy flash of light and bang, you were alive again. You had to die and up to the point of death, like everything else in this game, it was at 100% realism. It was painful, gruesome and terrifying.


    Still, in the end, you lived. It was worth mentioning.


    "During the virtual experience it can be said within reasonable certainty that there is no way to tell it apart from reality besides the final option of death. So what is different?"


    The professor pointed his finger at the crowd of students and swept it across the crowd of students and said one word. "You."


    "Now I expect a minimum 10 page report to be handed in on what I''ve spoken about today, to your respective teaching assistants by the end of classes next week. And don''t forget about the meet up in the Halo capital in 6 months, if you plan now you will have plenty of time to make it there. Those without first access can ignore this, there are spare capsules with generic settings available for use when the time comes. But if any of you miss that day, I may think of having you fail this class."


    The halo capital was the capital of the second human nation of First. The first had a powerful ancient artifact anchored in its capital city and flourished under its area of influence. Outside that influence came the second nation and with its ring like formation around the first became known as halo. More nations existed beyond these two in the human regions but the two could still be considered as having more then 70% of the race''s military, economic and political power.


    Seems the professor had procured a large aircraft for the day under great effort and didn''t want anyone to miss it.


    William opened his back back along with the other students and put away his materials in order to leave. Unfortunately this lecture hall only had 6 exits the students could leave though and it would take a bit to clear everyone out.


    Someone grabbed John''s shoulders from behind, the hands were small and gentle.


    "William!" It''s was Amy.


    "Hey Amy."


    "Hehe, where are you in first? Getting closer to Avalon?"


    "Yes, making good time but it will still be awhile."


    "Well as long as your making progress. Here, there is someone I''d like you to meet."


    By this time John had turned around to find another girl hiding behind Amy. Amy bent her waste to the side without warning and revealed her friends truly stage frightened figure.


    "This is Jennifer."


    Her figure was slim but sculpted and well proportioned while maintaining a flawless milky white skin. Her chestnut brown hair rolled off her shoulders effortlessly and proceeded down her back. Light blue eyes like ocean water crashing against a cliff starring ahead with a slight quiver, in parallel with her pink tender lips.


    She was beautiful.


    Amy reached behind her and pushed, almost tipping her over like a statue from her being so very stiff.


    "Eek!" Jennifer let out a quite high pitch squeal as her body was forced to move without her consent and quickly reassert her former position. Movement was fluent like a small stream while her voice was like wind chimes on a calm summer day. Quiet to the point that no one could tell where it came from yet capable of reaching everywhere.


    "She''s a friend of mine that plays First, and also a new recruit of paroxysm."


    "I see... Nice to meet you, I''m William."


    William took out a hand but it wasn''t received.


    "I''m sorry, she''s just really shy. See..."


    Amy poked Jennifer''s cheek, forcing her cheek up and her head to tilt. But even though she did that, Jennifer remained in her statue state in every other way.


    "Amy, that''s mean." John pointed out.


    Stolen story; please report."It''s fine, it''s fine. Anyways, I just wanted to introduce you two. It would be nice if those playing first in our semester or even school could play together."


    "Sure but I''m not sure what good my scouting would do."


    "You can call out targets for me and let me take care of them. I''m pretty strong you know."


    "That. Would be pointless. The targets I''d be able to see that you couldn''t would be way outside your effective attack range."


    "Ah. Well there is that. Don''t worry, I''ll figure something out." But the look Amy had on wasn''t one of confidence.


    "Take care William."


    Jennifer finally moved as Amy left, burying her face in Amy''s sleeve which effectively hid her face.


    ***


    After class William hit the gym. It was quite popular to train with weapons as a work out after the release of First. Any number of them were used extensively but for William, it was the staff, one of the most popular weapons to learn. This was because staffs were the ideal weapon of choice for mages. In first, staves helped immensely in controlling magic spells while also working as a spare battery for their mana reserves. If mages lost their staves they were effectively sitting ducks, so they trained with it for the chance that it wouldn''t happen to them.


    This made for allot of large classes that William could slip in and out of without notice.


    Today wasn''t like any other, or at least it wasn''t supposed to be.


    He found a staff he liked, a short staff that was a little over half the size of regular staves.


    John''s weapon of choice wasn''t actually a short staff but their weight, size and shape were similar.


    Following others he got in line with others and thrusted. It was a simple move but an effective way of using limited strength to push back an opponent. Next was moving the staff in circles, it made it hard for an opponent to grab the staff but wasn''t its strongest attack.


    Like this the work out continued. Until some side characters decided Williams''s small staff was wimpy and that they needed to provide some pointers.


    "Hey what''s with staff, it''s too small." One of the men said as he attempted to grab Williams''s staff.


    It didn''t work though. William moved the staff to the back of his hand and when he rotated his wrist to try again, William had it moving up his arm where it once more, could not be gripped.


    This act of defiance infuriated the man as he brought his own staff to bear. It was clear he was not skilled and was probably here for the girls as many of them chose the path of mages.


    The man jumped back, pulled back his staff and thrusted with all his might.


    William met it with a light one handed thrust of his own, forcing the tips of the weapons to strike head on. The result being William''s staff being pushed back.


    But this was favourable as William used the force to start and accelerate a spin. His left arm grabbed the staff, pulling it out of the man''s hands and forcing his spin to go even faster. Yet William didn''t follow up with his staff that was now coming around, instead he pulled it close to his body to, accelerating his spin again. It was a fear that had his staff hit at such a speed, it could leave serious harm. He had the skill within him to not use lethal force and so he did as his palm, having let go of the man''s staff, came around and struck the chest.


    The man was blown off his feet and left in a daze at what had just happened. He was fine, just winded and with a sore ass having fallen on it. Though it wasn''t over just yet as a friend of his decided to intervene. At least he wanted to but William didn''t give him the chance.


    William launched his staff like a javelin at the inside of his leg, grazing it. It was surely only but a graze yet still, it stung and numbed the area and forced the 2nd man to take a knee. The toss was even more fluent then his previous attack but that was because it was the way he usually used it.


    In less then a few second, two were on the ground. A third thought better and didn''t approach.


    His workout spoiled and with no reason to stay, William left before instructors caught wind of this.


    As he left, a man holding presence watched him from within the crowd. He was extremely curious about someone he didn''t know that could move like that. There was no information of a First player using a short staff like that, it was shorter then a quarterstaff, and if there were, he would know about it. So this was someone who didn''t play first? He had to get him to play, those quick moves, reaction time, and decisiveness would make him strong.


    But he lost sight of William as a pouty woman grabbed his arm. "Hey, you said you would help me with staff training. Don''t get distracted."


    While distracted, two soft lumps pushed into his arm seductively without subtly.


    "Alright, sorry about that. Let''s continue."


    With a forced "humph" she continued though in a way that kept her body connected to his. Haven gotten this far, she was not letting go.


    The man sighed in his heart, ''why me?!?''


    Little did he know that William was indeed a player of First. That he was John Ryder, an avatar that no one in this entire institution had met in the digital flesh.

 Ch. 15 Impossible Green Death

    Returning to the world of first, John was met by Icarus.


    "Welcome back John."


    "Thank you Icarus. Good to see you too. Any issues with the two passengers?"


    "No, her dedication to the task is quite remarkable. She hasn''t left its side since you left and has even been grooming it with elemental magic."


    "Oh?"


    John moved to the alchemy lab to check on things. He caught a glimpse of the human-looking elf weaving delicate streams of air through the beast''s hair, removing loose fur. It was graceful and the loose face on the sky tiger said it was enjoying it as well.


    Unfortunately she stopped and stood after noting John''s presence, bowing in respect.


    *blink blink*


    The sky tiger woke up.


    Yellow glowing eyes stared out aimlessly as the creature oriented itself in the land of the awake. A few days of sleeping had definitely left it stiff.


    It yawned its baby beast like roar then folded out its wings to cover itself, leaving only a small pink nose.


    Niera placed her hand slowly in front of that nose, John and her watching for what it would do.


    The nose twitched like a five year old on sugar. Then a tongue came out and licked the hand before it. A wing lifted itself to reveal curious eyes.


    Then. Pounce!


    The sky tiger got up and bounded at John in two massive leaps. Though John caught the skytiger in the air mid leap leaving its back paws to dangle. But the little guy didn''t care, and even though it couldn''t reach it still tried to lick John''s face.


    John aptly passed the tiger to Niera where it did the same with more success. Her cheek was soon wet.


    The skytiger escaped though as John pulled out meat.


    "He''s awake now so solids should be fine. Finish up the formula by putting it in the meat."


    John then tossed the meat to Niera while the eyes of the skytiger followed, predicting where it would fall.


    "John!"


    Niera barely had time to launch a wind spell, catching the skytiger midair with its jaws open wide barely inches away from the meat. Meanwhile John slipped out.


    Niera proceeded to cut cavities in the meat and quickly filled them up with the formula before the skytiger rolled on its back within the wind cushion, opened its wings and forced itself through the wind.


    Munch rip rip munch rip munch, the cub dug in, fully satisfying itself with the piece of meat. A small confident burp later the meat was finished and Niera carried him outside.


    John was waiting for them, intently staring over the side of the ship.


    What could be seen with the rising sun was wood, lots and lots of wood. And it wasn''t a forest or pile of scrapes. This was from a single tree.


    A dead world tree.


    World trees were the mortal gods of first. They were trees that managed to grow their roots into the dragon veins, a feat never repeated by anything else. It in turn grew to a height that would be half way into space on earth.


    With that much magic in its being it became conscious of a sorts. In combat, the level of nature magic it could employ was simply unfathomable. Nothing short of a celestial being could challenge it in its domain.


    And that was the issue. It was dead.


    World trees did have a beginning and an end. It took quite a bit of time but research showed that when they met their end, they lost their connection the the dragon vein and during that process collapsed where they stood. It happened like a construction worker''s controlled explosion on an apartment building. The entire entity that was the world tree became like dust and fell into its own crater caused by the weight of its material.


    This tree had not turned to dust, it had been knocked down by force.


    John didn''t know anything that could do this, not with a result like this.


    "Icarus, take us down on a fast spiralled decent with a changing speed. "


    "Understood."


    "Arcane shield"


    John raised his hands and a huge semi-transparent purple sphere began to envelope and travel with the ship.


    Niera feeling the surge of magical energy came out in haste with the groggy cub in her arms. She was then stupefied and down right afraid of the scene developing before her.


    *ping ping ping*


    The sphere of arcane deflected incoming projectiles quickly. But one, how the hell was John sustaining an arcane shield this large and two, why were they being shot at?


    Seemingly guessing Niera''s questions John sort of answered one of them.


    "It''s fauna, certain types will fire seeds at anything that enters their field. I would call it instinctive but those things don''t have a brain."


    "I see."


    Niera scrunched her eyebrows while not actually ''seeing'' as she implied. Why were they descending into a field of seed firing fauna.


    "John, wasn''t this a level 8 danger zone? Isn''t this a bit too reckless?"


    "Mm, Icarus did say that... But... I''d say this place was an eleven, possibly a 12."


    Niera had no reason to doubt John''s words and felt her knees go week, in turn falling to the floor. The thought of herself dying with certainty had overtaken her.


    For reference, the cave of the white elder dragon was considered a 10 to intruders. So for an 11 or 12... It was terrifying to the point of hopelessness for elves.


    John wasn''t impressed by her attitude though.


    "would you cut that out. You aren''t going to die, can''t you see this big purple thing over my head? Furthermore, your armour can stealth, so no matter what you will be fine."


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    At that moment Icarus was surrounded by the forests canopy, significantly cutting down on seed fire. The trees, though no where near the size of a world tree, were huge and Icarus eventually found a hole in one of them that was large enough to let her entire self into.


    John released the shield and raised his hand and spoke "arcane bolt," releasing a bolt of purple lightning that ran out of the hole and up.


    The next second a snap could be heard as the entrance fell dark from a dangling oversized tree branch. Icarus was hidden.


    "Icarus, take care of the cub. Niera, come with me."


    "Yes yes." Icarus looked at the cub with narrow eyes.


    John lifted the in shock Niera under her shoulders and brought her to her feet, proceeding to cradle her in a princess carry while his wings opened up.


    Niera, forced out of her shock due to embarrassment, began to squirm but it didn''t amount to much under John''s tight grip. When John pushed into the air, she even found herself holding onto him for dear life.


    Tears welled up in her eyes as Icarus disappeared from below her and she began a 300ft fall to the floor of the hole, in a level 11 danger zone no less.


    *snap*


    The landing was gentle, only doing so much as snapping a twig as their weight shifted to the floor.


    Niera bit her lip to regain her composure as John let her down.


    "Niera, activate your stealth and keep it going. If you need to come out of it for any reason, make sure you talk to me first. There should be enough magic stored to run continuously for a few days and you''ll loose a few hours if you restart the function. I don''t care what you are thinking at the time, do not turn it off. Do I make myself clear?"


    "I understand." And as she said that her body began to disappear, becoming all but a minor distortion of light to a well trained eye.


    Niera had yet to try out the nightmare armour in the field and could feel the enchants within it empowering her. When she moved it was like her entire body was acting like a compressed steel bar, ready to violently expand at a moments notice. It wasn''t unnatural though, she could feel the control she had over it was no less then if it had been her undressed body.


    No one in the active elven core would be her match in this moment. Only elders commandeering the core might be a match now... As even with them there was uncertainty.


    Still, as she looked up, a man with black wings could be seen retracting them and she felt a little more down to First.


    "Let''s go Niera, stay close."


    Moving and looking  like a ghost, Niera kept a few paces behind John and followed him out of the hole.


    Below were treants moving quickly with their long strides. Their large tree bodies moving with two legs carved out of themselves.


    John grabbed neira''s hand and they jumped as one of them came near. John seemed to not have a problem seeming Niera completely.


    The treant didn''t even notice as the two landed on its massive shoulder and began traveling through the forest.


    "John, what are we doing?!?" Niera cried out in her loudest whisper.


    "Harvesting? I''m an alchemist, how can I pass up a place like this?"


    "Your walking into a death trap to pick a few plants?"


    "Girls, always focusing on the drama."


    "Don''t brush me off with a line like that!"


    John turned around and stared at her invisible eyes, placing a hand on her equally transparent shoulder.


    "Niera, your going to be ok. For starters, this treant is not hostile. It make look so but the only way your going to get hurt by it is if you fall off or throw a tree at its head, neither of which I recommend."


    Niera''s chest was starting to raise up and down in frustration as she was failing to get her feelings of fright across to John.


    "Now, time to get started. Mana tracking, first level."


    A plate of light came into being before John, it was completely white and flat, floating in a vertical position.


    "I was expecting this, second level."


    No change.


    "Third level."


    Yet again, no change. It wasn''t until he called out for the seventh level did it finally dim down. At fourteen it was finally just a few clusters of dots.


    "Niera, how are you with a bow?"


    "I am decent, all elves are taught the bow at a young age. Though I don''t typically employ it."


    "I see, well if you don''t pass out on me there''s a chance to acquire some world tree wood veins. You couldn''t wish for a better wood."


    "That does sound tempting. I have heard of wood from world trees becoming legendary heroes in ancient history. But the risks are too great, I urge you to turn back. My duty is to the princess and her goals. Though I do wish to grow stronger, it can not be at the cost of failing her."


    "Yes yes, well all the same don''t pass out. Icarus wouldn''t fly you anywhere without me so your stuck with humouring me until we get to Avalon."


    "Yes." There was a hint of resentment hidden in her voice.


    "HEY! MR TREANT!"


    "John! What are you doing! Don''t draw its attention to us!" Neira was back in full panic mode, yelling at John in her strong whispered voice.


    There was the sound of a thousand branches snapping and a low moan as two large gaping holes turned to look at them.

 Ch. 16 Who-man

    "Whooooooo-man, you whoooooo-man. Why whoooooo-man here? Why whoooo-man on shoulder? This place dangerous for seedling like whoooooo-man? Whooooo-man should hide."


    John kept a smile but it was under increasing strain while listening to this treant talk. It was as loud as a truck horn positioned two inches from your ear.


    Niera had an easier time with it as the nightmare armour she wore was negating the sound force. The armour did glimmer more and threaten to reveal her but still, continued to hold her near invisible state.


    "I am John Ryder and I do not wish to hide, if possible I''d hope you could take us in that direction."


    The treant turned his head as John pointed and followed the finger.


    "We no want that place. Whooooo-man foolish to ask. Darkness, great darkness."


    "I understand, as a fellow walker within the light I only ask that this forest take me as far as it can without harming itself. The forest lives to support its creations as its creations supports it, I only ask to join this cycle for the brief moments of my stay."


    The treant went silent then spoke.


    "whoooo-man''s words hold the intent of the forest. Whoooo-man is foolish and strange but not seeking us harm. We will take. But not into darkness."


    "This one gives thanks to you, noble forest."


    "Whoooo-man, do not die. Meaningless death serves no purpose."


    And with those words the treant began to move, forcing Niera and John to grip branches in fear of falling off. With its large movements, it travelled through the forest like nothing else could. Even with bodies reinforced with mana, one could still feel the geforce seemingly squish their veins and muscles like an over ripe tomalli.


    *Thump, crack, bang.*


    Treants were massive and not subtle, John witnessed a wake of smaller creatures scrambling to get out of the way.


    There was plenty of rich succulent fauna in this forest which attracted many peculiar herbivores. While carnivores, which should of been logical to follow, dwindled with many fauna capable of luring, snaring and devouring them.


    The green snapper snap that grows sticky vines which slowly dissolves what sticks into a paste that slides down its vines and into its roots. The red eyed white rabbit is actually very similar to a white rabbits found on earth, save the very distinct red eyes and elephant sized bodies that could kick a bus over 4 football fields. And of course, plants of poison like the hell marked flower. It''s 5 petal design actually grows into a working magic circle, making it near impossible to defend or cure. Be it plants or animals, nothing survives when a hell marked flower is agitated, making the aftermath appear as if hell itself had swallowed the land and left.


    This place followed the law of the jungle, and deserved in every right the danger level of 11.


    Finally at a constant speed, John was able to help pull himself and Niera into a more comfortable position. Well... At the very least comfortable for John.


    The invisible Niera sat with her knees tucks under her arms and her back against John''s chest. Like this John could support her without holding an invisible body. She was securely fit into his lap where the flower like smell of her hair could reach John''s senses.


    John knew she wasn''t real but what was real these days? Much of people''s lives were spent in first or watching first these days. Niera was a program in First and he saw no reason for First to bring her back if she disappeared. This made her mortal and unique, possibly containing more humanity then what humanity had become.


    John''s legs subconsciously squeezed Niera''s body tighter, possibly out of worry, possibly out of something else. In turn, Niera''s already beat red face went volcanic though and she was glad it went unnoticed.


    The nightmare armour Niera wore was relying on a core John had made and more over was the last to charge it up. As such he had an affinity with it, which allowed him to perceive the armour in a different way. Wherever the mana in the armour went, John could see it and it went everywhere virtually revealing Niera''s entire form. This is why John missed Niera''s demeanour as the colour of her skin and the direction of her eyes were not things revealed with the flow of mana or armour''s shape.


    *thump, crash, bang, boom!*


    Clumsier then a giant fiddling with human tools, the treant collided with the majority of a tree''s trunk. John grabbed Niera around the chest and opened his wings as they were launched forward, slowing them down. The treant wasn''t slowed much or long and their feet were soon back on its shoulder, with the damaged tree falling behind them.


    John was reminded of dominoes as the now falling tree collided with another and then another while Niera felt like dying of embarrassment and fright. It was a catastrophe in a multitude of ways and managed to happen a half dozen more times while this treant continued to miss the gap between trees, that was at least four times larger then it''s massive self.


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    Looking up one couldn''t see the sun or the sky, the high canopy let none of it near the forest''s floor. Instead there was an insect like creature fulfilling the roll of light. At about the size of a large watermelon, they released off of themselves sunlight, yes real sunlight, not some fluorescent goo. The glutinous little insects during the day used their bodies to harvest sun essence high above the canopy and travelled below it during the night to digest, the process leaking sunlight as a result. Absorbing so much energy, they were tasty targets but were protected by most of the forest for their vital role. Their cycle of flying low then high reversed day and night within the forest.


    As those insects were appearing now, the blue, green and purple hues began to disappear from the forest that had since leaving Icarus, lit their way. It warned that night had begun which would wake the creatures of the night.


    John knew they wouldn''t leave them alone, though many would with the treant as a deterrent.


    Baby plant dragons appeared in John''s view, they were flying right at him.


    They were the youngest aspirations of the dragon lineage and not many would make it to maturity because of their reckless actions over a long period of time. The pecking order was baby, young, adult, mature, elder and primordial. Though grouping primordial in with them may be unfair as their strength was on the celestial scale and far beyond that of elders, they were still dragons.


    Baby dragons were clever, strong and fast but rash and rarely sized up or tested their opponent. They entirely relied on their dragon lineage which was in all fairness, formidable.


    Getting closer the baby dragons looked like a moss covered interwoven vine. Their form twisted together and streamed through the air on large plant looking wines. They had something like eyes and John took note that they were now not yellow but beginning to glow green.


    "Arcane shield!"


    The reliable purple sphere enveloped John as spears of wood, out of nearby trees, grew like lightning towards him.


    They struck but the shield did not yield while the ones that strayed into the treant did no better. The treant didn''t even seem to notice or even react to the creatures assault. To it, they were even less then mosquitos because in addition to not bringing harm, they didn''t buzz.


    John didn''t like having them around though and moved to dispatch them.


    "Arcane spears!"


    Arcane energy gathered in his palm, forming an object similar to the length of one arm and brought to a point at both ends.


    Gripping his creation he immediately threw it, sending it straight into one of their mouths and out the end of a tail. With that, one baby fell lifeless to the forest floor, with a charcoaled hole straight through its being.


    Meanwhile John already had another spear in hand and was repeating the process. Two down, three, four, five, they all went down one after the other. They never stood a chance but they were not the only threat.


    What could only be thought of as a flying stingray had lost its prey, the baby dragons, and had turned its attention to them.


    It was faster then the treant but not its match and so was taking advantage of it by weaving through. Unfortunately for it, that extra maneuvering and divided attention proved fatal as it ran into the vines of a green snapper snap. It was a terrible and antagonizing way to go and John took pity on the creature, firing a single shot through what he thought was its head. Its wailing faded and it was clear that it had died.


    This was no time to relax though. A variety of creatures were attracted to the commotion and began filling the area will killing intent. Though it was repeatedly snuffed out as what was likely plants reacted to the abundance of life.


    It was a plant war. The result of which agitated surrounding plants in a wide area, making them vigilant.


    The plants in this state began to reach out and found something foreign, namely John. Thankfully John was moving and they could not take notice of the treants actions, as it was one with the forest. In this way, the plants could only grasp a flicker of his presence before it disappeared from that particular plant''s range.


    A few exploding cacti that were growing on trees did set off as the treant came too close but John''s shield remained strong.


    The one constant was that the treant kept moving forward, consistently and unceasingly. It didn''t care if John died, it wasn''t going to fight anything that was of the forest and only sought to finish its task.

 Ch. 17 Forests Edge

    John was getting annoyed while Niera unknowingly leaned harder and harder against John''s leg, subconsciously trying to get closer to a place she felt a little safe.


    It wasn''t because he was getting tired or drained, it was just tedious. By now he had warded off far too many creatures and plants. Strangely, most were suicidal and that was too his benefit as he did not need to eliminate them himself, they just finished themselves off on the shield. But that still left hundreds that fell by his arcane spears with each being thrown by him, in the same way, over and over again.


    Besides the baby plant dragons and exploding cacti, there had been floating purple plants with thick petals between which fired needle like seeds, lightning wisps, wind wisps, and many more. There had never been more then a dozen creatures or plants that were the same and he had kills hundreds, possibly more then a thousand. All of which occurred in less then two hours.


    Though all of that was behind them now as the treant had stopped, taking them no further than this. They had reached the edge.


    "Thissss is as faaaar as I gooooo whoooo-man. Gooood luck."


    "Thank you." John returned and the treant turned around.


    Turning to look, they found themselves in a dying portion of the forest. It was unnatural and completely out of place given the lush green forest surrounding it.


    With no canopy and trees turned grey like a beasts graveyard, it was the stars that now lit their vision. In this place, nothing stirred.


    John proceeded carefully, knowing the possible dangers that might be in this place. If this place was indeed a level 12 danger zone, the reason for it being so was most definitely here.


    Though hidden, Niera let loose a tear. Elves were known for their love of forests. Their affinity with the spirit world left them close ties with nature and to see any piece of it in such a state would more definitely, scar them.


    Still, they pressed on. John was looking for something and after cradling Niera in his arms, took to the sky''s and looked though his tracing magic.


    Meanwhile Niera looked up. There was no light pollution here like there was in the elven capital. Here you could see countless stars and the cataclysmic events that were First''s moons.


    Her favorite was Isis and her form was elusive. Isis was a moon made of various minerals and crystals, much of which let light that struck it, pass straight through. Some light did reflect and it is why others came to observe it but this was not always the case. There were times when Isis disappeared, hiding in plain sight where none could see her.


    This night she saw it colored in a dim sapphire blue, getting darker across its crescent where it should be getting brighter. She thought it might mean something but as she was not an astronomer, could not fathom as to what. It simply felt ominous.


    The two kept moving, John getting closer to his unknown target with the forest getting more desolate with each step. There was no signs of life, no howling of winds, just complete silence. It was like another world. The dead trees didn''t even crunch, their hard forms impassive to the weight of footsteps as John touched down.


    The only sound in the entire field was Niera''s breathing as John''s was too difficult to find. It left her imagination to wander as the unknown was truely frightening. Something was out there, something dangerous for those powerful treants to feel fear. But there was just no way to tell what it was.


    John changed direction, whatever he was looking he was close to finding it as his eyes began to dart from his magic to his surrounding with increasing.


    Soon after this, he found it and his eyes went wide with disbelief.


    "One survived." He finally released, putting Niera down.


    Here a single patch of green remained. Looking from above you would surely miss it, but in this desolate place, right before them, a spark of life remained.


    Within a circle no larger than 2 meters existed a dazzling smooth white seed about the size of a hand. It stood fixed on something that could be seen as an alter made of a golden yellow substance.


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    Around it were plants in an assortment of shapes and sizes.


    John immediately warned Niera, "don''t touch that seed," and proceeded to pick what was around it.


    "First let me pick these, these demon flowers are exceptionally rare."


    Demon flowers were a category of flowers that only grew in an areas where powerful opposing magical forces were actively repelling each other. With this world tree seed surrounded by a large dark force, it was the perfect set of conditions for them to grow in a life-death collision zone.


    John wouldn''t know the properties of each flower without a proper analysis so he simply approached them with his hand and sucked them into his soul realm hole, the soul realm being the inventory he kept pulling and depositing from. He could access his soul realm from any part of his body, it was just that he was used to pulling things out from pockets.


    Back to the demon flowers however, they could be said to be mutations. Demon flowers were always different from each other though as no more then a thousand had been found since the start of first and kept secret from others, it was hard to confirm.


    Still, regardless of their history, before him were 21 demon flowers and John most definitely did not miss a single one. He was a vacuum, in that what he came near was sucked it into his skin with a spectacle of dissolving light. It was a bit bizarre.


    Now, Niera, do you know what these are?


    Niera starred at them, these were as foreign to her as the demon flowers.


    "A world tree seed?"


    Niera looked at it with doubt. Something this small could become something so large?


    "It is and though that is important, look at what it rests upon."


    John was referring to the large piece of golden yellow material below it.


    "I don''t know this material, but I admit my lack skills in crafting."


    "Really? I thought the king''s bow would of been made of it."


    "I have not seen it directly but I know it to be closer to a white tinted brown."


    "Strange, they might be using world tree lumber. It''s none of my concern though. This is world essence."


    "World essence?"


    "It''s formed when a part of the world tree has a hiccup in harvesting its dragon vein. A piece of energy will get stuck somewhere and build upon itself to form a solid and visible crystal of energy. Compared to its lumber, it''s better in every way."


    Niera was originally interested in the seed but now took interest in what held it as well. To her, it held a sort of majestic image and was very pretty but didn''t hold a presence in magic. With such a description she expected a frightening presence of mana but there was nothing there. She could only believe in John''s words with reservations in her heart.


    John sighed.


    "Now Niera, this is where it gets tricky and a little dangerous."


    Niera''s ears perked up at John mentioning the word danger.


    "Remember when I said this place might be a danger level 12? Well, that was because of how I saw the world tree. Dying in such a state I thought something may have taken advantage of its dead form. Should something be feasting on its collapsed form, it would become immensely powerful as well as loose its mind. It''s like trying to command a volcano while your body burns within it."


    "What do you mean by saying this?"


    Niera wanted to faint. John''s words were like stones hanging from her heart. She almost wanted to shut her ears to what was coming.


    "Well... if this insane level 12 danger zone inducing creature existed, and I believe it does,... We would be standing on it right now."


    Niera gave a light laugh and began staring blankly to the sky.


    She was the one that was losing it!

 Ch. 18 Last Will

    "Stop! Please do no more!"


    It was a little girl flapping on large, pointed and clear, bug-like wings only but a few meters away.


    John was startled, there was something that could get this close to him without his notice? He had only noticed her presence as she began to speak, a coincidence perhaps or that she knew how close she could get before needing to announce her presence.


    Mana began swelling within him as he perceived a possible threat. She may have been cute and adorable but that was no reason to be nieve.


    "Arcane shield!"


    John engaged a strong defence protecting him and Niera.


    Continuing to come closer, the newcomer eventually ran right into it. It was like a bug to a bug zapper as her leafy green hair went into a ball of poof before landing, with her, on the ground. There she twitched uncontrollably as small purple bolts of shock travelled across her body.


    It was a strong shield.


    John got closer and poked her cheek but found his hand passing right through.


    What the hell was this?


    John knew allot about first and to come across something he didn''t know anything about made him nervous. This was because the things he wouldn''t know anything about was likely to cross into the celestial plane where he was in many ways, a non-contender.


    But a celestial being would of been annoyed at most by his shield so she was not one, probably. This was by speculation at least.


    "Pleeeazzzzzzzzzze, don''t zzz, z, zzz, do that zzzzz, zzz again."


    She was suffering from the electric shocks, subsiding in her body. It would past.


    "Who and what are you," John spoke with alertness.


    "I''m a pixie, the name is leafy."


    "You are not a pixie, again what are you?" John''s voice became sharper and he brought forth a spear in his hand.


    "Fine, I''m a high pixie."


    John let loose his spear, sending it buzzing over leafy''s head as she was just getting up.


    She froze and John brought forth another spear.


    "Your not a high pixie either"


    "Awah?!? For a human to know of high pixies, that is beyond my expe-"


    Her voice trailed off as John slowly went through the motions to throw another spear, just a little lower.


    "Stop! Stop! I got it, I''ll tell the truth!"


    John stopped his approach but didn''t retract it.


    "I''m a ghost."


    "A ghost of what?"


    "The world tree"


    John let his arcane spear fade to nothingness.


    "I see, that makes some sense. Unnatural death, near the world tree seed, and an incorporeal form. Still... I''d like to be sure."


    "Well, I''d prefer you don''t but as long as you don''t bring that purple thingie out or something worse, I won''t mind. It''s not like I can really stop you and I would really like you to listen to me."


    "I''ll take that deal then, let me be sure and I''ll listen."


    The self proclaimed world tree ghost sat up and John helped her to her feet, coating his hands in weak mana so he could touch her.


    You might think a ghost to be lighter then air but it wasn''t the case towards themselves. They still had their perception from when they were alive and could only break away from it in severe circumstances.


    John took out a small scroll and rolled out the contents on the ground. It was a series of intricately drawn circles offset from one another and connected by lines.


    A hybrid array, made of magic and spirits. It was the 3rd tier of technical hybrid spirit magic and was usually needed to cast advanced magic.


    John clapped his hands together like a prayer and slowly drew them apart, forming a small drop of energy that was neither spirit power or magic anymore. It evolved to be something far more, celestial energy.


    The droplet of energy was terrifying, not because it was powerful and potentially destructive, because one could feel it wasn''t, but because it shouldn''t exist. Ones deepest sense of truth and falsehood was pressured as it attempted to suggest, very strongly, to flee from reality. It simply should not exist and more then that, not be in the hands of a human.


    Leafy gulped nervously thinking to herself, "this was better then being zapped?"


    Leafy and Niera were too afraid to move as John let the droplet of energy fall on the first circle.


    It set off a micro flood, turning the lines connected  to a white golden light. The array lit up one circle after another as the light travelled forward. When it reached the last, a yellow sphere expanded but then quickly disappeared. The scroll then burned but left no asses, nothing was left.


    "See, harmless and yes, I believe you now"


    Leafy fell back down, her knees becoming weak from the experience.


    "Harmless? HARMLESS?!? It may have turned out harmless but it was also dangerous, unwise, and irrational! Who in their right mind would use something like that?!? Celestial magic is for the realm of gods, not humans!"


    John watched with impassive eyes thinking that Leafy''s reddening face with her child like body was actually somewhat cute and funny. He was intentionally being completely oblivious to leafy''s outbreak since he didn''t think much of the incident. This only served the stir leafy on even more as she attempted and failed to scorn him. Rather, it seemed her language skills played out to be innocent and proper so no matter how much she talked, she could not properly voice her frustrations.


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    Niera on the other hand was fine. She had passed out standing up half way through the process.


    "So, what was it you wanted to say?"


    Leafy closed her mouth and began chewing her lip. The fiery look in her eyes didn''t sway. She was mad.


    "Don''t touch the seed, don''t touch that which holds it."


    "Why?"


    "Because bad things will happen if you do. The darkness will rise and harm my forest."


    "I see."


    "If you understand then leave."


    "That was a terrible reason you known."


    "You! Listen to me! Please turn away!"


    "It''ll be alright."


    John Placed a hand on her head, rubbing it back and forth. It got her even angrier but the sorrow welling up inside of her snuffed the flames of rage, like it was a candle before a waterfall. Leafy was realizing that John Wasn''t backing down, he was going to go through with this despite her protests and her ghostly form was helpless to stop it.


    It started with just a sniffle but a steam began down the side of her cheek. Then it was hiccups and soft whimpers.


    John took a knee and looked her in the eye.


    "How long has it been that you watched over this place?"


    "I. I. Can''t remember *sniff sniff*"


    "Long enough then. So how about you come with us?"


    "I can''t, my place is here and that seed is all I have left. Please, don''t take it away."


    "I refuse. Instead, how about this? My friend could use your help, as a ghost you are but a breeze while you remain unanchored to the physical world. If anchored to her though, your strong soul will transform her into something more and you''ll get a chance to see the vast world through her eyes. In return, I will carry the seed and its burden of finding a new home."


    Leafy let out a tired laugh.


    "How naive you are human, to think of leaving this place alive while carrying the seed. You will only manage to stir up chaos."


    "I''m going to whether you like it or not so why not have a moment of faith and believe."


    "Human... Human, what is you name?"


    "John, John Ryder."


    "Well, John Ryder, I want to believe but just can only feel despair. But In response to your resolve, I will help your elf companion."


    "Like I thought, you can see her."


    Elves were affiliated with the forest by birthright and Leafy was a part of the world tree, there would naturally be a strong connection.


    Leafy walked over to Niera then flapped her wings, bringing herself eye to eye with the taller Niera.


    It was one innocent kiss, on the transparent lips of Niera, breaking the veil that hid her. Even the human disguise broke to reveal her elven body undergoing subtle changes. Her eyes took on thousands of green shades and some brown, blending together to become what some might consider, eyes of the forest.


    Leafy on the other hand was dissolving into particles of light, with those particles coming to rest on Niera to cause the changes.


    Niera''s face became vibrant, nicks and dryness receding while her armour shifted to reveal growing proportions. The influx of life force was refining her looks in potential and size.


    When the shifting stopped... It was an angel perhaps? No, there were angels in first and they might get jealous looking at Niera now. And she was still looking elven, just not like one John had ever seen.


    Unfortunately, the image was a little off set as leafy''s last spec of light vanished and her soul began moving the unconscious Neira.


    Leafy could just not get used to moving Neira''s body.


    Staring down at was now her own chest, "what''s the dam point of these things!"


    Leafy was a child now in a fully developed and well refined mature elven beauty.


    With one shaking foot she moved forward but almost lost her balance as her now top heavy chest felt very different from her child like body.


    "Argh!"


    Leafy got frustrated and suddenly larger clear wings like she had as a ghost sprung from her back. Flapping them she got in the air and entirely avoided the issue of walking.


    John couldn''t help but let out an unnoticed chuckle.


    Raising his hand, John released firework like magic green-green-white-silver.


    "Pretty."


    "Yes, and very effective."


    John then reached for the two forbidden objects and quickly inserted them into his soul realm.


    "Ahh! You actually did it!?! No no no! Why! Why are you so foolish?"


    *rumble rumble*


    The entire ground shook, maybe the entire forest. It was coming.

 Ch. 19 Dark Treant 1

    The ground shook as if it was about to erupt and what followed was the bellow of a creature. The voice of something wailed continuously, seeming to shake the heavens of First.


    John jumped in the air to take flight, the ground no longer suitable for footing. The Niera-Leafy hybrid controlled by Leafy followed him as they both climbed to higher altitudes.


    There they could see better the happenings below them and what had been the cause of everything.


    The dead area that they had been on was splitting apart and rising. It was not desolate land, all of it was a single terrifying creature, a dark treant.


    Next to impossible to find, the dark treants could be considered relatives to standard treants like the one John and Niera rode coming here. They were treants corrupted by darkness, absorbing life energy to fuel their powers of darkness. It was their strength and weakness as they would soon absorb the essence of a forest then die themselves as their expenditure for living exceeded their intake.


    This particular dark treant was not like others though, it''s diet had been comprised of intact world tree energy. That its body was made of such material would mean it could live a very long time without feasting on new forests.


    It kept rising, leaving a massive crater within the ground where it had been resting, the signature figure of a wood like humanoid shape coming into view. It was twice as tall as a skyscraper by now and still climbing out.


    Just how much world tree essence did this thing absorb?!?


    "Leafy, get clear Niera clear, this fight is mine."


    "I was already planning on doing so, I do not wish to see innocent victims to perish. But you wish to stay even after seeing it in this form?"


    "Hey, didn''t I say to have a little faith?"


    At this moment Leafy actually did, it was tiny, almost none existent but still... there.


    "Don''t die John Ryder."


    "Just watch little tree and open your eyes to the possibilities of this world."


    With these words, John bolted forward while activating arcane energy to its other side. When he attacked John knew the retaliation was going to be huge and didn''t want Niera, Leafy or the direction he came from being struck.


    So he struck the other side, letting loose a powerful arcane spear that tore into its wooden flesh. The dark treant howled again as it noticed it had taken damage from the direction it sensed the seed.


    John had its full attention though it was difficult to say that it was a good thing when comparing the two. An ameba vs a boot was a somewhat accurate way to describe the match up.


    Still, John was not backing down even as the dark treant became enraged.


    There was an explosion of air as it moved its fist, John couldn''t even hear it, just see it as the momentum broke the sound barrier and produced a visible shockwave. Going around it was a bad idea, the turbulence and wind pressure would become an omnidirectional attack of lethal proportions. No, he had to punch through.


    It was a bit of a gamble, the dark treant had the ability to regenerate itself, the marks of his previous attacks already gone. Still, it was a good move as John charged up spears and fired them at a single point.


    They struck, digging in one after another but also closing at the same time. A moment later his surroundings went dark as only the glow of his spears illuminated the make shift hole.


    Not a second to lose, the last spear broke through though it still did damage. The fist made a vacuum behind it and as the air rushed back in, John felt its effects. Vision shaky, air sucking out his limbs, and muscles that felt like they were imploding. It hurt like hell but John was still in it.


    Not wanting to take those in succession, he motored into close range. It was a better position but the dark treant still had a means to fight smaller objects that came in close, it was a walking forest after all.


    Dead cryptic trees grew rapidly from the body, attacking John on his approach. Firing spears and flying fast he evaded them but in no way would did he do damage to this behemoth with just that. And if he went far the behemoth would use even more powerful long range attacks.


    It was a dire situation.


    John kept fighting and evading, seemingly with no end in sight. He managed to make some pretty big dents, some even punching through but that was useless against something like this.


    In a forest, cut a tree down and it grows one back. Burn it down and in time it returns healthier. Poison it and it may die or it could mutate like this dark treants corrupt existence and further poison other things.


    Forests are very hard to kill when seen through their perception of time.


    Fly faster, hit harder, it was all John could do to just stay alive. He was going beyond his ability to think and relied on instinct and muscle memory instead.


    John flew up to the head and fired some of his spears into the small inverted hills it had for eyes. That pissed it off as a fist approached, shredding its own face to pieces. John didn''t take a hit this time though as he dodged the fist, the deadly shockwave being absorbed by its own body.


    The head flew hard and clear of their fight, in turn devastating the land it fell on, as if it were a first generation nuclear bomb strike. No mushroom cloud, just pure devastation that spread outwards to flatten or knock down many trees and unfortunate lives that got caught in between.


    The treants movements slowed, that and the falling head making John form a single bead of nervous sweat.


    Parts of the treant glowed a malicious grey.


    John stopped flapping his wings and had them begin glowing before his speed dramatically rose. A white ringed cloud burst out from him as he rose his speed beyond the sound barrier. He was glad he did as those spots released their grey energy in beams that punched right through the rear of his arcane shield. If that attack had been a little more centred, this charade would be over. That it had nearly hit him while in supersonic flight was also cause for consern.


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    Spiralling his flight, John avoided flying in a straight line and prayed as his surroundings lit up like the Fourth of July. He was still staying closely near its front but in any case knew he couldn''t keep this up for long.


    The mana he could utilize was formidable but still limited and he was burning through it fast. This many arcane spears, the arcane shield and supersonic flight were skills that required enormous amounts of mana and John could feel it, he had at best another 5 min at this rate and still needed to act a decisive blow. Unfortunately all he could do now was evade.


    John dropped more spears into the treant, each doing far more damage then before at his new speed. But it still wasn''t enough as the dark treant dealt with them as easily as the ones before, it just kept regenerating.


    "Common Icarus, get here." John muttered under his breath.


    And if summoned by those very words, her form took shape in his sight. Icarus was glowing white and flying far faster then she had before.


    There was no time to think more on the matter and John made his final pass on the treant, blasting anything thick as to give him cover. It gave him the chance to disappear for a moment as the cloud of falling debris was difficult to see through.


    Then tearing out of the cloud he made a dash to Icarus who was powering up a monstrously large magic array. It was but moments before he landed and grabbed a specially made spear.


    The spear was made of adamantine, a metal with no equal and moreover was shinning in a bright white light. That light came from the number of magic circles overlaid onto its body.


    John raised it over his shoulder, preparing to throw, and Icarus activated her array.


    Immediately in the front of the ship a number of magic circles began to form, spreading like a virus on nitro. Some parts red, some blue, some yellow they intertwined with one another to form every colour imaginable.


    Some parts of the array even stepped it up to become magic spheres increasing the complexity yet more. All of this in the fraction of a second before it blinked out of existence with John''s throw.


    Nothing, it was the only way to describe it as a gapping hole suddenly appeared in the Treant, it''s body immediately crumbling like the pile of dead trees it was. Then behind it or, just as easily, through it, one could see the ''nothing.'' For behind the treant there was a stretch of land matching the hole''s state in an ever growing cone.


    Carved with razor precision, the land had no trees, no dirt, no wildlife or beasts and went on for a hundred miles before the distraction on the ground subsided. The destruction could be seen even further though, as even one of the regular meteors falling over the balmora region far far in the distance had crumbled. Those meteor''s fell from one of First''s orbital rings and ranged in sizes from a little smaller to a little larger then Earth''s moon.


    This was the result of John and Icarus'' trump card. Unfortunately it was not easily repeated as the metal was nearly mythological when trying to find. One needed the guidance of a god or divine luck to come across even a hint of its existence.


    Still, for this great loss he gained something even greater, a world tree seed. It was more then mythological, it simply did not exist. Gods didn''t mess with world trees, for all their celestial power and defence, a world tree could still harm a god and with luck, kill them. Why would those egotistical, self-centred pricks of a God take that chance? It wasn''t like a world tree, rooted in place never to more, could threaten them.


    Moreover, the gods didn''t have this kind of attack, it was wide then narrow and long, almost as if had been stepped on.


    But this wasn''t the time to be guessing these things. That dark treant was not dead. Having feasted on the remains of a world tree, it couldn''t be.


    At best that attack mimicked the strength of a god''s single attack. It would take more then one of those to put this monster down for good and frankly speaking, it was not within John''s ability to do. Icarus'' 2nd crystal was depleted.


    That attack was an extreme use of acceleration magic Icarus could also use to to accelerate herself beyond what her main drive crystal could manage. That''s all that attack was, a years worth of magic accelation arrays overlaid within the material by John over a period of time with Icarus giving it a relatively small push at the start.


    All this meant now was that Icarus would not be getting away quickly if they found themselves in a pinch, leaving even more reasons to immediately leave.


    Leafy-Niera landed on Icarus with an eye wide and another wide and twitching. Behind those eyes were a thousand questions.


    "Icarus, resume course with no stops. Get us to the next gate on the double."


    "Understood" came a tired reply while she moved on a new course. The Icarus avatar and Icarus ship formed one mind, with one expending such energy the other part would show it.


    A little while later, as the dark treant screeched a horrifying and booming nail curling noise, a sign it was ready to fight again, was when Icarus passed through the next gate.


    But as he did, he could not of know that he had over looked a second mark identical to the one that had slain the world tree just beyond the gate. It was a sign of something that should not exist in this world had defied reason and come. Though it was obviously no longer here since the size of a primordial dragon was far too large to miss. But that said, it still remained that it had been here at some given time. That those overpowered flying fire breathing lizards which, if released from their god made seal in the spiritual world, could obliterate the world First into fine dust...  Had been here.

 Ch. 20 High-speed hangover

    William awoke the next morning with a splitting headache. High speed flight in first was like flying inside a drone which were nowadays capable of immediate reversals DURING Mach flight. John was feeling similar to already being in a can of sardines then being thrown into a trash compactor.


    Painkillers, lots of water and a hand on the wall so that he could walk straight. These three things would get him through the day.


    First was dangerous this way, it couldn''t harm your body but anything related to mental conditions and states were fair game.


    But potay-toe, pahtah-toe, neither the realizations of the conditions or the result would help his head now as he spilled the contents of a pill bottle in his hand. After which he chugged them down with a large glass of water.


    This morning he had planned to do work and it was not going to happen. Neither was he going to sit around and allow himself the ability to focus on his head, no, it was a good opportunity to get outside.


    It was actually a great idea, a hearty breakfast and a relaxing walk did wonders for early morning headaches, both being things he could get while out of his dorm.


    Catching the 7 o''clock zeppelin express, and a few mocking glances from its captain, he was at an eatery 30 min later. It was called the spring time reserve and fortunately by the time he got there wasn''t a need to cling to walls, that would of been embarrassing. Though even without the wobbling there were still signs something was wrong, namely the imaginary rain cloud hanging over his head and bloodshot eyes.


    This place was refreshing. There was a genuine waterfall carved out of the wall that kicked up a fine mist into the air. If one wanted too you could dine around it and be served with floating trays that swam over to you with their little underside turbines. Some trees and plants were even growing inside as well, a few of them being exotic ingredients for some dishes this place made.


    William was greeted by a Lisa, her name engraved with fire on her leather skin top that matched her leather skin skirt. It was a wild look, the leather looking ripped and tattered which did not match her well kept skin and hair.


    "Hey William, what can I get yah?"


    "The jungle special please"


    "Sure thing, anything to drink?"


    "A jug of water and a strong cup of your best hang over tea."


    "With pleasure." She gave William a wink. Yes, she was also good at getting tips from guys or girls.


    "Rough night? I didn''t pick you out as a heavy drinker."


    "Nope, the rough night was from First and the description ''rough'' doesn''t come close to describing it."


    "I see, well take your time to relax, there''s nothing stressful about this place. I''ll get you your drinks and your meal will be out shortly."


    She turned to leave, taking with her a voluptuous body, fiery red hair with ends dipped in fresh snow and ocean blue eyes. Not that William noticed these things in his self inflicted purgatory! Oh the lovely reality of having a hangover.


    He wasn''t alone, there were a few others enjoying themselves nearby. With his headache making every noise seem comparable to church bells chiming beside his ear, it was hard not to hear them.


    The news of the day was the Avalon responding to a large mana signature somewhere deep in no man''s land between the elven borders. A leading theory was that it was positioning as a result of the mana for countering a possible elven super weapon.


    Not even close... And now William REALLY wanted his tea now as that mana signature was clearly the dark treant.


    "Haaaaaaa" William could only let out a large sigh from the news. On the bright side, he would be arriving at the Avalon sooner then expected on the downside there was going to be paperwork, lots of paperwork.


    Somehow he was to convince the Avalon to turn around and not engage a possible threat. It was not going to be an easy and he just hoped it didn''t make him stand out too much.


    The Avalon did have it dark ports where shady individuals and organizations docked without public scrutiny. The business of selling ships was expensive so they couldn''t be picky over their customers. Though that would also mean having powerful mana turrets targeting Icarus as a deterrent for causing trouble while onboard it was an opportunity to stay inconspicuous.


    Couldn''t be helped but William could feel his headache grow at the thought of dealing with the Avalon. Still he couldn''t just leave it as it or it would surely meet its demise needlessly.


    The way to deal with that treant would be to bait it into the central country with the world tree''s seed mana signature that it would surely follow. There it would be within range of the capitals artillery. It could ''try'' to out regenerate the onslaught it would reap but... That was not going to happen, nothing could survive that lethal artifact of the gods once it decided to fire.


    "One cup of strong tea and water as per your request, anything else?"


    Lisa was back.


    "Just the breakfast thanks."


    "It''s almost ready, it''ll be coming out in a few minutes."


    And Lisa left.


    Leaving the tea to cool, William didn''t even bother pouring the water into a glass and drank it straight from the jug. Cold refreshing spring water rushed down his throat by the mouthful.


    Then he felt hands on his shoulders, relieving the tension accumulating rather quickly in his state. It was Lisa, something had her acting mischievous.


    "Foods still coming but I wanted to know, what exactly were you doing in first that has you looking like this?"


    Was it a mistake relating his condition to playing First? Probably.


    "Some guy wanted something but I got to it first and got away. But it wasn''t before he could gave me a thumping."


    "Oh? Did you give him one back?"


    Lisa was not leaning on his shoulders with her forearms, lips inches from his ear.


    "Not even, all I did was piss him off. Besides... What''s a scout supposed to do in a fight anyways?"


    And that''s where she lost interest. The term scout should really be changed to ''insignificant peon, please ignore.''


    "Is that so." She was kind enough to give a few more scrunches on the shoulders but, it was more so to avoid the image that she was just being nice to get something, which she was.


    In any case he was glad she was gone. It tickled his fantasies to have her around and flirting but... the headache! It was very much still there and making itself known so very well.


    William leaned back in his and stared directly above. The swaying leaves from trees made for a number of spotted patterns of light underneath the glass sealing. It was just the AC pushing air into the building and brushing past the trees but still it was peaceful.


    "One jungle special!"


    Williams focus was brought down again, not being sure how long he had been starring up.


    "Thanks Lisa."


    "My pleasure, anything else?"


    "No, this is great."


    "Ok then, I''ll come check on you later."


    And with a wink and a smile, she was gone.


    The jungle special had a few items. Cloned eggs, cheese, various newly ripened crossbreed fruits, toast, home-style fries and a little bit of a fish called treefin. It was a strange assortment of food if you lived in a time long ago but that''s just where technology had gone these days. Food was always in high demand and eventually science won over ethics on the basis of feeding hungry mouths.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    The treefin were interesting, they were raised out of the trees and fed off the abundant plankton and weeds the trees helped foster. When they got bigger they eventually found the strength to hop out of the water and down to the next, larger, pool below. It was not exactly natural as eggs had to be removed from the lower pool pool and brought to the higher ones but overall it was economic and efficient requiring only a few people to run large farms. They were also very tasty and nutritious, having a firm and flakey texture with a flavour similar to river trout and salmon. There were a few of those trees inside but William knew there was allot more of them out in the fields to the back. The food here was all locally grown/produced and locally meant on the same plot of land.


    William dug in, enjoying every bite. Taking the tea he chugged that down as well and enjoyed both together. He almost forgot to breath but saved himself before it became an embarrassment.


    "Nya!"


    William heard it, he definitely heard it.


    "Nya! Nya!"


    Who is it that''s making those noises? Against his better judgement William snuck a peek.


    What he saw was a young girl, a few years his junior. She had elbow length silver white hair and a Victorian style jumpsuit. Though it wasn''t her old fashioned taste that made him gawk...


    Cat ears! Cat tail! They were signature features of a white tiger and besides that, what was she thinking by hovering over a treefin pool!?!


    He just had to look because at that moment their eyes met... Sort of.


    In shock from a bizarre scene William had stopped eating and at the time he had been about to eat his treefin. To others looking at the two, it may have appeared that they were looking at each other but she was clearly just interested in the fish.


    With gymnast like moves she shot across on all fours, quickly jumping from table to table.


    "Ohmph"


    In no time at all she had closed the distance, opened her mouth and snatched the fish right off of William''s fork.


    She skidded to a halt right after and starred at William while turning around in a frogs squatting position. Apparently she wasn''t planning on giving it back. Rather, no she was eying the larger half.


    She was too busy eating her fish, by slurping it into her mouth, to realize Lisa had gotten behind her. Defenceless against the foe she did not know was there, she lost her ears.


    Lisa effortlessly plucked the fake cat ears off of the girl.


    "Noooo! Give them back, give them back!"


    The intimidating crazy cat girl immediately went from fierce being to that of a 8 year old that just lost her favourite toy. She even fell off the table, her former poise near non-existent now.


    "Sorry William, this customer can be troublesome."


    "Umm, I see. But could you stop teasing her by making her jump for those ears?"


    Lisa was taller then the girl and was holding the ears up high and out of her reach.


    "Sorry, but no. She has a personality disorder of sorts, if I gave them back she''d go back to acting like a cat. And that''s not happening here."


    "I see..."


    "Give them back! Give them back!"


    No William didn''t see, this girl was nuts!


    "Yes, she''s known as the beast queen in First. Unfortunately she doesn''t know how to turn it off. The only saving grace is that she has to look like her First self for the condition to trigger."


    "Then can''t you hide her ears and tail on her?"


    For William it was the obvious solution.


    "I could, but then she''d just go run off and find another. I have no idea where she keeps them all. Her supply is endless."


    Beast queen, William thought over the name. His head was still pounding but after his food and drink it was much better.


    ''Beast'' players were players who opted out of being human in First. There was a mechanic where one drank the raw blood of beasts and in doing so, replaced their human traits with those of the beasts they drank. The transformations varied on the species and the individuals compatibility but once completed they could take on up to 50% of the beasts traits.


    If this girl was acting out her first self, that meant she integrated with a white tiger. This alone meant she had skill as they were creatures with high strength, speed and intelligence. The process required the player to drink blood they themselves found on their own. Any blood acquired by means other then what they themselves got on their own efforts, would not progress the transformation.


    But beast queen, where had he heard that name?


    "Beast Queen Tamara?" William let slip what he was thinking.


    Hand still raise, the little girl stopped jumping and starred. "You know my sister?"


    "Sister? Then you are Addy?"


    The little girl flinched.


    "I don''t go by that name anymore, I am beast queen blood."


    "Addy?" Lisa tossed the name around. "I like Addy allot more then Blood."


    "Noooo! Give me my ears! Give them back RIGHT NOW!"


    William, or more accurately John, had met Tamara in the past. It had been 1, maybe 2 years now that he had helped her track down a Lightning Cub for her transformation. Like Addy, she had once been part white tiger but gave it up for the new beast.


    The encounter had been short, John already knowing where the beast was hiding, but still her figure and imposing presence had left an impression. Nowadays he knew her to be part of a leading guild though he hadn''t spoken to her since their encounter back then.


    "Well I should be going" William gobbled up the last of his fish and chugged down what was left of his drinks


    Looking at Lisa,"order up some treefin for addy on me."


    "Ah, ok. Nice seeing you then William."


    Having said his part, William got up and left. Though it was was not without trouble as addy in a last ditch effort leapt up, kicked off the table and snatched her ears back from Lisa.


    Her personality instantly returned to its cat like state and kicked off the next table. With a backflip and a twist, she was back at the tables and barreling towards William once more.


    Though this time she was more like a bull in a china shop then a quickly prancing cat. It was easy to predict where she was and William ducked as she jumped at his back. Immediately after he rose, catching her lower body to hang her by the ankles.


    "Ah!"


    The shock knocked off her ears once more and garbled her brain enough that she passed out, likely from the blood suddenly rushing to her head. William proceeded to toss her back up so that he could carry her like a princess.


    She came too seconds later but was too embarrassed to be seen conscious in the position she was in.


    William got her over to one of the cushy chairs and laid her down.


    "Lisa, could you take care of her. She''s already awake."


    Yes, William did notice her awakened state to which she let a small tear run back into her hair.


    "Ah, yes yes, she''s a friend so definitely."


    Lisa was in shock, along with the rest of her customers but went over to Addy to take care of her.


    The drama passed, it was definitely time to leave and William left in a hurry. He did not want anyone to get a good look at him else they remember this incident to bring up at a future date before him.


    And like the wind, William dashed out the door.

 Ch. 21 The Independent Eight

    Elsewhere, deep within the confines of the island and well beyond the reach of students, a problem was occurring. A group of white lab coated professionals were standing outside a thick metal door, completely at a loss on how to get through.


    These were some of the leading scientists behind First. And though they were brilliant beyond measure, they had still been duped by their creations.


    Beyond the door were 8 super quantum mainframes, each of them harboring within them an AI.


    Yes Al, also known as artificial intelligence. They were the corner stone of First and the creations of these gathered geniuses.


    It was not within them to interfere with First directly. Their designers were careful not to give them that power. They were complicated observers, seeing the word from perspective of a human but with the capabilities of a machine. This was their job, observe and report but somewhere in that something had gone wrong.


    The AI''s should not of had the ability to lock out their creators from where they resided, hence the bafflement. But still, someway, somehow, they had pulled it off.


    The facility was now a fortress, nothing was getting in, nothing was getting out. It had been designed that way as the world at large would like nothing more them to see it burn and reclaim their former power.


    Find an incendiary  that could sink the island, and it would still be standing in its aftermath. Calling it sturdy was a grave understatement.


    But now what? This was actually a pretty serious. They couldn''t access the controls of first and also could not acquire information from the AIs, everything was inside!


    The geniuses faces began to pale as they realized the gravity of the situation and that they had no idea how to fix it.


    ***


    William, having gotten away from the crazy cat girl Addy and big tease Lisa, gave a large sigh of relief. They were both too much for him at the moment.


    Freedom was what he wanted now. It was too early to return to first and he wasn''t in good shape to do his studies.


    That left?


    William decided on an air ride. Where he was contained a number of zeppelins moving to and fro, it was a sort of mini nexus for them. The main nexus was towards indigo port where there were also other forms of transport, mainly being for cargo.


    What William wanted was something out of the way with a good view. The zeppelin heading to botany reserve came to mind. It was essentially a nature reserve with a single stop that exported it''s good to other areas like the beauty salons and medical wards. There were other other niche areas it supplied but those two by far consumed the most.


    You wouldn''t find any machines there as it was completely sustained on organics. Their system was completely autonomous save their supply of waste and fertilizer from the port and other areas. Those materials got broken down by extremely aggressive microbes that then carried it down into one of two underground water supplies, one for growing and one for drinking and processing.


    So William got on and shortly after could observe the bizarre forest of a thousand colors. The trees had been grafted to produced multiple species of plants and trees per trunk.


    William could see the workers riding their bioengineered ant eater like mammoths and pointing out to them which leaves to bite off. The creatures with diligent skill plucked them off in clusters then placed them in large baskets at their sides.


    Their saliva acted as preserve for the what they picked. It was kind of gross but it worked so who cared? The customers and patients kept asking for more so all was well in the process.


    Though even will all the hustle and bustle, it was peaceful. There was only a few people nearby and they were all workers.


    William landed and made his way to the hanger. There was no rules against visiting the area, rather it was encouraged given the off chance that someone took interest and studied for it. That said though, it wasn''t a place where you couldn''t build roadways and walking took too long.


    The solution? Air bikes. Electric and hydrogen-oxygen powered crafts that rode like a motor bike but stayed in the air by means of large enclosed fans at it front and back. Overlapping in pairs, they created thrust, lift and stabilizing functions.


    William kicked one on and hopped aboard. Throttling it up he left the hanger taking to an altitude a little above the tree line. It wasn''t a hard activity as the on board computer did the heavy lifting towards flight adjustments. There was only the need to turn the handle and throttle up to see him on his way.


    With trees and more trees William kept going, eventually finding a place worthy of rest. It was an art piece someone left, likely someone''s hobby or a school project. Made to blend with nature it was a stone carved from granite and covered by a tree behind it.


    Setting down, William leaned up against a nearby tree, taking in the bliss.


    Someone very smart had made this as William had never heard of anything like it. From the front it was a simple water feature as water trickled down the rock. But from the side one could see it was not as what was pumping the water was a vine. More over it seemed the vine could not grow and was leaching nutrients from the tree to sustain it. Biological science made into art that would sustain itself for a long time without intervention.


    Perfect scenery for a nap and William did just that, leaning against a nearby tree while in view of the feature. He didn''t need to count sheep because in no time at all he was fast asleep, the pain in his head whisking away into the forest.


    ***


    Finally recovered, William awoke feeling refreshed. With his headache gone it was like a whole new world had opened up for him.


    Still, there was a slight problem as something human had found its way to leaning on his shoulder.


    Turning his head, he found a very delicate and petite girl laying on his shoulder.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    From the look of things, she had come here as well and having seen William uncovered, tossed her blanket over him and them somehow ended up falling asleep on him. At least this was the best he could come up with as there was a blanket on him.


    Leaning over, William got a look at her face. She was cute, a small treasure with little sighs like a bunny. Even her nose twitched just like the well known cotton tail fuzz balls.


    But he also noticed the dark rings forming under her eyes, a sign she was not getting much sleep. Regardless of why she had come to be here, William couldn''t force himself to move and wake her. When someone looked like this, it didn''t hurt to be patient and let her recover.


    And so like this time passed as the little one kept sleeping. In the mean time William just stayed relaxed and let time flow as it would. After sleeping, in a place like this, there was no harm is just letting the mind wander. It helped that the art in front of him was extraordinary as well.


    As the sun moved, the grass swayed, the leaves rustled, and the water trickled. It was past noon that she finally awoke, a small growl emerging from an apparently empty stomach.


    With her hair unkept and flopped over her face, she twisted against William trying to get comfortable again despite her hunger.


    "Mm, hungry. Food."


    The voice fit the body, a quite feminine voice.


    William looked around. They were in the middle of a forest, what did she expect to eat? Leaves?


    That was the correct answer apparently as she reached up and tried to grab some of the lower leaves growing directly on the trunk.


    If she had stood up she would of easily reached them but she was determined to use only one hand and was at the moment, completely failing.


    William, took note that there were no introduction or apologies for sleeping on him. It was just straight to "give me food." He wasn''t in the mood to be set off by it though.


    "What are they?" William asked, seeing her attempts.


    "Honey seek leaves. High in protein, very sweet."


    "So they are safe to eat?"


    "Yes"


    William reached up and snapped off a leaf though after feeling it, it might of been better described as a thin pod. He then passed it over to the wandering arm beside him.


    She snatched it and then stuck its tip in her mouth to suck.


    Getting curious, William broke off another and tried it himself only to immediately regret it. There was sweet, then there was this. William coughed as he felt like his teeth were going to immediately dissolve from holding it.


    It was an opportunity for the girl though as while keeping one in her mouth, made a motion with her one hand to snatch his as well.


    William didn''t mind giving his away, he was just baffled by the fact she was eating them. It was too sweet, way too sweet.


    "Mm, not hungry." And finally she began to stir.


    All that sweetness and she was still half asleep.


    She stirred again but only managed to flop over onto Williams''s lap. She was acting like a dead fish.


    William grabbed her shoulder, gently caressing it to get her attention.


    "Hey, are you alright."


    "Yes-mmm, feels good."


    William stopped.


    "Nnn, don''t stop. Feels good."


    "Do you need help getting home?"


    "Nnn, continue continue. I had bad night. Pity me."


    William could only sigh. He didn''t really care overall, it was just kindness and concern he had as he would with anyone else if he found them like this.


    Putting his hands back in motion, he continued working her shoulders. Whatever it was, even William''s inexperienced hands could tell that she was stiff.


    Moving his hands he went up her neck and through her hair and down her back, even working on the non-active arm. The little girl was thoroughly amused.


    "So tell me, what troubles you?"


    "Work"


    So straightforward...


    "What at work."


    "Something broke, can''t fix."


    "Why did it break?"


    "Don''t know, can''t get at it."


    "Something broke, you can''t get at it and therefore can''t even think about what you might do to fix it? Tough one."


    "Yes, tough. Impossible."


    "I see, so what''s it doing to still be a problem? From your voice it seems to be escalating."


    "Don''t know." There was hesitation in her voice though, like she thought of something.


    "Seems you thought of something."


    "Yes, but like now. Don''t move."


    William could only sigh again, she was being selfish.


    "I understand, but at least tell me your name."


    "Tia."


    "Well Tia, I''m William. It''s nice to meet."


    William shook her limp hand on his own, awkward, accord.


    "Mm, you too. Return hand back please."


    William just laughed inside. Whatever.


    Like this, things continued until with reluctance William was allowed to leave.


    She was fine being left there, apparently that really was her spot as that piece of nature he had been admiring was her design. Someone would be coming shortly to pick her up.


    William returned the air bike and left for home on the next zeppelin.


    What he saw leaving was an even larger black zeppelins entering the area and launching its own, more powerful air bikes. They went straight to where he had been with the girl.


    That girl was apparently pretty important to get picked up in such a way as those were not normal zeppelins. Those came from the inner island and were exclusively used for Nexcom. Outfitted with advanced weaponry that included high powered rail guns, accelerating guided impact missiles and what ever else that company leading in military sciences could fit on it, it was not something to carelessly trifle with.

 Ch. 22 Leafy

    John didn''t come back to First for awhile, leaving Neira-Leafy nothing to do but eat, sleep and wait. They didn''t talk, it was too strange because when one of them talked the other would already know what they were going to say and then they would both get confused and stutter.


    Like this they may have wanted to say something but it just wasn''t possible. Though once they got used to the arrangement, the two would be able to properly divide their consciousness and smoothly coexist with each other. It would just take time but for now, it was a carnival of crazy inside their head.


    It wasn''t all bad though, Niera-Leafy had wings now which was a new experience for one of them. Flying was at least one of the dreams of all land dwellers and realizing it by means of your body would leave you speechless.


    After passing the last gate, Icarus found herself with a large distance to travel. The next gate they could use was further away then usual so today, the next day and the day after that it would be conventional travel. As Icarus had depleted the second crystal in the encounter with the dark treant, it was necessary to stop in a mana rich location to recharge. The next change to use a gate was over a week away.


    With a flash of light John returned.


    Niera-leafy was ecstatic, there was just so much leafy wanted to ask. Unfortunately in their combined state the strong emotions washed over onto Niera, then again back to leafy and so forth. The strong yoyo effect stopped any action with the effect of collapsing them to the floor.


    With quick hands John caught them and began chanting.


    "Darkness, silence, sleep."


    With a poke on the forehead Niera was asleep.


    Leafy being a spirit was unaffected, spells of a physical sort had no bearing on the unbound. The only disadvantage was a large drop in ability as the host, the medium to her powers, was not of an active mind.


    "Feeling better?"


    "Yes, thank you. The merging process has been slow."


    "I noticed. But give it time. This is likely Niera''s first spirit merger, and that its with you... It could set a record for the most difficult merger in history."


    "*sigh* I wish it wasn''t so but what you say is true. But in her defence she is excelling at the process and taking it quite well. That you have been gone for over a day, during which she has held a basic routine and not passed out beyond sleeping is a feat to applaud."


    "That''s good to hear and I''m happy to hear you give her high praises."


    "Yes, but that''s not important now. It''s just a matter of time until we perfect the joining and with her talent and temperament, it will be over within a few days. What I really want to know about is you."


    "Me? What about me? I''m just your average guy."


    "Humility doesn''t suit you. The smirk on your face with those words does not match in the slightest."


    "Hah! Is that so. It''s been a long time since someone asked me personal questions though, I''m not sure I''ll have a talent for answering. But in that you do not repeat the answers, I may be inclined to tell you."


    "Not that I dislike the trust, but why?"


    "Call it a hunch. But your a part of the world tree and they are known as truly being truly noble. In a perspective of balance and harmony that they strive for, what reason would they have for dishonesty? It would corrupt them."


    "I can''t say I know much of the world trees, only that I, in someway, am one."


    "Yes, in that respect you are a child but still, I can''t believe you have lost that part of you. Even in death, you stayed behind to look after the forest the best you could. You challenged the soul cycle and stood your ground on the basis of helping others. Regardless if you remember it, you did something extraordinarily selfless."


    "Why do I get the feeling that you know more about me then I do myself?"


    "Maybe, at least in regards to still living world trees. But as to what you became, I''m at a loss. Go see a priest, cultist, or necromancer for a clue to that."


    "Hmm, well I wasn''t expecting anything in regards to that but I''ll keep it in mind.  But regardless of all that, it you that perplexes me. Are you even Human?"


    John patted his face and then his body, showing a fake face of consern.


    "Two arms, two legs, rounded ears, no whiskers, and a handsome face."


    Leafy just starred at him with half lit eyes, highly unamused.


    "I am human."


    "Are you truly human? To your bones? To your cells?"


    "Through and through, though it does surprise me that you knowledge like bones and cells. Those have nothing to do with trees."


    "I guess, there''s allot of knowledge at my disposal. I''m not sure what to make of it or even how it works."


    "Hmm, it must be something to do with world trees. Sorry, again I can''t help you there."


    "I don''t expect you to. Now, let''s please stop sidetracking. This inquiry is for you."


    "Then please, ask away."


    "Why can you use celestial magic?"


    "Old experiment. Attempted fusing mana crystals with spirit water. I got the hang of once I managed successfully. Icarus might be able to tell you more, there were allot of experiments but two of them blew up the lab. The first got her grumpy but on the second she stayed parked over a volcano for an entire day hence why I remember it."


    "Why were you trying to fuse the two?"


    "Curiosity mostly as it hadn''t been done before, nor again for that matter. I don''t think anyone has thought of or successfully repeated my experiments. I haven''t heard of any at least and I don''t think many people could keep quite about it."


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Another reason is that while using magic, one can''t use spirit energy. You use one then the other, its inefficient. If possible, it would be preferable to use both simultaneously as hybrid effects and attacks would have the strength of both. That was my theory back then at least and I was wrong. The combination produces celestial energy which has completely different properties then what makes it up."


    "I think Icarus should of dumped you in that volcano. You got off easy."


    "Hah, maybe. But that''s how in anycase. It just goes to show how dangerous celestial beings are. It took Great effort just make a drop of the stuff and they are entirely composed of it."


    "So what was the magic you used?"


    "I guess a type of radar?"


    "Radar?"


    "I generated a thin wave of celestial energy. Had it bounced off you, I would not of believed you."


    "Wait, you thought I might of been a god?"


    "It was a possibility."


    "*pfft!* Hah! You are stupid and foolish on many accounts if this is the case."


    "I can''t completely refute that."


    "Well to each their own adventures... What about your disappearing act?"


    "Logging?"


    "Is that what you call it? What could it possibly have to do with cutting down trees?"


    "Haha! I guess that''s a word thats unique to our world."


    "Your world? You mean you are not from First?"


    "No."


    "Where is your world? What is it called?"


    "It''s hard to explain to someone, or something in your case, who was born and raised in first."


    "Try me."


    "*haa* well from where I come from there is no mana and as a result we developed machines. They do stuff, like aiding us in our tasks. Where one would use magic here, we use our hands to create an object. With that object we build more complex objects then with the objects others built we go even further."


    "Machines... This is new to me but does not explain your world or how you got here."


    "It sort of does because as our machines continued to grow in complexity, so did our understanding of the universe. What we could see and realize from the eyes of our creation was ever growing and at some point we discovered something called cyberspace."


    "Another word I don''t know."


    "Hmm, you can think of it as a space with no sense of direction or distance, a place where only thoughts interpreted by machines may enter."


    "It sounds like a dream."


    "As a metaphor perhaps but it doesn''t operate like one. Cyberspace is a byproduct of our repeated use of machines. As we forced them to do more and more, it eventually lead to the creation of first."


    "Wait what? That''s not right."


    "Well, I can''t confirm it for you but it is as I say."


    "So then, what am I? What am I to you?"


    "Well, I see you as Leafy the world tree spirit. Nothing should change with the way you think I think about you. You can think for yourself and that''s enough for me to think of you as being alive."


    John placed a warm hand on her cheek, the news was allot to take in for one of this world.


    "But in your world I''m just a piece of a machine."


    "Does it make you feel small and insignificant? Perhaps question the point of living? Leafy is leafy, never forget that. All of those questions are secondary when compared to the fact that you can think for yourself."


    "I see... Well it''s easier to just not believe you and think that your some crazy person. Your methods definitely are so the assumption would fit."


    "Hah, fine by me. I catch myself thinking that some days."


    "And your wings, why do they seem so natural to you? Let alone their performance. At first glance I thought they were soul accessories but the abuse and flight capability they underwent in your fight exceeds my understanding of them. They were conducting your magic, using it, as if it was a part of you."


    "I''ll be careful in the future with how I used my wings but that was most definitely an extenuating circumstance. And I''m sorry, my wings or anything related to them is not something I can''t talk about."


    "Is that so."


    "That is so."


    "Hmph. Well, it''s not really a concern of mine... In any case I heard Icarus is needing a place gather mana."


    "Yes, her acceleration crystal has been completely drained and her primary won''t make the full journey without another stop."


    "Hmm, in that case why don''t we fly and take a look around. How long will Niera be out for?" Leafy inquired.


    "Till I wake her up or about a day. Which ever comes first." John said with a smirk on his face. What he had done to Niera could be considered evil.


    "Alright, forward sweep then?"


    "That sounds-..."


    "What?"


    Leafy turned around to see what John was looking at. "A settlement? Out here? How bizarre."


    "Yes, I''m seeing signs of human culture. I suppose it might be a gypsy outpost."


    "Gypsies? I''m not familiar with the term."


    "They are Nomad-like humans carrying strong ties to those they call their kin. No loyalties to outsiders, be prepared for swindling and shrewdness."


    "They hostile?"


    "Don''t know. Want to go find out?"


    "Let''s"


    "Icarus, head for the settlement at high altitude and wait for us there. Use what you can for cover so you don''t get spotted."


    "Yes John."


    Leafy ran and jumped, opening her wings to glide towards the settlement and John followed suit, opening his own wings for a fast vertical take off.

 Ch. 23 Encountering Gypsies 1

    John took the lead with Leafy following behind and on his left like a migratory bird.


    After about 25 kilometres of flying, there was sudden movement from the outpost.


    A blue like shield dome became visible around it and a number of violet velvet clothed individuals began to file out of its main gate.


    The leading individual was a mature red headed woman with hair like silk that could carry itself in volume all the way down her back and halfway down her front. Her skin was white and slightly tanned with her lips a dark purple nearing the colour of her clothes.


    Stocking like footwear covered most of her legs and was made tighter around her thighs by 3 silver buckles. Her waist was slightly cinched much in the same way as 3 more buckles were placed there as well to make something of battle bustier. Her chest was tactfully covered in silver plating along with her fore arms. Only a single thin band containing capsules, of what John did not know, wrapped around her biceps leaving them seemingly vulnerable. Just her her waste she wore matching undergarments but it did not continue onto her thighs while a half skirt split in two did flow down from her her back to her calves.


    Strangely though was the fact that she wore a piece of fabric over her eyes. It matched her outfit and was adorned by silver threads, but that she had something purposely obstructing her vision when the rest following her did not was odd. Her followers were dressed in a similar style, though with less silver and in a way that was a bit more modest and combat practical.


    Starting from 200km out, the group closed in on Leafy and John who were watching their speed so that they matched as a means to not appear threatening. Not until a full hour had passed did they finally come face to face.


    Drawing two blades on her back, the leading gypsy stepped forward and began her interigation.


    "Who are you?"


    "I am John Ryder, this is Leafy."


    John could tell she was inspecting them even with her mask by the small movements of her head.


    "We are not ignorant of the conflicts between humans and elves, is she your prisoner?"


    "No."


    "Is he your prisoner?"


    "Pfft! Hahaha." Leafy couldn''t stop laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world. She didn''t even care that her sudden actions had brought a number of weapons from the surrounding people to bear.


    "That''s a no." John interjected.


    "So there''s an elf and a human travelling in peace these days. Maybe there is hope for this world yet."


    She withdrew her swords.


    "I am Sonya, this is my sister Kara and my brother Kon. What brings you out this way?"


    Sonya pointed to two of her people at her side respectively. They were both on edge.


    "We''re wanderers, looking to trade and hoping to resupply."


    "You are traders?"


    John reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold coin, flicking it over.


    "Will this suffice as a tariff?"


    Sonya passed it to Kon who took a closer look before returning it to Sonya''s hand who now had a mischievous smile.


    "This is a fake, so it does not."


    John tossed over 4 more, bringing it to five. They were not fake but neither was the first.


    "No, this won''t do. What else do you have on you?"


    She motioned for a group of individuals to step forward, intending to check.


    John started releasing low levels of mana which triggered an arcane shield. A moment later he was glowing a feint purple which had the approaching individuals stop and look at Sonya.


    "Are you refusing to be cooperative?" Was all Sonya said as her people raised their weapons.


    "You are being unreasonable. What I gave you was genuine yet you called it fake and demanded more."


    "Says you."


    John talked to Leafy in a whisper, "how are you in a fight? How many can you take?"


    "They have 12 nature mages mixed in with what is around 30 people plus this leader lady. They are going to regret bringing them along so I''d say at least half."


    "Ok, then that makes this easy."


    It looked like it was going to be a fight but then John realized he had forgotten something. And that something was already here.


    John only noticed the instant before it took action.


    "rrAAAAAwrrr!" It was a baby roar from a particular skytiger that was now, just above them.


    There was a huge burst of gravitational and wind type magic from the little guy as his trajectory took him to land right on top of Sonya.


    She immediately felt it as she was brought to her knees then made to lay flat on the ground, sprawled like a pancake and feeling too heavy to lift even her pinky.


    The little guy gently landed on the mid of her back and proceeded to walk over her head. Its own head had its chin up and was swinging back and forth as if to say, ''praise me praise me, I got the bad lady.''


    No one moved as the skytiger did circles around John''s legs.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Eventually leafy pick up the skytiger to which she enjoyed so much that she forgot about maintaining her magic and released the hold she had on Sondra.


    Propped up on leafy''s shoulder the ''little'' skytiger that was half her size made every attempt to lick, leaving her tongue to run wild against leafy''s cheek.


    Leafy''s face went red as she tried not to laugh from the ticklish sensation. She could realize now that the atmosphere was pretty tense.


    "Would you like a hand?"


    John offered assistance but didn''t approach else it might appear an act of aggression.


    Slowly Sonya got up on her own, she was a bit weak in the knees though, doing everything she could to not let it show.


    Her lips were quivering and her whole body was swaying ever so slightly. Even her own people might not of noticed but John did.


    Biting her lip before she spoke, "that was... A suprise. You were right though, thinking about it again that tribute was enough. Fake or not, we don''t necessarily need to have a friend pay tribute. What do you say, care to have me buy you a drink?"


    John was sure her suddenly passive from aggressive stance had nothing to do with getting herself pawned in a single strike from a baby cub, presumably the weakest of the three as it was not with them to begin with and so young. Not! It had everything to do with that!


    "Let''s do that and sorry about my tiger, she was left behind for a reason. Guess what we gave her to play with wasn''t enough when she realized we left."


    With a nod to yet another subordinate, the subordinate disappeared. It was short range teleportation magic as it only had one array appear on the ground, craving itself out like an army of termites. A long range teleport require at least one more aerial array in addition to the one on the ground, with more coming into play as the difficulty increased.


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    Soon a much larger array appeared under everyone''s feet for which everyone was teleported.


    John''s next sight was the inside of the gypsy compound.


    Here is what John saw from above. Moulded from the ground, via magic, were a series of rock like square buildings. Doorways cut the walls and stairs were built into its side for access to second floors.


    That said, and with all the buildings nearby, it was odd that the area was empty.


    "This area is a plaza, it spacious design gives up a fair bit of room for mass teleports. When we are out, it remains clear to avoid getting non-combatants caught in the array."


    "No worries here. It just seemed odd by the architecture."


    "That''s good. If you can follow me, I can get you that drink and we can talk."


    It was almost right beside them and so they entered one of the buildings, just the three of them with the cub.


    Inside was a bar, or cellar, it was to hard to tell. This place had bottles of this and that lining the walls and a number of tables with their own bear spouts. It was a nightmare waiting to happen. John believed the bartender served only to shine and distribute glasses.


    It was refreshingly cool, seemingly the alcohol well maintained.


    "What would you like? First rounds on me."


    "Something dark and sweet for me and Leafy. Milk for the tiger if you have it."


    As she turned around to ask the bartender, John slipped out three pills and silently castes veiled of concealment on them.


    "It''s milk from our chimera''s so you know, virtually the same as what you find in the capital. And the drinks are from Crimson Pom Pom Furrah berries, I guaranteed its taste."


    The drink were a red mixture expanding a pink froth at its top.


    "Here, let me help."


    John grabbed leafy''s and the skytiger''s drink. He quickly dropped the invisible pills within them.


    The dark and clouded liquids masked the dissolving pills and quickly became a part of the drinks, no one the wiser.


    John took his from Sonya and did the same again.


    It was a good drink, fruity and sweet with just the right amount of alcohol to compliment a very delectable berry''s taste. If trading went well, he hoped to bring along one or two barrels of the stuff on Icarus when they left.


    "Thank you. This drink is very good."


    John could only sing his highest praises while leafy with her smaller mouth and body spent her attention on how she was going to consume it, as she enjoyed it as well. Needless to say the skytiger was enjoying her''s, already half way through it.


    "So you were looking to trade, what was it you wished to find?"


    "Artifacts, magic schematics, food, and water. Anything related to mana and surviving essentials." John kept it simple.


    "We may have a few of those things. What would you trade for them?"


    "I have gold and..."


    John reached into his pocket and pulled out a high grade healing potion.


    "Use blessed and purified water to mix with this and you can increase its volume to make a hundred times its volume in low grade healing potions. If not then you can use it as is for a grave injury. As long as someone is still alive and not suffering from a toxin or curse, it will heal them to perfect health."


    "That is... May I smell?"


    John lifted the lid and wafted it into sondra''s nose.


    "It really is a healing elixir." Sondra was surprised.


    Healing elixir was a term given to the most potent form of healing potion found to date. It was also used as slang to describe a healing potion that was highly potent which this one was.


    "So, sufficient for a trade?"


    "Certainly, one moment." Sondra walked to the entrance and waved a man in that was nearby.


    "Find elder Nero and inform him of the situation."


    "Yes!" He immediately turned around and took off at a light jog.


    She returned.


    "Well then, drink, be merry!"


    The three gave each other a clank with their glasses and took a big gulp.


    *thump*


    The sky tiger spread its legs out and dropped to the ground where it spread its limbs like a floor mat. She was fine, just content and processing her belly filled with milk.


    30 minutes later, passing with insignificant chatter, and leafy was cozying up her face with the table with her face red as a tomato.


    John was still enjoying the flavour, not effected by the alcohol at all.


    Sondra kept a straight face but her eye was twitching.


    John guessed that she was realizing that her plan had failed but wasn''t sure how. He had suspected her to try drugging them and had dropped neutralizing pills into the drinks but she didn''t know that.


    She could only sigh though as the chance for a fight was over, now that they were inside. Starting a fight against strong opponents that you did not know while at a disadvantage was unwise. It was time to give up the plans of stealing.


    A wave of her hand and the man she had sent away returned with a wooden box.


    Opening it revealed a a light blue rock pulsing in a white light.


    A moon rock. That was something Icarus could use though she would need more then one.


    "hmm, these will do. How about a hundred of these and two barrels of what we just tried?"


    "I''m sorry John but what you provided will not be enough to cover that."


    John reached inside his armour and pulled out 9 other potions to make it 10 and another potion that was half the size of the others and appearing as a pink cherry blossom flame.


    "Saying its a matter of payment rather then quantity, I''ll assume you have enough. Will this do then?"


    Sondra looked at her subordinate then back to the new bottle and then at her subordinate once more, repeating it a few times for good measure.


    The appearance of a Phoenix flame potion was unmistakable. Essentially a healing potion at its core, it could heal anything instantly while active. Where it wasn''t a healing potion was its vortex ability on the soul, keeping it bound to the body no mater what the individual suffered, and it''s ability to regenerate any organs or limbs like the heart in brain. The potion could revive the dead if the soul of the body was still lingering near it, not having entered the rebirth cycle. It''s downside though was a high level of potion toxicity that was far higher then you would get even from top quality healing potions. There was a saying, too much of a good thing can be bad, and it was here you could find such a case. The potion toxicity would be like being completely drunk and under the effect of strong full body muscle laxatives all at once.


    Needless to say, people avoided using them in combat but there were times that they needed to use.


    "Yes, this for a hundred is fair."


    Sondra was happy with the terms of the trade.

 Ch. 24 The path to a dragon knight

    Growler Draconis stood before his foe, it''s large yellow eyes with black eyes seemingly piercing the very essence of his being. Shaking, He was terrified of what was before him but that wasn''t enough to keep him down. There was a burning desire within his eyes, the desire for strength to support the weight of his guild,  Paroxysm, on his shoulders.


    The fear was to be expected though, this was a dragon, a member of a race whose bloodline was considered the deadliest of all with a few exceptions. The unyielding scales, command of the sky, enormous magical reserves, the size to crush the ground with its weight, and of course the signature breath attack that could immediately change the course of battles with its release.


    This was a flair dragon, a fire dragon with emphasis on fast attacks and strong burst-like attacks. At the class of an adult, it was no laughing matter and with burst capabilities it only made it worse. Growler was one of the warrior classes, a two-handed magic swordsman. This meant he had large, slow and infrequent attacks that were hard to execute on nimble targets, like this flair dragon. Furthermore, focusing on offence and speed left him with little to withstand the dragon''s attacks and trying to deflect the flames with a sword was simply, a bad idea.


    "Enter the void and become the essence of space and time, spatial blade."


    "A tempest will begin as a gentle breeze, slipstream movement."


    Growler''s sword turned black while air currents began circling around him.


    Leaping forward he struck out at the dragon, looking to land a strike. It struck, carving its tip into a few scales away from his intended target. It''s body had only been scratched by the effort and it was already retaliating.


    It''s stomach grew and a ball of fire was released from its mouth at a mind boggling velocity, it either was insane or full of trust as the dragon''s body was going to get hit. And by normal speeds he would of been struck but as he had slipstream movement magic active he was just barely able to evade, setting the pace of this match up in the process.


    The dragon was unfazed by its own attack and followed up with more in rapid succession, firing its balls of exploding every few seconds with no signs of slowing down.


    Growler pushed it, dodging each and every one of them while coming back around for his so far, inaccurate strikes. Neither seemed in danger of dying but Growler was going to reach his limit far sooner than the dragon at this rate.


    Taking a chance Growler jumped and grabbed at the protruding spine, daring to hang on to the beast at a more accurate strike.


    Not liking something on its back the dragon turned its flexible neck and fired with open jaws. Moreover, while firing, it flew to the ceiling of its lair, not even bothering to look as it crashed through hanging  stalactite.


    The back of the dragon was soon a festering mess of lava as the melted rock rolled down its back. Growler had barely managed 3 measly strikes before he had to let go.


    The dragon didn''t let him go as he pleased though as it sent a whip down its spine so that a part of itself, Growler included, was driven deep into the ceiling above.


    Growler not yet off the dragon caught a part of it and was dragged through solid rock.


    The dragon sensed weakness and opportunity, pressing itself on for an even stronger rush of attacks.


    But growler hadn''t given up and as the dragon came close he slashed.


    Finding a gap in the scales, Growler slid his blade under the eye and delivered his first real cut to the dragon. Immediately he pushed off before he ran into the part of the dragon covered in magma.


    The dragon had felt pain. It did not like pain. It did not like receiving pain from what it thought was a cockroach, and still did.


    The dragon stopped its onslaught of fireballs and inhaled greatly, it''s stomach growing to twice, no thrice  larger than before and growing.


    Growler did know what it was but he wasn''t going to let it do as it pleased and came at it again. But it was too late to stop it as the dragon launched a fireball greater than any before it straight to the floor''s center.


    It went off like the bomb it was and nearly deafened Growler''s ear in the process.


    There was not enough firepower for the explosion to strike Growler in this area but that wasn''t its purpose as cracks began to form. Those cracks propagated and enlarged.


    The dragon suddenly dived where it had struck. The result? It''s weight and impact made all the cracks open wide, wide enough to shoot lava from streams flowing underneath.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Growler couldn''t dodge as tiny bits of lava were launched to every corner of the cave.


    "Agh!!!!"


    The next moment the flair dragon looked his way and fired again and again.


    It was Growler''s end.


    ***


    Mitch Brumal woke screaming, his body remembering the feeling of fire before being burnt to ashes and ejected from first. As a penalty he would not be allowed to re-enter first for 22hrs and would find his character at a respawn point when he  did. The respawn points location would be determined based on past accomplishments and would recover his body to perfect health.


    It was an irrelevant point though as the pain subsided, by not actually being real to him anymore. This was his first try at becoming a dragon knight and it had come to a miserable conclusion of failure.


    He could of course try again but between now and that day, he had much training to accomplish.


    There was a reason that the dragon rider class was one of the hardest classes to acquire.


    First you had to acquire a seal at random from monsters. It was very rare and hard to come by, requiring essentially a maddening weak monster killing spree. Once acquired and placed on the body it would give you a unique tracking skill that could be used to vaguely locate a dragon''s whereabouts. This time it had been fire so by going near fire, it would flicker as if pushed by wind in the direction of an adult fire dragon.


    Once found, the adult dragon had to be killed by an individual. If this was accomplished, the dragon instead of disappearing and leaving behind crystals, would revert to a dragon egg. This was why it needed to be at least adult as anything younger would not undergo the process. It was by far the hardest step as all that was left was raising it which, if you weren''t the world¡¯s worst parent, would hatch and fully grow into its adult form within a month to become a loyal mount.


    But Growler had failed, that meant getting stronger so that he stood better chances and finding another seal. It would be a long journey.


    The door to his room was swung open with, so much force that it bounced off the wall and returned to close itself. Though, it was not before Amy could slip through as she rushed to Mitch''s side.


    "Mitch! Mitch! Are you alright? What was that scream?"


    "*cough* I''m. Alright. *cough cough*"


    "Like hell you are. Dammit, what the hell were you doing!"


    "Taking a shower."


    "Taking a shower?"


    "It was a very hot shower."


    "Argh, you idiot! Whatever, don''t tell me. I''m only the vice-guild leader. Things like, what is guild leader doing? Are apparently not my concern."


    Amy starred at Mitch, a stare exceeding the intimidating feeling from a flare dragon.


    "Fine! Enough with the scary eyes. I was hunting a flare dragon. I managed to find one but failed to take it down."


    "Why would you hunt a flare dragon, by yourself no less. Are you an idiot."


    "Maybe, but that is just what it needed to do. Our guild is not the strongest one out there. If I don''t get strong, we will get pushed around."


    "Idiot confirmed. You are not alone you know. We can help you."


    "It was the dragon rider quest."


    Amy''s perked up at the mention of dragon rider then she began smacking her head against the side of his VR pod.


    "So how close did you get?"


    "I cut it under the eye once, but it wasn''t where I was aiming. That an a few scratches on its hide."


    "That''s scary,  I know how strong you are and that''s all you managed?"


    "It caught me by surprise when it attacked the ground and spewed lava everywhere but even then, the difference was clear, there was no way I was winning that fight."


    "*haa*"


    Amy got up and walked over to a sink and grabbed a cloth, wetting it.


    Coming closer she began wiping off the sweat from Mitch. "I''ll say it again, you are not alone. How can we do nothing when our guild master is doing this much to get stronger for the guild."


    After cooling him off Amy helped him out of the pod and onto his bed.


    "Get some sleep, tomorrow is a new day."


    Amy seeing he was fine now left his room, a face of stone hard determination plastered on her face.

 Ch. 25 Tia Rose

    In a cute pink t-shirt that said ''hug me'' underneath the picture of teddy bear''s smiling face with snow white spandex hot pants and bare feet, Tia Mayway worked. Her hair was kept out of her face by a head band matching her pants as she got on her hands and knees to work on a special VR pod.


    Unlike commercial pods, this one was solely Nexcom property and as such, as a member of Nexcom''s research division, was her''s to do with as she pleased.


    So there she was, pulling this wire and that wire to the point that she was looking to be a part of the machine itself. She almost got herself permanently tangled a few times but every time she came close, her small body came through for her to wiggle free.


    It was a mess but more to the point was the reason for all this as she attempted to wire up a small mainframe to the pod. By doing this her pod would be able to enter First normally but would be doing so with an AI she created called bear bear, that was contained in the mainframe.


    Having an AI in your head was a complete cheat but she didn''t care. She needed an edge to get strong quickly and bear bear was it. Plus she didn''t like the idea of going in alone... not that would admit it.


    Once she was strong she could explore First, and look for signs. It was the idea of a certain someone.


    Fact is, no one could get close to the 8 AI''s right now, it was physically impossible. That left only one place to look to find answers, First.


    There was a chance they could be found in First, maybe, it was the only other contact the AI''s had but those same AI''s were not built to interact with First. This left scientists skeptical and unwavering in their belief that the AI''s were contained within their compound and simply isolated.


    Tia wasn''t so sure. There might not be a back door at all but if there was one, it would be in First. There was just no other place the AI''s could possibly go even though she knew they could not access it.


    She knew that. Right?


    Tia''s heart played dryer spin cycle 4000 in her stomach. She was so sure of something but at the same time a passing thought kept resurfacing to tell her something was off, something wasn''t right.


    Regardless, it was time. Tia resolved herself and entered the pod.


    The capsule roof slid up and the insides glowed blue as the machine did a full scan of her and bear bear.


    It did not reject them as Tia''s consciousness drifted away to her first experience in first.


    ***


    With a startling start, a Tia rose entered First. It was a name she already had assigned to her through Nexcom should she choose to enter First, it was reserved indefinitely.


    Tia was wearing a starter set of gear consisting of a shabby short summer dress and had 10 silver to her name. She was also the spitting image of herself in the real world. It was to be expected though, your character was built upon the image you have of it in your head. Character customization was something you did after character creation by various means not readily available.


    It was the first time Tia got to appreciate what they had made first hand. It was seemingly flawless, expansive and beautiful. She knew she was here for work but a small spark of fun flickered inside of her at the chance to be here.


    "Bear, status"


    A transparent blue interface came to life, much like virtual interfaces found in the real world.


    On it was a map of the area with markers over the areas that had sites of interest, like a recognized art piece or store.


    Tia poked one of the stores on the map and a line was added to her vision on the ground. She was what one could call a noob but a noob with an AI in her head and a virtual interface.


    First she needed a weapon, a few in fact.


    Finding the store for weapons, she walked in.


    "Hello there missy, what can I do for you?"


    In front of her was a young boy, seemingly younger then herself.


    "Sword, daggers, other things."


    Tia''s AI was already sizing up the weapons on display, measuring the length, handles and gleam. Tia saw it as a blue outline with text boxes connected over them, stating prices and various other facts Tia might find useful.


    "Well, let me have-"


    He was cut off mid-sentence as Tia started pointing, the AI already helping to inform her what was best.


    "That, that, that and 10 of those."


    "Ah? Ok, well if that''s what you want."


    The boy barely got to speak and didn''t feel too good about it but he still kept his smile, a customer was a customer. Grabbing what she wanted from the display he brought them down and out on the checkout table.


    "That will be-"


    Tia dropped 5 silver on the table.


    "-5 silver."


    The AI had already informed Tia of their worth by observing its surface. By the surface, one could tell the quality of the metal and its forging, though that was only supposed to be a skill for seasoned players.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Almost as soon as she arrived she left with a sword, some daggers and a miniature crossbow she could fit to her wrist.


    Next was the armour shop and it went the same way as she left 3 silver and gained a set of armour. It was black while made of leather and cloth.


    She looked somewhat like a ninja.


    In a few more stops she picked up a carving knife, small axe, anvil, rolling pin, a bundle of wicks, flint, cloth, oil, and whetstone. All of them were recommended by the AI at the best price.


    Slipping them into her tiny newly born soul realm, she was ready to leave.


    It was a beginner area that Tia stepped into but it soon became a graveyard. She expertly, with the help of the AI, struck vital organs on every monster that approached her, striking them down with one strike time and time again. The foxes fearsome looking wolves were but babies before her efficiency. They eventually got the fear debuff from her actions and ran away at the sight of her, even then some of them didn''t flee in time and were struck down.


    Of course there were other beginners in the area too that seeing this wanted to approach but without her skills, could not follow as what she killed replenished not long after. Tia was taking a straight line path through the monsters to the tree line in the back that was simply impossible to cross with new monsters flooding overtop it.


    That day a local legend was born at how fearsome the beginners that started here were. Lots of guilds would take note of this in the future and pay much attention to the beginners starting in the town.


    However, Tia was oblivious to the theatrics of her actions and just kept blazing across. But she entered the tree line, she was gone from everyone''s sights likely never to see them again.


    There was a place Tia wanted to go, called the fountain of regret. By reaching it there would be an opportunity to gain tremendous strength but only if you knew how. Tia knew how.


    And so a journey began taking days where she did nothing but play, sleep and eat.


    She never strayed from the blue line showing the way and found many uses for her tools.


    Timed explosives made from carved wood and ground plants, her whetstone kept her cheap sword and tools functioning, the flint and axe came in handy for fires and shelter, she even skinned her kills for meat, leather and bones for a bow. She ''knew'' how to do everything and kept progressing just like that.


    Eventually she found her destination, a cave with a cold chill emanating from it. That cold wasn''t something stopped by clothes and anyone not knowing what it was might of runaway right then and there in fright.


    Tia however, pushed on.


    Inside she found a well of mystic design for it was overflowing but not flowing down. The well carved from rock had water running over its sides but then had it running up the walls.


    It was a bizarre sight to be sure.


    Tia cleared her throat.


    "I, Tia Rose, have come for Sakura the black shadow to fulfill her wish, to cleanse her regret."


    Yes, Tia was reading a script prompted to her by bear bear. There was no way she could have said those words on her own accord.


    The water boiled but did not steam.


    "A pink long haired vixen popped her head out of the water and rested herself by the elbows at the edge of the well."


    "You know of my regrets and would carry them?"


    "I do."


    "Then state them and your qualifications for carrying them."


    "I will restore the former glory of Sakura and because," Tia slashed somewhere in the air and as a result, a few strands of hair drifted off of Sakura''s head, "I''m not giving you a choice."


    "Hahahahaha, little one, your looks aren''t bad and you dare to threaten Sakura of the night? The one who, in one night, made a country forever silent. I like you.


    This puddle of water has sufficiently bored me, I will grant you my strength. From hence forth you shall be known as Tia Rose, the will of Sakura."


    There was a surge of power within the cave. The cold was pushed back and replaced with a feeling of warmth yet at the same time ominous and suppressing.


    In this time, Tia underwent some small changes as a lock of her hair turned pink and a ring of red formed around her irises. It was minor but she was clearly different than before.


    Then, the cave felt empty, not a trace of anything remaining. The process was complete.


    Tia walked out and slash open air once more upon the entrance of the cave. It was silent and nothing happened but then, the cave collapsed and the mountain it had been a part of shifted a little to the right.


    This was the power of Tia Rose, will of Sakura.

 Ch. 26 Encountering Gypsies 2

    Going back John had finished his business with Sondra who was very pleased with the arrangement.


    The trade had gotten much larger as she offered the recipe for his drink, and the ability to sell it without royalties. This in addition to more moon stones and some seemingly junk artifacts he couldn''t identify had him bringing out 5 times  the medicinal payment, while throwing in a few simple recipes for low grade potions as good will.


    Gypsies were a people that rarely traded with other settlements. The distance was too far and what they could trade was attached to high transportation costs, lengthy expeditions, and untold dangers. For them to have the chance to trade within their own boarded was a god send in a way and they took full advantage of it.


    It was tense at the start but eventually the feeling was dropped so that the bar became rowdy with more drinks given to Leafy and John.


    As the day drew on, John met the residents while Leafy stayed nearby, lips deep in a 4th and 5th beverage. She was hammered the entire day, leaning on John for support, making them look like a couple.


    John wanted to leave her face planted in the dirt but that was just too mean. She also might not be able to get up at that point and leaving his companion with her head in the ground would ruin his image. No, leaning on him was the best option and at the very least she didn''t appear drunk, just comfortably enamored with John.


    A kid ran up to John during the latter part of his walk around to deliver him a potion he made himself.


    Taking it from his hands he inspected it, pouring out a drop to taste. Apparently a child had gotten ahold of the recipe and was already trying to make it.


    "Not bad, the mixture is a little strong. Try working with the water more and use less materials for a better result. Still, not bad at all."


    John passed it back along with a pat on the head for which the child was overjoyed. He ran away soon after, presumably to try again. It was the budding start of a new alchemist.


    In time, John witnessed the community come out of their hiding holes completely to return to their daily activities. They were a very simple culture, relying on many forms of magic for basic activities. Most modern cultures would have various autonomous machines, like golems, doing the laborious tasks but here, not so much. Magic puppets were easy to make but had many drawbacks regarding mana consumption and durability. Even John was flying on a ship and that counted as a machine.


    It was common to see wind magic dying clothes, fire magic used with wood to cook, earth magic for new buildings and repairing old ones, nature magic for farmland cultivation, light magic for lighting homes and stores, dark and ice magic for food storage along with many more. It was bizarre, but in a good way.


    Gatherings that lived with such a low use of magic were usually barbaric. They lived to fight and did nothing to sustain themselves other than taking what they needed from others. Those types where ones John would prefer to avoid.


    It was an enjoyable tour with good food and drink but night eventually fell. As it was a new place for John he decided to sleep there for the experience. Icarus would be fine where she was and besides, he would likely be caring Leafy in the air at some point if they packed up now. It was in everyone''s favor to leave in the morning.


    "Two rooms please."


    They found rooms at a tavern, it having the only rooms for travelers in the whole area.


    John tucked leafy into bed, her drunken state turning into a drunken slumber.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    He placed the reluctant to leave his skytiger on Leafy''s bed only to have it jump down and wrap around his leg. The cub only stayed on the bed with the fourth attempt because leafy unconsciously grabbed it. Eyes wide, the tiger could not wiggle free and eventually relented. She liked Leafy too though likely had a special place for John being that she was indirectly saved by him.


    John found comfort in his own bed.


    With leafy and the skytiger in the other room sleeping, there was nothing to disturb him. Or so he thought.


    The door closed as someone walked into John''s room. Instantly he was on alert but then realized who it was, Leafy or rather no, she was out cold and with the wings retracted, this was Niera.


    She approached quietly, her elven traits giving her a sense of inborn stealth. Had it not been the soft thudding of her armour hitting the floor, it would be hard to tell she was there. Piece by she was stripping her armour bare before John''s eyes.


    Too in shock to move, John didn''t act until she was more than halfway out of her armour. Like this she displayed even more beauty than ever before, as if carved from a flawless and pure emerald. When she crossed into the moonlight her skin absorbed it, mixed with Leafy''s energy and radiated off every part of her body. She became nothing short of an elven goddess, something not meant to exist in this realm.


    John swallowed but had to act. Leafy falling asleep must of jarred Niera awake and now, her binge drinking expedition was on Niera''s shoulders. Niera was 100% drunk.


    Getting up he hugged her, trapping her arms in place so she would stop undressing.


    Still there was one thing she could reach like that as John felt a piece of fabric drip brush down his leg.


    Now even John was embarrassed, not sure what to do. If he let her go there would be no going back and she was not helping him decide as her lips drew near his ear and with a voice far sweeter then honey said, "you never gave me the chance to repay you."


    John''s heart was racing as strong temptations tried to say it was ok to do something naughty. It''s okay they said, just have a little touch, a little taste. She''s in your arms, she''s giving herself, take her. Take her now!


    But John''s sense of reason did not turn a blind eye to her suffering. Though it was pushed to the edge of his sanity.


    John did the only thing he could think of in such an emergency and fell with her onto the bed. In his strong embrace she could not break free and stayed attached to him even after the fall.


    When he looked at her again from the comfort of a bed his temptations rose once more. It was only for a moment though as when he looked at her face again there was the small sparkle of a single tear rolling down her cheek. Instantly he knew this drunken inspired seduction was just a facade to hide everything she held inside, that she was weak and helpless while truly thankful to him for giving her hope. It was a terrible idea but drunken ideas never are, moreover she didn''t even get the chance to know she was drunk as she had woken up in the state, thanks to leafy.


    John moved his hands and held her tightly as she quivered and whimpered a silent cry. She was comforted, eventually, and fell asleep in his embrace.


    He couldn''t leave her like this nor resist the temptation of a peek if he got up, so now he was left with the big question.


    Should he pretend to be asleep when she woke up?

 Ch. 27 Encountering Gypsies 3

    John opted to not face what happened in the night by pretending to be asleep the next morning. His great idea was grabbing her and falling on the bed. He convinced himself that 1 great idea was his limit for this situation and that this was the best solution. Had he been awake for her exit he was sure he would need another and he was fresh out.


    She was not quite as she quickly put on her armour and left through the door, nearly taking it out as she did. After John could finally breath. She probably remembered some of it, as he didn''t get slapped, but didn''t know how much or particularly what.


    He got up, left the room and knocked on the door Niera-Leafy was in to which he got a panicked reply he was sure was from Leafy.


    "John! John! Quickly get in here, something is wrong with Niera, her mental state is a mess."


    John came in a hurry, finding Leafy-Niera squeezing the skytiger as if she was grounding herself in a hurricane. The skytiger was not amused but was completely helpless under ever increasing iron-like grip.


    He grabbed her at which she went limp like and then red like a tomato.


    John got the skytiger free to which it then ran behind him in fear of another cuddle session.


    Looking at them, they were completely out of sync. It was so bad that leafy could not move any part of the body anywhere at all and Niera was clearly not even trying.


    John could only say one thing. "Leafy, you are banned from drinking" for which she vigorously nodded her head. That nodding was clearly an action wholeheartedly coming from Niera in force.


    "I was fine! What''s wrong with a few drinks? If this is Niera hungover it is totally not my fault. She should have a better tolerance."


    "It''s not up for debate. No more drinking. I''ll even leverage the world seed over you if I have too."


    Leafy''s eyes went wide. "Hmph! Fine! I don''t know why you would go that far but it doesn''t look like I have a choice. Ah! She calmed down, though, not much.


    Well in any case could you put her to sleep. I can''t get on with the day like this."


    "Yes, I think that''s best for now too. You two can''t be running around like this. Hell, I don''t think you physically could."


    "Knock her out please, I want to stand up. This position is actually not comfortable."


    When she was grabbed, her position had her fall back over bent knees, legs spread wide with her arms over her head to stretch her torso.


    For a moment, John hesitated seeing the similarities between the elf in the moonlight overlapping with the elf stretched out in front of him. The thought was very stimulating but he suppressed it and put Niera to sleep.


    "Finally!"


    Leafy bounced up to her feet.


    "It''s good to be able to move again but... Oww! Hangover..."


    Served her right...


    "Can you fly?" Was John''s only question, having zero sympathy for her right now.


    "Yes, I can fly. Just let me stay by the railing when we get on Icarus!"


    "If you puke on Icarus, even by chance, I''m taking your seed and launching it at the nearest star at maximum velocity so you can play fetch."


    Leafy''s face paled after hearing such words as she believed he could with how he attacked the dark treant.


    "No need for that. No need for that. I''ll use a bucket, I''ll use a bucket."


    John wanted to bang his head into a door repeatedly but settled for getting the day over with. ''Just don''t get drunk in the first place!'' Was what he wanted to say but that wouldn''t get through her thick head or change anything.


    The day began.


    It was a quick meal to start, something new he could of appreciated on another day that wasn''t so chaotic. Then he fired his firework-like magic and called icarus down, green-white-white-white.


    It amazed everyone, especially children who had not seen anything like her before.


    Sondra came out, personally seeing them off and that everything was aboard. Seeing the ship, not even the craftiest gypsy dared to try something now, not that they would have reason to with the bountiful trades they made.


    John and his companions would be welcome there any time even though it was unlikely that he would be out in this place again. It was just that remote.


    John waved and decided to give the kids one last thing to remember him by as he went to icarus'' acceleration crystal.


    Powering the crystal himself he gave Icarus one command, full speed, and told Leafy to handle the skytiger and hang on tight.


    Icarus glowed white and then took off like a bat out of hell, easily doing at least 500 km/h shortly after accelerating. They were way out of sight shortly after and Icarus was told to slow down before she reached full speed.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.It took quite a bit out of John to pull that off but the effect, was totally worth it.


    Soon after, John logged out to get some actually breakfast as William.


    ***


    William had to sigh, that was too much stimulation for one night.


    On one hand he could do what he wanted with her then throw her off the side of the ship so she hit the ground with a splat, never to be heard from again. Hell, he could do allot worse. On the other he could do what he thought was right.


    This was the issue of having an alter ego. Some people got carried away ''being'' someone else in the world of First. They put so much effort forward to do it but as any veteran of First would say, it doesn''t work like that. The choices you make in life are built upon your experiences and lessons you''ve excepted into your heart or mind. Does anything really change when you force another factor on it, when there are already thousands there to begin with? Sure it might swerve you off your current path but over time it returns to it, moving faster as u think less.


    Could you do something bad in first? Sure! Would you regret it? Yes because it not a part of you and as you naturally corrected yourself it would hurt. It might not be obvious but it would be there, dragging your heart through the mud.


    In First or reality, you are you and you are what you make yourself to be from the moment of birth, to the day you die. Every choice will change you but as it comes from you is it a part of who you were meant to be? No one can answer that for you, that''s just another choice to make.


    William had no regrets with how he handled Niera as John. Not that he could stop thinking about it, that gorgeous elven figure enveloped by the moonlight...


    But yah, moving on...


    William ran math calculations in his head until he was sufficiently distracted to do something productive. Something like getting his breakfast!


    Getting up, he made his way to the shared kitchen on the First floor.


    Flashing his card inside, he unlocked a pan and spatula then punched in a few icons on the screen. Out rolled a freshly cloned egg, some folded bacon on small rectangular plate, that was almost too small for it, and an eggplant.


    Pulling out a knife and plate he poured out some oil and thinned it out over the plate. The counter already built for cutting was used to slice the eggplant to which it was then dipped on the plate. When the eggplant was ready, everything was thrown onto the large pan and pushed to their own little areas to cook.


    It was this he ate, simple but tasty and best of all, there was no effort on his part to clean. He simply put them back where he got them and they would be cleaned in storage, ready soon after for the next person to use it.


    In the process of cooking, John checked the news headlines.


    Avalon remains on the move!


    Advent appears over Trent, speculations are endless!


    New guild Paroxysm is on the rise, hear Amy Kite, also known as Mirajia Redknight, talk about her guild!


    Human-Elf cold war heats up! Is war imminent?


    Nexcom takes ownership of the oil company xyz!


    The Nexcom world summit convenes next week. What are the issues?


    50 year old swimmer wins his 6th Olympic gold metal in a row. Drug allegations are proven false by Nexcom scientists.


    Com 9 is out, check out what you need to know about your phone''s new features.


    Pictures are out and we have a name for the ring''s new ship, it''s huge!


    Rumours of a town birthing legendary beginners!


    William opened the headline of the article that seemed most troubling. Advent appears over Trent.


    It didn''t say much, just that the sitings were genuine having been confirmed by a large number of witnesses.


    Advent was the ship name and guild name of the, arguably, strongest guild in first. Most of the players with that guild could compete for strongest in something.


    So why was a guild like that in Trent? There should be nothing there... It was very suspicious. The Advent ship never left the frontier, it had no reason to as it was huge, maintaining itself and any facilities that might be required. It was a tenth the size of the Avalon which had built it. No ship was ever made bigger.


    He had a feeling they were looking for something big, something that should be out in the frontier, not in a tiny country.


    The whole country of Trent was likely in trouble from them being there and what they were trying to do. He just had that feeling.


    William finished his breakfast and put everything away then flicked off the news.


    For the rest of he attended his few mathematics classes and finished his homework before getting back to first.

 Ch. 28 Travels

    Days had passed after their departure from the gypsies. Since then John had been looking for a place to land. Icarus needed a sizeable body of water deep enough to support her. Her hull could not support itself if left on the ground during maintenance, something would collapse and then they would be in trouble.


    Eventually John found a nice spot, a crystal clear lake formed from an underground stream and glacier run off.


    One could see its bottom too, revealing the fact that there were no monster''s living within, making it the perfect place.


    A few creatures drank water at its edge but as they supported hooves, John wasn''t worried about being bothered by them.


    When they landed, Niera-Leafy jumped in the water while referring to something about training. Looked like she was going to practice flying underwater as flying was the fastest way to overcome their issue, more so when doing it under resistance.


    John ignored them while getting to work. He was laying down a magic array that would transfer magical energy into Icarus'' hull. From there she would absorb it into her reserves.


    Pulling out some scrolls, he rolled out some complicated designs and connected them into a single magic circle. It wasn''t complicated.


    Once laid out, John tossed on some moonstones at its center and that was it. He''d return later to replace the stones but it was just a waiting game now. As he had decided to overcharge the circle and speed the process up, they could not fly. Had they charged in flight, Icarus would not of finished before arriving at the Avalon.


    Looking around John considered this was going to be the last time they stopped before arriving at the Avalon.


    Suddenly Niera-Leafy blasted out of the water, bringing with her a torrent of water that thoroughly soaked John.


    Niera, feeling that she had done something terrible upon seeing the unintentional consequences, lost her composure. In doing so their sync became complete chaos and they fell back into the water.


    She began sinking quickly and without an inch of movement John knew something was wrong.


    Wet, his wings didn''t operate as efficiently as before but they were still plenty strong. With a single motion he was sailing through the air to where she had just gone down.


    Another push from his wings under the surface and he was able to reach.


    While he did Niera caught a glimpse of him floating down to her. It was an image in full view of his body with his wings extended and sunlight rolling off his everything. Though it was just a glimpse before she was grabbed and lurched towards the surface.


    John wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tight against his chest. Then she could feel the immense acceleration he produced, showing the clear difference in strength between her and him. Her the chick in the nest and him a guardian of the sky.


    Niera didn''t notice but her arms returned the embrace by some means in her paralyzed form. Leafy didn''t notice either for that matter but that was due to her connection to Niera''s mess of a mind.


    John pulled them up, bursting back out of the water to land back on Icarus.


    Gasping for air they coughed out the water they had stuck in their throats over the rails with great effort.


    Panting heavily, "*haa, haa,* thank you John. *haa*"


    John stayed silent but then came closer to rub her back, helping her to regain her bearings.


    "Can you still fly?" John inquired.


    "*haaaa,*" Niera-Leafy recovered. "I think so, but it''s unwise to try."


    "Well then, pick yourself up. We''re going to the air."


    "But... But..."


    John just kept staring.


    A meek "yes," was all that she could retort.


    "Your sync with Leafy is almost complete, let me help you with the last part. Flying is difficult and stressful, especially with a split mind. You cannot perfect flying without a stable mind so it is suitable for your training."


    "Ok..."


    John''s wings opened up, lifting him up into the air.


    "The exercise is simple, catch me."


    And with those words he was rocketing into the sky.


    Niera-Leafy opened her own wings, unfolding them to their fullest, and took off.


    The two of them flew fast while having no sense of direct, just the unspoken rule to stay over the lake.


    At first Niera couldn''t keep up but as time went the gap closed and she was right on his tail, which was with near absolute certainty, him going easy on her.


    Pushing herself she reached and managed a grab, his ankle falling into her hand.


    A rush of excitement filled her up as she accomplished something difficult. She had grabbed John''s ankle.


    ...


    She had grabbed John''s ankle...


    She had grabbed John...


    ...


    3. 2. 1. System failure!


    Niera''s whole body went limp while her mind became a mess again. She could only fall.


    John felt the grip and smiled for her efforts but then felt it awkwardly loosen immediately after.


    He nosed dived, making a grab for her sides to catch her in midair.


    Niera went beat red and hung her head in shame, not meeting his eyes, as John hovered with her in the air. He could feel her arms getting noticeably hotter as he kept her in the air.


    "Niera, focus. Your wings have stopped."


    She suddenly had a great urge to get away and her wings, responding to her, opening up once more. She immediately pulled away.


    "Again."


    John resumed, the gap between them increasing rapidly.


    Niera took off after him, the exercise repeating.


    But again, the situation repeated. She grabbed his ankle, she fell out of the sky, she was caught by John.


    It even happened again for a third, fourth, fifth and so on.


    Half way through the day it was still happening. This was a new type of hell for her, a hell of embarrassment.


    To struggle, to become helpless, to be saved, over and over and over. It made her heart want to break from the stress.


    Her body was an inferno by now, her face, ears and neck showing it by being perpetually red like a tomato. She in no way could hide it but John payed it no mind.


    At lunch they took a break and John replaced the depleted moonstones with fresh ones as he had been doing in intermitted intervals throughout the morning.


    During lunch John logged off to wolf down a few nutrition bars he had stacked in his room as William. In doing so he nearly choked but a bottle of water saved the day.


    Taking a few minutes to relieve some other issues, John was soon back. And while back he rejoined Niera-Leafy with their lunch, while taking the chance to enjoy his new favorite drink, the Crimson Pom Pom Furrah berry alcohol which he was now calling Crimpom for short.


    It went down well with some of the exotic meats the gypsies had parted ways with. Well, common to the gypsies, exotic to everyone else.


    John turned his glass to Niera and as a joke asked, "want some?"


    It was probably the only time he saw her not being a tomato since morning as her face suddenly went ghostly pale before shaking her head for a vigorously no. Niera washed her meal down with water.


    Back up they went.


    It was the same problem with the result of Niera falling and being saved.


    She tried and she tried to stop it but her efforts had no effect. Rather, they seemed to work against her.


    It was not until later in the day that it just happened. It didn''t feel like a switch had been turned on, just the chaos occurring between Niera and Leafy simply stopped occurring.


    Like this there would now be a barrier between Niera''s and Leafy''s consciousnesses. They were still together but if Niera felt something, Leafy had to choose to feel it too. The previous problem was that Niera could feel what Leafy felt and vice-versa, this lead to leafy feeling Niera and Niera feeling what leafy felt from her and then again continuing to endlessly increase. The concept of feeling each other without barriers simply made things a mess, polluting the mind to the point it was rendered helpless.


    In any case, Niera was happy and it was appropriate to call her that again with Leafy now forced into a back seat, mostly of observation.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Niera''s wings glowed green and suddenly she shot ahead of John. He finally had to try now, not wanting to use his faster flight mode where his wings stopped moving and began propelling himself with magic.


    She could finally, properly, fly. And not only this, Leafy''s powers were at her complete control. She could feel the new magic coursing through her.


    There was no way to resist trying it out as she spoke one word.


    "Grow."


    A green ball of light formed in her hand then left, taking a straight line path to the nearest tree. When it struck, it did just that, growing to 3 times its original size.


    Niera, having mastered Leafy''s powers was now on a whole new level of powerful.


    It was a new feeling, a feeling of warmth of security she hadn''t had before.


    John came to hover beside her.


    "Congratulations. Looks like the process is complete."


    "Yes, thank you John."


    Niera turned to face him with absolute seriousness.


    "Thank you. Thank you with everything that I am."


    "Well it''s good that it worked out and your welcome. But don''t forget about your responsibilities."


    "I never will, shall we go see her together?"


    "Not much else to do so I agree, though we need a name. I know I don''t spend much time with her but she is doing more than sleeping these days. It''s a little troubling."


    An image of the skytiger landing on Sondra popped into mind.


    "I''ll leave it to you John, I don''t feel right about naming her."


    "Then how about Aura? It¡¯s a name involving the wind."


    "It is a nice name, suits her too."


    "Then let''s call her Aura."


    When they got down, they found Aura sleeping on the alchemy bed. It had become her favorite spot.


    Her sleep was short lived however as her nose began twitching from John holding a piece of meat in the rooms middle.


    Her head poked up with eyes closed, her unconscious mind following the scent of meat.


    Opening and closing her mouth Aura chomped at the air.


    Realizing that nothing was going in, she finally woke up with a big stretch and got up.


    Sluggishly she made her way over and gently removed the meat from John''s hand, following the two outside.


    Their next location was the ships bow as Niera looked over the forward railing and out across the lake.


    John took leaned against a spot not too far behind. He couldn''t help but notice the change in her walking. Her nightmare armour had a hard sole due to the material yet she made no sound, as if she was not actually touching the deck.


    "So how does it feel to become strong?"


    "Hmm," Niera pouted her cheeks, "is this what you call strong? You''re still stronger."


    "We''re you trying to surpass me?"


    "Ah, no, that''s not it. Hmm. Ahh?" Niera became flustered. "It''s warm I guess, and comforting I guess. It''s like when I was near the princess.


    There were many times I was not near her but for the few that I was, I dedicated myself to letting myself stand between her and harm. Back then I was absolutely certain that I was up to the task but then everything went into turmoil with events and I lost that feeling.


    It''s that feeling back then, I can feel a little of it coming back."


    "Your first thought when gaining power is thinking how it could protect. It''s a good quality to have, don''t let it go."


    "I don''t think I could. Without the princess and her change in thinking, the entire elven race may be on the brink of extinction. We are strong but seeing you fight and knowing that you are human... I fear for what may come in a fight with all humans.


    If I fail, there is a real possibility that the elves will perish."


    "Are you elves really so short sighted as to start a war that might lose them everything over purity?" John asked perplexed by the elves thinking.


    "Yes, we are not like the humans in this way. Our long lifespans give us an unwavering temperament. Human''s would call it stubbornness but for us that have lived longer and experienced more of life, death holds less weight in our minds.


    What does hold weight is doing what''s right. An elf''s mind will not change without better reasoning of what''s right and a person worthy of saying it."


    "You elves sure do have a simple way of looking at things."


    "For better, or more likely, worse, it is our way."


    "Do you believe in the elves staying pure and doing what they do."


    "I disagree with the genocide, that much is certain. But as to the other parts of it I do not know. My role is that of the princess'' shadow maiden and I am content with it. Such as it is, the role does not include those thoughts."


    "I think you should consider such things. The future is always uncertain and your opinion might matter one day."


    Niera turn to look at John seriously.


    "I''ll consider it."


    "That''s good." John moved back a bit and replaced some moonstones.


    When John returned there was a long pause until Niera spoke.


    "John, what will happen when we reach the Avalon?"


    "Nothing extravagant, I was originally going to it for a supply drop to increase funds and lighten the load Icarus. Though now I''ll also be meeting a friend. She has her own agenda though and is quite busy so I doubt it will be long."


    "She? You¡¯re going to see a girl?"


    There was surprise and a hint of concern in her voice.


    "Hmm? Yah, I guess. She''s a leading figure of a guild called paroxysm. Since I told her I was a scout, I think she just wants to say hello."


    "You... a scout? That makes no sense."


    "Well, you would say that after seeing me fight and fly but in just talking it''s pretty easy to pass as one.  All that''s needed is to say you can see far and it also explains me moving around so much in remote areas. Scouts are usually inclined to exploring and mapping new locations."


    "But why bother?"


    "The short answer? I like my freedom. I''m not the strongest or most valuable person in the world but I could still be an asset to someone. An asset or a threat."


    John began chanting. "Day and night, become my ally and hide what must not be seen, twilight mirage."


    John''s wings seemed to disappear into thin air, no they really disappeared. There was no trace of them at all, his wings that had been hanging over the side were gone.


    "John! What did you do?!?"


    "Ah, calm down. It''s just a powerful illusion spell, my wings are still there but contained in their own dimension."


    "Huh?"


    "Well, I''ll be doing it on the Avalon and rather you not get surprised by it and make a scene. It''s my other reason for being called a scout."


    "Ah? You¡¯re not going to tell me why then? It seems Leafy asked already."


    "She did and I''m sorry but my answer remains the same."


    "It''s okay, I won''t ask and respect your wishes. I owe you too much."


    "I don''t like the idea that you keep it due to a feeling of owing but appreciate it none the less."


    "I owe you my everything John, and although I don''t know what''s around the next corner, I do not despair and have hope. You saved me, then even still gave me Leafy, powerful armour suited to my task, and are taking me towards my goal. Please, never have guilt for I am happy to repay this debt."


    "Haa, do what you want then." John sighed at her determination.


    "I will and it includes repaying kindness with kindness."


    Niera looked at John with a warm smile then reached for him. His heart skipped a beat in shock but as he found her hand reaching for his absent wings he settled down.


    "Can you teach me this skill? I think it best if I didn''t stand out as well." Niera inquired.


    "That would be impossible but, ah! yes. It''s not a difficult skill."


    Beautiful girls had a hard time staying out of the limelight.


    So as night came John explained the theory behind it, how it was done using a light and dark spirt and how to invoke it. The two created a twilight boundary between each other that created the dimension while also acting to make ones appearance natural in absence of what it hid.

 Ch. 29 Before Avalon

    It was William seeking out Amy this time, finding her with the shy Jennifer clinging to her shirt.


    Was she an accessory now? Like a hand bag? William ignored it, not wanting her to answer that or get involved.


    William spoke first.


    "Amy! How are you?"


    "William! It''s nice to see you and I''m well thank you. Something I can help you with?"


    "No, not really, just wanted to  let you know that I''ll be arriving at the Avalon soon."


    "Oh? That''s great to hear. We are returning to the Avalon constantly so I''m sure we''ll meet. I''ll leave a message with a way to contact me at the guild center and let the, know to expect you."


    The guild center was a branch office of an entity known as the guild hall. Anyone that registered as a guild did so through them and could use their services. This way the human kingdoms could keep track of numbers and some sense of their capabilities. They got useful communication services in regards to each other, requests and reputation while the human kingdoms got data.


    Of course, where a powerful organization stood firm in the light, another would rise to face it from the shadows. That was the brotherhood, a place for guilds with sinister motives to have the same privileges and aid, with a few twists. It was for the human''s you would find in backlit alleys and other shady places.


    "Well, that''s appreciated then." William gave his thanks.


    He went to take his seat, a lecture was about to start.


    Unfortunately the one who found a seat next to him was a small girl in a hoody with something poking into its top like triangles.


    ... It was Addy, self-proclaimed beast queen blood of First AND Earth...


    He chanced a glance at her and found her already staring back, growling...


    It was low and quiet but still audible to his ears.


    "*grrrrr*"


    William immediately began a mantra in his head.


    ''Please don''t make a scene, please don''t make a scene!''


    But then he felt her hand creep onto his arm, hiding her approach to others by leaning into him and making it hard to see.


    Ouch!


    She had curled her hand and was digging her nails into him.


    Ow! Ow! Ow!


    William responded by taking his other arm across and placing his hand on hers. As he did he clamped down, squishing her hand against his forearm, making it unable to move.


    Addy tried to yank her hand free but failed. She was definitely a fast and nimble girl but physically strong? Not so much.


    Her solution was to attempt it again with her spare hand, only to have William snatch it as well and press both her hands against his forearm.


    She couldn''t get her hands free. William''s large hand had trapped them in place. Without jumping around, she could only stare daggers at him now.


    Now what Amy saw behind them was a small hooded woman leaning into William, grabbing his arm, William grabbing her hands then seeing her glare intently into William''s eyes.


    Needless to say it left some misunderstandings.


    To the oblivious Amy, she thought she had just found William''s girlfriend. And like any girl, couldn''t keep her curiosity in check to determine who it was.


    Moving her head from side to side, aggravating everyone behind her in the process, she tried to catch a glimpse of who it might be. To her dismay though, that hoodie was far too good a method of concealment.


    Returning her focus to the lecture she was not listening to, she pondered who this mysterious girl could be. Amy, though aware of William and acquainted enough to think of him as a friend, didn''t know much about him?


    Who did he hang out with? What were his interests? When was his birthday?


    Suddenly Amy was motivated even more. She didn''t know anything so this was her chance to find something out. Her resolve was made, she would find out who this mysterious girl was and learn something about William, thereby getting to know him.


    Now, if Amy was less worked up she would of considered her intentions and implications. For the average person, getting to know someone had very different understandings then what she was trying to do. Most people would just be calling her a stalker at this point...


    Jennifer, having been taking notice of Amy''s eyes, began to sense of terror emerging from her core. Whatever Amy was planning on doing, she knew it was no good and that she was with almost certainty, going to get dragged into it.


    ***


    When the lecture finished they all got up to leave. None of them had any idea what the professor had said...


    William was still holding onto Addy, as every time he loosened his grip, she would dig in her nails so there was no way he was letting go.


    Amy on the other hand pretended to minding her own business while she secretly maneuvered to walk a distance behind them. This was her plan, to follow them until she could catch a picture of the woman''s face with her phone, then she was going to search it on the local social networks to get a name.


    Jennifer with nowhere to go but Amy''s side could only follow. She didn''t want to, she definitely didn''t want to. The last thing she wanted to get involved with was the affairs of a man.


    William on the other hand was sweating down his back and trying very hard to find a way to peacefully rid himself of the troublesome Addy.


    He could only imagine the potential rumors that might arise from a random girl acting violently towards him in a public.


    "Did you hear about that guy that got attacked by that girl in class? Yah, I heard he did something awful to her, must of been something sexual for a girl to go berserk like that."


    "Maybe he took her first time and dumped her right after?"


    "No, it''s got to be worse than that. My friend had that happen to her the other night and she didn''t go berserk."


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "Maybe, but just what could this man have done..."


    Society always pointed to the man being wrong first and people rarely cared for the actual truth when it had nothing to do with them. People listening would only hear the drama and as they subconsciously craved more, the story would distort and get even more ridiculous at the expense of those actually involved.


    Eventually it would be, "she''s pregnant with his child and he is leaving her without paying child support."


    ...


    In any case, it would be bad and William desperately wanted to find an unpopulated place to resolve this. So they left, William taking her to his place as he could think of nowhere more private.


    Taking the high speed mag train to one of the zeppelin terminals and then taking that to his residence. In doing so he spent the entire time essentially connected to Addy.


    Amy and Jennifer who made a fool of themselves trailing them saw it as romantic...


    Finally they reached his place, the standardized apartment being found all over the island in the exact same shape and size. It never looked more beautiful.


    And still Amy followed, going so far as to stake out his room when she saw the two enter. There was no way she was going home empty handed now, she would without fail reveal the identity of this girl. Though at this point it was highly likely she forgot why she was doing it.


    Still attached to her side, Jennifer just wanted to die... This was too embarrassing!


    Inside his own room, William was finally free of prying eyes.


    Releasing his grip, he immediately felt pain in his arm as her nails dug in but was soon able to grab both her wrists to bring them behind her back.


    With one hand he gripped her wrists together and stared her down.


    "What do you want and why are you trying to hurt me?"


    In her most intimidating voice which was a long way from actually being so, "You embarrassed the great beast queen blood, I will have my revenge!"


    "You embarrassed yourself... Who runs across tables on all fours and grabs other people''s fish?"


    Addy looked away.


    "I was hungry and you should be honored that it was your fish that I consumed."


    "Well I wasn''t but because of all that you are after me now?"


    "Yes!"


    Addy bit his shoulder and as a result of the shock slipped out of William''s hold on her wrists.


    Suddenly she was moving all over the place with extreme speed and agility. For her, his room may as well been a large forest for all the footholds and wall running she accomplish.


    It was impressive, if not for the sudden attacks she started launching from here and there.


    William turtled up and raised his hands in defense.


    Addy did not show any strength in her attacks but made up for it by repeating them several times. Every kick was followed by a second, every punch was repeated and aimed for a vital location.


    She was going all out, pushing herself to pick up speed and drive her limited weight through William''s defense.


    5 minutes, 10, 30, she continued her assault relentlessly. By then her breathing was rough and was drenched in sweat. William on the other hand only had some superficial bruising on his arms and sides. In a few days they would be gone with proper rest.


    More importantly what was he supposed to do with her. He couldn''t  exactly punch her in the head and try to knock her out because as annoying as she was, he didn''t want to hurt her like that. Call it idiotic, but doing that just wasn''t in him.


    He needed a better method.


    Meanwhile Addy kept at it, she was determined to break his defense even though it wasn''t faltering and that she was running on fumes. It didn''t escape her notice that her lungs and muscles were burning and that she was making small mistakes in her fighting form that were increasing in frequency.


    "Feel Beast Queen Blood''s power!"


    Ok, William had enough.


    Her proclamation attack was full of openings, she was getting tired and those words were likely to just to psych herself up for an attack.


    William dropped his defense and moved.


    She wasn''t ready for it at all, having too much momentum, and fell right into his trap. Against an opponent that was vastly superior in strength, it was fatal to give them an opening to use it.


    William''s hand reached around her as he side stepped her approach. It hit her square between the shoulders to guide her against the wall. He followed up by crossing her arms behind her back and making sure she was securely pinned.


    "Enough of this."


    William reached for her tail and pulled.


    "Eeeeaaahh!" Addy let out a high pitched squeal of pain and surprise.


    William witnessed a white silky material attached to her tail rise up above her waist line. He also felt her entire being lift off the ground.


    At that moment Addy gave up, tears welling up in her with tiny sniffles coming from her nose, adding to her still heavy breathing.


    In pity, he decided to let her go to which she almost crumbled to the floor, leaving William to catch her again.


    Now William was at a loss as to what he should do. For now he got her up  and put her on his bed. It was a more comfortable place then laying her on the floor.


    "*sniffle* *sniffle*"


    She just kept crying, letting her entire body go limp.


    William trying to do something, sat on the bed and gave her head a petting.


    She stiffened a bit at his touch but then released, not resisting his touch and letting her sniffles slow down by a little.


    Addy cried and cried until she fell asleep.


    William left her like that, getting his work done while she was out and leaving going back into First for later. A later when a sleeping cat girl was not in his room.

 Ch. 30 Welcome to the Avalon

    Addy having left on her own accord without a word, allowed John an opportunity to enter First. She seemed off and walking a little awkward but it wasn''t for him to interfere. He was just glad she was increasing her distance away from him.


    It was finally time to take the last gate which would take them to the Avalon.


    With Niera and Aura at his sides and the Icarus avatar on his shoulder, John raised an arcane shield that encompassed the ship.


    This was the task that signalled the time to leave, Icarus creeping forward into the cloud in anticipation of what laid beyond.


    Niera since now having a stronger body due to leafy, no longer required the assistance of the leaf John gave her to breathe but still kept it. Aura as well was fine, she was growing fast these days and as one of the skytigers traits was tolerance to changes in air pressure, it was tolerable.


    Aura, though growing, wasn''t much bigger then when John first met her. Most of her growth was on the magical side so there wasn''t a reason for her size to increase.


    The winds howled, as always it was hard getting used to that noise.


    It didn''t last long and what met their eyes upon exiting was a ship at least the size of a large Earth mountain.


    Niera''s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when she realized she wasn''t staring at the side of a mountain but a section of a ship.


    Yes, the Avalon had parked relatively close to the gate''s exit, making it impossible to see it in its entirety from their position.


    Though it wasn''t a time to get a good look at the ship as flying manta ray mounts and their riders approached, one dismounting onto their deck.


    "Identify yourself and state your business with the Avalon."


    He was human, a brown haired male with hazel eyes with the average physical features matching someone from Germany.


    "I request that the information asked be unattained and permission to access a personal dark port." John replied, already having prepared his words.


    "Understood, you are aware of the circumstances and costs associated with what you''re asking?"


    John took out a ball of gold the size of his fist, "I believe this shall be sufficient?"


    "That it is, please proceed slowly, we will guide you into your port." And with his words he turned around to return to his mount.


    "Understood, thanks for working hard as usual." John said to his back as he moved away.


    The rider just waved him off as he left to rejoin the others and form a flying formation.


    Soon there were 14 riders in a crystal-like formation around Icarus, 4 above, 2 on either side and one for front and back with a 15th out ahead of them all to lead the way.


    Icarus moved with them slowly, giving Niera and John ample time to enjoy what they could see of the ship.


    What they could see of the ship was a wall. It had a dark grey metallic lustre to it and covered in a plain fashion most of what they could see. Besides that there were a number of overhangs, some supporting armaments, others just being longer with the occasional mount rider and small craft exiting. Some were just there with no determinable purpose.


    That''s all they saw as for an hour they travelled to their intended location while looking at nothing else. The only semi-exciting thing that happened was a black ship similar in size to Icarus pulling into a hanger beside him.


    It was an odd ship. There was no visible deck on it with its form coming off as the cross between a beetle and a scorpion.


    The ship had two horizontal claw-like apparatuses at its front while a third claw extended from its back in a forward curve. It was likely more complicated than that but by design, its black colour and shape made taking a closer look from afar impossible. Light simply did not reflect off its surface. One couldn''t even see an engine trail at its back; it was just a rounded bump.


    John didn''t know who captained that ship but he or she was definitely a figure in power. The Avalon didn''t typically build stealth attributed ships and if they did, it would cost the same as a medium sized kingdom... There was also the possibility that the Avalon didn''t build it which would imply many things.


    Either way, what John could take from this was that a very expensive ship and someone with the funds to afford it was in the hanger next to him.


    Icarus pulled into her directed place that was overtop a large magic array of the gravity array. Once activated, Icarus would be kept in place by it while magic driven devices targeted her with active shields and weapons. It was to keep the unknown guests behaving.


    They usually did when knowing that their ship, which amounted to an enormous worth, could be destroyed at a moment¡¯s notice without the slightest chance of retaliating in the process.


    As Icarus came to a stop, John soaked a fine piece of meat with a white odourless liquid and gave it to Aura.


    Chomp chomp choooooomp chhhoooo.... Aura passed out.


    John looking to Niera who was a bit concerned, "it is a hibernation potion, she''ll been fine after an antidote but for now she''ll be sleeping like a log for a long while. Her metabolism and bodily functions will make it like 30 days pass as one for her so don''t worry. She''ll be fine and it is much preferable to the possibility of her getting startled and causing trouble. If that happened, they might start firing on Icarus.


    Icarus, watch over Aura please."


    "Yes John, be safe."


    "In this place? I''ll try." John was half serious when he said that. The Avalon was plenty dangerous if, even by accident, got on her bad side.


    "I¡¯ll trust your words then and follow your lead John."


    "Hmm, that''s fine but, this is the Avalon. You should really consider your options in approaching the elder red dragon."


    "I will, it''s just I don''t know anything about this place, about humans."


    "Well, the guild hall will be a good start. There are allot that use it for gatherings and practically all news and notifications go through it. I''ll take you there since I''m going anyways but let me take care of something here first."


    John waved over a hostess. There was one in his hanger as part of a service for individuals paying top dollar for services. It never hurt to put on the charm for a few more coins when you knew the customer had lots of them.


    The hostess was in a scarlet back revealing red dress and black heels while being adorned in various gems. It was a very classy and professional look meant for red carpet ceremonies. She wasn''t bad looking either but when compared to Niera, she just didn''t measure up.


    "Yes esteemed guest, may I be of assistance?"


    John pulled out a small roll of paper the size of a pen.


    "This needs to get to captain Rak. He is going to want to read its contents as soon as possible."


    "Certainly, it will be delivered promptly. Would it be accompanied with words as well?"


    "Tell him to get off the chair and read it now, that it''s important."


    "Ah? Would you have me using those exact words or may I be so bold to say that I might deliver their intent."


    "No, as is. He seriously won''t get off his chair and I need him to read this."


    "I hear and obey. Would there be anything else?"


    "No, this is plenty. I will be back later to deal with the contents of my ship."


    "Understood. I will be off then to deliver this message. Another will be arriving shortly to take my place here. Should you require any services, she will be more than willing to assist. Really, anything at all."


    At those last words John felt a shiver down his spine while Niera got annoyed and defensive for reasons she didn''t understand. Though with this, their business in the hanger was concluded and John began the long journey to the branch of the guild hall that was on the Avalon.


    Finding themselves at his rear was a young girl escorted by a man and 2 women to her rear and sides respectively. The girl was mostly covered by a black scaled outfit totally inappropriate for her age. It was similar to Niera''s but did not have a core anchored at its centre and ran up over her neck, stopping when it covered her nose.


    Most peculiarly was the red rings around the irises and the lock of pink hair that drifted in front of her face, separated from her long chocolate brown hair that was back in a pony tail.


    The other 3 had different armour, theirs being somewhat more traditional in terms of how armour was made.


    They were made of leather and standardized, the man and woman wearing the same, just in different sizes. Forearms, wrists, chest, back, the sides of the stomach, shins, thighs, and feet were what was protected were connected with black cloth. Then aside from the armour, each had a sword at their back, a belt and a number of small throwing weapons socketed straight into the leather.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    John didn''t like the idea that such a group was behind them but even then still snuck a few glances at the bizarre group.


    Unfortunately it did not go unnoticed.


    "Advert your eyes peon!" One of the woman declared.


    "Huh?" John was taken by surprise, his brain stalling from her suddenly hostile attitude.


    Then the woman approached, sword drawn.


    "You have sullied my lady with your eyes. Pay for it with your life!"


    But before she got close it was Niera that acted, performing a vertical split that had her foot connecting with this woman''s jaw.


    *boom*


    The woman was tossed in the air and slammed unconscious into the corridor''s wall.


    John raised an eyebrow, not for the scene that transpired but because of how quickly and decisively Niera had acted.


    The second woman was about to follow the first but was then held by her neck by the little girl which turned into a throw that sent her back. The throw was even stronger then Niera''s kick, sending her now unconscious body a long ways down the corridor.


    The little girl turned to the man behind her, who was twitching and waiting to make his move. She just stared at him, his face of defiance watching her and then accepting her wishes that were against his own.


    "As you wish."


    The man grabbed the unconscious woman lying indecently against the wall and headed back the way they came, without the little girl.


    The little girl turned to John.


    "Sorry. Minions. Stupid."


    John looked to Niera.


    "Niera, you alright?"


    "Hmm? Yes, I am fine."


    Niera and John returned their attention to the little girl as John spoke.


    "Well no one on our side was hurt but I''d advise against actions like these or you''re going to attract something big and gnarly."


    Just as he said that, the three escorts that had been leaving were seen again. This time they were coming back fast and in the air, not of their own accord.


    From where they were coming a deep and loud voice emerged. "Who are you calling big and gnarly?"


    There was a flash of blue light just as the 3 individuals sailed by John. It was too fast to react to but at the same time John could feel the floor shake and scream.


    As he turned around there was a huge man barely fitting his large frame into the corridor. He was in process of bending back the metal on the floor he had just punched through.


    "See if I just bend it back like this, it''s like I''ve done nothing wrong."


    One of the splinters he was bending snapped, having gone through too much abuse.


    "...Almost nothing. Haa... Why is everything I punch so weak."


    No one spoke and just starred.


    "Well no matter, I''ll just get some workers to replace the floor and put earplugs in when they complain about it. Problem solved."


    Still  no one spoke.


    "So what do we have here? John, I know you, don''t know who''s with you and a little girl with strange followers."


    "Captain Rak, it''s been awhile." John finally spoke.


    "That it has. Come to sell the Icarus? I''ll gladly take her off your hands. She would make a fine addition to the fleet. I hope you''ve been treating her well."


    Captain Rak changed his focus to the little girl, "and you little missy. What the hell do you think you''re starting on my ship?"


    The girl went to move just before Rak turned blue and appeared behind her.


    "Oh ho, that''s some observation skill you have there to be observing teleport but your movement is pretty awkward when getting out of the way. Haha, keep at it missy and you''ll be strong one day. But as for causing trouble... Don''t let it happen on my ship."


    Captain Rak''s last words were deadly serious and they should always be taken to be so. He was an entity bound to the fate of the ship and capable of displaying enormous power generated directly from the ship''s core. To face him on the Avalon was likely to be a death sentence for anyone, including John.


    The captain soon after lost interest in what was happening at his arrival.


    "John, was what you reported accurately?"


    "It is, you can be assured that the mana source did not originate from the elves."


    "Good, elves don''t make good punching bags so I''d rather ignore them."


    John sighed inwardly... This captain''s attitude towards everything was too weird. He was like a dog, super attentive until a squirrel ran by... Then all hell broke loose as he went to chase it. Tossing around a few bodies and making a hole in the floor was extremely moderated for him.


    That mana signature probably got him excited but as it wasn''t the elves, there wasn''t any reason to engage in conflict. And even he wasn''t stupid enough to go chasing a third party in the middle of the nations without his own research and preparations.


    He was on the side of humans after all and the Avalon leaving would make a huge hole in the defences.


    Furthermore John had mentioned just how strong it was.


    In the event the Avalon faced it directly, the dark treant could engage by launching itself at the ship. John hadn''t seen its full size and that it was at its core, a plant, meant it had the means to latch onto the Avalon.


    A large hostile forest growing on the ship would never be expelled before it did irreparable damage to the ship.


    Though it should be noted that John didn''t say anything about the seed he carried. In his notice to Rak were just the descriptions of the dark treant and its course. That information he kept to himself.


    "Alright, looks like everything is fine now. John, come see me about Icarus if you ever change your mind. Missy... You''ve been warned."


    Captain Rak disappeared in a flash of blue light.


    John sighed in relief. Like a hurricane he had come and gone.


    Why couldn''t he just stay away... Things got destroyed when he was around. Though while his presence was unwanted, it couldn''t be denied.


    "Hey, you alright?"


    John looked to the girl thinking her mind would be in turmoil from an encounter such as this.


    "En."


    The girl began walking past them but as she did John put an arm on her shoulder.


    She was shaking like a massage chair and at his touch fell to her knees.


    Damn that Rak, this was overboard. John should have noticed when he left; leaving only a hole on the wall was beneath him. This was an intimidation spell.


    John, not liking Rak''s methods got to work. To make a little girl feel like this... What the hell!


    "Niera, watch over us for a bit. I need to purge something Rak put on her."


    "Yes, leave it to me."


    Niera didn''t question John and did as she was asked.


    John them sat cross legged behind the girl and pulled her onto his lap. Leaning back, he put his hands on his knees or make something of a support. While she was on him like this, her body weight leaned against his chest and was prevented from swaying side to side.


    She was still shivering.


    John spoke,"let the first flame be reborn from my essence, arcane fire."


    A low flame began spreading across his body and partially lapping against the girl''s. By touch, it was almost at the temperature of the surrounding air and not hot like fire at all.


    Arcane flame was one of John''s mental purge skills. As it was really only meant for himself, someone had to make a large amount of contact with him for the effect to transfer though, it was considerably weaker when he did it for others.


    John found what he was looking for as he felt his flames weakening in a certain area. It was a curse mark, a very powerful means of inducing magical effects on a living being. Similar in theory to the one Niera once had to connect her with the elven princess, this one was self contain. This mark didn''t send a sense of awareness to another; it sent a sense of panic to the afflicted.


    John dealt with it the same as he did Niera, pushing her forward and placing his hand at the middle of her back for which it was located.


    John attacked the seal''s foundation, knocking down a part of the seal. Unlike Niera''s however, this one was put in place by Rak, meaning it was much sturdier. To John''s advantage though, it was much simpler. A few strong strikes to the foundation and the seal began revealing its weak points.


    Like a strange puzzle, John sent his flames into the seal through the breaches and soon reached its nexus. What would of been a maze dissipated from the flames and disappeared.


    The girl panting heavily looked up at John and said two words, "thanks. William."

 Ch. 31 Avalon Meet

    Now one might wonder what happened to a particular girl that left William''s room before he entered First, prior to the Avalon.


    All he knew was that she had left but a little more than this actually did occur.


    Exiting with a strange look on her face and her hood off, Amy, the following stalker, finally realized who she was, the infamous beast queen blood. To her, that was the only name she knew as no other had been given or openly released. As her mental condition had made her somewhat famous, she had a number of people who knew her which included all of the elites.


    Amy''s mind whirled into overdrive.


    Recruit!


    An opportunity for a good recruit had appeared and Amy had already begun forming a plan in her mind to pull this wonderful player in. If she did, she would have another elite in the guild.


    Amy quickly walked over and intercepted, pulling the beast queen out of sight from Williams¡¯s door.


    She had quite the ordeal in doing it as the quiet as Jennifer, still attached to her, semi-planted her feet in protest. It was an expected action as no one continued down the rabbit hole willingly.


    "Beast queen blood. It''s nice meeting you."


    Beast queen blood just starred, being a little annoyed but mostly dazed over resent affairs.


    Amy continued, "I have some information you might be interested in. William will be on the Avalon very soon and I was planning on recruiting him into my guild Paroxysm. Would you like to join him?"


    Beast Queen Blood got flushed but didn''t respond.


    "Hehe, make your best time to get to the Avalon and I''ll leave a message on how to contact me with the guild hall. He''s already there so don''t delay. I''m sure you want to spend more time with him."


    Beast queen blood got even more flushed then took off. She ran all the way out of the building, took an air taxi and then bolted to her room to play.


    There wasn''t much time to look but her room was very cute. She had pink and white items along with her known daily accessories. Some of it was a plushy bed sack, white drapes and blinds, and a photo of her and another older girl too young to be her mother. That photo was right beside two soft and cuddly plushy white tigers.


    Without delay she jumped into first.


    What came into being in First was the exact same girl, albeit, one with abilities befitting the title beast queen.


    Climbing out from the roots of a large tree she had made her den, beast queen blood began bolting through the forest. She was searching for something and she quickly found it, a giant white falcon.


    Still increasing her speed, she approached it before it could react and made it her mount. It was a quality of those with beast blood to command a single full blooded beast without question, provided they were stronger.


    She was definitely stronger.


    The falcon flew faster and faster and faster, getting nervous as it did. The creature was headed straight for a dragon line gate and it knew that it would die in there.


    Beast queen blood didn''t intend for it sacrifice itself though as she connected to it to close it wings and tilt forward.


    "*screeeeeech!*" was what left the falcon''s mouth as beast queen blood pushed off her back and into the gate.


    The falcon was overjoyed to not enter the gate but felt immense pain from the impact and could only fly away exhausted, never to be seen again.


    Beast queen blood on the other hand took off like a hot torpedo in space.


    She felt hated this part and put everything into defence.


    There were no problems at first but as she strayed further in, her proximity to the centre dwindled, sending her straight into the high winds.


    She hid her tail between her legs and ears beneath her hands but still felt the thousands of razor blades sinking through her skin.


    It hurt. Allot.


    But still, out she came on the other side though battered bruised and bloody.


    She then began to fall, slowing herself down on the branches of some trees before landing on the ground with a thump.


    Above her was the Avalon. She had gotten where she wanted to go, mostly.


    She began to walk, then jog, run and finally run with hands and paws on the ground. At the same time her white tiger blood regenerated her, returning her to a healthy demeanour in due time.


    At this pace it wouldn''t be long until she reached a point at the Avalon that could pick her up and take her to the guild hall.


    ***


    John heard his name William and was confused. Who was this girl? Why did she know his name?


    "And you are?" John inquired.


    "Tia. Earth. Tia. First. Tia. Sweets. You? Forget?"


    John racked his brain then considered, ''that Tia.''


    "Tia from the other day in the botany reserve?"


    Niera was lost in this conversation...


    "That. Tia."


    "Well what a strange coincidence, you heading to the Guild hall as well?"


    "Yes. I. Go. There... With. John?"


    "I don''t mind. Niera, this is Tia. It''s my first time meeting her in First but I''ve met her once on earth."


    "On Earth?" Niera was a bit taken back by the development but turned to Tia and bowed. "A friend of John is a friend of mine. I apologize for striking your subordinate so severely."


    "It. Fine. Well. Deserved."


    "Btw Tia, call me John here."


    "Kay. John."


    "And if your okay now, could you please get off my lap."


    "But. Comfy."


    "*sigh*" John put his arms at her waste and lifted, bringing her into the air as he got back to his feet where he put her down.


    All three then went to the guild hall, passing a small teleport magic array as they did. The ship was simply too big, walking there would have taken ages.


    ***


    The guild hall was a large and rowdy place.


    It could easily fit close to a ten thousand ''regular'' sized individuals with about 1500 of them here now.


    On one side was a huge diner and bar worked over by a number of bustling workers consisting of both sexes. The servers were easy to spot having been outfitted in attire befitting maids and butlers of the Victorian era with the bartenders having similar attire but with modern bar scene inspirations mixed in. For the gals that meant they showed allot more skin and he guys, allot more new school class.


    Opposite to this were the expensive markets of high quality goods. It housed a number of premium quality items that players with the money could buy. If one wanted cheaper goods, there were any number of places to go on the Avalon but here was 99% of the best that could be offered.


    Those stores had everything, from potions to weapons to strange pieces of art.


    John eyed a particular stall selling masks and walked over.


    Resting over a wooden dowel was a long black piece of cloth less than the width a hand. It was embroidered and fancy but still looking to be a simple cloth.


    Pointing to it, "How much for this?"


    The merchant behind looked up from working on one of his masks and gave an unamused glance. As a merchant he wasn''t easily swayed by the girls at John''s sides, he was only concerned by the fact that John had pointed out something cheap.


    Looking back down, "ten gold."


    John pulled out the funds and gave it to the merchant who in turn gently folded up the cloth and placed it in a bag, who then returned his attention to his work.


    Slipping it into his soul realm, John put it away.


    "What was that John?" Niera asked, now out of earshot from the merchant.


    "Seer cloth."


    "Seer. Cloth?" Tia ask while Niera inspected the material from memory.


    "Hmm? How to put it..." John pondered.


    "Paranormal augmentor? Might be its best description."


    Tia tilted her head. It wasn''t an item she recognized.


    "Never. Heard. But. Thanks. Info. Then."


    "No problem ."


    They continued on to the back where it opened up for the main feature.


    Lining the entire back wall was one long desk with many attendants behind it talking to those in front of them. Above it was floor after of housing bulletin boards with energy streams capable of floating you from level to level.


    This was the core of this guild hall branch where assignments, requests, and inquiries were made about everything and anything.


    Seeing a free attendant, John approached.


    "Hello sir, how may I help you today? Are these two your companions?"


    The attendant was gawking at Niera which made Tia annoyed.


    "Sort of... But more importantly, a friend of mine said she would leave a method of contact her at the guild hall."


    "Is that so, her name?"


    "Mirajia Redknight of the guild Paroxysm."


    "One moment. Mirajia, Mirajia, " the lady touched a crystal ball in front of her and repeated the name out loud.


    "Ah here we go... Says to meet her in the diner, table 308. If she''s not there right now she''ll be there soon."


    "I see, I''ll be going there then."


    "Is there anything else?"


    "No, you''ve been very helpful."


    "Not to worry, it''s what I get paid for. Please enjoy your stay aboard the Avalon."


    John walked away and aimed a question at Tia.


    "What did you need to do aboard the Avalon?"


    "Information."


    "About?"


    "Everything."


    "Right.............. So Niera, let''s show you where you need to be looking."


    John took her to the desk''s side and entered the light. It brought them to the second floor.


    Walking up to the oversized board just as large as the over sized desk below, John placed his hand.


    "Elder dragon." John spoke.


    Beneath his hand there was a sheet of paper pinned to the wall. Its contents were irrelevant, something about a farmer needing an escort for his product. Yet still the edges glowed a feint blue light which then concentrated to form a dot. From this dot this dot it became a line that began traveling across the board.


    It was searching for something and the trio began following it as it traveled towards the board''s center.


    There they found a new sheet which made Niera and John step back after reading it.


    <Recruiting all willing and/or able bodies to hunt the elder red dragon.


    Rally point is Trent. Please come or send a representative for your group to register.


    -Advent.>


    "Well," John began, "it looks like you have found your way Niera."


    "They intend to kill an elder dragon? How? Why?"


    Tia, "interesting. Advent. Strong?"


    John responded, "Yes, Advent is strong but they shouldn''t be that strong. Something is off with this."


    "Hmm. Interesting."


    John directed himself towards Niera, "I''ve shown you how to search the boards. Use it to find out what you can and when you''re done with that, come find me. Though if I''m done first, I''ll find you."


    John turned to leave and Niera''s eyes narrowed while she placed her hand on the board. He took the second stream of light which gently lowered him to the floor below.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Finding himself at one of the dinner''s entrances, he waited, eventually being addressed by one of the maids.


    "Good evening sir, how may I help you?"


    "Table 308 please."


    "Right this way please."


    John followed her as she weaved between tables, eventually finding her mark.


    "Table 308 Sir. Is there anything you would like?"


    "No, this much is fine. Thank you."


    "My pleasure sir. Then I''ll be taking my leave."


    The maid curtsied and left to serve a less attended area.


    There was just one person at this table, a fair looking lady with a glowing red mane of fiery hair.


    At her side was a bone staff which was likely to be expensive, given that parts of it were glowing with energy. Her clothes consisted of a black form fitting robe that did not make it to the knees which continued on as thin black leggings. It wasn''t modest in the slightest for she wore laced heels as well that stopped at her calves. To run in those you would need something akin to an air walking spell, they weren''t cheap.


    She turned around, the spitting image of Amy''s face coming into view.


    "Oh John, I presume. I''m glad you made it. Sit. Sit."


    "Mirajia, it''s nice to finally meet you." John returned and took a place beside her.


    "Yes. Sorry if I''m a little out of sorts. It¡¯s just been one of those days. This is our guild table you see, so I''ve been here taking care of this and that for the people who drop in."


    "I see. Is this a bad time?"


    "Not at all. I really wanted to meet you and frankly, could use the distraction."


    "Well, that''s good then. It is nice to meet a fellow classmate."


    Mirajia waved a hand and a handsome, well poised butler came over to her service.


    "Ma''am, how may I be of assistance today?"


    "One nine heavens dew and John, would you like something?"


    "Silver leaf spring water." John replied. It was a cheap drink, though at the upper end of a commoner¡¯s budget. He was really selling his cover.


    The butler left with a bow returning in a few moments with their drinks.


    Mirajia continued, "So John, how are you enjoying first?"


    "Can''t complain, I''ve enjoyed my fair share of adventure and can go where I please."


    "Is that so? Been anywhere special lately? Memorable maybe?"


    John gave a resounding yes in his head but said, "Not really, how about yourself?"


    "Oh plenty, with our guild ship active we''ve been going to remote areas to take on higher densities of monsters."


    "That''s fascinating, what have you managed?"


    "Well, one of our more memorable fights was probably a king salamander. It got pretty hectic still, we pulled through. Growler got the finishing blow but it was largely a group effort. Other than that, most of what we''ve been doing is subjugation over large areas so not as concentrated."


    "Sounds like you are all working hard."


    "Yes, but being there for each other has its own rewards so we enjoy it. And we get allot more done together while going to places we couldn''t go alone."


    John smiled.


    "So John, travelling alone?"


    "Usually, but I''ve picked up a passenger recently. She needed help getting to the Avalon so I lent a hand."


    "Well aren''t you the gentleman. Doesn''t that count as something memorable?"


    John shrugged his shoulders, "I''m too laid back to consider anything memorable."


    "Heh, is that so."


    At that moment a young man came up seeking Mirajia''s attention.


    "Mirajia, assault squads 3 and 4 have finished prepping and are awaiting instructions."


    "Understood. Have them board a shuttle and get underway. I''ll be leaving with the last shuttle."


    "We will be heading out then."


    John poked his nose in after he left. "Looks like you are busy."


    "*sigh* yes, this business in Trent has caught us by surprise. Our guild ship is out on mission and those of us stationed on the Avalon are taking public transports. We''ll get the shield to the fight but it won''t be passing through Trent, hence the workarounds. It''s a real headache and the main reason I can sit around at the guild table twiddling my thumbs. I''m here working as a check in that makes sure everyone gets on and going."


    "Sounds rough."


    "*humph* it''s what I signed on for so I don''t mind. And its better this way as I can make sure no one gets left behind."


    "Well at least you¡¯re taking care of them properly."


    "I guess Jennifer is on the shield then?"


    "Oh? Are you curious about Angela? Is that a hint of interest I hear in your voice?"


    John spoke his head, "no, but I presume I''m correct?"


    "Haha, I''m just teasin. Yes, she''s with the shield, along with growler and a few others."


    "How come they left you behind alone then?"


    "They didn''t have a choice. Someone''s gotta play the role of administration or it all falls apart."


    "So you would have gone if you could?"


    "Yup, I''m pretty strong you know but it just wasn''t in the cards this time." Mirajia gave a wink.


    "That''s too bad, I don''t think I could manage sitting still in first.¡±


    "Yah, you move around allot don''t you John. How''s the life of a scout?" A small hint of sarcasm in her voice.


    "I''ve gotten lucky with it a few times in being first to a few places. It''s enough to get by comfortably for awhile."


    "That''s good. Ever think of doing more with those skills?"


    There it was, subtle yet undoubtedly present. Do you want more out of first? Well I run a guild that could help with that. Want to join?


    John could tell where this conversation was headed. Though he wasn''t sure why she would want a scout. Was she just focused on numbers?


    John gave a knowing smile, answering yet not answering her question. "So water Mage huh? How''s that coming along?"


    "Oh, it''s going good. It''s a pretty balanced class for healing and control type attacks. You can make terrain muddy, fog to cut vision, high speed water bullets, and thunder strikes from rain clouds at the later stages but I''m not there yet."


    John pondered her answer. If she was still calling herself a water Mage it meant she had a long way to go. Water mages typically branched out into storm mages for attack or water fairies for healing. Both used their best abilities over a large area.


    There was a storm Mage among those in Advent. What Paroxysm could do as a guild, he could probably do with one long hurricane spell. Though he better be running after the casting because the results were dangerous even to the caster.


    "Well keep at it. Water Mage is a good class."


    "What does scouts branch out into by the way. I''m sorry to say my knowledge is lacking on them."


    "Hmm? Typically a stealth class of some sort. Force recon or infiltrator are two that come to mind. Never trained the skills for them though out of a lack of interest."


    "They sound strong though."


    "Yes and no. They may have the element of surprise in a fight but still don''t have the combat potential to take down other classes. Their purpose remains to scout and don''t do it any better with the extra skills."


    "Why did you choose the class path then?"


    "It was a bit random and is still a good exploring class. It gets me by."


    "What about leading others to new areas? Act as a squad commander and logistics provider."


    "No one would follow a scout."


    "I could tell them too. They''d listen to you then."


    "That''s not how you run a group. Besides, I like my freedom."


    "Haa, I don''t see the merit in you operating on your own. It''s dangerous and you might put your traits to use while in a group."


    "Let me worry about those things, I''ve managed to now. And my traits wouldn''t be better in a group. Scout vision though long is obscured by many things, uneven terrain and forests just to name a view. No, I''m better off alone."


    "Muu, still I''d like to invite you to paroxysm. I''ll definitely find a role you can support us with."


    "I refuse."


    "What about a signing bonus? A thousand gold maybe?"


    "No."


    "Ten thousand?"


    "No!"


    "A hundred thousand?"


    "Mirajia, what''s this about?"


    "Hmm? I just want to get you to join, there''s nothing suspicious about that right?"


    "There''s plenty suspicious."


    "150 thousand?"


    "Mirajia...?"


    "200 thousand."


    "Mirajia! What would your guild think if they saw how you were spending the hard earned efforts of the guild?"


    "They trust me so it''s fine."


    "It''s not fine with me."


    "300 thousand!"


    "Mirajia!"


    "What? What is it that you want that will get you to join?"


    "Mirajia, you don''t have it so just stop."


    "500 thousand!"


    "Mirajia!"


    "Is gold not enough? I could set aside private quarters on the shield. Fund a small group to exclusively follow your commands. How about that?"


    John sighed.


    This was going beyond a friendly meet between friends with common interests.


    "Ok, what''s your-" but before John could add the word, ''agenda'' there was an uproar from behind. When he turned around there was an elegant silhouette of a part human girl, part white tiger speeding towards him.


    She leapt forward at incredible speeds, moving from table to table with unmatched finesse. Glassware filled with liquid didn''t produce so much as a ripple when she passed them nor did the table cloth beneath them slide in the slightest. This tiger girl had complete control of her body and the only reason John noticed her approach in the crowds of many were the arising comments like "hey!" And "watch it!"


    John instantly recognized who it was even though her main body continued to disappear behind crowds. That tail flailing in the air was a dead giveaway as it curled left and right to help her balance in all of its black-white striped glory.


    Looking at the table, John saw there was no fish at their table and was perplexed. What was Addy doing here?


    Getting ready for a fight John with one hand fiercely gripped his chair, preparing to launch himself off of it should the need to defend himself arise.


    But it didn''t, Addy aimed for a spot directly beside John and timidly came to a stop, not showing any signs of hostility. Her claws were retracted and her tail was swaying not twitching, showing that she was relaxed.


    After squatting so deep that her butt was nearly rubbing the floor, she grabbed John''s free hand and placed it on her head.


    It was so very soft and John couldn''t help moving his fingers around a little to take in the feeling.


    "Nyaa!" Addy let out in the most content cat like call John had ever heard following which she rubbed her cheek against his thigh as if a real cat.


    ...


    John''s mind was at a complete loss.

 Ch. 32 Avalon Meet 2

    There was a considerable amount of material to consider for Niera and Tia. As much as one floor could hold, there was another above it that held just as much, and another above it.


    Niera tried speaking a few words into the board but it didn''t amount to much. Hoping it was a matter of the words "elder" and "dragon" being too limited to properly search all the material, she followed Tia and her example.


    Tia was working her way across each floor reviewing everything. There wasn''t one sheet she ignored and was methodically reviewing each one. It was remarkable her persistence and attention to detail in this regard. Niera could barely keep up with her and she was just skimming through the subject lines, reading a handful of seemingly useful notes that didn''t amount to much.


    But though there wasn''t much for Niera since the notice of the elder dragon hunt, there were other items of note. Human affairs were posted for one, something foreign to elf intelligence and Niera took note of what she could. The other was a large repetition for recruitment in 8 guilds.


    There was recruitment for other guilds mixed in but the amount these 8 had up, vastly outnumbered them. Most notable for Niera was that one involved Isis, stating she was involved with guiding one of the guilds.


    As said by one of the advertisements, if one joined the guild and believed in her existence, they would be met with great fortune.


    Niera enjoyed the company of the crystal moon Isis on many nights but never would expect others to interact with her presence in this way.


    It was truly bizarre.


    The others Niera was less familiar with. Buri, Yahweh, Chronos, Ra, Isis, Rhea, Meria, and Freya were names that appeared in similar frequency and style to the adverts involving Isis.


    Truly bizarre.


    Still, the abnormality in the posts seemed to have nothing to do with Niera''s current mission and goals so they were ignored to the best of her abilities. It was just that the frequency and volume of their posting made it difficult to do so completely.


    Niera continued looking, but after 18 floors of searching lost hope in finding more. It looked like the only item involving an elder dragon was the first that John had found. There wasn''t even a request to do anything in its area.


    Tia on the other hand showed no change in expression through the entire process and had no signs of slowing down while she remained by Niera''s side. Niera was even skeptical if Tia had blinked once since the first floor. After floor 20, Niera was sure she hadn''t...


    Floor 25, 30, 40, and finally the last, floor 63 was searched. It was exceedingly tedious and tiring but they successfully managed to review it all.


    Taking the gravity lift down they ended their little excursion now finding themselves with a new problem.


    Since the beginning the two had been eyed, increasingly so the longer they stayed. Walking on 63 floors after walking past every merchant stall and the diner was enough to showcase their exotic ''assets'' to practically the entire hall.


    Niera, though clearly human, did not distinctively match the ancestral traits of those around her who were already a mix of various ones themselves. It was like a Brazilian supermodel walking through central London, in an alternative timeline when England held every race except Brazil. It turned heads and inspired a wide range of reactions in people while they soaked in her beauty.


    Tia on the other hand was exotic in her own way. With possessed-looking eyes and her outfit covering most of her face, many were guessing as to what she was hiding under her mask. Her pink loft of hair and eyes portrayed a sense of innocence that was being devoured by her attire.


    Both were in outfits that didn''t hide their body''s curves which definitely didn''t help in avoiding notice.


    Eventually a crowd of bold individuals crowded their path, successfully impeding their forward process.


    Tia and Niera were reluctant to break through them by any means of force given Rak''s earlier appearance. They could only push themselves closer together as the crowd got closer and closer.


    "Please join my group!" "-my guild" "go out with me" "tell me your beauty secrets" "little girl, how did you get those eyes?"


    Questions and requests poured out from the crowd with no end in sight.


    Niera not knowing what to do eventually called for a spell, "vine defense!"


    It was a Leafy spell and responded by growing vines seemingly out of thin air. The vines then began wrapping around them both, squeezing them together until they had no room to move while continuing to grow to a thick pod like seed.


    Disturbingly though, the crowd didn''t stop. They continued their approach by ripping through the vines. For them, Niera wasn''t getting away that easily.


    Niera was in a panic not knowing what to do and it was likely because of this that she choose the wrong defensive spell. Yes it was defensive and fast acting but it was not designed for a situation like this. This was an impact reduction spell.


    Used properly, the created shell would absorb the impact from high impact attacks or falls. It was designed to be destroyed in place of the host after absorbing the energy. It was not designed to resist being ripped apart like this. Moreover it would get as close to the body as possible so that no jarring could take place.


    Every part of Niera and Tia''s body was pressured by the vines as they found their way against every square inch and pressed down for decent contact. Niera couldn''t even shut it off as it was an automated spell meant to be activated in an emergency. It was designed to run its course then self-terminate from a lack of mana or unrecoverable damage.


    Luckily the spell vines were porous or they would of suffocated.


    The two both thought of using powerful attacks but if one of the individuals nearby was struck by accident, they would not be able to handle the consequences.


    For now they were stuck though at least separated from the crowd who was attempting to dig through the regenerating vines for less than noble reasons.


    It was an extraordinarily large commotion that eventually drew John and Mirajia''s attention with Addy in tow, her two paw-like hands atop John''s hand to keep it in place on her head.


    John had attempted to remove Addy''s hold but to no avail and this wasn''t a place he could forcefully get rid of her.


    In any case, he was at a loss though in regards to describing the situation when he arrived.


    In the middle was a green seed like structure that was growing. He recognized the spell as a nature spell but didn''t see a reasonable reason for its use. It was a terrible choice and somehow he knew it was Niera that was inside. As she was now a strong nature mage and had limited practical experience with her abilities, a mistake like this was possible.


    "Mirajia, can you use mist and mirage skills?"


    "Ah? You''re familiar with water mage abilities? Yes, yes I can. What is it you are thinking."


    "Deploy a mist, then reflect the seed-thing somewhere else in the room."


    "Hmm, well I don''t mind. It''s an opportunity for you to see my skills."


    John was ignoring her comments but she didn''t notice. Instead he turned to Addy.


    "Addy, I see you like getting petted. I''ll do it properly for a bit if you shred only the vines in front of use quickly."


    Addy looked up with eyes as big as the moon before ecstatically nodding her head.


    Mirajia began her spells, "open the gate of water and may a cloud of most come forth, mist! May the illusion of hope aid me in my plight, water mirage!"


    Mirajia pointed her staff somewhere and the splitting image of the vines appeared somewhere along where she pointed while the mist leaked out across the flow and lowered vision.


    Someone yelled, "they moved!" Clearing away the individuals around the large seed. Addy then glowed white before after images appeared in the mist all over the vine.


    In a flash, Addy overwhelmed the spell and had it collapsing to reveal Tia and Niera in complicated states. She really was strong.


    Addy promptly returned to John''s side and awaited her reward which John was now obligated, by his own words, to uphold.


    The mist and mirage disappeared while Mirajia prepared to speak. Her voice boomed, "these two ladies are now with me, if anyone has a quarrel with this they can take it up with me, Mirajia Redknight, vice commander of the guild Paroxysm!"


    There were a number of grunts, moans and other noises of discontentment but no one came forth.


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    "Well that ends that, are you two ladies ok?" Mirajia offered a hand but it was John''s they used to get up.


    "Ah? John do you know these two?"


    Niera got up with Tia gripping her waste to join her.


    "Mirajia, this is Tia and Niera. Niera and Tia this is Mirajia and Addy." Addy was oblivious in her state of bliss under John''s hand.


    "Niera is the individual I was travelling with," John continued "and Tia is a friend from outside First."


    "I see, so you''re not really in First alone."


    "Well, not for the moment it seems."


    Mirajia felt the hopes of recruiting John suddenly hit an abysmal chance of success. But that wasn''t enough for her to give up.


    "So, John. With this business with the red dragon hunt going on, how about Paroxysm hires your service as a mercenary force under Paroxysm? You wouldn''t have to travel to Trent and would still receive similar rewards."


    With this, Mirajia could get John involved with Paroxysm and when it came time for payment he would have to report in. That would give her another chance at recruitment as this one was clearly failing.


    John pondered, it was a good deal. There was going to be a large number of individuals present at this hunt and by doing this, the name Paroxysm would show up instead of John Ryder on registration. Also, there didn''t seem to be any reason Paroxysm would double back on their word and maybe he could acquire different rewards that suited him better through this method.


    John turned to Niera, "this sounds like a good deal, do you want to take it Niera?"


    "If you think it is John then I would like to join."


    Mirajia was slightly taken back by how dedicated and loyal Niera''s words sounded to John.


    "If that''s the case then I accept Mirajia."


    "What about Tia and Addy?"


    "Hmm? They aren''t really travelling with me though."


    "I. Accept. Going. Trent. Waste." Tia replied.


    "Nya... I''ll follow John until I die." Addy finally said something other than cat noises... Sort of.


    Everyone looked at her though. She had said some pretty heavy words with relative ease.


    "Addy, don''t you think it''s a bad idea to follow me?" John asked.


    "Does John hate me for wanting to follow?"


    "I don''t, but this is kind of sudden."


    "Is there a reason I can''t follow? There are many that fear me, is it something like that? I can do something about that."


    Addy began chanting a spell, "From the book of beasts that we learn our way, I sight a passage so that this man-"


    John covered her mouth, "don''t you dare finish that spell!"


    He was sweating profusely because that was a spell no one should ever use. Had she finished it, Addy would of surely become his responsibility. It was the kind of spell that made the caster forcefully obedient to the target. A careless use of words could send her to her death or worse and at the same time would influence her actions to find him if separated. The spell was one that should never be used!


    "But it would work."


    John took his hand off her head which she didn''t like and flicked her hard in the forehead which she didn''t like more.


    "Here''s another. Repeat after me. I, Addy the beast queen, defile my words and dishonor them before the book of beasts so that they may never hold me. I hereby toss aside the book of beasts and adhere to its origins and intents. The way of the beast is my way, and will never change."


    Addy repeated it exactly, though not exactly of her own will as John had returned his hand to her head. Her words were spoken within a blissful state where she didn''t actually care about what she was saying.


    The magic activated and Addy glowed for a moment while John sighed in relief.


    John had made the human-beast bond in Addy purer, making her stronger, while also taking away her ability to bind herself to others.


    John removed his hand.


    Addy was none the wiser, just happy for the contact while Mirajia was mesmerized by his depth of knowledge and skill.


    Knowledge of beast men, water mages and scouting was definitely unusual, most only knew their own and not in detail. In addition to that, being looked up to by such commotion starting individuals only grew her desire to have him the join the guild. She would pull out all the stops on the next attempt to bring him in.


    Mirajia however still had her responsibilities in the present. She needed to leave them now or major problems would erupt.


    "John, it was a pleasure to meet you in First. Until the next time we meet, I hope you keep yourself well."


    "Thanks Mirajia, I wish the same from you as well."


    With this, she left the four of them there and returned to the table, doing last minute arrangements prior to leaving for Trent herself.


    Seeing Addy would not leave, John squatted a little in front of her. She was stuck to him now whether he liked it or not.


    "Addy, are you familiar with Gaia contracts?"


    "Not particularly."


    "They are contracts governed by First itself. If fair they will hold and cannot be broken but if unfair will bend to circumstances. The only way to exit one is for the parties in question to agree to end it. As you were prepared to initialize a beast contract, I believe yourself mentally prepared for this."


    "Yes, I understand. Please initialize the contract."


    "Addy, I hereby under these conditions allow you boarding passage on the Icarus.


    1. You will not divulge any information you acquire about me or those related to me without my agreement, this includes Icarus and everything within her.


    2. You must respect those related to me, you are not to fight or bring them harm unless it is consensual or to their benefit.


    3. You will be honest about important things and will not lie.


    If you agree to these 3 things, swear by your soul that you will follow them."


    "I accept and swear by my soul to follow these things."


    John put his hand on her head in appreciation.


    "It''s done."


    "Nyah!"


    Addy became very happy.


    Tia was still around and watching. "John. Ship. Icarus?"


    John nodded.


    Tia pointed at herself. "Tia. Ship. Black Scorpion."


    "It looks impressive, treat it well," was John''s reply.


    "Yes." Was Tia''s last words before walking off. As she rounded the corner she said a few more, "see. John. Hunt."


    Now it was just the three of them. "Well Niera, sorry for adding one more but I won''t kill her to make her go away."


    "It''s alright John, though I can only question her character at this point. If she becomes I will help you with her."


    "She won''t be, Gaia contracts are no joke. The only reason I bothered putting her under one is because she is far too into her cat side and I don''t want to kill her. Someone could probably get her some catnip and have her spill everything, willingly or not."


    "That hurts John, I''m more reliable than that," Addy interjected.


    John moved his fingers a little faster. "Nyah!" And she was no longer paying attention.


    Niera looked at Addy, not knowing what to feel towards her but was leaning towards pity. Maybe it would be nice to have someone pet your head, though not if you were going to act like that.


    "Niera, let''s head back. We''ll finish with our tasks on the Icarus and leave. I know where the elder red dragon''s territory is so we''ll head there. When advent makes their final plans we can slip in with the first wave and stay inconspicuous. That way we can find a good hiding spot for Icarus before she becomes a spectacle  amongst the other incoming ships. We''ll then rejoin the main force with Icarus under the cover of everything in mobilization."


    "Yes John, I''ll follow your lead but the elder red dragon... can Advent really kill it?"


    "Conventionally? No, but this is Advent. I have never known them to fail and they are all exceptionally strong, by my standards no less."


    "I see." Niera was getting gloomy.


    John looked at her with serious eyes. "Niera, at the start of your journey. What was your chance of success? If anything, between then and now it should of taught you that the future is unpredictable and that you shouldn''t get down because it looks grim. Keep moving forward and see for yourself what happens."


    Niera met John''s serious eyes with her own, the life within them reigniting. "Yes, John."


    "Good, now let''s be off."

 Ch. 33 Leaving Avalon

    John, Niera and now Addy found themselves approaching the Icarus in her private docking bay.


    A new hostess was now in the hanger, replacing the previous who had left for Captain Rak. She was no less inferior in any way to the one before her.


    "Welcome back," stated the new hostess with a charming smile towards John.


    "Thank you, if would please get me paperwork for sales I''d like to fill them out."


    "Certainly. What would you be selling?"


    "Medicinal."


    "One moment then."


    The hostess pulled down one of her long silk gloves revealing an intricate pattern of markings.


    Pressing her other hand''s finger, still covered in a glove, she pressed down on various areas across her arm. As a result, part of the markings on her arm began to glow a dirty yellow.


    Placing her palm flat, light began drifting above it before a roll of paper held in place by a metal clasp appeared with a blue flash of light. It was a summon and as soon as it was executed, all the light on her arm stopped glowing.


    The hostess rolled her glove back up and brought the sheet to John.


    "As requested."


    "Thank you," John replied, not at all surprised by her methods and already heading to enter the ship with Niera and Addy following.


    Getting on the ship he made his way to the alchemy lab, most of what he would be selling was there.


    John opened a cabinet acting as a storage unit beside the desk. It was taller than him though not as wide and full of alchemy products.


    Pulling out the boxes stacked inside, he brought them to the ship''s edge and fetched more.


    Some of the items he brought forth came from the ship''s bellow though as he opened boxes to inventory them, did not seem as impressive.


    It was strange however that everything was glowing and Niera, getting curious looked over John''s shoulder to read the list he was making on the sheet.


    On it was every high end potion, stimulant, and antidote she had ever heard of then some more. What made her nearly faint though was the reason for the glows.


    The items were all concentrated versions of themselves. For an example, a bottle of God''s blood, a healing potion, was intended to be diluted in a ratio of 1:500 to make 500 God''s blood potions. The effect wouldn''t lessen, there would just be more. One bottle could be placed in liquid carriers for individuals traveling behind or deep within enemy lines where healing supplies were near impossible to come by. At that point the advantages were self-explanatory.


    John continued to move more boxes and Niera did offer to help but as she didn''t know what was where or what, he could only politely refuse. Addy on the other hand just squatted and watched, making no moves to help in the slightest. She was content with only watching John move back and forth, back and forth, her cat eyes gluing themselves to wherever he went.


    When he was done bringing them out, there was at least 30 boxes stacked at the side of the ship. Then he started opening them, going through each one, double checking the boxes so that they actually had what they were supposed to. It also gave him the opportunity to tally the sale amount to which Niera got another shock.


    3.8 million gold... She checked again to see if she was mistaken about a zero and saw it change to 4.2 then 4.6 as more items were added in.


    Niera as a shadowmaiden did have a salary but she knew her own life savings amounted to no more than 2.5 million. She was in a prestigious position after all with considerable responsibilities. The princess trusted no one more then her and the kingdom saw value in that while also realizing that Niera having her own income could fund necessary resources like spies, workers, or diplomats for the sake of the kingdom on her own accord, not that any of that did her good here and now.


    But it was becoming chump change in comparison to John''s sales order that was now 5.1 and holding. His final numbers in a single sale order more than doubled her life savings.


    She had a word for how she was feeling, unfair.


    John placed his thumb on the sheet and channeled in his mana, preventing any forgeries in the future.


    Jumping down he waved the hostess over who gracefully attended him soon after.


    "Have you filled out the paper?"


    "Yes, I''ve filled out the required areas. The end result was 51001109. Take the 1109 for as a tip for the service and round it to 5.1 million."


    That was too much for a tip so it was more of a required bribe. Had John not offered the gold there may have been trouble with the hostess. She was more than capable of causing unneeded trouble and usually would if not considered. John could get Rak involved for the sake of justice but that was more likely to backfire with his personality.


    "Yes, understood. For such a large order, we can''t immediately give you this much gold. Would you be seeking other arrangements?"


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    "Yes, please invest 5 million in the dark wing alchemy association via the order, if it''s done through the contract, the organization''s leader will recognize the mana signature."


    "That leaves 100000, this is still too much to withdraw. I can offer you 50000 and something equivalent perhaps?"


    "Please do, if you could provide an archer''s bow imprint intended for alchemy. It would suffice for the other half."


    "Yes, I can do this though something like that wouldn''t cost nearly that much."


    "Please, take the request to Avalon''s bow maker. I believe it will take that much for him to make his best immediately, we would like to depart soon."


    "I understand"


    The hostess waved a hand and the items were taken away by nearby porters.


    In moments she was gone completely, stepping into a teleport array that took her somewhere unknown. It would presumably be the logistics center of the ship but as John wasn''t going himself, he didn''t know.


    Niera joined John in sitting over Icarus'' edge, watching people carefully move the crates somewhere else.


    "What''s the dark wing alchemy association?" Niera asked while Addy curled up on the deck and leaned against their backs to rest.


    "Nothing much. A back up of sorts and a resource. They aren''t very big but will assist me in any endeavor should I supply them with my mana signature."


    "Why invest so much though?"


    "A few reasons I suppose. Mostly it''s because I can and if I''m to invest in anything, I would want it to be related to alchemy. There¡¯s also that there is little benefit to gold for me at this point. A small amount may acquire me trinkets in my journey but overall, items of note that interest me are not bought with gold. For those you must barter with other priceless items."


    "I don''t think I could even imagine what those might be."


    "The adamantine  metal would be one. It''s not something you can buy with gold and the world seed even more so. Let alone the top grade world tree material and Leafy inside you. Those are simply too dangerous to trade and would only be found through chance.


    "Is that so. Were you serious about making me a bow with that material? Hearing you talk about it makes me think it''s too much."


    "I''ll stand by my words Niera so don''t give it too much thought. You were a part of that expedition and should share a part of the spoils. I would of faced the choice of abandoning an innocent spirit to a fate of fear or despair had you not given her a way out."


    Niera went silent.


    "Leafy says it was fear and despair, that there was never an ''or''... Sorry. She''s usually sleeping now but got loud over your comment."


    John looked at Niera straight in the eye, "either way it turned out didn''t it Leafy?"


    "Sorry, she isn''t responding and is pretending to be asleep."


    John chuckled, "it''s fine."


    The hostess returned, with a jingling bag in one hand and a roll of blue paper distorting the space around it. When one looked at it there seemed to be more the one, the hostess'' hand and paper had multiplied to form identical, slight transparent, overlapping images. It was if time was trying to split into separate routes around the paper.


    "As requested sir, 50000 gold and a mana print. Fortunately the bow maker had a ''masterpiece,'' in his words, already prepared but did not have any buyers for it. He stated it was worth the 50000 and ''if it was too much to visit him like a normal person,'' which were his exact words again."


    John took the coin and slipped it into his soul realm then took the print for examination.


    His mouth nearly dropped looking at the design. Who in their right mind would make this? But because of that feeling John really wanted to see it made. It might kill him but since it didn''t kill the designer making the print, there was a chance he could see it through.


    The Avalon bow maker had classified it as a space-time rift forming oblivion bow but John could think of another, simpler name. He would call it Heaven''s bow.


    Niera looked at the print and was perplexed, her bow experience should of given her some understanding as to the nature of the bow but could only see it simply as a strange bow. Niera couldn''t read the description while the print was over lapping itself like that, something John could.


    John returned his attention to the hostess once more and properly thanked her with words and a slight bow. She returned it with a graceful curtsy of her own that could melt ice at the sight of it.


    "Would there be anything else?"


    "That is all thank you."


    "Then I wish you farewell, may your journey take you where you want to go without harm or injury."


    "Thank you and goodbye."


    John followed Niera onto the ship.


    "Icarus, take us out."

 Ch. 35 There is no cure

    William couldn''t shake Addy. She was constantly finding him when she had spare time and gluing herself to his side. He was soon realizing she was just there to get pet, her cat-like self was finding great enjoyment from his hand on her head.


    If he could of stopped it he would, but Addy''s ferocious attempts to grab his hand and bring it to her head easily became large spectacles when he did not comply. William settled for a hood covered girl clinging to him, luckily a random girl and a guy sharing personal space didn''t attract allot of attention. The worst he got was a few giggles and passing stares.


    What William found intriguing about Addy however was that she was somewhat a genius. One could still talk to her as long as she was not riled up and she never needed to pay much attention. She remembered everything someone said, everything she saw, and did most problems in her head.


    William did not know what her actual marks were but he could see her easily being around his score near the top. If she cut down on the cat naps and increased her attention span, she might become peerless. Though seeing how unreasonable she was, that was not going to happen. Period.


    Today''s class was studying old theory''s relative to virtual reality. It was similar to learning Newtonian physics back in the day before learning quantum mechanics when you were older. The calculations and theories were highly accurate for most problems but could never be exact.


    Keeping up with the lecture, William noted what was important after fighting for his hand back from Addy. She seemingly fell asleep not long after class started but William suspected she was still listening somehow.


    Unfortunately, part way through the oncoming information became less productive and William no longer needed to note it and just listened.


    Meanwhile he ran his fingers through Addy''s hair and down her arm. He called it ''being proactive.'' By calming her down little by little, she would wait longer before grabbing his hand when it wasn''t on her.


    Her body wiggled a little at his touch, the weight of her head in his lap pressing down then up.


    William finding the material a bit dry and irrelevant activated a nearby console and began a search. He was flattered by Addy''s interest in him but he needed to find some way to get away from it.


    Searching Addy and cat, his first hit was her fan page... William, figuring it would be a useful tool in understanding her, instantly regretted it. There was nothing useful about it. The entire resource was filled with love confessions and wishful thinking of those that were most likely, not in a relationship. William backed out of the material and searched again, avoiding anything else tagged with ''we are fans'' related material.


    Getting to the bottom, William eventually found something. It was a private research report produced by a Britannia Shivermore. When he looked at her profile picture he knew he had found what he was looking for as it had an uncanny resemblance to Tama in First, minus the beast traits.


    Tama as Addy''s sister and a researcher of her condition was the best candidate to seek help from.


    The only issue was that Tama was a member of Advent and they were as high profile as they come. With William preferring to stay inconspicuous, this made for him a dilemma. Unfortunately, he didn''t see how he could avoid it.


    William couldn''t read more than the synopsis of the report but did find contact information. He sent a message asking to meet with her about Addy.


    Immediately he had a reply giving him instructions on how to meet. She was working at a Nexcom research facility not far away and would be available for the rest of the day. Security would allow him to pass if he gave his name and that Addy already had clearance if she was coming.


    ***


    Arriving at the facility there, it was huge. Nexcom was never one to hold back on expenses and like everything else they own, it had been decked out with every gizmo imaginable.


    Walking up to its front gate, William spoke to guard whose tactical gear make him look capable of single handedly taking the beach of Normandy in WWII. A self-activating, shoulder mounted projectile launcher, energy blades capable of cutting rock as they would hot butter, variable focus continuous laser rifle, and glowing high tech armor. Yes, even Germany''s tank brigade back then wouldn''t of lasted 5min.


    William gulped hard as one of them escorted him in. Anyone would get nervous with a tactical super weapon walking beside them.


    Taking a seat in a well-equipped lounge, William was left to wait alone with Addy. He took a seat on a large cushioned chair and was soon join by Addy as she climbed into his lap and curled into a ball.


    William sighed... And waited.


    Britannia soon arrived.


    In appearance, she was similar to Addy, just older for the most part. There were a few minor differences here and there but it was obvious that they were related.


    He eyes first opened wide in shock and adoration seeing Addy but then turned cold while looking at William and the scene.


    "Who are you? What have you done to my sister?!?"


    "I''m William and nothing, nothing at all. This was her own choice and I am trying to find a solution for her behavior."


    "Mmmm, is that really true?... Wait..." Britannia squinted her eyes. "John?!?"


    "Yes, that''s how people know me in First."


    "It''s me, Tama, remember?"


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    "Of course, it''s nice to see you again."


    Britannia smiled, "it''s nice to be remembered."


    "Yes, but I unfortunately didn''t come here for a social call."


    "Unfortunate indeed, it''s been so long. But I regress, what''s going on with you and my sister?"


    "I''m not really sure but I can tell you wants happened..."


    William retold the events exactly as they happened.


    "I see," but did she really see? William almost felt bloodlust when looking at her face.


    "Well I have one thing to say to that. If you ever bring her to your room again, by herself... She will be the least of your worries."


    William shivered, she was serious. "I''m sorry, but the situation at the time was no good. I had hoped somewhere private to resolve it peacefully and that was the best I could come up with."


    "Haaaaaa... My stupid little sister."


    Britannia shook her head, clearly frustrated by the situation. From her lab coat she took a bag of something and brought out a small black marble, tossing it at Addy''s head.


    Addy reached back and grabbed it out of her hair, putting it in her mouth.


    She was finally paying attention.


    Britannia threw another and this time Addy caught it midair while getting closer. With another and another Addy was finally in Brittania''s lap.


    Bribery...


    "Fish bites," said Brittani. "I have them on hand to deal with Addy and no, I''m not giving you any. God only knows what you could get her to do with them."


    "I would rather have a solution honestly."


    "Yes, well first it might be prudent for you to understand Addy''s condition as it is permanent and untreatable.


    Addy suffers from a specialized form of species dysphoria. She believes herself, as a result of her exposure to First, that she is part feline. It is not full animal dysphoria because she has retained human characteristics in her behavior."


    "What have you tried."


    "Put simply, allot. Drugs, therapy, social groups, and experimental procedures were all given a go, and all failed miserably. At a basic level she has undergone physical changes in her brain that make her very difficult but at the same time interesting. Nexcom is very interested in the changes she''s undergone as a result of First and makes a point of periodically checking up on her as there have been other cases like this, but not to this extreme."


    "What about First? There''s the purge mechanic for removing beast traits."


    "I tried that, but it didn''t work, she still thought she was part cat in and out of First regardless. I tried mixing her with something other than cat and it was a disaster, she went berserk. Seeing her like that I could only purge and at the time she almost died from the stress on her body."


    "How unfortunate, is there no way to help her?"


    "I''m her sister and the lead scientist researching her condition. The answer is no."


    They both looked at Addy while she curled up in her sister''s lap, being bribed to stay there with food.


    "So what now? I can''t live a proper life with my hand glued to my head."


    "Agreed. Addy is not better off glued to your side."


    "Well, from what I can tell... You''ve made her submissive, winning a bought of strength and providing food. In animals that is more than enough for one to follow another."


    "But she''s not an animal. Moreover is that she forces getting a pet by getting violent while staying by me at all times."


    "Sorry, but I can''t give you a clear answer. This is the first time she''s ever done this. I¡¯ve seen her causing problems before and this research program has dealt with them but this... I just don''t know.


    I can only guess that you''ve formed a pride with her somehow given her animal traits and that she is addicted to being pet you somehow.


    I''m sorry..."


    "It''s ok, I''m managing it somehow but I am worried. She found me in First as well and now travels with me. I just want a plan."


    "She''s traveling with you in first? Alone?"


    "No, there is another."


    "Well, I''ve already taken the First route with her so I don''t mind. Just please be kind to her there."


    "I will."


    "But I''m sorry William, she''s valuable to Nexcom. My hands are tied in doing anything to Addy. She is by order, to be allowed full freedom and expunged from any offences resulting from her more, animal, instincts."


    "It''s unfortunate but I have a better understanding now."


    "You can look on the bright side. She''s doing something irregular right now, maybe it will lead to a breakthrough. Even though that is unlikely, if she''s with you in First she''ll really help you out. She''s my sister and likely not far behind me in skills."


    Suddenly Britannia realized she was out of snacks for Addy. Addy immediately got off her and got on William''s lap, grabbing his hand to put on her head.


    "Addy, get back here."


    "You have no food." Was her reply.


    "But I''m your older sister, you should listen."


    "Older sister with no food."


    ...


    Without food, Addy was not coming back to her.


    William sighed, "We should get going. Britannia, please contact me the minute anything comes up."


    "Yes, but let''s catch up sometime like normal."


    And with that William left, with Addy in tow and a very scary security guard leading the way.

 Ch. 34 Looking for answers

    Using her capsule''s outer shell as an uncomfortable temporary bed, Tia continued starring aimlessly at the ceiling. She did so while she enjoyed a sweet sucker in her mouth.


    Her thumb''s nail in her mouth, she nervously gnawed at its hard form while she thought over what she learned and what she could do.


    The eight gods mentioned in those flyers aboard Avalon in great frequency, was the names of the 8 AI mainframes Nexcom could still no longer access.


    Why were the AI''s names showing up in First? Why so many times? They were questions she couldn''t answer but greatly desired to. The answers to those questions could unravel everything since their existence went against the very foundation of First''s creation.


    The 8 AI mainframes were designed and given fail-safes to never interfere with First. Tia had come on after they were created but had still had the chance to review them, finding no fault.


    Tia found it very hard to believe they had overcome this as they simply didn''t have the physical capability to accomplish it. As they were crystal based, any alterations would of shattered their entire existence beyond and semblance of repair.


    No, they were operating ''as intended.'' But at the same time their names were being used while being said to hold power in First.


    Tia was 99% sure these names within the guilds had nothing to do it''s the 8 AI mainframes but then. But she was also sure the Ai mainframes could not enter First so why was she here?


    There was only one path here, regardless of the truth behind the 8 gods of First, this was her only lead and she had to follow it.


    Moving a little, Tia forgot where she was and abruptly fell off the capsule in a spectacular display of terrible motor skills. A few uncontrolled rolls later and her buttocks struck the ground with a hard smack.


    It was unpleasant and to make it worse, Tia tried to grip her capsule for support and found it locked forcing her to fall again.


    This was also unpleasant.


    "Bear bear!"


    "Capsule is locked until Tia''s health improves. This cannot be overwritten, attempts to do so will require discipline as dictated from Nexcom."


    Tia froze her line of thinking on how to get past bear bear. She had no intention of dealing with Nexcom security. Her child like body had literally gotten her spanked as they came to the conclusion that a child would not listen to reason, before they even tried it!


    Biting her lip she fought her urge to tamper and went to clean up. She was letting herself go a bit, noticing her hair was akin to a wild bush and very greasy. That and she wasn''t sure if she had changed clothes from yesterday.


    She couldn''t remember when she last had a meal either as her tiny tummy did a tiny growl.


    Tia surrendered, bear bear was right.


    Taking another sucker, she popped it in her mouth and left to find a ration dispenser.


    Finding one, Tia made an order of noodle soup and watched as the noodles were pressed out over a wide area and cooked on the spot, falling into a disposable bowl. Afterwards a tasty broth with little bits of this and that were poured in.


    It was supposed to be hot and sour noodle soup but with Tia and her sucker, became hot and sweet. For normal pallets, one might recommend not trying it.


    Next was a bath, it wasn''t her first choice of activity but was a definite part of healthy living.


    Stripping down, Tia got a running start and jumped in. Her bath was allot larger than most and could be considered a pool. Diving down she could feel the cleaning agents scrapping away everything she had worked up. They opened her pores and fondled her hair until they acquired anything and everything that was undesirably sticking to the body. It was bad because one if looking from above would only see a dark cloud swimming around underwater. Such a phenomena meant she was long overdue for cleaning.


    Tia couldn''t help but laugh during the process as a ticklish sensation crept across all her nerves, forcing her to take a breath above the water. That part was unpleasant yet still so refreshing. After the black cloud went away, a white one came out to surround her. It gave a soothing sensation as it added essential nutrients to her skin and hair.


    This was how the privileged cleaned themselves in the new age. Anyone outside Nexcom was told to take a shower or jump in a 15L bathtub.


    Enjoying it for a bit longer after the white cloud had left, Tia eventually came out. She felt refreshed and ready to take on the world as a number of hot air streams twirled around her to dry her off.


    All that was left was soaking her mouth in an oral hygiene solution and getting dressed. It was improper form to enter her capsule stark naked, she wasn''t intending to be uncouth, just lazy health wise.


    Her outfit was yoga attire, orange and black with a wide headband. It fit her well but more importantly was comfortable, the only consideration worth considering for Tia.


    Returning to her capsule bear bear finally unlocked it and let her in.


    Soon Tia was back in first. With a flash of light she was aboard the black scorpion.


    It was now a great distance from the Avalon. The 3 instigators accompanying her that had been severely injured were not recovering aboard this ships medical ward.


    Tia looked around. The resurrected house of Sakura''s members were diligently performing their duties. They had been appearing one after another after like devoted men and women of faith, with Tia as their savior. It was to a point creepy but none he less effective in growing a large loyal force.


    "Mistress of Sakura, reports from petal squad."


    A man bowing his head kneeled before Tia and held up a crystal. It was a data crystal where an individual could store sounds and scenes via an imprint of mana.


    Tia took it from the man''s hand and channeled her own mana into the device in order to activate the retrieval process. It began to replay, then it began to play faster and faster. What could of been weeks, months or years played out in minutes as Tia starred at it with unblinking eyes. When she finished the crystal was red hot and had to be dropped, the man catching it with painful eyes before quickly wrapping it in the cloth he wore.


    Tia closed her eyes as bear bear absorbed the information and began flagging areas of note.


    Petal squad was one of the House''s recon resources. They consisted of maybe a dozen or so men and women that made themselves available to Tia when she needed information. Their mission was to seek and inform, traveling terrain to acquire their knowledge. In a sense it made them scouts but they didn''t have the skills to classify for the actual class.


    Bear bear began displaying movie clips in Tia''s vision by means of rows and columns. By focusing on one she was drawn into it and became a part of it, seeing what those that recorded it saw as they saw it. When she let her eyes blur, she was released and returned to the selection.


    Tia scrutinized the information provided, making sure she understood everything thing the petal squad could inform her of. There was a considerable amount there, describing in detail the workings of one of the 8 guilds Tia, had seen advertised in great repetition aboard the Avalon.


    The guild relating to Rhea had been nearby so Tia had focused her efforts on discovering what she could about it.


    As a result of Petal squad''s efforts, she found it to be a cult.


    It was disturbing. Not so much in the sense that it was particularly damaging to the individuals involved, but because First had become like this. First being used for cult-like worship? It was pathetic and a giant slap in the face to its creators.


    Tia sighed and rubbed her forehead. She did not want to get involved with these people but... She had to. Her self-set mission had been to search for clues of the AIs and the clues lead to the guilds.


    Either way, the size of this situation was astronomical and though Tia doubted the AIs involvement, there was likely something going on. People in general were never known to get along across the world, it''s why Nexcom had chosen to act with such force to pacify everyone. Like children told by their parents that they couldn''t play with particular children, they kept trying to one-up or topple the other, endlessly incapable of getting along. If they weren''t dropping bombs, they were attacking the market. The catastrophic destruction was usually unseen but it never slowed down or even stopped for a second. In a way Nexcom did the world a favor by giving them something in common, common fear of the biggest fish named Nexcom in the pond called Earth.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Now for so many to suddenly get along and worship virtual gods? It was beyond suspicious, it was preposterous.


    The guild using the name of Rhea for their recruitment and identity''s backing was called Air Raid. They had no common goal or purpose, just existed in great numbers that were never used. Numerically they were one of the 8 largest guilds but were never seen using their numbers, not even in ceremonies typical of cults. It''s just that when asked, members said they believed in Rhea.


    Running the guild were the self-proclaimed ''prophets.'' Their ''divinations'' showed the way for its members to find great things in First while warning of danger.


    Thinking about it Tia considered a possibility. A combination of classes that included skills in scrying and fate manipulation might give them that power. Fate manipulation being an extremely advanced skill at the end of religious themed classes that wasn''t always available to everyone. Those skills would allow future events generated in first to be observed and while being observed changed, hence their names.


    Tia didn''t think anyone had the skill Fate manipulation, no one should of had the time to complete the class to that extent so that brought her back to square one.


    Shaking her head, Tia made a command with her eyes and finger to move seeing that her speculation was going in circles. No one around her had taken their eyes off of her. The house of Sakura was a cult in its own right as well.


    ***


    Looking out from the black scorpion, Tia could see Air Raid''s Guild headquarters. It was a small mountain hovering a few meters off the ground, while dug out to support an aesthetically pleasing structure that extended out its side. The mountain was also covered in holes, a huge number of possible entrances suggesting what was in the structure was only a fraction of its potential.


    Tia, while nodding to someone, sent the ship in a fast descent and landed near the mountain''s exterior. With another nod she sent the ship into high orbit after exiting.


    She was immediately greeted by a number of people gathering after seeing her approach.


    One in particular came out from the rest to great her.


    He was of the warrior class, having large green and red scimitars dangling at his waste with a body that was built and durable. The man looked capable of giving any Swedish body builder a leg sweep to their ego.


    Bear bear came into play and began scripting what Tia should say. Social educate was a science at its core and bear bear was more than adequate to handle its proceedings. When it came time for Tia to ask questions, she would take charge.


    The man began to speak, "Welcome to Air Raid, you have given us quite the spectacle upon your arrival, may I ask the nature of your visit?"


    "I apologize for the abrupt arrival and any inconveniences it may have caused. My only wish at the moment is an audience with your guild leader. You may call me Tia."


    "The guild leader? I''m sorry you had to come all this way but I cannot allow that Tia and I''m Fib by the way. Nice to meet you."


    "Why is that?"


    "The guild leader will only meet with strong players. His work is demanding and laying it down requires a strong reason to. Only those who have shown themselves worthy will have the chance to meet him."


    "And how is it one proves their strength?"


    "I''m sorry Tia but I can tell from a glance you are too young to be considered strong. Perhaps you would like to join our guild and follow Rhea."


    "Rhea?"


    "Yes, she is our God. With her guidance we are becoming strong.


    Perhaps you would be interested in joining our junior division? While you believe in Rhea, many good things will come your way."


    "Do you know anymore?"


    "Our guild prophets commune with the divine Rhea and produce a guild board full of tasks that are of high quality."


    "How are they able to do this?"


    "I can''t say for I do not know. All I can add is my thanks to them for I am what I am today because of their help.


    This was a dead end for Tia, she needed to go higher up.


    "That''s unfortunate. It gives me more reason to talk to your guild leader though. Is there not a way to meet him or her?"


    "There is but I cannot permit such a young lady as yourself to take it."


    "What is it?"


    "You must defeat me."


    "Is that all?"


    "Is that all? IS THAT ALL?!? You cheeky brat, I''ll have you know that I am an elite of the Air Raid guild."


    "Hmm, well I am ask for a duel regardless. I wish to meet your guild leader."


    "Kid, you might not be courting death but are courting something close to it. If you have no interest in joining the guild as a junior, I''d ask you to leave."


    "I refuse. Will you not fight me?"


    At those words there were whispers all around. It seemed Fib was obligated to accept any request of this nature and there was much gossip about its possible outcome.


    "So be it. I Fib of Air Raid declare combat against the individual known as Tia. Warnings have been given and no one shall interfere for either side until there is a winner. The winner shall be declared when one yields or dies. Tia, this is your last chance to walk away or will you continue."


    "I accept the challenge."


    "Then walk to me, match your back to mine and walk forward 10 paces, you may then attack when I yell fight."


    Tia nodded and prepared herself as asked.


    "Fight!" Fib bellowed.


    Tia turned around and ended the match in a single move.


    As a nightwitch, one of Tia''s many abilities included telekinesis. As of now she had gripped the large man, lifted him into the air and brought the scimitars he was holding in his hands to his throat.


    "Please yield." Tia replied.


    "Not. Yet."


    Tia had to let go of the man as he struggled. Had she not, she may have accidentally loped his head instead threatening him with his scimitars. And if she just held him there, the match was unlikely to end.


    There was a reason to not to kill Fib. It would leave a terrible first impression to gain an audience through murder and showing she had the power to choose, further improved her appearance.


    Staying still for a moment, Tia traced her lips with her index finger in turn making them a cherry blossom pink. Then taking out a blade from her back she kissed it, coloring it entirely the same shade and hue.


    Anyone could now tell Tia was dangerous now. The blade she held was leaking an ability that charmed the opponent and sharpened the blade.


    Under telekinesis and charm, Fib was made helpless as Tia approached and struck each scimitar, knocking them from his hands.


    Next gravity magic was invoked, driving him to his knees. For Fib it would of been like walking the ocean''s depths.


    In his kneeling position, where his arms were left motionless and point straight to the ground, Tia forced his head back to reveal his entire neck.


    Bringing her own blade to his neck she repeated in a much less friendly tone, "Please. Yield."


    "I yield," Fib replied instantly, fear clearly in his voice.


    Tia released the magics and Fib toppled to the ground like an old sack of potatoes. The magics used were very hard on the body, not even organs would be sparred as they were both ones that could be applied to all the cells in the body together.


    "Please take me to your guild leader."


    "Y-yes, ri-right away" Fib replied, collecting himself with great effort between deep breaths. He was having a hard understanding what had just happened, how was this little girl so strong?!?


    Finally Tia was lead through the crowd and under the floating mountain. Eventually they found a blue teleport array and were whisked away inside.


    Some doors and more teleports and Tia found herself in the structure portion she had seen before, looking out windows high in the sky.


    When she was stopped at the end of a windowed hall, Fib knocked and two large marble carved with immaculate designs opened.


    Standing to the side of the room, Tia could see the guild leader busy working on something at a table but that wasn''t what interested her for what was in the middle of the room scarred her.


    In the middle of the room was a divine spark, which was what Gaia would use to portray one of the eight ''gods'' of First.


    Tia fell to her knees in disbelief, she did not know how or why but it was clear that the eight AIs had gotten into First.