《Galactic High》


 Chapter 1: The New Student

    ¡°Move it Sephy, or we¡¯re in detention again!¡±


    The three girls rushed to their homeroom class for the end of day announcements. The one who had just spoken, Nika, was in the lead, which was usual for the sporty Kizun. Her pointed ears were twitching as she used her pink furred tail to push herself forward and turn corners quickly.


    Sephy was behind, taking up the rear of the group and panting heavily, dashing forward with her purple translucent wings whenever her legs failed her. It was times like these the light purple skinned Skritta really regretted skipping out on cardio exercise. ¡°I¡¯m trying! It¡¯s not my fault there¡¯s another shootout on the 3rd floor! Chiyo, can you help us girls out?¡±


    The third girl in the party, Chiyo, was simply floating in the air with her telekinetic power looking bored, close behind Nika. The light-blue skinned Ilithii was laying down reading a book, not even looking like she heard Sephy at all. Eventually, she looked down with her glasses at the two before the familiar telepathic link hit both of their minds.


    Oh fine then, if I must¡­


    Both Nika and Sephy were suddenly picked off the ground before being dragged at high speed towards the classroom behind Chiyo. Fellow students were quickly and violently pushed aside by Chiyo¡¯s power as, like a bullet, the three girls shot around the corridors to their home classroom before coming to an abrupt stop. Both Nika and Sephy began retching and clutching their stomachs immediately as Chiyo rolled her eyes and telepathically reached out with her mind for the presence of the teacher.


    We have a few minutes.


    Nika and Sephy took the time to breathe and slowly the nausea subsided as more of their fellow classmates passed them in a rush and found their seats.


    ¡°Hey guys! Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d get here before me!¡±


    The three girls looked around to see their friend Alora walking up to them. The pale, angelic-looking Eladrie clearly hadn¡¯t been affected by the firefight rampaging below that had blocked off their usual route to their home classroom, though even if it had, her army of male admirers would likely plough a path through without Alora even knowing.


    ¡°We wouldn''t be without Chiyo!¡± Sephy laughed, throwing an arm around the startled Ilithii and pulling her in for a quick hug.


    ¡°Well nice, we want to make a good impression!¡± Alora singsonged as she skipped into the classroom.


    ¡°What does she mean by that?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t a clue¡± Sephy happily quipped. ¡°Maybe Miss Class Representative just wants to set a good example for us.¡±


    You¡¯re too much of a lost cause for that Sephy, maybe it was about our uniforms?


    Chiyo frowned as she looked at her two companions. The teachers and prefects were very serious about their uniform policy, and the last thing Chiyo, Nika and Sephy wanted was to be set an essay to write on top of their homework. The three girls had ruffled skirts and blazers, their shirts untucked and their ties crooked from being yeeted halfway across the school by Chiyo. Quickly, all three girls fixed what they could as they followed Alora and took their seats near her before any of the usual creepy classmates took the spots themselves. There ended up being a few vacant seats scattered around the room, the shootout clearly being somewhat of an inconvenience for the rest of their peers.


    A few seconds later their homeroom teacher walked in briskly. Mrs Schlart was a selectively strict teacher, being a stickler for certain rules, usually about neat uniforms and not causing distractions in class but was arbitrary on others, and genuinely seemed to want to help her students improve themselves. As far as the faculty at Hive Station Bastilla School went, she was one of the good ones.


    Usually.


    The lanky, white-scaled Vivren hadn¡¯t even been able to start the class before three boys ran in panting, then groaning at seeing their teacher look at them in anger. It was clear from the looks of all three of the reptilian Xarak, that they had attempted to blast their way through the firefight to get to class, evidenced by their uniforms being torn and ripped in places, with one of the boys having been shot several times.


    ¡°OH?¡± Mrs Schlart raised her voice. ¡°So glad you could join us, gentlemen. Would you care to explain why you¡¯re all late to class?¡±


    The boy at the front spoke up. ¡°Miss, there was a shootout on the third floor and we were pinned down. We tried to push past but Xzareth got shot and we had to carry him up here.¡±


    ¡°Oh? And I suppose you think getting shot is an acceptable excuse for being late to class with your uniform a mess, do you?¡± Mrs Schlart asked in that same loud, accusatory tone.


    ¡°I...erm...well¡­.¡±


    ¡°IT IS NOT!¡± the teacher yelled at the three reptilians. ¡°DETENTION AFTER CLASS!¡±


    The three boys growled quietly under their breath as they found their seats.


    ¡°OH?¡± Mrs Schlart yelled, not finished with them yet. ¡°ARE WE FORGETTING SOMETHING?¡±


    The three boys stopped in alarm and looked at each other in confusion.


    ¡°MR XHARL! Why do you think it¡¯s acceptable to bring a long-barrelled firearm to class and NOT put it on the weapons rack by the whiteboard?¡±


    ¡°Sorry miss¡± The offending boy apologised before moving to the rack.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before that if you shoot one of your classmates with that thing while a lesson is in progress again it will go on your permanent record!¡± Mrs Schlart told the boy sternly. ¡°I¡¯m confiscating your shotgun, and your grenades too! You can have them back at the end of the day.¡±


    This went on for another ten minutes while Mrs Schlaert took the register, as their fellow classmates came in and were appropriately punished by the teacher and told where to sit near the front of the class. It was near the end of the school day, with only about ten minutes left to go. As time went on Nika wondered if there was going to be anything even remotely interesting in these end of school announcements. It had been a rather boring day, with only one fairly lame school shooting. Already she could hear the low buzz of medical droids moving to clean up, heal and restore to life those who had been caught up in the mess. She looked to her friends. Alora looked attentive as always, being the good girl she was. Chiyo¡¯s eyes were glazed over, no doubt astral projecting subtly. Sephy looked about to fall asleep, only getting away with it because Xzareth was bleeding out while Mrs Schlart yelled at him to not fall unconscious in class.


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    They were all interrupted by a knock on the door.


    ¡°Ah! Excellent!¡± Mrs Schlart went to the door and opened it. The four girls couldn¡¯t see who their teacher was talking to but she was acting...friendly?


    ¡°Thank you for bringing him here Mr Zalgo I¡¯ll take it from here. It¡¯s so good to finally meet you! One moment please!¡±


    The teacher walked a few paces and faced the classroom.


    ¡°Alright class I just have one major announcement today, we have a new student joining us!¡±


    After having heard that the students in the class started whispering amongst each other, which the teacher didn¡¯t even bother trying to stop. Though new students came in groups regularly, usually new classes were created for them to fill up. It was very unusual to have a new student join an existing class like theirs.


    Nika, Sephy and Chiyo all quickly turned around with questioning looks to Alora, now all wide awake and paying full attention. Alora just gave a quick smile before all eyes snapped to the front as the teacher spoke to whoever was outside. ¡°Come in!¡±


    The class stared silently in anticipation as the new student walked in.


    It was a very strange and unusual being even Chiyo couldn¡¯t identify. It was a whitish-pink bipedal creature with two arms ending in five-fingered hairless hands. At a glance, it seemed to be hairless all over with the exception of the top of its head, which lacked any sort of antenna or horns whatsoever. The light-brown hair was medium short and had clearly been combed a little, though it still looked a little messy. The two wide eyes were a similar colour, a piercing dark-brown that examined the class with a seemingly cool demeanour. Quickly, Chiyo checked its aura with her third eye and saw that she¡¯d gotten the expression wrong. It was male, and his aura was like nothing Chiyo had ever seen before. Despite this the usual colours of fear were paramount, swirling between terror and shyness. His face had a mouth and nose like she and her friends had, though shaped a little unusually. The two sensory organs on either side of his head were likely for sound detection, but apart from that there was nothing else to him, no tail, no wings, nothing from what they could see that wasn¡¯t hidden by his brand-new school uniform.


    Sensing the thoughts of her friends and sharing what she had found with them, Chiyo knew that they had come to the same conclusion she had.


    He was cute!


    They could barely catch what the teacher was saying as they asked the creature to introduce themselves and tell a little about themselves to the class while they had time.


    ¡°Umm¡­Hi there!¡± The creature was clearly nervous and shy, speaking much softer than Sephy was expecting, but having some force behind his words all the same. Not meek like many of the servant class Rikt, but also not like the growls and snarls of the warlike Xarak. Sephy would have a very hard time thinking about homework tonight...


    ¡°My name is Jack and I¡¯m a Human. We¡¯re a species that come from a Deathworld you¡¯ve probably never heard of called Earth. I¡¯ve been told I¡¯m to attend this school until I graduate with you guys or until I am able to return home...if I can. I¡­.um....look forward to working with you?¡±


    That was strange. What in the name of the gods did he mean by that? The whispers kicked off once more until the teacher spoke up again. ¡°That¡¯s right! Jack is from a species we haven¡¯t encountered before just as he hasn¡¯t encountered us. I am sure you¡¯ll make him feel welcome and included.¡± She finished on a dark note, staring at several of the class troublemakers. Nika felt a little sorry for the human boy. It was only a matter of time before he got into conflict with some of the assholes in their class, many that were born to be natural bullies and warriors, respecting nothing but force. Despite that, Nika was a fighter herself, and there was something about this human that had her instincts on fire. She was intrigued!


    ¡°Thank you, Jack!¡± Mrs Schlart quickly turned back to the boy, somehow sensing that he wasn¡¯t comfortable being put on the spot like that. ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll get to know you better but for now you should sit next to Alora over there, she¡¯s our Class Representative and will help you get settled.


    ¡°Thank you, we already know one another¡± Jack politely replied to the teacher as he walked towards the indicated empty desk. A few outraged whispers from several jealous classmates cut through the silence as the class watched him.


    ¡°How does he know her?¡± ¡°Why does he get to sit next to her?¡± ¡°Are they dating?¡±


    If Jack heard the loud whispers he did not acknowledge them, though Mrs Schlart certainly did with more people in detention.


    He finally reached the seat next to Alora and several other classmates, who were looking at him not unkindly. Likely Alora¡¯s friends. He gave them as friendly a smile as he could, as if to reassure them with a short ¡°Hello¡±.


    Both Nika and Sephy were wracking their minds for the questions they would ask him when the class was over, this friendly-seeming human was like nobody they¡¯d ever met before, and Alora already knew him? She had been volunteering at the temple a lot lately¡­


    Dibs on the new boy.


    Both Nika and Sephy snapped around in their seats with a loud crash to look at Chiyo with expressions of utter betrayal. Chiyo for her part flushed a deep blue in embarrassment. That was very out of character for the usually shy and bookish Ilithii.


    ¡°Oh? Perhaps you three want to share something with the rest of us?¡± Mrs Schlart asked, staring down at the girls. ¡°DETENTION!¡±


    ******


    ¡°Dammit it is good to be back!¡± Nika groaned as she opened the door to the house and untucked her school blouse, Sephy following close behind, chucking her bag and blazer on the sofa before undoing enough buttons to cool her down. If the school had to enforce a stupid uniform policy they could at least try making them comfortable!


    Chiyo, predictably, was already curled up and floating in the air above her seat on the sofa, wrapped up in a thick woolly jumper several times her size. A mix between sleep and meditation, it was the closest thing the Ilithii had to a sleep pattern, which they did at irregular intervals to realign their power and refresh their bodies. Naturally Chiyo had cheated their detention and just went straight home, leaving a psychic projection to complete the detention with their teacher none the wiser. As for her reverie, she was definitely avoiding her stitched-up two friends for the moment.


    ¡°Alora isn¡¯t home, where¡¯d she go?¡± Sephy asked, looking around.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t she have to show the new boy around after class?¡± Nika replied.


    ¡°Surely it wouldn¡¯t take that long. This is the main hall, these are the toilets, those are the best places to take cover during a shootout - that sort of thing¡± Sephy replied, stopping with a big grin on her face. ¡°Maybe she called dibs on the boy first?¡±


    Nika knew her friend was baiting her, but she still raised an eyebrow at that. Alora got a lot of unwanted attention from several guys in the school and out of it but she tended to brush it off and not pursue anything. But still, how did they know each other in the first place? Alora was usually more forthcoming with the rest of the group.


    ¡°Maybe she did, maybe she¡¯s rejecting him like all the others before.¡± Nika replied with a sigh as she got two mugs out and prepared some herbal infusions for the both of them.


    ¡°Her loss then! That boy¡¯s mine!¡± Sephy smiled triumphantly, her purple wings fluttering with false bravado. Nika knew Sephy was baiting her as friends do, and this time she rose to it.


    ¡°You sure he won¡¯t reject you and be too hung up on Alora?¡± Nika smiled, stirring the mugs with her pink tail and remembering the last time Sephy got a little too thirsty for her own good, ¡°Though I¡¯ll admit, he was definitely looking my way!¡± She added, ribbing her friend back.


    ¡°He hasn¡¯t seen you stand up yet!¡± Sephy replied with a grin ¡°He probably isn¡¯t into short girls!¡±


    ¡°Oh really?¡± Nika replied, fired up as she grabbed a nearby cushion to throw at the joking Skritta. ¡°I bet he isn¡¯t into flat girls either!¡±


    ¡°A duel it is!¡± Sephy laughed, launching off the sofa with her wings and swinging at her Kizun friend. ¡°I fight for the honour of late bloomers everywhere!¡±


    As the two girls battered each other with cushions in various states of undress they heard a polite cough coming from the front door. Both girls turned around and froze.


    Alora didn¡¯t look too pleased with her two friends, but that wasn¡¯t even the worst part.


    The human boy, Jack, was standing next to her, staring wide-eyed at the two somewhat scantily clad girls in front of them with a red-faced expression.


    ¡°I was going to tell you this after class as a surprise,¡± Alora started.


    ¡°But we have a new housemate.¡±

 Chapter 2: The New Housemate

    Jack didn¡¯t think this day could get any weirder, but apparently whatever cosmic force had thrown him here in the first place had a sick sense of humour. Today was his first day outside the temple since he arrived in this insane hellhole, and he was fully regretting it already.


    Well...almost.


    He had been told early on that Hive Station Bastilla, and indeed much of the known galaxy did not have an organised structure of laws and government, and thus it was a state of fluctuating anarchy. There were some authorities that were bastions of law and order in the ocean of chaos but they were far and few between. The Temple of Hope he had been inhabiting was fortunately one of them, with several churches of various good and amicable gods banding together for a common cause. He owed the Church of Astara, the Goddess of Justice in particular, his life, as it was her priests that had helped him begin to adjust and adapt.


    The school day apparently wasn¡¯t too long by Earth standards so it was agreed he would be introduced to the class at the end of the day to get the initial paperwork and excitement out of the way and make sure there were no problems before he started attending regularly. He had met the principal - a stern skeletal looking creature that towered over him and seemed to hate and talk down to everybody, even the priest that had accompanied him as a ¡®responsible guardian¡¯ where he had to put up with a several-hour-long lecture on the strict rules and regulations of the school.


    But that wasn¡¯t the worst part.


    The fact that there was a school shooting before he got to the classroom was bad enough. The fact that these were for some reason a very common occurrence disturbed him even more. Even with the promises that the medical droids were very good at patching people up and could even in many cases resurrect fallen students with nanobot technology within the confines of the school he was unsurprisingly not reassured.


    It started with the urging of the High Priestess Cornelia that he meet someone his own age, rather than just the older temple workers he had been assisting to earn his keep since he arrived. Alora volunteered at the temple often as she worshipped one of the other gods, but she was eager to meet Jack when she heard about his strange story, and told him many positive stories about the outside. The Eladrie was slightly taller than him, slender, hell - Jack would even say elf-like. She had light grey, long curly hair that he swore changed subtle tones as she spoke. Certainly her freckles all along her light-grey moonlight skin did.


    She always tried to put a positive spin on things when she talked to Jack, keeping up a cheerful attitude no matter what the circumstance. She talked about school, her friends, and her house that she shared with a few friends - which she was looking for a housemate for. With encouragement from High Priestess Cornelia, who overheard this development, Jack eventually took the next step.


    He did his best to play it cool when meeting the rest of his homeroom class for the first time, though as an introverted teen, he really didn¡¯t like being the centre of attention. Widespread active use of magic and firearms aside, some of these aliens looked really intimidating! He thought it went as well as it could though; his chad older cousin had given him some good social advice over the years, and he did his best not to show that he was shy or scared when he most definitely was. Claiming to be a Deathworlder would hopefully force them to keep their distance...


    It couldn¡¯t last though. He didn¡¯t know what he did as he went to his seat but he seemed to startle three of the girls sitting next to him and get them into trouble somehow. Great. They and those that saw it happen probably hated him now. He kept the sinking feeling in his stomach to himself as Alora showed him the facilities and told him about several of the clubs and societies they had operating at the school, though he had no idea what the vast majority of them even were.


    As he and Alora walked back towards the house, Jack once again took in the unnatural sights, sounds and smells of Hive Station Bastilla. There was nothing to compare it to back home. It was an endless city sprawl, with seemingly infinite district sectors: some dedicated to a specific megacorporation, others were simple slums with all types of aliens staring at him, one they went through seemed to be dominated by a militia who were looking for volunteers to liberate other sectors controlled by monsters or vicious gangs, and another one just seemed to be populated by alien trees.


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    Fortunately, the house wasn¡¯t far. District Sector ST976624SA was unusually tiny, only having about 4 spacious houses in all, though 3 of these looked unoccupied or abandoned in various states of disrepair. There was a brief scare when several autoturrets pointed in Jack¡¯s direction, but a quick command from Alora told them to back off and recognise Jack as a friendly. As they walked down the abandoned road to the only obviously occupied building they heard noise from within, like some kind of argument, presumably Alora¡¯s friends. Jack was pretty nervous about meeting new people, but he hoped they¡¯d be able to break the ice in a non-awkward way.


    Yeah...that hope got crushed pretty quickly.


    When Jack and Alora walked in, they were met with two partially-undressed alien girls laughing and hammering away at each other with cushions, with one other hovering in the background having not noticed them enter. To his horror Jack recognised all three of them¡­


    One of the two ¡®combatants¡¯ was light purple skinned with translucent matching wings and was about his height, with large, wide, black pupilless eyes and thin antennae curling around the top of her head, cushioned by a tuft of dark purple hair. It was quite a coincidence it was done in a pixie hairstyle, because a pixie was the closest thing this girl looked like to Jack.


    The other girl swinging away with her own cushion seemed to be much better equipped to brawl. Completely covered in various shades of pink fur, Jack could still see the thin, tempered muscles on the girl''s arms. She was a head shorter than her friend, not counting her large pointed ears and long, thick tail swishing back and forth. To Jack, she looked like a cross between a tiny part of human and catgirl, and the rest mostly kangaroo.


    Jack couldn¡¯t see much of the final girl at the back, but he still thought he recognised her from the classroom. The pale blue skin, silvery grey hair and thick glasses were quite memorable, after all. Before Jack could even think to turn away in the name of dignity, Alora spoke up and broke the ¡®good¡¯ news.


    Sephy reacted quickly, dashing forward and leaping in the air with her wings before coming down in what she thought would be a cool looking skid, but really wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Oh shit....damn...no...fuck...maybe¡­phew,.¡± the purple Skritta grunted as she hopped forward, trying not to fall over before finally holding her balance and standing up right next to Jack, putting her arms around him. ¡°I mean-¡± she gave a winning smile and stared right into his eyes ¡°...Hi! I¡¯m Sephy!¡±


    ¡°Hello Sephy!¡± Jack replied with a polite smile, not sure how to react to being hugged by a total stranger as his arms hovered around her awkwardly, too cautious to embrace back. Considering her shirt was undone, it took all of his willpower not to look down¡­


    ¡°Someone needs her meds¡± Nika grinned, as she wrapped her tail around the Skritta¡¯s waist and pulled the eager Sephy away, who giggled as she released the hug.  ¡°I¡¯m Nika. You¡¯re Jack right?¡± Nika put her hand out for a handshake which Jack reflexively reached for, the Kizun grabbing his forearm below the elbow, linking their arms in a Roman-like greeting.


    ¡°Um...yep, that¡¯s me!¡± Jack replied, not expecting such a warm welcome from the two girls. Weren¡¯t they annoyed with him? ¡°Err...sorry if I got you guys in trouble back at class by the way.¡±


    Alora, Nika and Sephy looked confused for a nanosecond before they realised what he meant with a loud cackle of laughter. Nika quickly spoke up once she recovered. ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry about that, it wasn¡¯t you at all, rather this degenerate trouble maker over here!¡± She led the group to the sofa where Chiyo was revitalising, looking up at the girl who she knew would still be lucid enough to sense their disapproval - and the presence of Jack.


    ¡°You should probably ask her about it when she wakes up!¡± Sephy piped in, with a malicious grin, remembering what Chiyo had done to get them into trouble and wanting a little payback.


    ¡°That¡¯s how she sleeps?¡± Jack asked, confused.


    ¡°Kinda!¡± Sephy replied. ¡°Though she puts up a repelling telekinetic barrier of some kind. Watch this!¡± She grinned as she threw one of the cushions at Chiyo before quickly ducking behind Jack. The cushion stopped abruptly just before it would hit Chiyo, before being violently yeeted back towards them. Having a short moment to realise what Sephy was doing and react to it he quickly dodged to the side as the cushion zipped past him and clobbered Sephy in the face, completely clotheslining her to the raucous laughter of both Nika and Alora.


    ¡°Nice reflexes!¡± Nika called to Jack, trying hard not to show just how impressed she was. ¡°And nice try Sephy!¡±


    ¡°Dammit!¡± The Skritta clambered to her feet as Jack offered her a hand up. He was chuckling for what must have been the first time in weeks.


    Yeah. Things weren¡¯t completely bad after all.

 Chapter 3: The Quiet One

    ¡°We should probably get our homework done first before we show Jack around,¡± Alora chimed in between giggles.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, I¡¯m just gonna copy Chiyo while she rejuvenates!¡± Sephy replied with a confidant wink at Jack. ¡°We won¡¯t be long!¡±


    Nika sighed as she picked up her drink and handed Sephy hers. ¡°You do know Chiyo¡¯s caught on to what you¡¯re doing right?¡± The Kizun asked the hyperactive Skritta who had practically already zoomed off down a nearby corridor.


    ¡°Hey, she can copy my homework whenever she likes!¡± The voice of Sephy echoed back.


    ¡°Why in the name of the gods would anyone want to do that?¡± Alora replied, rolling her eyes with a smile before turning away to the bemused human. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind Jack, we didn¡¯t get much homework to do and it¡¯s better to do it now and get it out the way.¡±


    ¡°Sure, that¡¯s fine,¡± Jack replied quietly with a shy smile. He was still a little overwhelmed by the attention and wouldn¡¯t mind sitting down.


    ¡°Here you go!¡± Nika picked up what looked like a remote control from the large sofa and threw it to him, taking note of his reaction time and catching ability as she did. ¡°TV remote, have fun!¡± She added, before turning around and heading off.


    Jack plonked down on the sofa next to the floating fourth girl he hadn¡¯t officially met yet. He knew it was a little rude to look but he couldn¡¯t deny he was curious. She was spinning gently in the air with her arms and legs tucked in an oversized beige jumper, with only her light blue face to be seen. She had pale blue skin, lustrous silvery grey hair and thick, slightly oversized glasses, which were somehow able to remain attached to her face. She looked at peace with her eyes closed, and Jack noticed what may have been a small crystal in the center of her forehead, the same colour as her hair.


    He turned away, not wanting to appear rude. He turned on the projector which seemed to default to a 2D display on the back wall. As it loaded up he checked his surroundings. The room they were in was a large entrance hall which doubled as the living room, with an area close to the back left corner that housed the reasonably sized kitchen area. Four corridors, two parallel pairs running on the left and right side of the front door, with the back of the room having a set of large clear doors that opened out to another area. A set of stairs ran up either side of the room, though only Alora had ascended the one on the left. The room was sparsely decorated, and Jack could tell the house wasn¡¯t in the best condition, though he thought with some time and effort it could be spruced up a bit better. Certainly the rest of District Sector ST976624SA looked like it needed fixing up¡­


    Still, that could wait for later. He wanted to take advantage of the calm before the storm while he could. He dragged his borrowed rucksack up beside him and checked the contents, spotting with relief that his few possessions and belongings were still there. Another school uniform, some borrowed casual clothes and a blanket from the temple made up most of the space. There was some stationary, some note and text books, an empty water container he had downed much earlier in the day, a small tin he had put every dropped coin or discarded credit he could find in, and a larger tin with a very basic survival kit he had managed to put together using his Scouting knowledge, though lacking several key components. That was it. Jack felt more pangs of helplessness in that moment, but forced down the familiar waves of panic with the knowledge that he was in a better spot now than he was before. He just needed to figure out what to do next.


    The projector had fully loaded up, and Jack had to quickly play around with the remote to turn the volume down. The display was a little confusing, showing different symbols or illustrations, the cursor flitting through them quickly with the slightest touch. He clicked one.


    ¡°Welcome to your triquarter rotation weather updates!¡±


    Ah, so they¡¯re TV channels, Jack realised. He clicked another.


    ¡°Famed adventurer group Death Triangle have uncovered the former laboratory of Dr Trixx Xhargol, claiming valuable treasures and widespread recognition from the scientific community.¡±


    Jack quickly skipped through more, unable to commit to one thing in the sea of insanity. He would probably need to ask the others for advice on what to watch later.


    ¡°On tonight¡¯s episode of ¡®Galactic Assholes¡¯ we take a look at what we know of the mysterious necromancer Lucian Vile!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to sprinkle a little Xtharlian paste into the mix and smoke¡±


    ¡°The war against the Demon Lord Sable, Lord of the Sands has ground to a halt in the Obal system after a botched¡­¡±


    ¡°This is ¡®Galactic Tracks & Infinite Tunes!¡¯ Gal-TIT, bring the breast, errr¡­.the best music in the galaxy!¡±


    ¡°The Dredger Gang retreated from their raid on District Sector ST846124SA after an attack by local vigilante, Nightbringer killed four of their number¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re turning the frickin Drogs gay!¡±


    Jack switched the projector off, and slumped back in his seat, unable to process the crazy right now.


    Something to his side got his senses tingling. Jack quickly spun his head and lunged back in sudden shock with a loud yelp.


    The fourth girl, Chiyo, had floated down next to Jack without him noticing and was staring directly at him, silvery-blue eyes wide with curiosity from only a few inches away.


    Immediately noise came from all over the house. The sound of rapid footsteps came from one of the right side corridors as Nika ran into the room holding what looked like a pistol of some kind, holstering it as she saw what happened with a loud cackle.


    ¡°Real smooth Chiyo!¡± Nika articulated loudly enough for the others to hear, turning around and heading back to her room as Jack could hear other doors closing in the distance from where Alora and Sephy were listening in. Jack quickly composed himself and sat back on the sofa, slightly further away from Chiyo.


    Chiyo floated closer to him before curling up right next to him, not saying a word, still staring at him.


    Jack decided to break the silence.


    ¡°Um...Hi there! I¡¯m Jack!¡±


    He felt a very strange sensation tingle in his mind, as if something was reaching in and rifling around desperately in his head.


    ¡­...He¡­llo


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    The word came to the forefront of his mind though he knew they weren¡¯t his own. It seemed a little hesitant, lacking confidence, as if Chiyo wasn¡¯t sure if she gave the correct greeting.


    ¡°Hi!¡± Jack smiled reassuringly, while trying not to show his confusion. Chiyo¡¯s eyes widened and she gave a shy smile. Again Jack felt the sensation of a presence and the feeling of Chiyo rummaging around in his mind. He had no idea what he was meant to do as the expression on Chiyo¡¯s face grew ever more frantic.


    ¡°Are you...non-verbal?¡± Jack asked, trying to guess what was happening. Chiyo suddenly stopped and gave him a warm look, closing her eyes and nodding at Jack with another smile ¡°I can try and find a pen and paper, I have some in my bag?¡±


    Chiyo suddenly perked up at that and quickly held up her hand to stop him. She threw off her jumper and telekinetically reached into one of her pockets, pulling out a device that looked somewhat similar to a smartphone. Chiyo turned it on and fiddled around before showing him the words on the screen, looking at him in anxious anticipation:


    Hello Jack, it is nice to meet you!


    The translation filter injected into his bloodstream worked wonders and deciphered the words instantly, and Jack was thankful that in this insane galaxy he could at least communicate, though with Chiyo that might prove to be somewhat challenging.


    ¡°Nice to meet you too!¡± Jack replied out loud, showing that he understood. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen psychic powers like that before.¡±


    Chiyo smiled again as she wrote a new message. Now she wasn¡¯t asleep and tucked into her jumper, Jack could see that she was close in height to Nika, but also much curvier and slightly chubby in parts. His eyes stopped roaming just in time, as Chiyo finished her message.


    Telepathy is the primary way Ilithii communicate, but it¡¯s difficult with you, as our species¡¯ have never crossed paths in this way before.


    ¡°Anything I can do to make it easier?¡± Jack replied, concerned.


    Chiyo tapped away quickly again, her skin flushing a slightly darker blue.


    If you let me spend more time with you I can make the psychic link more efficient while getting to know you better.


    Her facial expression stayed neutral, though her skin turned even darker as she stared at Jack, equally bashful, awaiting his reply.


    Jack nodded. ¡°Sure! Sounds good!  I think the others wanted to show me around after they do their homework anyway.¡±


    Chiyo rolled her eyes and tapped away at the screen again.


    Sephy¡¯s copying my homework again, isn¡¯t she?


    He chuckled a little bit at that. ¡°Yeah she said something like that¡±


    Chiyo replied with a long exhale, then tapped a new message.


    Good thing I left a decoy out with all the wrong answers!


    Chiyo gave Jack a sly smile.


    It wasn¡¯t long before the others finished their homework and started joining Jack and Chiyo on the sofa.


    ¡°Told you I wouldn¡¯t be long,¡± Sephy boasted, vaulting the large sofa and sitting on the other side of Jack. ¡°Sorry Chiyo but you just left your homework on the balcony, it was practically calling to me!¡±


    Chiyo locked eyes with Jack with a knowing look, and both shared a subtle grin.


    You should make a better attempt on your own Sephy. Chiyo telepathically replied to her friend.


    Sephy pouted. ¡°I know, but I suck with the academic stuff. Give me some code to tweak, a creative writing thingy or hell - even some gymnastics and I¡¯m fine.¡± Sephy slumped in her seat in a sulk, before remembering that Jack was right next to her and shifted into a more ¡®neutral¡¯ pose.


    Chiyo was sympathetic, though as with many things, she didn¡¯t let it show. It was true Sephy was struggling with certain subjects, but instead of putting the effort in and working on getting better, she resorted to subterfuge. Tough love, she hoped, would be the right thing for her.


    ¡°Well you probably won¡¯t be alone at least,¡± Jack said as he looked at Sephy. He didn¡¯t know what Chiyo had said but he could guess well enough. ¡°You guys are probably learning about magic and starships which I know absolutely nothing about¡±


    That got a confused look from both girls as Nika joined them, mentally drained from finishing her homework. ¡°That sounds like advanced stuff for people twice our age¡± the Kizun pointed out, grabbing a chair and dragging it over to sit opposite Jack. ¡°Magic classes are only for those naturally evolved to perform magic, and we don¡¯t have many in our school sector. Some have an innate ability they have full mastery of like Chiyo and some may be extracurricular or bestowed like Alora but that¡¯s not taught in lessons.¡±


    Do humans learn Mathematics and Communication where you are from? Chiyo typed to show Jack, looking concerned.


    ¡°History and modern politics may be a bummer,¡± Sephy replied with a grin. ¡°But at least you won¡¯t be worse than me!¡±


    ¡°There are also trade and shop classes, as well as physical well-being and self-defence sparring. No need to worry!¡± Nika added, trying to reassure the human.


    But despite the reassurance, Jack was worried. It sounded like there were so many different subjects, several of which sounded like he would be clueless in - it was intimidating!


    ¡°Quite a lot of the content revolves around hypothetical scenarios. The school does that to gauge future employment suitability,¡± came the voice of Alora as she walked in. ¡°You may be asked to explain how to manage a given situation, and from there the lesson will be on what to do.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re back unusually early,¡± Nika noted to Alora, as the Eladrie picked up some objects from the kitchen and daintily sat down next to Chiyo.


    Alora smiled. ¡°What can I say? I¡¯m unusually motivated today! Zips?¡±


    ¡°Zips?¡± Jack began to ask, but Alora handed the objects out to everyone. A thin cylinder with over-the-top branding, Jack still recognised a canned drink when he saw it. Where was the tab though?


    Looking at Nika he saw her twist something at the top before guzzling the stuff, and he cautiously did the same and took a sip. It tasted like a cross between a pomegranate and a red bull.


    ¡°You never had one of these before?¡± Nika asked Jack curiously, having noticed his hesitance.


    Jack felt all eyes on him, and the confidence he had slowly been building up started to erode. He was always anxious being the center of attention, even with something so trivial.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± he began. ¡°I had canned drinks where I came from but they opened differently. I¡¯ve never even heard of ¡®Zips¡¯ before. It tastes good though, thank you Alora.¡±


    Alora gave a soft smile at that. ¡°I imagine it¡¯s better than the bread and water they gave you at the temple, no?¡±


    Jack smiled at that, but Nika spoke up before he could reply. ¡°Only bread and water? I hope you¡¯ve got something good planned for tonight - otherwise he¡¯ll turn undead! It¡¯s your turn to cook!¡±


    ¡°Undead can still be cute!¡± Sephy piped up, before Chiyo gave the enthusiastic Skritta an exasperated look.


    Alora laughed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve prepared well!¡±


    Jack felt the now familiar sensation of Chiyo trying to talk to him in his mind before she quickly looked to Nika, who nodded.


    ¡°Chiyo wanted to tell you about our kitchen tradition¡± the Kizun translated quickly, looking between Jack and Chiyo. ¡°At least once a week, one of us cooks for the rest, usually on schooldays. We usually get something delivered at the start of the weekend and on special days, and the rest of the time we all work on something together.¡±


    ¡°Alora¡¯s the best cook though!¡± Sephy chipped in again. ¡°Careful with Chiyo, her cooking¡¯s the wor-WOAH!¡±


    Before Jack knew what happened, Sephy was dangling in the air by her ankle, bouncing up and down.


    ¡°I take it back!¡± Sephy laughed as she reached up to stop her skirt falling past her head. ¡°Chiyo is best cook! All hail Chiyo!¡±


    Chiyo let her down gently with a satisfied grin.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got most of the food already slow-cooking¡± Alora interjected after giving Chiyo a stern look, who for her part looked completely unrepentant. ¡°Shall we do the tour?¡±

 Chapter 4: House Tour

    The house, as it turns out, was massive. The first two corridors housed several abandoned rooms that could have easily housed 20+ more people, with large bathrooms dotted around at regular intervals. Jack thought back to some of the slums they had walked through to get here and didn¡¯t understand why this place was so sparse.


    ¡°Here¡¯s my room!¡± exclaimed Nika as she looked at Jack with quite a telling smile, opening the door.


    Nika¡¯s room at first glance looked like an abandoned garage. That probably wasn¡¯t too far off the mark despite Jack not seeing any cars, with posters of intimidating looking warriors covering the crumbling grey bricks. Most of the room seemed to be reasonably maintained, though a little spartan. There was a raised platform with a punching bag, and several weapon racks dotting the walls, though hardly anything filling them, just a couple of pistols, a battered looking rifle and some basic looking melee weapons. Taking up the far end of the room was what looked like a workstation, with something bulky and metallic taking up some space. Looking round, Jack could see a pile of cushions near the door with a thin see-through curtain drawn around. Was that where Nika slept?


    ¡°What¡¯s that in the corner?¡± Jack asked, pointing to the work area.


    ¡°That is my latest pet project!¡± Nika replied proudly. ¡°Rebuilding a security automaton! We have several security measures to protect our little sector and this will be one of them...assuming I can get all the parts.¡±


    ¡°Working on it!¡± Sephy added with a smile. ¡°We¡¯ve still come a long way though!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true! Sephy¡¯s been helping with the coding and the acquisitions.¡± Nika smiled, patting Sephy on the back, as the group walked over and examined the thing. It looked somewhat humanoid in nature, slightly rusted in areas and fresh in others, the different metals and colours revealing a patchwork of vastly different parts that had obviously been cannibalised from other machines, including what looked like an attached three-barrel machine gun of some kind. ¡°Once it¡¯s done I¡¯ll have it guarding the place and we¡¯ll move on to the next one!¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a lot of work, it looks really good!¡± Jack replied, confused as hell but impressed by the tech. ¡°I thought you said I wouldn¡¯t need to know this kind of stuff?¡±


    Nika grinned widely at the compliment. ¡°I just taught myself. They don¡¯t really teach this kinda stuff in school, but it¡¯s easier than it looks once you get used to it. Building and fixing isn¡¯t a problem, the real issue is getting compatible components...¡°


    ¡°Well, you could always help me hit the Prefect¡¯s Lockup!¡± Sephy interjected, with a tone that suggested it was something they had spoken about before. ¡°Bare security, no records, and stuff dating back centuries, maybe even longer!¡±


    Nika gave an exasperated sigh and a rolling of the eyes, not even bothering to acknowledge Sephy¡¯s suggestion. Jack, however, was a little curious. More naturally an introvert, he was not particularly good at starting small talk, so maybe he¡¯d ask Sephy later.


    ¡°Well anyways, that¡¯s it for my room!¡± Nika finished with an excited look towards Jack, glad he seemed to approve of her unusual interests when so many others did not. ¡°If we get more parts I can show you how we fit them on, and feel free to come over and train with me any time you like!"


    Nika said that last part, almost caressing one of the training dummies, looking Jack directly in the eyes with a seductive gaze.


    "How come you''ve never offered to let me train with you?" Sephy asked pointedly, a mischievous grin on her face as Nika gave the Skritta a dark look.


    "On with the tour!" Alora chimed in with a cheerful smile, deciding to move things along before there was a murder.


    Sephy was next.


    ¡°And these rooms are mine!¡± the hyperactive Skritta exclaimed, tapping on the doors in question after passing several more empty chambers.


    ¡°Rooms? More than one?¡± Jack asked, confused.


    ¡°Yup!¡± Sephy exclaimed with a grin, opening them up. ¡°I sleep in this one here!¡± She waved Jack over eager to show him. He wouldn¡¯t exactly call her room messy, Jack noted, but aside from the soft looking double bed in the back and a desk housing several monitors, she seemed to have a lot of random things on various shelves. ¡°I don¡¯t want my sleeping room getting too cluttered so I keep my collections in the other rooms!¡±


    ¡°Wow! You¡¯ve got a lot of stuff!¡± Jack replied, complimenting Sephy. ¡°Where do you buy all this?¡±


    At that question Nika roared in laughter and backed away down the corridor to calm herself down. Both Chiyo and Alora stood there with a bemused expression at their flustered friend, who was clearly trying to find a good answer.


    ¡°Well¡­.I¡­kinda...didn¡¯t buy all this!¡± Sephy finally admitted.


    ¡°You stole it?¡± Jack asked, incredulously. The purple pixie had been almost overbearingly friendly to him and a little hyperactive, but he didn¡¯t get the feeling she was a bad person. Was he wrong?


    ¡°Wait what? No! Well...not in that way!¡± Sephy replied in a panic. ¡°Most of the stuff I¡¯ve taken is from abandoned places, though I¡¯ve pinched a few things from monsters or assholes that attack us from time to time!¡± She looked a little distraught from having to admit that as she stared with worried eyes at Jack.


    ¡°Oh¡­.alright! That sounds fine then!¡± Jack quickly replied with a shrug.


    Sephy gave a happy sigh of relief with a smile, before coming up with an idea. ¡°You just have that bag of stuff right? Nothing else?¡± She pointed at Jack¡¯s backpack.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack gave a soft reply, eyes downward. ¡°I think I have what I need for school, but I¡¯ll probably need to buy some essentials and get a job to pay for the rest.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it!¡± Sephy skipped forward. ¡°I¡¯ve got a lot of stuff I don¡¯t need, so you can make better use of it than I can!¡±


    ¡°That would be really nice of you!¡± Jack replied shyly, a bit embarrassed to accept the help.


    Sephy blushed at his reaction. ¡°I¡¯ll put some stuff together for a welcome present later,¡± she said nervously, avoiding the human¡¯s gaze. She couldn¡¯t handle how cute he was being!


    Chiyo looked to Alora, who spoke on her behalf.


    ¡°All right, we¡¯ve done the ground floor, time to see the basement!¡±


    The basement, as it turned out, was entirely the domain of Chiyo, which was a shame since Jack would have loved to have picked the spot himself. But he couldn¡¯t deny why the Ilithii claimed it. It was a very clean and spacious chamber, with side rooms having bookshelves, cupboards and other furniture for Chiyo¡¯s belongings. The middle of the room had several runic circles of ever-increasing complexity enveloping a small 5 metre centre, where apparently Chiyo preferred to rejuvenate, meditate and study.


    I can split my consciousness and multitask effectively here. It really helps with homework! Chiyo typed out on her device to show Jack, apparently uncomfortable with Alora doing most of the translating and wanting to ¡®talk¡¯ herself when possible.


    ¡°Is that why you have all these books?¡± Jack asked, curiously. ¡°That sounds amazing!¡±


    Chiyo smiled and typed again.


    The books contain a lot of useful things you may find interesting, feel free to ask me about them if you can¡¯t find anything on the datanet!


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where to start, to be honest, I barely know a thing about this...¡± Jack replied frustrated, but Chiyo had already used her power to pull one of the books from the far corner of the basement to her, which she handed to Jack. He looked at the title. ¡°Modern Society, and How to Persevere¡±. A strange title for a book, but by the way Chiyo sweetly smiled at him, it seemed to be as good a place to start as any.


    ¡°Chiyo would also like you to come down here to visit so she can work on your joint psychic link and be able to talk to you properly,¡± Alora added.


    Jack nodded. It wasn¡¯t fair that the others could talk to him and Chiyo couldn¡¯t, and personality-wise she seemed similar to him in ways - minus the psychic powers!


    They went to Alora¡¯s room after that on the upper floor; She had a very fancy setup with fine silks and linens lining the chamber and a natural motif of plants and trees, many of which seemed to be alive. It very much bought into the whole ¡®elf¡¯ stereotype that Jack had initially thought of, with tree roots swirling around the floor and springing up to form desks, shelves and other static furniture. The chairs and other movable objects looked like they had once been part of a tree system and naturally grown. When asked, Alora nodded.


    ¡°Yes. Long ago my ancestors brought a seed of the Mother Tree sacred to my people to this sector and cared for it as best they could, but unfortunately they were lost during a Demon Lord invasion. When my family rediscovered the sector coordinates and access codes, they sent me here to reclaim our ancestral estate while attending school. What was left of the tree here had mostly died but I was able to recover a cutting and grow it here.¡± Alora walked over to a potted plant on the ground and picked it up to show them before hugging it, which the winding roots and vines seemed to allow her to do without disturbing anything. ¡°In our shame my House expected the tree to be dead, but we were glad to be mistaken. While I live here I would like to take care of it, and take it with me if it allows.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame that tree can¡¯t make a starship!¡± Sephy giggled. ¡°That would be cool!¡±


    ¡°Well in the early days of my ancestors, it was through the Mother Tree that we first reached the stars.¡± Alora smiled at Jack¡¯s obvious look of disbelief. ¡°But she had been growing for millennia, maybe even longer. No starship for us unless we buy one!¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying this plant can create anything?¡± Jack asked, even more confused than before.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°In a way, yes. My people guided our saplings with magic and prayer, and that¡¯s how we prospered in the early days. It was when my ancestors came together with a few other species did we begin to unify Drift Travel. It was one of the only things we did agree on in the end.¡±


    Chiyo gently tugged on Jack¡¯s arm before he could reply and showed him a message


    What was it like where you are from?


    Jack thought for a moment about what he would say. His new housemates did seem like good people, but he wasn¡¯t sure if he wanted to be telling them all of his secrets just yet. Best just go with the basics. ¡°Well, we don¡¯t have magic or active gods like you do. According to scripture, we may have in our ancient past but not now. We have different countries that fight among each other but it very rarely gets bad since we have nukes now¡­¡±


    "A godless people and a magicless world?" Nika wondered out loud, amazed. "I have never heard of such a thing!"


    "We''re Deathworlders, we''ve done alright."


    Chiyo looked amazed at that revelation. She had no idea what ¡®nukes¡¯ were though, and it was obvious Jack didn¡¯t want to go into any meaningful details about his home world right now.  She would have to work on communicating with the human boy as soon as possible!


    The group walked outside to the abandoned sector. It was strange to think that they alone had this entire sector to themselves and that there wasn''t anyone else here. He knew Alora owned it but that didn''t explain why he had seen so much cramped housing and squalor.


    ¡°It¡¯s not too confusing when you think about it,¡± Nika replied when asked. ¡°Some people like to trade space for security, that¡¯s why they bunch up like that. Our Hive Station has been around for millennia, abandoned and rediscovered a few times. Realistically only about 35% of the station is properly inhabited, the rest has all sorts, and thanks to the monsters and other assholes it¡¯s difficult to map, and it¡¯s because of that a lot of people don¡¯t want to spread out so much.¡±


    Jack¡¯s thoughts turned to worry. If many people banded together in slums for mutual protection, wouldn¡¯t it be dangerous here too?


    As they walked around the exterior, Jack noted that it was mostly unmaintained with a few exceptions. There were some fruit and vegetable patches which Alora had been cultivating, a tradition apparently highly common amongst her people. Nika''s robots and turrets were fairly spread out around the accessible entrance, while Chiyo had protective runes placed around strategic points. For her part, Sephy had thoroughly ''explored'' the abandoned houses for anything left over, and had scrambling code in place to keep them safe from the prying eyes of drones. What would Jack be expected to do to protect the sector?


    ¡°We should go up to the watchtower and get a good view!¡± Sephy suggested to Jack in a lightbulb moment as they walked back to the ladder at the sector entrance.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll go first!¡± Jack noted, remembering they were all mostly still in their school uniforms. The last thing he wanted was to be labelled as a perv in a mostly female house! Climbing up, he noticed Chiyo floating up in the air right next to him with an amused expression on her face.


    ¡°That¡¯s cheating!¡± Jack grinned at the psychic girl, who giggled silently.


    As he got to the top, Jack looked up. The horizon of the hive station never seemed to end, the gigantic ringworld rising up and away in the distance, curling around its star before looping back in a perfect circle. It was probably many, many times the size of Earth by his estimation. He also saw strange beauty in the steady stream of ships coming and going, backlit by the fading light of the local star they were orbiting. He could see one of the solar plates begin to eclipse the star, absorbing the energy needed to power the districts while giving the residents of Hive Station Bastilla a ¡®night¡¯ phase in the process. He was captivated by the diverse honeycomb of sectors that made up the ringworld. Some rose above their surrounding walls with neon banners advertising the latest shows and products, others were a stream of little lights moving about the town like fireflies, and many more he couldn¡¯t really make out. The school was off in the distance - a large pyramid cluster that dominated the landscape in the distance.


    ¡°We usually camp up here when there¡¯s a riot or battle going on so we can see better!¡± Sephy added, having been right behind him


    ¡°Does that happen often?¡± Jack asked, concerned. The last thing he wanted was to get attacked by another murderous mob. He didn¡¯t want a repeat of what happened before...


    ¡°Technically we camp up here to protect the place from a good position,¡± Nika replied after effortlessly sauntering up. ¡°Though some of us are better than others.¡± She gave a pointed look to both Sephy and Chiyo at that.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t had anything too bad recently,¡± Alora puffed as she made it to the top, ¡°Though it usually spills over eventually.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like I¡¯d better train harder,¡± Jack whispered more to himself than the others. He had learned a few basics of judo and karate, but he knew that did little in a world of guns and psychic powers.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it.¡± Nika patted him on the back as she tried to reassure him. ¡°We can test out some guns over the weekend, see what you like!¡±


    ¡°Sure, that sounds good!¡± Jack replied, trying to sound as confident as he could as he cursed himself inwardly for letting that slip. He couldn¡¯t afford to show weakness in front of the others. He was meant to be a Deathworlder, right?


    ¡°But today we have an early night thanks to this solar plate, so that means bunkering down with lots of TV!¡± Sephy added.


    Chiyo looked to Alora, whose eyes widened at whatever she was told. ¡°Chiyo thinks you¡¯ll like Top Flight!¡±


    Immediately Nika and Sephy nodded enthusiastically in agreement.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to explain,¡± Alora started, trying to find the words. ¡°It¡¯s basically a show about drift ships, but the presenters like to mess around while on challenges. You¡¯ll have to watch it to understand it.¡±


    Jack gave a legitimate smile at that. There were countless things he missed from Earth. His family, his friends, his life. But an alien program that showed some actual starships? Surely that would help cheer him up!


    ******


    ¡°Klaarxon you blithering idiot!¡±


    Jack smiled as the four xenos around him roared with laughter, as shards of asteroids rained down on the other two ¡®reasonably priced¡¯ starships behind Klaarxon.


    ¡°How do you like the food, Jack?¡± Alora asked him between chuckles.


    ¡°It¡¯s good,¡± Jack replied in between mouthfuls, and he meant it! He assumed Alora would just cook a vegetarian dish but was surprised when meat, eggs and cheeses were incorporated into the pasta-like dish. He would have to research the ingredients when he got the chance. He was glad Alora had made a lot, as the others seemed to be as hungry as he was! As they watched TV, Jack thought about his crazy day. It was a mixed bag, but making new alien friends in the process was definitely worth it!


    The students eventually started to turn in for what passed as ¡®night¡¯ on the Hive Station. Nika was the first to leave, who usually liked to go to sleep early and be the first one up to do some exercise. She gave a polite goodbye to the others and slinked off to her room and headed straight to her sleeping area, barely pausing to slip off her outer clothing before curling up in her underwear. She grabbed one of the larger pillows she had used before and cuddled the thing hard, her mind adding quite a bit of imagination. She liked Jack, though she knew it would take a while for them to be fully comfortable with one another. But she was patient, and she trusted Alora¡¯s judgement. She had never heard of a ¡®Deathworlder¡¯ before and was very curious, hoping she could get him to spar with her at some point. The thoughts rolled in her mind, as the Kizun went to sleep


    Alora and Chiyo went at the same time, and that was the signal that Jack and Sephy should turn in soon, much to the dismay of the Skritta, trying to fight back waves of tiredness before giving in. Sephy skipped to her room with strong feelings she hadn¡¯t really had to deal with before. She had crushed on guys (and gals) before much to the chagrin of her friends, but never like this. Seeing him walk up to the front of the class would have been enough for her- he wasn¡¯t particularly fat, he groomed himself well enough and he wasn¡¯t too aggressive or too timid. The whole ¡®Deathworlder¡¯ thing sounded cool too!


    Yet he was living with them now, and had spoken with all of them. And that was so much better! Sephy had even made him laugh, which Alora subtly told her was the first time she¡¯d seen him do that, and the way he complimented her was just so cute! She couldn¡¯t recall any boy doing that before! But despite her rambling thoughts, the strongest feeling Sephy had always felt was for her friends. She had always been the joker of the squad and sometimes went a little too far with her antics, but she loved her friends like a family. They all seemed to like Jack too, but how would that work out? Sharing partners with few strings attached was perfectly fine and not unusual in galactic society, but done poorly and it could break their group, and Sephy was damned if she was going to let that happen.


    But in the meantime¡­


    Sephy stripped and laid down on the bed, not even bothering to get under the covers. Her hands massaged her body with more force as her breathing grew heavier. It didn¡¯t take long for her hand to slide delicately down her stomach to its intended destination, while her mind was entirely laser focused on the human boy.


    Alora lay in bed, ready for sleep. She was glad that everything had gone smoothly and that Jack seemed to fit in. She felt the familiar sensation in her mind as Chiyo spoke to her.


    Are you going to tell me why you really invited him to live with us?


    Alora sighed, knowing she would get this question. Not much got past Chiyo.


    ¡°You mean aside from the fact that he¡¯s alone in a galactic sprawl he knows nothing about, needed a place to live and had very little to live for?¡± Alora asked. ¡°How different is that from when we all arrived here?¡±


    It is not much different at all, but hardly a unique tale for the hive. He is different, however. I got that from his aura.


    ¡°Yes. Rumours were rampant all throughout the temple when High Priestess Cornelia had her vision and her Paladins came back with Jack. I had no idea what to expect when they suggested I talk to him, but I was curious.¡±


    And?


    ¡°Initially he told me that I shouldn¡¯t feel pressured to talk to him and that he¡¯d probably bore me if I tried, but I stuck with it. He didn¡¯t try to idolise me or profess his love or do anything strange that most others our age do, he just spoke to me like a normal person as we went on with our temple duties. Eventually, when I told him of my family he didn¡¯t even react.¡±


    You told him you were nobility of your people?


    ¡°Not the full details, but yes. That¡¯s when I realised I liked him, and knew you would too. He¡¯s kind and intelligent, but he¡¯s in pain, and needs to move on and find happiness.¡±


    His aura shows a great sadness. I have never seen anything like it before in any living being. You are right that he needs to heal. I just wish I could talk to him...


    Jack washed his face and brushed his teeth before plonking his stuff on the old, crooked desk in the corner. The bed wasn¡¯t the best, with ancient old sheets but he didn¡¯t care. He stripped off his clothes, added ¡®pajamas¡¯ onto his shopping list and lay down, thinking and paging through the book Chiyo had given him. Lately, when he''d had time to himself, he often thought of this new galaxy he''d found himself in. Away from everything and everyone he knew, surrounded by the strange and bizarre.


    As he lay there, he considered that tonight had been the first time he''d felt himself begin to relax. Eating with friendly people, strange as they all were, joking and talking about school was something he was familiar with. Not to mention how animated his new housemates were.


    Nika was sporty and competitive and seemed happy to help Jack train and get more physical. Chiyo was smart and friendly, eager to help teach Jack more about the world, and when Jack could speak to her through a psychic link, that would only get easier. He liked Sephy too, who made him laugh and seemed determined to be friends with him.


    And Alora. Jack got along with her well at the temple, but he wasn¡¯t too sure what her deal was. He had known seemingly good-hearted people back on Earth who were usually hiding ulterior motives or dark truths about themselves. She had volunteered to help him adjust as one of her housemates, but had no reason to do so from his perspective. She was friendly to him just as he was to her, and they mainly just talked about trivial things and shared stories as they worked together helping the priests. Maybe he was just paranoid. Maybe not. Taking inspiration from stories and labeling himself a Deathworlder certainly caused many to keep their distance, though he did not know how long he could maintain the bluff.


    If this galaxy was anything, it was chaos. And in chaos, you needed to be able to survive.


    Jack knew from experience that, if nothing else, humans were survivors.

 Chapter 5: First Day At School!

    The first rays of light easily shot through the musty blinds of his room, stirring Jack from his dreams. Taking a few seconds to moan and groan, he quickly mustered the discipline to roll out of bed and begin stretching, his limbs giving a few satisfying ¡®pops¡¯ before he hit the deck and did his pushups. It has been his morning ritual ever since he arrived, since he knew if he didn¡¯t get fit he was dead. Initially it hurt to do and he wasn¡¯t that good at them despite the lower gravity. His chest and stomach hurt like hell the first few days, though it eventually went away the more he did it. He stopped at 73, a new record for the total he could do in one sitting. It wasn¡¯t anywhere close to the hundred plus his older brother could do, but it was much better than the 11 he started off with. He then turned onto his back to do as many sit-ups as he could before his stomach wouldn¡¯t let him do any more, before jumping up to do squats, hoping he hadn¡¯t messed up the form again.


    His body was always sore after his morning routine, but ever since he had arrived he had constantly pushed himself to do better, and he wasn¡¯t done yet. Woken up by the activity Jack quietly crept downstairs. He had no real way of telling the time, but the fact that nobody else seemed to be up and about led Jack to assume he had time to do the rest of his workout. Either that or the girls had gone to school without him.


    His prior internet research into fitness advice back on earth often felt as if each article was specifically contradictory to one other, however maintaining a good warmup routine, pushing the limits gradually and eating well seemed to be the points the articles could all agree on, so he kept that up as best as he could. He would have to ask Nika later if she had any weights he could lift, but pushups and shadowboxing would do for now. Walking out the front door he surveyed the perimeter of the sector with anticipation. He had started running before his arrival at Hive Station Bastilla, and saw no reason to stop, though doing so at the temple had been a little problematic when he got lost amongst the corridors. He still loved doing it though, as it gave him time to be with his own thoughts.


    Walking to the far wall to work out he set off at a gentle pace, increasing his speed to a steady jog as he reached the first pillar on the perimeter, not really knowing what was on the other side. Surely it wouldn¡¯t be impossible to just climb the thing? He would have to talk to the others about it at some point, Sephy especially seemed to be into urban exploration and it would be a good opportunity to get to know her better.


    Yeah....those girls were a wild bunch, especially Sephy. It was quite intimidating for him as an introverted guy, but being around them yesterday evening had gradually made him slightly more comfortable. He did admit to himself that he found them all pretty attractive in their own way, but that did raise the question in Jack¡¯s mind. Should he go there? Sephy and Nika seemed to be hinting at their interest a lot, but they could just be joking around with him. Jack had seen friends of his get burned by girls in his class that did exactly that. What would even be the implications of getting close to an alien girl? He just didn¡¯t know¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll just have to see what happens and go with the flow,¡± Jack whispered to himself.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± A panting voice came from behind.


    Jack nearly shat himself as his head shot back to see Nika jogging up beside him, using her tail to push herself forward until she was right next to him.


    ¡°Morning Nika!¡± Jack greeted, a touch louder than strictly necessary. Silently he hoped she dropped the awkward question.


    ¡°Hey!¡± she grinned. ¡°Didn¡¯t know you were an early riser like me, you could have come to my room!¡±


    ¡°I...erm¡­¡± Jack started before he realised what she meant. ¡°Yeah I didn¡¯t want to wake you, though I wouldn¡¯t mind using the punching bag at some point."


    "That''s fine, I''m always awake around this time. You don''t have a commlink yet, right? I think Sephy''s gonna fix up one of her spares for you if she wakes up in time."


    "I was going to ask, how long do we have? I figured I must have woken up earlier than everyone else, or much later and you guys headed on without me."


    Nika looked almost incredulous that Jack thought they may have left him behind but decided not to comment on it just yet. "About 1.5 local hours until we go, enough time to finish up here, get ready and poke anyone sleeping through their alarm. We usually leave early just in case so we can take the scenic route if it''s quiet."


    "Sure," Jack nodded as he started to pick up his pace, noting that Nika was ahead ever so slightly.


    "Oh no you don''t!" The Kizun laughed as she dashed forward using her tail as the human bolted after her. Curiously though, Jack was able to keep up, so Nika gave it her all as they raced around the sector.


    Jack¡¯s muscles were burning, but he could keep up with Nika. He had noticed when he first arrived that he seemed...fitter than usual after he arrived. The chaos he had left in his wake before the Paladins had found him was proof of that. Apparently ¡®standard gravity¡¯ here was much lighter than he was used to on Earth, though he wouldn¡¯t float off if he jumped too high. The two didn''t speak as they dashed another lap, Nika with a look of determination as she used all four limbs to try to gallop ahead, using her tail to swing around poles and push herself further ahead.


    ¡°One more lap decides it!¡± Nika grinned as she increased her lead, sure of her victory.


    Jack felt the rush of adrenaline as his brisk run turned into a full-on sprint. Nika¡¯s eyes went wide as the human caught up to her with hard, sharp breaths, slowly gaining a lead as the Kizun gave everything she had to close the gap between them. Her muscles screamed as she felt her body hurt from the exertion, and almost gasped in relief as they both crossed the finishing line.


    ¡°Ha!¡± she finally panted, as she leant against the house wall. ¡°Not bad Jack, but I won that one!¡±


    No you didn¡¯t.


    Nika looked up to see Chiyo sitting cross-legged in the air, who was smiling at Jack, giving him a soft clap.


    ¡°Maybe next time!¡± Jack breathed heavily as he started to cool down from the exercise. ¡°You didn¡¯t want to join us for a run, Chiyo?¡± He asked the psychic.


    Chiyo just smiled again and shook her head.


    "Well I think we''ll leave out sparring practice for today," Nika panted, trying her best to keep a confident smile. "You look tired Jack, we should hit the showers." She turned and walked to her bathroom without sticking around, only collapsing in a heap on the ground once she locked the door and was sure nobody could hear. How in the name of the pantheon was he able to keep up with her?


    Nika had been training in athletics and martial arts since she was young, and was proud of what she could do, having few rivals that could match her, but she had never been pushed this hard before and would need to train better. As Nika ran the water for a bath she felt a...sensation in the back of her mind. Recognising what it was she tried to clear her mind until it stopped. Nika was always aware of her usual heat-cycle but was able to use a combination of meditation and pills to calm her down, usually easy enough to do without the presence of eligible males. However sometimes Kizuns, and indeed many other species, experienced a sudden heat trigger - a more intense sensation that came about in...obvious circumstances.


    Nika reminded herself to buy more pills for it when she could, but it was probably a good idea to talk to Alora about it too at some point before it became a problem.


    ****


    You worry too much!


    Chiyo¡¯s written message did little to comfort Jack, who had quickly showered and joined her in the living room, downing some scrambled eggs of questionable origin in the process. She was finding it a little difficult to communicate with him when he was pacing around.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Jack stopped, slumping back on the sofa next to her. ¡°The whole ¡®alien high school with regular shootings¡¯ thing is still pretty new to me, and I¡¯m not even American!¡±


    You just need time to get used to it! It¡¯s not as bad as you make out! Chiyo had no idea what an ¡®American¡¯ was, but that was beside the point.


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    ¡°Get used to what, getting shot?¡± Jack asked with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Not unless you blast them first!¡± Sephy vaulted the sofa to sit next to Jack, not-so-subtly throwing her arm over him with a wink. ¡°Works every time!¡±


    Despite himself Jack laughed at the ridiculousness of that even as Chiyo gave the Skritta an exasperated look.


    ¡°Seriously it¡¯s not that bad.¡± She continued with a confident smile at Jack. ¡°Besides, you¡¯ll be with one of us most of the day and we can show you the ropes¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Jack conceded. He was still worried, but felt a little better. The rational part of his mind told him that if the girls could get by, so could he. He just needed to man up, keep his head screwed on, and stay strong.


    ¡°Oh yeah! I got you a present!¡± Sephy gleefully added, showing Jack a thin, wiry device which she helped fit on his head. The material then disappeared, and a HUD appeared in Jack¡¯s vision.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Jack asked curiously. He had heard of Google Glass and other augmented reality concepts before, but this was in a league of its own.


    ¡°Commlink!¡± Sephy replied, a little confused. She thought everyone knew what a commlink was. ¡°Visual overlay and voice communication, works primarily by thought. We can work on apps later, I¡¯ve slaved it to mine so you don¡¯t need to worry about masking it. Added my commcode to the main display so you can shoot me a message any time you like!¡±


    You should test it out and send me a message! Chiyo typed to Jack while in her mind she asked Sephy to send Jack¡¯s details over to the rest of them. It took a little while for the commlink to calibrate for Jack¡¯s use, but he managed to send a quick ¡®Hi¡¯ text after a few minutes, Chiyo¡¯s pocket device buzzing in response.


    "I''m hurt Chiyo, you didn''t think I calibrated it properly?" Sephy asked in mock indignation.


    Did I think you would ''accidentally'' add the wrong numbers to get prime access to the cute human boy? Chiyo gave a coy smile to the Skritta as she telepathically spoke to her, Jack completely unaware. After what you were up to last night I wouldn''t put it past you!


    Sephy''s eyes widened in embarrassed shock as Jack looked at her in confusion, not knowing what was going on.


    Time for you to have a cold shower? Chiyo asked Sephy, keeping up the attack.


    Sephy smiled at Jack. "Sorry, Chiyo''s being a little mean, I didn''t mean to interrupt your alone time! I need a shower anyway." She gave a knowing look at Chiyo, who for her part had raised eyebrows and her ''you''re getting yeeted'' expression.


    Sephy continued as Jack was trying not to laugh at the banter between the two. "Don''t worry Jack, Chiyo gets a little grumpy in the mornings bu-"


    That''s it


    Sephy was interrupted as she was flung backwards off the sofa towards the showers as Jack laughed, quickly joined by the silent giggles of Chiyo.


    I can sense Alora''s awake too, once we''re all ready we''ll go. May I work on attuning with your mind in the meantime?


    Chiyo had an almost pleading look as she showed Jack the message.


    "Of course you can! Do I need to do anything?"


    Try to relax your mind and close your eyes. Don''t be afraid of any strange sensations, I will do my best to make it as comfortable as possible for you.


    Chiyo floated down and snuggled up close to Jack, taking both of his hands in hers. Jack just assumed it was necessary and went along with it, leaning back into the soft sofa and closing his eyes. He had tried meditation before and started with that, slowly closing off outside sensations, leaving himself alone with his thoughts until he was no longer alone.


    It was hard to describe for Jack. One moment he was listening to the random thoughts passing through his mind, the next it was like he just noticed the strange mound of yellow grass beneath his feet, then the purple sky, and then Chiyo stood staring at him wide-eyed.


    Um¡­


    Jack took a few seconds to look around, and looked down.


    "Ah!"


    The moment he realised he wasn¡¯t wearing any clothes, they appeared on him before he could even think to cover himself; dark jeans and a black hoodie - his usual attire from earth.


    ¡°Woops!¡± Jack laughed it off as Chiyo seemed to snap out of her funk.


    Sorry!


    ¡°That¡¯s alright¡­.wait you¡¯re talking to me now?¡±


    Jack barely noticed it, but her voice was light and almost song-like in his mind.


    We are in the deepest subconscious of our minds. Words, emotions, sensations...all of it blurs and merges here. In our ancient past, we Ilithii used this place to map the thoughts of other species in order to communicate. While I talk with you, the rest of my focus is on discovering your mindscape and bridging a psychic link between us. Once that is done, it¡¯ll be worked and deciphered by my people as a collective.


    ¡°Not sure if I completely understand, basically you copy my thoughts to your psychic hive-mind and they help you decipher it?¡± Jack asked, trying to be respectful as he could with his blunt question, though quite disturbed at the thought of his mind being scanned by the psychic girl.


    Yes. Your thoughts and secrets won¡¯t be shared, I will do my best to make sure of that. Just your sensations and associations. I shall need to do this a few more times but it¡¯s good we¡¯ve made a start now.


    Chiyo paused for a moment, as a look of genuine concern came across her face


    I read your aura the moment I saw you. I have never seen so much sadness and grief in a person before, yet you seem calm and normal; what in the name of the gods happened to you?


    Jack¡¯s face fell. He still had nightmares of his first emergence in this galaxy, yet he knew he couldn¡¯t avoid the details for long. He had trusted Chiyo thus far, he could tell her the details.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t much to say. I don¡¯t belong here, and I don¡¯t know how I came to be here. No magical portal, no mysterious voice, no truck running me over. I fell asleep one night in my room and woke up stark naked in the middle of a district one of the priests called ¡®The Pallid Pit¡¯ fighting for my life.¡±


    Chiyo¡¯s eyes widened at that. The Pallid Pit was home to the Ravagers, some of the worst scum known to this part of the station that worshipped The Destroyer. She remembered hearing something about a massive fight over there that left many dead. Was that Jack¡¯s doing? She would have to check the datanet.


    ¡°I¡¯m still surprised the Church of Astara didn¡¯t strike me down when they found me caked in blood and gore, but apparently they were there for me. High Priestess Cornelia received some kind of message from her god and they took it seriously, so lucky me. So yeah I¡¯m pretty sad. I miss my life, I miss my family, but as a lone guy in a dangerous galaxy I have to stay strong and work within my situation as best I can.¡±


    I¡¯m so sorry Jack, I didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok, don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    But you¡¯re wrong about one thing.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    Chiyo put her arm on Jack¡¯s shoulder as she could feel the presence of the others outside their minds. You''re not alone.


    And with that Jack felt his conscious mind being yanked until he opened his eyes to see the others


    ¡°Chiyo you hussy! What are you doing with Jack?¡± Nika grinned as Alora giggled next to her.


    Jack had no idea what Chiyo¡¯s reply was to the pair of them as the expressions on their faces became more serious. He would probably have to do this again until Chiyo could talk to him normally. It wasn¡¯t really fair otherwise, and despite the lack of communication, he did like her. He was already through most of the large book she gave him. ¡®Modern Society, and How to Persevere¡¯ which was a primer on how many species, through magic and divine intervention, managed to come together. Unfortunately, the sheer diversity and lack of a common purpose fragmented them until stable anarchy became the norm. He got to the chapter on leading and influential factions that kept the peace without having the monopoly of power to lead, but he had gotten too tired by then and went to bed.


    ¡°Well we¡¯re ready and freshened up!¡± Alora said. ¡°Shall we go?¡±


    *****


    The route they took to get to school was slightly different than the one before, which gave Jack time to buy some casual clothes that suited his preferred look rather than the ones lent to him by the Temple of Hope. He was getting low on cash, but he¡¯d cross that bridge when he got there.


    The districts were ever-shifting and strange. One even looked to be the site of a recent battle, which, according to Alora, it apparently was. Gangs were always looking to claim more territory, and sure enough Jack was bombarded with recruiters looking to sign him up for their gang or militia. He politely declined, saying he would consider their offer as the girls did their best to drag him along. Certainly if he was running out of money he would need to get more somehow.


    He would definitely need an extensive tour of the area at some point, probably over the weekend. Sephy excitedly pointed out the Cinaplex and the entertainment district but decried the lack of funds, subtly hinting that the ¡®Prefect¡¯s Lockup¡¯ would be a great place to liberate items confiscated over millennia and just left there. Alora and the others denounced it, but Jack would be lying if he said he wasn¡¯t tempted.


    Before long they found themselves before the great pyramids of Hive Station Bastilla School. Jack could see many strange creatures filing in, like the gargantuan giants that towered over all of them to various bird people flying above to the highest levels. As he took all of this in, all of his fears and worries about his first day at school were pushed to one side as a smile began to form.


    This would be interesting.

 Chapter 6: Fitting In

    ¡°We¡¯ve got time before Homeroom Class starts; we can go to our lockers and offload our shopping,¡± Alora chirped with a smile. ¡°I got Jack one near ours so we can stick together.¡±


    "Cool, is it far?" Jack asked, trying to avoid staring too hard at the other students as they passed them. A throng of ghoulish, awful-smelling undead students had just passed him, and that was just creepy as hell.


    "Not far at all, pretty close to our homeroom," Nika replied. ¡°Always handy if there''s a shootout."


    Jack''s excitement briefly faded at that reminder. "Is that likely?"


    "Not likely, especially if we''re together." Alora gave a grin Jack had never seen from her before as the group headed across the vast courtyard towards one of the pyramids. "The last time a bunch of Red Legion wannabes tried to get revenge on me for something I said, my spell took them out before anyone knew what was happening."


    "Hahaha I remember!" Sephy giggled. "That was your debate with Luvia right? Kralk had to get cybernetic replacements for that one! You should have seen it Jack!"


    "That''s what he deserved for trying to claim Alora as a war bride!" Nika added with a grin. "''Kralk the Konquerer'' my ass. Shame we have to share the school with assholes like that."


    "Well the school''s patron gods decreed strict neutrality above all else, so we''re kinda stuck with it," Alora replied. ¡°Besides, it''s not like people can''t change from their upbringing, Luvia being the best example. I told you how mad she was with them.


    Jack wasn¡¯t sure if he even believed what he was hearing, when he suddenly felt the light tug on his arm that signified Chiyo wanting to say something to him.


    We have other friends here that would love to meet you! Maybe a few of them will join us tonight?


    Chiyo showed the message to the others who vehemently agreed.


    "We''ll probably meet most of them soon enough, especially if they hear about you," Sephy told Jack. "Some of them can be a little weird, but they''re all good.¡±


    "That''s rich coming from you Sephy," Nika laughed, who received a playful shove in return from the Skritta.


    They entered the building and queued up at a security checkpoint, which wasn''t something Jack was used to, but was apparently common practice here. He was wondering why it was necessary as guns were not only accepted but encouraged, until he suddenly heard a confrontation up ahead.


    "Hand over that bracelet! You know the rules! No unofficial gang or faction memorabilia is allowed in the school!¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s not a gang! It¡¯s for a cancer prevention charity!¡± cried the student, a small-looking thing that resembled a frog, to the trio of short, grey-looking guards pointing their rifles at the child.


    ¡°Hand it over or we will open fire!¡± The leader of the trio sneered, who snatched the thing out of the crying girl¡¯s hand before putting it on the table next to them.


    ¡°Fucking prefects,¡± Nika sneered. ¡°Hope the kid¡¯s alright¡­¡±


    Eventually it was their turn. Jack was half hoping for a confrontation with the three, but the leader quickly waved him along after Jack showed the prefects his student ID, while giving them a stern glare. Apparently they found him intimidating enough not to bother harassing him, though they did try and delay Alora with some small talk. She just waved them off with a polite farewell and gave a sly smile to Sephy as they moved on. The frog girl that had been crying was being comforted by a few of her friends near one of the entry hall walls.


    ¡°Hey kiddo, I think you lost this!¡± Sephy tossed the bracelet she¡¯d palmed over to her.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± The frog girl gave Sephy a little hug with wide eyes before she scamped off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it!¡± The Skritta grinned back.


    ¡°Nice!¡± Jack replied, impressed with both Sephy and Alora. ¡°Now I know why you hate the prefects so much.¡±


    The group kept walking until they were deep within the pyramid base, with Alora leading them into a bare room with no ceiling. Jack knew what was coming but he still wasn¡¯t used to it


    ¡°Sixty-Second Floor!¡± Alora announced clearly.


    The group was lifted by a magical force and swiftly taken through the maze of elevation vents until they were deposited upon the grounds of the exit, moving quickly on to avoid the next group.


    ¡°You guys didn¡¯t want to take the stairs?¡± Jack joked, with groans from the other girls.


    ¡°Our lockers are just round here,¡± Alora said to Jack as they turned another corner. ¡°Nothing else to do after that, you¡¯ll be given your timetable during homeroom and your various text and workbooks when you go to the lessons.¡±


    "Good, I was worried I missed something. Last thing I want is to get in trouble on my first day." Jack smiled, trying his best to look like he wasn''t nervous.


    "The school is nothing if not organised," Nika replied with a grin. "Free text and work books, but the moment your skirt is crooked the teachers get a heart attack."


    Jack smiled at that. Though he wouldn''t need to worry about that particular uniform infraction, the free textbooks sounded like the first sensible thing about this place he''d heard so far.


    "Your locker''s next to mine," Alora told Jack as they came to a stop. "Hand scanner on the door. Any post and parcels get delivered here since it¡¯s reasonably safe.


    ¡°Shame the school sucks at filtering junk mail,¡± Nika added with a groan as she pulled out a wad of fliers from her locker next to Alora. ¡°Usually recruitment letters from the local militia or gangs, though sometimes you get Demon Lords, Red Legion, Vile Fleet or one of the other numerous groups of assholes in the galaxy offering to sign you up. Sephy, do you mind?¡±


    Nika threw the junk mail in the air, and as if on reflex Sephy quick-drew two pistols and blasted them to dust with green lights before the paper hit the ground. The Skritta looked at Jack with a cocky smile, spinning the guns in her fingers as she tried to holster them before failing and dropping one of them on the floor.


    ¡°I take it that recycling isn¡¯t a thing here?¡± Jack asked with a raised eyebrow at Sephy. He opened his own locker and pocketed the three letters waiting for him. He''d read them later, though he''d have to ask the others about these factions at some point. He would need to find a way of making money, after all. He had the pistol Nika gave him, and while a part of him knew he should probably holster it within easy reach, he decided to keep it in his bag instead.


    He was just in the process of adding his shopping to the locker and freeing some space when someone came up to them.


    "There you are!" The voice was feminine, sounding posh and refined as the others gathered around Alora.


    ¡°Hey Luvia! You joining me for the school council meeting later?¡± Alora called as Jack finished folding up his new clothes and packing them neatly on one of the shelves. He shut the door, making sure it was locked after, and walked around the group to see what was going on.


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    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so,¡± the voice replied with a sigh. ¡°The prefects want more rules introduced again. Honestly I don¡¯t want to bother but I have to keep up appearances.¡±


    Moving around the group to stand next to Chiyo and take a look, Jack saw the speaker in question. She was reptilian, about his height and cutting an impressive figure. Her skin was covered in rich, crimson scales, with a snout, a few visible pointy teeth and she had two large horns and bright red hair flowing behind her.


    Well...she looked suspiciously draconic with the pair of wings and the scaled tail. And well endowed...


    ¡°Friend of yours?¡± Jack asked Chiyo quietly. He didn¡¯t want to be rude and interrupt the conversation.


    The new girl¡¯s head snapped round to look at him, eyes wide in surprise.


    ¡°Um...hello!¡± Jack started, a bit embarrassed at startling her. That seemed to shake the girl out of her funk as she leaned in closer to Jack, and...was she smelling him?


    "Oooooh! Hello there!" the girl exclaimed ecstatically, like she had discovered a long-lost treasure. "How have I not met you before?" Jack wasn¡¯t too sure what the draconic looking girl¡¯s expression meant, but judging by the jealous expression on Sephy¡¯s face, he could guess...


    "Luvia, this is Jack, he¡¯s a new student that¡¯s joined our class and is now living with us,¡± Alora added helpfully, as she put a hand on Sephy¡¯s shoulder to calm her down. ¡°Jack, this is Luviannestixxx-¡±


    ¡°Oh Alora, no need to be so formal!¡± The girl made what Jack assumed was a smile as she took both Jack¡¯s hands in hers. ¡°You can call me Luvia! I¡¯m the class representative for Class R-17, and I¡¯m in Tyrus House! I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll get to know each other very well!¡±


    ¡°Jack, were you told of the school houses?¡± Alora asked, changing the subject before one of her jealous friends decided to start a shootout with the bold Luvia.


    ¡°House, like Griffindor?¡± Jack asked, a little confused.


    ¡°Griffindor? No idea, but it¡¯s basically like 5 teams named after the 5 original patron gods of the school,¡± Sephy added, more than happy to claim Jack¡¯s attention away from Luvia. ¡°There¡¯s Astara, Tyrus, Siros, Imera and Nekdon.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about it anyway,¡± Nika added. ¡°Everyone knows the headmaster rigs the points for Nekdon anyway. It¡¯s total crap!¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Jack nodded, as a chime emanated through the corridors.


    ¡°Morning announcements are starting,¡± Alora groaned. ¡°Better get to class. See you later Luvia!¡±


    ¡°Bye everyone! See you soon Jack!¡± She gave him a saucy smile, as she turned to go to her own class.


    ¡°See you later!¡± He smiled and gave a polite wave. The others were staring at him, almost in anticipation of something. ¡°Well that was weird.¡± He gave a sigh, and the tension seemed to deflate. ¡°She seems nice enough though.¡±


    Jack was a little nervous as the group walked down the corridor to their classroom, the nasal voice of the morning announcer chiming in over the quiet conversations of their classmates.


    "There will be a student council meeting after school today, tickets are still available!"


    ¡°Ugh, sounds boring!¡± Nika grumbled. ¡°Who would pay for tickets to see that?¡± She stopped when she received a raised eyebrow from Alora in return.


    ¡°Please note that running in the corridors can cause accidents to yourself and fellow students¡±


    ¡°Quite redundant when we have firearms, supernatural powers and various explosives,¡± Alora quipped. ¡°Though the thought was nice!¡±


    ¡°And for our final announcement, all Korrigan students must attend the gym immediately for a mandatory penis inspection day.¡±


    Jack made a start at that. Holy shit! The guns were bad enough but did they really¡­


    He suddenly realised the group was laughing at a very proud-looking Sephy, doubly so when they noticed Jack¡¯s expression.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you actually did that!¡± Alora laughed, trying her best to look cross at her friend yet failing miserably.


    ¡°Yup!¡± the Skritta replied. ¡°Snuck it in yesterday. Bet a few of them will fall for it!¡±


    Jack, did you think that was real? Chiyo messaged him with one of her silent giggles.


    ¡°Well...kinda for a moment, things are crazy here from my perspective.¡±


    ¡°Well sorry to disappoint you,¡± Sephy added, still basking in the glow of her prank¡¯s success. ¡°Penis Inspection Day isn¡¯t actually a thing here.¡± She then gave Jack a cheeky look. ¡°Though...heh...maybe you and I can organise something lat-¡±


    ¡°SEPHY!¡± yelled the others to shut her up as Jack¡¯s face turned red.


    ¡°Any reason you went for these...Korrigans?¡± Jack asked, eager to change the subject.


    ¡°Oh yeah!¡± replied Sephy, seeming equally as eager to move on from her faux pas. ¡°Because despite making up only 0.0000013% of the student population, Korrigans make up 52% of the prefect body. They were those grey guys at security from earlier.¡±


    ¡°Those statistics are pretty misleading, Sephy,¡± Nika grinned as they entered the classroom. ¡°They¡¯re definitely much higher!¡±


    Jack set his stuff down on the same desk he used the previous day next to Alora and the others. He looked around at his classmates who were doing their own thing, wondering how he would introduce himself to them.


    There was a group of reptilians he assumed were males that made up the largest group, so he decided to excuse himself and start with them.


    "I feel my bloodrite arriving soon! Once it does, it''s straight to the Red Legion for me!" The voice came from the largest among them, an almost 3 meter tall yellow-scaled brute with bone spikes and red tribal markings along his body. "I have no doubt I''ll make officer, and when you join me, we will become the greatest raiders in the galaxy!"


    Jack didn''t know what any of that meant but figured that if there was any way he''d be able to implant himself in the conversation and make some male friends, now would be the best time to do so.


    "Hello there!" Jack gave  His best winning smile as he awkwardly nudged himself into a small gap in the circle. "I think we briefly saw one another yesterday but didn''t get the time to make introductions. I''m Jack!"


    The group was silent for a moment just staring at the new boy, before one of the smaller reptilians, of the same species as the speaker snarled "Fressssh meat!".


    "I saw him talking with Mistress Luviannestixxx earlier, he has received her favour before us!" another armadillo-like creature snarled in jealousy and indignation.


    "This fledgling just interrupted you!" a smaller creature hissed, a snake-like being with no legs and a pair of thin, spindly arms. He looked at the original speaker with sadistic anticipation, and looked disappointed when they put out a hand to silence them.


    "Greetings Jack,¡± the giant rumbled in what came across as a controlled manner. "It is bold indeed that a potential warrior of the Red Legion finds the courage to speak to those that will one day be in positions of leadership of it, and unarmed at that."


    Jack was a little put off by the hostility in the others, but perhaps small talk with their leader would win them over.


    ¡°Actually I don¡¯t really know anything about the Red Legion yet, what is it anyway?"


    That definitely didn¡¯t get the reaction Jack was hoping for, as he did not mistake the looks of anger and disbelief. Jack''s effort to make some new friends was going poorly indeed.


    "You spoke to Luviannestixxx and have no idea what the Red Legion is?! I should flay the flesh from your bones!" This time the leader of the group had no illusions of calm, and towered menacingly over Jack, who didn''t move back an inch.


    "That''s how you want to play it huh? Your call," Jack growled, almost like a whisper, clenching his fists and not blinking, ready for the incoming attack.


    "Alright that''s it. Back off!"


    Nika was levelling some kind of pump shotgun at the leader, with Sephy covering two of the others with laser-sighted pistols. Add Alora with a wand and Chiyo just looking menacingly, and the reptiles backed off, staring daggers at Jack, who needed Alora to gently guide him back from the brink of attack.


    ¡°Sorry we should have warned you,¡± Nika told Jack, businesslike as her shotgun seemed to shrink in on itself to fit in a pistol-like holster. ¡°Those guys are Red Legion assholes.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I got that early on,¡± Jack replied in thought. ¡°I understood the initial hostility but I figured I''d give them a chance. Seems like they were looking for a fight."


    "We would have blasted them if they tried!" Sephy grinned as they got back to their desks.


    "I appreciate it," Jack replied slowly, a little conflicted. "But that just means they''ll see me as a target to go for when you''re not around."


    The group was silent after that, as their teacher walked in to take registration. Only Nika knew what Jack had truly meant. She had seen the clenching of his fists, the shifting of his feet and the air of someone ready to fight.


    The group of Red Legion aspirants in their classes were known bullies used to others kowtowing and acting subservient towards them. If Jack fought them and fought hard, win or lose they''d likely leave him be in favour of easier prey.


    But could she and the others simply let him do that at great risk to himself if they could do something about it? Jack hadn''t even readied his gun, he kept it in his bag, electing to go for an unarmed fight instead and looking confident in the process.


    Nika decided it didn''t matter. She''d have to see just how good the human was, and she would have his back either way.

 Chapter 7: Class Begins!

    "Good morning class!" Mrs Schlart called out with an expectant voice.


    ¡°Good morning Mrs Schlart.¡± The class called out in unison, with Jack following along slightly behind. It sounded very old fashioned and odd to be doing this, but considering all the other wild shit he''d experienced recently, this one was fairly tame.


    "So, for those of you that did not show up for our end of school announcements yesterday," Mrs Schlart continued, gazing at several faces Jack didn''t see yesterday.


    "As well as being in DETENTION!" The teacher let that comment settle to a few groans and sighs from the people involved. "You may have noticed our new classmate! Jack, would you like to come to the front and break the ice with a few questions?"


    No. No he really wouldn''t like to do that at all! But that wasn''t the kind of question you said ''no'' to. Besides he couldn''t show weakness in front of the guys that threatened him...or the girls. Definitely not the girls.


    "Yes ma''am!" He replied with false enthusiasm as he walked to the front as calmly as he could pretend to be and looked to the class. He was nervous, but he hoped not everyone would be as hostile as the Red Legion Aspirants with their red armbands on their sleeves. Indeed, there were several new and eager faces in the crowd he had yet to speak to. It gave Jack a little hope


    "Well I guess I''ll start with the first question." Mrs Schlart added with a smile. ¡°What are you most looking forward to doing in school?¡±


    That was a good question, though Jack had already thought of the positives that morning. ¡°It¡¯s hard to pick one, but I¡¯m looking forward to meeting new people and learning about magic and history!¡±


    ¡°I think you won¡¯t have long to wait! I¡¯ll give you your timetable when you get back to your seat,¡± Mrs Schlart gave him a warm look before looking across the rest of the class. ¡°Does anybody else have any questions for Jack?¡±


    Jack was worried for a second that nobody wanted to ask anything. It had happened a lot back on Earth with bored students, but apparently the homeroom class was very interested in him, with many hands raised. Unfortunately the first question came from one of the Red Legion Aspirants that had threatened him earlier.


    ¡°How experienced are you in combat?¡±


    The snake-like creature seemed to be the least physically imposing of that group, but Jack had a feeling they were still dangerous in their own way. Still, he held his nerve and kept firm eye contact and an assertive smile. ¡°Very. I have older brothers and cousins that taught me well."


    Jack decided not to elaborate on that point. He had no doubt they¡¯d find out soon enough.


    Next question was awkward as hell.


    ¡°Are you open to mating rights?¡± one of the girls at the front asked, her two friends giggling as she did. All of them were squat, brown-skinned aliens with blond hair, and wore a notable excess of golden jewellery. What was up with this school uniform policy anyway?


    ¡°Uhm...Maybe?¡± Jack replied with a nervous smile. He didn¡¯t really know how to properly answer that one, and tried his best to avoid a total ¡®WTF?¡¯ expression.


    ¡°Which gods do you worship?¡± The speaker was a serious aquatic looking boy at the front with dark blue skin, two large, black eyes and a flat nose.


    ¡°Well I grew up in a Christian culture back on Earth, but I¡¯ve been agnostic most of my life,¡± Jack replied, deciding to answer honestly despite the confused looks of his class. ¡°Though recently since my arrival I¡¯ve come to learn about Astara and the other patron gods of the Temple of Hope."


    "That''s a happy coincidence as you''ve been placed in Astara House!" Mrs Schlart added with a smile. "We have several other Astara''s in this class I''m sure will want to talk to you about House activities!¡±


    The boy looked pleased at that answer, as his friend next to him, a short bipedal rat-like creature with a friendly smile, asked his question.


    "Do you play any sports?" A good question! Jack wasn''t exactly in peak physical condition but both his school on earth and his older brothers had pushed him into doing some.


    "Well I used to play football and rugby at my old school. In my spare time I practised some mixed martial arts with my family. I¡¯d be happy to show you sometime if you don¡¯t know what that is!"


    That was a bit of an exaggeration. He''d done a little bit of karate and judo at a local club, one of his older brothers had taught him some boxing, and his cousin had done ''the talk'' on knife defence and improvised weaponry, though his favourite by far had been watching MMA and Pro Wrestling on TV with his father. But his classmates didn¡¯t need to know that yet.


    "Alright we have time for one more question before you need to go to your classes," Mrs Schlart interjected. ¡°Anyone else?"


    There were a few hands raised as Mrs Schlart made a motion of trying to pick, but one stood out to Jack. Against one of the walls was a girl staring right at him, reddish pink skin with two goat-like horns fidgeting with her hands, as if she was conflicted about whether or not she should put up her hand. Maybe she was just shy. Eventually Mrs Schlart picked a white-feathered avian looking creature, with a thick pointed beak and spectacled eyes looking at Jack with warm interest.


    "You mentioned yesterday that you were a Deathworlder, but you don''t appear to be undead? What''s up with that?"


    Alright, Jack would need to make some things up here.


    "Well firstly no, I''m not undead, we don''t even have undead where I am from."


    There were some shocked whispers among the class. Had he said something bad? Electing to ask Alora later he carried on.


    "The conditions on my world, Earth, can be very difficult to live with. We have a higher gravity than anything I''ve seen here¡­"


    Again shocked whispers.


    "...our climates change pretty dramatically as well across seasons and locations, we get a lot of tectonic instability which causes quakes and volcanos in parts of the world, and we have a moon that messes with our seas and oceans. We also have a high tolerance for substances that could kill other beings."


    Technically that part was true as well, though he didn''t mention those ''other beings'' were household pets and other animals. The class was stunned. Even the Red Legion aspirants gave each other shocked looks.


    "Wow! That sounds amazing!" Mrs Schlart added. "Of course if you have any more questions you''d like to ask Jack I am sure he would be more than happy to talk about it right?" She looked to Jack who gave a nod and a smile. "Please do!" He replied enthusiastically as he looked to the rest of his homeroom class.


    "Excellent!" their teacher continued. "So I''ve taken a little look at your timetable and I can see your next lesson is Mathematics with Mr Szarite. Does anyone else here have that next?"


    Several hands were raised, including both Sephy and Chiyo.


    "Good, just follow everyone else! Your teachers should have been informed that you''ve joined the class, and if there''s any problems just give them my name! And with that - class dismissed!¡±


    ***


    ¡°Just your luck that your first class is the most boring subject!¡± Sephy grinned as she, Jack and Chiyo made their way up a floor and down a corridor, several other groups from their class keeping close and listening in.


    "My mother always tried to convince me and my brothers that maths was fun," Jack replied with a smile. "That''s complete crap but at least I was kinda good at it. I just hope it translates well here."


    You can''t be worse than Sephy! Chiyo messaged Jack with a smile.


    "Hey I resent that!" the Skritta replied, feigning hurt. "Besides I copied your homework, remember? I''m good for another day."


    Jack and Chiyo shared a conspiratorial grin as they lined up at the entrance to the class.


    "Do we sit where we like or is it allocated seating?" Jack whispered to Sephy.


    "Depends on the teacher. Assigned seating here, gotta stick with the ''boring'' track record after all!" Sephy gave Jack a quick smile as there was movement at the front of the line, as the teacher took registration. "And Chiyo''s right, you need to stop worrying."


    "Ah! This must be the new student!"


    The speaker was slightly shorter than Jack, an avian being with dark black feathers, tufted up and turning grey in some areas. His piercing, owl-like spectacled eyes were staring down a long white beak at Jack, who, to his credit, didn''t take long to realise that this was the teacher.


    "Yes Sir, I''m Jack, I''m part of Mrs Schlart''s form class."


    "Excellent. I''m Mr Szarite. I hope not too much of Sephirina''s bad influence has rubbed off on you. I understand from your initial aptitude test you possess enough mathematical knowledge to join us; however, if there is anything you do not understand, be sure to speak to me after class and I will give you extra homework to catch up.¡±


    ¡°Um...thanks Sir,¡± Jack replied unenthusiastically at that prospect.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it," the teacher replied, not having noticed the look on Jack''s face. "I¡¯m placing you next to Miss Chiyo. Everything you need is on the desk.¡±


    They were ushered in, but not before Jack turned to Sephy with a raised eyebrow.


    "Sephirina?"


    "Shut up," Sephy replied with a playful slap on Jack''s arm.


    As they took their seats, Jack quickly skimmed through some of the pages of the textbook. Fortunately, most of the problems and equations he saw looked to be ones he knew how to do. As the rest of their classmates were accounted for and took their seats, many stared at the new student in curiosity. Avians and aquatics, four-legged and not-legged, the variety of species was as fascinating to Jack as he was to them.


    "Right," Mr Szarite began. "I hope you have all been studying hard because we have a written test today!"


    With those words, Jack''s anxiety came back in full. A test? REALLY?


    "But before we do that we''re going to warm up with a few quick mathematical questions!" the teacher chimed enthusiastically, as if he had just announced that they were going to Disneyland.


    "Sephirina!"


    With a groan, Sephy got out of her seat and stood up.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    "Last year, Xhargul could lift 160 units. This year, they can lift 580 units. By what percentage has he improved his lifting ability?"


    Sephy looked to be pondering that one for a few seconds before confidently confirming.


    "Xhargul is on steroids!"


    The class laughed at that one as Mr Szarite gave a deep sigh, looking to Chiyo to answer, who stood up, saying nothing as usual, her facial expression shifting as she gave her answer telepathically.


    "Thank you Miss Chiyo, 362.5% of 160 equals 580.  Next question goes to our new student Jack.¡±


    ¡®Fuck¡¯. Jack thought to himself as he stood up similar to how Sephy and Chiyo had done, all eyes on him.


    ¡°What is 53 x 108?¡±


    ¡®Double Fuck.¡¯ Jack thought. He¡¯d need to break this down.


    ¡®53 times 10 was 530. 53 times 2 was 106, so minus that from 530 is¡­ 424. That covers the 8. Add that to the answer of 53 x 100, which was 5300 and you get¡­¡¯


    ¡°5724 Sir,¡± Jack replied after a few seconds of intense thought, eliciting a rumble of anticipation from the room.


    ¡°That is correct!¡± Mr Szarite answered in apparent surprise with shocked sighs and whispers from the other students. ¡°I expected you to take longer and to use paper, but you didn¡¯t require it. How curious¡­¡±


    Jack sat down as the teacher picked on several other students. It wasn¡¯t that hard of a question realistically, though he knew why the teacher would expect the use of paper and more time for long multiplication. Jack just didn¡¯t realise that was an option when he was expected to stand up. As they were handed out the tests Jack realised that there wasn¡¯t anything he hadn¡¯t already learned or was at least somewhat familiar with, though whether that was just for today or in general, he didn¡¯t know.


    In the end, Jack had finished the test about 10 minutes before the deadline. He could see many in the class looked to be struggling, though a few not-so-subtle glances towards him from a few of them indicated that maybe they were just distracted. Only Chiyo also looked to be finished as she turned to Jack and gave a soft smile. He could feel the sensation of her trying to reach his mind to speak telepathically, but as before, Jack could see the look of frustration apparent on her face as she was unable to do so. They knew it could work, eventually. She had managed to say ''hello'' to him the first time. He didn''t know how to open his mind to her, but he tried his best.


    "Time''s up!" Mr Szarite called to the rest of the class, to general moans from most of the students. He pressed a button on the wall behind him as all papers zipped off the desks towards him, forming a kind of windowed wall. It was apparent that there was some kind of process going on, as papers exchanged places in some kind of order, before two were highlighted with an orange glow.


    "Very interesting, we have two top marks today," the teacher murmured, with a few interested whispers from the class. "It''s no surprise that Miss Chiyo continues her winning streak, and the other student with top marks is Jack. That''s a good start! Give them both a round of applause!"


    There was a small round of polite applause, which still mostly drowned out Sephy''s whisper behind them.


    "Nerds!"


    The next class was a little bit more interesting. The English, French and German classes Jack was used to weren''t really a thing here, and since mmetic translators were standard for everyone, learning new languages was mostly redundant in general, so Communication and Literature classes focused on vocabulary, grammar and culture texts.


    Unfortunately, the practice of over-analysing works of fiction to a ludicrous degree in order to find some kind of hidden message was very much the same over here compared to home. The teacher, an androgynous, quadrupedal, blue-scaled, plant-like being simply called ¡®Ohrvaask,¡¯ had wasted little time in assigning trios of people to work on a task of analysing a centuries-old diary belonging to a travelling merchant, the students naturally having no say in who they¡¯d be grouped with.


    Jack wasn''t too impressed when he was matched with an equally disgruntled Red Legion aspirant from before. It was the snake, Svaartal, the cowardly one that sucked up to the big guy of the group. As he walked over to their table, Jack could just tell this wasn''t going to go well. He decided to just try his best to be professional, maybe through working together they could get along after all.


    He made a start by skimming through his copy of the text as Svaartal did the same. It looked alright, a little boring and nothing too inspired at first glance. It certainly wouldn''t be the worst thing he''d ever read. That honour would go to a terrible Harry Potter fanfiction his friends showed him one time for a laugh. He couldn''t even get through the first chapter of that without his head hurting, and he certainly couldn''t imagine the kind of degenerate that would read the entire thing¡­


    "Um ...hello!¡± A quiet voice spoke up.


    Jack turned around to look at the speaker, eyes widening in recognition. The third member of the group was the same girl Jack had noticed earlier in his homeroom class - the reddish-pink skinned one with dark hair and horns who was too shy to ask him a question. She still looked nervous, blinking rapidly with her yellow cat-like eyes and thin tail swishing in the air, so Jack quickly broke the awkward tension.


    ¡°You¡¯re in my homeroom class, right? I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve been properly introduced, I¡¯m Jack!¡± he said as the girl took her seat next to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m Nya!¡± the girl quietly replied nervously, as if testing the waters. ¡°And yes I¡¯m¡­¡±


    ¡°Great, just my luck,¡± the sneering voice of Svaartal interrupted, as the briefly relieved face of Nya quickly shrunk back into a more fearful look. ¡°I¡¯m paired with the moron and the demonspawn.¡±


    Jack ignored the snarky comment, not even looking at Svaartal as he smiled. ¡°What were you going to say Nya?¡±


    Nya still looked flustered by the mean comment but tried to carry on.


    ¡°Um...well...actually¡­¡± The girl looked nervously at Svaartal before deciding against it. ¡°It can wait for another time¡­¡±


    The snake snorted at that. ¡°Honestly, for demonspawn you-¡±


    Jack promptly decided he had enough.


    ¡°Look mate.¡± He turned to the snake with what was totally the calmest expression he could muster. ¡°I don¡¯t know if being an cunt for no particular reason is a requirement for the Pink Pussies or whatever the fuck your shitty club is called, but in case you hadn¡¯t noticed, your mates aren¡¯t here to back you up, you¡¯re talking shit, and you¡¯ve pissed me off, so unless you want me to send you to your friends in the White Wankers with your head up your own arse, I suggest you play nice.¡±


    Nya, and several of the students around that could hear, covered their mouths in shock and stared at Jack in horror, though Jack had no idea why. Maybe they were just unaccustomed to standing up to a bully? He had thought his words were rather tame...


    Svaartal¡¯s nostrils flared and he stared daggers at the freakish moron. The Red Legion was one of the most powerful paramilitary forces across the galaxy that was feared by most, and this human had just insulted all of them, even after having the honour of being spoken to by Luviannestixxx herself! Jack did raise a point - his comrades in arms were not present here and Svaartal didn¡¯t want to try taking the human on his own. But he would make sure that every single Red Legion affiliate in the school knew about this. The human would pay dearly for insulting them.


    The rest of the class was uneventful, and though Jack tried his best to talk to Nya beyond the context of their work, there were not many opportunities to do so as the teacher kept patrolling the class. Svaartal was engaged in the task as well, though the gleam in the snake¡¯s eyes every time he looked at Jack gave no doubt that he would be a problem. When the bell rang, both of his work partners left quickly. Svaartal gave Jack an evil grin as he slinked away, while Nya looked panicked at seeing it, and rushed off before Jack could stop her.


    ¡°Well, looks like you¡¯ve been busy!¡± The voice of Alora called out to Jack as he left the class. He turned to greet her, her eyebrows raised and a knowing look plastered on her face.


    Jack rolled his eyes and smiled. "I know that look."


    "That''s because you won''t stop getting yourself into trouble." Alora snorted. "Chiyo told me what you said to Svaartal, though I suspect she was paraphrasing.¡±


    Huh. Chiyo wasn¡¯t even in that class. The fact she was watching him somehow was...a little disturbing.


    "And was I wrong?" Jack replied as they walked down the corridor to the next class, several groups of students stopping and staring at the two of them as they went past.


    "You couldn''t have gotten the teacher involved?"


    Jack turned to give raised eyebrows of his own at that. Was she actually serious?


    "Well ok," Alora continued, conceding that point. "But what I''m saying is the Red Legion aspirants take insults very seriously, especially in this building with our age group. They''ll be coming for you unless you make a show of apology¡­¡±


    "Not happening," Jack replied curtly, trying not to lose his temper.


    "Fair enough," Alora sighed. "And no, you weren''t wrong to stand up to Svaartal, he''s a bully." She put a comforting hand on Jack''s shoulder. "I¡¯m still allowed to worry though."


    The next class was one of the ones Jack has always hated. Physical Education, Gym Class, Sports Education. It had many names, but it was all the same. The sports might be fun to play, and the exercise good for you, but that was all for nought, since no matter where you went the teacher was always, without exception, an asshole.


    Jack was trying to be as subtle as possible as he changed into his sports uniform, obeying the one main rule of boys locker rooms.


    Don¡¯t look at anything. Ever.


    ¡°Hurry up you miserable slobs!¡± Master Kull, the leader of the posse of teachers, growled at them with yellow-slitted eyes, staring the boys down as they undressed and changed. He was another reptilian, huge with brown scales, jagged teeth like a shark and covered in jagged armour - complete with actual skulls on his shoulders acting as pauldrons holding a tattered red cloak, and a red armband similar to those worn by Red Legion aspirants.


    Jack hurried up and finished changing, as uncomfortable as he was being looked at by the teachers. As he waited for his fellow students, he was dismayed to see Svaartal and a few of his friends whispering something to Master Kull, who stared daggers in Jack¡¯s direction with a growl before his expression turned into a sick smile. Jack felt deep down in his gut that something was going to go down.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Nika asked him as the girls finally finished changing and joined the boys in the massive sports hall, separated into many class-sized groups based on perceived physical ability and limitations, with the two of them being in the top group. Sephy, Alora and Chiyo also gave him concerned looks as they joined their own groups on the other side of the hall.


    Wait...Chiyo wasn¡¯t watching Jack in the changing room too, was she?


    He was about to answer Nika when Master Kull walked up to him, flanked by several of the Red Legion aspirants. The other students formed a ring around Master Kull, clearly waiting for instructions.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Master Kull got up into Jack¡¯s face and leered over him. Jack fought to maintain eye contact and a stoic expression as best he could, but he still felt intimidated by Kull¡¯s overbearing presence. ¡°Not only are you a new student that has SOMEHOW made it into this group of the elite, but you also insulted my legion!¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t really know how to react to a teacher getting in his face like this, but he knew he could not allow himself to be cowed, especially not in front of so many other students, and especially not when the girls could see...


    ¡°That¡¯s me alright....¡± Jack replied, setting his jaw and staring right at Kull without blinking. ¡°...sir.¡±


    ¡°HOW BRAVE!¡± Kull replied mockingly, as he swung around to address the class. ¡°LET¡¯S SEE HOW BRAVE HE IS, CLASS!¡± Jack tensed, as he heard Nika give a low growl next to him. She had warned Jack of Master Kull as soon as she realised Jack was in her group. One of the most feared teachers in the school, an officer seconded to them by the Red Legion, Master Kull was infamous for his sadism and bullying, encouraging the many aspirants he had managed to groom.


    ¡°Well new meat!¡± he growled. ¡°We have been practising melee combat recently, and it just so happens that today covers multiple opponents. RED LEGION ASPIRANTS! STEP FORWARD!¡±


    To Jack¡¯s dismay, seven students lined up opposite him - a few of them looking uncomfortable, but others looking eager. He recognised several from his form class, including Svaartal, who was licking his lips in anticipation.


    ¡°Choose the type of weapons you and your opponents will be fighting with, new meat!¡± Kull growled at Jack, as a holo display of blades, bats and other tools of termination appeared. What the hell could he say to that?


    Wait...


    ¡°I choose unarmed combat!¡± Jack spoke as soon as the thought entered his mind.


    Kull looked briefly confused before he smiled. ¡°I would have chosen a quicker death myself, but have it your way!¡±


    Wait...death?


    ¡°DON¡¯T WORRY!¡± Kull spoke up so all onlookers could hear. ¡°OUR MEDICAL DROIDS ARE VERY EFFECTIVE AT BODILY REPAIR AND RESURRECTION!¡± He leaned in close to Jack and whispered so only he could hear. ¡°But accidents are known to happen¡­¡±


    ¡°Master Kull, this is dishonourable combat. Surely Jack should have fewer opponents or more allies; there is no possible way he could defeat so many opponents.¡± Jack looked up at the speaker in surprise. It was the avian boy from his form class that asked him about his Deathworld status. He was rapidly looking between Master Kull, Jack and the seven chosen students.


    ¡°OH?¡± Kull asked in a mocking tone. ¡°Does anybody in the group wish to stand with the new meat against seven of the deadliest Red Legion aspirants I have personally trained?¡±


    The avian was shook by that, white feathered hands rubbing intensely as he debated it in his mind.


    ¡°What is your decision, Crill?¡± Kull growled, getting up into the boy¡¯s face and staring down.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Crill began. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± He looked towards Jack in shame as he stepped back.


    Jack nodded in understanding and began to focus on the group in front of him. This would be bad, as bad as the time he arrived in this strange galaxy, but just like then, he¡¯d survive what was to come and defeat his enemies.


    He felt a hand snap on his shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got your back,¡± Nika said as she stood next to Jack in a combat stance, growling at the seven aspirants. Despite himself, Jack gave a confident grin and fell into a stance of his own as the other students moved back to give them some space.


    It was time to kick ass and chew bubblegum.


    And they were all out of gum.

 Chapter 8: Gym Class Clash!

    ¡°FIGHT!¡± Master Kull yelled.


    Jack wasted no time as he dashed forward as swiftly as he could before the seven could react, making a beeline for Xharl, the huge leader of the Red Legion aspirants from his class. The yellow-scaled brute had barely any time to react as Jack jumped up high in the low gravity, aiming perfectly as the sharp bone of his flying knee cracked against the Xarak¡¯s snout with a sickening crunch, dropping the beast out cold in a single strike. Still taking advantage of the element of surprise, Jack quickly found his footing and spun around with a heavy punch to another Xarak¡¯s face. It was able to get a meaty claw up to block some of the force, but the impact still sent the reptile stumbling back, wobbly on his feet. He wasn¡¯t knocked out, but he would have to take time to recover.


    Nika wasn¡¯t far behind Jack with her own game plan, keeping low and dashing forward on all fours, baiting her insectoid opponent into a low guard. She knew that if the Anicite got the opportunity to attack with its sharp pincers and barbed forelegs it could cause some major damage.


    So she wasn''t going to give it the chance.


    Using her powerful legs and tail she jumped up high over the low swipe, before using her forward momentum to deliver a devastating bicycle kick, hammering her powerful feet repeatedly into the Anicite''s skull, knocking it out before it hit the ground. Looking back up, Nika could see one of the Xarak staggered back by Jack, with another pushing past him for an attack.


    Nika didn''t hesitate, rushing forward and swiftly wrapping her tail around the creature¡¯s arm before it had a chance to take a swipe at Jack with its keen claw. Quickly she pulled herself closer to the Xarak, using her momentum to kick low at its knee, buckling it. Jack, who had noticed the incoming attack but couldn''t do much about it, quickly spun round to elbow the creature in the face, knocking it to the ground before it was finished off by Nika''s kick between the eyes as she rushed to her next opponent.


    Jack didn''t have time to think as he quickly braced for a heavy swipe to his side that completely knocked the wind out of him. He cursed as he took in his new assailant, a hulking aquatic-looking beast with an exoskeleton of hard, rough coral advancing cautiously towards him. Thick pale armplates from multiple limbs formed a shield in front of it while the creature delivered hammer-like blows from its back tentacles, Jack maintaining his footwork to dodge. He knew he couldn¡¯t stall for too long. Aside from this guy, there were three other opponents. One was the Xarak he¡¯d knocked back who was still shaking it off, and he could see Nika facing off against what looked like one of Alora¡¯s race. From what he could see, the guy was good, quick on his feet and able to get some good offence on Nika, who for her part kept up an effective defence, deflecting the momentum of the guy¡¯s attacks and counterattacking on her own, but the numbers were still against them and they were split up.


    And there was Svaartal. The serpent hadn¡¯t entered the fight yet, which Jack felt was strange. From what he had seen about him so far, Jack knew the snake was a coward who would take advantage of every opportunity. So why hadn¡¯t he attacked him yet? As he dodged a tentacle lunge from the coral monster, Jack¡¯s heart dropped as he saw Svaartal make motions with his hands, multicoloured sparks spraying out as his form shimmered and warped.


    The bastard was buffing himself with magic!


    Nika dodged back, the punch grazing the side of her head. The Eladra was good and had laid some hits on her, but she had landed some hits on him as well. Currently they were evenly matched, but she knew that the numbers game would soon turn against them. She looked to the side to see Jack fighting the hulking Ploothe, desperate to bring the other down as the other Xarak finally recovered and lumbered up to attack her.


    "Wait!" called the Eladra to the Xarak, who ignored him as in a rage he made a wild swipe at Nika. "Give them a chance to surrender!"


    "Not gonna happen!" Nika growled, as she used her tail to slide underneath the Xarak''s legs and jumped up to try and put him in a choke hold. The Eladra looked disgusted with himself as he rushed in to help.


    "Nika!" Jack yelled as he pushed forward in frustration against the guy blocking him, hammering blows onto the armoured arms in his way as tentacles smashed into him as well. Thinking quickly in desperation, Jack grabbed one of the lunging limbs and pulled with all his might, hoisting the creature towards and over him in a judo throw, slamming it into the ground with a hard thump.


    Getting up quickly he rushed towards Nika who was frantically fending off her two attackers, before he dropped to the ground on pure instinct as a jet of green mist shot over his head. As he got to his feet he was shoved back by something hard.


    "Still want to act tough now?" came the sneering voice of Svaartal, times seven. He and what seemed like six others looked blurry and distorted, likely a combination of magical effects, as he slithered over to Jack quicker than should have been possible. Jack raised his arms in defence, not knowing what was going to happen as the Svaartals lashed out with their forked tongues. Jack felt pain as he pulled back, seeing three large cuts on his arm.


    "I have heard of ''death by a hundred cuts'' human," the snakes sneered as they slithered rapidly around Jack in a circle, lashing out with more attacks that gave him more cuts along his arms. "How many could a Deathworlder take?"


    Jack snarled through the pain as he maintained a defensive stance, taking more cuts along his arms and legs. He saw Nika try to fend off her two attackers, desperately pulling off a backflip and uppercutting the reptile before taking a kick from the other guy.


    If Jack didn''t do something, they were dead.


    Timing his movement just right, he jumped forward as quickly as he could. The Svaartal he tried to clothesline dissipated in black smoke as Jack immediately pivoted into a wheel kick, the mirror image also dissipating.


    "Nice try, human!" the remaining five Svaartals snarled as they circled around him once more. "Now you die!"


    The five snakes rushed forward at Jack, who closed his eyes. The images and sounds messed with his sight and hearing, so he quickly concentrated. Where would the real attack come from?


    The feeling of a rush of air behind him confirmed his guess as Jack quickly spun round just in time to face his attacker, reaching his hand up to grip Svaartals tongue tight before it could lash at his eyes.


    "Hho-" the snake tried to mouth before Jack yanked forward, pulling Svaartal into a kick aimed at where he thought the penile area was located. ¡°Of course you¡¯d attack me from behind!¡± Jack snarled. ¡°Pussy!¡±


    The kick didn''t have the effect Jack wanted, which Svaartal took advantage of as he grabbed Jack''s arm, and sunk his fangs in deep.


    Jack growled as Svaartals eyes widened in surprise that Jack was still standing, the snake quickly becoming dazed as Jack headbutted him.


    "YOU. MOTHER. FUCKER!" Jack yelled in between punches, forcing Svaartal to release the bite, the telltale clear venom dripping down from the serpent''s fangs. He released his grip on the tongue as well. His hand hurt like hell, but Svaartal fell back to the ground, dazed. Hearing Nika try desperately to fend off her two attackers, Jack knew he had already taken too much time. As Svaartal tried to clamber to his feet, Jack stopped him by grabbing his tail, dragging him along the ground as he charged at the last Xarak, clobbering him over the head with the cursing Svaartal, whacking one motherfucker¡­


    ...with another motherfucker!


    The Xarak collapsed to the ground, releasing Nika who had been fighting the hold. Jack slammed Svaartal into the brute again for good measure, knocking the hulking beast out. The serpent, for his part, was still spouting expletives and threats, so Jack shut him up by smacking him on the ground a few times to improve his manners.


    Puny god. Jack thought in his mind, though Hulk and Loki this was certainly not. He moved to punch Svaartal in the face to confirm the KO as the last guy tackled him from the side, sending Jack rolling back. He quickly sprung to his feet to see where his attacker was but relaxed a little when he saw the last guy backing off towards the aquatic creature Jack had thrown to the ground, checking to see if the hulking beast was alright.


    Jack did the same, moving to Nika as she struggled to get to her feet. "How are you holding up?"


    She grinned as she took Jack''s hand and hopped upright, trying to make an effort to look tough and unfazed as she did. "Oh, that? Had them right where I wanted them!"


    Jack rolled his eyes as he looked at the last two. The aquatic creature was still on the ground clutching at something while the elven-looking boy stood opposite in a relaxed stance, looking back at the two of them.


    "I don''t suppose you want to call this one a tie?" the boy cheekily called to Jack and Nika. Jack just stood there, taking a second to process it before he just snorted in amusement.


    "Little late for that, Vaal," Nika called out in a friendly tone. "Though since you gave me the option of surrender, it''s only fair we do the same to you, no?" She looked up at Jack to see if he agreed.


    As the adrenaline started to wind down, the realisation of what just happened caused him to just give a curt nod, barely registering what Nika had just said.


    "I did not give you permission to stop!" Master Kull yelled at the group. "Seven of the best Red Legion aspirants in this group failed against these two? Shameful! I should come over there an-"


    "Master Kull!"


    Both the students and Kull looked around towards the speaker, who looked to be a teacher. He seemed to be the same species as Crill, a hawk-like avian with spectacles, with brown feathers that were turning grey and dressed in finery with a broadsword of all things strapped to his hip. Behind him were a few students he didn''t recognise, and one that he did, who looked to be hiding at the back.


    Nya.


    Did she do something?


    Kull seemed to tense up upon seeing the other teacher, which seemed strange to Jack. The man didn¡¯t look intimidating at all¡­


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    ¡°Mr Sparrel, I¡¯m¡­.teaching,¡± Kull growled. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Mr Sparrel smiled as he spoke in his upper-class accent, clearly not intimidated in the slightest by Master Kull. ¡°It appears a Demon of some kind, probably a Moringu, has been summoned on the 37th floor and has proven rather difficult for the defence systems to take down. The headmaster has requested that I take it down with your assistance, unless you feel that this is beyond the capabilities of the Red Legion¡¯s finest?¡±


    Kull narrowed his eyes at that but did nothing. ¡°Very well,¡± he growled before turning to the group. ¡°Pair up and practice blocks and strikes until I get back or until everyone is called for laps. Don''t even think of slacking off¡­"


    As Kull rounded up a few other PE teachers Jack just stood there thinking to himself before he felt an arm wrap around him.


    "Hey¡­" Nika spoke quietly as the others paired up, giving the two of them a wide berth. "You ok? That was bloody brutal even for Kull''s usual standards."


    Jack wasn''t ok. How could he be after that? Kull had just ordered seven of his fellow classmates to try and kill both him and Nika, and he himself had come close to losing control. Had Vaal not knocked him off of Svaartal¡­


    "I''m all good!" Jack found himself saying with false confidence. "You?"


    "I''ll manage," Nika replied with a sigh of relief. "Like I said, I had them right where I wanted them! We might want to check with Alora when we can though, you''re pretty badly cut up."


    Jack looked down at his arms. The wounds Svaartal had left on him were many, stung quite badly, and it took all of his willpower not to visibly cringe at the downright ugly wound on his hand from where he had grabbed the razor-sharp tongue. His brothers had often told him that even if you come on top in a knife fight, you were going to get cut. Strange as the context was, it still applied here.


    He couldn''t let the discomfort show.


    Humans were meant to be tough.


    And men were meant to be strong.


    As Nika and Jack paired up with the others while the wounded were seen to by the patrolling medical droids, the Kizun felt like crap. She knew she shouldn''t. The pair of them fought well, had overcome the odds and looked like total badasses doing so! She had honestly expected to be either killed or beaten badly alongside the human, and despite the bravado, that had nearly happened to the both of them.


    And yet the human just shook it off like it was nothing. Nika was sad in a way. She couldn¡¯t admit her vulnerability from their shared experience. If Jack didn¡¯t feel the same way, what would he think of her?


    ¡°Jack¡­¡± she began softly as they halfheartedly practised, keeping up appearances but happy to wind down after the fight. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re alright?¡±


    Jack¡¯s gaze became distant for a while as he struggled to form a reply. ¡°I¡­.¡±


    ¡°LAPS!¡± yelled one of the P.E teachers, the cry being mimicked by the others. Nika cursed at the timing of that.


    ¡°Laps?¡± Jack asked, more than happy to change the subject.


    ¡°Yep,¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Run the perimeter of the sports hall until the teachers get bored or the lunch bell goes off. At least we can find the others and let Alora heal us up.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a plan,¡± Jack replied, once again looking confident as the pair of them started jogging.


    *******


    ¡°He did what?¡± Alora exclaimed angrily. ¡°I¡¯ll report him to the school board, I¡¯ll have him disbarred! I¡¯ll...¡±


    ¡°Alora! Chill!¡± Nika replied in a soothing tone. ¡°We¡¯re fine now!¡±


    Jack and Nika were jogging at a relatively steady pace to match Alora''s. She had immediately started to work her healing magics on seeing the state of the pair of them, listening to their account of what happened.


    The healing effect still felt strange to Jack. He had experienced it before when the church of Astara saved him after he arrived, but that didn''t make it feel any less weird. It was like his wounds were dunked in some kind of warm gel, then itched like hell immediately after. He decided to let Nika do the talking as he scratched his arms in a futile attempt to soothe the feeling.


    "That doesn''t give him the right to have students officially try to kill each other!" Alora replied, in a very un-chill manner. "He''s already under investigation for the injury and abuse of several students!"


    "Wait, you mean the teachers can''t lawfully tell us to fight to the death? That''s so progressive!" Jack exclaimed.


    Alora rolled her eyes at Jack''s sarcasm. "One of the major rules the founding gods decreed was to ensure the duty of care all teachers have towards students. There''ve been cases of Master Kull pushing students past their limits, but he''s gone too far this time!"


    As the two girls continued back and forth, Jack decided to slow down a little to allow his other two friends to catch up to him. Sephy was sweating at a steady pace, but Chiyo was visibly suffering, the Ilithii hating the physical exercise as she trundled behind.


    "Hey Jack! What''s this about you and Nika being total badasses?" Sephy grinned at him


    Jack sighed. Their group had been at the edge of the sports hall, so not everyone saw what happened, but by the way many of his fellow students were staring at him in a mix of awe, fear and curiosity, Jack guessed that the story had spread quickly.


    "The teacher tried to make us fight against some other students to the death, and according to Alora, that''s bad," replied Jack, giving the heavily condensed version as he didn¡¯t want to dwell on it too much.


    Both Sephy and Chiyo''s eyes widened at that. "Damn," Sephy replied, the most serious Jack had ever seen her.


    Chiyo gently tugged on Jack''s arm to get his attention, rubbing her fingers along the part of his arm where Svaartal had bit him with a questioning look.


    "Yeah, that''s where Svaartal - the snake guy - bit me. Hurt like hell but not as much as that sharp tongue of his did."


    "With venom?" Sephy asked incredulously. "How are you even alive? Sleevaash venom is a damn killer, everyone knows that!"


    "Huh. Must have missed the memo," Jack replied with false bravado.


    "You two fought very well regardless!" a third voice called out, and Jack turned round and tensed up as he saw one of the guys they had fought. It was Vaal, the grey, elven guy that had been the only one among the seven still standing by the end.


    "Yeah?" Jack asked, weary of the other boy.


    The Eladra casually waved his hand at that. "Fight''s over, Kull isn''t here and I''ve got nothing against you guys whatsoever. I knew Nika was good but you were something else! I simply wanted to pay my respects. It was a good fight!"


    "Uh¡­" Jack started. He had no idea how to respond to that. "...sure?"


    Vaal smiled at that. "Some of the others and I are on a few sports teams and we need some more people, maybe you¡¯ll be interested in joining our Deathball team?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jack replied, slightly irritated. ¡°So Svaartal and the lizard squad can ambush me when I have my back turned?¡±


    Vaal blanched at that. ¡°Those four from your form class you were fighting? They¡¯re assholes we don¡¯t play with. Just because we¡¯re Red Legion aspirants doesn¡¯t make us friends.  Kizzariiith and Plooderoo are, though.¡± He pointed to the insectoid and the aquatic, who were lumbering along.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Jack replied, feeling a little bad about his initial hostility. ¡°Sure, I guess. I don¡¯t know much about the rules though.¡±


    ¡°Not to worry!¡± Vaal replied with a pleased smile as he jogged ahead. ¡°I¡¯ll shoot you my commlink code when we get back to the lockers.¡±


    Jack had a think about that. It could be an ambush. Or it could be a chance to make some new friends.


    Stranger things had happened, but Jack didn¡¯t have long to think. Upon seeing that Chiyo was struggling Sephy called out to her "Hey! Teachers aren''t looking!"


    Looking relieved, Chiyo began to levitate for several moments before a barking voice called out. "Miss Dhasii! Did I say you could use your powers? Drop down and give me twenty!"


    Staring daggers at Sephy, Chiyo laid down into a pushup position and started to weakly attempt the exercise.


    "Heh, that''s what she gets for getting me in detention!" Sephy grinned at Jack. "Could you believe she actually left homework with fake answers in the house that anyone could copy?"


    "No way!" Jack replied, pretending he didn¡¯t know, trying his best to keep a straight face.


    Suddenly Sephy yelped and jumped up into the air, involuntarily activating her wings on reflex.


    "Use of wings is forbidden!" another P.E teacher yelled as the Skritta took a few awkward steps forward while trying to adjust what seemed to be a wedgie. "Drop down and give me twenty!"


    As Jack continued jogging he looked back to see Chiyo in the middle of her pushups with a strangely satisfied smile¡­


    *****


    "H-hey! You''re Jack, right?"


    Jack sighed. He barely had any time after returning to the changing rooms before he had been bombarded with questions. Several had already asked about what his relationship with Alora was, and upon learning that they were just friends, he was hit with a broadside of yet more questions about her favourite colour, her eating habits, and where she would be that evening.


    Jack got disturbed rather quickly by this, but fortunately, when he told them that the next person who asked would get badmouthed to Alora by him, the questions ceased.


    Immediately followed by questions about his fight. There were enough witnesses, of course, but since the stories became more and more exaggerated with each telling, the other boys were very keen to confirm a few things. No, he didn''t use any performance-enhancing drugs. No, he didn''t buff himself with magic, that would be Svaartal. And most definitely no, he didn''t immediately after have a steamy make-out session with Nika over the broken bodies of their opponents.


    Though that was not an unpleasant thought¡­


    Shit. Not the line of thought to entertain when he was changing clothes around a bunch of other guys!


    He was about to turn to the speaker to advise him to leave when he recognised the avian. Crill was looking even more nervous than when he tried to call out Master Kull for setting up such a dishonourable fight. Beside him was the rat-like being from his home class who also looked a bit fidgety.


    "Oh hey! You''re Crill, right? What''s up?"


    Crill shuddered at that and stuttered slightly before finding his voice.


    "I...I want to apologise for my cowardice earlier. I should have fought alongside you, and I have brought dishonour upon my clan. I beg for your forgiveness!" he finished, ending with a stiff lower bow.


    Jack was a little confused for a moment before hurriedly reassuring the guy. "No no! Don''t be sorry about that! I appreciate you speaking up about it. Like you said, it was an unfair fight, and Kull was being a dick. If anything you were brave for saying something. I mean how many skulls was that guy even wearing?!"


    As Crill gave a sigh of relief, the rat-dude spoke up. "That was an amazing fight! You''re definitely one of the best fighters in our year, maybe you could be a good match for..."


    All the boys that heard immediately snapped round with looks of glee on their faces, and whispered in excitement. They obviously knew where the ratfolk was going with this¡­


    Upon seeing Jack''s confused face the rat spoke up for everyone to hear.


    "OK...so Jack''s new to our class so he doesn''t know, but there''s a really good fighter in our year that''s beaten most of the other good combatants here."


    "Don''t remind me!" Vaal called out from the side to a chatter of laughter from the crowd. "Rena kicked my ass!"


    Jack gave a pained smile at that. Sure, he could fight, but he didn''t look for conflict against those that didn''t deserve it.


    "Maybe some other time," Jack replied diplomatically, to a few playful groans from the guys as the bell rang to hurry them up.


    Lunchtime!

 Chapter 9: Lunchtime

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Alora asked Jack, having calmed down from hearing about the fight. ¡°Still sore?¡± He recoiled a little as she touched his arm where he was badly cut. Though there was no visible scar tissue, the pain was still there.


    ¡°Still a little sore.¡± Jack smiled as the rest of the group finally finished changing and joined. ¡°But I¡¯ll be alright, I was more worried about Nika to be honest.¡°


    Nika blushed at that, deliberately not looking at Jack in embarrassment as she joined the group. ¡°I can worry about myself, you took it worse since Svaartal went all out with magic. He even tried pumping you full of venom; how you''re not a screaming mess right now is a mystery. Glad you''re not though." She finished, blushing even more.


    "Bet we¡¯re all hungry after that!" Alora finished with a warm smile. ¡°Food is this way!"


    There were apparently several food halls scattered around the school district to cater for all the different students, but Jack was still taken aback by just how huge the one they went to was. Completely taking up the 50th floor, it was a vast space of long tables complete with a variety of different sizes and types of chairs, crappy background music, security droids and unadulterated chaos, filled with all sorts of aliens walking about, chatting in small groups and waiting patiently in different queues to order lunch, monitored strictly by prefects with long-barrelled guns of some kind.


    Alora led the group to the shortest queue. Jack was a little puzzled as to why many of the other students joined several of the longer queues instead of this one, but when asked, Alora laughed.


    "This is the omnivore queue, and we''re just that rare! Carnivores are a bit more common, and herbivores make up the rest. Can''t risk cross-contamination for certain species so we get separate queues. Bad luck for them, good for us!"


    As they waited their turn, Jack wondered what he''d even eat. At the temple the foods were somewhat bland; after all, in order to feed the many poor and hungry that came to the temple, the food had to be acceptable for all to eat. Oftentimes when he helped prepare the food, the dishes were basic, usually little more than bread and soup. While he was more than grateful to the temple for feeding him when he first arrived, he still craved something better.


    Alora''s pasta-like dish had been phenomenal, but it was only the tip of the iceberg for Jack. He had been very good diet-wise but he still had the cravings that many teenage boys his age had.


    Cake. Chocolate. Crisps. There were also his favourite dishes his mother had cooked like Sunday Roast and Fish ''n'' Chips that he desperately missed. He composed himself as the waves of despair and grief hit him as he remembered the tastes of home, threatening to completely break down the mental walls he had built in his mind and spill out. He couldn''t lose it here¡­


    To distract himself he looked and listened around. He spotted the three jewellery-clad triplets from his form class chatting excitedly with a gang of other girls, who as one looked around to see him looking their way before erupting in giggles.


    They weren''t the only people looking his way. Several different groups of guys he had never seen before were giving him dirty looks, though Jack had no idea why. Other groups were looking at him in fear, while others were excitedly mimicking what looked suspiciously like the fighting moves he had used barely an hour ago.


    Spotting a gap in the tables, he saw Nya frantically talking to her friend - some kind of bipedal yellow fox - before vaguely gesturing towards Jack''s group.


    Jack was suddenly interrupted when he felt a familiar tug on his arm.


    Are you ok?


    Chiyo was looking at him with a serious expression, apparently being the only one to notice Jack being distant.


    Jack gave a weak smile and a nod. "Just thinking about what to eat,¡± he lied unconvincingly. "I should have enough money for it though."


    All food is free of charge here. Didn''t the headmaster tell you?


    Chiyo''s expression showed that she didn''t believe Jack, but she was willing to at least go along with it.


    "Must have gone through one ear and out the other," Jack grinned. "In my defence, the headmaster went on for hours¡­"


    They both had a chuckle at that, Jack feeling a little better. "Any food you recommend?"


    It turns out that Chiyo had many recommendations. In hindsight, the least physically capable member of the group was never going to recommend the healthiest of meals, but after the day he''d had so far, Jack just didn''t care right now.


    So it was with wide eyes all around that Jack followed the group to an empty table with a fully stacked tray. It didn''t have all the food possible, but not through lack of trying.


    Oddly enough, Nika and Chiyo were quick to sit either side of Alora before several nearby boys got the chance to do so themselves, which meant that Sephy gleefully sat next to Jack on the opposite side.


    "Wow that''s a lot on your plate! What''d ya get?" the Skritta asked as she took the opportunity to really lean into Jack under the guise of checking out his food.


    "To be honest I have no idea!" Jack replied embarrassed. "Chiyo recommended it all."


    I didn''t recommend you get LITERALLY EVERYTHING!


    Chiyo typed quickly as the others looked her way with eyebrows raised. Jack guessed he was missing out on something here...


    "That doesn''t look particularly healthy," Nika warned with a slight smile. "I''ll have you hot and sweaty tomorrow morning when we spar. That should help you work it off!"


    Jack couldn''t quite believe what he had just heard, and apparently neither did Nika as she held up a hand to her mouth.


    "Well¡­" Jack replied in the most suave voice his teenage self could manage. "I''ll hold you to that!"


    Alora just facepalmed. "All you absolute degenerates need to get a room!"


    They all laughed at that.


    "So," Jack finally asked as they all calmed down. "What is the Red Legion anyway? I''ve been here half a day and already they all hate me!"


    "Not all of them," Nika spoke up. "We know plenty of good guys and you''ve met a few. It''s just that the Red Legion... attracts a lot of extremists, especially over the last decade where they''ve been recruiting just about anyone."


    Seeing Jack''s confused look Chiyo filled him in, using Alora as a proxy.


    "Throughout history, many organisations and factions have tried to unite the known galaxy under one rule. Several of them are mentioned in the book Chiyo gave you."


    "I''m about two-thirds of the way through that," Jack noted. "Several have forged empires or federations but they''ve never taken the whole pie."


    Both Alora and Chiyo nodded at that statement as they continued. "The Red Legion is one of several modern-day factions using highly trained militaries and authoritative rule to enforce the will of their leader-"


    "Haalvastar, the Red Death!" Sephy chimed in, desperately wanting to participate in the conversation.


    Alora nodded. "The Red Legion has been successful, however there was an incident over ten years ago in which the Red Legion clashed with the Dread Lords, another major player. Though the Red Legion was victorious, there are rumours that Haalvastar lost one of his sons in a very bad way during the conflict and that ordeal changed him."


    "Wasn¡¯t it the Vile Fleet that got him?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°I think-¡±


    "There you are!" A cheerful voice called out before she could say any more. "I¡¯ve been looking for you everywhere!¡±


    All heads within a 50-metre radius turned at the loud outburst. "Jack! How is your first day at school?¡± He was suddenly a bit squashed as Luvia plonked her tray of meat on the table and sat down, practically rubbing up next to him. "I heard you fought some Legion aspirants earlier! That sounds very brave!" She purred seductively, her eyes gazing into his as she put an arm around Jack, pulling him into her possessively.


    "Actually he kicked their asses!" Sephy chimed in, putting her arm around Jack and trying to pull him to her. "7 of the best fighters in our year, and Jack smacked them down!"


    "I am here you know¡­" Nika called out, though rather than being angry at being left out she was too amused by the veritable tug-o-war taking place in front of her.


    Deciding to just tune out as he was being pulled apart like a ragdoll, Jack spotted something ahead that gave him pause. It was Svaartal and his three lizard-like friends from their home class, and it looked like something was going down. The three Xarak were shouting at the snake, who for his part looked to be pleading with them. As it escalated one of the Xarak grabbed Svaartal by the neck, only to be met with a retaliatory strike of his razor tongue to the face, knocking him back. Svaartal followed up with an acidic spit that hit dead centre, causing the Xarak to howl as he stumbled backwards into a group of large armadillo-like creatures, who upon having their food knocked onto the floor immediately drew guns.


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    Jack could see a group of prefects desperately trying to make their way to the altercation, but it was too late. As the group started firing, the collateral damage disturbed more and more groups until one shrill voice rang out over the hustle and bustle of conversation.


    "FIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!"


    Jack didn''t really know what to do, taking a second to realise that there was a firefight. He quickly reached into his bag to try and look for the pistol Nika had lent him before Sephy leaned in and whispered, "Hey it''s alright, Chiyo has us covered!"


    Jack looked up to see the others calmly looking around at what was going on as various colours of laser fire ricocheted off an invisible wall around them, which was soon followed by thrown food which smeared an ugly colour over the barrier. Sephy hissed at that. "Such a waste!" she whispered. While Jack agreed with her, he was surprised that the Skritta was so serious. He had expected her to laugh and make jokes, but he realised that perhaps there was something under the surface. He had only known her for less than a day, after all¡­


    "I''m rather surprised that there are those that dare attack us!" Luvia exclaimed, seemingly oblivious to the fact that she had let go of the human boy she had refused to release only moments ago.


    "Yeah there''s usually a bunch of simps forming a wall around you and Alora, and by extension the rest of us," Nika reasoned. "You holding out alright Chiyo?"


    You seriously have to ask?!


    Though Jack couldn''t hear the thoughts of Chiyo he could make out as much from her expression as she gave Jack the closest thing he had seen to a confident smile from her.


    Deciding that he was safe, Jack decided to eat up while he had the opportunity, as some heavily armoured prefects and security droids charged in to mop up the mess.


    ****


    ''Religious and Philosophical Education'' was next, with both Alora and Luvia joining him to the latter¡¯s absolute delight. As they lined up, Jack spotted several familiar faces - including Vaal, who joined him. "This is the guy I was talking about, hey Jack!"


    A small group of the guys, including Crill and his ratfolk friend from his home room class, and the aquatic and the insectoid from the fight crowded around him excitedly.


    "You do know that when you say you''ve been talking about me you just make me super paranoid right?" Jack asked with raised eyebrows. He didn''t get the impression that it was something bad, but his gut had been wrong before. "After all, we did fight a few hours ago ¡­¡±


    Luvia turned angrily at that. "I heard of a dishonourable combat bringing shame to the name of the Red Legion! And now I know the perpetrators,¡± she snarled at Vaal. "An uneven cowardly fight from what I hear! My father will hear about this!"


    At that all the boys apart from Vaal seemed to recoil hard. "Whoa! We are deeply sorry Luviannestixxx, but it was ordered by Master Kull, we couldn''t refuse!"


    "Besides, he fought well!" chittered the insectoid excitedly. "Well¡­. apparently! I was out for most of the fight! Nika was too quick for me, I swear I''d never seen her so fired up before!"


    A low rumble came from the hulking aquatic beast trailing at the back of the group. "I can confirm this creature is indeed mighty, my plates still ache from his blows, and his strength outmatched mine! He was able to dislocate my mandible and severely reduce my effectiveness!"


    "What kind of creature are you?¡± the insectoid asked curiously, leaning in close towards him.


    "Uh..human? I''m a Deathworlder. My name is Jack by the way¡­"


    The aquatic placed a tentacle on the excitable insect''s shoulder to calm him down. "Our apologies, it is a violation against the Red Codex to not have introduced ourselves. "My name is Plooderoo and I''m a Ploothe, and our excitable friend here is Kizzariiith from the Lleethux Hive"


    "You already know my name at least,'''' grinned Vaal. "Vaal, of the Eladran Dreadnaught Ishkabal. So the guys and I were wondering if you''d be interested in joining our Deathball team? It''s too late for tonight''s game, but you''d be a great fit!¡±


    Alora put her hand on Jack''s arm to interrupt him before he asked for details.


    "Jack is from very far away, so he may not understand customs you and I take for granted." Alora was cordial with Vaal, but something about the way she spoke was a little different. He couldn''t quite place it, but his gut was forming knots. He had enough sense not to mention it in the moment though.


    ¡°Ah, that explains why the ¡®Crimson Fangs¡¯ were so angry with you!¡± Vaal replied curiously. ¡°Oh-the name the other four call their group,¡± he added to a very confused looking Jack. "I think they took your ignorance as an insult, but to be honest, those assholes like any excuse to be offended at something so that they can get into fights."


    Jack nodded. There were certainly those types of people on Earth, his older brothers made fun of them all the time.


    ¡°Please join us! We need a new Charger ever since Zzarango quit the team!¡± The rat-dude excitedly looked up at Jack, almost pleading with him.


    ¡°Chill Kritch, you''ll scare him off!" Vaal grinned before turning to Jack. "No pressure Jack, but we''d be glad to have you on board!"


    "I''ll think about it," Jack replied noncommittally, as the class - spotting the teacher - formed an orderly double line. A sport literally called ''Deathball'' didn''t exactly fill him with enthusiasm, so he''d probably give his politest ''fuck no'' if they pushed the subject.


    ¡°You know¡­¡± Alora whispered to him with a sly smile. ¡°Nika and Sephy are on the team as well¡­it might be a good chance for you to¡­bond with them?¡±


    Hmm...maybe he''d give it a shot after all. What''s the worst that could happen?


    *****


    "Some might consider the goals of Astara and Tyrus to be closely intertwined, considering their respective mantles of Justice and Order, and while the followers of these two gods may ally and cooperate, Tyrus teaches his followers to follow the letter of the law, and establish his law where there is lawlessness, whereas Astara encourages her follows to work for the greater good above law. It is this crucial difference that separates the churches, in addition to their other mantles, of course¡­"


    The lecture was being hosted by Sister Jieta, a priestess of Siros - the God of Purity - who Jack had never seen at the Temple of Hope as Siros was not worshipped there. She seemed passionate about the subject of the founding gods, though most of the praise was to her own deity.


    The lecture room they were in was circular, with the teacher speaking in the centre and utilising holograms to show religious symbolism or artwork of events. Around the perimeter were comfortable sofa-like benches and desks that could be adjusted for height, and Jack was glad to let his body relax and allow the aches and pains from earlier to start subsiding.


    He tried his best to take notes and follow along. The topic of the school''s founding gods was very interesting; however, he was getting rather... distracted.


    Eyes all across the room were not-so-subtly staring at him when they thought he couldn¡¯t see as he tried to note down the profiles and traits of the gods, even using D&D alignments to translate it into terms he could understand. Several of the guys hanging around Vaal looked to be measuring the human up, though Jack was a little put off by the intensity. Other groups of guys were looking at him in trepidation, as if he would do something crazy at any moment. The jewellery-clad girls from his form class sat opposite him were brazenly adjusting themselves and their uniforms, leaning forward seductively to expose their cleavages, or repeatedly crossing or uncrossing their legs. One was even slowly sucking on the end of her pen. A group of brightly feathered aliens he assumed were girls were subtly whispering to each other as they stared, making some¡­interesting hand gestures. And two gecko-like beings to the right were changing colours rapidly, one putting their arm around the other that was shaking and making strange expressions.


    He heard Luvia give a low growl to his right, sharpening her claws on the table as she stared back at the offending parties, no longer even bothering to ¡®accidentally¡¯ bump or touch him as she adjusted her seat or wrote notes, and instead seemed ready to defend her ¡®territory¡¯ with a vengeance.


    ¡°The idea to create an institution of learning was originally conceived by Imera, the God of Magic and Knowledge, and while her priesthood laid the initial foundations, it was only by working with the others that this would become the greatest institution in the galaxy. Siros, God of Purity in his great wisdom commanded his builders and purifiers to cleanse, consecrate and build the great structures which stand to this day. Astara brought together the first faculty that wished to selflessly teach knowledge to the young, and those that would protect them. Tyrus established the rules and those that would enforce them. Nekdon, in an uncharacteristic display, also ordered his followers to share their vast collection of information and secrets to teach....¡±


    Jack tried his best to focus on the words but found it hard to as his classmates got bolder to try and get him to notice them. He had usually hated being the centre of attention in a group, prefering to simply observe from the side but his brothers and cousins had helped him come out of his shell.


    But they weren''t here now when he needed them¡­


    "As many of us know, the worship of Tyrus and Siros in some form is widespread by the population. Astara less so, as though the actions of her followers are often widely felt, too often do worshipers fall in their duty..."


    Jack shifted in his seat, as he felt the natural bodily reaction to attractive girls his age looking his way arise. He had managed to hide it up until this point, but it had gotten to the stage that he really didn''t want to have to stand up right now...


    He felt Luvia shift to the side, sniffing slightly in the air near him before brushing his leg with hers. He really hoped that was a coincidence¡­


    ¡°Imera, of course, shares several of her mantles with other gods, so her own position is more vulnerable to rivals. It was a wise decision to found the school and ensure her name is still spoken and revered!"


    Alora was sat next to Jack making the odd note, but judging by her religious background, she likely knew most of this stuff already. She wrote something down on a separate page and slid a message over to him.


    Someone''s popular today!


    She ended with what looked like an unusual smiley face. As Jack could feel the warm air from Lucia''s snout, he decided the distraction would be good to ''calm'' his excitement.


    I have no idea what I''m doing


    He wrote back, trying his best to draw a dog with glasses typing on a keyboard. He hoped the meme would translate enough.


    Well, you certainly can''t draw¡­


    Alora slowly looked round to Jack as the teacher wasn¡¯t looking, and as their eyes met both quietly snorted in amusement.


    ¡°Public worship of Nekdon seems to have died out, and it is generally unknown what caused this to occur. The priesthood was once very prolific but now cataloguing institutions firmly believe it no longer exists in nearspace. It is commonly speculated that Nekdon is in fact dead, though what, or who is responsible for the death of a god is unknown. The Church of Siros offers an impressive bounty on any lore or artefacts to do with Nekdon, and I encourage all of you to do your duty in this regard should the opportunity arise!


    The bell rang, signifying the end of class. On being dismissed the students reluctantly got up out of the comfortable seats and started filing out, with Jack thankful to no longer be subject to the¡­admittedly not unpleasant display, and he was glad that Alora¡¯s messaging had calmed him down. London Bridge had fallen back down¡­

 Chapter 10: History Lesson

    The last class before homeroom and the end of the day was History, and Jack was happy to know that all of his housemates shared that class with him.


    ¡°We should take a different route¡­¡± Alora whispered to Jack as they turned the corridor to find a group of Korrigans with red armbands flanking a large hulking beast of white sweat-matted fur with too many eyes and a fanged maw with ugly-looking cybernetic implants. Guns out and looking menacing, they were clearly looking for someone, occasionally grabbing other students to ask them questions.


    ¡°You know them?¡± Jack whispered back as they headed back the way they came. ¡°More Red Legion, are they after me?¡±


    ¡°Unlikely, I think they¡¯re after me,¡± she whispered back as they quickly ascended a nearby set of stairs. ¡°I¡¯ve run into those guys before; if I had to guess, they hadn¡¯t learned their lesson the last time they decided to harass me. ¡®Kralk the Konquerer¡¯ lost face when I took him and his group out. I had hoped they¡¯d leave me be after that, but apparently not.¡±


    ¡°SHE WENT THAT WAY!¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Jack raised his eyebrows as he had never heard the usually tame and mild-mannered Alora swear before. ¡°Keep heading down the corridor and go down one floor at the second set of stairs; Chiyo should be able to find you. I¡¯ll deal with this then be right behind you!¡± Alora chanted something under her breath, causing pale lights to shimmer around her as she drew one of her wands, a fresh sapling branch with tiny pink leaves.


    ¡°Screw that, I¡¯m not leaving you,¡± Jack growled as he heard the heavy footsteps thud up the stairs. He timed his turn around the corner just as they approached them, and stared into the eyes of a very confused-looking cyber-wolf.


    "What the fuck are you supposed to be?" The wolfman managed to blurt out before Alora pointed her wand above Jack''s head and muttered a word of power, sending the guy flying back with a small explosion and smell of brimstone, tumbling down the stairs and taking out the Korrigans behind. They collapsed on a heap at the bottom with a groan.


    ¡°How rude!¡± She replied to the fallen unconscious bodies.


    "Um¡­" Jack started.


    "My friends really fall hard for the whole ''macho'' thing." Alora grinned. "But this wasn''t one of those ''heroic last stands'' on my part, I just didn''t want you to be late for class!¡±


    "How long do we have?"


    Alora looked at her device. "Not long!" She turned and ran down the corridor, Jack barely processing what had just happened before he followed.


    "So you''re saying the ''macho'' thing doesn''t work on you?" Jack grinned as he caught up to Alora and passed the first staircase.


    She rolled her eyes and sighed, though her stifled smile told Jack she wasn''t disappointed with him. "You have no idea how many people try that with me, at least you can pull it off properly!" They turned and descended the next set of stairs to meet Sephy, who was waiting for them with guns out.


    ¡°Chiyo said you might be in trouble, what happened this time?¡± She asked excitedly as she used her wings to propel herself alongside them.


    ¡°Kralk again,¡± Alora replied dismissively. ¡°Gave him a fireball to the face and knocked the group down the stairs.¡±


    ¡°Wait, that was a fireball?¡± Jack asked, a little confused.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t fireballs meant to be¡­like¡­bigger with more explosions?¡±


    Sephy laughed loudly at that. ¡°YES! I¡¯VE BEEN TELLING YOU ALORA! NEEDS MORE BOOM!¡±


    Alora sighed again before responding to Jack. ¡°Yes I can make them bigger, but collateral damage isn¡¯t fun for-¡±


    ¡°Yes it is!¡± replied Sephy, who shared a grin with Jack.


    ¡°Well it may be fun for some people without any sense of restraint whatsoever but it¡¯s a pain to clear up, especially when you get put in detention and have to clean the mess. So really, Sephy, you should be thanking me; I hear Mr Szarite plans to volunteer some students to assist the cleaning bots¡­¡±


    ¡°No chance you could blow him up with a proper fireball and get me out of it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not.¡± Alora giggled.


    ¡°What about a diddy fireball then?¡± Sephy grinned, as Alora playfully slapped her friend on the arm.


    ¡°So to answer your question, Jack,¡± Alora answered calmly as they saw Nika and Chiyo waiting for them in line. ¡°My magic is focused on life, light, and fire. So yes, I can make bigger fireballs, it¡¯s just a bad idea when both of us were standing next to the target. Maybe I¡¯ll show you a proper one later?¡± Alora ended with a soft smile at Jack, which seemed to completely sober Sephy up as they joined the others.


    ¡°So Jack, Chiyo tells me you met ¡®Kralk the Konquerer¡¯ just now?¡± Nika smirked. ¡°You just love messing around with the Red Legion, don¡¯t you? We gonna have another fight on our hands, Alora?¡±


    ¡°I hope not, but he seemed pretty desperate to ambush me. I left them unconscious so hopefully that¡¯ll keep them off our backs for a while, but just in case I¡¯ll message Luvia when we¡¯re done with class.¡±


    Chiyo gently pulled on Jack¡¯s arm and showed him a message


    History is our favourite class! Even if you won¡¯t know everything that¡¯s going on you¡¯ll like Mr Sparrel! He tends to go off topic and talk about interesting events!


    ¡°That was the teacher who interrupted our fight earlier,¡± Nika added, confirming Jack¡¯s suspicions.


    ¡°The guy with the sword?¡±


    ¡°Yep!¡± Added Sephy. ¡°And the knives, the rare guns, the wands and the magic artefacts. Usually, if there¡¯s something bad that the bots can¡¯t take care of, he¡¯s the one that fixes it. Dude used to be a Starseeker!¡±


    ¡°That and much more, Sephirina!¡± A cheerful posh voice spoke up from behind her. ¡°And as I thought! You, sir, must be our newest student!¡±


    The hawk-like avian with spectacles was smiling at Jack with a glint in his eyes.


    ¡°Yes sir, I¡¯m Jack.¡±


    ¡°An absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance once again in a more official capacity Jack! Such a gallant display of ability I rarely see. As you no doubt heard earlier when I spoke to Master Kull, you may call me Mr Sparrel, history teacher extraordinaire!¡± The flamboyant teacher gave a bow as Jack tried not to let his confused expression show too much before Mr Sparrel waved the class in.


    ¡°We can sit where we like,¡± Nika mentioned to Jack, pointing to a set of desks in the middle against the far wall. ¡°Over there looks good!¡±


    As they sat down, Jack could feel the energy of the room. The other students were looking forward to the lesson, but his previous experience learning history had been a bit hit-and-miss depending on the teacher. Still, the girls seemed to like this class and Mr Sparrel seemed a bit of a character, so he quickly took out his books and opened a new page in his notes, with Chiyo sitting next to him, typing something on her device before showing it to Jack with a smile.


    Starseeker = In layman¡¯s terms a mix of adventurer, investigator, explorer, mercenary and scholar. Many of them are famous heroes that make the news! Their society is particularly famous for rediscovering lost history and discovering new worlds and sapient peoples!


    ¡°Thanks Chiyo!¡± Jack smiled. ¡°That in one of your books? I¡¯ve nearly finished with the one you gave me!¡± It was true too - any spare time Jack had during the day was spent scouring the pages. He was quite a quick reader, and had spent time noting down the races and species that appeared in it. Though Alora and Chiyo¡¯s species of Eladrie and Ilithii were mentioned as influential powers, the book did not contain as much information as Jack would have liked on them, serving as more of a timeline of certain events rather than offering much context. He planned to either check the datanet with Sephy¡¯s help to clarify certain things and maybe get a few pictures of the species frequently mentioned, or just ask the others when they had time.


    You read quickly! Come to my room later and we can look at some more!


    Chiyo grinned sweetly at Jack, though he had no idea if it was due to his rapid progress reading the book or whether she read his mind and realised the ¡®come to my room later¡¯ struck a chord with him. Whichever it was, she wasn¡¯t telling.


    ¡°Right then!¡± Mr Sparrel rapped on his desk to get everybody¡¯s attention. ¡°Today we¡¯re going to cover historical battles. Sometimes a battle is just one blip in a long and gruelling war, and other times it can shift and define the course of history, and it will be these that we will cover today! Does anybody have any examples of history-defining battles? Ah, Crill?¡±


    Crill had eagerly put his hand up. ¡°The Battle of the Twin Flights!¡±


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Mr Sparrel clapped excitedly and began drawing on the board. ¡°I am not surprised you mentioned that one as it¡¯s a major part of Squarri history which most Avian kind celebrate even now!¡±


    After writing a few diagrams on the board Mr Sparrel looked around at the rest of the class and emphasised his words with excited hand gestures. ¡°So! In order to better understand The Battle of the Twin Flights, we need to gain some context on the background of this engagement. Though they are less of a threat now than they used to be, The Flock was a major force several centuries back that was known for the monstrous avian beings that compose it in its entirety, and it was because of this that there was severe persecution of avian species across the galaxy before the nature of The Flock as a Demon Lord¡¯s minions became more widely known. They had successfully conquered several planets, where the adults were put to work as slaves while the children and elderly were killed for food, until Kwark, God of Birds, empowered a Squarri hero called Khassu Quickfeather, who united the Avian species into a coalition, which after several battles was able to decisively defeat and wipe out the vast majority of The Flock by using the strong gravitational pull of a neutron star.¡±


    The teacher then turned to the board and wiped away a few of the diagrams he had used for reference before. ¡°Now how does this battle define the course of history as we know it?¡± he started, writing a few lines on the board.


    ¡°Well, the persecution of Avians all but ended at that time due to this decisive battle, as well as the increase in Avians joining military organisations around the time, which is an honoured tradition that continues to this day. The Tengu system where the battle occurred is now a holy site for Kwark worshipers, and families that have ancestors that fought in the battle are honoured.¡±


    ¡°Sir!¡± One of the other students called to ask a question. Jack looked round and saw one of the jewellery-clad girls from before, who according to Alora were from an avaricious species known as the Hoduth. ¡°Isn¡¯t The Flock still active? What happened to them?¡±


    ¡°Well Sveta, The Flock certainly hasn¡¯t returned in those numbers since, and we know more about them, as Ilithii diviners were able to identify Raven, Lord of the Flock, as the Demon Lord commanding them at the time, though it is unknown if they are dead or not. It is not believed that the Demon Core was destroyed in the conflict, however, little had been seen since to indicate that The Flock has a coordinated leadership behind it. My personal suspicion is that The Flock is acting independent of its original leadership after being decimated by a third party. Any other questions?¡°


    ¡°I do, Sir.¡± Alora raised her hand politely, and Mr Sparrel nodded at her to continue. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a bit about Demon Lords but don¡¯t know much about them. They seem to vary heavily from each other and I don¡¯t see the correlation between them and actual demons. Are you able to explain what they are?¡±


    ¡°That is a good question!¡± Mr Sparrel turned around and wrote some more notes on the board. ¡°Demon Lords are not related to actual demons native to the corrupted planes, but Demon Cores are. You see, Demon Lords are merely the conduit, the sentient being bestowed near god-like power by their paired Demon Core. Now Demon Cores are powerful, unique forces of chaotic energy, but they lack any kind of awareness individually, which is why they require a symbiotic relationship with an eligible mortal being. Now this eligibility is extraordinarily rare and exotic, so much so that a Demon Core can transcend the perceived omniverse and bring outsiders from completely alien existences to it to bond with¡­¡±


    Jack took a start at that. He was brought to this universe somehow, could this Demon Core stuff be related?


    ¡°Now it is near impossible to mention the Demon Lords without speaking about Heroes, like Khassu Quickfeather as we¡¯ve already mentioned. These are powerful agents of a god that act as a counter-force to enemies of the faith, most notably Demon Lords but other threats may warrant the Rite of Heroism. They act with the support of the church, and while they are often existing mortals that embody the tenets of their chosen god, occasionally they are pulled from other realms or realities similar to Demon Lords if the God senses that they possess a rare heroic spirit.¡±


    Several of the heads around the class turned to glance at Jack at that, including a few of his friends around him, though most had the tact to immediately face the teacher afterwards, with several wandering eyes staring at the human. Certainly Sveta and her sisters were ramping up their body language from the last class as if reminded that he was there¡­


    Sparrel seemed to note the attention on Jack, but didn¡¯t mention it as he carried on.


    ¡°Right! We¡¯ve spoken about one definitive battle, do we have any others?¡± He gazed at the class, awaiting volunteers.


    ¡°There¡¯s the Eladriel Civil War?¡± Kritch, the rat-like alien spoke up, but seemed to recoil within himself when he saw a few faces turn to look at Alora, who for her part looked every picture of calm, though Jack could see her grip tense ever so slightly on her pen.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Mr Sparrel commented more seriously. ¡°A devastating conflict without winners that decimated the Eladriel people, and split them into the nature-revering Eladrie and the ship-bound paramilitary fleet dwellers known as the Eladra. Both sides are so different that they are now considered completely different species. History defining indeed.¡±


    Mr Sparrel seemed to lull on those words for a few seconds before his gaze fixed on Jack. ¡°Jack. I wonder if you have any examples of decisive battles from your world?¡±


    The teacher¡¯s body language looked relaxed, but his facial expression looked tense. It seemed to Jack like this was some kind of set-up, but for what he didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Jack began, trying to think of some examples that would be relatable. He knew little of the Battle of Tours, which stopped Islam from being the dominant religion in Europe in the early years of recorded history, and though the Battle of Waterloo was pretty awesome in giving the French what they deserved, it would be hard to explain to the class.


    ¡°We had the D-Day landings during the Second World War.¡± Jack slowly began. ¡°This was when my people had to invade an occupied country by boat and push through heavy defences. Imagine a chokepoint with enemy guns pointing right at it firing non-stop and imagine having to take that point and push through. That was what my people and our allies had to do to ultimately defeat the Nazis, and we lost thousands in that battle at several different locations. Before that we had the Battle of Britain, in which my country was able to maintain air superiority. Basically, we had a lot of definitive battles during that time.¡±


    ¡°But you won, right?¡±


    ¡°We did. The Nazis were defeated by the allied nations and the crimes of their regime were soon to be discovered. However, that wasn¡¯t the end of it. One of the allies of the Nazis, Japan, refused to give up in the face of defeat, and an allied state at the time, the Soviet Union, were likely to turn on us.¡±


    ¡°So what happened?¡±


    Jack sighed. ¡°A new devastating weapon was created to cause a decisive end to the war and serve as a statement to the world. One that could devastate entire cities and turn the ashes into a toxic wasteland in a flash. Our allies, the United States, deployed this weapon on a Japanese city, killing hundreds of thousands of people in the blink of an eye.¡±


    Several shocked whispers erupted from the class, talking in hushed tones.


    ¡°And this caused these Japanese to offer their unconditional surrender?¡± Mr Sparrel asked stoically.


    ¡°No Sir,¡± Jack continued. He did not think this was wise given the reaction, but he had already come this far. ¡°The Japanese refused to surrender, so the weapon was deployed again, forcing a surrender after the second attack.¡±


    The voices among the other students recoiled in horror at his words.


    ¡°That was the end of the Second World War, and the start of the Cold War.¡± Jack finished. ¡°The only thing stopping further major wars from breaking out is the concept of ¡®Mutually Assured Destruction¡¯. Any use of the weapon against a foreign power with their own weapon would meet an equal or more powerful response.¡±


    The class was silent at that. Even his new friends looked at him with worried eyes. Eventually, Mr Sparrel spoke.


    ¡°It is unlikely that you know this Jack, but what you have described is something similar, or perhaps the same as ¡®Blightfire¡¯. Very little is known about the rituals needed to create and use it, and the history books have only described it in the darkest possible tones. It has been utilised several times in history, and each time it has unleashed nothing but evil into the galaxy.¡±


    Mr Sparrel sighed.


    ¡°The last time Blightfire was seen in the galaxy was over ten years ago during the battle for the Xenankor Cluster, in which the Red Legion fought a coalition of the Dread Lords. Sometime during that battle, Blightfire was unleashed on the victorious Red Legion and the remaining Dread Lords which wiped them all out. It is unknown why this happened, or what the reason for doing it was, but it is widely agreed that the one that likely conjured it is Lucian Vile, as from the ashes of this conflict arose the Vile Fleet which has filled the resulting power vacuum.¡±


    ¡°Well, we did not possess that kind of magic, Sir,¡± Jack replied nervously, trying to distance himself from that grim tale. ¡°So it is possibly something different.¡±


    ¡°As you say,¡± Sparrel replied with a smile and relaxed tone, which seemed to quickly serve to reassure the rest of the class. Though the way the teacher thumbed the end of his sword did not put Jack at ease. ¡°Regardless, your story is fascinating! Please see me after class¡­¡±


    Jack did his best to concentrate on the rest of the lesson. It really was fascinating learning about these key points in history, but something in the back of his mind put him on edge.


    ¡°You asked to see me after class sir?¡± Jack asked politely as the class left, his friends lingering outside waiting for him. There was a decent length of time before they had to be at homeroom class, but still, he hoped this wouldn¡¯t be long.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Jack.¡± Mr Sparrel smiled. ¡°Please take a seat.¡±


    The teacher waited for Jack to do so before swiftly continuing.


    ¡°Now you are an enigma to me Jack. I have been to most all of Nearspace and much of the nearby uncharted territories, and I do not believe I have encountered a being such as yourself before.¡±


    ¡°No Sir, I¡­don¡¯t belong here.¡±


    ¡°Oh come now, I wouldn¡¯t go that far! I have encountered some truly dark entities and evil people in my time. The Cult of the Destroyer seeks to end all existence in the name of their god, the Augmented become so machine-like and evil in the name of perfection they lose their souls, and the Vile Fleet are the deadliest militant arm of necromancers recorded in millennia! They are what I would consider as ¡®not belonging¡¯. As for you, you seem to have adjusted well. You seem to have made some good friends already, and young Nya seemed to speak quite highly of you when she told me about the summoned Moringu. So I think you ¡®belong¡¯, but the question I am wondering is ¡®why¡¯. Do you know how you came to be here?¡±


    Jack hesitated for a moment. He had only just met this teacher and they were already asking him some rather pointed questions.


    ¡°I understand your trepidation, Jack.¡± Sparrel began slowly and reassuringly. ¡°I would be worried too, however, I can help. As I said during the lesson, the arrival of an outsider isn¡¯t a situation unique to you, though it is exceedingly rare, and not limited to Heroes and Demon Lords. Unravelling the mystery could help you get answers, or possibly reverse the process if you wish.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Jack wasn¡¯t sure how much he could trust this guy, but he figured that if anyone could help him understand why he was here and how he could get back to his family, it was likely the former Starseeker.


    So he told the teacher everything.


    Mr Sparrel hummed in thought as Jack finished. ¡°It is curious that the church of Astara received a vision. High Priestess Cornelia is honourable and I know her well, so I have no doubt she answered your questions to the best of her ability; however, Astara herself will know more if she deigns to speak with you. That doesn¡¯t necessarily mean you are a hero however, as the ones I know started out well aware of the process.¡± He pursed his beak as he contemplated something. ¡°As for the location you appeared in, any symbols or residual signs of a summoning will make themselves apparent to those that know how to find them. Do you have a commlink?¡± The teacher asked, still in thought.


    Jack reluctantly gave his device to the teacher, who tapped away before handing it back. ¡°I¡¯ve just given you the coordinates to a remote district that houses a friend of mine, an oracle. It¡¯s a tough trip for those that can¡¯t handle themselves, but if you ever find yourself there, you can probably get some answers. I myself will speak to some contacts of mine more knowledgeable in the subject. If I have anything else for you, I¡¯ll be sure to let you know next class! Now off you go! Mrs Schlart is not known for her patience with latecomers!¡±

 Chapter 11: Study Time

    ¡°Gwakoo?¡±


    ¡°Present,¡± Crill spoke up as Mrs Shlart took the register for homeroom class.


    ¡°Sveta, Greta and Loreta Bharzum?¡±


    ¡°Present,¡± the three Hoduth triplets responded in unison.


    Jack was contemplating what Mr Sparrel had told him. Up until this point, he had been surviving and trying to adjust to his new life, but since the initial days of arriving in this galaxy he hadn¡¯t let himself think too much about whether getting back was even possible¡­


    ¡°Hawker?¡±


    ¡°Present!¡± replied Sephy, before going back to daydream.


    ¡°Fallos?¡±


    ¡°Here!¡± Nika called out next.


    But what answers could he get and how would they help him? The Church of Astara claimed they didn¡¯t know how or why he was here, and they had spoken to other aligned clergy at the Temple of Hope.


    ¡°Dhasii?¡±


    Nobody said anything, but the fact that Chiyo floated one of her books in the air and made eye contact with Mrs Schlart indicated her response.


    ¡°Glenphyranix?¡±


    ¡°Present!¡± Alora chimed in.


    Still, he had a few leads. Revisiting the area he had arrived in might enable him to examine the area for clues, but how would he even know what to look for? And there was this Oracle he now had the location of; Mr Sparrel had said it was difficult to get there, but at least he had proven he could handle himself. But going solo wouldn¡¯t be smart, and it wasn¡¯t like he knew the best way to get there.


    Either way, he was going to need help. Would his new friends even want to help him out? Maybe. Aside from Alora, he had only known them for less than the earth equivalent of 24 hours. He would ask them when they had a moment - it couldn¡¯t hurt.


    ¡°And finally, Frost?¡±


    ¡°Here!¡± Jack called up. In hindsight, he could have come up with a more original false surname, but at least he hadn¡¯t gone with ¡®Hoff¡¯.


    The end of day form class had been relatively uneventful. Though some students were late and placed in detention, Jack and the others were able to make it in good time, with no firefights or ambushes to delay them, though with Jack¡¯s new wild reputation they didn¡¯t know if things would get better or worse.


    ¡°Just two announcements for today, class.¡± Mrs Schlart spoke up over the quiet murmurings. ¡°Firstly, as most of you are aware, we had a confirmed Moringu demon summoning earlier today on the 32nd floor, which fortunately was not able to do much damage before being contained by a faculty strike team. I would like to remind you students that unsupervised demon summoning is against the rules, and demonology of that level is highly advanced and beyond the capabilities of students your age. It is also highly dangerous and irresponsible, and an investigation is now underway¡­¡±


    Jack kept an eye on Nya out of the corner of his eye due to his suspicions. Although he was never the best at reading the body language of others, the wringing of her hands and the controlled breathing seemed to confirm his guess was probably right. Nya summoned and let loose a powerful demon in the school.


    Well when you put it that way, that actually sounded kinda cool!


    But it was likely she did it to try and help him in some kind of misunderstood way. She knew Svaartal had a grudge after Jack stood up to him and that Master Kull was a Red Legion Extremist. It was only natural that she would try and do something that would throw Kull¡¯s attention off of Jack. He would have to try and speak with her and make sure nothing bad was heading her way. It was his responsibility now, after all¡­


    ¡°And secondly, the school¡¯s prediction algorithms reveal that there is a high probability for some type of battle tonight, though the cause or involved parties has yet to be determined. The school urges all students to remain calm, not to travel unless necessary during the night and to invest in high-quality ordnance and ammunition. Consider staying with a friend if your residence is in an affected area, or have your friends come to you to assist in neutralising threats. Apart from that, class dismissed!¡±


    As their group slowly got up to discuss plans, Jack noticed a few other groups trying to listen in.


    ¡°I have School Council and Sephy and Nika have a deathball game, I believe?¡± Alora said.


    ¡°I do at least!¡± Nika replied. ¡°Shame we can¡¯t shoehorn you in on such short notice, Jack, but we¡¯ll get you trained up for the next game!¡±


    Jack hadn¡¯t even agreed to join, but he didn¡¯t feel like pointing that out now¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m benched since I¡¯m in detention.¡± Sephy pouted. ¡°Good luck though!¡±


    Chiyo pulled on Jack¡¯s arm again to get his attention.


    Would you like to join me and my study group in the library while we wait for them? We can get some homework done and meet others that have been texting us all day about you!


    ¡°Sounds like a good idea Chiyo!¡± Jack replied with an easy smile, thankful for something to do. It wasn¡¯t like he could go anywhere else without a guide anyway, and getting his homework done before the weekend sounded good¡­


    *****


    The school library for the building they were in was gigantic. Apparently there was one in every building, with different types of reading material suitable for the many different species that attended the school. According to Chiyo, there was some form of braille for the non-visual students in one building that used some kind of sonic technology, and gigantic tomes for the megafauna species in another huge building. The subjects were all the same material however, copied and digitised so that all students could access it and nobody missed out. But looking at the vast shelves across at least 5 floors, Jack wondered where he could even start.


    Nya tagged along as they made their way to the area the study group had picked beforehand. Apparently she was on friendly terms with Chiyo and joined the group often while her other friend Rena took part in student council meetings. Jack guessed that someone as shy as Nya would naturally gravitate towards somebody she could talk to telepathically as a less anxiety-inducing experience.


    Need to return some books, be right back!


    Chiyo quickly showed Jack the message and scampered away, leaving him and Nya alone by the secluded cubby hole the group was to meet at.


    "So¡­" Jack started with a grin on his face. "Demon summoning, huh?"


    Nya stiffened straight and gazed at Jack with wide, frightened eyes.


    "Need a hand covering it up?" He continued casually.


    Nya sighed in relief then looked around to see if anyone else had been listening. Of course, nobody was; Chiyo had done a good job at masking their presence and giving the excited groups looking for Jack the slip.


    "Mr Sparrel helped me," Nya whispered conspiratorially. "Master Kull is currently under investigation for abusing students, and when I told him what Svaartal was likely going to do to you, he masked my astral signature and looped the camera feed, so I should be ok unless¡­" She didn''t finish her sentence but looked up at Jack with a pleading expression.


    "Don''t worry," Jack replied with a soft smile, putting his hands on the girl''s shoulders to calm her down. "I won''t blab. Glad to hear something is being done about Kull at least; I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s the main reason why some of the Red Legion students are assholes, but it sure seems that way to me so far.¡±


    Nya said nothing but she just quickly nodded before quietly mumbling. ¡°Thank you for standing up to Svaartal.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s ok,¡± Jack said gently. Seeing the worried look he knew he couldn¡¯t make a joke about it. ¡°Though surely if you have the power to summon a powerful demon, you have something that could at least force him to leave you alone?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s complicated,¡± Nya replied with a weak smile. ¡°But thanks.¡±


    At that moment, Chiyo returned with two others in tow, both gecko-like androgynous creatures in male uniforms, whose eyes widened upon seeing Jack.


    "Isssss that one¡­?" One asked Chiyo questioningly, who simply nodded.


    "Forgive my brood-ssssibling honoured halveer." The other bowed deeply to Jack. "Thessse ones did not mean to cause offensssse.¡±


    ¡°None taken,¡± Jack replied, long used to giving smiles and easy replies by now. ¡°I¡¯m Jack, I think I¡¯ve seen you two before, did we share a Religion lecture earlier?¡±


    He was pretty sure they did. He had seen two similar species changing colours during the lecture, but he wasn¡¯t sure if they were the two forest-green lizards standing in front of him.


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


    ¡°We¡­.may have,'''' The one who first spoke said in feigned casualness. ¡°It is hard to sssee others during the lecture¡­¡±


    Well that was a complete lie, but Jack let it stand. He really didn¡¯t want to think about what those two were doing...


    ¡°These onesss are Zayle and Rayle.¡± The second of the two, Rayle, introduced the pair, who seemingly had a better head on his(her?) shoulders. ¡°It is an honour to meet you, Halveer¡±


    Jack put his hand out to shake, which both of the geckos in turn grabbed with both of theirs before kissing it, humming something under their breath. Jack assumed it was a cultural thing, and being the only human in a galaxy of the unusual, he wasn¡¯t about to make a comment on weird customs.


    ¡°What does¡­¡± Jack started to ask Chiyo, but she had beaten him to it, showing him her device.


    Halveer =  ¡®Desired one.¡¯ Squa¡¯Kaar saying usually used to describe physical interest. I¡¯m not one to judge¡­


    ¡°Ah.¡± Jack looked at Chiyo with raised eyebrows, who silently giggled at that.


    ¡°There you are!¡± another voice called out. ¡°Honestly Chiyo, the corridors around your locker are packed to burst!¡±


    Two girls rounded a bookcase: one of them was a tall, somewhat chubby rabbit-like creature with light chocolate fur, with a long pair of floppy ears dropping behind her back. The other one looked familiar. Jack did a double-take on seeing the snake-like being, thinking it was Svaartal, but realised that was unlikely considering the skirt and spectacles. Most likely this was a female of the same species as Svaartal.


    ¡°Yesss we saw. Many curiousss people,¡± Zayle replied with a smile. ¡°How fare you, honoured Straveer?¡±


    ¡°Well I feel absolutely awful!¡± The rabbit continued, clearly the original speaker, and very clearly expecting the question. ¡°I have heard so many rumours about a new student and haven¡¯t been able to verify any of them! The school paper demands I find him! I haven¡¯t shared any lessons with him and when I tried to get to where his locker is meant to be I found hundreds of students waiting for him! He didn¡¯t even show up!¡±


    Chiyo gave a sly smile, giving a quick glance to the unnoticed Jack as she said something to the rabbit-girl.


    ¡°Well of course the school paper isn¡¯t the only reason I want to see him!¡± She pouted. ¡°Apparently he took on 20 of the school¡¯s top fighters all on his own, and I¡¯ve interviewed several students who claim to have already mated with him! He¡¯s very clearly a catch!"


    At that point the other girl, who had so far not said anything, noticed Jack in the corner and gave a quick start, covering her mouth with shocked eyes. Jack just put a finger to his lips in a shushing motion, and to her credit, the snake-girl gave a shy smile and complied.


    "...I mean surely an alpha male with such a ferocious appetite would appreciate thick thighs and experience¡­"


    Chiyo clearly said something else to the rabbit as her smile grew wider.


    "What would I do when I meet him? Ideally observe him from a distance first, see what compliments I could pay him and definitely take his¡­measurements. Take enough liberties with what I¡¯m wearing to give any prefect an aneurysm, do and promise anything to get the interview, lay on the best feminine charm I can bring to bear with my magic and enchantments to shamelessly seduce him and take him back to my place - though I¡¯d settle for a quickie in the disabled toilets¡±


    ¡°What? Not going to buy me a drink first?¡± Jack replied, stifling his shocked laughter as best as he could, not willing to let the girl embarrass herself even further, and definitely not wanting to see just how raunchy this would get¡­


    ¡­at least not with polite company.


    The rabbit-girl shot around with an expression like a deer-in-the-headlights, mouth agape as Chiyo and the others laughed their asses off. Even Nya looked a little more cheerful.


    ¡°By the gods Vanya!¡± The snake-girl giggled in between hard breaths. ¡°You¡¯re a journalist, how did you not see him?¡± She then slithered up to Jack and gave a worried smile as she took his hand and shook it. ¡°I¡¯ve already heard about you from my brother, he says he fought you earlier but refused to talk about it. I think he may be seeking revenge so please be careful! I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    ¡°Svaartal?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s been ranting to his Red Legion friends about it.¡± She seemed to snap out of her funk and remembered something. ¡°Oh my, I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t introduce myself. I¡¯m Svaarti, and I bear you no ill will, I apologise for what has happened between you and my brother¡­I¡¯m sor-¡±


    ¡°Hey! You don¡¯t need to apologise for anything!¡± Jack quickly hushed Svaarti up. ¡°You haven¡¯t done anything to me and you seem cool so don¡¯t worry about that!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sor-oh!¡± Svaarti stopped herself, covering her mouth again.


    ¡°We¡¯re getting there!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you Svaarti, I¡¯m Jack. I hope we can be friends and your brother and I reconcile, somehow. He seems pretty good with magic at least¡±


    That seemed to shake the rabbit-girl out of her stupor. ¡°Wait! The fight? Svaarti, you knew about that this entire time and you didn¡¯t tell me?¡±


    ¡°Well you didn¡¯t ask, Vanya,¡± Svaarti nervously replied. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    ¡°Well I¡¯m not so sure about an interview¡­¡± Jack started, trying to tactfully start a conversation with the rabbit that had spoken so¡­lustfully about him. ¡°But I can tell you that the rumours you heard are false at least.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Vanya licked her lips as she smiled and strode over to him. ¡°Perhaps I can ask you a few questions to clear that up? How such a handsome being such as yourself is so adept at combat?¡± She started stroking Jack¡¯s arms as she looked at him with bright eyes. Jack couldn¡¯t help himself but meet Vanya¡¯s gaze as she leaned in close¡­


    Before her head was suddenly yanked back by an unseen force, and Jack almost immediately questioned what he was doing. He had only just met her, after all¡­


    Oh no you don¡¯t Vanya. You need to get your hormones under control for a change.


    ¡°Ow! Chiyo get off of me! I wasn¡¯t using enchantments, I was-OUCH NOT THE EARS! Alright I used enchantments! I¡¯ll stop!¡±


    Whatever Chiyo was doing stopped, and Vanya rubbed at her long, floppy ears. "Those are sensitive Chiyo, I keep telling you that!"


    You crossed a sensitive boundary. If even Sephy thinks you come on too strong, then maybe you should listen once in a while.


    Jack looked at both two girls, clearly confused at the one-sided conversation.


    ¡°Sorry about that!¡± Vanya sighed, clearly giving up against Chiyo. ¡°It¡¯s an absolute pleasure to finally meet you Jack, I¡¯m Vanya and I¡¯m a reporter for the school paper. I wasn¡¯t lying when I said I¡¯d like to ask a few questions but maybe we should wait for Little Miss Protective over here to chill out first!¡± She indicated towards Chiyo, who for her part looked completely unamused, typing a message to show only to Jack.


    Careful with her, she¡¯s usually alright with us but very good with illusions and enchantments. She hasn¡¯t crossed the line yet but that doesn¡¯t mean she won¡¯t!


    ¡°Oh? Can you not communicate with him telepathically?¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°I can see why you¡¯d be so protective of him while you work on that Chiyo!¡±


    Do not test me Vanya.


    ¡°So are you part of this study-group too?¡± Jack asked both Vanya and Svaarti. ¡°Maybe we can get some homework done?¡± The latter part he threw to the whole group. At the very least it would take the attention off of him.


    ¡°Well Chiyo and I got a lot of ¡®Magical Theory¡¯ to do so we¡¯ll need to work on that,¡± Vanya replied simply. ¡°I have ¡®Core Science¡¯ and ¡®Hardware¡¯ too. If the teachers are coordinating as well as they should be, you should only have a maximum of 3 subjects to do homework for, no?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack replied with a nod. ¡°A bit of ¡®Maths¡¯ which I¡¯ve already done half of which Chiyo was with me for. I had some ¡®Communication¡¯ homework where I¡¯m meant to read a few chapters and write a few summary paragraphs on, and I¡¯m meant to do some research on the clergy of the schools¡¯ founding gods for ¡®Religious Education¡¯ and summarise their traditions and important holy days.¡±


    ¡°We could split up the chapters and get the main points to write about in half of the time?¡± Nya quietly spoke up.


    ¡°We already grabbed sssome books on the founding gods on our way here, Straveer,¡± Zayle added, spreading them out on the table. ¡°One for each. I sssuspect the main focus should be on Sssiros!¡±


    ¡°Good call, we¡¯ll save that until last as that¡¯s likely to be the longest. I''ll catch up with my other homework then we''ll split up which gods we want to take notes on. I guess I''d better take Astara."


    ¡°I had that class as well,¡± Svaarti spoke up, clearly still a little nervous. ¡°I¡¯m in Nekdon house so I can go through his tome. Since Siros is Sister Jieta¡¯s god we should probably all work together on that one to make sure we get a higher mark.¡±


    ¡°We are both in Imera House, so Zayle can do Tyrus,¡± Rayle smiled.


    ¡°HEY!¡± Zayle whined.


    *****


    They had been working for just under an hour, and had actually been rather productive after calming down, though there was a moment halfway when Vanya tried to play footsie with Jack under the table - which while not unpleasant, made homework slightly more distracting. In the end Jack just grabbed the offending foot, taking a few seconds to rub his fingers through the soft fur, before yanking Vanya out of her chair and under the table with a very undignified thud, to Chiyo¡¯s clear amusement and approval. Needless to say, Vanya stopped doing that afterwards.


    He had managed to quickly finish off the rest of the Maths homework and work with Nya on a few more chapters of the journal they were meant to be reading. Getting through it, Jack realised that rather than just the account of a random travelling merchant, the entries also noted other cultures and the journeys to and from them, reminding him a lot of Marco Polo. He might even read a bit more for fun later. It was a little awkward though, as everyone around the table kept looking his way, making concentration difficult.


    We can always go watch the Deathball game if this is too much?


    ¡°It¡¯s all good. If I recall we have a busy night and I was hoping to explore the town a bit, so we might as well try and get the work done now, right?¡±


    I would normally agree with you, but you¡¯re getting the type of attention Alora usually gets, and even if we¡¯re among friends, that isn¡¯t good.


    Chiyo had insisted on sitting next to Jack at one end of the table after the incident with Vanya, and was clearly getting bored after finishing her work, splitting her consciousness to cut down the time she needed. Right now she was flicking through a couple of books, and occasionally asking Jack some oddly specific questions. Originally it was just a few things about Earth, but eventually got to asking about his favourite type of movie, after establishing that movies were a thing where he came from. Honestly it was cute that Chiyo was at least trying to be subtle in noting down his interests¡­


    As for his homework, it wasn¡¯t too difficult to find what he needed. Astara¡¯s holy days mainly centred around several important anniversaries of battles to honour those that died and heroic sacrifices performed by her faithful in the name of the Greater Good. There was one holy day that did stand out though: ''The Gifts of Gratitude'' honoured family and friends with the sharing of gifts, and encouraged goodwill and charity to the less fortunate that were deserving of help. It was the closest thing to Christmas he''d heard of here. Come to think of it, he''d heard it mentioned at the Temple of Hope.


    He shared his findings with the others and noted theirs. Tyrus'' followers used the equivalent of ''Bank Holidays'' to work in harmony with societies, Imera''s celebrated magical convergences and discoveries, Siros¡¯ dictated the days seemingly at random, and Nekdon''s former faithful seemed to compete for the most vague, ominous-sounding traditions. It was honestly fascinating to Jack on learning that there were hundreds, maybe thousands of different gods out there. New things were being discovered all the time and there were many secrets occasionally rediscovered. Maybe Earth would be out there somewhere¡­


    Jack was suddenly pulled out of his reverie and on the alert as he felt Chiyo stiffen next to him, looking worried as she quickly typed a message.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Alora might be in trouble, she just won an important council vote and her opponents might try something bad. Nika¡¯s still playing Deathball and Sephy still has a little time left of her detention.


    ¡°We¡¯d better get going then, I¡¯m nearly done anyway,¡± Jack replied, steeling himself as he packed his bag. ¡°Let¡¯s go help!¡±

 Chapter 12: The Duel

    After quickly excusing themselves and saying goodbye to the group, Jack and Chiyo set off at a run. That was to say, Jack ran, and Chiyo floated ahead of him, typing messages and directing Jack to where they needed to go.


    "So," Jack panted, "why is Alora in trouble specifically?¡±


    Several senior prefects are part of a radical faction that want to introduce slavery as a punishment for misbehaving students.


    "You''ve got to be shitting me!"


    One particular noble family renowned for slavery has several members as prefects. It is these individuals that tried to win the vote and may try to ambush Alora as revenge.


    "Great, time to piss some more people off," Jack groaned jokingly, Chiyo giggling at that.


    They got to the hall just as they heard noise from inside as if the meeting was adjourned and people were starting to leave.


    Nika and Sephy are just finishing up now and are on their way.


    "So wait for Alora to come out and then wait for the bad guys to try something?"


    Sounds good to me!


    "Oh good! Nothing''s happened yet!" They heard a familiar voice chirp from behind. Vanya came dashing up from nearby, panting as she threw several orbs into the air, which quickly morphed into hovering drones that floated around and above the area, with the rest of the study group following tentatively behind. "Sorry but this is just too interesting not to watch! It''ll be a great scoop for the paper!"


    ¡°How were you able to catch up to us so quickly?¡± Jack asked, a little perplexed.


    ¡°Oh I teleported us downstairs, I would have offered to do so to you and Chiyo but you just looked so gallant running at a full sprint!¡±


    Jack turned round to Chiyo with a raised eyebrow, who had an embarrassed look plastered on her face. Despite being highly intelligent, it was clear she hadn¡¯t realised that she could have asked Vanya for a lift.


    "What are those drones for Vanya?" Jack queried to clear the air and change the subject.


    "Yeah!" The rabbit-girl replied with a smirk. "They''re great for recording all the action! Speaking of¡­"


    Chiyo tugged on Jack''s arm urgently and pointed to the door. Alora exited the room in a hurry and quickly made her way over to them. As Jack and Chiyo rushed to meet her halfway they could hear a shrill, cruel voice call after her.


    "Glenphyranix! Silver-tongued wretch! How dare you interfere with House Mal¡¯Kar business!"


    "You alright?" Jack asked Alora softly, and apparently Chiyo had asked something similar as she nodded to the both of them, clearly shaken.


    "They have off-duty prefects with them," she frantically whispered as she drew her wand. "We''re outnumbered. Cowards!"


    "There you are!" The voice yelled out, and Jack could now see where it came from.


    Clothed in what looked like black leather armour, with dark skin, elongated ears and white hair, the four beings cut an impressive visage as they were flanked by a small squad of Korrigan prefects, the grey creatures nervously holding their rifles at the ready. Jack could feel more than see Chiyo start to subtly draw on her powers, ready for anything.


    "If anything happens, I''ll rush in close so they can''t risk shooting," Jack muttered. He had finally gotten the battered-looking pistol out of his bag, but considering what he was facing, he figured he''d rather go with what he knew already worked, with the gym fight and the memory of his arrival in this galaxy still fresh in his mind.


    He eyed up the speaker and the others of her race, the rest being males who he''d go for if a fight broke out. The female was squat and shorter than the others, but her demeanour made it apparent that she was in charge, with sharp, cruel features, hair tied back in a tight ponytail, and carrying a gnarled, dark obsidian staff.


    Two of the males looked so handsomely similar that Jack had them pegged as twins. Both with long flowing white hair, the only difference was in their mannerisms. The calmer of the two kept clicking his fingers, a long dark-red flame manifesting every time he did, while the other looked sharp and ready to strike out at anything, fingering what looked like a cruel-looking whip at his hip. The third was quite a sight, a muscled hulking brute with short flat-topped hair, and was carrying a cruel assortment of foul-looking gadgets and weapons on him.


    Chiyo quickly tugged on Jack¡¯s arm.


    Nobility of the Drow Concordance, matriarchal society, slavers, believe themselves superior to all others. Be careful!


    "Drow?" Jack whispered back. He obviously knew of the fictional kind from back on earth, and since the mmetic translator implant in him used previous associations, it made sense that whatever it was called in Chiyo¡¯s language would be translated into something that made sense to him. That didn¡¯t make it less strange for him to discover that what he thought was a fictional race was very much real.


    ¡°Time to show you what happens when you get in the way of House Mal¡¯Kar business, Glenphyranix!¡±


    ¡®Shit¡¯ Jack thought to himself. He knew he would have to dig deep for this one. But how would he keep his friends safe and get them out?


    ¡°Red Legion! To my side!¡± A voice yelled out, as Luvia emerged from the chamber with a crowd of friends. Several students with red armbands immediately rushed to form a semi circle around her to take aim at the prefects, while Luvia spoke some words and threw her arms out, making several magical effects take hold in rapid succession, with Luvia suddenly becoming clad in blood-red armour and levelling some kind of three-barreled rifle at the speaker, the air around her shimmering in many magical protections.


    ¡°You had the vote and you lost, Izadora Mal¡¯Kar!¡± Luvia snarled. ¡°The only business House Mal¡¯Kar has is one of failure! You really thought you could push through slavery as a valid punishment for students just so your own people could benefit? That¡¯s abhorrent! That¡¯s evil! That¡¯s- OH HI JACK!¡±


    All eyes turned as Luvia lowered her rifle and gave Jack an enthusiastic smile and a wave on spotting him, who awkwardly waved back as all eyes stared at him.


    ¡°What the hell is that thing?¡± Izadora snarled, staring at the human.


    ¡®Oh perfect¡¯ Jack thought sarcastically as he strategically placed himself between the drow and Alora.  ¡°Well,¡± he started, giving his most cocky grin at the ones who had spoken. ¡°When Luvia said ¡®Hi Jack¡¯ and waved at me, that would usually indicate that¡¯s who I am.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t care who you are,¡± Izadora growled. ¡°And you disrespect your betters male.¡±


    ¡°Sorry darling, but you¡¯ll have to cope.¡± Jack shrugged casually, playing up the relaxed body language and condescending words one of his brothers used when dealing with a particularly bitchy ex-girlfriend. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all bark and no bite, and I¡¯d really hate to have to karate chop you in the vagina, so you should just move along¡­¡±


    ¡°You are outnumbered and outmatched! If we don¡¯t hurt you, we¡¯ll certainly hurt those around you¡­¡± the drow bitch hissed with a sadistic smile as she made a show of gazing at each of Jack¡¯s friends.


    ¡°Fuck around and find out cunt,¡± Jack coldly replied. She just made a big mistake there.


    ¡°I could think of many uses for you as a slave ¡± the drow sneered at the human.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be thinking much after I curb-stomp the lot of you,¡± Jack growled in response, tensing up in a combat stance and ready to rush in close. ¡°You drow claim to be superior to others? How about you put that to the test against a human?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps a one-on-one duel to surrender will settle our differences?¡± Alora coldly addressed Izadora.


    "So be it. I will flay the flesh from the insolent male and send his soul to the Pits of Oblivion!"


    "Oh yeah?" Jack fired up. "I''ll send you back to the kitchen you Drow bit-"


    Alora put her hand on Jack''s shoulder to stop him, giving him a quick look that shut him up. "Oh you misunderstand." She stared at the Drow Mistress with a determined smile. "You tried to put through an abhorrent rule, tried to intimidate me when it failed, and worst of all you threatened my friends. So no Izadora, you won''t be facing Jack."


    The atmosphere of the room rose to a fever pitch as they realised what was going to happen.


    "You''ll be facing me."


    *****


    As the combatants slowly circled one another, awaiting the clock to chime on the hour to signal the start, Chiyo tugged on Jack¡¯s arm.


    That wasn¡¯t a sexist comment you were trying to make towards the end by any chance?


    The sentence was accompanied with raised eyebrows and lips pursed in a smile.


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Jack replied, the tension and adrenaline slowly dying down. ¡°I kinda got carried away there¡­Sorry?¡±


    You will be :)


    The atmosphere was silent as the time drew near. The only sound to be heard was the monotonous ¡®tick¡¯ of each second counting down to zero hour. Jack noted the actions of the other three drow along the edge. The brothers were definitely planning something should the duel not go their way, so Jack had his own plans to get in and get Alora into the crowd. He certainly wouldn¡¯t let the drow win the duel fairly either. Dishonour paled in comparison to letting your friends down.


    The chime sounded, and the spells were slung. Alora raised her arms as a bubble of glowing white energy surrounded her, absorbing the dark spout of shadow Izadora had shot out at her, clearly in an attempt to finish her quickly. Snarling at the sight of the shield, Izadora summoned a dark cloud above Alora that began repeatedly striking at Alora¡¯s shield with dark bolts of energy as the Eladrie fought to maintain it.


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    ¡®Shit¡¯ Jack thought after several moments passed. ¡®Alora needs to strike back to get some breathing room¡¯. He thought about shouting out to her but had a better idea.


    ¡°Can she get an attack in somehow?¡± Jack whispered to Chiyo.


    It¡¯s difficult to form an attack while Alora¡¯s manipulating the shield, but she¡¯s biding her time as best as she can. Chiyo quickly typed back. She can expand and strengthen it against certain elements, so that¡¯s what she¡¯s doing until she has an opening.


    Jack quickly thought about that. ¡°If she can manipulate the shield, couldn¡¯t she just use that to attack?¡±


    How so?


    ¡°She told me that as well as life and fire, her magic was light based, right?¡±


    Chiyo just nodded, not understanding, as the force of another bolt sent Alora to one knee.


    ¡°So how bright a light are we talking? Could she mimic a flashbang?¡±


    Chiyo caught on to Jack¡¯s idea quickly and gave a sly smile as she sent the idea to Alora, closing her eyes as she did so, Jack barely having time to do the same, as a loud explosion roared around the room with a bright light permeating his eyelids. When they opened their eyes again they saw many of the surrounding unlucky students stumbling back clutching at their heads, though only Luvia seemed completely unaffected, watching the duel with light interest.


    Alora had vanished, leaving only a black sphere which dissipated to reveal her drow opponent. ¡°Your trick failed Glenphyranix! You can¡¯t hide from me!¡± She screamed, as she quickly waved her arms and summoned several dark blobs that rapidly shifted into sharp, jagged objects that spun as they were shot out in a ring, pinging off the forcewalls that had been set up to mark the boundary. Looking around, it didn¡¯t look like anyone was hit, so where was Alora?


    That question was answered seconds later when from above a powerful fireball came crashing down, smacking on Izadora¡¯s shield, breaking it with a visible shattering sound. Alora quickly came in for the attack, invisibility dispelled as she summoned a glaive of hard light, bringing it down for a chop at her opponent¡¯s head, being parried just in time by the drow¡¯s black staff. The two went back and forth for several passes, with Alora fighting with an intensity he had not seen before from the usually calm and collected Eladrie before disengaging.


    Alora drew a wand and spoke several words of power as she raised an arm high, forcing Izadora to raise both of her arms to channel a shield of shadowstuff to counter the incoming attack¡­.


    Only to take a blast to the stomach as the wand in Alora¡¯s other hand shot a spell off, having been hidden in her sleeve and covered by the distraction.


    Izadora slammed against the wall, and Alora wasted no time, using her innate abilities to manipulate the ivy to try and grab the drow¡­


    Before a bolt of dark flame crashed against her shield as Izadora¡¯s brothers entered the fight to rescue their sister.


    Jack spotted it quickly, aiming his loaned pistol and squeezing the trigger at the biggest one¡­


    Nothing.


    ¡°FUCKING THING!¡± Jack yelled, as he lobbed the pistol, which bumped off the head of the pyromancer as he charged to meet the drow head on and enact some justice.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t over!¡± Izadora snarled, staring at Jack as the drow with the whips freed her before she quickly teleported the group away just as Jack jumped in with a punch, hitting nothing.


    ¡°BEGONE THOT!¡± yelled Jack as the group faded out of sight. "You okay?" he whispered to Alora as he helped her up.


    "It''s fine." Alora winced as she placed a healing hand on the tender flesh of her burned arm. "I was expecting them to try something, but Kravel was too quick for me."


    "Shit, sorry Alora, we got here too late," they heard a panting Nika call from behind them, supported by Sephy who was also looking exhausted, having run as quickly as she could.


    "It''s alright Nika, they''ve gone now." Alora winced, leaning on Jack as she got to her feet.


    "I know, I saw," Nika replied. "Jack, why exactly did you throw my pistol at them instead of using it?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.


    "Tried it and it didn''t work," Jack muttered in frustration. "Squeezed the trigger and it wouldn''t give. I would have taken out Flameyboi if it didn''t."


    "Did you remember to flick the safety off?" Nika asked slowly, still with the raised eyebrow.


    "Um¡­" Jack started. That would be a resounding ''no''.


    "Guys," Sephy interrupted. "Problem".


    They looked around to see a veritable Mexican standoff with the remaining Prefects and Luvia''s Red Legion. In the middle was Chiyo, arms wide with sheer power as opposite her stood the yellow fox-like xeno Jack had seen talking to Nya during lunch, with purple magics flowing around her limbs.


    "Shit," Nika spat. "Rena."


    "She abstained from the vote," Alora whispered. "Let''s avoid a fight if we can "


    "Figured she''d be a bitch about it," Nika growled. ¡°I''ll blast her if she tries anything. Numbers are on our side."


    "Be careful, Jack," Sephy added. "She''s tough."


    The group joined Chiyo as several Prefects kept their guns trained on them.


    "Rena" Alora spoke up, trying to maintain a casual air. "The drow are gone, there is no need for a fight. Why are you even here?"


    Rena didn''t answer and didn''t pay any attention to the fidgety hands of Sephy and Nika, who were ready to draw. Instead, she looked towards Jack.


    "You are the one who spoke on Nya''s behalf." Her voice was cold, the words sounding... calculated? "Leading to an unfair conflict that you and this... Kizun were able to win.¡±


    Jack was unsure whether that was a statement or a question, but this ''Rena'' was starting to really annoy him with her attitude and treatment towards his friends, and he was already quite angry with what had just happened with the drow.


    So he got in her face.


    "That''s right," Jack replied calmly, as he saw the slightly taller Rena''s eyes narrow. "What can I say? Bullies piss me off."


    That was a double meaning. On the one hand, it explained his motive for standing up for Nya, and on the other, it implied that Rena was toeing a fine line. It was a risk of escalation, especially when people had told him that Rena was a powerful fighter.


    But then again, so was he, and he had more backup.


    "Rena, no" Nya whispered, having seemingly snuck up and was now gently holding Rena back. "He''s nice, please don''t fight, I told you he wasn''t trying to get me in trouble."


    That seemed to snap Rena out of whatever funk she was in as she carefully looked down to Nya and placed a hand on the girl''s shoulder with a nod before looking back up to Jack.


    "Stand down," she called, maintaining eye contact and raising her voice slightly, as the Prefects couldn''t lower their weapons fast enough.


    "In that case, you have my thanks for looking out for Nya," Rena coldly continued to Jack. "However, such intervention is unnecessary. Nya needs to stand up for herself if she is to become stronger."


    "That''s why you accosted us?" Nika growled, having immediately snapped her rifle up to point at Rena¡¯s head the moment the Prefects stood down.


    "I will say no more," Rena added, not even addressing Nika before both she and Nya blinked out in a puff of purple smoke.


    "That bitch," Nika growled again before Jack put a calming hand on his friend''s shoulder.


    "Chill Nika, she''s gone." The Kizun looked like she was about to say something else before Jack added, "Hey, thanks for having my back, same goes for the rest of you."


    Nika just smiled, relaxing and releasing her built up tension with a long exhale of breath.


    "Thanks for having my back as well," Alora grimaced as she finished wrapping her still sore arm in a silky bandage.


    "Thanks everybody for having everybody''s back in the past, present and future," Sephy grinned, to some chuckles from the others.


    "Though it''s a shame the fight wasn''t as long as it could have been," Luvia called from a few metres over. "And I was really hoping Jack would throw a punch at Rena for me - that would have been most entertaining!"


    "Maybe next time," Alora called back. "See you tonight?"


    "Of course!" Luvia acknowledged with a single nod of her head. "I''ll be sure to prepare for the occasion," she added saucily, with a hungry look to Jack.


    Alora just gave a snort of laughter before turning to the others. "Let''s get our stuff and go! I don''t know about you, but I want to bring on the weekend!"


    *****


    ¡°What the¡­¡± Jack yelled as he opened his locker, only for several piles of paper to spill out onto the floor.


    ¡°Ooooh!¡± Sephy teased as she picked one of them up. ¡°Someone¡¯s popular today! ¡®Dear Jack, I was most enchanted on seeing your performance in gym class and I was wondering if blah blah blah, please see my attached picture and commcode.¡¯ Huh. Seems nice enough, if a little plain.¡±


    ¡±Looks like a lot of factions want to recruit you too,¡± Nika snorted as she helped clean up. ¡°Red Legion, obviously, despite you being a pain in the ass for them, several gangs and a few companies. There¡¯s some student societies too that you might want to join!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t just go through his mail!¡± Alora chastised her friends with her hands over her mouth. ¡°It¡¯s rude- hold on, Chiyo, what have you got there?¡±


    Everyone looked at the wide-eyed, stunned-looking Chiyo who held a small piece of paper with a number on the back of it in red ink. Nika quickly grabbed it and stared.


    ¡°Holy crap she¡¯s got her tits out! And that¡¯s got to be the wettest looking¡­oh you don¡¯t want to know.¡± She gave a side glance at Jack. ¡°Sephy! Think fast!¡±


    Nika threw it into the air before Jack could protest, the Skritta blasting it apart a split-second later, with the pieces sprinkling over Jack¡¯s downtrodden expression like confetti.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go through it later, you don¡¯t need to blast it apart!¡± Jack spoke up a little too quickly as Nika was about to throw some more targets for Sephy to take down. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s rude not to give some kind of response to people that have written to me.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Nika asked, confused. ¡°It¡¯s mostly junk mail and a few spicy pictures¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure, I want to try and avoid annoying any more people today if at all possible.¡± Jack replied adamantly as he scooped up the rest of the papers and dumped them in his bag, secretly hoping there¡¯d be another photo or two for ¡®later¡¯ as he got his stuff together.


    "So!" Perked up Alora. " What do you all want to do now? I''ve ordered extra supplies to be delivered for tonight so we might want to see if there''s a contract we can go for? We''re getting low on funds and we''ll need to pay our dues soon."


    "Nah," Nika replied reluctantly, "I already checked, there''s nothing good. Rumours of increased monster sightings to the North but nothing¡¯s being offered to do anything about it. Bounties usually get updated tomorrow, and I think people are waiting to see what happens with tonight''s gang fight. Definitely need to hit something up though, if nothing else than to see Jack in action! We could even try the Top 1000!"


    "No," Alora replied adamantly. "That isn''t fair right now. Jack still needs to acclimate, and there''s no way we''re going for anything remotely dangerous, especially the Top 1000!"


    "Hey the Prefect''s Lockup is always an option!" Sephy added, to the groans of a few of the others. "What? Surely after that display you wouldn''t mind going after the prefects? Stuff just sitting there, the owners long dead. Why not?"


    "Another of your wild nothings!" Nika snorted. "Remember the abandoned ScorchCorp warehouse?"


    "Hey I still think it was worth checking out!" Sephy pouted. "Even though there was nothing of value¡­"


    "Except a still very-active security system!" Alora finished.


    Shopping trip? Chiyo suggested half-heartedly.


    "Low on cash," Sephy replied. "Which is why we need to do something over the weekend! We can still buy basics with our house funds, but nothing too insane for now unless you''re willing to treat us?"


    "What about you Jack?¡± Alora asked, noting that the human hadn''t said anything yet.


    "I think¡­" Jack began, "I will need to visit the Temple of Hope and let them know I''m alright."


    "That''s a good idea!" Nika replied. "The temple doesn''t usually post bounties on the net, so it''ll be worth asking while we''re there."


    "Are you sure?" Sephy replied reluctantly. "I didn''t exactly part with them on the best of terms¡­"


    "You''re not still worried, are you? That was years ago when you were a lot younger!" Alora asked her friend reassuringly. "It''ll be good for you to let them know how you''re getting on as well! What about you Chiyo?"


    Chiyo just shrugged before she nodded, looking at Jack with an approving smile.


    "Right! That''s settled then!" Alora enthusiastically addressed the group. "Let''s go!"

 Chapter 13: The Temple Of Hope

    Jack would never cease to be amazed by the sights, smells and sounds of the station as they made their way to the Temple of Hope. Though he had passed through many of the districts on his way from the temple to the school, what stood out to him the most was just how bizarre they were. There was the district solely dedicated to artificial hot springs that Chiyo seemed very keen to bring Jack to at a later date and a district that seemed to be a nature reserve or zoo of some kind for a herd of small, eight-legged green furry creatures that skittered around, unafraid of the traffic passing through under the watchful eyes of their Greenwarden guardians, though when Nika tried speaking to them about any possible jobs they politely declined.


    Several other districts had unfortunately locked down early in preparation for conflict, having heard about the school''s prediction algorithms. When Jack asked Alora about it she was just as confused as he was, having had no reason to suspect anything was afoot and believing the gang activity to be in a slump. Whatever incoming danger the school had detected was a highly unusual spike, so everyone agreed not to hang around outside for too long after dark.


    The forced diversions did, however, open Jack up to new places. They cut through a small district around a crowd placing bets on what suspiciously looked like professional wrestling, dodged a district occupied by several giants, and when they got to the red light district Alora was very keen on moving quickly along.


    "Hey Jack!"


    The group suddenly snapped to attention. They had been walking through a peaceful district that reminded Jack of some kind of food court, with cushions and tables filled with groups enjoying drinks. Most of the buildings were densely packed around the perimeter though there were a few smaller huts dotted strategically amongst the seating areas, where Ratfolk waiters would come and go. It was, in fact, one of these that had called out to them.


    ¡°Hey Kritch!¡± Jack called back with a smile, crossing his fingers that he remembered his classmate''s name correctly. ¡°How are you? You work here?¡±


    ¡°Great, thanks!¡± The rat-dude (Jack would research his species name later) replied enthusiastically, appearing starstruck that Jack would even ask. ¡°And yeah you could say that! My clan claims this district and we operate a rest stop and tea garden for travellers, as you can see. I¡¯m just doing my part while the others set up the defences for tonight! We have a lot of people passing through, but I can find you guys some seats?¡±


    Jack turned to the others with the unspoken question. He was up for a quick stop on the way to the temple and it seemed rude not to.


    ¡°We¡¯d love to Kritch! May we have a menu?¡± Alora replied with a smile.


    Well. That settled it then¡­


    "Did you say you were setting up defences for tonight?" Jack asked, concerned. ¡°Do you need help?"


    Kritch gave a quick laugh and waved his hand to dismiss the concern. "While I''d be totally cool with having a confirmed badass on our side, the elders won''t allow it. If we can''t fight and successfully defend our territory, it isn''t our territory. We''ve hired mercenaries before, but good ones are too pricey, and my clan is determined to prove we can stand on our own two feet and protect our charges that choose to seek respite here. Anyway, enough about that, what drinks would you like?"


    *****


    ¡°Aaaand here you go! Sorry about the wait!¡± Kritch kept up his smile as he brought the tray down with their drinks. ¡°Oh, no need!¡± He spoke up to Alora, who was getting some money. ¡°This round is on the house, we just hope you visit again and recommend us to your friends!¡±


    He passed the drinks around with a smile, Alora and Chiyo with green-looking herbal teas, Nika with something red with something sprinkled on top, and Sephy rapidly enjoying her purple concoction she requested be ''as sweet as possible.''


    Jack, not knowing what any of the available drinks were, had described the usual tea he would have back on earth, trusting Kritch to pick something suitable. On taking a sip Jack closed his eyes and savoured the flavour. It tasted almost exactly the same as the tea he liked from Earth. He was glad the others were focused on their own drinks so they didn''t see the single tear that had managed to escape down his cheek despite his desperation to hold it together.


    God he missed home¡­


    At least now he had some direction. An oracle of some kind, though he would speak to the people he knew about the temple first before planning anything.


    He was suddenly snapped out of his thoughts when he noticed Sephy staring at something on the wall of one of the huts, though she was trying her best to hide it. It was some kind of marking - 3 circles like a Venn diagram with two parallel lines. It looked like normal graffiti to Jack, though by Sephy''s reaction it clearly meant something more.


    She gave Jack a deer-in-the-headlights look when she noticed he was staring at the same thing, before she subtly brought a single finger to her lips to shush him.


    Interesting. He''d have to add that to the list of things to talk about.


    "So Jack, what did Mr Sparrel keep you back for?" Nika carefully asked, as Jack now gave his surprised expression. "It''s okay if you don''t want to talk about it, but you''ve appeared more withdrawn than usual. Anything wrong?"


    That put Jack on the spot. He hadn''t planned on saying anything about it yet; his plan was to check the route and go on his own, perhaps confiding privately to one or two of his new friends.


    "Nothing much, just gave me some..." Jack stopped mid sentence, looking at his attentive friends. No. Lying to them would be shitty. All of them had gone above and beyond to welcome him and have his back, it was only fair he confided in them properly.


    "Well alright." Jack began, tentative with his words. "He was curious about what I am and why I''m here and gave me the coordinates of someone that can possibly provide some answers, that''s all. I was going to go there sometime during the weekend once I find out how."


    "Alone?"


    "Well ...yeah," Jack replied, feeling a little guilty. "It''s my mess, so I''ve got to fix it. I can''t ask you to get involved, so that''s why I didn''t mention it."


    ¡°Hey!¡± Sephy gave Jack a gentle shove. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do everything on your own, you probably don¡¯t know the way anyway! Besides, we''re pretty curious about it too!¡±


    ¡°Sephy!¡± Nika chided her friend but addressed the whole group. ¡°Jack¡¯s affairs are his own business but going alone in unfamiliar territory is suicide even for strong combatants. Like I told you before, I have your back,¡± she finished, looking Jack in the eye.


    You''ve seen how dangerous things can be first hand! Please let us look out for one another. Chiyo was giving Jack her best puppy eyes on showing him her message.


    "Alright," Jack replied with finality. "I won''t force you to come along, but I''ll welcome the company. He sent the coordinates to my commlink so¡­"


    "Got them," Sephy grinned. "Your device is slaved to mine, after all. Yup, they''re pretty far out. Trip there and back is probably a day or two, though we can probably hitch a ride once we''re further out of the city.¡±


    "We go the day after tomorrow then," Alora decided. "We can recover tonight, and get most of our affairs done tomorrow."


    "That still leaves the issue of funds." Nika brought up. "Once we plan the route I''ll see if there''s anything interesting along the way we can take advantage of or if there''s any bounties. Usually the indie herbalists and collectors have some kind of long-term arrangement going on."


    "Alright that sounds like a plan," Alora chirped. "Now let''s finish our drinks and move on already, we can plan while we walk!"


    The Temple of Hope was always an impressive sight to Jack. A marvel of architecture encompassing several districts, it was a true testament to what people could do when they all came together to work towards a common goal. Many faiths that encouraged unity and cooperation had some kind of hall or shrine within its walls, though apparently this was sadly a small proportion of the total known gods worshipped among the cosmos.


    Though Jack had pretty much lived at the temple since he arrived, the group still needed one of the guide-droids to direct them to the places they wanted to go. Alora, Nika, Sephy and Chiyo decided to pay homage to several of the gods they worshipped while they were here and meet up at a designated point once they were done, so Jack was on his own as he was led by one of the droids to the Abbey of Astara.


    "Jack! Good to see you!" One of the dolphin-looking brothers on duty gently called out to him as they arrived. "How was school? Did you behave yourself or did it turn to chaos after I left you there?"


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    "A little bit of both Brother Arguinious," Jack replied with a nervous smile. "But you were right, I think I''m going to be alright for now. I just wanted to check in and let you know. Is High Priestess Cornelia around?"


    Arguinious smiled. "She is indeed. Diligent as ever, though sadly not many excuses to get out into the field. She''s meeting with some dignitaries at the moment but I will let her know you''ve arrived. She''ll have my head if I didn''t give her the chance to check on you herself!"


    Jack smiled. "That sounds like her, thank you, Brother."


    Patting Jack on the shoulder like a favourite uncle, Arguinious gave a soft smile before leaving Jack alone at the shrine.


    Sighing in nervous anticipation, Jack sat down at one of the front pews, gazing up at the statue of Astara. The white marble depicted a mysterious, hooded female figure holding a sword, while reaching to the ground as if to help someone up. It looked rather heroic, but then again, it was the job of the artist to make her look badass.


    After another few minutes of waiting, Jack decided ''fuck it''. It went against his upbringing, but it felt right to offer a prayer.


    Kneeling down on the central cushion facing the altar, Jack closed his eyes and tried to think of the right words.


    "Sorry to disturb you ma''am," Jack began. "But this is a little overdue. Hell, I don''t even know if you can hear me considering humans don¡¯t belong here, but it can''t hurt to try. Just wanted to say thanks again for your Paladins rescuing me. I held out pretty well but I doubt I would have survived much longer without the assist, so thanks for that. High Priestess Cornelia was right about going to live with Alora and other people my age. Though I''ve only known them basically a day, they''ve been good to me, and I hope to return the favour. Actually that''s kinda why I''m here. Could you watch out for them? I''ll certainly try my best, but I have no idea what to expect, so I''d be grateful for it. It''s a big ask, I know, and I''ll try my best to make it up to you however I can. Don''t worry about me though. I''m not worth it. Thanks."


    He finished his impromptu prayer as he heard some shuffling to the side. Opening his eyes he saw a short being, about 4 feet tall, covered in short, thick brown fur that was visibly turning grey with age. The wolf-like being smiled at Jack and spread her arms wide to give him a quick hug.


    "Jack! It''s good to still see you in one piece! Brother Arguinious tells me you seem to be in better spirits even!"


    "I think I''m a bit better High Priestess, I just wanted to check in with you guys."


    "''High Priestess'' bah!" Cornelia laughed dryly. "I''m still a Paladin in spirit but the damn codgers think I''m too old to go out into the field again. Haven''t had the chance since you got here, and apparently I have ''duties'' to perform. Do I fuck!"


    Jack chuckled at the ever-complaining High Priestess. He had only ever seen her perform her job to the best of her ability, but it was clear her heart wasn''t into it.


    "Surely as the High Priestess you could just do what you want?" Jack replied cautiously.


    "Not with Bishops and Cardinals coming by for visits and crawling so far up my ass not even a Cacoxite could yank the wank-wit bastards out! They say I''m meant to keep up appearances and be a guiding hand for the young within the temple, while not letting my ''guiding hand'' wipe the ass of the station from time to time." She sighed deeply. "At least I get to see my grandchildren more often¡­"


    "I didn''t know you had grandkids," Jack replied soothingly, trying to pull High Priestess Cornelia out of what was clearly a sore topic for her.


    She snorted. "That and more. My triplet great-great grandkids just turned one and their parents run a security contracting company on Hive Station Fraxuure. Much more exciting than here and they have their lives sorted out, they certainly don''t need me. But the people out there in this Hive certainly do." She looked up at the statue. "Astara willing, I''ll die in the name of the greater good saving others, not tucked away out of sight." She smiled at Jack and motioned for him to follow her. "Sorry to lay that on you, the tea must be getting cold by now..."


    *****


    "How was it?" Alora asked him when he finally joined the others at their meeting point.


    "It was good! I needed that and it was good to let them know I''m alright. I wasn''t too long, was I?"


    "No, you arrived just after Chiyo," Sephy spoke quickly. "But we should probably hurry up and get-"


    Whatever Sephy was about to suggest was cut short as Cornelia appeared behind him, her eyes going wide at seeing Sephy just as Sephy gave an ''oh shit¡¯ look back.


    "P-Paladin Cornelia," Sephy began, her voice dry and quivering. "I-I"


    "Sephy, is that you? I haven''t seen you in years!" Cornelia cried out, crossing the room and embracing the now confused-looking Sephy.


    "Um¡­" Sephy began, trying to make sense of what was happening. "I thought you and the other clergy told me you didn''t want to see me again after-"


    "Oh, piss to that!" Cornelia cried out. "Is that why you haven''t been here in so long? As a child you stole a bag of expensive food meant for an ambassador. So what?! I know you shared it among the other kids! Did you even take any for yourself?"


    "I didn''t," Sephy choked. "The little ones were starving. I regret nothing. I was happy to take the fall for that, but I was surprised you said nothing."


    "I said everything I could! I swear it!" Cornelia replied with a firm look. "Tyrus'' followers held too much sway that day and confirmed your exile, but I could still make sure you were taken care of from afar!"


    "That was you, huh?" Sephy looked conflicted as she broke off and moved towards the door. "Enough credits to get me started, contact details of those that could help, even my favourite blanket." She hardened her face as she turned her back before walking away. "But that was never what I truly needed. Come on guys, let''s go."


    Chiyo quickly floated after Sephy to comfort her, followed shortly by Nika who rushed after the pair.


    "She''ll come around," Alora replied gently to the High Priestess, who just nodded.


    ¡°I hope so. I¡¯m just glad she¡¯s still alive, you never really mentioned her so I guess she wanted it that way? Well, time is usually the best medicine in these scenarios, at least she knows she can come back.¡± Cornelia sighed and patted Alora and Jack on the shoulders. ¡°Well it was good to see you both, now go catch up to your friends!¡±


    ****


    The way back was more subdued than before, with the usually enthusiastic Sephy staying quiet at the back while the others tried unsuccessfully to raise her spirits. Even the atmosphere around them had gotten more grim, with residents and shop owners boarding up in preparation for the night. Several times they were accosted by militia groups desperate to add to their numbers, but each time Alora politely declined.


    "We''re good for the night, right?" Jack asked Nika nervously as they passed yet another makeshift checkpoint manned by a nervous-looking squad of young-looking plant people.


    "We should be, we''re very out the way and we have a lot of protection set up," she replied, not sounding 100% certain. "We don''t know the nature of the attack, of course, but we can quickly set up overwatch if it bursts into our part of town. Of course the attack might be nothing, a small skirmish between gangs."


    Not likely, the school only mentions it if it''s likely to be big. Chiyo replied to Nika, who relayed what she said to the rest of the group.


    "Well we are reasonably prepared in any case, plus we have guests staying over that can help," Alora chimed in as they made way for a squad doing a quick warm up. "Luvia alone would probably be able to warn them off."


    "I''m guessing we''re going to have more people than usual," Nika replied with a slight grin towards Jack. "And not just to party and seek sanctuary from tonight¡­"


    They carried on with small talk as Jack fell to the back of the group in thought.


    "Hey don''t worry, it''s not normally this bad," Sephy spoke up next to him, staying quiet so the others couldn''t hear. "The battles tonight I mean, usually people have a better idea of what''s going to happen rather than just responding in general to a prediction algorithm."


    "I was thinking more about the party, to be honest"


    That got a genuine snort of amusement from the Skritta. "Well you won''t be short of attention; a few of our friends are coming and specifically asked if you would be around, so should be a fun night for you "


    The conversation lulled for several minutes as they both tried to work out that to say next. It was only when Jack spotted something familiar looking scratched on a nearby wall that he was reminded of something.


    "Hey Sephy¡­" Jack began. "I was wondering¡­"


    "Why I flipped out in the temple?" Sephy replied with a sigh, a sour look on her face, irked that Jack would bring it up so soon.


    "No no, it wasn''t that. Remember that graffiti at Kritch''s place? I saw another one back there, what''s up with that?"


    Sephy seemed to look a little confused at first that Jack didn''t want to talk about the temple, but eventually smiled and nodded.


    "Don''t mention it out loud, but I''m pretty sure they''re Shadowglyphs," she whispered to him conspiratorially. ¡°Secret messages to others in the know.¡±


    ¡°Like a thieves guild?¡± Jack asked with interest, keeping his voice low.


    ¡°Nobody I¡¯ve spoken to knows for sure. Some thieves and other rogues, yes, but as far as I understand it¡¯s more often than not for information brokers and their webs of spies. I¡¯ve been trying to decipher what they mean for as long as I¡¯ve known about them.¡±


    ¡°What about the one in the tea garden? You seemed pretty shook up about it, it was just three circles and two parallel lines or something like that¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve not actually seen that one before.¡± Sephy pursed her lips in thought. ¡°I know crosses are used to indicate possible marks and I think circles are usually some kind of safe or protected zone. No idea why there were three of them there like that, or what the lines mean though.


    "Still, one step closer though?" Jack smiled as he gave Sephy a friendly nudge, trying to make her feel better. "What''ll you do when you crack the code?"


    Sephy grinned. "I have no idea! The thrill for me is the chase! Computer Slicers everywhere would pay a lot for that info so I guess that wealth couldn''t hurt; it''s not like I have many employment prospects academically speaking."


    "Chiyo told me you were good at coding and creative writing?" Jack pried. "Surely you could make something out of that?"


    Sephy laughed. "I do! Slicing into old systems to give me access and spinning a lie to security tends to be pretty useful to a kleptomaniac like me!"


    They both chuckled at that as they saw their home district in the distance.


    "Right!" Alora spoke up. "We''re gonna have to order some food and drink before the shooting starts! How many more crates of wine should we get?"

 Chapter 14: Evening Drinks

    "Where''s Jack?" Alora asked the others who were lounging around, setting some last few things up as they waited for their first guests to arrive. They had all quickly changed out of their uniforms and put in the order for way too much grub. Alora paced up and down in a pretty, conservative blue dress that looked like it doubled as robes.


    "Still getting changed and groomed in the bathroom, I think," Nika smirked, who looked like she was ready for the gym in dark purple spandex with strategically fashionable armour plates. "Unless he''s run away, wouldn''t blame him after today''s shenanigans."


    "Yes, well I''m sure we can all conduct ourselves appropriately tonight," Alora replied with a stern look at all of her friends.


    "You do know both Luvia and Vanya have said they''ll come along, right?" Sephy replied, having already helped herself to some sweets as she slumped down on the sofa. She had chosen a black top, shorts and white thigh-high sock combination. "No chance of that with those two, plus Rayle and Zayle have said they''ll come and you just know they have gameplans of their own."


    Nya sends her apologies. Chiyo added as she lazily floated in the air reading a book; she had just thrown on some leather trousers and an orange crop top showing off her belly. But she and Rena have other plans.


    "Rena having plans?" Sephy snorted. ¡°Does she do anything apart from meditate under waterfalls and act bitchy to anyone and everyone?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not that bad,¡± Alora groaned. ¡°She¡¯s just a little standoffish.¡±


    ¡°She tried to pick a fight with Jack after acknowledging that he¡¯d done a good deed for her best friend,¡± Nika replied firmly with Chiyo nodding in agreement. ¡°A good deed that she had the ability to do herself but has never done.¡±


    ¡°Well, you may be right,¡± Alora conceded. ¡°Speaking of though, is Jack still in the bathroom? Chiyo, are you able to check to see if he¡¯s alright?¡±


    Chiyo rolled her eyes before gently extending her thoughts to where Jack was, what he was doing, and¡­


    Woah.


    The other girls watched in confusion as Chiyo¡¯s eyes went wide and her skin turned the darkest shade of blue they had ever seen, before she dropped out of the air, hitting the floor stiff as a board.


    ¡°Chiyo?¡± Alore called out in confusion. ¡°Are you ok?¡±


    *****


    Jack came back to the living room about 10 minutes later, having tried and failed to neaten his hair and appear a bit more presentable, wearing his dark hoodie and jeans he had bought earlier that day, which was pretty much the only civilian clothing he had. Hopefully he¡¯d be able to earn some cash for some proper clothes with the others over the weekend.


    For their part, it was obvious the girls had dolled themselves up a bit in their own unique way, though Jack was a little confused. After all, this was only meant to be a movie and takeaway night between themselves and a few friends, plus an impromptu sleepover due to recent events. Maybe they invited a few guys over as well? Vaal and Crill seemed pretty cool, and he would mind getting to know them a bit better¡­


    "There you are!" Alora called out with a sigh. "Do you always take this long to get changed, or is that just a guy thing?"


    Sephy rolled her eyes from her place on the sofa, clearly not bothered about Jack''s temporary absence, while Chiyo for some reason turned a darker shade of blue and averted her eyes.


    "Drink?" Nika grinned as she threw Jack a can. "I''m guessing you''re pretty thirsty right now." She ended with a bemused look, which immediately had Sephy and Chiyo staring daggers at her.


    Alora for her part looked confused but she quickly put it out of mind."Jack, what kind of movies do you normally watch? I know of a few good romantic comedies you might like?"


    Jack felt more than saw the others deflate at the suggestion, to which he completely empathised. Definitely not his thing. He hadn''t seen anything good in the months before he was taken from Earth, with the exception of a few James Bond movies, or anything involving Keanu Reeves or Henry Cavil. There were also a few older, more mature films that his older brothers had let him see when they were meant to be looking after him as well¡­


    "Romantic comedies aren''t really my thing," Jack replied, as the other girls sighed in relief. "I tend to like action or horror, but I''m cool with it if you want to see anything else?"


    "¡¯Drift Space Darkness¡¯ would be good! It¡¯s a great horror movie!¡± Sephy called out, with a mischievous look towards a wide-eyed Chiyo, who looked unusually worried about that suggestion.


    "The Destroyer 1 and 2 is a must!" added Nika, as something at Alora''s hip started chirping.


    "Well maybe we can take suggestions from our guests?" Alora replied, a little less enthusiastically than usual on hearing the suggestions. "Let''s go greet them!"


    The gate had barely creaked open before a scantily clad Vanya dashed through to quickly stand next to and put an arm around the bemused Jack, ruffling his hair.


    "Hiiiii Jack! I missed you!"


    He had to admit, the brown fur was very comfortable. Courser, longer and thicker than Nika¡¯s, and there was certainly a lot of it peeking out of the t-shirt and booty shorts many sizes too small for the bunny-girl.


    ¡°Hey Vanya!¡± Jack replied as he politely slipped out of her grasp, trying to pat his now messy hair back into place. "And hi Rayle and Zayle! Svaarti not with you?"


    "No," replied Vanya more seriously. "Her father is quite strict and expects her back home by a certain time after school.¡±


    The others nodded sadly, as if this was a common occurrence.


    The group just stood there chatting amongst themselves, as Jack just looked around at the sights, only really responding to questions rather than being proactive in the conversation. He naturally sucked at small talk and was happy to be on the sidelines, though a few minutes later he spotted something interesting in the sky.


    "Is that a dragon?" He asked excitedly as he pointed at a dark shape flying towards them. The others just looked at him with confused expressions. "I mean discovering that the drow were real was a bit weird, especially when they were so much like the stories minus the whole ''we love spiders'' stuff, but dragons?"


    "You have stories about dragons too?" Alora asked, sounding perplexed. "Why didn''t you mention it earlier?"


    "Well it didn''t really come up," Jack replied, not understanding the confusion. "There''s loads of stories we have about them, how they have lots of treasure, are haughty af. I tell you what though, I read some books when I was younger about dudes that rode dragons, that''d be really cool!"


    The expressions of the others turned to abject horror but Jack didn''t seem to notice.


    "Honestly, what I wouldn''t give to saddle up on one of those things and ride it¡­" Jack turned around and noticed the gaping looks of shock on the other¡¯s faces for the first time. "What?"


    They were immediately interrupted by a thunk as the dragon pitched into a dive and landed on the open grass in front of them. Jack barely had time to think ''oh shit'' as the dragon''s form shifted and shrank into a more familiar one¡­


    "That landing was magnificent, I know!" Luvia called out to the others, basking in what she thought was awe at her majesty. "Oh hi Jack! If you thought that was magnificent, just wait until I show you more!"


    "Um¡­." Jack started, dumbstruck. "Hi Luvia .... Were you always able to do that?"


    *****


    After that they all got settled rather quickly, though there was a lot of impatience waiting for the food. Though with militia checkpoints and the movement of troops, it was understandable.


    Jack eventually decided to get some air after Vanya tried to get him alone for an ''interview'', only to promptly be questioned by Nika why she didn''t have anything with her to conduct it. Slipping away, he sat down on the balcony in a lotus position, looking up at the stars and the spaceship convoys coming to and from. It had been a while since he had tried meditation, but he found it helpful for when he needed to calm down and focus his thoughts, and so he sat in silence for several minutes, simply contemplating the day he had.


    "Mind if I join you?"


    "Sure."


    Jack didn''t need to turn his head to tell it was Alora. She was his first real friend in this galaxy, and in the month they had known each other he had confided a lot in her during their chores at the Temple of Hope. When she knew something was up, he knew he''d have to talk about it to her at some point.


    "Are the others a little too much for you?" she asked, sitting next to him, trying to copy the cross-legged lotus position, which she was eventually able to do after pulling on her feet to get them in the right spots on her knees.


    "Yeah, it''s just a bit weird for me."


    "You''ve not had anyone interested in you in that way?" she asked softly.


    "It''s not that," Jack shook his head. "I don''t even know the implications of pursuing that kind of thing with another species, and every time I think about it I just wonder what my family would say, were they here."


    "It''s quite common here," Alora reminded him as she put a hand on his shoulder, a gesture she had learnt from Jack was one of reassurance for his people. "I doubt you''d have so many requests for ''mating rights'' if not."


    "I take it ''mating rights'' is what I think it is?" Jack snorted.


    "Afraid so," Alora replied with a smile. "Those types of bonds or temporary arrangements are common between species."


    "But then what happens if they want more than friendship and aren''t willing to keep things as they were before?" Jack asked pointedly. "I don''t want to lose friends over this when I have so few here."


    "It can happen," Alora allowed, ¡°but if it does, is it not better to enjoy the limited time of happiness you share rather than never experiencing it at all?"


    "Perhaps," Jack replied. Though with that reply, his thoughts returned to another, darker time. "Though some of my people would disagree with you."


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Maybe you worry about what they''d think too much?" Alora soothed.


    Jack didn''t necessarily agree. His brothers and cousins had done a good job at preparing and advising him, but there were still times when he disagreed.


    "You mentioned that humans were the only intelligent species on your world," Alora continued. "How would you know if your people would disapprove of you getting closer to members of other species here?"


    Jack gave a long sigh. He knew why, though with the story he also felt the old shame return.


    "Because in a way, it''s happened before " He replied hoarsely.


    "How?" Alora asked. "You said humans were the only¡­"


    "We are," Jack replied firmly. "It''s a little complicated to explain since I haven''t seen it much here, but the closest thing I can think of is the differences between the Eladrie and the Eladra."


    Alora''s face darkened slightly before Jack quickly explained, "I don''t pretend to know all the details about that, but Mr Sparrel said it resulted in a divide that has never been healed. Both sides, despite being the same or similar peoples, now consider themselves completely separate from the other. From what little I''ve seen here, that really isn''t common, is it?"


    Alora shook her head. "It''s extremely rare, and those divided usually fall under the power of another people or are scattered and fated to eventual extinction. Both my people and the Eladra are strong enough in their own ways to survive, but time will eventually consume us."


    Jack nodded in understanding. "Imagine that tenfold, maybe a hundred or even a thousand?"


    Alora slowly nodded, mouth opening slightly but with no words to say.


    "That''s humanity," Jack whispered. "We will always find ways to create an ''us and them'' landscape. From ethnicity, to religion, to nations, even politics these days."


    Jack gave another deep breath, almost as if stalling to say the words. "In my case, the girl I fell in love with was of another race and religion."


    Jack spoke slowly and deliberately, breathing heavily as he brought the memories forth.


    "We were classmates that just so happened to have surnames close in alphabetical order, so we sat next to one another often. Over time we became friends and started hanging out more, and that''s when it started."


    Alora still looked a little confused, so Jack tried to give some context.


    "My family and ancestors have been citizens of my country for as far back as records show, but more recently we''ve had several waves of immigration from other parts of the world. Historically many have integrated well with our society, but in this case we had problems with terrorist attacks and gang activity from this wave, among other things. All this built up a lot of resentment on both sides, which happens a lot in our history. So when she apparently told some of her friends in confidence that she liked me all hell broke loose when word got around the school. She bore the brunt of the bullying as nobody knew I felt the same way, but I got teased as well, even by my brothers when they found out."


    "I''m so sorry," Alora replied, her expression one of horror. "What did you do?"


    ¡°That¡¯s the worst part,¡± Jack replied, refusing to look Alora in the eyes. ¡°I did nothing. I said nothing. I distanced myself as far away as I possibly could because I didn¡¯t want to get bullied by the others. Eventually I was left alone, but she wasn¡¯t, and it got worse.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°She eventually swapped schools,¡± Jack lied. ¡°I never saw her again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that. I don¡¯t blame you for doing what you did.¡±


    Jack just nodded weakly. They sat there in silence for a few minutes before Alora got up.


    ¡°Food should be here soon, take as much time as you need. I was just coming to bring you a cup of Eladrie wine.¡±


    She placed a mug of the rich red liquid next to him, with Jack grabbing it but not taking a sip.


    ¡°Thanks Alora, I¡¯ll be there soon.¡±


    Jack sat there for several minutes as he tried to stop the tears from falling. He had hidden it from Alora, but he couldn¡¯t be seen like this. He had buried the shame before, so it didn¡¯t take long to bottle it back up once again. He couldn¡¯t let it happen in the future.


    Men didn¡¯t cry.


    He took a sip of the wine and found it surprisingly light as he walked back to the living room. Sure there was a little alcohol in there, but barely what you would find in the weakest cider on earth. He doubted anyone could get drunk on this¡­


    Oh.


    At the centre of the room he saw Sephy and Vanya engaging in what could only be a drinking contest, both being cheered on by Nika, who was still looking rather lucid despite the cup in her hand. Luvia seemed to be in a heated discussion with Rayke and Zayle, though fortunately it looked like the red dragon was stone-cold sober. Chiyo, on the other hand, looked to be in her own world, levitating around the room seemingly at random and having a delayed pain reflex when she accidentally bobbed her head on the ceiling, as Alora tried to grab her by an ankle to bring her back down to the ground.


    It was almost a full minute before the others noticed his arrival.


    "Jaaaaack!" Vanya slurred, as she bounded over to the human. "You''ve gotta have more wiiiiine!" And before Jack could say anything she was bodily trying to drag him to the sofa with one arm while pouring him more wine with the other. "Guuuuuuys let''s watch a moooooovie!"


    "That''s not a bad idea." Nika shrugged to Alora. "Calm everyone down before we offset the drink with food, whenever it arrives."


    "Alright!" Alora spoke up. "Pick your spot and sit down!"


    "You should sit next to me, Jack," Luvia calmly spoke up, though with a certain intensity that made Jack wonder what hell would be unleashed if he said ''no''.


    "No faaaaaiiiiir Luvia!" Vanya slurred as she gripped onto Jack tight. "I claimed him first!"


    Jack could only raise his eyebrows at that claim, though he strangely wasn''t too fussed about being ''claimed'' by the rabbit.


    Unfortunately though, Luvia was.


    "I never heard Jack agree to anything of the sort!" Luvia growled before she turned to Jack with a sickeningly sweet looking expression. "Jack? Are humans fireproof?"


    "No!" Jack shouted in exasperation before calming down. "I mean no, we''re not fireproof, but there''s no need to argue. I''m more than happy to sit in between you¡­"


    His sentence faded out upon seeing the look of absolute betrayal from the others, but if the ''successful two'' noticed it, they didn''t mention it.


    In the end, most people were sat down and reasonably calm and comfortable, though Jack was squashed between an oversized rabbit and an undersized red dragon. It was awkward as hell, so he just sat there with his arms folded, really hoping he wouldn''t pop a visible boner - an effort that was made ever more difficult by his neighbours'' blatant flirting and kino.


    "Alright, movie selected, everyone ready?¡± Nika asked, being the one to pick the movie. ¡°Chiyo, where are you sitting?"


    Chiyo lazily stood in front of the TV, seemingly waiting for something. On hearing Nika, she turned and grinned at the others, before launching herself towards Jack with her telekinesis


    He didn''t even think, quickly getting to his feet to catch her before the force of Chiyo sat him back down.


    Here will do very nicely! the smug-looking Chiyo told the others as she adjusted her seat on Jack''s lap.


    ''Oh sweet mother of Jesus'' Jack thought to himself, as Chiyo leaned back and put her arms around him, while Nika started the movie.


    *******


    The movies were great! ''Destroyer 2'' was a definite hit with Jack, though there was a brief pause when their food finally arrived and they tucked into a veritable buffet, with Jack originally not wanting to pig out around the girls, but completely giving up on seeing them gorge on some of the sweet desserts Alora had ordered. Jack had then promptly taken a slice of each of the pizza-like dishes. His body would pay for it later, but despite the unusual base and toppings that he had no idea what they were, he felt no regrets.


    They had then sat back down and saw the historical thriller Chiyo has picked. ''Birds of a Feather'' showed the war against The Flock in amazing detail!


    Once the two-hour film ended, the discussion was up on what people wanted to do next.


    "Perhaps a few board games?" Alora suggested.


    "Too boring," Vanya interjected, before looking at Jack. "Maybe Hunt the..."


    "No!" The rest of the group shot back, leaving no room for argument.


    "What about video games?" Sephy perked up. "We can play a round for a bit." She looked at Jack with a sly grin. "Jack, you''ll love this! Do you know what video games are?"


    "I have no idea," Jack replied with his best poker face.


    "Well you''re gonna love it!" Sephy smiled mischievously. "Got enough controllers for everyone minus one so you can watch us gun each other down!"


    "Are we playing for a wager?" Vanya asked, giving Sephy a knowing look.


    "That''s a good idea, Vanya!" Sephy replied, blatantly having prepared for this. "The winner gets to take Jack out on a date!"


    "Oh come on!" Alora rolled her eyes. "Did you really think your stupid plan would¡­"


    "Sounds acceptable to me." Luvia interrupted, grabbing a controller.


    "Such an honour to enjoy the company of the straveer." One of the twins added as both of them took controllers.


    "Sorry Alora, looks like you''re outvoted." Nika grinned, playing along and giving Jack a wink.


    "This is ridiculous, but fine," Alora groaned, grabbing the second to last controller. "Not playing Chiyo?"


    I fear that typing to Jack to communicate has left my hands too stiff to play. Chiyo pouted, though surprisingly having no problem typing the message to Jack. I would love to join him on a date sometime though I am simply not able to compete. She ended that last part with puppy eyes at Jack.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, we can still go on a date sometime.¡± Jack hurriedly added to reassure Chiyo, who immediately dropped the act and gave him a satisfied smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s not fair Chiyo!¡± Sephy called out. ¡°You just did that because you suck at video games!¡±


    Chiyo just shrugged unapologetically as she sat back and watched as the game was created, the 8th controller just lying on the ground before Jack picked it up.


    ¡°Oh you want to give it a go Jack?¡± Vanya asked, in a slightly curious tone.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Jack replied with a small smile. ¡°Looks fun to try!¡±


    ¡°Well it¡¯s not easy,¡± Sephy warned. ¡°It¡¯s a shooter game. You need really good reflexes to shoot and jump around.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like fun,¡± Jack smiled, knowing full well that he would be well within his element.


    ¡°Alright then!¡± Sephy chirped up. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll go easy on you!¡±


    ******


    ¡°HOOOOOW?¡± Sephy yelled at the TV, practically in tears. She had been so sure she¡¯d beat the competition and score a date with Jack, and while Vanya and Nika were good, she knew she was better, especially when she had something - or someone - to properly aim for.


    There was no way she would have expected Jack to decimate the entire competition. Alora was the first to go, not naturally being that good at video games but being a good sport. Next was surprisingly Nika, who wouldn¡¯t stop laughing once she realised what Jack was up to. Luvia accidentally destroyed her controller in a fit of rage after Sephy was the one to take her last life, though she immediately ordered a better replacement controller be delivered the next morning, having thoroughly blamed the now broken one for her loss. Vanya was next, having been whittled down by the twins who were blatantly working together to take advantage of the Vesli¡¯s drunkenness. They however were no match for Jack, taking both out with a grenade.


    Sephy had put up a hell of a fight, actually being able to take Jack¡¯s first life through the use of explosives. But the Skritta was no match for Jack, getting more distraught with every life she lost until finally Jack won, making his character repeatedly crouch up and down until the game timed out.


    ¡°Must be beginner¡¯s luck!¡± Jack cheered to the congratulations of everyone else, before he noticed that Sephy had turned away.


    ¡°Hey, that was a good game¡­¡± Jack started, putting a hand on her shoulder. ¡°You played well!¡±


    ¡°But not well enough.¡± Sephy quietly sniffed, and it was only now Jack realised that she was crying. ¡°I really wanted to win.¡±


    Jack wasn¡¯t too sure how to answer that one. He hadn¡¯t technically agreed to go out on a date with the winner but he guessed that Sephy had gotten swallowed up by her own excitement, only to be bitterly disappointed.


    ¡°Well you can¡¯t really date yourself, Jack,¡± Alora called over as delicately as she could. ¡°What kind of reward did you want for first place?¡±


    Alora was looking at Jack very pointedly, and considering their earlier conversation, knew how he wanted to play this.


    ¡°Well since I have nothing to do tomorrow morning before we set off, I was going to take a look around and explore the city,¡± Jack started slowly. ¡°I could do with a guide to show me around though. You up for it Sephy?¡±.


    The Skritta didn¡¯t say a word, but turned around and embraced the human boy.

 Chapter 15: Breaking News

    "Guys quick! Put the news on! It''s starting!" Nika called out to the meandering crowd, who immediately rushed to the TV, where a fish-like woman was addressing the viewers with the caption ''Breaking News''.


    "Good evening and welcome to a special report, I''m Oudrie Ximmercon. Preparations all across the city began in earnest several hours ago as some kind of hostile activity was predicted. Several raiding parties have been spotted from the Northern wilderness travelling towards the city! We now bring you like to our eyes in the sky above where we expect the battle to begin! Good evening Larrex!"


    "Good evening Oudrie! We''re now live showing you a VTOL overwatch of the scene. As we can see local forces are entrenching for what is sure to be a tough fight! We''re trying to get footage of the attacking party but it looks like they are deploying obfuscation magic to hide their identity. We should know more once they get in range! From what we are able to divine we can tell that they are using ground-based assault vehicles, though their nature is unknown...wait! It looks like they''re starting to enter perception range!"


    The girls gathered around all gasped in varying degrees of shock as the dark shimmering outlines of the vehicles suddenly morphed into an assortment of brightly coloured polkadot cars, buses and tanks all thundering towards the wall of the outer district.


    "Oh gods," Alora whispered, hands covering her mouth.


    Jack didn''t understand the reaction from the others at all. How was this an assaulting force to be worried about? It looked ridiculous!


    "Oudrie I don''t think anyone could have possibly expected this, but it is safe to say that this is a worst-case scenario nobody could have predicted! This is a group we have not seen for well over two years now, and they have returned in force! What could they possibly be up to now!"


    "Nothing good Larrex, but I can confirm that nearby gangs and militias are scrambling to get to the scene, can the frontline troops hold out in time?"


    "We''re about the find out!" cried the voice of Larrex as several bright streams of sparkling light blasted out from several of the vehicles to smash into the gate and the nearby walls. When the dust cleared it was apparent that the walls were barely scratched, but the gate looked battered.


    "Well they certainly survived that volley!" Larrex called out. "But there will likely be more! We can see attackers disembarking now!"


    The camera panned to several of the forward cars that had stopped just outside the walls, the bright slap-dash of polkadot colours reflecting bizarrely against the spotlight of the news crew as someone got out of the passenger seat wearing a similar getup to the cars. Bright, flamboyant colours of armour, warpaint and weaponry, the attacker was soon joined by a fellow passenger, then another, and another, then several more - they just kept coming!


    "What the¡­" Jack exclaimed in disbelief at the sheer mindfuckery. The only thing he got in response was Vanya gripping him tightly, but on looking around it was clear that Vanya felt the exact same as everyone else in the room looked.


    Terrified.


    Several more cars started spilling out more and more people than should have been possible to hold, while a second volley of artillery punched a bigger hole through the gate, tearing apart several of the attackers who had run ahead to enter the breach.


    Just then a sound cut through over the havoc, the camera once again panning to some kind of tank that easily dwarfed the other vehicles. The sound was coming from a pair of speakers at the front, which came across to Jack as some kind of announcing trumpet fanfare. The tank stopped a fair distance behind the front line of transports, before¡­something emerged from the top.


    Jack could only stare with his mouth agape as the massively obese form clambered out and jumped to the ground with a flourish. With insanely massive, floppy brown shoes, a pair of trousers with all manner of patchwork adorning them, and a tattered purple and yellow polkadot shirt and blazer combo with a top hat, the disgustingly bloated creature gave an immaculate bow, white-powdered face staring directly at the camera with the widest blood-dripping grin of sharp teeth Jack had ever seen.


    "WHAT THE FU-" Jack began to yell in sheer disbelief at what he was seeing, but the reporter beat him to it.


    ¡°Pray to your gods! It¡¯s the Killer Klown! He hasn¡¯t been seen in over two years and was assumed dead!¡±


    ¡°Are you shitting me?¡± Jack called out to the others. ¡°This isn¡¯t a prank, is it? A Killer Clown?¡±


    Most of the others were too horrorstruck to even hear him let alone reply, but it was a more composed Nika who filled him in.


    ¡°I wish it was a prank but no, The Killer Klown is one of the Top 10 Bounties on Hive Station Bastilla, and one of the worst. He wreaks destruction wherever he goes and slaughters in the name of Jingubash, the Mad God of Killers, in return for power. He may even be a ¡®hero¡¯ of Jingubash at this point if he¡¯s been inactive for two years; usually those cultists favoured by Jingubash have short, very public killing sprees that are ended before they get too powerful. Unfortunately for everyone, the Killer Klown has somehow kept going for a long time¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh crap!¡± Sephy chirped up, as a squat form of red and pink leapt out of the tank and rushed to the Killer Klown.


    ¡°We can now confirm,¡± the reporter carried on, trying to remain professional despite his audible fear, ¡°Little Miss Massacre has been sighted!¡±


    Jack looked with raised eyebrows. ¡°What?¡± he asked Nika, completely out of energy to remain completely gobsmacked.


    ¡°Yep, believed to be the same species as the Killer Klown, whatever they may be. His right-hand lieutenant, lover and daughter.¡±


    ¡°Wait, did you say ¡®and¡¯?¡±


    They were interrupted as something was clearly going on. The Killer Klown had waved forward several groups of subordinates wheeling several large objects, pointing the front ends over the wall. It was only when several of the attackers dashed forward wearing crash helmets did Jack realise what was happening.


    They were going to try and shoot them over the wall with cannons!


    The attackers weren¡¯t letting up with the gate either, with the next volley of artillery completely smashing it open to cheers of bloodlust as they fought over themselves to get through the breach, only to be cut down by gunfire and replaced by another. A loud set of thunderous booms roared in response as the first load of cannon-fired troops were shot out at high speed. While over half made it over the walls, several others were shot low, spattering across the district walls much to the visible amusement of The Killer Klown and Little Miss Massacre, who were pointing and hollering with laughter. Eventually, Little Miss Massacre pointed at one of the cannons with a pleading expression, and after The Killer Klown gave a visibly comical performance of seriously thinking over the request he enthusiastically nodded, picking up Little Miss Massacre and throwing her into the cannon head first, who was promptly shot out with the next wave, clipping the top of the wall as she made it over¡­


    ¡°We¡¯re switching to another camera angle!¡± One of the reporters yelled as the feed moved to where Little Miss Massacre had crashed. She stumbled up and shook her limbs, before reaching into one of her many pockets, and somehow yanking out a huge gun twice the size of her, before laughing maniacally and opening fire with what Jack could only describe as a powerful gatling laser, mowing down the nearest militia returning fire, as well as several of her own troops. The feed then returned back to The Killer Klown, who waved for his troops to rush in, before squatting down and riding towards the breach on what looked to Jack like a mini-motorcycle.


    The camera feed returned to Little Miss Massacre, who was leading a squad through indiscriminate slaughter through the crowd, pushing through towards the boarded-up houses where Jack had no doubt there were likely children, elderly and others unable to fight bunkering down. There weren¡¯t many soldiers defending that part of town, and the ones that were there were quickly mowed down in a hail of vicious pink light from Little Miss Massacre.


    Suddenly, a ball of flame shot out from the side and exploded, black fire ripping apart many of the Killer Klown¡¯s troops. As Little Miss Massacre shielded her eyes, several red bolts were shot out and headed towards her, impacting against a magical barrier that briefly revealed as translucent pink with each hit. The camera turned towards the source, and out of the smoke walked a tall, red-skinned horned woman in flowing black robes wielding a staff.


    Jack was suddenly jolted out of his seat as all the girls in the room loudly cheered upon seeing her.


    ¡°That¡¯s Devil¡¯s Daughter!¡± Sephy cried out. ¡°YES! She¡¯s gonna take them down!¡±


    Apparently Little Miss Massacre was inclined to disagree, as she brought the gatling laser round quickly and fired a continuous burst at the newcomer, the red light dissipating on contact with what must have been a magical shield of her own. As she held it in place, Devil¡¯s Daughter started assisting the fallen militia, helping them to their feet with one hand and simultaneously using some kind of healing magic on them, as Little Miss Massacre and her remaining troops kept up the pressure.


    The TV feed went to split screen, just in time to see The Killer Klown emerge through the breach with an entourage of heavy troops kitted out in impressive-looking gear, though that did not stop The Killer Klown from effortlessly picking one up with one hand by the scruff of the neck to use as a human shield, somehow anticipating a sniper round aimed at his head. As his bodyguards laid down suppressing fire in response, The Killer Klown pulled something out of one of his many pockets and brought it to his mouth, blowing several times as the balloon grew to insane proportions, before pinching the end, taking aim at the sniper''s position, and letting go.


    The raspberry sound of the balloon could be clearly heard over the sounds of battle as it zigzagged in random directions before slamming down with an explosion that the camera could see was at the sniper''s nest. The Killer Klown gave a loud cackle as he and the others rushed further into the fight.


    Meanwhile, Devil''s Daughter had seemingly managed to rescue what fallen militia she could, as she waved her arms in complicated ways while chanting words of power that seemed amplified by a thousand more voices. As she finished, several bright red circles of power appeared on the floor, glowing in intensity as several clawed hands shot out from the ground.


    "Demon Summoning Circles!" Alora cheered. "Such a magical effect should only be possible in a ritual of at least thirteen people, and never to this intensity!"


    "Hey! This is Devil''s Daughter you''re talking about!" Sephy grinned. "Guess she knows a few things you don''t!"


    "Holy crap look at that big one!" Nika yelled as a gigantic scaled and tentacled creature emerged from one of the larger circles. "That''s a Moringu, right?"


    Chiyo nodded enthusiastically, as Devil''s Daughter pointed at the now fleeing attackers for the demons to run down.


    Meanwhile, The Killer Klown had inflicted heavy losses on the fighters on the front line with an assortment of unconventional gadgets to tear through their numbers. One of the last defenders got lucky and quickly lined up and shot two of the bodyguards, which sent the Killer Klown into cover. Sneering, he quickly searched his pockets for a spray can of some kind, spraying what looked like a heavy amount of whipped cream onto a plate. Waiting for his attacker to stop firing and reload, the Killer Klown placed what could only have been a cherry or similar fruit on top before dashing out of cover and lobbing the cream pie at the unfortunate soldier''s face, who screamed in agony, clutching at his eyes. The Killer Klown quickly loaded up several more pies before lobbing them at the still-living soldier, the acid slowly dissolving him as the screams died out to the Killer Klown¡¯s maniacal laughter.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    The freshly summoned Moringu turned around to face the sound after chowing down on an unfortunate attacker. Bellowing in rage it charged the obese creature, battering everything in its way to get to the Killer Klown.


    As his underlings dropped everything and ran back through the beach in a rout, the Killer Klown stood his ground, staring at the beast in the first definite look of anger the viewers had seen from the obese freak so far. Unbuttoning his waistcoat and reaching to his belt the Killer Klown grabbed what looked like a handgun, only to pull it out and reveal a stupidly long barrel tucked into his trousers. Taking careful aim at the Moringu, the Killer Klown fired.


    The Moringu¡¯s face crumpled as it was hit with the force of a train, forced back into a nearby building before exploding in a loud gush of flame, knocking everyone nearby to the ground as the Killer Klown tried to stop his forces from running away.


    Meanwhile, Devil''s Daughter had recovered quickly, dashing swiftly towards the staggered Little Miss Massacre as she tried to bring her Gatling Laser to bear, dropping it to the ground with a clatter as the tiny clown received a flying knee to the face.


    Still conscious, Little Miss Massacre recovered quickly in a backflip, sending a volley of purple knives towards Devil''s Daughter, who only just managed to shimmy off to the side in time to avoid the hail, quickly bringing up her staff to block a swipe from a bat Little Miss Massacre had impossibly yanked out of another pocket, but not quick enough to avoid the followup - a stab to the stomach that made Devil''s Daughter visibly recoil in panic.


    Though most of the room gasped at the sight of the blade dropping to the ground covered in black blood, Jack and Nika knew that the wound was unlikely to be that deep, but Devil''s Daughter would need to see to it at some point.


    The two women made several passes with neither gaining the advantage. The Killer Klown clearly knew something was up as he tried to force his way to the conflict with a large colourful hammer, but was held back by demons and militia, emboldened by the turn of the tide. Eventually the two women locked weapons, sneering at one another, before Jack could faintly see Devil''s Daughter crack a small smile.


    With a quick shove the two disengaged. Devil''s Daughter dropped her staff and muttered several quick words of power as she held a wand high, pointing down at her shorter opponent. Seeing the movement, Little Miss Massacre cackled and raised her arms to block the incoming attack from high¡­


    Before being smacked in the chest with the magical attack from below, the bolt of energy coming from the mage''s other wand subtly out at her hip. Almost exactly like Alora had done earlier, Little Miss Massacre was blasted back hard, smacking into an invisible barrier and dropping to the ground in a heap. With a wave of her hand, Devil''s Daughter dispelled the illusion on the ground, revealing the trap - a multi-tiered glyph of bright red.


    Seemingly recognising the symbol, Little Miss Massacre panicked and smacked against the invisible wall of the seal futilely as the Killer Klown roared in rage. Giving him a smirk as she held her stomach, Devil''s Daughter clicked her fingers as Little Miss Massacre was engulfed in a sudden torrent of hellfire, unable to escape. Her dying screams enraged the Killer Klown further as he swept aside the opposition with immense strength and speed in a vain attempt to save the doomed Little Miss Massacre.


    Devil''s Daughter turned to face the new threat, quickly chanting and waving her arms as several red glyphs appeared in midair, facing the Killer Klown, who quickly reached for something in his pocket as several beams and blasts of hellfire energy shot out of the glyphs, aimed right at the Klown, who in turn opened up his umbrella to shield himself from the attack, spinning it around as the attack was redirected to his unfortunate troops still next to him. It looked like the attack let up just in time, as the umbrella was torn to ribbons, with the Killer Klown blasted back by sheer force.


    Devil''s Daughter didn''t let up as she quickly summoned her staff and rushed forward, a magical spike of red energy emerging from the tip which quickly stuck home in the Killer Klown¡¯s gut.


    The cheers among the room were short lived as the Klown¡¯s form dissipated to reveal the body of a giggling underling, who used his last breath to point. All cameras and eyes followed to point out the real Killer Klown, who was grinning like a maniac, holding what looked like a detonator.


    The feed went dark as the Klown squeezed the trigger.


    "Damn¡­" Nika was the first to speak after several moments of stunned silence. "I really thought she had him."


    "I think she did," Alora finally spoke up after finding the words. "That was just the last resort."


    "Devil''s Daughter did kill Little Miss Massacre though!" Sephy chimed in to try and raise everyone''s spirits. "And the Killer Klown lost a lot of people. Whatever his plan was, it must have failed!"


    "I doubt it," Alora replied grimly. "Death and destruction is the only thing the Klown wants, and he got it. I''m just glad Devil''s Daughter did her best."


    The party was more subdued as the night went on. Few of the girls were really in a flirtatious mood as the headlines came in, that the Killer Klown was spotted in retreat and that no body was yet found for Devil''s Daughter, at least indicating her possible survival.


    But the worst thing was the death toll.


    Thousands were confirmed dead or missing in the immediate aftermath of the bombing attacks, with several organisations rushing in to try and rescue those who remained.


    Jack saw High Priestess Cornelia and her Paladins working in vain to dig through the debris as reporters tried to ask her for comment. It was only when the Paladins recovered the bodies of several small children that Alora shut the TV off.


    The mood was sombre even as the wine kept flowing. Zayle and Rayle kept trying to contact people on comms that they knew in the area. Eventually, as their words slurred beyond recognition in their despair, Jack and Nika carried both of them to a room, positioning them comfortably and safely should they vomit, with a bucket and jug of water for the pair of them.


    Sephy was next to go, though she was stubborn and tried to tough it out before Alora caught her stumbling. With both girls admitting to having had too much wine, they both retired to their rooms on Nika¡¯s insistence, promising Alora that she would see the others to their rooms, while Sephy kept reminding Jack about their ''hot date'' the next day.


    "Wheeell Jack," Vanya slurred as she tried to seductively walk towards him. "I don''t know iiiiiif I''ll be able to sleep tonight on my own, maybe you should keep meeee company?"


    Jack bemusedly sidestepped as Vanya tried to embrace him, only to collapse on the ground with a thud.


    "Huh, you don''t seem to have a sleeping problem to me¡­" Jack replied despite himself.


    "Damn, that''s gonna sting in the morning." Nika laughed as she got up to help. "Why didn''t you catch her?" she asked Jack.


    Jack didn''t really have a good response for that one, so he just gave her a shrug.


    Carrying the large bunny-girl to a room wasn''t a dignified affair, though Nika was pleasantly surprised when Jack was able to lift Vanya up on his own, only dropping her once with another hard thud when she was sick on the floor.


    "If the cleaner-bot isn''t able to mop that up she certainly will be in the morning," Nika groaned as she helped Jack pick Vanya up again. "Screw us doing it."


    "That''s fair," Jack grunted as they managed to get Vanya into a bed, and dislodged from Jack. While he wouldn''t necessarily have minded sharing a bed with someone for the night, there was no way he was going to do it with someone completely out of it, and even if it was with someone only as drunk as he was like Nika or Luvia, seeing a brutally massive loss of life on TV seemed to have killed his mood. He had no doubt it''d happen at some point, though.


    As he and Nika plonked down on the sofa next to Luvia, who had decided to help herself to more wine instead of helping them, he sighed as he thought back to his conversation with Alora.


    Could he really make that leap? None of the alien girls he had met were unattractive, some even appeared to be sane, and Alora at least thought most would be cool with a casual, no-strings relationship of some kind. He knew at the back of his mind that Sephy would probably go all out during their tour of the local districts, and in many ways he was alright with that.


    So long as it didn''t ruin the group of friends he was now part of.


    He put it out of his mind as Luvia noticed his return, handing him and Nika topped up cups of wine.


    "Chiyo appears to be resting." The dragon addressed them with a satisfied smile. "Making us the last ones standing, so to speak."


    "Here''s to our hardy constitutions!" Jack raised his mug in a toast, followed hesitantly afterwards by the other two, who looked a little confused at the gesture before following along, clinking their mugs against his before drinking.


    "Speaking of hardy constitutions," Luvia spoke with intensity with a gaze at Jack to match. ¡°Perhaps we should arrange how our night ends?"


    She placed a hand on Jack''s thigh and leaned into him, as Jack felt Nika tense up next to him, keeping a hold on his arm.


    "I must admit I''m surprised and impressed that our Kizun friend has held on through several boxes of Eladrian wine. Alora certainly spared no expense in getting the good stuff," she continued, giving Nika a respectful nod. "However, I promised myself that if you proved as...''hardy'' as I suspected I would pursue something more intimate with you. What say you, Jack? What is your usual arrangement with mating rights? The rumours about you are most intriguing, and I certainly don''t believe myself lacking.¡±


    "Get in line Luvia!" Nika growled in indignation. "This is his first day away from the Temple of Hope and you want to snatch him up just like that?"


    "But the rumours¡­"


    "Are complete bullshit," Nika replied flatly. "We were with him during most of the day so he wouldn''t have had any opportunity to slip away. Even if it did happen, would you actually believe the Hoduth triplets of all people?"


    "It wasn''t just them¡­" Luvia continued, maintaining her composure as she examined Nika like a cat would a bird. "But if what you say is true then you have my apologies¡­"


    "It is," Jack finally spoke up, having recovered from his whole ''WTF'' complexion. "As cliche as it is for an isekai¡¯d guy like me to be dense to all of this, I¡¯m really not an idiot. Honestly, so many people have been flirting with me left, right and centre. I have no idea how to begin handling the ridiculous amount of attention I¡¯ve been getting."


    "I can think of a few things,'''' Nika grinned despite herself.


    "Yeah," Jack smiled. "But I''ve been through a lot of crap recently and¡­"


    "You just need a little time to figure stuff out, get comfortable with certain things and adjust to the fact that you¡¯re the only one of your kind in an alien galaxy," Nika finished for him.


    Both Jack and Luvia stared at Nika in surprise, though the Kizun just shrugged casually with a grin. "What? I knew that already. I can wait, assuming Jack finds me desirable enough."


    "That raises a good point." Luvia pouted. "Does my form even please you Jack? I do possess limited shapeshifting and I have quite the wardrobe¡­"


    "No it''s not that!" Jack spoke with alarm. "I like both of you the way you are! I like the others too and none of you need to change anything just to try and¡­."


    He stopped as he saw the wide smiles of both girls, and realised all of a sudden that he''d just been had.


    "Good of you to finally admit it." Nika smiled. "I thought I had you mostly figured out!"


    "Indeed," Luvia agreed. "I always get what I want in the end, even if it''s not happening tonight!"


    "Urgh," Jack grunted, knowing the girls weren¡¯t going to give up on him. "Let''s just watch some more TV until we go to sleep¡­¡±


    *****


    Elsewhere, many hands were typing, and many eyes were watching.


    The bounty for the Killer Klown had certainly increased, securing his rise to the 8th Most Wanted on Hive Station Bastilla, to the surprise of nobody.


    But another bounty was being placed.


    Many of the photos were blurry but there was enough to go on. Known associates, possible locations, and a name.


    Many small donations to the pool were placed by those jealous of his association with Alora Glenphyranix or Luviannestixxx, as he had somehow gained their attention with little merit or effort and had corrupted their waifus.


    Other donations were placed by a few extremist Red Legion affiliates, who heard of the humiliation they had suffered and wanted it avenged.


    More were placed by several prefects, seeing a future rule breaker that needed to be squashed.


    Others still came from many admirers that sought to gain an ¡®advantage¡¯ over the competition by use of abduction.


    The greatest contributions came from a certain Noble Drow Slaver House. This target had heavily insulted the Mistress-In-Waiting, and was male of all things. They needed to die painfully.


    Jack Frost was a very wanted guy. Dead or Alive.


    *****


    Jack woke up a few hours later on the sofa with both Nika and Luvia cuddled up with him, though nothing had happened. At some point Chiyo had joined them, re-acquiring her spot on Jack''s lap. It would honestly feel pretty good were it not for one important fact.


    Jack really needed to pee...

 Chapter 16: A Date With Sephy

    Jack was eventually able to go to the bathroom, and not a moment too soon, after having carefully moved the others without waking them. He was finally alone with his thoughts as he sat on the throne.


    Well last night had certainly been eventful. Scratch that - the whole of the last day had been eventful!


    He was more grateful than ever for his new friends, both his housemates and the others he had met during the day. He certainly looked forward to getting to know them all better.


    And speaking of, he had a date!


    Well...sort of...kinda¡­. maybe¡­.ish.


    He had planned on exploring the various districts of their ''town'' while everyone else did their own thing anyway. Therefore he was glad Sephy was happy with the idea of accompanying him, even though the arrangement of the ''date'' wasn''t on her own terms. Besides, if anyone knew the hidden secrets of the city, it would likely be her, and Jack would be lying if he said he wouldn''t be too unhappy spending some alone-time with the Skritta¡­


    His arms and legs were stiffer than yesterday as he started going through his morning exercises, though he found that his pushups and sit-ups were a little easier this time despite the not-so-healthy food he had yesterday.


    "I figured you''d be up nice and early," Nika whispered from behind him as he poured himself a cup of water from the kitchen. "The alcohol doesn''t work as much on you either, it appears."


    "Yeah." Jack grinned. "It was nice and sweet but we¡¯ve got stronger stuff back on earth. I wasn''t legally allowed to try it but I snuck a beer or cider to my room once or twice. My brother once gave me a dram of whiskey but my mum found out¡­¡± Jack stopped as the memory of his family threatened to overwhelm him.


    ¡°Whiss¡­keeey¡± Nika mulled the strange word over in her mind, coming to a blank. She¡¯d probably have to see if Chiyo knew that one.


    "Up for some sparring?" Nika asked casually. "I''ve got khal-cha practice in a few hours so I should get a warmup in. I may as well see how I match up against you," she added with a smile. "Think you can take me on?"


    "We''ll see," Jack smirked. His ''official'' martial arts training left something to be desired in an actual fight, but he had found his induction into ''street fighting'' by his brothers overruled that in a pinch. He couldn''t do that to Nika and risk hurting her though, so he''d stick to practised techniques.


    He followed Nika to her room, her tail swaying from side to side in tandem with her hips as she led Jack to a ringed mat in the centre.


    "Fist. Activate force walls." Nika spoke clearly, as a translucent red dome phased into view. "Consistency of padding," Nika added to Jack. "Somewhat soft, but I wouldn''t hit it all the same."


    "Sure," Jack replied hesitantly. "So what are the rules here?"


    "Try and defeat your opponent!" Nika grinned as she rushed at him.


    Jack didn''t have too much time to react as Nika feinted low and aimed high, using her tail to push herself forward to try and get a grip on Jack''s head. Jack dodged to the side and grabbed one of Nika¡¯s ankles as the Kizun lost her balance and put her hands out to steady herself on the floor.


    "No you don''t." Nika grinned as she quickly twisted her body, the sweaty ankle slipping out of his grip as she rolled away.


    Jack wasn''t going to let her get away though, as he quickly rushed forwards to grab the Kizun around the waist as she jumped to her feet. Nika squirmed a little, unable to break the grip, but having just barely enough strength and room to slip out of it.


    Quickly using her speed to slip under his legs, Nika jumped up with her tail and wrapped her arms around Jack''s neck in a choke hold.


    "Tap on me with your hand when you want to give up!" Nika grinned in elation. "I have you!"


    Jack started to pitch back as Nika suspected he would as he ran out of breath; however, she was taken completely by surprise as he quickly pitched forward with a jerk, throwing her over his head. She recovered enough to quickly turn to face him as he tackled her, pinning her to the ground.


    Nika quickly wrapped her legs around Jack''s stomach, preventing him from getting too much control as she grabbed at his hands, just as he grabbed at hers. He was much stronger than her, she knew, but she could blunt his momentum.


    "Not bad." She grinned. "But you lack technique!"


    "Good enough to have you pinned though," Jack cheekily smirked.


    "Oh?" Nika smirked back in kind as Jack felt a gentle tap on his shoulder, where Nika¡¯s tail pointed at him before grabbing his head and pulling him closer to the Kizun.


    "You don''t have me beat and I don''t have you beat," Nika spoke softly. "Though I will concede to a draw."


    "Fair enough." Jack smiled, but Nika didn''t let go.


    "Hey¡­" the Kizun whispered. "Our faces are rather close together, don''t you think?"


    "Yeah¡­" Jack agreed softly, as they slowly began to get closer¡­


    A sudden *click* came from somewhere to the side, taking them out of their moment. Turning to face the noise, both of them could see Vanya crouching in the corner with the widest grin Jack had ever seen.


    And she had a camera.


    Both of them broke the hold at the same time as Nika yelled, "Vanya! I''m smashing that fucking thing!" in an angry warcry, disabling the force walls and rushing to get her shotgun.


    "Oh hi! Morning Jack!" Vanya grinned as she quickly made it to the door. "Maybe I could go a round with you nex-"


    A cock of Nika¡¯s shotgun shut her up.


    "Uh .. never mind, maybe another time!" Vanya called as she hurriedly ran away.


    "She better not post anything on MyFace," Nika growled as she slowed her approach to the door.


    "Are you ok?" Jack asked Nika smoothly. "Maybe we co-"


    "No it''s fine." Nika sighed. "Let''s hit the showers. If that didn''t wake everyone up I don''t know what will. Besides, I have to ready up for practice, and you have a date!" She winked.


    "Yeah¡­" Jack sighed and headed off to his bathroom.


    ******


    "So, shall we go?" Sephy asked Jack as the Skritta excitedly vaulted the sofa to sit next to him. She was wearing the exact same clothes she wore last night, though Jack thought better than to ask if she''d slept in them. She did however look somewhat different, her purple skin somewhat...sparky?


    Was this the Skritta equivalent of makeup? Jack assumed it was.


    "What''s that sparkly stuff Sephy? It looks nice!"


    "Oh that?" Sephy smiled and waved a hand to dismiss the compliment. "It''s nothing, just something my species uses when going out from time to time."


    That would be ''yes'' then. Good to know.


    "Fair enough," Jack replied as he got up. "I''m ready if you are!"


    *******


    "I don''t suppose you have any lightsabers in stock?" Jack asked the flabbergasted sales assistant.


    He and Sephy had spent several fun-packed hours exploring the town, the Skritta showing him how to use the map on his commlink to better orient himself. They hadn''t gone too far, having explored many of the basic shops and notable landmarks, before taking a detour to the cineplex. Apparently Sephy shared his and Nika¡¯s love of action films, since that was what she treated them both to. It was a little short, and the plot left something to be desired, but it was the experience that really stood out to Jack, as the theatre streamed hot air and sprinkled a little rain to help set the scenes, among other things.


    He really wished he had brought a coat at least.


    There was also a bitter undertone to the trip, as several missing persons posters had been plastered around the district gates and on any vidscreen people could walk by, looking for loved ones who had been involved in the Killer Klown¡¯s attack.


    After showing Jack where several of the food shops were, Sephy decided she really needed to make this more exciting, and since they would need to kit Jack out for the trip anyway, it only made sense to go weapon shopping!


    ¡°Sir, I don''t know what a lightsaber is?" The assistant replied in confusion.


    "Um ¡­" Jack continued, the wind thoroughly taken out of his sails. "A fusion blade? Something that makes a blade of hard light that can cut through anything and block gunfire if you''re like, really good with it! If you have one in Samuel L Jackson purple that''d be sweet!¡±


    ¡°Jack!¡± Sephy called to him with barely suppressed laughter. "Just pick a gun! You''re already a badass up close, why would you even want something like that?"


    "Just because!" Jack smirked, but relented on seeing Sephy facepalm. "Alright, what do you recommend?"


    "Well Nika is more the expert, and I think she wants the final say in what we all pack, but this looks good!" She pointed at a shiny looking rifle on the wall with two barrels.


    "Ah, yes!¡± The assistant spoke up, very eager to move the conversation away from the utterly insane. "This is the Shil-Kill 169 Assault Rifle. Twin-Barrel for double damage with a Quad-Core Battery to keep it powered for several hours of continuous fire before recharge. Klingling-fur grip for stability and comfort, and triltium dipped metal insulation to prevent excessive overheating.¡±


    "Oh, that sounds great!" Jack perked up. "How much?"


    "Well we''re currently offering a 50% discount in light of the recent attack, so you''re looking at the low, low price of 130,000 Bastile Credit or equivalent exchange in Temple of Hope trusted currencies."


    "Wow, that sounds awesome!" Sephy jumped up excitedly. "How much do you have Jack?"


    Jack made a few calculations and referred to his commlink exchange tool Sephy had shown him before¡­


    "I have 6.73 credits." Jack looked up in embarrassment.


    "I have to ask that if you are not paying customers to please leave," the assistant replied curtly, eager to get rid of the two nutters. "Though we do have some grenades in the bargain bucket!"


    *****


    "Well that went well¡­" Sephy finally grinned after they had escaped the guards sent to run them out of the area. They hadn''t stolen anything, but Sephy''s attempt to negotiate a better price didn''t exactly go down well.


    It didn''t help that they were pretty much now broke, barely having enough to order a teapot for the both of them to share. They had decided to hang out at Kritch''s tea garden from the previous day while they planned their next move, happy to hear that the owners had done well to protect the place and their patrons who sought shelter with them.


    "I''m sure Chiyo has some house funds saved away to prepare us for the trip to the oracle," Sephy continued. "So we should be prepared enough for that. I guess we got a little too carried away with the Cineplex, huh?"


    "Nah it''s fine," Jack replied with a grin. "That was great fun, it was a good idea to show me!"


    Sephy flushed a little at the compliment before getting back to business. "So what do you want to do now? We can''t exactly pay for anything anymore, so we could always head back.¡±


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    Jack shook his head. He was honestly having fun and didn''t see a reason to stop. "We could always see if we can find a few more of those symbols from before?"


    Sephy shrugged. "Can do. It''s mostly stuff I see while doing other things, I don''t normally go out of my way to¡­" She stopped in thought before grinning conspiratorially. "There''s a tower with a great view a few districts from here. I went climbing a little while ago and noticed one of the marks there, wanna check it out?"


    "Sure," Jack replied with a smile. A good view sounded good, and he really didn''t have any better ideas on what to do.


    *****


    "Pretty great isn''t it?" Sephy grinned, sat next to Jack at the top of the tower. They were both alone, though there was evidence that the place was often used as a lookout post.


    "Yeah¡­" Jack had to agree. This had to be the highest point around for miles. The busy streets below may as well have been a tunnel of ants passing to and fro. Over in the distance to the North-East Jack could see the decimated ruins where the Killer Klown had attacked, and further west he could see the overgrowth of forests and ruins reclaimed by nature, where they would be travelling tomorrow. Jack felt the anticipation as he wondered what that would be like¡­.


    "Oh yeah!" Sephy added. ¡°Here''s the mark I wanted to show you!"


    She got up and led him to the central concrete pillar supporting the roof of the building. Etched on the floor was a simple square with an incomplete triangle above it.


    That got Jack thinking.


    "Sephy, have you seen this mark anywhere else?"


    "Yeah I''ve seen it a couple of times. Why?"


    "Do you remember where?" Jack asked, wanting to check if his guesswork was in the right place


    "Even better, I have pictures!" The excitable Skritta jumped up to show him.


    "Wait, you couldn''t have shown me a picture of this place?" Jack asked with a raised eyebrow.


    "Um¡­" Sephy blushed a deeper purple. "Well¡­This is also a good place to hang out!"


    "Right¡­" Jack replied, not quite believing the explanation, but didn''t have time to think about it as Sephy showed him the photos.


    One seemed to be in an alleyway, another on a district wall tucked behind a bush, and another in what looked like an abandoned metro station.


    Ok, looking promising so far¡­.


    "All of these locations seem to be out the way, where most people aren''t going to travel." Jack slowly reasoned out loud. "While I have no idea what the other symbols mean, this square could signify an object, while the ''hat'' on top could be some kind of cover. Have a look around, this might be a dead drop of some kind."


    "Here!" Sephy perked up, pointing at a small crack in the concrete. Jack followed the finger closely, spotting a little tab of cloth on the bottom. There was no way anyone could really notice it unless they knew to look out for a dead drop, but following the cracks indicated a latch.


    Jack approached cautiously, ready to jump back if there was any trap, Sephy having the smarts to keep a lookout. He yanked on the fabric hard, immediately backing away.


    But nothing came.


    "Awe come on!¡± Sephy pouted. "Empty! I was so hoping for cash!"


    Though the compartment was empty, it was still clearly a dead drop, as the metal safe stood out in the rough tower. The dust imprints left also showed signs of objects being placed and later removed, a theory which Sephy agreed with as she sat down on the edge, feet dangling in the air.


    "I''ve been trying to work out pieces of the puzzle for a few years now," Sephy said seriously as Jack sat next to her, overlooking the morning cityscape. "And here you come in and figure it out within a day. Guess I really am the dumbass of the group¡­" She sighed, her wings slumping as she refused to meet Jack''s gaze


    "You''re not dumb at all!" Jack argued, putting his arm around her shoulders. "Sometimes you just need a fresh perspective, and honestly we''ve found more questions than answers at this point."


    Sephy sighed as she nodded.


    "Like, why couldn''t there have been any money?" Jack grinned, trying to lighten the mood with some humour. "Seriously, how anticlimactic was that?"


    Sephy sniggered at that. "And the way you were bracing for something as well," she added with a laugh. ¡°You looked ridiculous!"


    She sighed as she leaned more into Jack''s embrace as they both took in the view.


    "I just wanted to figure this out on my own, come back to the others and show them that I can do things under my own power too, y''know?" she continued sadly. "Prove myself instead of being looked down upon"


    "I don''t think the others look down on you?" Jack replied, confused. "I certainly don''t."


    This was completely true. While Sephy was a bit of a joker that didn''t mean she was below anyone in the group. Maybe she was a bit insecure?


    "My people, the Skritta, are considered nuisances amongst the galaxy," Sephy softly whispered. "Our home planet originated somewhere in the vast, so most of my people don''t even know where it is, or if it still exists. Despite that, we refused to die, families settling where they could with other species willing to put up with us, until we were forced to leave because of war or persecution."


    Jack was silent as he listened.


    "So that is the lifestyle many of my people adopt. Constantly travelling the known galaxy and never settling for long, so our people were often associated with various nuisances. Stealing, scavenging, kidnapping. While some of my people probably did, it was nowhere near the extent of my people''s reputation."


    Jack just nodded as his embrace became a little more intense.


    "Eventually they must have appeared here because I was apparently dumped at the Temple of Hope as an infant," she whispered. "You heard the rest when Cornelia decided to say ''hi''."


    Jack nodded. "Sounds like you and your people have been through a lot, I''m sorry to hear that. But you don''t have to worry about proving yourself. I''m an outsider that had no idea what your situation was, and yet¡­."


    "Yet here we are." Sephy finished for him, finally turning to stare at him intently with watery eyes.


    "Yeah ¡­" Jack managed to say, as both of them went silent, just looking at each other, unsure of what to do next.


    Instincts screaming at him forced Jack to do something. Anything.


    So he kissed her.


    It was quick, nothing more than a quick peck that lasted just as long as his confidence before he pulled back in a panic, seeing Sephy''s shocked expression, just looking at him with wide eyes.


    ''Oh shit'' Jack thought to himself. Had he somehow read the situation wrong? Did he just do something taboo to Sephy''s species? Was he going to get ''#MeToo''d''?


    Sephy''s momentary grin of realisation was all the warning Jack got¡­


    Before she lept on him.


    *****


    How is your search for jobs going? Chiyo asked Nika as she unpacked the books and reagents she had brought back from the magic shop. Anything interesting?


    "Only got back a few minutes before you did, I''m just checking now. Alora got back before me but I think she''s working on her garden. Apparently, regular services at the Temple of Hope are suspended to focus on helping those affected by the latest attack and they¡¯ll contact her if they need her help. On the plus side, the basic bounties for Killer Klown Kabal members has gone up to 900 each, double if alive and coherent for Temple-affiliated inquisitors to mind crawl, with a bonus if any information obtained leads to the elimination of high-priority targets."


    Probably best we don''t go searching for them, it''s risky enough that we''re taking a trip out with no preparation and a new companion.


    "Preparing is what we''ll do this afternoon." Nika rolled her eyes at Chiyo. "I can vouch for Jack''s fighting ability up close, but I''ll check how good a shot he is when he actually turns the safety off!¡±


    How was practice? Chiyo asked, changing the subject as she sat down next to the Kizun, keeping an eye on the bounty boards as they were being updated.


    "Not too bad, my kata form is better though I went in pretty exhausted."


    Totally the party and not your unsubtle playtime with Jack, right? Chiyo grinned as Nika playfully flicked her with her tail.


    "I was just testing his skills for the trip. I was about to beat him, but we conceded a draw"


    Suuure you di-wait, what is that?


    Chiyo was pointing at one of the thumbnails on one of the more local bounty boards and saw that the entry had many recent contributions to the overall pot.


    Nika clicked on the bounty, and both girls immediately panicked on seeing the full-size picture.


    "ALORAAAAAAAA!" Nika yelled as she ran to grab her guns.


    *********


    Carefully moving backwards so as not to fall off the tower, Jack gently pried the excitable Skritta''s face off of his before finally being able to breathe again.


    "Oh shit, you ok?" Sephy finally asked as she calmed down. "I''ve never really tried kissing a guy before so I wasn''t sure what to expect?"


    "It''s cool." Jack laughed as he got his breathing under control. "Your mouth is a little bigger than mine so you got my nose too and I couldn¡¯t really breathe, but we can work on that. Edge off a high drop probably wasn''t a good spot for it though, my bad. It just felt right in a way.¡±


    "Yeah," Sephy sighed dreamily. ¡°Honestly that wasn''t why I even tried to get you up here, but I''ll take it! What do we do now?"


    "Well ¡­" Jack thought for a bit. As tempting as ''carrying on'' was, the tension between them had died down enough that he was able to think a bit more rationally. He had wanted to ask Sephy something else though, and now was as good a time as any now they were calming down from ...whatever that was.


    "Actually I was curious about something you kept mentioning that the others kept shooting down," Jack said thoughtfully. "What''s the Prefect¡¯s Lockup? You said that could earn us some money, right?"


    Sephy beamed from ear to ear. "Oh, this day just keeps getting better and better! That''s why I wanted to bring you here, look!"


    She pointed at some kind of industrial compound a few blocks away from the tower. Upon focusing, Jack could see a few warehouse buildings, with many containers littered around the courtyard and¡­


    Barely anybody guarding it! A trio of Korrigans at the entrance and the very occasional prefect walking a repeated path.


    "The asshole prefects in our school keep confiscating things and most of the time people don''t get them back. I learned that they¡¯ve built up such a stockpile that starting at least several millennia ago they started buying or renting premises off-site to stash it all. Found out this was one of them when I hacked the database to get myself out of detention about a week ago."


    "And it''s just sitting there," Jack considered. Yes it was stealing, but technically this stuff had been stolen first by those asshole prefects, of which the drow were members¡­.


    "The owners of the goods are long gone, too," Sephy added. "I have no idea how good the prefect cataloguing and inventory checks are, but considering there''s a lot of stuff we should be in the clear once I hack the security."


    "How come the others keep shooting you down on this?" Jack asked cautiously.


    "Had a lot of busts recently." Sephy sighed. "I swear I did as much legwork as I could, but sometimes things go wrong. But I''ve been up this tower a lot and I think there''s a good chance this could be a hit, maybe more than once too! The weekend is the best time to hit it since it''s non-school days, you have a few volunteers there but if you look at them up close they don''t seem that alert."


    Jack could well believe that. One of his brothers had worked part time in a supermarket to save up for university, and certainly never had any intention of going above and beyond for minimum wage.


    "Okay," Jack started, having made a decision. "If we hit this place we''re going to need a plan."


    "But it''s a really good idea when you cons- wait you said yes?" the Skritta asked excitedly, to which Jack answered with a nod.


    "This is the best day ever!"


    ******


    Svaartal couldn''t remember having a worse day. His defeat at the hands of the deathworlder had heavily compromised his plans to get him and Svaarti a fresh start with the Red Legion. His warband had blamed him for their humiliation in Master Kull''s class, though Svaartal argued that, in fact, he had come the closest to killing the human.


    The argument had escalated, the blame game had continued, and Xharl had kicked him out of the group.


    Only for something in Svaartal to snap.


    He defiantly blamed Xharl and the others. Xharl, he pointed out, had fallen in a single strike, accomplishing nothing except failure. Another had fallen moments later to a follow-up strike in surprise, whereas the other had fallen to the Kizun, Nika.


    That enraged his former band. Xharl had even tried to attack him. But Svaartal would no longer be cowed. His razor sharp tongue had lashed out and broken him free of the grip, and his acid-spit follow up overwhelmed his attacker.


    Though that wasn''t the end of it. Master Kull, an old blood-brother and comrade of his discharged father, had told his friend everything, and his father had tried to beat him thoroughly as a result. He then yelled at Svaarti in a hate-filled tirade, before Svaartal forced the attention back on him, to another beating.


    Svaarti was never touched, not in an act of kindness, but because she needed to be an ''unspoilt'' bride for a suitable Red Legion suitor, though Svaartal knew it was only a matter of time before his father broke that promise in his drunken rage. His path into the officer corps of the Red Legion was now in question, so he would need to turn to other means to gain a good income.


    Fortunately, a certain bounty had presented itself.


    Despite everything his father had told him, Svaartal was highly intelligent. He made sure to preserve the blood he had drawn from the human that wasn''t lost in the fight, more than enough for several doses worth...


    It would be worth a considerable sum to others hunting the human, among other underworld figures. He had timed the bids to start and deliver just right.


    Svaartal would kill Jack Frost first. That bounty alone could get him and his sister away from his father for good.


    His clairvoyance was mediocre but sufficient. He had set up a sniper position on top of a block of shops central to the district that gave a good overview of the area and a clear line of fire down any of the streets. It only took an hour for the human to show, being accompanied by Sepherina Hawker. He had no idea what that nuisance was doing with him, but he would aim carefully to avoid her. Annoying as she was, she had done nothing to earn a sniper round to the skull.


    Svaartal had worked on this special round for the past several hours. There was no way he would miss the shot, as he had cursed the overcharged concussive sonic round with another drop of Jack''s blood, almost guaranteeing a magically guided hit.


    But Svaartal knew he wouldn''t miss. Everything was on the line. This was for him and his sister.


    Eyeing up the sites and steadying his breath, he squeezed the trigger¡­


    *****


    The plan was solid and they were ready. Sephy clearly had a good head for these things, but Jack had to make several amendments and suggestions that they could both agree with.


    They turned into a main street and lost themselves in the busy crowd, keeping their nerves steady as they got closer and closer to their mark.


    Jack was suddenly snapped out of his thoughts when he felt his hair suddenly puff and mess up out of nowhere. Mildly annoyed, he flattened his hair back down and briefly thought about what that was


    Meh. Must have been the wind¡­

 Chapter 17: Prefect Heist

    "Come on Sephy, pick up!" Alora panicked as Nika prepped their loadouts. Chiyo was busy typing away on one of Sephy''s comm pads to try and initiate the tracker software they had agreed to use as a precaution, but it was slow going due to some kind of interference on the other end.


    "Sephy''s usually the most alert among us, I doubt anyone will be able to ambush them without them getting an emergency message to us," Nika reasoned. "And Jack''s tough, no way they''d get taken out that easily. There¡¯s not much on the bounty board to go on and the photos aren''t even that clear."


    Alora nodded in hope as she checked to make sure she had everything "Chiyo, how is the search going?"


    Checking the coordinates now. Chiyo replied as she frantically typed away before finding the location, only to raise an eyebrow and turn to give the other two they looked.


    On seeing the ''bruh'' look of Chiyo, both Alora and Nika knew exactly where they were, with Alora being the first to respond after a few dumbfounded moments, in a manner highly unusual for the Eladrie...


    "You''ve got to be fucking kidding me¡­"


    ****


    "I won''t know how long I''ll need until I slice in. I just need you to distract all of them while I sit out of sight and loop the cameras for a few hours. Don''t worry, it won''t take long!"


    "What do I even say to distract them?" Jack called out as Sephy moved to lean against the nearby district wall.


    "I don''t know! Just something crazy enough to keep them busy!"


    ''Great'' Jack thought. As he strode meaningfully over to the Prefect''s security checkpoint he couldn''t think of anything. Knowing he had to come up with something yelled the first thing that entered his mind.


    "Mukle darned cult! Ere namblies be keeping me wee men?"


    The words were out of his mouth before he could even think.


    The entire batch of Korrigans lept up to keep an eye on him, a few loosely gripping their weapons as the leader addressed Jack.


    "What is your business here, sir?" he asked in a professional but cautious manner.


    Jack was in the shit now, so he may as well just roll with it.


    "I''m looking for about 40,000 credits worth of stolen lawn gnomes!" Jack yelled, too late to back out of this now.


    "Lawn gnomes?" the lead guard asked curiously, before one of his compatriots interrupted him.


    "He may be a victim of the Killer Klowns attack," another of the Korrigan prefects added quietly. "I''m really sorry sir, we don''t have your lawn gnomes here. It is possible they were taken by the Killer Klown instead. I''m really sorry for your loss, sir!"


    "The Killer Klown?" Jack exclaimed, trying to drag the nonsense out. "Are you trying to say that some wee tosser dressed like a clown stole me gnomes?"


    "That''s very likely, sir," one of the Prefects answered in a neutral tone. By now he had attracted a crowd. Certainly all the Prefects he could see were focused on him. He hoped Sephy knew what she was doing...


    "How do you know that Killer Klown tosser took me gnomes? Are you one of them murkle darned cultists?" Jack asked in false accusation. He doubted he could keep this up much longer without getting shot, but he had to try.


    "No, we are not affiliated with the Killer Klown at all; in fact, his cultists barely penetrated this sector," the lead Prefect replied, now visibly annoyed. "You are better off taking up your business with the Killer Klown."


    "Very well laddie! Where can I find this Killer Klown so I can kick his wee arse?"


    At this the Prefects gave each other surprised looks. "He was last seen headed North East into the uncolonized territories, though his cult got scattered after the fight. We wish you the best of luck in eliminating him Mr¡­."


    "Henderson," Jack replied, coming up with the first thing that entered his head.


    "Good luck, Mr Henderson! We hope you find your¡­ gnomes."


    "Appreciate it laddie, you lads are alright. Cheerio!"


    And with that, Jack turned around and quickly lost himself in the crowd. Once he broke the line of sight he quickly walked over to where Sephy was, only to find her doubled over in barely stifled laughter.


    "That''s got to be the worst distraction I''ve ever heard!" she finally got out.


    "Oh come on," Jack sighed with a smile. "As long as it works. Did it?" He asked, his expression slightly worried.


    "Oh yeah, it was easy. Sliced it in a couple of real-time seconds. I basically jacked into cyberspace and got a quick backdoor access. System is the exact same the school uses for its minimal-tier security. I''ve looped the camera feeds and disabled the alarms so we should be good!"


    "Okaaay," Jack slowly replied, the technobabble completely going over his head. ¡°So now we''ve just got to find a way into the building, right?"


    "Yep, it''s basically a district in itself so we''ve got to get past the wall," Sephy whispered seriously. "Luckily the warehouse building is built against the wall so we should be able to jump from a nearby building¡­."


    "That''s a hell of a jump to make!" Jack exclaimed, suddenly more wary of the plan.


    "Or!" Sephy interrupted with a grin. "We take a maintenance hatch I found and sneak in underground now that the alarm is deactivated. Could only do that from the front entrance, so that''s the hard part over with!"


    "Sure .." Jack replied unconvinced. "So as long as the alarms are off we should be able to ferry stuff back and forth right?"


    "Precisely!" She grinned "Or we chuck it over the wall onto the other roof and hope nobody sees!"


    "Alright, sounds like a plan." Jack exhaled, feeling the anticipation building even more. "Let''s do this!"


    Sephy led them to a hatch against the sector wall down a deserted alleyway. Had she not pointed it out to him Jack might have assumed it was just a part of the sector wall at a glance, but a closer inspection showed the telltale groves and bolts of the hatch. Looking around carefully to make sure they weren''t followed, Sephy pried it open and they both quickly slipped through before closing it behind them.


    "I worked on that a little while ago," Sephy explained. "Mag-locks galore which took me a while to shift. Probably wasn''t part of the original construction, which is good but still a pain. One moment."


    In the low darkness, Jack saw Sephy pull something out of one of her pockets before pressing it against one of the walls. The light flicked on to faintly illuminate the tunnel of dull, dusty black metal.


    "This isn''t connected to the wider tunnel network underneath the station," Sephy explained. "Which is great because whatever lives under there isn''t friendly in the slightest. Great if you can sneak by, but bad if you''re caught."


    "And here?" Jack asked, crouching behind Sephy as they made their way deeper.


    "Just a disused neighbouring hatch, they were often made to better connect allied districts over millennia. The Prefects or whoever occupied the sector previously clearly knew about it at some point since there''s a laser grid I switched off, but that''s it. It''s likely they don''t know or acknowledge it now, so we should be good. Ah, here!"


    They''d reached the end of the tunnel to find another hatch above them. "No mag-locks or anything so this should be easy...ah!"


    "What''s ''ah'' for?" Jack asked, raising his eyebrows.


    "It''s not moving," Sephy grunted as she pushed against the hatch


    "Are you sure?" Jack grinned. "Try putting your back into it!"


    "Oh, that''s how it is, huh?" Sephy growled as she pushed harder to no avail. "Why don''t you come over here and put your back into it?"


    Giving an exaggerated sigh, Jack swapped places with Sephy and felt around the edges. It didn''t seem like it was blocked by anything that he could see from the minimal light coming from the cracks; it was probably just stiff. Jack moved into position and adjusted his footing.


    "I think they must have sealed it from the other side somehow," Sephy sighed. "Looks like the mission is a bust, it''s gonna be impossible to-"


    Jack shunted up hard, slamming his shoulder into the hatch as it burst open.


    "Or you could just do that," Sephy added excitedly as Jack raised a hand to shush her.


    They spent several moments there in silence before Jack sighed in relief.


    "Doesn''t look like we were heard," Jack whispered as he slid the now loose panel to the side and peered up.


    All around them were mostly neat piles of metal crates, with one of the stacks spilled on the ground. Seeing and hearing nothing, Jack immediately climbed up and moved the heavy crate back into a pile next to the hatch to hide the opening.


    "Holy crap that''s a lot," Sephy whispered as Jack gave her a hand.


    "How do we even get these open?" Jack asked, not seeing any kind of physical latch.


    "We''re not, they''re either empty or just have school supplies in them," Sephy replied as if that should be obvious. "Good stuff should be upstairs.¡±


    "What kind of stuff?" Jack asked, cursing himself for not asking this beforehand.


    "Anything confiscated, should be money there too!" Sephy whispered as she led the way carefully up a nearby set of stairs. "Might be some really valuable stuff there!"


    "Alright."


    Jack kept silent as they snuck up, keeping his eyes and ears out for any guards. They had seen the patrols on the outside of the building that were routine to a fault, though they didn''t know as much about the inside. The electronic security was disabled though, and no lights were on, so they were likely in the clear for now.


    "So we have a few rooms to hit here," Sephy quietly spoke. "Server room should be first, I want to make a copy of the inventory report and see if there''s anything interesting, otherwise we''re just floundering about taking lucky guesses. Good thing it lights up like a Cassava brothel on the security system. Should be this way!"


    "Anything I should do while you do your thing?" Jack asked.


    "Stand around and look pretty?" Sephy chuckled in a whisper. "Maybe start grabbing some stuff?"


    "Sure, got any bags?"


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    "Oh¡­"


    "What''s ''oh''?"


    "I forgot to bring some!"


    "Crap." Jack thought for a few moments. "If there''s a cloakroom or a lost and found, I can probably grab some bags there. Might have spotted one by the stairs, you cool with me checking?"


    "Sure," Sephy replied a little uneasily. "Just don''t be long."


    "If I bring as many as I can, we can start ferrying stuff back to the manhole," Jack reasoned. "Though we still shouldn''t leave a trace if we can help it."


    "Gotcha!" Sephy grinned as she turned and snuck into the server room, plugging in her gear before hiding under the desk in case anyone wandered by while she was sliced in.


    Her commlink softly buzzed before she quickly dismissed the notification. This was a time to be stealthy after all. They were probably just checking to see how the date was going, so Sephy made sure to remember to tell them all the juicy details later!


    The corridor was eerily quiet as Jack made his way to the stairs where he thought he saw clothing. Even if there weren''t any bags there, he still knew how to make a makeshift bag out of a t-shirt, though carrying the loot back to the house would be problematic.


    Fortunately, Jack was right as he spotted the assortment of densely packed clothing lining rack after rack. Carefully sliding open the unlocked door, Jack quickly snuck in and kept his eyes and ears open for anyone else. Looking around, the room was quite large for what it was, having several internal floors where more clothing was stored. With a deep, nervous breath Jack started moving along the rows, keeping low and keeping an eye out for anything interesting.


    While Jack was able to pick up a few bags, many weren''t that bulky and were quite small. Though Jack knew that beggars couldn''t be choosers in a situation like this, he did groan internally when the only decently sized bag was bright pink, with a pattern of some kind of fluffy animal. He considered leaving it behind, but common sense eventually prevailed and he hooked it on his shoulder with the others.


    The clothes were also heavily mismatched, with some being the size of tents, while others had many more holes than Jack would ever need. He did try and keep an eye out for clothes that would suit him, however, stopping when something caught his eye.


    Moving aside the surrounding clothes Jack raised his eyebrows at the find. The back longcoat and accompanying tacticool belts and straps certainly looked practical, but it reeked of edgelord cringe. Deciding that it would still be preferable to wearing the same clothes day in and day out Jack put on what he could without it restricting his movement, chucking the rest in a bag, along with a nearby Hawaiian-like shirt to counterbalance the edge. He kept the coat and the straps on though, to make use of the pockets and storage space. Sighing to himself, he carried on down the rows, collecting bags and other items of clothing. Though he knew he looked like a school shooter, that point was rendered rather moot considering it was apparently a daily occurrence here.


    He worked quickly, checking some of the visible pockets for anything useful. Credit chips, data drives, and other knick-knacks - even a switchblade that Jack played around with before pocketing. He''d twatted around with similar tools during his time with the scouts, so he knew it''d come in handy.


    Eventually he gave up after several minutes, figuring that he''d be taking too long if he stayed any longer. They were here for the good stuff, after all!


    Slowly peeking out of the door, he gave a sigh of relief that nobody was around. So far, so good!


    He kept silent as he snuck back to the server room, looking around for the elusive Skritta.


    "Sephy?" he whispered.


    A thump under one of the desks with a grunt of pain answered him as Sephy crawled out from underneath, rubbing her bumped head.


    "You certainly took your time!" She grinned as she looked at the additional gear Jack was wearing "I take it you cleaned it out?"


    "Clothes for me, and bags for the loot," Jack whispered back with a smile, handing several of them to Sephy. "Now where''s the good stuff?"


    "Slightly more complicated than that," Sephy grimaced. "We''ll get stuff here, but while you were playing dress up I took a look at some of the Inventory references. Apparently, there''s way more overflow sites than I initially realised, along with some heavily encrypted stuff. I''ve sent it back to my terminal at the house, but if I''m right, we have a lot more paydays on our hands!"


    "So what''s wrong?"


    "Not necessarily wrong, but I was hoping for some more stuff here¡­"


    "Don''t worry about it, we''re doing well so far and it hopefully gives us a lead for something better down the line. What do we have here?"


    "Basic stuff. Clothes, mechanical parts, stuff that hasn''t been categorised yet and some weapons¡­"


    "Weapons?" Jack grinned. "Nice! And Didn''t Nika say she wanted some machine parts for her security bot?"


    "Yeah ¡­" Sephy thought. "Yeah, that''s a silver lining! Less good loot but we can get stuff for the house!"


    "Alright," Jack replied with a reassuring nod. "Which room do we hit next?"


    ********


    "How in the name of the goddess did she manage to persuade him?" Alora groaned in annoyance as they quickly hurried past another district checkpoint. "He''s normally much more sensible than this! And why won''t she answer the comm?"


    "Well she''s probably got it on silent to stay stealthy." Nika shrugged. "And honestly, she can be pretty persuasive at times ¡­"


    Doesn''t mean she has an excuse to ignore it. Chiyo grimaced. I can''t reach out to him at this distance either!


    "Better in there than out here at least," Alora muttered as they passed another group of alert-looking hunters.


    "How''s your cloak looking?" Nika whispered to Alora. "You''ve got a bounty too thanks to the Mal¡¯kars."


    "Well enough, I look like Sephy to those that don''t know better. I expect my bounty will be dropped in time, but Jack''s keeps increasing. The sooner we are out of the city walls, the better!"


    On the plus side, if his bounty keeps increasing he''ll be left alone by the locals if they think it''s too hot. Chiyo reasoned.


    "That just means the actually dangerous ones will seek him out," Nika growled. "We''ve gotta get him readied up when we get back."


    "Agreed," Alora confirmed. "But we need to find him first."


    ******


    "So far so good! Chiyo''s gonna love those banned books!" Sephy whispered in admiration as they gently stashed several bags of their loot in the tunnel where they came from. She was super glad that Jack was strong enough to carry that many bags - just doing one at a time would make things sooo boring!


    "Clothes, nicknacks, some mechanical stuff, confiscated drugs and some cash. What next?"


    "Magical items and components, weapons and a room for said special items,¡± Sephy replied with a smile.


    "Special items?" Jack asked incredulously. "Why didn''t we start with that one? What makes the stuff special compared to magic and weapons?"


    "Haven''t a clue," Sephy grinned. "Let''s go find out!"


    "Hopefully we have enough bags, I gotta see this!"


    They snuck back up with a practised routine. The first and second floors were now cleared of suitable loot, leaving only the top floor. Though Jack reassured her that they were doing well, he could sense that Sephy was a little disappointed that their payday wasn''t going to be as lucrative as she had hoped. The credits they had swiped so far was apparently a reasonable sum, though the many types of currency would have to be worked out later. Sephy had also promised that they could fence off what they didn''t need or want over time, so at the very least they wouldn''t be poor again for a while.


    If they finished the heist without any issues¡­


    As they created the top of the stairs, Jack suddenly thrust his hand back, signalling that they should stop.


    "What?¡± Sephy whispered.


    "Lights are on here," Jack whispered back. "Might be someone else here."


    "Can you hear anything?"


    "Not yet, just stay alert. Is there a room we can hide in so we can wait and see?"


    "Weapons Room is close by."


    "Lead the way, slow and steady."


    "Gotcha!"


    They both kept as quiet as they possibly could as they made their way to the weapons room, listening out for anything. They didn''t hear much except for some kind of low hum that Jack just disregarded.


    They had just gotten inside the room when they heard it. The hum, only louder this time.


    "Oh no!" Sephy gasped in horror. "That''s a Zero-Zone droid, has to be!"


    "I take it that''s bad?" Jack asked, raising his eyebrows.


    "Jack, if it finds us it''ll kill us!"


    The hum got even louder. Whatever this thing was, it was heading their way. Sephy began hyperventilating as she tried to think of something before Jack quickly grabbed her and pulled her into a nearby empty locker, closing the door quietly just in time as they saw through the grille what Sephy was so afraid of.


    A floating white and chrome bulk entered the room. Almost eerily silent with only the low hum of its propulsion system, it rotated and started moving, making the same perfect mechanical right angles every time it was just about to hit a corner. Both of them held their breath as it passed them, and Jack got a better glimpse.


    It didn''t consist of much physically, with an obvious main cannon and a red light, most likely its optical scanner. There was also some sort of translucent field surrounding it too. Couple that with Sephy''s clear terror of the thing and Jack knew he didn''t want to mess with it!


    They finally found the courage to breathe again.


    ¡°Holy crap,¡± Sephy whispered. ¡°Good move, thank you.¡±


    ¡°You alright?¡± Jack murmured back as he checked the door. The bot continued further down the corridor, turning to the right before the buzz suddenly ceased.


    ¡°Better now, sorry I froze up. We¡¯ve had issues with Zero-Zone droids before and that was with the others. The droids can only see what¡¯s in front of them but the guns are quite strong. They run out of power quickly so I¡¯m guessing the docking port is back there. When there¡¯s not an alert they usually patrol close.¡±


    ¡°Good to know. We''d better not hang around too long if they''re getting more active."


    "Agreed. Let''s see how much you can carry. These weapons are gonna be heavy!"


    "I can carry a lot of these," Jack confirmed, picking up a long-barreled rifle of some kind which didn''t actually weigh that much at all. "But they''re bulky as hell and I only have two hands, not to mention they''re gonna make some noise."


    "Hmmm," Sephy pondered. "Could wrap them up in some of the clothes to muffle the noise?"


    "Could do," Jack agreed. "Still some risk though, maybe save this one for last?"


    "Yeah," Sephy conceded. "Magic and special rooms first!"


    These rooms were not far, being on the other side of the corridor, so the two of them snuck down, keeping alert for any voices or other strange noises.


    "Holy shit," Sephy gasped, pointing through an unusual glass door into the room. They could see several Zero-Zone droids through the glass connected to what could only be charging ports. There were lights blinking yellow, but otherwise there was no noticeable movement¡­yet.


    "Can you jam the door?" Jack whispered. "Stop them from getting out?"


    "I can jam the door, but I doubt that''ll stop them for long; they''ll force their way through unless they have an alternative path."


    "Better than nothing. Gives us time to escape if they activate." Jack sighed. "Do it."


    "Yes boss," Sephy joked as she began working on the door controls. "Done," she grinned. "Made it look like a glitch in the controls."


    "Good," Jack grinned back. "What special and magic stuff are we looking for anyway?"


    "Magic isn''t really my thing. I can do some stuff, but I''m nowhere near Alora or Chiyo. Probably better than you, though!" She snorted. "Fuck it, we''ll grab whatever."


    "And the special room?"


    "Might be more complex," the Skritta muttered as she examined the pad for the door adjacent to the droid room. "Keep watch for a few minutes - if I''m still under and there''s trouble, just carry me. It''ll be a hell of a headache but shouldn''t cause any long term damage!"


    ¡°Shouldn''t?" Jack began to ask as Sephy slumped against the wall. ".....and she''s gone."


    Jack thought about going back to the weapon room and starting on packing some of the gear up but he knew he couldn''t with several kill-bots right next to them.


    Not hearing anything he looked out of the nearest window. There was no glass on any of the ones they passed, just uniform holes open to the outside, so there was just enough to give a slight cool breeze to help calm him down. So far so good. This was the home stretch with the best loot. Don''t lose it now¡­


    He heard a soft grunt from behind him as Sephy returned to the real world.


    "Sorry Jack, this one''s a bust. Security is too tight, a completely closed system. I tried my best."


    "Don''t worry about it." Jack grinned. "Haul''s still good, let''s check out the magic stuff and make this our last trip. Running out of bags anyway, and we have weapons to bring down too!"


    "Yeah, you''re right. Let''s fill up these bags then we can worry about how to get it all home!"


    ******


    It didn''t take long to finish up. The magical lockup unfortunately didn''t have any magic artefacts or scrolls of power, but was mostly composed of reagents used in rituals according to Sephy, who, despite being disappointed, still filled up several of the bags. Jack had no idea what any of the stuff was worth, though he realised that several of the wands and potions were probably good finds.


    Unfortunately, once Sephy had gone through the weapons she quickly discovered that many were either broken, worthless or just not that good to warrant taking, mentioning that the special room probably had the best stuff due to the extra security. Still, they filled up the remaining bags with what was left before they snuck back downstairs to their escape route. It was only when Jack carefully placed the manhole cover back into place that he allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief.


    With Sephy at the other end, Jack started sliding the bags down the tunnel towards her, still keeping his ears open for any noise, while reflecting on what they had just done.


    Holy crap! With a few near misses they had actually pulled it off! The security was terrible, and they had covered their own tracks so well that the Prefects wouldn''t discover the heist had occurred for a long time, if at all!


    "That''s the last one!" Sephy called out. "Gods above and below that was easy! Apart from the special lockup, an absolutely flawless performance from the both of us!"


    "Yeah," Jack grinned, as he started making his way back¡­.


    Before a grid of bright red lasers activated less than an inch from his face.


    "Fuck."

 Chapter 18: Escape!

    "Well at least they haven''t been caught yet," Nika smirked as the three girls watched the complex entrance, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible.


    "I just hope it stays that way," Alora replied with obvious worry in her tone. "Honestly, what was she thinking including Jack in her crazy plan! We were talking about a few easy trial runs to get him ready to join us on adventures and now he''s in the deep end with no warning!"


    "He''s already been in the deep end, just not on a mission with the rest of us." Nika shrugged. "He¡¯ll be fine. Chiyo, you found them yet?"


    I''m communing with Sephy now. It appears that they''ve been successful and are currently just getting their ill-gotten gains out.


    "Well I guess that''s not so bad then." Alora sighed in relief.


    "Yeah," Nika agreed. "I''m just glad they didn''t get themselves trapped or something. Chiyo? What''s wrong?"


    Sephy says they may have run into a quote ''very slight issue''


    All three of them looked at each other knowingly at that.


    "Shit," they all cursed in unison.


    *****


    "Are you able to turn them off?" Jack asked, trying to do his best to stay calm.


    "Well I''m too far away to try at the gate, but just from a cursory glance they''re looking out for possible intrusions into the network. I covered our tracks, but if I hop into the network they''ll know. This looks like an automated security response to a perceived glitch rather than intruders."


    "Alright," Jack reasoned, regulating his breathing and thinking logically. "Then why don''t we just wait it out until the alert goes away. We''re safe here, right?"


    "Maybe not," the Skritta thought. "Part of a security response can include thermal scans. If one of the Zero-Zone droids is activated and comes down here, they could ping you since you''re on that side. The alert could last for hours or even days!"


    "Damn," Jack muttered, before coming to a realisation. "You said the roof was jumpable, right?"


    "The roof? Are you crazy?"


    "Makes sense, the longer I sit here the more chance I have of being discovered, but if I move now and sneak up before the guards and droids can fully muster I have a shot of making it out."


    "You''d have more chance of being discovered if you leave here!" Sephy hissed at him. She was suddenly feeling very aware that it was her idea that got them in this spot in the first place. "I couldn''t live with myself if anything happened to you."


    "Don''t worry." Jack gave her a cocky smile despite his terror. "So far so good, right? If I get discovered I''ll just make a run for it and meet up with you later!"


    "Alright," Sephy nodded, nervous herself. "But keep an open call with me via commlink, I can at least see where the droids are via cyber. I''ll see you on the other side and you can help me carry this loot!"


    "I''ll be back before you know it!" Jack smiled before quickly and quietly exiting the manhole.


    Sephy gave a breath to steady herself as she kept tabs on the droids that were slowly being activated. If Jack rushed up he might be able to find the ladder to the roof, though they hadn''t found it when both of them were up there.


    Meh. She was sure Jack would think of something and they would laugh about it afterwards.


    A familiar presence probed Sephy''s mind as she felt Chiyo wanting to engage in telepathy.


    "Crap."


    *****


    Upon hearing hurried voices approaching, Jack quickly covered the manhole with a crate and dashed towards the stairs, careful to not make any noise as he did. Despite himself, he stayed to listen to what might be going on as the Prefects approached the spot he''d just come from.


    "Everything checks out here, no sign of entry and deep scans reveal nothing on our side of the vent," one of the Prefects muttered, holding out a device and waving it along the ground.


    "Told you, big crate right on top," another joked. "Besides, anything strong enough to move it won''t be fitting down there!"


    "We are in consensus on that," the leader, a Korrigan, answered. "However the rule is clear. In the event of a system glitch all points of egress should be checked before system repair."


    "Hey guys," a third voice rose in alarm, and Jack''s heart skipped a beat in worry.


    "What have you found?"


    "Well¡­ I haven''t found anything, just that wouldn''t blocking a manhole with a crate constitute a fire hazard?"


    "Yes you would be right," the leader replied in a monotone. "Once we complete our search we will complete paperwork on the subject¡­."


    Jack had heard enough as he turned away and headed upstairs, bounding up several steps at a time, not stopping until he got to the top floor. He couldn''t hear the hum of any Zero-Zone droids, but he was still cautious as he peeked round.


    Nothing yet¡­.


    "Sephy, what''s the status on the droids?" Jack spoke into their open comm. "Any idea where the ladder to the roof may be? We explored everywhere we could access, right?"


    "Umm¡­." Sephy started. "Based on where we saw possible access before and on what I can see¡­"


    "Yeah?" Jack prompted.


    "It''s in the Zero-Zone droid room!" Sephy whispered in horror.


    "But you locked it, right?" Jack asked as he quickly rushed to the room against his better judgement. The open window next to the locked door to the special room was nearby, he could possibly climb it¡­


    "Um¡­. Sephy?" Jack asked upon peering through the glass door of the room. "The door was jammed right?"


    "Yeah?" Sephy replied.


    "The droids aren''t there!"


    "What? That''s not possible unless they found another route¡­ Oh shit! JACK RU-"


    On hearing the familiar buzz close by, Jack immediately lept into action, jumping and kicking off against the corridor wall to fling himself high, using his full height to jam himself in place next to the ceiling as the door to the special room opened, and a Zero-Zone droid hummed forward. Then another. And another.


    Jack held on with all of his strength, his muscles shaking like crazy as he pushed as hard as he could against one wall with his hands and the other with his feet, keeping him close to the ceiling as several more droids passed underneath without noticing him.


    As the eighth and final one passed underneath him, the buzz finally began to subside, and Jack couldn''t hold on any longer, his feet thumping on the floor as he made his way down as quietly as he could despite his exhaustion. Seeing the panel of the special room door flash, he sped through on instinct as it shut behind him.


    "Jack? Please be alright!" He heard on his comm from the worried Sephy.


    "Hey Sephy it''s all good, they didn''t spot me."


    "Oh thank the gods! Where are you now?"


    "Can''t you see it on your end?"


    "No way!" she scoffed in excitement. "You''re in the special room?"


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "Yep," Jack replied with panting in his voice. "Couldn''t have seen it from the glass door but it connects with the droid room.


    "And since the droids are no longer there you have a clear route up and out!" Sephy cheered! "Hurry up and get to the roof!"


    "Not just yet¡­" Jack slowly replied with a thought, pulling out one last bag from one of the coat pockets. It was the bright pink girly one he had picked up earlier. "I might as well grab some stuff here and make it a clean sweep!"


    He heard nothing from the other side for a few moments as he clearly heard Sephy come to grips with something. "Jack you don''t have to put yourself at risk anymore, things went too far already and you''re in a bad spot because of me¡­"


    Jack thought about what he was going to say for a moment. It was clear that Sephy regretted getting them both in this situation, but he didn''t blame her for it.


    "Hey, it was my idea to come along, remember?" Jack replied reassuringly. "Besides, I''m not caught yet and this is the home stretch. Just let me know if the droids are coming back and I''ll run." Jack quickly snuck into the droid room as he was talking and found the ladder, confirming that the hatch at the top was indeed open and didn¡¯t have any visible electronic lock. He could leave at any time.


    "Alright!¡± Sephy replied with her usual enthusiasm. "Grab what looks good and I''ll meet you outside, the others are on their way to where I am. It would be great if you could get here soon and save me from their nagging!"


    Jack snorted as he had a look around for stuff, but had no idea where to start. He just began stuffing anything and everything into his bag and pockets, covering his hands with his coat sleeve just in case there was anything dangerous. A black candle, encrusted with gemstones. A green ring in the shape of a serpent eating its own tail. A grey tome that seemed to give off smoke. Several vials of a dark blue liquid. A teardrop gem that seemed to change colour from one moment to the next. Didn¡¯t matter to Jack what it was, if it fit in a bag or a pocket, it was going in.


    Ooooooh! What was this?


    Even Jack recognised the curved black objects for what they were. A quick glance inside the magazines showed pointed bullets similar to the ones he knew from Earth. Was there a gun to go with them?


    He searched for it even as he stuffed his pockets with more loot out of the bookshelves and the cupboard. Come on! Ammunition but no gun?


    Coming to the last cabinet, Jack was disappointed that there weren¡¯t any signs of the long-barreled firearm he was expecting, though he did note a bar of gold as he started rummaging through. A short stick of metal, some kind of walking stick, he barely had room for it. He was just about to pull away and cover his tracks when he saw something interesting. Moving a few dusty papers around, his hand wrapped around the grip of...something.


    Pulling it out, Jack''s first impression was that it had to be the chunkiest looking revolver he had ever seen. Admittedly he hadn''t seen any that wasn''t on TV, but he just knew this one was special. It was jet black, with red filaments that seemed to glow brighter with his touch¡­


    He had no idea if it was actually a useful weapon, or even a weapon at all. But it looked cool, and based on that fact alone he zipped it up in a bag already heavy and near to bursting with random shit.


    Hearing the low buzz that signified the imminent return of the Zero-Zone droids, Jack quickly rushed to the ladder and climbed up to the roof, really hoping the droids wouldn''t be able to potentially follow him.


    Swiftly Jack used the outside landmarks to work out where the wall was, cursing both the gap and the height Sephy had thought was doable. Clearly she hadn''t thought about any heavy loot burdening him down.


    Or the fact that he didn''t have wings¡­


    Looking at it logically, the gap wasn''t that bad. The main problem is the high drop that had the potential to turn him into concrete-floor pizza if he missed the jump. Taking several deep breaths Jack tested it by throwing the pink bag as far as he could, with it only just making the gap.


    He calmed himself as he moved back, getting ready to make a running jump. He had made longer jumps before. When he first arrived and had to survive against the psychos trying to kill him he had been able to leap far and high avoiding gunfire, before coming back down to fight back.


    But that was different.


    He knew that comfortable gravity was much lower for other species than it was for him, however, Hive Station Bastilla had some kind of artificial balancing field that kept things stable enough for all species. Would that screw things up for him if he was much higher up off the ground? Or would the weight of his clothes bog him down?


    Screw it. He was worrying too much.


    Jack closed his eyes and mustered his courage before he just went for it.


    ******


    "Just how irresponsible are you?" Alora chastised the ashamed-looking Skritta, as Chiyo and Nika both gave their looks of disapproval.


    "Hey it was Jack''s idea in the first place! He was the one that asked me about it! I told him and we both just agreed to do it. It was a great plan and would have gone off without a hitch had we made better time!¡±


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t and now he¡¯s trapped on the other side! He could be dead!¡± Alora continued, genuinely angry. ¡°Have you even checked in with him?¡±


    ¡°I did just before you got here!¡± Sephy argued, staying calm and trusting that Jack was fine. ¡°He¡¯d just dodged some Zero-Zone droids-¡±


    ¡°Zero-Zone droids?¡± Nika spoke up in horror. ¡°Holy shit Sephy, you know not to fuck with them without backup! Does Jack?¡±


    ¡°Yeah it was fine, we nearly had an encounter with one in the weapons room but he shoved us both into a locker to avoid it! Shit was hot!¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s when you immediately called it off and tried to leave right?¡± Alora asked with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Well¡­not exactly!¡± Sephy gave an embarrassed smile. ¡°After that we hit up the weapon and magic rooms!¡±


    ¡°So where is Jack now?¡± Nika asked with narrowed eyes. Though she knew Sephy wouldn¡¯t drag her feet like this if she knew Jack was in serious danger, that didn¡¯t mean he wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Well after Jack dodged the Zero-Zone droids he last said he was in the special room that was previously locked on a closed network! He¡¯s basically grabbing as much as he can!¡±


    He¡¯s just grabbing random items without any idea of what they even do? Chiyo alerted them all, eyes wide in a panic and covering her mouth. Some of that¡¯s got to be cursed!


    ¡°Okay.¡± Alora tried to calm down, taking a deep breath before asking Sephy. ¡°How is Jack trying to escape?¡±


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s easy!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°He¡¯s just gonna jump from the roof over to the other side of the wall!¡±


    ¡°THE ROOF?!¡± they all yelled, only for them to then jump as someone else spoke up close by.


    ¡°Hello there!¡± Jack smiled as he stopped to catch his breath. ¡°You¡¯ll never guess what we just did!¡±


    The others just stood there for a while not knowing how to react to Jack¡¯s nonchalant entrance. Eventually Alora just hugged him in relief, while Nike playfully flicked his forehead with her tail for being an idiot.


    ¡°Told you it was fine!¡± Sephy grinned at Chiyo, who was just staring with a shocked expression. ¡°Got anything good, Jack?¡±


    ¡°Probably! No idea what it does though¡­¡±


    ¡°How could you be so reckless?¡± Alora started, looking visibly pissed at Jack. ¡°You could have died in there!¡±


    Jack raised a placating hand, while gently returning the hug with the other. ¡°It¡¯s fine, we¡¯re all good now. I¡¯m just glad it was me trapped on the other side and not Sephy. I got out fine enough!¡±


    Alora calmed down a bit, unable to be more mad at him for that sentiment. ¡°Look. We¡¯re all glad you¡¯re alright but you had us terrified.¡±


    ¡°I understand that,¡± Jack replied, trying to calm everyone down with his tone. ¡°But Sephy really did her homework on this place and I helped with the planning before we hit it. Apart from the lasers at the end it went down almost flawlessly.¡±


    Alora sighed at that before giving Sephy a quick glance.


    ¡°You guys really need to have more faith in me sometimes!¡± Sephy chipped in, moving up to Jack. ¡°Yes I¡¯ve screwed up before, but I know we¡¯re low on funds and despite the bad luck we¡¯ve been having I really wanted to help out!¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack added. ¡°It was my idea to go for it. I asked Sephy about it since she kept mentioning it and you guys kept shooting it down, and it sounded like it was worth checking out. All of you have welcomed me and done so much for me already, not to mention offering to come with me to see this Oracle. I just couldn¡¯t bear not returning the favour somehow, despite the risk.


    There was silence from the others as they all gave nods of understanding. Jack decided this was too serious however so quickly added, ¡°Plus those prefects helping the drow were assholes, only fair we get them back for it, right?¡± He smiled as the others chuckled in agreement, dissolving the tension.


    ¡°Speaking of¡­¡± Nika added with raised eyebrows at Alora.


    ¡°Yeah¡­.¡± Alora added, shaking out of her thoughts. ¡°That wasn¡¯t even why we came here. We need to get back to the house as quickly and quietly as possible.¡± She put a hand on Jack¡¯s shoulder and chanted a few things before muttering, ¡°Cloaking field, try not to bump anyone.¡± Before turning and starting down the alleyway


    ¡°Hey!¡± Sephy called out after the others who followed her. ¡°Aren¡¯t you gonna help with the bags?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck!¡± Alora chipped in, turning around and playfully sticking her tongue out at both of them.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Sephy shrugged to Jack as they both scooped up all the bags, with most of them being dumped on Jack


    ¡°That could have gone worse¡­¡±


    *******


    ¡°So¡­like¡­ could I turn myself in and receive the reward for the bounty?¡± Jack asked thoughtfully.


    ¡°You¡¯ve just been told that you have a bounty on your head and that¡¯s your first thought?¡± Alora asked, shaking her head in exasperation as she handed him a mug of tea. ¡°How are you not dead already? And no, it doesn¡¯t work like that! Most of the larger amounts require you to be dead anyway!¡±


    They had gotten back to the house without any trouble. Jack''s arms were only minorly tired from carrying the lion¡¯s share of the bags, mainly because Chiyo and Nika had eventually taken pity on him and took some of the weight off, with Alora eventually following. They had yet to go through the loot though, and Jack was really hoping they had some good shit they could use. He fully understood why Alora was disappointed in the both of them for being so reckless though, she cared for both of them and in time she¡¯d calm down.


    Given that Jack in particular had a growing bounty on him, the group had decided to spend some time at the house to plan the trip before getting an early night and leaving the city districts by dawn the next day to avoid attention. Alora had apparently gotten bounties placed on her before, and she assured Jack that once the initial excitement went down hunters would stop actively looking for them, and the ones that posted the bounties for trivial reasons would likely withdraw their posts. Jack wasn¡¯t really convinced by that, but he decided not to argue for now. The only thing he needed to focus on was getting to the oracle, and to do that he needed to prepare for the trip.


    But first they had some loot to check out!

 Chapter 19: Lock and Load

    ¡°Hey Alora! We¡¯ve got some seeds for you to add to the garden!¡±


    Sephy threw the Eladrie a clear pack of seeds that Alora took, closing her eyes as she communed with them.


    ¡°Sephy.¡± Alora¡¯s eyes opened again with a very unamused look. ¡°Why do you think I would want to add Kush to my garden?¡±


    ¡°What? You don¡¯t want to see them grow?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m less worried about that, more you getting high as a comet again!¡±


    ¡°Oh come on, it wasn''t that bad last time!¡±


    ¡°You drank an entire pack of energy drinks during a run when you got bored waiting for Chiyo to finish astrally projecting and ended up somehow walking past all the active security without being noticed and falling asleep on the XcrathCorp manager¡¯s desk, having eaten all the food in their minifridge!¡± Alora replied sternly. ¡°While that was rather funny we did not appreciate having to drag you out! I dread to think what you''d be like if you ever took any actual substances!"


    "Oh come on Alora! They''d be a great source of income for us!"


    "At what cost? The long-term mental suffering of those we sell it to?"


    Kush and Spiritmoss aren''t proven to have any long-term negative effects. Chiyo added, typing out so Jack could see.


    "Doesn''t stop it from being a gateway to worse stuff though!" Nika added. "We don''t want to cause unnecessary suffering if we can help it.¡±


    The group was at an impasse until Jack had an idea.


    "Do these drugs have any medicinal qualities?" he asked the group, as they all turned to him.


    "Kush is sometimes prescribed by some doctors to relieve long-term or terminal suffering in limited cases." Nika shrugged.


    Spiritmoss is sometimes essential if a gifted loses control of their powers. Chiyo added.


    "Some of the harder stuff is used in first aid," Alora reluctantly added.


    "Well that''s our solution," Jack calmly replied. "We compromise by selling only to those that will put it to good use."


    "It may take a while to find those kind of buyers," Sephy finally replied. "But that''s a great idea! I wasn''t suggesting we push the hard stuff into the street or anything, but I''ve heard that there are scientific and religious organisations out there that will pay a bounty on some of the harder stuff to either study it, get it off the street or aid diviners in their investigations."


    "That''s definitely worth checking out then!" Alora acknowledged with a smile. "Good idea Sephy!"


    Sephy grinned at the praise. "Well that''s the fate of the more controversial stuff decided. Now you might want to check through these!"


    The Skritta selected several bags and dumped them in front of the others.


    "Jack''s idea since a lot of the good stuff got moved. Mechanical parts Nika might need, magical reagents for Alora and some banned books for Chiyo''s collection!"


    I like things other than books you know! Chiyo rolled her eyes as the three girls quickly glanced through their haul, with Alora in particular looking very pleased at some of the components.


    "We can go through most of this stuff later when we get back," Nika finally interrupted, moving everyone back on topic. "Right now we should figure out what we will take for the trip and make sure we''re all ready. I was gonna see how well Jack shoots as well before we figure out a loadout, maybe you could go buy some of the gear we¡¯re gonna need?¡±


    "Sounds like a plan!" Alora agreed.


    ¡°Alright then, Jack!¡± Nika addressed the human with a grin, downing the rest of her tea. "Let''s see how you do on the range!"


    *******


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re away from the others now,¡± Nika told Jack a little more seriously as they walked up to the range, which was adjacent to the back wall of their little district. ¡°We know you¡¯re good at fighting up close, but you mentioned earlier that you haven¡¯t really used guns before like we do, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack replied, a little nervous. ¡°Closest thing was aiming with air rifles with the Scouts. I wasn¡¯t too bad. Better at archery though¡­¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s not gonna fly here,¡± Nika bluntly warned him as she dumped the large bag on the floor, unzipping it to reveal several guns. ¡°So I¡¯m gonna see how you do with these. They''re a bunch of shit guns I keep charging here for practice, so low power that even you couldn''t cause any chaos with them!"


    Jack just grinned as she fumbled through the guns. "Challenge accepted!"


    "Well your first try at using a pistol was rather bad." Nika snorted. "So let''s see if the second time is any better. However!" Nika dramatically added, pulling her hand with the pistol back. "Tell me what you know of firearm safety first."


    "Aside from ''shoot straight, conserve your ammo and something about not making deals with dragons?¡¯" Jack joked before reciting what he remembered on the shooting range with the Scouts. "Don''t point at anything you don''t want to shoot, keep your finger off the trigger and keep the safety on or gun unloaded when not in use."


    "Close enough," Nika admitted with a shrug. "You¡¯ve also got to be aware of what¡¯s around and behind your target since our fights can get hairy. I would add ''don¡¯t try to show off or do anything stupid'' but Sephy tends to miss that one. Her sprayers are smartlinked to her cyberware though, so she can get away with it."


    "Sephy has cyberware?" Jack asked curiously.


    "Yep. You''re probably thinking of prosthetic arms and the like but she has some internal stuff, mainly for synchronising with computer systems."


    Jack just nodded. It would explain why Sephy did what she did with the electronics at the Prefects Lockup.


    "And it has other uses too, hence the smartlinked guns that make it easier to aim and shoot via an integrated HUD. I don''t completely understand it all so you''ll have to ask her. Anyway, this is an old KoreCell Defender Laser model, can''t remember which but it''s old. Laser weaponry is usually the most accurate, cuz lasers, but also usually quite weak and a bitch to use against heavily shielded or armoured opponents. They''re also mostly limited to single-shot pistols and rifles with a few exceptions. Usually more frail species tend to use these since they either can''t physically carry better weapons or they can''t handle any kind of recoil."


    "So laser weaponry isn''t that good then?" Jack asked.


    "Never said that, I said ''usually''. There are higher strength weapons out there that''ll fry your shields and then you with sustained fire like a gatling laser, or an overcharged sniper. Also, certain types of batteries can be modified to make them stronger. This is rare but possible, so don''t take any chances. Even the weakest laser guns will destroy your shields quickly if you''re caught in the open against a squad or a mob. So try not to let that happen!"


    ¡°Don¡¯t get shot. Got it,¡± Jack replied as he took the laser pistol from Nika.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how you do with lasers first, but I think you¡¯re strong enough for plasma weaponry,¡± Nika smirked as she watched Jack step to the shooting line without being told. ¡°You¡¯re probably good for some of the even stronger stuff too, but that¡¯s rarer and we don¡¯t have it unless you picked some up with Sephy.¡±


    ¡°We might have done, actually,¡± Jack added thoughtfully. ¡°I picked up a few magazines of bullets of some kind in the special room. Couldn¡¯t find a gun though, but it might be in one of the weapon bags.¡±


    ¡°Wait, hold up.¡± Nika stopped. ¡°Kinetic rounds? Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Well yeah?¡± Jack confusedly replied at Nika¡¯s excitement. ¡°Probably some old relics from ages ago, maybe they¡¯ll sell well to a collector or something. I can¡¯t imagine that they¡¯d stand up to laser, plasma or whatever other cool space guns shoot.¡±


    ¡°Jack, you¡¯re right but I think you have the wrong idea.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    Nika gave a deep breath of awe. ¡°Kinetic weapons are some of the strongest and rarest you can find in the Galaxy. This is a hell of a find. Even if we don¡¯t find the gun for them they¡¯d sell for a lot!¡±


    ¡°Why are they rare? We used them all the time back on earth!¡±


    ¡°For real?¡± Nika exclaimed in amazement. ¡°Well they¡¯re rare for two main reasons. Firstly is the ammunition, it¡¯s expensive and hard to find in modern times. The second reason is why they¡¯re never made or widely used. They¡¯re just too damn powerful!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not exaggerating at all when I say even the weakest kinetic weapon can punch through reasonably solid cover. Unfortunately, that often includes the hull of a spaceship, so even a misfire could mean certain death. Couple that with the fact that most species couldn¡¯t handle the recoil issues means accidents happened often, so the guns stopped being mass-produced. If humans used kinetic weapons, then you should be able to handle everything else.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, but I¡¯m not a trained soldier. How do I properly use this?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! We¡¯ll make a soldier of you yet!¡± The Kizun grinned, very eager to see how Jack would do. ¡°Safety switch on the right side of the gun closer to the trigger and you should be good to go. Take a few shots at the closest targets and give me your first impressions!¡±


    Jack did so, knowing to line up the sights on the pistol and squeezing to fire, putting several weak shots into the nearby targets, though Nika could see he looked a little off as he did so. He did, however, keep his fire reasonably accurate and near point, even going for several of the further targets.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± she asked.


    ¡°The trigger is super sensitive on this thing,¡± Jack complained. ¡°And there¡¯s no recoil for me which I¡¯m subconsciously expecting. With practice I can do better.¡±


    ¡°I can tune down the sensitivity easily enough.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Pretty sure Chiyo used these last and forgot to tune them back.¡±


    ¡°Chiyo uses guns?¡± Jack asked curiously.


    ¡°Hah, not even remotely.¡± Nika laughed. ¡°She only practices when I ¡®gently¡¯ remind her. Same with Alora, really. I keep telling them that they rely too much on their powers or abilities and need a backup, but do they listen? NOPE!¡±


    ¡°Alora¡¯s fight could have gone better had she used a gun,¡± Jack conceded. ¡°Though she had something else that surprised the drow bitch.¡±


    ¡°She certainly did.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°She¡¯s been wanting to do that for a while, though House Mal¡¯kar will almost certainly try to hit back, hence the large bounty they placed on you. Hurting her by aiming for you is definitely their style.¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°Any chance they¡¯ll come and try getting me themselves?¡± Jack asked, remembering the gang of drow that had fled. They were assholes, but didn¡¯t look like pushovers at all.


    ¡°Possibly, but I doubt it. Politically they want this to look ¡®beneath¡¯ them, hence getting someone else to do it. And if these patsies fail then hopefully they¡¯ll publicly forget all about it, treating it as something completely trivial over more important things. However, if a few reputable names publicly announce their intention to come after you or fail spectacularly, then the situation might either stay warm or heat up more as people talk about it...¡±


    ¡°That sounds reassuring,¡± Jack sarcastically replied.


    ¡°I know, right?¡± She grinned and handed him a rifle. ¡°Test this out standing, crouching and prone, same principle as before with the safety in the same position. Once I think you¡¯re doing alright I¡¯ll grab an assault rifle and pistol more suitable for you.¡±


    ¡°There was a handgun that I picked up in the special items room,¡± Jack recalled. ¡°Could I use that one?¡±


    ¡°Oh? Do you know what it does?¡±


    ¡°No, but it looked cool!¡±


    Nika snorted at that. ¡°We¡¯ll see hotshot. I¡¯ll check it out and run it by Chiyo first just in case it¡¯s cursed or some shit, but as far as we¡¯re concerned, it¡¯s yours if you want it. You stole the damned thing after all.¡±


    ¡°Works for me.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°If I¡¯m gonna be hunted down and end up on one of those reality TV shows I might as well look the part.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just lacking the trailer and 8 kids!¡± Nika joked. ¡°Anyway, try it out, and let¡¯s see how you do.¡±


    *****


    Jack did much better with the rifle than he did the pistol, likely due to his previous experience with the scouts. With no perceivable recoil he was easily able to hit dead centre once he got used to it. He was having great fun, time flying by as he swapped between targets, working his way back to the furthest ones Nika must have placed up the wall. It was only when he stopped for a breather that he saw everyone sitting nearby looking at him, having apparently all finished their tasks. Chiyo broke the awkward silence by giving Jack an awkward round of applause and a smile.


    ¡°Well done Jack!¡± Nika spoke up as she walked over to him, hands holding something behind her back. ¡°Now let¡¯s see how you do with this!¡±


    She slowly revealed the sleek green assault rifle and handed it to Jack, who gingerly handled the gun with care, noting the somewhat similar features to the laser rifle he had just been using. It was much lighter than he expected when he aimed at the nearest target through the blue dot reflex sight and switched targets without shooting.


    ¡°This is the Vulpoon X16 Assault Rifle. It¡¯s one of the ones you liberated from the prefects which I¡¯ve reset to factory settings, so as you take a couple of practice shots it¡¯ll auto-adjust for recoil and sights, and hopefully stay that way,¡± Nika explained. ¡°I picked it since it has similar settings to the KoreCells you¡¯ve been using and we don¡¯t have time to train you up on much else right now. However with the Vulpoon, since it¡¯s a plasma weapon, you can switch between automatic and burst fire, and you can also zoom in the sights to 4x magnification. Both settings are along the left side here and here.¡± She guided Jack¡¯s hand to different parts of the barrel near where the stabilising hand was. ¡°So with practice you can aim at the same time you change settings. It¡¯s on burst at the moment while it calibrates. I don¡¯t think Alora would forgive us if we put you on automatic and you hit a bird or something.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Jack nervously replied as he took aim at the first target. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡±


    "Don''t try to lean into it," Nika warned as Jack cycled between targets. "Let the calibration do its thing, you want it to feel natural."


    Jack did so, with his shots starting out wide, but quickly starting to hit where he wanted them. Nika was impressed.


    "Good. Try adjusting the sights and hit the targets furthest away."


    Jack did so, his fire being less accurate overall, but good enough.


    "Excellent!" Nika cheered, as the others followed suit. "That was much better than expected! Alright, try full auto until it runs out of juice."


    Jack did so, not daring to spray and pray but letting loose with effective but less accurate volleys until he heard a low hiss as something fell to the ground.


    "Battery auto-ejects when used up," Nika quickly spoke up. ¡°Catch this new one and slap it in now! Quick!"


    Hurrying and without thinking Jack caught the battery and swiftly slotted it in before shooting another burst.


    "Good!" Nika nodded, impressed. "I wanted to see how you''d react under a little stress. You didn''t even need to look or think on that reload too much because it''s that easy. Stick it in back or front lengthways and you''re good to go."


    "He''s better at this than you, Nika!" Sephy teased from behind them.


    "Fine by me!" the Kizun called back with a grin. "Means someone else can pull your ass out of the fire next time you get caught slicing!"


    "Perhaps it''s time to try that sidearm you were so excited about?" Alora called out with a grin of her own. "We need to wrap this up and get down to planning and packing."


    Jack also needs to be fitted with the equipment we got him. Chiyo added, having been laser-focused on watching Jack shoot, and totally not fantasising about it.


    "Alora and I can help him out with that,¡± Nika distractedly replied as she pulled out the cool-looking revolver to show to Jack. "Now Jack, your instincts were right on this, and I''m jealous as hell. I had to confirm with Chiyo that it was what I thought it was and we both think I''m right. This is a Dominator Photon-Class Handgun. Forged in artisan Bassilian Steel and tungsten dipped, this is one of 10,000 to be created in the galaxy. Only a few are thought to remain in the hands of private collectors, warlords or underworld figures and most are assumed lost. How one managed to end up in the hands of the fucking Prefects is beyond me. It fires Photon rounds on three different settings and has a remote autocharge feature, meaning that it''ll replenish its energy from local power sources over time. This is good, since this thing drains energy very quickly, so keep it as a backup."


    "Cool!" Jack exclaimed. "I''m not gonna lie, most of that went completely over my head but a gun called a ''Dominator'' sounds badass!" He reached to take the gun from Nika, but she didn''t give it to him yet


    "As I said, three settings," the Kizun continued, looking positively giddy as she took aim and fired while explaining. "Accurate single fire and a three-round burst best for close to mid distances. These two settings deliver some very powerful fire with a hell of a recoil, but that isn''t the best part. Watch this!"


    Nika took careful aim and braced herself before she called out clearly, "Overcharge!"


    The gun seemed to respond to that, starting as a low hum but rising in pitch as the red glow of energy got even brighter, before Nika finally pulled the trigger, the recoil visible staggering her as a powerful shot lanced out, completely obliterating Nika¡¯s target, and another behind that.


    "That''s limited to once every few minutes, and that''s assuming you even have enough power." Nika grinned as she held the gun out for Jack to take. "What do you think?"


    Jack gave a cocky smile. "I think people are gonna regret putting a bounty on me!¡±


    ******


    ¡°You might as well attach it to your belt now,¡± Alora explained to Jack as she handed him the small personal shield generator they got him. ¡°Not really something you want to forget when going into potentially hostile territory!¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Jack smiled. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°We also got you a hiking bag with a blanket and a few other personal essentials,¡± she continued before giving him an embarrassed look. ¡°Though if it¡¯s ok, with you we were hoping you could carry a few extra things. Everything is as lightweight as we can possibly make it, though a few comforts would be nice, mainly a canopy if we can¡¯t find a suitable shelter or other stuff we might need as a group. Not all of us can comfortably carry much other than what we personally need.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Jack replied with a nod. ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do after you all agreed to come with me.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t be carrying it all.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°That used to be my job, it wasn¡¯t the most ideal even with my exoskeleton.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Alora sighed. ¡°It wasn¡¯t fair on you but I¡¯m glad you did. At least we might have enough spare parts to patch together an auto-mule or something when we get back!¡±


    ¡°Now that would be awesome!¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Only thing left is for Jack to pick out a few knives and a decent close-range weapon, then we can go join Sephy and Chiyo and see if they¡¯ve confirmed a good path yet.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already got a switchblade,¡± Jack answered. ¡°A Swiss army knife would be good for survival as well, but apart from that¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d take a few more just in case,¡± Nika interrupted. ¡°Even if it sounds like overkill. Out of sight, out of mind, but a lifesaver if you get into a grapple.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Jack conceded, picking a few smaller ones and mentally assigning them to pockets. He agreed that it was a bit overkill, but he understood that Nika probably knew best. ¡°Now you mentioned a close-up weapon?¡±


    ¡°Yep!¡± Alora perked up as she indicated the nearby rack of weapons. ¡°Knives are good but useless against things like undead or the augmented. We¡¯ve collected a few decent weapons, so you can take your pick!¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Jack began. ¡°Have you got any lightsabers?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Both girls asked in confusion.


    ¡°So it¡¯s like the hilt of a blade, but you flick a button and a neon beam of light pops up and you can cut things really well with it!¡±


    ¡°Um¡­.¡± Nika began.


    ¡°Sorry I don¡¯t think I understand,¡± Alora replied apologetically. ¡°We have plenty of swords that would look great on you though!¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Jack began, trying to find the words. ¡°I mean, I¡¯m a sucker for lightsabers, but swords in general are just¡­.really cliche and unoriginal for my people.¡±


    ¡°Well you could try using a special type of sword,¡± Nika reasoned, before coming up with an idea. ¡°What about a katana? Folded over a thousand times it can cut through-¡±


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m not a weeb.¡±


    ¡°What are you thinking then?¡± Nika asked as Jack paced along the weapon racks. There was a heavy flail, he spotted a mace, and then there was¡­


    ¡°You want to go for an axe?¡± Alora asked curiously.


    ¡°Good call!¡± Nika approved. ¡°Plays to your strengths and has a lot of utility.¡±


    ¡°Damn right!¡± Jack acknowledged them after taking a few practice swings. ¡°Anyone that wants to mess with us will be axing for trouble!¡±


    ¡°Dear goddess¡­¡± Alora sighed as she rolled her eyes.


    ********


    Sephy and I believe we¡¯ve found a good route. Chiyo addressed them all, with Sephy acting as a mouthpiece for Jack while she added her own comments. There are several points that could be risky, but overall we are avoiding conflict zones and where the Killer Klown¡¯s people are believed to be.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Sephy chirped in. ¡°It¡¯s a little longer but we think we can avoid most of the trouble by getting here.¡±  She shined a red dot around a highlighted area on the interactive map. ¡°This area either has or had a fully operational underground metro station which links to an area here, which is near where Mr Sparrel said the oracle was.¡±


    However, we don¡¯t know what is there. The nearest known settlement is this cluster of districts about 7 hour¡¯s walk from the city limits and 5  from the station. Chiyo continues, pointing at the location and smiling at Jack as Sephy translated. We will definitely want to get here to rest and get any information we can regarding the station. With luck the old underground system should be clear enough to traverse the tunnels, and it is somewhere on our underground part of the journey we are hoping to spend the night so we¡¯re protected from the elements.


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Alora steadily replied, clearly in thought. ¡°Though we¡¯re reliant on the tunnels being clear enough. If not we can try charting another path through the districts.¡±


    It¡¯s mostly forests and abandoned areas. Chiyo replied. Sephy couldn¡¯t find any datanet rumours, but all the same we should be careful.


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°My main concern is getting out of the city in good time. We can stop off for a quick energising drink at the tea garden since they serve some good shit, but apart from that I don¡¯t want us to be seen if we can help it. It¡¯s easier to double back and find a new path through the uncharted zones when you don¡¯t have bounty hunters actively tracking you.¡±


    ¡°So once we¡¯re done here it¡¯s off to bed for everyone,¡± Alora warned. ¡°Especially you Sephy.¡±


    I am reasonably well rested already so I will ensure you all wake on time. Chiyo added with an almost sadistic smile. No lie-ins for anyone!


    ¡°Might be worth getting food, water and everything else packed now then,¡± Jack added, wanting to contribute to the discussion. ¡°And clothes prepared so we can quickly get up and go.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Alora confirmed, as Chiyo tugged on Jack¡¯s arm to get his attention.


    I bought you some walking boots that should be comfortable for your size. I left them in your room, I hope you like them! She smiled.


    ¡°Thanks Chiyo, I was prepared to do it in trainers but that isn¡¯t the best for a long trip,¡± Jack awkwardly replied.


    I¡¯d probably have to carry you!


    ¡°Anyway,¡± Nika called everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°I¡¯ve bought energy drinks and MREs along with better camping gear with our new ill-gotten gains. But¡­¡±


    ¡°But we should probably have a good meal tonight and tomorrow morning,¡± Alora finished with a knowing smile. ¡°Everyone helps with the meal tonight! Let¡¯s get started!¡±


    *****


    Jack eventually laid down in bed after dinner, trying to heed Alora¡¯s instructions to go to sleep as much as possible, though by focusing on trying to sleep, his brain naturally fought him every step of the way. There were some challenging times ahead, and the anticipation was getting to him. Sure, playing with guns had been great fun, but that came with the expectation that he would need to use them. But could he?


    In the right circumstances, he would have to.


    And robbing the Prefects? Jack had been a reasonable law-abiding citizen most of his life, the worst thing he¡¯d ever done was pirate music. What would his mother say if she knew? His sister? They¡¯d be disappointed in him for sure, but maybe his father and brothers would understand. Survival left little room for niceties, after all. And thanks to his and Sephy¡¯s heist they would all survive a little longer.


    And the oracle? What would even happen? What would he discover? Would it be words he wanted to hear, or would it be his worst nightmare?


    He guessed he would have to go find out, he thought, as he finally fell asleep.

 Chapter 20: Early Departure

    Waking up to Chiyo''s face an inch from his own was certainly not the most comfortable experience.


    But it certainly got the job done in getting him out of bed.


    "Chiyo! What the hell!" Jack exclaimed as he fell to the floor in shock. Her eyes just widened slowly as Jack realised that he hadn''t been wearing that much.


    "You''re lucky!" He heard Nika say as she walked in having heard the commotion. "Usually with Sephy she just yeets her- oh hello!" She whistled on seeing Jack.


    "You can oggle me later, unless you want to watch me use the bathroom?" Jack replied dryly, completely unimpressed.


    Well¡­


    "That''s a ''no'', Chiyo," the Kizun grinned, to an unimpressed look from the Ilithii. "We need to hurry up and get ready, then probably wake Sephy up again. Plan is to get a quick rest and a hearty breakfast at the tea garden as early as possible, then make a line for the city limits. The quicker the better too, a few local hunters have publicly announced their intention to go after Jack''s bounty, and goodness knows how many others¡­"


    That got Jack''s adrenaline flowing. Not needing any prompting he rushed to the bathroom to change and got ready in rapid time.


    ******


    Though Jack was now much more heavily armed than before, he was still rather terrified as they briskly made their way down the relatively deserted streets, quickly reacting to any sudden movements. Alora tried to reassure him, and calmed him to the point where he didn''t have a constant grip on his rifle, but that didn''t mean he wasn''t ready to draw and let loose the moment something went wrong.


    Despite some shifty gazes from passersby, they made it to the tea garden in excellent time, picking a remote, out-of-the-way table close to the exit. Jack constantly kept his hood up to conceal his identity. It was a risk coming here, but the others were insistent on a warm hearty breakfast before they set off. It was a long trip after all, and even with Jack and Nika carrying the lion''s share, they could only carry so much. Jack had to admit though, when the breakfast platters Alora had ordered showed up, he was more than happy with the compromise. There were several stacks of unusually flavoured pancakes which Chiyo immediately helped herself to, with several sweet syrups and spreads of all sorts of colours. There were also unusual-looking eggs and several different meats which Nika insisted everyone eat to get their dose of protein in, though Chiyo wanted to argue against it in favour of more pancakes. They had ordered their own teas as well, with Jack electing for a yellow citrus brew served in a large tankard that, according to the menu, would ''focus and sharpen his senses''. Whether that was just a bunch of marketing crap or legitimate he didn''t know. All he knew was that it tasted pretty dope.


    Nika had also insisted on a round of Swifts, which was apparently a popular energy drink that the girls liked, rationalising that it would help them make good distance from the city limits in a short time before taking a rest, avoiding the bounty hunters. Jack had consumed Red Bull before, but these were slightly less sugary. For the others though, the green liquid served to properly wake them up.


    Do we know which bounty hunters have publicly laid their claims on Jack or Alora? Chiyo asked while gorging herself on yet more pancakes.


    "A few low-level hunters have put their puck on Jack''s bounty," Nika replied in between calculated sips of her tea. "Many seem to want to get into House Mal''kar¡¯s good books with the lethal bounty, but a couple of hunters are known to use non-lethal methods and probably want to bring him in alive. I''ve checked them out, many probably won''t try it on seeing us together, so if anyone does actually go for it they''re stupidly desperate.¡±


    Anyone in particular you think will? Chiyo asked curiously.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got ¡®Zhal Han the Magic Man¡¯ who claims to have mastered a close combat style that rivals all others and has given him near godlike power. He¡¯s put videos up on NetTube with obvious paid actors that are just too damn funny. He keeps dipping and dodging challenges from other masters and so wants to claim some notable bounties to legitimise his claim.¡±


    I¡¯ve seen those videos! I almost want him to find us so you or Jack can kick his ass!


    "And I¡¯d be happy to!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°We¡¯ve also got this guy¡­¡± She pulled out her device, and Jack could see a severely morbidly obese avian. ¡°Bit of a scumbag. Calls himself ¡®The Redeemer¡¯ for some reason. He has quite a lot of bounties on him as well for being caught talking inappropriately to young girls, racism towards other species¡­ apparently there¡¯s even one for ¡®excessive sniffing of fingers in the presence of high society.¡¯ and another for riding on the name ¡®The Redeemer¡¯ which is used by another, more experienced hunter. He¡¯s coming after Jack because he wants money for weight-loss surgery.¡±


    ¡°We can shoot that one, right?¡± Jack asked, as he was not completely sure of the group¡¯s rules of engagement.


    ¡°Only if it turns hot,¡± Alora gently replied, though Jack could see she was a bit conflicted on that. ¡°Honestly, maybe the other hunters will go for him instead if they don¡¯t find us.¡±


    ¡°Agreed. Let this guy be a distraction for the rest,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°Last guy that looks interesting, ¡®Dubaaku¡¯ claims to be a former priest of Nekdon that received a vision compelling him to kill Jack. Not much is known except that he¡¯s claimed to have visions sending him after other people somewhat regularly, so it¡¯s likely he¡¯s just mentally ill rather than getting messages from a dead god. He¡¯s probably the biggest threat out of those that have announced themselves.¡±


    ¡°Nekdon¡¯s one of the school¡¯s founder gods, right?¡± Jack asked. ¡°What was he god of again?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s mainly known for dark secrets and hidden knowledge.¡± Chiyo shrugged. ¡°But he had darker portfolios when he was alive, like undeath. Undead and dark wizards used to worship him a lot.¡±


    ¡°Any other threats we should know about?¡± prompted Alora.


    "Social media seems to be pretty active too," Sephy added, looking a little worried. "Most of them are probably just datanet tough guys trying to look edgy and hardcore, but I¡¯ve seen some that look serious. A few Red Legion affiliated groups are trying to band together and form a posse, but there are arguments on who will lead it. Got some gang chatter about Jack as well, apparently a few of them seem to think that Jack looks like an unknown entity that completely ripped the Ravagers gang apart at the Pallid Pit. Most want to avoid him for that reason, but a few gangs are talking about taking him down for street cred."


    "Any gangs in particular you think are a threat?" Nika asked.


    "The usual krakshit crazy undead assholes." Sephy shrugged. "The Crypts started talking about it so naturally the Bloods want a piece of the action first. No idea if this will come to anything though, since those two fight over everything. Most sensible gangs don''t care, but we might get some trouble from either the crazies or the ones with something to prove."


    "Then we shouldn''t give them the opportunity." Alora shrugged. "What about my bounty?"


    "Only House Mal''kar wants you dead, the rest want you alive," Nika confirmed.


    Still, we should avoid conflict with hunters if we can, Chiyo added, typing the message out for Jack to see. However should one successfully track us down, we should show no mercy. Sending a message to the others will hopefully get them to back off.


    Jack decided to say nothing. His friends were more experienced with this kind of thing, so he would leave it to them for now. Certainly he hoped he was prepared for anything that might happen.


    "We will cross that bridge when we get there." Alora decided. "Let''s finish up here and then we could¡­"


    They were interrupted by a small group of ratfolk waiters (who according to Chiyo were a species called ''Lizta'') that quickly and quietly approached them, with the oldest among them speaking up apologetically.


    "We are most sorry, honoured guests, but a situation has arisen."


    "What situation?" Alora cautiously asked, as she gave a quick, knowing glance to Chiyo.


    "Unfortunately, another guest is refusing to respect our establishment as accorded neutral territory, and has begun asking questions regarding Mr Frost and Miss Glenphyranix, disturbing the other patrons," another Lizta spoke up, resting a reassuring hand on the first speaker''s shoulder. "We would like to apologise for your meal being disturbed and offer you the use of our staff tunnels in order to make a discreet exit, as well as waive the fee for your meal."


    "Oh no, waiving the fee won''t be necessary," Alora politely replied as she looked towards Chiyo, who gave a subtle nod of her head.


    Auras check out, they are being sincere


    "But we would appreciate the opportunity to leave without causing any trouble," Alora finished.


    "How did they even find us?" Sephy asked. "I thought we were safe."


    "If I may," the elderly Lizta spoke up to answer. "The individual does not know you are here currently from what we understand, but rather has learned of your previous visits to our humble establishment, for which we are most grateful for. If you would please follow us and try not to bring attention to yourselves, we will escort you to the next district."


    They quickly gathered their things and subtly made their way towards one of the central serving huts, hearing a loud, boisterous voice as they got closer¡­


    "LOOK HERE! LOOK LISTEN!" The voice yelled, as several other early-morning patrons nearby were visibly uncomfortable. "SOME GUY CALLED JACK''S BEEN VISITING THIS JOINT AND I WANNA KNOW WHERE HE IS! REAL TAWK!"


    Jack took a quick peek at the speaker from around the huts, having used the nearby furniture and building to block their sight. It was the morbidly obese Avian Nika had shown them a few minutes ago. What was his name again? Oh yeah. The Redeemer.


    "Excuse me, sir?" Jack spoke up to the old man, feeling bad. "I don''t want to cause you any trouble on my account, I can go and confront him if you want."


    "That''s very kind of you young man, but that won''t be necessary," the elder Lizta replied with a warm smile. "My grandson has told me about what you can do, and though we appreciate the offer, we would prefer that this be resolved with discretion."


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    "You''re Kritch''s grandfather?" Jack asked, surprised.


    "Indeed," the old man replied. "Here we are. Skreeti will show you the way." He nodded to one of the younger Lizta in the group before whispering into his comm, "Sniper teams, are you in position?"


    "If you would please follow me!" Skreeti nervously spoke up as he opened the door to the hut to reveal a staircase before leading the way down. Sephy quickly tapped Jack''s arm to draw his attention to another very subtle shadowmark, this one being a simple circle within a triangle. Nodding his understanding, Jack quickly followed the others down the stairs as they heard the Redeemer continue to rage as the Lizta confronted him.


    "I''M GETTING REAL TIRED OF THESE SNIPERS MAN!"


    "Sir! I must ask you to immediately remove yourself from the premises or our sniper teams will open fire. You are no longer welcome at our establishment, and you will be shot on sight if you return¡­."


    "I wouldn''t be surprised if the old man puts a bounty on him for this," Skreeti joked as they quickly made their way through an immense warren of tunnels before emerging into what looked like an abandoned house. Listening intently at the door and presumably finding it safe, he quickly opened the door and ushered them out.


    "Alright you should be good now!" The Lizta nodded at the group. "Just for reference of where you are, the Temple of Hope is that way." He pointed vaguely to their right. "Anyway, I''d better get back. We hope you come back despite what has happened."


    "We will!" Alora chirped up. Thank you!"


    Skreeti simply nodded once more before closing the door and leaving the group alone on the deserted street.


    "Using tunnels to burrow up into abandoned houses, huh?" Nika bemusedly asked.


    We need to start moving. Where one asshole makes a scene, more will quickly follow.


    "Yeah we need to go," Sephy agreed, as Jack subtly brought her attention to another identical shadowmark carved into the doorframe where they just left. It was unlikely to be a coincidence¡­


    "Alright, let''s hustle then," Alora decided. "Towards the Temple of Hope for a quick blessing at the wayshrine for whoever wants it since it¡¯s on the way, then carrying on to the city gates!"


    They picked up the pace, putting distance between themselves and the tea garden they had just fled. Jack knew it had been a risk to go there, but he was still surprised that someone had come along and gotten close to finding them, even if they had been a complete idiot. It made him wonder what his smarter enemies were doing to try and find him. He had been to the Temple of Hope before and had admitted as much to his form class, so it was entirely possible they were walking into a bad situation.


    He pulled up his hoodie again, and gripped his rifle tightly.


    It was still early in the morning, but as they quickly made their way through the honeycomb of districts towards the temple, Jack noticed more and more people start to wake up, though he agreed with the others when they said they were either early risers or nocturnal based on their species.


    Hey, you don¡¯t need to worry so much! Chiyo messaged him, sensing the anxiety in his aura. Most people don¡¯t check the boards - the only way most people know about bounties is if it appears in the news if people have done really bad things! Even if these people know about it, they¡¯re not going to care!


    ¡°It might not be everyone we meet that wants to kill or capture me,¡± Jack whispered back, not relaxing at all. ¡°But it could be anyone¡­¡±


    ¡°Should be good once we leave the city, very few people go out and about on foot unless they¡¯re up to no good!¡± Sephy added, Chiyo apparently telling the others what she¡¯s writing to Jack. ¡°Usually people take ships between established towns and cities if they can afford it, so most people far from the city are either some kind of asshole or some kind of hermit, who are usually also assholes.¡±


    ¡°So wait.¡± Jack stopped. ¡°Why aren¡¯t we taking a ship?¡±


    ¡°Riskier for you for one thing.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Spaceports and chokepoints are the first places bounty hunters like to hang out just in case any targets come by, it¡¯s lazy but it works. The closest we¡¯d get by public shuttle is the town seven hours away on foot anyway, which is too expensive and only runs once a month. Trust us, it¡¯s better this way.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Jack conceded, not having known about the logistics.


    They eventually got to the temple district, which just so happened to be on the way to the city gate they wanted to take. It had been Alora¡¯s idea to visit the wayshrines on the way out, apparently an old tradition among pilgrims and travellers which petitioned any gods that could hear to bless them with safe passage. Jack didn¡¯t worry about it, not knowing too much about the gods save for the scant few he had learned about over the past few days. Instead he kept Sephy company, who didn¡¯t look too comfortable being around the temple again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, we¡¯re just passing through.¡± Sephy sighed as she sat down next to him on a nearby bench. ¡°You should go ask for a blessing from Astara or something.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t even know how to go about doing that, to be honest.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°Aren¡¯t the gods meant to be watching over us already? What would going for the blessing even do?¡±


    ¡°Haven¡¯t a clue if I¡¯m honest.¡± Sephy smiled. ¡°It¡¯s more tradition for the others, and it¡¯s important for them so I don¡¯t kick up a fuss.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough¡­.¡± Jack replied, not really knowing what else to say. He knew he should probably bring up what happened between them at the tower, but a combination of the early morning, not finding the words and everything that had happened in between then and now stopped him. He¡¯d bring it up later. Giving his excuses, he got up and took a walk, trotting over to what looked like a noticeboard, figuring that he¡¯d try and be useful and see if there were any local bounties. In hindsight he should have probably spoken to Nika or Alora about where to look first, since he didn¡¯t find anything that was really useful. There was a freshly posted alert about a creature sighting north of the city limits and a tattered sheet of paper with the message ¡®buying gf¡¯, but apart from that it was just rows upon rows of missing people posters, many having last been seen in the districts attacked by the Killer Klown.


    As the group reconvened and set off, they passed many groups of refugees and others displaced in the attacks. Jack could see the blank faces of those that had lost it all. It deeply echoed how he was when he first arrived, and how lucky he was that the temple was in a position to help him. Only this time, there were too many, and he didn¡¯t know if the temple could help them all.


    When they passed an automated donation station, Jack didn¡¯t even know how much of his cut from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup he donated to the relief efforts before catching up to the others, but the looks of shock and awe the nearby volunteers gave him hope that it would mean things would get better for some of these people.


    The group hurried through the streets, wanting to be well away from the city before it got busy. Though Jack did get several curious looks, Chiyo reassured him that it was more of an idle curiosity than any ill intent. They hadn''t ever seen a human before, after all.


    As they got closer and closer to the city exit they had planned beforehand, Jack could see the devastation around them get progressively worse. Seeing the attack on TV had certainly been an experience, but seeing the aftereffects up close was simply¡­.harrowing.


    "You guys are sure we''re not going to run into the Killer Klown, right?" Jack asked, suddenly much less worried about the groups and individuals actively gunning for him.


    "Quite sure," Alora answered seriously, also taking in the ruins around them. "Their war party is being tracked by powerful organisations looking to destroy them, so we''d know if they were close, but there may well be a pocket or two of Klowns separated from the main group after the chaos of battle."


    "Who I want us to engage if we can," Nika added. "They''re weaker the further they are from their leader, so it''s an easy bounty for us. Not to mention they fucking deserve it, of course."


    "Agreed," Alora simply replied.


    "Could they be interrogated for information?" Jack asked. "Find their hideout or rendezvous point?"


    "Nope," Sephy answered. They were silent for a few moments before Chiyo elaborated. They lack the intelligence to do so, having much of their sentience removed in what is believed to be an invasive magical and surgical procedure.


    "Sorry Jack, it''s a good idea but no," Alora added. "Though it''s unknown to the public if that''s the case for the officers. They''re few in number and can''t be taken alive."


    "That we know of," Sephy pointed out.


    "Give no quarter and show no mercy," Jack answered in understanding. "Got it."


    The militia at the gate had been mighty suspicious when the group requested to be let out, but didn''t stop them. Alora had just stated that they were going on a camping trip to some old ruins to the west to check for artefacts, and they seemed to buy it, warning them to be careful.


    Jack had to admit, he wasn''t sure what to expect outside of the city. He had seen forests and public gardens around, which he had mostly chalked up to artificial decoration, but he certainly didn''t expect to be walking through a full-blown overgrown forest. He knew that Hive Station Bastilla was an artificial god-construct that formed a ring around the star, and was many, many times the size of traditional planets, but he never expected things to look so¡­.natural.


    Through the canopy above he could see mountains rising up into the clouds, he could hear the birds chirping in the sky and animals scurrying among the trees.


    It was beautiful.


    "Alright!" Nika enthusiastically exclaimed, about 15 minutes after they left the city limits pointing ahead. "That''s Feathertop Hill. Once we cross into the next district we''ve just got to climb it and get our bearings."


    That elicited groans from the others, excluding Jack. Even Chiyo who was floating the entire time didn''t look too pleased.


    "Nika, we have a navroute," Sephy complained, bringing up a visual display to show her. "We don''t need to ''get our bearings'' by climbing a big-ass hill. Didn''t you say we needed to make distance? This isn''t helping."


    "Nice try Sephy," Nika grinned. "But you know as well as I do that the networks don''t cover the wild territories and we planned the route using old maps. It''d also be a good way to see any signs of activity from any other groups operating in the area, so I''m afraid there''s no getting out of it!"


    "Couldn''t you and Jack just run up and tell us?" Alora asked despairingly.


    Rule 1. Chiyo reluctantly countered, typing it out to make sure Jack wasn''t left out.


    "What''s Rule 1?" Jack predictably asked.


    "Don''t split up on a mission unless you have a really good damn reason," Nika clarified. "And a small hill like this one isn''t a good reason."


    "Does this even count though?" Alora asked. "We''re about 15-20 minutes outside the city, it''s not like we''re in hostile territory¡­"


    "It counts if the fucking Killer Klown was nearby recently," Nika adamantly stated. "And it helps Jack learn how we should go about this kinda stuff."


    "Fine," Alora stated. "But a five-minute rest when we get to the top "


    "I¡¯ll allow it." The Kizun snorted in amusement as she led the way.


    Jack had no idea why the girls were so bothered about a hill. It wasn''t even that far out of the city and they were worried about being tired? Was it to do with their alien biology? Would they be doing this the entire trip?


    As it turned out, it was mostly the sleep deprivation talking, rather than the physical difficulties Jack was worried about. The mood lifted as they began the steep walk up the winding path, and though there was slight panting from Chiyo as she followed the others, Sephy was quick to hand her a bottle of water when they got to the top, the grateful Ilithii sitting down with her and Alora to take whatever rest Nika would allow them.


    After making sure the others were alright, Jack joined Nika on the edge of the summit as she looked around, making notes down on her commlink.


    ¡°Everything alright?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Meh, should be good,¡± she replied, distractedly. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta make some more distance before we have a proper rest, but we¡¯ve made alright progress.¡±


    ¡°How much more can the others take? You¡¯re not pushing them too hard, are you?¡±


    ¡°Should be alright.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll all need a long rest when we get to the spot I have in mind, but it¡¯s better than dawdling and having hunters find us. I still had to get up here to check the route though, we might have a few shortcuts where district walls have crumbled, but I¡¯ve not seen anything bad yet.¡±


    ¡°The tree cover won¡¯t help,¡± Jack noted as he looked around. ¡°But larger groups would be easier to spot if they were around.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Nika sighed in relief at the confirmation. ¡±We should be safe¡­.¡±


    ¡°Hey Dad! Isn¡¯t that the guy with the bounty you were talking about earlier?¡± a boy¡¯s voice sounded from nearby.


    ¡°Hey! You¡¯re right, Braandun!¡± A jovial reply came from close by. ¡°Let¡¯s go talk to them! I¡¯m sure they¡¯re nice people!¡±


    ¡°Fuck.¡± Jack and Nika groaned.

 Chapter 21: Random Encounters!

    "Hello there you two! Sorry for disturbing the lovey-dovey session!" the jovial man called out, as Jack and Nika turned towards the noise in stunned bemusement. The two strangers were koifish-looking creatures that were seemingly swimming in the air, with the speaker being longer than the other one. Though they were strangers, Jack didn''t anticipate a fight on seeing them, and so didn''t draw his gun, instead waiting for them to explain themselves.


    "Daaaad," the smaller koi called. "You can''t win a fight against him! Mum said the next time you get in over your head you''re sleeping in the spare tank for a month!"


    "Oh that''s poppycock!" the father replied. "Besides, we haven''t spoken to him yet - he may come along quietly!"


    "Um¡­." Jack replied, really not sure what to make of this. "I can hear you mate, I''d really appreciate just being left-"


    "Oh don''t worry young man! I understand you want to spend some alone time with your girlfriend! Why, when I was your age I came up here with my wife and¡­"


    "Ermmm¡­...Dad?" The younger koi alerted his father as he looked around.


    "Oh sorry Braandun!" The father laughed, and leaned in to give a stage whisper to Jack. "Teenagers getting embarrassed by their old men, eh?"


    "Dad, that wasn''t¡­" Braandun tried to call out as he looked around, but he was waved off again.


    "Oh don''t worry, I''m sure you''re not embarrassed." The father smiled as he gave Jack a knowing wink. "Yes, anyway as I was saying, you''re a very lucky boy, Jack! There''s a little girl out there that really likes you and was rather hoping-"


    "Little girl?" Jack heard Sephy ask from the side with a laugh. "Jack, what kind of attention are you even attracting? Is there something you need to tell us?"


    "Ah," the father replied, embarrassed, as he finally noticed they were surrounded, with Alora, Sephy and Chiyo strategically positioned around them. Chiyo even had several sharp stones floating around ready to strike if need be, before she dropped them on seeing Jack''s raised eyebrows.


    "Well, this makes things much better!" The father exclaimed joyously. "Since you can handle four girlfriends, maybe you can handle some more! These three girls were very passionate when making the video explaining the situation, apparently they''re even in your class at school!"


    "Wait? The Hoduth triplets?" Alora asked, trying not to laugh. "We know them!" She tried her best to give Jack a serious expression, suppressing her giggles. "It''s your call, Jack!"


    Jack gave a long sigh. "But I haven''t even spoken to them yet! I''ve gone to school for one entire day! Couldn''t they just talk to me when we all get back? I''m sure we can be friends¡­"


    "See, Dad!" the son replied, trying to be done with the embarrassing encounter as quickly as possible "He kinda said yes, so can we just¡­"


    "Oh come on now, Braandun! That doesn''t count!" the father replied, turning to his son. "We''re under the protection of the Hoduth clans and I hardly worked for that at all!"


    "Um...sir, that''s ok," Jack replied, trying to ignore the girls trying not to laugh. "I have received the message loud and clear, the Hoduth triplets are more than happy to come and speak to me when we''re at school¡­.¡±


    "No no! The job isn''t done until you work hard for it!" the father replied stubbornly. "I refuse to believe you''d just let them talk to you like that with no effort on my part! That¡¯s far too easy to be possible! I must convince you with force! No weapons, a friendly one on one battle!"


    "Mister, that''s really not necessary!" Jack tried to de-escalate, not wanting to have to resort to violence. The guy was a bit dense, but had been perfectly amicable the whole time.


    "Dad! How are you even going to beat him?" Braandun asked, while resigning himself to the situation and turning on the camera on his commlink to record.


    "Nanomachines, son!" the father replied as he swayed side to side, hyping himself up. "They harden in response to physical trauma! Now prepare yourself, Jack, for my ultimate attack! Tail-fin slap!"


    Jack didn''t really know what to do as the fish charged at him and spun, very lightly tapping him on the shoulder with his tail before flopping around for several seconds to regain his balance. Jack just stood there with a complete ''WTF'' expression, having not been affected by the attack in the slightest.


    "Oh ho!¡± the fish exclaimed. "You were able to withstand my ultimate attack? Well how about this!" The fish lunged forward and headbutted Jack''s chest several times, coming in for a fresh attack with each bounce.


    "Um¡­.sir," Jack asked again, as the fish kept gently prodding him to the barely restrained laughter at the display. "I''d be willing to concede a draw and work something out?"


    "Ha!" the fish exclaimed after a few deep pants of exhaustion. "Yes! I am more than happy to share a mutual display of mercy with my worthy opponent! Name the terms!"


    "Erm¡­You can tell the Hoduth triplets that they are more than welcome to speak with me next time they see me at school if that is their wish."


    "Ah most excellent! I''ll relay the good news when we get back from our morning swim! What conditions do you demand?¡±


    "Um¡­" Jack thought. He looked to Alora, who by now had her face in her hands, the usually composed Eladrie trying to not laugh at Jack''s predicament. Guess it was his free choice. "I''d appreciate it if you didn''t tell anyone where you found us! And if you know of any threats in the area or anything cool we could plunder for treasure and stuff, that''d be great!"


    "Hmm, that''s two things you''ve asked for¡­." the dad pondered.


    "Can I have a selfie with you?" the son suddenly asked Jack. "My friends will be so jealous I got a picture with you!"


    "Sure," Jack accepted after a few moments. "I guess we''re agreed¡­"


    *****


    "Thank you for the information Mr Flopposenalitha!" Alora replied politely to the local information the fish gave to her, having composed herself on realising that some of it was actually useful.


    "You''re most welcome, young lady! And please call me Laandun! You boys done with your selfie?"


    ¡°We''re done!¡± Jack replied, after having catered to several pose requests.


    "Excellent! Well it was a pleasure meeting you, but we should be off!" Laandun replied. "Let''s go, Braandun!"


    The group stayed there for about a minute, until Sephy couldn''t hold it in anymore, her laughter setting the others off as an unamused Jack put up with it.


    Well as far as your first random encounter goes, I''d say it went rather well! Chiyo messaged him in between giggles.


    "Well I''d rather prefer to avoid more," Jack deadpanned. "Shall we go?"


    *****


    The group''s mood was rather uplifted after that display, helped by the fact that they were now moving downhill. The laughter at Jack''s expense had served to wake them up, and so they were now chatting amongst themselves, with Nika occasionally stopping to navigate, and Jack taking the time to ask a few minor questions about things he had either seen or encountered since he arrived.


    The forests and rolling hills eventually gave way to vast plains and other curious sights. Several communities had taken root at some point in history, with the telltale ruins of wood, stone and metal giving them away, each site displaying a wide variety of architecture and style that distinguished them from the others. It led back to what he was told about the Hive Station, that many civilisations attempted to settle over countless millennia, only for them to eventually fail and crumble. It only added more mystery to this place.


    After walking non-stop for several more hours without incident, the group eventually stopped for a rest just within the treeline of another, much thicker forest, with a gentle, clean-looking pond by the district entrance. Alora and Sephy immediately sat down and took their boots off to dip their toes in the liquid and cool them down, while Chiyo found a comfortable spot of shade where she sat down with Jack and Nika shook the tension out of her limbs.


    "So far so good?" Jack asked the Kizun, who still looked worried.


    "Yeah," she sighed, sitting down in the shade with them and watching the other two relax in the sun. "With a few hiccups we got out of the city mostly unnoticed. News might get around, but by the time anything comes of it we should be well underway. However, from here we need to take it much more carefully, as there''s more likely to be enemies about this far from any settlements."


    Chiyo nodded in agreement from where she was leaning against Jack, quite tired from the trip.


    He had asked her about it out of concern earlier, curious why she''d be tired when she could float using her powers. She hadn''t been offended, simply telling him that the power she used to move was like a muscle that got tired after prolonged use, but intermittent rest, food and water would fix it the same as it would if she was walking normally, which she stopped to do once in a while. She also mentioned that different things she could do with her power required different mental ¡®muscles¡¯, but didn''t elaborate much, more focused on sticking her tongue out at Sephy when she cheekily asked Chiyo to carry her.


    "So eyes peeled going forward," Jack agreed. "Not that I wasn''t paranoid before."


    Well now it''s justified. Deadlier things than floating fish around. Chiyo added, still texting quickly while her mind was resting. We''re taking what we think is the safest route planned but anything can happen.


    "Yeah, just follow our lead if anything happens," Nika warned. "Just don''t go all psycho and start fights with friendlies, and don''t run off from the group into a trap. In other words, use basic common sense and don''t be an idiot."


    So do the exact opposite of what characters do in horror movies and you should be good! Chiyo added, snuggling up to Jack and gazing up with her puppy eyes.


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    "Chiyo, you''re meant to be the subtle one among us," Nika snorted as she very obviously leaned into him while showing him the map. "So, here''s our route. We''ve got some vast forest around where we''re heading, but there''s certain districts we need to avoid based on what we''ve heard."


    Jack nodded, perusing the heavily snaking route, as Nika asked Chiyo to get an image search ready on her device while they were still in comm range of the city.


    "Now we all know what you''re gonna ask." Nika gave Jack a knowing smile. "So ask why we can''t go somewhere and we''ll tell you why."


    "Hah," Jack laughed. Obviously it was dangerous somehow. "Alright, what''s wrong with the direct route?"


    "Well that whole ''no civilization in the wild'' thing isn''t strictly true,¡± Nika began. "Unfortunately, we have tribes of aggressive, inbreeding and cannibalistic Zorn we''d like to avoid."


    Chiyo then promptly showed Jack the picture. Considering Jack had met Drow and Dragons, he was expecting something like a goblin or a kobold, but he was instead surprised to see a hunched sickly-yellow biped holding a crude spear, naked and emaciated looking except for a few patches of leaves and brown mud. Its facial features were ugly and malformed, though whether that was what it looked like naturally or as a result of the previously mentioned inbreeding was unknown to him.


    "These assholes cannot be reasoned or negotiated with, so don''t even bother," Nika continued, seeing Jack''s eyebrows rise. "They''re barely sentient, just enough to form tribes and worship their god of disease and disfigurement, whose name I can¡¯t remember."


    The god''s name is Gunge. Chiyo helpfully added.


    "Yeah, was just about to say that," Nika added with a playful wink at Chiyo. ¡°Anything else to add, Chiyo?¡±


    Well it is speculated that Gunge was the Zorn¡¯s creator god, or had a hand in the devolution of a progenitor race that became the Zorn. They like to spread disease to themselves and others, usually by smearing excrement into self-inflicted cuts and wounds, acting as vectors, though it is speculated that their god bestows particularly gruesome diseases on favoured followers to carry and infect others. She typed quickly to Jack, looking frustrated at the current method of communication they were forced to use. It was clear she wanted to say more to him.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lovely history lesson Chiyo,¡± Nika replied sarcastically. ¡°But I was hoping you¡¯d give Jack advice on what to do during a fight.¡±


    Chiyo¡¯s unamused look to Nika clearly came with some choice words as Nika quickly took that duty herself without complaint. ¡°Take them from a distance if you can, don¡¯t stay too close for long if you can¡¯t. They favour primitive weapons they smear in shit and like to get up close if they can after chucking a few spears. Important tribesmen are known to use more conventional weapons provided it has some way of transferring disease. Netguns and the like are very popular. Needless to say, we want to avoid them if we can, though we¡¯d probably smell them before Chiyo detects any auras.¡±


    They¡¯re probably going to be the main threat we encounter, though we may get undead in the area as well. Chiyo added, typing out for Jack¡¯s benefit.


    ¡°That¡¯s true but unlikely.¡± Nika dismissed it. ¡°We¡¯re away from you-know-where and though they can get this far, the Zorn are usually a buffer. We¡¯re more likely to get bandit groups or gangs, maybe a lone creature or two. Zorn are the main ones to be worried about.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Jack conceded. ¡°I¡¯m guessing if we run into anything bad you¡¯ll just tell me where to shoot and we can talk about it after. Though what do you mean by you-know-where?¡±


    ¡°Long story short, it¡¯s a bad place,¡± Nika replied uneasily. ¡°Nightwhisper Manor and the surrounding districts are not to be fucked with. It¡¯s a powerful zone of dark energy that spontaneously spawns all sorts of risen undead and other horrors, which is why we¡¯re staying the fuck away from it, and why I will say no more about it.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°I¡¯m more than happy to stay away from the ominously named location of evil and anything it happens to shit out.¡±


    ¡°Smart!¡± Alora smiled as she and Sephy joined them, lying down in the shade. ¡°As for any undead we encounter, they''re probably going to be your basic unbound risen corpses that aren¡¯t much of a threat. While they¡¯re harder to put down, they¡¯re really slow, and unless they¡¯re bound to a necromancer they¡¯re unintelligent too.¡±


    ¡°Sure, can they infect me by biting me?¡± Jack asked, curious how the walking dead worked there.


    ¡°Infect you? Usual stuff from an unsanitary dead body, maybe, but nothing like these zhombys you told us about that can make you one of them with a bite,¡± Sephy piped in. ¡°Risen will try and kill you to add to their numbers if they know you¡¯re around, though.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no bounty system in place for Risen since it¡¯s too easy to fake and game the system, but I want us to put any we encounter down if we can,¡± Alora replied with a firm look at the others. ¡°Even if they weren¡¯t a threat to others, the ones that were turned deserve better, and the ones that were never people to begin with are complete abominations of nature.¡±


    "The Zorn have bounties, though they''re not very high as they rapidly breed and aren''t a match for most people one-on-one," Nika added. "Though it does add up if you take out a patrol or war party."


    "Gotcha." Jack nodded his understanding. "Anything else I need to be worried about?"


    "A few monsters, most likely," Nika answered with a shrug. "But as long as we don''t wander into their dens we should be alright. Most of the monsters here are territorial and won''t wander far since the Zorn or the Risen they eat tend to just come to them, but we still need to watch out for any signs of them."


    "Otherwise that should be it," Alora finished. "The further away from civilization we get the worse it''ll be, but we should be fine as long as we''re smart."


    "Agreed," Nika confirmed, and looked like she was about to continue when they heard a sudden rustling in the bushes nearby that everyone immediately trained their guns on.


    Only one lifesign! Chiyo warned. But the aura¡¯s friendly, it¡¯s weird.


    ¡°You might as well come out!¡± Jack called out to the intruder as Alora relayed what Chiyo said to the group. ¡°Let¡¯s keep this cool!¡±


    The rustling got slightly louder, as from the bushes a four-legged creature with dark grey mottled fur slowly padded over towards them. Its height came to just above Jack¡¯s knees, excluding the long, pointed ears and the very long, twin tails wagging like crazy. It stopped at a respectable distance away from the group and sat down on its powerful haunches, the wagging tails now mopping up the ground behind it. It looked at the group with intelligent eyes, two where you¡¯d expect and another two along the long, elongated snout, which grinned with visibly sharp teeth and ended in a dark, wet nose.


    ¡°Woof!¡± the creature announced in a polite bark as it sat there looking at them, breaking the bemused silence.


    ¡°Hello!¡± Jack grinned, lowering his weapon and immediately walking cautiously up to the strange-looking ¡®dog¡¯ to give it a friendly scratch behind the ears. Whatever this creature actually was certainly appreciated the gesture, and leaned its head gently into Jack who started stroking the fur on its neck.


    ¡°Careful Jack, you don¡¯t know what that thing is! It looks dangerous!¡± Nika warned, eyes wide. ¡°For that matter, I don¡¯t even know what that is! Chiyo?¡±


    It is unknown to me as well, it certainly isn¡¯t native to the area, and I agree with you that it¡¯s probably very dangerous! Chiyo replied.


    ¡°I know enough,¡± Jack responded with a smile, not taking his eyes off the creature as he moved to stroke the fur on its back. ¡°You¡¯re just a little puppy aren¡¯t you?¡±


    The creature gave another contented bark as it made itself comfortable


    ¡°Seems friendly enough!¡± Sephy grinned as she joined Jack in grooming the creature¡¯s fur. ¡°Can we¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not, Sephy.¡± Alora smiled, not unkindly, seeming to know what the question would be. ¡°It¡¯s a wild animal, and if it¡¯s a youngling like Jack thinks it belongs with its parents. Besides, it''d be too dangerous with us. I¡¯ll give it a blessing and send it on its way. Last thing we want is an adult one of these coming after us looking for its cub!¡±


    Alora then walked up and patted the creature on the head with a glowing palm, whispering a few words under her breath before moving back and nodding to the others.


    "Now that¡¯s done, let''s hustle up and get going! We''ve still got ground to cover!"


    ¡°Sorry boy, you can¡¯t come with us, nice meeting you though!¡± Jack whispered under his breath to the creature, which seemed reluctant to leave with sad eyes, before Chiyo gave it a friendly mental suggestion that sent it cantering back where it had come from.


    The next few hours were spent in relative quiet, with only a few sentences of conversation breaking out at a time, the group keeping alert for threats.


    Every now and then, one of the others noted tracks, markers or other signs of recent activity, and the group would deviate on their course to avoid them. While eliminating threats was on the back of a few of their minds, everyone agreed that avoidance was for the best.


    For Jack, it was almost a shame that they had to be worried about hostile people and monsters, as the forest they were travelling through slowly became less kept and much more natural the further in they went, as the canopy became thicker, and the trees looked much older. It was beautiful in a way, knowing that the nature around them was ancient according to Alora, though corrupted by the inhabitants, and occasionally interrupted by a crumbling wall, reminding him that they were still on an artificial station.


    He was pulled out of his thoughts when he noted another type of Zorn marker on the district wall, which he pointed out to the others despite being large and obvious.


    "Oh look." Sephy gave a snort of amusement. "More shit fingerpainting!"


    It was. Literally. This was the largest one yet, depicting several symbols surrounding a huge face of some kind. All around were a smattering of caveman-esque hand prints, each with three long fingers.


    "I think this must be a wayshrine of some kind," Alora speculated. "The face is the Zorn god, the symbols signify the local clans, and the handprints may be passersby seeking a blessing."


    "That''s lovely, Alora." Nika grinned. "But that doesn''t change that fact it''s using diarrhoea as paint¡­"


    Jack was quiet for a moment, no longer focusing on the conversation he had started. Something felt¡­wrong. He looked towards Chiyo who must have noticed his expression as she quickly hushed the others. Now that it was quiet he could hear signs of battle carried on the wind, which Chiyo confirmed.


    "Jack, how did you manage to hear that?" Sephy wondered in amazement, to which Jack just shrugged, not completely knowing himself. He knew that humans often displayed a sixth sense for things at times, and this just seemed like one of them.


    "Switch to closed subvocal comms," Alora instructed everyone. "I''ll cast a displacement spell on all of us and Chiyo can help mask our presence as well. Nika, you''re on point. Jack, go with her. We can''t ignore this."


    Jack nodded, making sure his gun was running as it should be. It wouldn''t do to mess up on his first proper engagement. Either someone needed help, or it''d be a good opportunity to get the drop on some bad guys!


    Eventually the noises got more pronounced as Jack and Nika quietly made their way through the old forest, with the others a safe distance behind them, making sure not to make any noise as they got closer and closer to what sounded like the end of the fight. Creeping up to the edge of the clearing the bodies strewn about made it clear to them what was going on.


    Several Zorn lay there unmoving, smelling much worse than the disgusting creatures looked with several spears laying amidst the carnage. As well as an insane-looking, polkadot suited Klown with a spear jutted in its throat.


    "Alora it''s a group of Klowns that riled up the Zorn," Nika faintly whispered, which was magnified enough for the comms to pick it up and clearly be heard by the others. "Doesn''t sound like there¡¯s too many, how do you want to play it?"


    "We have to take them out," Alora firmly responded. "You and Jack set up a good firing line, and the rest of us will get within casting range."


    "Understood, let them thin each other out first," Nika responded, as she bid Jack follow her stealthily up to a low ridge that overlooked a clearing, where Jack could finally see what was happening.


    Both sides looked to be in bad shape, with bodies littering the forest floor. It was clear that the battle was about to end, and that the Zorn were losing, though the Klowns had taken heavy casualties. Jack had to give fair credit to the Zorn however, in that they did not retreat or show any sign of morale loss. As he switched the safety off his rifle and took careful aim from their position, one of the Klowns went down to a thrown spear even as his return laser fire ripped his attacker apart.


    "We''re in position you two," Alora called out on the comms. "We''ve got Chiyo helping out with the spear throws, but I''d like to get a fireball off at the Klowns while they''re occupied and bundled up together. Chiyo says there aren''t many Zorn left but we can easily take them down if there¡¯s any left standing."


    "It''s your call, Alora," Nika confirmed. "Jack and I will open fire on your mark."


    They both stayed like that for several tense heartbeats as the main groups of Zorn were picked apart by laser fire, and the Klowns were beginning to disperse to finish them off.


    Right before an impressive fireball slammed into the middle of them and blew the main group to smithereens.


    "Take them down!" Alora called out in righteous fury.

 Chapter 22: Gladespring

    Jack barely gave it any thought as he let loose with a three-round burst with his plasma rifle, ripping through one of the closest Klown¡¯s centre mass, as Nika put another one down before they even knew what happened.


    Jack snapped his sights to another Klown who was only beginning to think about taking cover. Another safe burst to the centre of mass brought him low too.


    There were only a few Klowns left by now, and they were panicking and dashing for cover. One was cut down by a hail of rapid-fire Plasma rounds that could only have been Sephy, while another was disembowelled by a spear, the tip being telekinetically lifted off the ground while the Klown wasn¡¯t looking. The last of the Zorn, on realising there were others, began to charge towards where they thought the newcomers were hiding, before stumbling and fumbling over the plants that had somehow come to life, grabbing at their ankles and rooting them into place before being cut down by Jack and Nika, who thanked Alora as they did for her obvious handiwork.


    The Klowns didn¡¯t know how to react, trying to dip and duck behind whatever cover they could find. Jack noticed movement behind what looked like a hastily crafted wooden fortification, which he sent several rounds towards, blasting the cover and the two Klowns hiding behind it. Others were hiding close together behind a set of fallen logs that were suddenly lifted up by Chiyo, helpless to do anything as they were cut down by Sephy''s rapid fire. The last three Klowns hunkered down as best they could, but stood no chance against another of Alora¡¯s fireballs.


    And just like that, the fight was over. Jack exhaled the breath he hadn¡¯t known he¡¯d been holding.


    ¡°Nice job!¡± Nika patted him on the back after exhaling herself. ¡°That couldn¡¯t have gone smoother. I was wondering if you were going to freeze or not, but I¡¯m glad you didn¡¯t. Saves me making the whole speech on ¡®Why we need to kill the bad guys.¡¯ How do you feel?¡±


    "It''s weird," Jack admitted. "Everything about human pop culture demands I feel like shit, or remorseful or somehow terrible."


    "But?" Nika prompted.


    "Honestly? In a way it felt good," Jack admitted. "Obviously there was danger, and maybe it''s just the adrenaline talking, but I didn''t hesitate to put the Klowns down after seeing the kind of depraved shit they did on TV. As for the Zorn, you and Chiyo told me enough. This place is better without them."


    "Agreed." Nika smiled, giving Jack another pat of assurance. "Naturally produced adrenaline is rare among species, but Sephy and I both can as well. It''s alright to feel a little weird after your first kill, but it gets easier over time. Come on, let''s find the others.¡±


    "Sure," Jack replied simply as he followed after her, deciding not to correct Nika on her last point. He had been forced to kill before, after all...


    "That was awesome!" Sephy cried out as they approached. "We totally kicked their asses!"


    Chiyo just stared at Jack with a worried expression before Nika gave her a reassuring headpat. "He''s good Chiyo, don''t worry. He probably took down more than me!"


    "Yeah, it''s fine," Jack added on seeing Alora''s look of concern. "After seeing the Killer Klowns attack, I wasn''t going to hold back. But what were they doing here? Weren''t the Klowns meant to be heading North East?"


    "They were¡­" Alora replied thoughtfully. "We should investigate while we scan the bounties and loot anything of value. Best we don''t let the Zorn get their hands on modern weapons at least."


    "These dumbasses probably got lost from the main group since there aren''t any Klown Korporals," Sephy reasoned. "But you totally have me sold on looting their shit! We can pawn it off at the next town."


    ¡°You sure it¡¯s not gonna be too heavy for you, Sephy?¡± Nika teased the Skritta.


    ¡°Nah.¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll bear the burden if it means we get a nice meal in the next town. Or maybe we can save for a hottub for the house! Yes! Alora! Hot tub! Or a swimming pool! Can we?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what we find here first.¡± Alora giggled, heading towards the bodies but was stopped by Jack holding out a warning hand. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Jack?¡±


    ¡°Could any of the bodies be playing possum?¡± Jack carefully asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s a possum?¡± Sephy replied in confusion.


    ¡°I mean could any of the bodies just be pretending to be dead to try and catch us off guard?¡± Jack clarified, looking to Chiyo to check. Expanding her mind, her eyes went wide, and she quickly lifted several spears off the ground to skewer one of the Klowns leaning against a tree stump.


    Good call, Jack! He was probably going to bleed out anyway, but it¡¯s better to be sure! The Ilithii messaged him. How did you know?


    ¡°Just a feeling.¡± Jack sighed as Chiyo gave the ¡®all clear¡¯ to the others to start picking through the bodies.


    Sifting through the bodies was a little grim in Jack''s mind, but it was made easier when it was apparent that the Klowns had barely anything apart from the laser weapons they were carrying, much to the disappointment of Sephy. The collapsed polkadot canvas on the ground had likely been a tent of some kind, a theory that was backed by the fact that there were several dirty bedrolls underneath. A quick game of the alien equivalent of rock-paper-scissors broke out to determine who would have to rummage through them, with Alora being the unlucky loser until Jack raised the idea of Chiyo telekinetically shaking the bedrolls for any valuables.


    Most of it was junk with a few credit-chips that Sephy quickly scooped up, until Jack spotted a few papers on the ground.


    "Guys look at this for a sec," he distractedly called out as he looked through them. It was crudely drawn in crayon and probably coded, but¡­ "I think this looks like a map with directions!"


    "I agree," Alora stated as she had a hard time trying to make anything of it. "It''s not to scale and I only recognise a few landmarks, but it does look like planned troop movements. We''ve definitely got to get these to one of the groups hunting them down as soon as we can!"


    "We could get a good price for it too!" Sephy added. "Good find Jack!"


    We should not hold out on the information to try and get a better deal. Chiyo warned. There will be a reward, but holding out and jeopardising the manhunt will get bounties on all of us!


    There was no argument there. Jack could see even Sephy nodding in agreement, though the Skritta quickly asked:


    "It''s gonna be a good reward, right?"


    "I''m sure it will be!" Alora smiled, playfully giving her a shove. "Though we need to make it to town first and hope nobody else beats us to it!"


    "You''re right!" Sephy agreed in shock. "We''ve picked this camp clean! Let''s go already!"


    The next few hours were less tense for Jack after their relatively easy victory, though he was keen on getting to the relative safety of the town of Gladespring, where they would be in comm range for Alora to register their kills and sell the information.


    They ate their lunch at some old ruins that surprisingly didn''t see much traffic. Though Jack would have expected a primitive group of Zorn to use the place as a home, Alora pointed out a wayshrine to Sora, Goddess of Stars which likely repelled the evil and low-witted Zorn away. The group had made sure to pack light, so the food for lunch was just some plain, dense bready substance which didn''t taste of anything in particular, though the others had packed some sauces which at least made it palatable. They didn''t spend too long there, as they were still in the middle of dangerous territory but even still, Jack helped Alora clear the small shrine of mud with a bit of cloth and some water to clean it up, and left a small offering of a few sweets out of gratitude and respect, which was another odd tradition Jack decided not to question too much.


    Several more hours went by without incident, time moving to mid-afternoon as the group made it to a district entrance that was lightly guarded by a few militia from Gladespring, who were apparently just there to hold the choke point in light of the recent problems with monsters. It was still about an hour and a half until they would reach the town proper. On learning that this was the edge of the town''s comcover, Alora immediately set about alerting people she knew at the Temple of Hope about the map they had recovered as the group took a rest, idly chatting with the militia, who were glad for something to alleviate their boredom, though they unfortunately didn¡¯t know much about the area they were heading to past the town.


    After resting up and thanking them, the group set off on the final stretch to the town, where they could relax for a few hours before heading off to the abandoned subway to the north.


    Jack was amazed as the forest finally thinned out and they could see their immediate destination. Gladespring reminded Jack of a mediaeval castle town, being situated on and around a respectable hill with defence obviously in mind. As they got closer, he could see guards patrolling the top of the district walls, overlooking the farms outside and the bustle within. The militia had told him the ''spring'' within Gladespring came from a grove right at the top of the hill with a lake of clear water that streamed down the side as the source of a river, which had long been diverted into a dug moat surrounding the town.


    ¡°About time!¡± Sephy sighed on finally making it to civilization again. ¡°I really need to pee!¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have just done it in the bushes earlier?¡± Nika gave a snort of laughter.


    ¡°Not after the last time I tried doing it outside, stupid gust of wind came out of nowhere! It was horrible!¡±


    ¡°Sure it wasn¡¯t Chiyo that did that?¡± Nika countered, giving a wink at the unamused Ilithii.


    Ewwww¡­


    After a quick questioning by the gate guards about where they came from and what their business was they were allowed in and warned not to cause trouble. Though all of them were itching to sit down in a cafe or restaurant, Sephy was insistent that they unload the Klown weapons and other loot first at the closest pawn shop, right after an emergency bathroom break. The credits they got for that had clearly not been what Sephy had wanted despite Alora''s best negotiating skills, but the group had come into some decent bit of cash, and were suitably cheered up when Alora casually suggested they eat a fancy meal at a good restaurant Luvia had told her about.


    Sitting outside on very comfortable chairs was absolute bliss, and when the cool, fruity cocktails they had ordered were brought outjust a few minutes later by a well-dressed reptilian alien, they felt even better. Nika had insisted that they didn''t drink any alcohol, which was fine with them considering how nice the cocktails were. The food was even better, the shared platters of tender meats that completely fell apart at the bone and flavorful roasted vegetables being more than enough to satisfy their rumbling bellies.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Alora did warn them that the communications to register the bounties and contact the Temple of Hope would take a little while to go through, which gave the group the excuse to keep ordering more food and drinks.


    It was just over an hour before the confirmation came that the bounties were registered and that the Temple of Hope had received their message, though they wanted to confirm the validity of the intel before rewarding the group later, which Alora agreed to.


    "About time!" Nika rolled her eyes as Alora relayed the news. "This is nice and all, but we weren''t planning to stick around too long."


    "Agreed," Alora replied.


    "One last round?" Sephy questioned.


    Yes please! Chiyo agreed with a smile as she quickly downed her sugary green drink.


    "We can come here on the way back!" Alora replied. "We''ve spent too long here anyway!"


    But before Chiyo could type up a reply, something suddenly began to chirp around them with a soft, quiet beep. Everyone else stopped to look around with their guard up until Sephy raised a hand to get them to chill out, quickly letting them know that she just received a notification on her master commlink that someone was trying to contact Jack, who quickly took out his ringing device, completely surprised that anyone would try to contact him.


    ¡°I bet it¡¯s Vanya.¡± Nika giggled. ¡°Probably trying to sext you or something!¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Sephy interrupted with a serious look at Jack. ¡°It¡¯s not a commcode I recognise. Up to you if you want to take it, Jack. I can secure the line and block out sounds.¡±


    Jack nodded, waiting for Sephy to confirm before he accepted the call. He spent a few moments trying to remember how to answer it before Chiyo helpfully showed him, and decided to try and be sneaky. ¡°Hello! You have reached the number of¡­erm¡­Steve! He cannot pick up the phone right now, please leave your message after the beep¡­..BEEEEEP!¡±


    ¡°Jack, I can see your avatar on the comm! This is Crill! Thank the gods you¡¯re alright!¡± The panicked voice of their avian classmate could be heard over the otherwise relaxed sounds of nature around them.


    ¡°Oh. Hey Crill!¡± Jack replied worriedly, unsure what was going on. ¡°Are you ok? What¡¯s happening?¡±


    ¡°I should be asking you that!¡± Jack could see Crill nervously rubbing his hands in the video feed where he could also see a few of the other guys in the background, Jack recognising Kritch and Kizzariiith in the background with a few others looking into the call. ¡°I don¡¯t know where the information came from, but our group just received an anonymous data package telling us where you¡¯ve headed. Says you¡¯ve gone north and are probably heading slightly westward¡­¡±


    ¡°Crill! It¡¯s Sephy!¡± the Skritta interrupted, trying to keep the worry out of her voice. ¡°Can you transfer what you got over to us?¡±


    ¡°Of course, transferring now!¡±


    What little there was made Jack¡¯s blood run cold. It was a series of pictures, from what must have been random cameras on the street, to random pictures taken by other patrons at the tea garden, to the selfie he had taken with the young koi fish along with a predicted route. It fortunately didn¡¯t say where they were heading, but it was close enough to where they were now


    ¡°Shit,¡± Nika groaned. ¡°No more drinks, we¡¯ve got to move now!¡±


    ¡°Be careful, Jack!¡± Vaal warned as he popped up next to Crill on the video feed. ¡°There¡¯s talk among Red Legion affiliates trying to form a large group to come after you, and I can only imagine the bounty hunters aren¡¯t too far behind. We¡¯ll run interference if we can, but if the data''s right I''d change course or get out of there!¡±


    ¡°Thanks Crill, we¡¯ll do that.¡± Jack nodded in gratitude. ¡°I owe you guys big time¡­¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s not the only thing!¡± Kizzariiith spoke up from the side, grinning into the camera. ¡°Both the Crypts and the Bloods are making competing diss tracks on you! You¡¯ve gotta hear the-¡±


    ¡°Guys, we¡¯ve got trouble!¡± Sephy called out as she was the first to get out of her seat, having spotted an incoming threat.


    ¡°YOU! FOUL DEMON! MY TECHNIQUES OF ANIMATRITSU KHAL-SAL WILL SMITE YOU BACK TO THE FOUL GEHENNA YOU CAME FROM! HIIIIIIIIYAAAA! HOOOOOYAAAAAA!¡±


    ¡°Aww crap,¡± Jack muttered, not acknowledging the voice which sounded a little too far off to be an immediate problem. ¡°Sorry guys, gotta run!¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Jack heard Vaal¡¯s voice in the background. ¡°Do what you need to do to stay safe! Bye for now!¡±


    ¡°Bye,¡± Jack quickly replied before hanging up.


    ¡°YOU!¡± Jack heard as he spun his head around to face a ridiculous sight. Dressed from head to toe in what he could barely described as a set of martial arts robes, with several different coloured belts and symbols, was a morbidly obese slug-like creature with an odd number of short spindly legs. More specifically Jack recognised him as Zhal Han the Magic Man, one of the bounty hunters that publicly announced their intention to kill him. It was clear he had been running to them, eventually slowing to a slow jog before stopping completely about 20 metres away from him, doubling over in exhaustion.


    "Hngg¡­.stop!" the ''magic man'' panted. "I''ve¡­. finally found you, villain¡­..my ... ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES¡­¡­.will¡­ DESTROY YOU!.....just let me¡­.catch my breath first!"


    Jack knew he should probably spur the others into action and just outrun this guy who clearly couldn''t keep up with them. But several things stopped him. The threat clearly wasn''t that bad, and they hadn''t finished their drinks¡­.


    But the main reason was that there was a huge crowd gathering around them watching intently, with several getting their devices out. No way Jack was gonna run away on camera...


    "We got you guys on camera! You''re going on NetTube!" One young-looking amphibian creature called out, as his friends visibly danced and made dramatic motions in the camera to hype it up for the crowd.


    Jack sighed, sliding his bag off his back and walking up a little closer to the guy, out of range of any takedown attempts. He didn''t see any visible weapons on the guy, but that didn''t mean he didn''t have any. He had seen illusion effects before, after all...


    "Look mate," Jack started, really not sure how to even approach this mess. "Congrats, you found us and all that, but we''re not in the mood right now¡­."


    "OUTSIDER! YOU¡­...hggg¡­.EXPECT A TRUE MASTER TO¡­..hggg¡­. RETREAT FROM HIS QUARRY?"


    "We''ll¡­" Jack started to reply. "The nice guards at the gate asked us not to cause any trouble and..."


    "A TRUE MASTER HAS ZERO¡­.hggg¡­. CONCERNS FOR MERE MORTALS! IF THEY DARE INTERRUPT ME THEY WILL EXPERIENCE MY ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES!" the ''master'' replied.


    "Didn''t you get your ass kicked multiple times on video?" Nika called out as she tried to control her laughter enough to talk. "Including by my master? Sensei Rathalile?"


    "BE QUIET, LITTLE GIRL!"  The Magic Man replied. "THIS IS OF NO CONCERN TO A NOVICE CHILD LIKE YOU!"


    Uh oh.


    "That''s it!¡± Nika growled in rage as she walked up to Jack, the other girls having more than enough sense not to try and stop her. "Jack, I admire your patience with this moron, but peace was never an option."


    "Alright." Jack sighed as he shook his muscles and got into a combat stance, though Nika stopped him with a tail pat to the shoulder.


    "You''re not even getting the privilege of fighting Jack!" Nika raged. "You''re done making a mockery of martial arts! I''ll make sure of it!"


    "Uh...Nika¡­" Jack asked, momentarily put off by the glare she gave him from interrupting. He knew why, but he had no intention of patronising her. "Hey don''t look at me like that, I was going to say it''s my responsibility - I''m the one he''s after!"


    Nika calmed down enough to give him a grin, having realised where Jack was coming from. "It''s my responsibility to see this guy humiliated," she reasoned. "Besides, you''ve already fended off an attempt today."


    "Not sure that counts." Jack snorted, remembering the koi fish father and son they met earlier that day. "All right, this guy means much more to you than me anyway." He stepped back to give Nika the space.


    "YOU WISH TO FIGHT ME, LITTLE GIRL?" The magic Man laughed, turning to one of the groups in the crowd carrying cameras who were also wearing robes similar to the magic man. ¡°TAKE NOTES, MY STUDENTS!"


    "Oh I''m not gonna fight you," Nika growled. "I''m gonna kick your ass!"


    "Fight!" someone yelled out in the crowd, and just like that, it was on.  The magic man immediately started spinning his arms around in a circle like some kind of warm up exercise, growling in a noise that sounded like he was imitating a helicopter. The crowd roared with laughter at the ridiculous display as Nika calmly stood still, observing the pattern and waiting for the magic man to get closer¡­.


    When he advanced to barely a few metres away, Nika made her move, wrapping her tail around one of his right legs as she leapt left, using her tail to pull her back in for a devastating double kick to the side of the magic man''s head, to loud gasps from the crowd, and noises of unbridled excitement from those recording and streaming for the masses, excluding the magic man''s students who just stood there in horror.


    Nika had no intention of letting up though, as with a quick movement she grabbed the man''s head with her hands and yanked down, using the bulky man''s momentum to bowl into the small group of his students, knocking most of them to the ground to more bouts of laughter from the crowd. Still not letting go, Nika relished in the attention the crowd gave her as the magic man tried in vain to grab her and beg for mercy, made all the more humiliating for the guy by her showboating, making expressions and funny faces to the crowd before Nika got bored and changed her position, easily grabbing one of Zhal Han¡¯s flailing arms and twisting it behind his back in a painful Kimura-esque lock, while wrapping her tail around his neck.


    Seeing that their ¡®master¡¯ was getting rekt, one of the students foolishly tried to rush in and help him. He had barely taken three steps before the alert Jack had closed the distance, completely clotheslining him, before keeping a stern watch over the others, who wisely stayed put.


    Knowing now that she was clear, Nika started to increase the pressure to loud cries of pain from the false Sensei. ¡°Now,¡± She said coldly and calmly. ¡°Tell us. Are those videos you post real or are your students putting on an act?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all re-AAAAARGHHHH! No I tell them what to do!¡± Zhal Han yelled as Nika cranked up the pressure.


    ¡°And what about your Animatritsu Khal-Sal?¡± Nika asked. ¡°Is it real?¡±


    ¡°N-NO!¡± The ¡®magic man¡¯ yelled out. ¡°I copied some other styles I saw on TV!¡±


    ¡°And finally!¡± Nika yelled out for dramatic effect, looking at the camera. ¡°Have you been defrauding all your financial backers and your students by doing this?¡±


    It took a good few seconds of Nika putting pressure on the arm to get the answer she wanted.


    ¡°YES! YES! I GOT FIRED FROM MY MARKETING JOB AND REALLY NEEDED THE MONEY!¡± he yelled out, and Nika finally released the grip in disgust, before walking right to the nearest camera.


    ¡°You heard it here everybody.¡± Nika grinned as she brought up a visual display to show to the camera. ¡°Zhal Han the magic man is a fake. If you¡¯re interested in martial arts, we have a good network here to get you started! Check out these sites and our members can direct you to a sensei appropriate for your species¡­¡±


    ¡°Watch out!¡± Jack yelled as he saw Zhal Han get up and make a mad dash to Nika while her back was turned. Jack dashed to intercept him, but Nika was faster, dodging to the right and letting loose with a powerful left kick that cracked against Zhal Han¡¯s ribs, bringing him to the ground in a writhing heap of pain. Jack had heard about the devastating debilitation of a liver shot on humans, but to see it happen in front of him to an alien being was quite something. Zhal Han the Magic Man was just done. The devastating hit left him unable to think of or do anything else other than focus on the pain, and the sheer number of cameras documenting his epic failure.


    ¡°Nice job.¡± Jack grinned as Nika slipped back next to him as they made their way back to their table. ¡°But we probably need to leave as quickly as we can.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nika sobered up, realising the implications of her little stunt. ¡°We¡¯ll need to buy some more snacks and refill our hydroflasks at the general store, but we¡¯ll make it a flying visit.¡±


    The two of them received a round of applause at their table from the rest of the grinning party, and it took Jack and Nika a few moments to realise why.


    ¡°So you mean to tell me¡­¡± Nika started in an unamused tone. ¡°That instead of staying alert in case something bad happened, you ordered yourselves another round of drinks?¡±


    ¡°Yup!¡± Sephy grinned without any hint of remorse. ¡°You looked like you had it well in hand!¡±


    I agree with Sephy, we didn¡¯t want to distract from your display! Chiyo smiled. And since we had the time we figured we could get one last round in!


    ¡°You could have at least ordered us some!¡± Jack replied with a snort of laughter, before Alora revealed two brightly coloured paper cups with straws she had been hiding behind her back.


    ¡°Way ahead of you!¡± She smiled warmly. ¡°Now let¡¯s get out of here!¡±

 Chapter 23: Silent Passage

    "Alright, looks like this is it," Alora called out to the group, having double-checked the map. "Well more specifically, this district is the start of the old town, we just need to find the old metro and hope the tunnels are clear, or even better have a still working tram, otherwise we''re going mountain climbing."


    We should be careful. Chiyo warned. I sense a negative astral aura around this place.


    "Even without your powers this ghost town feels creepy," Jack admitted, remembering how many post-apocalyptic and survival horror video games he had played that looked exactly like this. "And a perfect spot for an ambush, or a lair for something nasty. What even happened to this place? Seems like a good spot for a settlement, so surely some people would have tried rebuilding it?"


    "There are uncountable hidden places on the station that have been lost or undiscovered for millennia!" Alora quietly replied, keeping alert with her wand out. "In fact, there are rumours of lost towns or civilisations being rediscovered ever so often. Even though this place is a station, it is many billion times the size of many homeworlds."


    It¡¯s much more than that! Chiyo added.


    "Well, in other cases," Alora continued, "settlements can get overrun by hostile gangs, they can get destroyed by monsters or it can just experience a natural decline.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget the urban legends¡­.¡± Sephy whispered, her guns out and ready for anything. "There are tales of places that just disappear without a trace. Other stories talk of entire populations vanishing overnight. Some even go bad according to rumours on the datanet, once normal villages can suddenly change overnight and turn into cult enclaves, among other things."


    "Makes you think," Nika added. "Were these places normal before, or was there always something there behind the scenes."


    "Let''s try not to spook ourselves," Alora sharply interrupted. "Chiyo, do you detect anything?"


    It''s hard to tell for sure. The Ilithii replied, deep in concentration. We have some kind of residual negative aura around making it hard to tell at this range.


    "Then we should hope for the best and prepare for the worst," Jack firmly replied after Alora had translated Chiyo''s analysis for his benefit. "Unless it''s not worth the risk?" He asked questioningly. After all, the others knew the risks better than he did.


    The aura isn''t overwhelming, it¡¯s more residual. Chiyo informed them. Whatever powerful force was here is long gone. That said, it doesn''t mean this place is deserted.


    "Then we should be careful, as Jack said," Nika concluded. "We take a rest here while one of us climbs the wall to take a look."


    "I''ll do it," Jack volunteered, still feeling rather fresh and aware that the others would benefit from the break. "Anyone have a pair of binoculars?"


    "I can do one better!" Nika grinned, unclipping something from her backpack and decompacting it, revealing a sniper rifle. "Take this, sights are easy to adjust. Stay on comms and don''t shoot unless you have to."


    "Sure," Jack responded, slumping his pack off with the others and slumping the strap of the sniper rifle over his shoulder before he started to climb the crumbling wall.


    Jack knew he wasn''t the best climber, but the wall had many handholds, and despite the highly advanced gravity equaliser the station maintained, he was still able to grip and climb without much needed strength, quickly scaling the crumbled section to the amazement of the others, and then quickly sprinting up a nearby ladder to the top of what had to be an old watchtower.


    Looking around, Jack was amazed at what he saw. Considering what the others had told him about the old town he was expecting a scene of destruction like in the video games he played. But despite the obvious neglect and decay from at least thousands of years of being abandoned, the town looked relatively intact, though overgrown in places. Though there were a few collapsed structures, others were still standing strong, likely down to the material used in their construction. However, he refused to let that distract him, and he looked around with his scope for any signs of life.


    But try as he might, he didn''t see anything.


    And that gave him a bad feeling.


    "Ladies, I can''t see any signs of activity from here, but most of the buildings are intact."


    "Oh awesome!" Sephy replied. "We can see if there''s anything we can grab!"


    "We need to find the Metro entrance while it''s still light," Alora said. "Can you see it, Jack?"


    "Checking," Jack confirmed, looking around with his scope, before eventually seeing a set of stairs going down underground in what was likely the town square. But something looked weird.


    "I think I see it in the middle of town. We will need to get to the main square, but we shouldn''t be able to miss it since the streets all lead there, but¡­¡±


    "But?" Alora said.


    "I see what looks like a camp of some kind. I can see a few Zorn paintings and there''s even signs of a recent fire with a few embers left!¡±


    "You can see all that from up there? How many?" Nika called out, sounding impressed.


    "None," Jack replied uneasily. "There''s no Zorn there at all."


    "Are you sure?" Alora called back. "It isn''t like Zorn to not have guards."


    Acting on a quick impulse, Jack checked for any movement closer to the ground in case they had already been detected, but found nothing. They weren''t in any immediate danger, at least not from what he could see.


    "I can''t see anything," Jack confirmed. "If it wasn''t for the recent fire I''d say this place was completely abandoned."


    "Well there''s one way to confirm that," Sephy added. "Setting up microdrones now. I''ll cycle through visual spectrums to see if we have anything skulking about. I''ll feed the view to your commlinks so you can see for yourselves."


    Even from the bird''s eye view of Sephy''s drones they couldn''t find anything of note, making several passes of the dark, gloomy town, even using thermal vision to search the buildings, with only the area around the recent fire giving off a reading.


    "I don''t understand." Jack could hear Nika over the comms. "Where are the Zorn?"


    Something tugged at Jack''s mind, though he couldn''t make sense of it. He knew they were missing a piece of the puzzle. There had been Zorn at one point, and their camp was still intact and abandoned, with their filthy belongings scattered around¡­


    Maybe¡­


    "Sephy," Jack politely asked. "Does your drone have an ultraviolet light by any chance?"


    "Huh?" she replied, and paused for a few moments before she added, "That¡¯s what he means? Thanks, Chiyo. Yeah we do. Why?"


    "Could you shine it around the camp?¡± Jack asked, and checked the feed as it confirmed his hunch.


    "Great thinking, Jack!" Alora complimented. "Those are bloodstains alright!"


    "But still no bodies," Nika warned. "So a pack of undead or a monster of some kind ate them up."


    "Unfettered undead are less likely," Alora added. ¡°More likely a monster of some kind.¡±


    ¡°Usually there¡¯s more obvious signs with monsters¡­¡± Nika murmured, before sighing in acceptance. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter, the coast is clear and we can only do so much here.¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± Alora replied. ¡±Come back Jack, and we¡¯ll be careful going in.¡±


    ¡°Streets are too open,¡± Sephy warned as Jack made the climb back down. ¡°Maybe we could go through a building where there¡¯s cover and we won¡¯t be seen as easily.¡±


    You just want to ransack the place! Chiyo retorted, with Alora mentioning it to Jack for the sake of fairness.


    ¡°Well yeah!¡± The Skritta grinned unashamedly. ¡°But this way we can multitask! It¡¯s not like the Zorn to value the same things we do, and I want a hottub!¡±


    ¡°It would be better to replenish our home savings," Alora grinned, "so if we see anything good we can grab it. We shouldn''t dawdle though, we want to be in the metro by the time it gets dark outside."


    "And we''re probably coming back this way," Nika pointed out, "so if we have the opportunity we can check this place out more when we get back."


    "But for now, keep your eyes peeled," Alora told the others as Jack plonked down on the ground, handing Nika¡¯s sniper back to her and checking his gear, plasma rifle out, and axe and pistol within easy reach.


    They moved quietly and cautiously, with Jack and Sephy taking point through the buildings, and ready to blast anything that jumped out at them. Though nothing did.


    They knew they logically shouldn''t be surprised at that. They had gone above and beyond to check out the area and found nothing, but even Sephy knew something felt wrong, and so kept quiet as she and Jack checked rooms for hostiles, barely saying a word unless it was to ask for Jack''s help in forcing open locked drawers and doors that contained knick-knacks and loose change which she quickly pocketed, though Jack also kept a tea mug he liked the look of.


    "This place hasn''t been looted at all¡­" Sephy wondered out loud in amazement. "That''s usually either a really good sign or a really bad sign."


    "I''m surprised none of the Zorn have settled the buildings either," Jack agreed. "Seems much more logical to camp in the ruins than in the open outside."


    "Yeah," Sephy agreed. "Zorn aren''t the smartest, but even animals would use the obvious shelter.


    "Then I think the less time we spend here, the better,¡± Jack muttered, and Sephy nodded in agreement as she swiped an old commlink off a nearby table. Jack knew his paranoia may very well be unfounded and that the place just so happened to be abandoned, but that was a far more preferable outcome compared to being caught off guard by something bad that called this place its lair. He knew they were missing something else here, but what was it?


    "Chiyo, are you able to sense anything?" Jack asked Chiyo, just to confirm. But the Ilithii just gave back an apologetic shrug.


    The negative aura around this place is making it difficult and throwing me off. Chiyo called back. It''s highly unusual, a dark aura like this would usually indicate an undead hotspot, but we''ve established that it''s completely deserted.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "Maybe the undead just got up and moved?" Sephy suggested.


    "Maybe," Alora allowed. "Regardless, we could be dealing with hostiles around here.


    "If we were, they surely would have attacked by now," Nika argued, unconvinced. "No screwing around from here on out, we stealth our way to the metro entrance and be ready to engage any hostiles.¡±


    "Will do, Jack and I will stay on point," Sephy replied.


    They made their way forward as silently as they could, but no matter how hard he looked, Jack couldn''t see any sign of the unknown observer.


    I will cast a displacement field around us in case there¡¯s a sniper. Chiyo spoke up as they made it to the edge of the main square next to the camp.


    "Thanks, Chiyo." Sephy grinned despite the situation. "Does anyone else find it weird there''s no obvious collateral damage here? If a monster attacked a bunch of Zorn you''d think they''d be more signs of a fight, instead we just have bloodstains."


    "And it looks like it hasn''t fully dried," Alora agreed. "Less than 12 hours old I''d say, based on how long I heard it usually takes for Zorn blood to dry."


    We''re covered. Chiyo alerted the group. Let''s focus on ourselves rather than the Zorn.


    "You''re right, move quickly and get into cover on the other side." Alora nodded at the group. "On my mark. 3¡­2¡­1¡­now!"


    They dashed out towards the other side of the town square, Jack easily outpacing the others and leaping into cover behind some rubble, and aimed his rifle to cover the rest at a moment''s notice.


    But no attack came.


    "Well that was anticlimactic," Nika joked. "Maybe there really isn¡¯t anything? At least this is good practice for you, Jack!"


    Perhaps there is something here that we¡¯ve missed! Chiyo reasoned, typing away once she got into cover next to Jack. Or something that might come back at any time!


    "Well we should assume the worst," Alora sternly replied. ¡°You two stay here with Jack and cover us while Sephy and I check the station and see if we have a path in.¡±


    Understood, keep us updated on comms!


    Both Alora and Sephy acknowledged Chiyo¡¯s instruction and quickly made their way down the escalator, where after a few moments Alora called back. ¡°Entrance is shut but it has minimal power, Sephy thinks she can jack in and get it open. It¡¯ll take a little while to open so just stay alert for now.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jack replied, checking the sights on his rifle.


    They stayed like that for a few minutes, keeping their chatter and banter to a minimum. Though they hadn¡¯t properly encountered anything, they were alert for anything. This place was just too spooky and too quiet for there to be nothing.


    ¡°Have we heard anything about the third guy coming after me?¡± Jack finally broke the unbearable silence, needing to fill it with something.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Nika whispered back, confused. ¡°There¡¯s a fuck load of people coming after you! There¡¯s the Red Legion, there¡¯s the Crypts and the Bloods, there¡¯s a bunch of students in our school¡­¡±


    ¡°Ok, well I wasn¡¯t talking about them.¡± Jack snorted in laughter despite himself. ¡°The three hunters you said declared for me! Zhal-Han¡¯s down, and the Redeemer¡¯s even more of an idiot than him. Which one was the last one again? A former Nekdon priest, right?¡±


    ¡®Dubaaku¡¯ Chiyo added, though of course Jack couldn¡¯t hear her. Just a former initiate that claims to have visions, nothing notable.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Some crackpot doomsayer of a dead god just as nuts as-¡±


    A faint noise ahead of them caused all three of them to immediately aim towards the noise from across the courtyard they had come from. It was a faint shuffling sound of rubble shifting in the background, though in the silence of the ghost town, it may as well have been a gunshot.


    "We might have company," he said uncertainty, whispering into his comms as quietly as he could to make sure he didn''t alert anything else.


    "What did you see?" Alora asked, alert.


    ¡°Nothing yet, but I swear we heard movement.¡±


    ¡°Sephy¡¯s still jacked in, she says not much longer.¡±


    ¡°Understood, we¡¯ll hold it off,¡± Nika replied, before taking stock of the situation. ¡°Chiyo, what are we dealing with?¡±


    Hard to tell but I think it¡¯s only one lifesign I- oh you¡¯ve got to be kidding me! Chiyo replied, eyes wide as a familiar-looking shape padded across the courtyard towards them, the ¡®dog¡¯ panting excitedly and wagging both its tails on spotting the three.


    ¡°Same one as before?¡± Jack questioned Chiyo, who confirmed it with a nod.


    ¡°Alora we¡¯ve been followed.¡± Nika grinned as she called back into the comms. ¡°The creature from before came to say ¡®hi¡¯ again. Don¡¯t tell Sephy!¡±


    ¡°A little late for that!¡± the tired sound Sephy replied. ¡°Sorry it took so long, tech is ancient and far more complicated than it needs to be, but the door''s open!¡±


    ¡°Well done Sephy!¡± Nika called out. ¡°Gotta get rid of our stalker first and we¡¯ll be down.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be mean to it!¡± Alora chastised. ¡°Why is it following us?¡±


    It doesn¡¯t appear to have a family to return to. Chiyo replied thoughtfully as she looked through the creature¡¯s mind. It¡¯s hunted and foraged well enough on its own though.


    Jack stroked the dog¡¯s fur. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he muttered gently to the dog. ¡°It¡¯s dangerous around these parts! How did you even find us?¡±


    The dog only gave a comfortable rumble in response.


    It¡¯s hard to tell, but if I had to guestimate, it found us by scent, Chiyo replied in thought. Though aside from initial sensory thoughts, it¡¯s hard to tell with this creature.


    ¡°Our displacement spells cover scent though, right?¡± Nika asked both Chiyo and Alora. ¡°Since monsters are such a big threat.¡±


    ¡°They do!¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°How curious¡­¡±


    ¡°Well we definitely can¡¯t let him follow us into the tunnel,¡± Nika reluctantly confirmed, giving the dog a scratch behind the ears. ¡°Far too dangerous for him.¡± She nodded to Chiyo who quickly planted a suggestion in its mind to run free and avoid the city, Zorn and the Klowns for good measure. The dog looked sadly at them for a moment, dipping its head before running off away from them.


    ¡°Aww,¡± Sephy pouted. ¡°I hope it¡¯ll be alright.¡±


    ¡°It will be,¡± Alora replied, a little sad. ¡°Guess this place wasn¡¯t completely deserted after all, but we should make some distance now while we can. These tunnels should lead us straight to a small abandoned outpost on the other side of the mountains, and the coordinates for the Oracle says it should be close by. Let¡¯s go as far as we can and we¡¯ll make camp.¡±


    The entrance to the station was dank, dark and foreboding. The plan had been to get underground before the local ¡®night cycle¡¯ and continue on with torches as far as they could, but actually being here gave them all chills. Most of the old equipment was completely out of power, with only a few old ticket machines being barely lit up as they forced their way past, and with the exception of a few side rooms that they quickly scouted out, the station was tiny, with just the platforms, a short connecting bridge, and the old railways taking up most of the space. One end of the tunnel was completely blocked off with rubble and old barricades, but to their tentative relief the tunnel they needed to go down was relatively clear.


    ¡°I guess it was too much to hope they¡¯d be a working train for me to drive!¡± Sephy grinned as the group hopped off the platform and started tentatively walking down the tunnel with Jack leading the way.


    ¡°Well maybe there¡¯ll be one further up.¡± Alora giggled. ¡°If you can actually get it to work then nobody here¡¯s gonna object to that!¡±


    ¡°Hope so,¡± Sephy replied distractedly before noticing something. ¡°Chiyo, what¡¯s wrong? You tired?¡±


    Something¡¯s very wrong here! The Ilithii replied in a panic. The negative aura gets even stronger the further we go! It originates from down here! It has to!


    ¡°That¡¯s not good,¡± Alora replied worryingly. ¡°You think we should get out?¡±


    Yes, as soon as possible!


    The group didn¡¯t argue with that, with Jack taking up the rearguard and helping the others up onto the platform as he heard a deep, grinding noise come from above.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Jack asked, pointing up towards where the sound came from.


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Alora whispered.


    ¡°RUN!¡± Nika yelled.


    Jack wasted no time, dashing up the stairs and towards the station entrance, but it was too late.


    As he turned the corner and sprinted down the corridor the light from outside was slowly engulfed by the closing door, until it was swallowed whole by the now shut station entrance.


    They were trapped.


    *****


    ¡°I should be the one to lead this war party!¡± Xharl snarled. The three-meter-tall reptile stomped in aggression at the centre of the large group of Red Legion supporters, scumbags and hired guns as his cheap beer spilled down his tarnished yellow scales. ¡°The human is in my class and I demand vengeance for what he did to us! Master Kull demands his death!¡±


    ¡°You led a team of seven of the best fighters in your year aspiring to join the Red Legion,¡± Kralk the Konqueror snarled, the cyber-wolf stalking around the circle. ¡°And you lost against him and Nika Fallos despite your superior numbers. You will not be the one to lead this band. Your vengeance will come under MY command! I am your senior! And Glenphyranix has been my prey long before Jack Frost arrived.¡°


    ¡°Only to fail!¡± Xharl jeered back. ¡°How many times has her magic forced you back? How many of us will your folly take down with you?¡±


    ¡°LOOK HERE! LOOK LISTEN!¡± A third voice yelled. One of the hired guns that had attached themselves to the group spoke up. "I''M THE ONE HUNTING THIS GUY, AND I''M GONNA BE THE ONE TO KICK HIS ASS REAL TAWK!"


    The obese form of The Redeemer waddled into the centre of the ring to make his case to lead the group. After he had been kicked out of the Tea Garden he had since wrapped himself up in various militia survival gear several sizes too small. No longer just carrying a battered plasma rifle, the avian had added a big stick to his arsenal, which he pointed menacingly at the others.


    ¡°You¡¯re not part of this discussion!¡± Kralk snarled again at the unintimidating avian.


    ¡°I REALLY WANT THIS BOUNTY MONEY MAN. I GOTTA KICK THIS GUY¡¯S ASS!¡± The Redeemer replied, sounding emotional and kicking up the dirt in his tirade.


    ¡°Well¡­no shit, you¡¯re a bounty hunter. According to our unknown ally you were in the same district as them earlier today and they gave you the slip,¡± Xharl replied, unimpressed. ¡°And despite most of the other aspirants being cowards by either ghosting or refusing to join us outright, this is a Red Legion taskforce. It will be led by one of us. Not you.¡±


    ¡°AIN¡¯T YOU JUST ASPIRANTS MAN? THE RED LEGION AIN¡¯T EVEN SIGNED OFF ON THIS REAL TAWK.¡±


    That led to a further series of arguments, with several squad leaders announcing their demands to lead the war party, getting louder and more aggressive the more the candidates disagreed.


    ¡°MY MIGHT IS UNMATCHED! THIS HUMAN COULD NOT BEAT ME IN A STRAIGHT FIGHT!¡±


    ¡°HE DROPPED YOU IN ONE HIT! I WILL DEFEAT HIM! MY CYBERNETIC POWER WILL OVERCOME HIM!¡±


    ¡°I REALLY WANT THIS BOUNTY MONEY MAN. I WANT IT SO FUCKIN BAD! I JUST CAN¡¯T DO IT I CAN TAKE THIS SHIT NO MORE MAN!¡±


    They were all suddenly interrupted by a loud screeching noise that had the entire room clutching at their ears in pain. Only when every single person in the circle dropped to their knees in agony did the spell end, and the newcomer calmly slithered to the centre of the room.


    ¡°The human is mine,¡± Svaartal coldly hissed, dissipating his spell. ¡°I don¡¯t care which one of you leads this band. Just stay out of my way when the time comes and stop the others in his group from interfering.¡±


    ¡°YOU!¡± Xharl and his band growled at the Nirah. ¡°YOU DARE SHOW YOUR FACE HERE?¡±


    ¡°Look who¡¯s talking,¡± Svaartal said, with a nod at the acid scars he gave the Xarak, before turning to the others and ignoring him completely. ¡°I have discovered that Jack has significant resistances to certain energy sources. I used a concussive sonic round from a sniper rifle yesterday and it barely even phased him. However, from our previous encounter, I know he is vulnerable to cuts and illusion magic, and evocation is likely to work. I have come the closest to beating him, and the spells and equipment I have prepared will allow me to take him down.¡±


    ¡°He still defeated you,¡± Xharl growled again. ¡°You¡¯re useless to us.¡±


    ¡°And yet unlike you, I can learn from my failings,¡± Svaartal hissed back.


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Kralk roared, as his commlink beeped and buzzed with notifications, which he quickly checked. ¡°Zhal Han the Magic Man has been defeated in Gladespring and the group were spotted heading north from there only a few hours ago, though my source doesn¡¯t know where.¡±


    ¡°Is this the same source that sent information to me this morning?¡± Svaartal carefully asked. ¡°Many Red Legion aspirants and hunters received this seemingly at random, and the sheer high quality of intel is suspect. It would not surprise me if this was some kind of trap and Frost knows of this, so I would be cautious of getting played.


    ¡°No,¡± Kralk grumbled uncertainly. ¡°My source is a discharged Red Legion family living in Gladespring, though I agree with your insight on the initial intel. Someone powerful has an agenda.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Xharl argued. ¡°We have a target area, we have a shuttle, and we have guns.¡±


    The rest of the group nodded at that, finally coming to an agreement on something.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hunt that human!¡±

 Chapter 24: Trapped

    ¡°Sephy, what the hell did you do to the door? Can you get it open?¡± Nika angrily asked the Skritta.


    ¡°I opened it and made sure it stayed open! It can¡¯t have spontaneously closed itself!¡± Sephy panicked. ¡°It won¡¯t let me back in, it¡¯s like the code has completely changed and bricked itself!¡±


    ¡°Could it be on a timer?¡± Alora asked softly, trying to keep the peace despite her audible fear. ¡°The night cycle is about to hit so perhaps there was a local curfew?


    I find that unlikely. Like Sephy said, it¡¯s an ancient door and isn¡¯t automated. Chiyo reasoned. Also, doors do not magically close for no reason, and Sephy wasn¡¯t jacked in¡­


    Jack had said nothing up to this point, as the others clearly had the experience to know what was happening. He had been happy for Alora and Nika to take charge of their journey so far, as they knew more about expeditions in combat situations, and they knew the area. However, panic and division were starting to settle into the group, and if they were going to get through this, they needed to keep it together.


    It was time for Jack to step up and lead.


    ¡°Sephy, would you be able to find another access point that could let you back into the system?¡± Jack asked. ¡°If this access point no longer works then we just need to find another one, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Sephy reluctantly agreed. ¡°Though there''s no guarantee I can unlock it from there.¡±


    ¡°At least it¡¯s something we can work with,¡± Jack reasoned, the others giving him their full attention. ¡°And we can see what we can do from there.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Sephy, where¡¯s the nearest access point you could use?¡±


    ¡°We want to find a maintenance room further down the tunnel that has power, or find a way to divert more power off the grid to this area.¡± The Skritta nodded. ¡°It¡¯ll take me some time to get through the local matrix to here, but it¡¯s doable.¡±


    ¡°Of course we have to go down there¡­¡± Nika groaned.


    It doesn¡¯t look like we have much choice. Chiyo conceded. Better get ready for a fight.


    ¡°At least we have Jack with us,¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°And we¡¯re no slouches either, but I¡¯ll cast some blessings on us all the same.¡±


    ¡°Gee, no pressure, guess I¡¯m going first!¡± Jack joked, trying to clear the air. It seemed to make the others feel a little better, but the bad feeling in his gut didn¡¯t go away¡­


    The group was now much more cautious as they slowly progressed through the tunnel with guns out, and in complete silence, with only the quiet hum of Sephy¡¯s drone hovering above them lighting the way on Jack¡¯s suggestion. The group kept slightly behind it and noted any key obstacles in the way, while not being lit up like Christmas trees themselves.


    ¡°There,¡± Jack pointed out, having spotted something on a smooth section of rock a mile in. He had stayed alert, and although he hadn¡¯t heard anything, he knew it was only a matter of time.


    Sephy quickly stopped the drone and, following Jack¡¯s finger, they all saw what he was looking at.


    Tracks.


    The dust had clearly been kicked up recently with several footprints, and looking around it was clear that whatever group came this way was sizable. Tentatively moving towards them, Chiyo gave her thoughts.


    Several species, some wearing footwear, some not. Many signs of shuffling¡­


    Sephy moved to a nearby wet patch and gave it a sniff, immediately wishing she hadn¡¯t. ¡°Yep. It¡¯s Risen alright!¡± she whispered as she tried not to make any loud gagging noises. ¡°Shame we couldn¡¯t see the signs back at the station.¡±


    Too breezy outside for that! Chiyo lamented, retreating to support Sephy, rubbing her back as the Skritta retched.


    ¡°Best way to kill them?¡± Jack asked, checking his plasma weapon. ¡°And you said there were multiple types of Risen, right?¡±


    ¡°These ones are probably just animated corpses,¡± Alora replied with a whisper. ¡°They¡¯ll go down to gunfire eventually but are more durable than living targets, so just keep shooting until there¡¯s nothing left. Taking out the legs is a good tactic if they¡¯re rushing you as long as you finish them off. They¡¯re more vulnerable to magic or a good close combat weapon that can hack body parts off. Don¡¯t bother stabbing them, and crushing is situational.¡±


    ¡°Well since magic is out¡­¡± Jack muttered, checking the readiness of his axe. ¡°Might be giving this bad boy a go¡­¡±


    A sudden sound boomed in the distance, causing all of them to fall silent and listen. It was distant, but sharp, like a firework going off, before there was silence once again.


    ¡°Please tell me the maintenance room is close¡­¡± Nika growled.


    ¡°Still a bit to go I¡¯m afraid,¡± Sephy replied apologetically. ¡°It¡¯s further down the tunnel on our left - just before the next station.¡±


    ¡°Another station?¡± Jack questioned as quietly as he could, still listening out for any danger. ¡°Aren¡¯t we in the middle of mountain territory? Why would they have a station here?¡±


    ¡°Probably a mining outpost of some kind,¡± Alora whispered back. ¡°From our initial research of this place this metro line was financed by a local influential tycoon of some kind many thousands of years ago, so it might have been linked to a few of his projects.¡±


    ¡°Well if we have to go there, there¡¯s probably something of value!¡± Sephy smiled, trying to lighten the mood.


    I¡¯m more worried about what else we¡¯d find there. Chiyo warned. The dark presence gets stronger the further we go down,


    ¡°Is it the risen?¡± Alora gently asked the visibly frightened Chiyo.


    No. She finally answered. Something else. Something bad. Don¡¯t know what it is.


    ¡°Then we hug the wall on the left and move as quietly as we can,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡±


    They crept further along the tunnel, with only the near silent buzzing of the drone for company. Sephy had debated putting it away, but it was decided that having no light whatsoever was a terrible option.


    ¡°What are those?¡± Sephy called out, stopping the group for a moment as she manipulated the light of the drone to look up and around at the wispy pale grey substance growing thick around the tunnels.


    ¡°Looks like cobwebs to me,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°Though it must have been some big-ass spiders to make this lot, and it looks like they get thicker the further we go in. At least we¡¯ve found what we¡¯re looking for.¡±


    The others had to follow his finger along until they noticed the old rusty maintenance door covered by thick layers of dust and cobwebs about 40 meters in front of them, but it wasn¡¯t all they saw¡­


    ¡°Sephy, turn the drone light off for a moment please,¡± Alora called out. Sephy did so, and they all noticed why, as the pale blue glow from further ahead got more pronounced. ¡°Unless there¡¯s a skylight going several hundred metres to the surface, there¡¯s something shining ahead.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Nika agreed, ¡°let¡¯s keep our lights off for now. Jack, will you be alright navigating?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± Jack agreed, readying his plasma rifle, ¡°but get ready to light up again if we hear movement.¡±


    They sidestepped carefully closer to the door in silence, but as they got closer, several more loud bangs echoed out throughout the tunnel, accompanied by a low, quiet chittering. They stayed still for a moment, alert for any more noises or anything approaching, but nothing followed. Jack didn¡¯t like it.


    They got to the door, with Jack using the light of his commlink to see. No lock, but it was rusted as hell, and pushing gently wasn¡¯t going to budge it. He looked to Nika behind him, who nodded in understanding, and made sure the others could see. He held out three fingers, slowly counting down before he shoved the door as hard as could, smacking it open with a loud screech and a clattering of debris.


    Immediately, many more of the loud bangs could be heard further down the tunnel, accompanied by the chittering from before, and a new noise. Something deep and loud roared, the horrible noise being felt more than heard, as they all heard the sound of something big being dragged across the ground, seeing the ominous shadow in the distance. The group didn¡¯t hesitate in piling in after Jack, with Nika helping him close the now loosened door behind them as far as it would go.


    ¡°Check the rooms, quickly!¡± Alora ordered in a quick whisper, as she, Sephy and Chiyo quickly made sure they were alone.


    ¡°We¡¯re clear!¡± Sephy whispered back. ¡°Got a console here!¡±


    ¡°Do your thing!¡± Alora replied. ¡°Keep it quiet, the rest of us will cover you.¡±


    They stayed there in darkness for a few minutes, taking a few swigs of liquid and resting while they could, but when Sephy came back much quicker than expected, the news wasn¡¯t good.


    ¡°Guys I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happened, but someone¡¯s completely fucked with the system and it¡¯s not me!¡± she panicked. ¡°There¡¯s blocks all over the local matrix that specifically won¡¯t let me open our entry point, the moment I tried from here I was intercepted by something. I think there¡¯s someone else in the system!¡±


    ¡°They knew we were coming this way!¡± Nika growled. ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Sephy gasped, as her breathing got more frantic while she tried to think of a way out.


    Sephy it¡¯s ok, we¡¯ll think of something! Chiyo hurriedly put her arm around her friend, having read her aura and recognising the onset of a possible panic attack.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Alora muttered under her breath.


    ¡°We only have one path ahead of us now,¡± Nika stoically replied, looking towards the door.


    ¡°What if¡­¡± Jack perked up, having thought of something. ¡°Is it possible to factory reset the system somehow? Bring it back to its default settings perhaps? Or is there a manual override if the system goes down?¡±


    ¡°You might be right!¡± Alora looked at him excitedly. ¡°Sephy, what do you-¡±


    At that moment they heard another loud bang right above them, then another, and another, before the ceiling completely collapsed as a giant, purpley grey, fleshy tentacle burst through the vent above, slamming through the console where Sephy and Chiyo had just been, the Skritta having used her wings to propel them both away just in time. Jack and Nika wasted no time, aiming at the breach and letting loose as Alora helped the other two get out and behind them as the wet, necrotic limb wildly flailed about looking to strike.


    ¡°Jack, get the door open!¡± Nika yelled. ¡°Can we head back?¡±


    Jack ripped the door off his hinges, no longer needing to be quiet as he turned right to head back from where they came as several more tentacles burst out of the vents, flailing wildly in the tunnel. As Jack quickly realised that retreating where they had come from wasn¡¯t an option, he started moving back towards the station, shooting the entry points as another tentacle punched from the side. This one had yellow gangrene pustules rippling throughout the rotted flesh!


    ¡°It¡¯s a delayed reaction!¡± Jack yelled, making sure the others were accounted for. ¡°Keep moving and don¡¯t stay in one place for too long!¡±


    ¡°Think about where you move!¡± Nika yelled, as she dodged to the side with her tail. ¡°It¡¯s drawing us in!¡±


    ¡°How is it able to pop through so many vents at once?¡± Sephy asked as she let loose a volley of plasma to little effect. ¡°Where is it bas-¡±


    At that moment there was another loud bang, as one of the yellow pustules on the tentacle burst in a spattering of gore, as something within tore itself free. The others wasted no time in putting it down before they could see what the creature was, as more loud bangs signalled the arrival of more tentacles, forcing the group to run further down the tunnel and into the gloom of the station. Jack let the others run ahead of him as he let out a few controlled bursts of plasma, noticing that they didn¡¯t have the best effect. It looked like it did some decent damage, but he¡¯d need more shots to put it down a tentacle for good.


    Suddenly, Jack heard movement from behind, and without thinking he quickly lept forward in the low gravity and twisted, bringing his plasma rifle to bear and blasting the creature apart, following through with several more shots as he soared through the air. At first glance, the creatures looked like spiders, which would explain all the cobwebs, but they were much more malformed, with fleshy growths that writhed helplessly as he saw one expire on the ground.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°Jack! Watch out!¡± He heard Nika yell out, as a tentacle thudded into him hard in the air, sending him flying into the darkness.


    ¡°NO! JACK!¡± He heard Alora yell in the distance. He wasn¡¯t out of the fight, not by a longshot, but he had been separated, and they¡¯d all be dead if they didn¡¯t stick together.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright!¡± Jack yelled back, as he got to his feet only then realising that he no longer had his rifle!


    ¡°Shit,¡± he growled, as another tentacle twisted out of a lower vent, forcing him to dodge as it stabbed down. That bought him time, and Jack quickly looked around in vain for the rifle before he noticed something. The tentacle had gotten wedged under the train tracks! Seeing the opportunity, Jack slipped the axe free from his belt before quickly chopping down in a vicious two-handed strike.


    A deep, primal roar echoed throughout the tunnels as the cold steel bit deep into the tumorous flesh, spattering the ground with luminous pale blue viscera as the human tore it free. The horrible limb shook roughly, still attached by a tiny chunk of flesh, but otherwise permanently split in two.


    ¡°Take that crap back to Japan!¡± Jack yelled at the tentacle.


    More shouts from the others spurred him into action, abandoning the search for his rifle and getting to the others. Learning from his last attempt, he carefully pinpointed his jumps to not expose himself midair, as he carefully but quickly zipped over to the sounds. ¡°Where are you?¡± He yelled, hoping desperately that they could answer.


    ¡°We¡¯re back here!¡± Sephy yelled as Jack could hear her gunfire. ¡°Hurry up!¡±


    Jack did so, carving a bloody path through the spiders that got too close. They got some nicks and jabs in from their unnatural growths, but none of it was going to put Jack down. The others needed him!


    Jack hopped up onto a station platform and could see the pale, white light around the corner, with a tentacle swiping about. Rushing across the hard ground in record time, the thick tentacle barely had time to react before the axeblade bit down, ripping and tearing the flesh away as the tentacle desperately tried to pull back, but something held it in place. Jack didn¡¯t waste the opportunity, slamming the axe down in the open wound again, before the remaining flesh gave way with a sickening tear.


    ¡°Jack, is that you?¡± he could hear Alora ask faintly. ¡°Get within my protective field!


    ¡°It¡¯s me! Don¡¯t shoot!¡± Jack put his hand around the corner to the stairway the others were retreating up to show them it was him before joining them. They all looked shaken, with Alora looking the worse for wear, although Jack couldn¡¯t see any visible injuries.


    ¡°I¡¯m able to hold off the smaller things for now but the tentacles are too resilient!¡± Alora panted under her breath as she closed her eyes to maintain the barrier.


    ¡°Chiyo says she doesn¡¯t think the tentacles are infinite and have to be originating from somewhere,¡± Sephy added, as Nika checked the top of the stairs for hostiles. ¡°It¡¯s gotta be the central maintenance room!¡± The Skritta continued after getting a brain wave. ¡°Main central vents are there for easy access, so that has to be how whatever the hell this is can come through the vents!¡±


    ¡°Ahead is clear so far,¡± Nika cautioned, taking a few steps back. ¡°We need a gameplan. What can we do? What the fuck are we even facing, Chiyo?¡±


    I have no clue what this thing could possibly be! Chiyo looked at Nika fearfully. It¡¯s definitely the source of the negative aura, and it¡¯s powerful!


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what it is right now,¡± Jack snapped decisively, bringing everyone¡¯s attention to him. ¡°What does matter is how we can escape it, or how we can kill it. Like Chiyo said, the tentacles aren¡¯t infinite, so if we can cut or disable them in some way we can give ourselves some breathing room instead of being herded like sheep!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a sheep?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you if we survive!¡± Jack grinned despite himself as they got to the top of the stairs. ¡°Where would the central maintenance room be?¡±


    ¡°Deepest chamber, but not accessible from the platform, I think,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°Do we follow the signs or avoid them?¡±


    That question remained unanswered as several bangs shook the corridor they were in, and dozens of the spider-creatures burst through the walls, several were held back a little thanks to Alora¡¯s barrier, but not all of them.


    ¡°Push forward!¡± Nika yelled above the gunfire and she and Sephy started clearing the path ahead. Jack and Chiyo kept the rear guard, with Chiyo providing ranged fire by throwing whatever spare debris she could find. A new tentacle snaked its way up the stairs, deliberately moving from side to side to avoid being hit.


    ¡°Chiyo, are you able to pin the tentacles to the walls with something?¡± Jack asked as he wildly swung his axe, clipping the fleshy thing and forcing it to retreat.


    Chiyo looked thoughtfully at him for a second before nodding. The guide railing to the left of them started vibrating violently as Chiyo desperately ripped the thing free with visible effort, before aiming carefully and spearing the tentacle to the ceiling. Jack jumped up high and lopped it off before it could loosen itself free, before quickly turning to support Alora who was struggling to keep her feet.


    ¡°I can¡¯t afford to end the sphere!¡± Alora moaned with her eyes closed in hard concentration as pale blue blood dripped out of her nose. ¡°I feel them in the walls! If I stop we¡¯ll be overwhelmed!¡±


    ¡°Is there a safe place we can hold out and recover?¡± Sephy asked as she mowed down several more spiders.


    ¡°If we stop it¡¯ll be a siege we can¡¯t win!¡± Nika growled as the noise of more tentacles could be heard above the walls.


    ¡°Then we have to keep moving and stay on the offensive!¡± Jack replied, having looked at an overhead sign and getting an idea. ¡°Follow me! Quickly!¡±


    The group followed, Alora now slumped over Jack¡¯s shoulder as she fought to keep her barrier up while the others covered them. Jack quickly dashed around corners, not hesitating to chop and slice with his axe despite the burden of a passenger, wrecking tentacle and spider-creature alike. Another tentacle shot around from behind to try and flatten him, clipping Nika hard before Sephy brought it down with concentrated fire, the blue plasma melting the fleshy abomination.


    ¡°Nika! Are you alright?¡± Jack yelled as Sephy helped her up and let the Kizun lean on her.


    ¡°I¡¯m good!¡± Nika growled through the pain. ¡°Something popped, but I¡¯m still in the fight!¡±


    I¡¯ll cover you! Chiyo replied, as she lashed out with a kinetic repulsion that knocked the creatures around them back and heavily bludgeoned the ones crawling around in the confined vents. Please tell me Jack has a plan that works!


    ¡°Jack!¡± Sephy worriedly shouted as she shot behind her one-handed. ¡°This had better be good!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± Jack yelled as he gently let Alora down to lean against a clear wall. She didn¡¯t seem to be fully aware of what was going on, too focused on maintaining the protective field that was rapidly losing its potency. Nika leaned awkwardly against a wall and took down a few more of the spider-creatures with a one-handed shotgun blast, the other hand hanging uselessly at her side.


    ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Sephy asked as she let loose with another volley of shots.


    ¡°Elevator shaft!¡± Jack pointed to the closed elevator door behind them. ¡°Can you open the door?¡± he asked Sephy as he pulled out his pistol, trying his best to hold it and support his two-handed grip on the axe simultaneously.


    Sephy closed her eyes for a moment, slipping into the local matrix and staggering slightly before returning to lucidity a millisecond later.


    ¡°No power!¡± Sephy panicked. ¡°I can¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°Anyone have an explosive?¡± Jack shouted, thinking quickly.


    ¡°Here! It¡¯s a sticky!¡± Nika yelled as she fumbled around with her good hand, before Chiyo telekinetically pulled the device to Jack and steadied Nika so she wouldn¡¯t fall.


    Jack grabbed the explosive, pushed it right against the centre of the frame where the two doors met and primed it.


    ¡°Take cover!¡± Jack yelled as the group moved back.


    The explosion wasn¡¯t what he was hoping for, smaller than expected, and the elevator doors still stood closed, though slightly bent. He could work with it though, he just hoped he was strong enough!


    ¡°Cover me!¡± Jack yelled to the others as he worked on the elevator door, using the newly created bends as handholds, and growling in primal fury as the door groaned in protest. ¡°Come on you son of a-¡±


    ¡°Jack, hurry up! We can¡¯t hold it for long!¡± Nika growled as she shuffled over towards him using her tail. ¡°Alora¡¯s field just dropped!¡±


    ¡°Fuck.¡± Jack grunted as he looked towards the unmoving Alora slumped against the wall.


    ¡®Please don¡¯t be dead¡¯ Jack thought to himself in panic ¡®I couldn¡¯t live with myself if you¡­¡¯


    That thought was interrupted as the door finally gave out and the resulting gap gave him a glimmer of hope¡­


    Right before a tentacle smashed through and grabbed him. It was too quick for him to react, wrapping around his waist and pinning his arms to his chest before trying to yank him through the gap. Jack braced his legs either side of the door and pushed back as he tried to free his arms. He gave it everything he had and could feel the grip of the tentacle wavering - he was stronger! A hiss gave him dread as he saw one of the spider-creatures skitter up the tentacle towards him, he was a dead man!


    Suddenly a high-pitched, whining buzz of blue light swept around him, decimating the creature and viciously slicing the tentacle, allowing Jack to burst free, though despite himself he allowed himself a second to take in what he was seeing¡­


    ¡°CHIYO, WHAT THE FUCK! YOU HAD A LIGHTSABER THE ENTIRE TIME?!¡±


    It was true. The Ilithii was looking at him wide-eyed as she just stood there with an elegant-looking hilt, and a flat, glowing blue blade of light with a metallic core, which retreated into the hilt as Chiyo put it away.


    ¡°WE REALLY DOING THIS NOW?¡± Nika growled as she slipped and collapsed to the ground next to them.


    ¡°Guys! Help!¡± Sephy warned, guns smoking as the horde of spider-creatures rushed at them. ¡°Running out of juice! Shit!¡±


    ¡°Quemos! HEAR MY PRAYER!¡± They heard a grunt, as a wall of bright fire burst forth in front of them. It took a split second before they saw Alora attempting to clamber to her feet. ¡°Go! I can hold them off for as long as you need to get out of here!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not leaving you!¡± Jack yelled as he swung his axe at any creatures brave enough to try risking the flames. ¡°Sephy! Chiyo! Any path up?¡±


    ¡°Ladder¡¯s fucked!¡± Sephy warned as both girls crouched through the gap. ¡°I can¡¯t even fly myself and it¡¯s far beyond Chiyo¡¯s power!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re heading down then! Nika, Alora, hold onto me!¡± Jack warned as he grabbed both of his barely standing friends and pulled them through the gap, dropping a few metres onto the top of the elevator, which groaned under their combined weight. Several loud sounds erupted around them as several tentacles crawled up the walls around them. Whatever this creature was, it had to be close! Looking around Jack could see the pulley system severely damaged with a frayed wire, and instantly knew what he had to do.


    This was gonna hurt!


    ¡°Hold on tight!¡± Jack yelled, as he took aim and shot the pulley with his Dominator photon pistol, completely obliterating the rusted tangle of metal before he lept towards the elevator shaft wall. Seeing his intentions Chiyo quickly warned Sephy, and both girls hovered slowly down as the elevator thundered to the bottom, shearing off any tentacle crawling up, to the roar of something large below them.


    Jack yelped in pain as he slowed their fall, grabbing onto an exposed ledge to break their momentum, before slipping and falling again, reaching out to grip a girder to slow his fall for several metres, the biting friction burning off his skin before he dropped again. The low gravity helped him get Alora and Nika on top of him to protect them in time before he slammed on top of the elevator in a growl of pain.


    Are they alright? Chiyo asked Sephy.


    ¡°Are they alright?¡± Jack asked out aloud as he quickly checked on both Alora and Nika. Alora was still softly breathing and Nika grunted as she shifted off of him.


    They¡¯ll be fine! Chiyo confirmed, which Sephy quickly translated.


    ¡°Good,¡± Jack panted as he got to his feet, glad he was still able to. ¡°Bottom floor. We have to kill it!¡±


    Jack led the way as they clambered out of the wreckage of the lift into a small corridor with a set of steep stairs leading up on one end and a smashed-in hole in the other that a bellowing noise was rumbling through.


    ¡°Right behind- OOF!¡± Nika grimaced in pain as she stumbled towards the hole, trying to follow Jack.


    ¡°No!¡± Jack told the Kizun. ¡°Hold position here and cover the lift with Alora when she wakes up. We don¡¯t need anything coming behind us.¡±


    ¡°But-¡± Nika began to protest before realising Jack was right. ¡°Alright.¡± She stoically replied, dragging herself and Alora forward to the hole. ¡°But we¡¯re holding out at the breach so we can cover you too!¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Jack replied with a nod as he quickly psyched himself up in anticipation and ran into the breach, with Sephy and Chiyo following, only to come face to face with the creature itself.


    It was a huge, disgusting mass of necrotic flesh, that pulsed in an unholy imitation of life as several parts of the flesh rippled to grow several hateful looking eyes that tracked the human. As Jack rushed in with his axe to hack at them and keep its attention on him, a roar erupted from a dark growth right in the fattest part of the flesh in the middle of the room, as a mouth with a circle of rotted, sharp teeth bellowed a challenge. Chiyo immediately let loose, pinning several of the tentacles in place with as much torn metal as she could find before lancing her power directly at the mouth of the creature, ripping the moisture out of the air into a spear and spraying it at a high-pressure shot to the centre of mass, completely ripping a hole through the beast. The creature roared in agony, and before she could react, a tentacle rapidly grew out of the flesh and pummeled the Ilithii dead centre, smacking her against a generator. Chiyo slumped and hit the ground, unmoving.


    ¡°NO!¡± Sephy yelled at the creature. ¡°I¡¯LL FUCKING KILL YOU!¡± She blasted the creature where Chiyo had hit it as Jack popped another fleshy eye out with his axe.


    ¡°Shit,¡±  Sephy cursed as she realised her rounds had no effect. She had to do something! But what?


    Wait¡­.YES!


    ¡°Jack! Keep it busy! I have an idea!¡± Sephy shouted as she dashed into cover within sight of the breach where they could hear Nika holding the line, before she slipped into the matrix and slumped to the ground.


    ¡°Yeah you heard her!¡± Jack shouted at the creature, not knowing if it could hear or not, as he felt a familiar rage come to bear. ¡°COME GET SOME!¡±


    Jack was like a blur, dancing and weaving in between tentacle strikes and delivering devastating counterattacks in the form of chops, slashes and slices. He used the low gravity to his advantage, leaping quickly to differing spots around the room as the creature failed to keep up. It was definitely weakening, as the creature was unable to replenish its eyes and tentacles as quickly the longer they went. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Chiyo stirring and stumbling to her hands and knees, and noticed a tentacle feeling around. He couldn¡¯t let it get to her.


    Leaping forward he sliced at the base of the necrotic limb before the beast opened its mouth wide and made one, desperate play.


    It moved.


    It couldn¡¯t move far, being so symbiotically attached to everything in and beyond the room, but it could move enough to swallow the human whole.


    Jack could hear a strange, strangled crying sound as it happened, and realised it was Chiyo as she saw the human get consumed, the creature¡¯s mouth closing once again until it suddenly shuddered and shook in confused pain as its mouth was snapped open. Growling in anger, Jack was there, prying the creature''s mouth wide with his hands as it tried desperately to shut around him. A tongue wrapped around Jack¡¯s waist and tried to pull him in, but the human stood strong and defiant as the vile creature could not overcome him. Jack knew he had this, as he kept the mouth pried open with one hand, and gripped the handle of his Dominator, aiming the powerful gun right down the monster¡¯s throat.


    ¡°Overcharge!¡±


    The Dominator glowed with bright light, as the energies within whined with furious power, ready to be unleashed.


    Jack fired, the red light of the photon blast ripping through the creature with ease, completely melting its top half.


    ¡°Jack! Get away from it! Now!¡± he heard Sephy say, already leaping away from the beast in pure reflex.


    Sephy yanked down on a switch next to the power generator, which roared to life as they felt the station come alive. The creature shrieked in anguish as it was cooked alive by the power generators it was attached to, echoed by its spawn from all around, a horrible cacophony of a death cry that was cut off abruptly, as whatever power that stitched the aberration together broke completely, leaving the flesh to bubble and simmer into a pool on the ground.


    They had won.

 Chapter 25: Abandoned Station

    ¡°Look at this! It¡¯s a shrine! Even I know that¡¯s Nekdon¡¯s symbol!¡± Sephy excitedly spoke up as she wiped the gunk off the markings and effigies along the back wall where the main body of the creature was.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s Chiyo¡¯s dark presence alright!¡± Nika joined them at a limp, having finally popped her arm back into place, and waiting for Alora to finish up helping herself and Chiyo before she¡¯d let the Eladrie see to her leg. ¡°Holeee shit. This must have been a Spawn of Nekdon! They drew on his divine power and should have been rendered extinct when the god died.¡±


    You are right. Chiyo steadily floated towards them. The spawn would slowly starve to death when cut off from Nekdon¡¯s power; however, they can hibernate to conserve it for as long as they need until called back to action.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t look like it was hibernating, Chiyo,¡± Alora warned.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°It was totally waiting for us! If it hadn¡¯t been for Jack it would have killed us!¡±


    ¡°No way I could have survived that on my own,¡± Jack immediately answered. ¡°It was very much a team effort. Besides, it was your kill, Sephy!¡±


    ¡°Hah, all I did was fix the matrix connections and turn the power on!¡± The Skritta waved a hand to dismiss the praise.


    None of us could have done what you did! Chiyo smiled. Well done Sephy!


    ¡°As much as I wanna praise everyone and get out of here,¡± Nika spoke up. ¡°We need to catch our breath, heal up, then find somewhere that doesn¡¯t smell like shit to camp for the night.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°The ¡®turning¡¯ really drained me, but we would have been swarmed if I hadn¡¯t done it. I¡¯ll fix your leg while the rest can have a look around.¡±


    ¡°You know, I hate to say it,¡± Sephy started. ¡°But I don¡¯t think they¡¯d be anything worth looting here. That¡¯s why I hate monsters! They have no concept of material wealth!¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Sister Jieta say that the Church of Siros offers a bounty for Nekdon related artefacts and information?¡± Jack asked Alora, the only person who shared the Religious Studies class in question with him.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°Take photos and a sample of the spawn. Get as much information as we can find too. As much as I¡¯d like to destroy the shrine, it''s best if we leave it intact for them to study and pay us - unless you think it¡¯s still a threat, Chiyo?¡±


    It isn¡¯t. Though the original ritual binding the creature was extraordinarily powerful, anything left is residual and will likely vanish over time as there is nothing to influence.


    ¡°Good.¡± Alora nodded as she worked on Nika¡¯s leg. ¡°We should probably let High Priestess Cornelia know about it as well. No way is she gonna trust Siros¡¯ clergy with this, and she¡¯s gonna be so pissed that a Spawn of Nekdon was down here less than a day away from them. The Temple of Hope will probably want to start an official investigation and find out how it came to be here.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s hurry up and do what we need to do, it smells like fried ass in here!¡± Sephy sighed, clearly exhausted. ¡°It¡¯s been a long day and we really need to rest!¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack agreed before the others could disagree. He was glad Sephy had been the one to suggest it as the only one of his friends not to be seriously hurt during the fight. Nika was still moving awkwardly, Alora clearly needed to sleep off her arcane feedback and Chiyo had been hit quite badly by the Spawn.


    After scouring the maintenance room for anything else, with Sephy scanning an old station map on the wall, the group set out exploring the rest of the station for a safe place to rest for the night, but the smell of the various deceased spider-creatures that died with the spawn put them off.


    "Well that''s the staff break room out.¡± Sephy sighed, looking around. "Do you think the vending machines will still have snacks in them?"


    "Centuries old, maybe," Nika grinned. "We''re not exactly needing to ration right now, but if you want to chow down on ancient candy be my guest!"


    "Good point," Sephy replied embarrassingly.


    "There might be some spare change in them though," Jack replied with a thought.


    "There''s no guarantee the currency would be valid today," Alora warned, even as Sephy was quickly jimmying the machine open. "But the fact remains we need to find a good place to rest, and I''d rather not be kept up by the horrible smell!"


    I might have something! Chiyo finally interjected, looking at what looked like a staff announcement board. Sephy''s going to love this if it pans out!


    Jack walked over to where the Ilithii was looking and raised his eyebrows at the announcement.


    TRAIN DOCKED FOR MAINTENANCE, REQUIRES BATTERY RECHARGE.


    "Worth a look," Nika argued. "Structurally this place is sound compared to where we came in, and the dock for out-of-service trains would probably be on the outskirts of the station."


    "Out of sight of the customers," Alora agreed. "Sephy?"


    "You''re right," Sephy confirmed, looking at the map. "Near where we came in, I remember it. Door was closed though, and I doubt I can slice my way in"


    "That''s unfortunate." Alora sighed.


    "Buuuut!" Sephy grinned. "There''s always a manual override with these things! We can probably find a way in - staff door, bent hatch, whatever!"


    "Probably worth a look," Jack agreed. "Besides, I dropped my rifle around there during the fight, I kinda want it back."


    It didn''t take too long to find Jack''s plasma rifle, now that everyone was looking and there wasn''t anything trying to kill them.


    "Looks like this thing took a hit," Nika called out, picking the rifle up off the ground and examining it. "A few parts jumbled around. Should be able to fix it, though it might need a little work."


    "Thanks, Nika." Jack sighed in relief as they followed Sephy to where train maintenance was.


    "So the bad news," Sephy started as they all met up with her. "I can''t see a way we can get the gate open, and there isn''t a staff entrance that I can find."


    "But?" Jack prompted, knowing Sephy well enough now to know where this was going.


    "See that vent up there?" She grinned.


    Jack could. It was quite high, probably higher than he could jump. What was she thinking?


    "You want Chiyo to lift me up there as I''m the shortest, right?" Nika rolled her eyes with a groan and Chiyo looked a little worried.


    "No way, you two are hurt," Sephy replied quickly, perfectly serious. "I think I can get up there if Jack launches me and I use my wings to stabilise."


    "If it''s a manual crank, would you be alright shifting it on your own?" Jack asked. "If it''s been like this for hundreds or thousands of years it''s probably rusted."


    Sephy gave Jack a playful look of outrage at his questioning her strength before grinning. "They build them to last here, since it doubles as a shelter during wartime. It should be alright, but I''ll use a rope to get back up to the vent just in case."


    ¡°Alright,¡± Jack conceded. ¡°So you want me to launch you in the air as high as I can?¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t put me through the ceiling.¡± Sephy grinned, licking her lips as she began climbing up onto Jack, stepping onto his palms and taking some liberties with her handholds on his hair. Jack, for his part, tried to keep it together as his face ended up very close to the buttons of the Skritta¡¯s shorts¡­


    ¡°Ready?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Sure we can¡¯t stay in this pose for a little longer?¡± Sephy joked.


    ¡°Maybe later.¡± Jack awkwardly laughed. ¡°3¡­2¡­1¡­GO!¡±


    Straightening both their legs as Jack launched her high, Sephy was flung high into the air, letting out a ¡®WHOOOOOO¡¯ as she started to drop down and extend her wings to glide over to the vent, grabbing onto the lid and beginning to pull herself in before stopping.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Jack asked, worried.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Sephy yelled out. ¡°I¡¯m stuck! Help me out, stepbrother!¡± she joked, wiggling her ass at them.


    ¡°By the gods Sephy¡­¡± Alora facepalmed, though Jack could see her hiding her smile as Nika cackled, and even Chiyo gave a little giggle.


    Get in there you utter degenerate! Chiyo retorted, giving Sephy a ¡®prod¡¯ of encouragement, the Skritta giving a little ¡®eep¡¯ as she quickly scrambled the rest of the way in. I can¡¯t believe you actually said that with Jack around!


    It took a few minutes, with Jack starting to get worried before finally they saw the gate slowly start to open as Sephy put all of her strength into turning a crank by the door, before Jack slipped in the gap and helped open the gate all the way.


    ¡°Well the good news is that the train seems to be functional, the Spawn hasn¡¯t fucked with the area and it doesn¡¯t smell like ass,¡± Sephy began.


    ¡°And the bad?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Out of juice. It¡¯s been charging since we got the power back on, but it¡¯ll be a few hours at least before we¡¯re moving.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s absolutely fine, guess we¡¯ll be resting here. I¡¯ll need to meditate for a bit before I can continue healing.¡± Alora sighed in relief as she climbed aboard the train to sit down.


    *****


    The group had mostly spent their time resting since gaining access to the train, with Sephy occasionally keeping an eye on the charging engine as the rest of the group unpacked their stuff in the spacious back of the carriage with comfortable first-class accommodations. The seats were comfortable and even big enough to lie down on but quite dusty. The space in the centre was vast enough to allow for Alora to conjure a heat source that she used to warm them all up while they had Sephy¡¯s drone on overwatch outside, along with a few well-placed proximity devices.


    They had finished eating some of the MREs they had taken with them, which Jack found delicious. Nika had gotten them all the same meaty stew with gravy and a loaf of bread made of many different grounded seeds that reminded Jack of a lumpy mash potato, which came with several packets of gooey spreads of varying different colours. For dessert there were flat cookies of an unusually soggy consistency, backed by many hard-boiled sweets and several artificially sweetened drink powders that Chiyo seemed to be very fond of. Now the group was just sitting down, relaxing and planning their next move, while Alora did some more healing.


    ¡°I think Sephy raised a good point earlier,¡± Nika spoke up, wincing as Alora¡¯s magic coursed through her leg. ¡°That thing was fully active when we got here.¡±


    Hibernating creatures do need to wake up once in a while. Chiyo rationalised. But the tracks we found and the fact that Sephy thinks someone tampered with the system to lock us in leaves no doubt in my mind that someone woke it up.


    ¡°The third bounty hunter that declared was a Nekdon priest or initiate,¡± Jack rationalised after Sephy translated Chiyo¡¯s theory to him. ¡°It¡¯s got to be him, right?¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Alora thought out loud. ¡°It could be, but I¡¯m not completely convinced.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen the bounty hunters so far, right?¡± Alora asked, in deep thought. ¡°They¡¯ve been complete pushovers and we¡¯ve had nothing to suggest that Dubakuu would be any different.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Jack prompted, realising the point Alora was trying to make.


    ¡°So why is what we¡¯re facing so¡­competent?¡± Alora asked, looking to the others.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good point,'''' Sephy admitted, bringing up her commlink. ¡°I ran a data-scrape program when we were in Gladespring on Dubakuu. He lives on the streets as a beggar foretelling doom and destruction in hour-long rants that get mocked on NetTube and MyFace, and as of about six months ago claims to receive visions from Nekdon that compel him to do random things, most of them bad.¡±


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    ¡°Like publicly announcing his intention to chase the bounty on me,¡± Jack concluded jokingly. ¡°Yeah, he sounds kinda nuts. Are you guys sure Nekdon¡¯s dead? Maybe he¡¯s just been on holiday and has only just come back to give orders to some nut job to come after me?¡±


    ¡°Many other gods have confirmed his death or disappearance,¡± Alora argued. ¡°And Nekdon¡¯s clergy have nearly all been decimated since then. As gods require worship to exist and bestow powers, there¡¯s just no way. Besides, what have you even done to deserve the wrath of a god?¡±


    ¡°As you say.¡± Jack reluctantly nodded. ¡°But he clearly left something behind.¡±


    A former Nekdon priest could have awoken the Spawn with the proper rites! Chiyo reasoned. And their penchant for necromancy could bind Risen to their will. But I agree with Alora. Dubakuu couldn¡¯t have been the one to lock us in or know we would even come this way.


    ¡°Yeah, there was that stuff Crill called us about earlier before Zhal Han attacked us,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°Someone told a bunch of people where we were heading despite us being careful and even sent them photos! There¡¯s definitely a code slicer at work here, maybe the same one that locked us in!¡±


    It would not surprise me if they had diviners magically aiding them somehow. Chiyo added. Since they were impossibly quick!


    ¡°Might be the Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s helping them,¡± Alora wondered. ¡°But I definitely think we¡¯re missing something here.¡±


    ¡°Well as far as the other slicer is concerned,¡± Sephy added, looking a little smug. ¡°The power surge here will have scrambled the system and forced a factory reset, which will likely take a few weeks to complete. While that means I¡¯m not going to be able to access key systems on the network, it means the other slicer can¡¯t either, and whatever trick they pulled to trap us in is gone. We could technically head back and jimmy the door open now that it¡¯s not maglocked¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sensing a ¡®but¡¯ here,¡± Alora said, eyebrows raised.


    ¡°But we¡¯ve come this far!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°And we¡¯re so close! We could finally learn why Jack came to be here!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve risked far too much already,¡± Jack warned. ¡°There¡¯s no shame in heading back after all the shit we¡¯ve been through. I can''t ask you to carry on¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a group decision.¡± Nika grinned as she chewed on some jerky. ¡°And I think Sephy¡¯s right. Might as well go all the way now that we¡¯re here!¡±


    I am very curious about Jack¡¯s situation as well, and I have been looking forward to meeting this Oracle for quite some time. Chiyo added. And I want to find whoever trapped us here, wipe the floor with them and get some answers!


    Alora slowly nodded in agreement at Chiyo¡¯s last point. ¡°If we don¡¯t deal with our enemies now they may come back to bite us later. Their trap failed, so now we need to press our advantage!¡±


    ¡°So it sounds like we¡¯re pushing forward.¡± Nika nodded in determination. ¡°We know we¡¯ve got hostiles ahead so get as much rest as you can. Once the engine¡¯s fully charged we start driving, and if Chiyo¡¯s calculations are correct we should make it to where we need to be by early morning. We should have plenty of time to see the oracle and get back home before tomorrow night.¡±


    "We don''t know what lies ahead," Alora cautioned, "so we''ll need to sleep or meditate in shifts and set a guard up, especially while we''re moving."


    "I''ll do it," Jack immediately volunteered, aware that despite the healing from Alora, some of them needed to sleep off the pain. "I can probably get away with pulling an all-nighter to be honest, especially with some caffeine if we have that with us?"


    "Caffeine? You use that?" Nika exclaimed, seemingly impressed. "We do have things that''ll keep you up for a bit, but I think it''ll be better if you guard while we''re on the move since we have better detection here."


    "I''ll keep watch until the train''s ready to move," Alora decided. "That and our counter measures should be enough. Try and get as much rest as you can before we need to go, and once we''re charged I''ll wake everyone up so we can get moving as soon as we can!"


    "Understood," Nika reluctantly replied, clearly wanting to take first watch herself. "But once we start moving, you sleep all the way to the end, or at least until we need you. That fight took a lot out of you and we need your magic recovered."


    "Yeah," Sephy agreed. "I''m gonna be the one to drive this pile of junk, and I kinda need to be awake for that, unless Chiyo wants a go?"


    Only if you need a break. Chiyo smiled at her friend. I can stay on overwatch with Jack and Nika as well, though I would like to spend some time centering myself and refreshing my psionics. I fear I may have a concussion I need to fix.


    "Sounds good," Alora agreed. "I''ll wake you when it''s time.


    Jack went into the carriage with the others, brushing his teeth and unfurling the micro thin sleeping bag Nika had gotten for him. The days and nights on Hive Station Bastilla were vastly different from those on Earth, so he still felt wide awake while Nika and Sephy looked rather tired and ready to go to sleep, wrapping themselves up in comfortable-looking blankets.


    Jack wrapped himself up as well, and was just about to try closing his eyes and fruitlessly counting sheep before he felt a gentle tugging on his arm.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Chiyo?¡± He asked the Ilithii now sitting down next to him.


    I would like to merge with you now, please. She politely asked, looking at Jack pointedly with her wide eyes.


    "Now? Like we did a few days ago before school?"


    Yes please. It seems you cannot sleep either and this will help both of us.


    "Sure," Jack nervously replied. "As long as we can react to danger in time I don''t see why not, but you''re gonna have to walk me through it again.¡±


    Relax yourself as much as you can and open your mind. Chiyo explained. Jack immediately obeyed, and felt Chiyo slide up beside him. He reflexively put an arm around her as he felt a strange sensation gently probe his mind.


    The sensation of a perception shift was less surprising than before, as the dark haziness of his closed eyes gave way to detail. A sofa appeared behind him the moment he thought to sit down, and from there a living room materialised, some parts from the one back at the house, and other parts from Jack¡¯s home on Earth.


    I want to properly talk to you. Chiyo suddenly materialised right next to him on the sofa, looking a little frantic.


    ¡°Are you ok?¡± Jack looked at her, worried.


    No! Chiyo was visibly exasperated. That room with the Spawn isn¡¯t something I can just purge from my mind. You have no idea what horrors I saw in its aura! And¡­and then I saw it try to swallow you whole and I thought it killed you!


    Jack nodded, remembering Chiyo¡¯s cry, which echoed in their shared mindscape.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Its teeth shredded my hands a bit. I knew it would be easy enough for Alora to stop the bleeding, but I also knew that if I didn¡¯t fight with everything I had it was going to get the rest of you next. I didn¡¯t know how long Sephy would be, and everyone else was out of the fight. I couldn¡¯t let that happen.¡±


    That doesn¡¯t usually happen with our group. Chiyo cautioned. A Spawn of Nekdon is one of his most powerful servants. We have never, ever faced something like that before.


    ¡°Well it¡¯s ok now.¡± Jack comforted the Ilithii with a reassuring hug. ¡°We won.¡±


    They stayed like that for a little while longer in silence before Jack remembered something.


    ¡°So when were you planning on telling me you had a lightsaber?¡± Jack joked.


    Chiyo giggled. The others mentioned it to me but I honestly had no idea what you meant! It¡¯s an Ilithii Psyblade my parents gifted me for my Ilithkahl, my birthday when I became a teenager. It¡¯s quite useful as a last resort, but I¡¯m afraid they only attune to advanced psionic users. I¡¯m curious what a ¡®lightsaber¡¯ is though. It was from a movie, right?


    Immediately before Jack tried to explain it, a scene from his childhood popped up in the ether across from them. A flash of neon red and purple as two opponents duelled one another.


    You know¡­ Chiyo began with a cheeky smile. You probably have the entire movie recalled in your subconscious. We could watch and put the bad stuff behind us?


    ¡°Sure,¡± replied Jack with a grin. ¡°And it¡¯s more than one movie!¡±


    They spent the rest of their merge watching the Star Wars films as Jack remembered them, having more than enough of the slowed-down mindscape time they needed to see most of them. He was a little fuzzy with his memories of the original trilogy, but Chiyo was smart enough to follow along. The prequels he recalled fondly with more clarity, and the lightsaber fights were truly epic, but fortunately Chiyo decided enough was enough when the shitty sequel trilogy came around. She wanted to make sure both of them were refreshed and knew they didn¡¯t have much time left, and so with the promise of more films another time and an in-depth talk about Star Wars when they next had the time, Jack opened his eyes.


    Jack woke up feeling a lot more refreshed than before. Worrying slightly he got up ready for trouble, but to his relief found Alora still patiently keeping watch.


    "I was just about to start waking you all." She yawned as he quietly moved over to her.


    ¡°Morning,¡± Jack spoke in reply. ¡°Or is it still evening?¡±


    ¡°Still late evening, it¡¯s only been a few hours. Like I said, we¡¯re making good time so don¡¯t worry! We¡¯ll probably be at the Oracle before the daycycle hits, so we may have to wait around until they¡¯re awake.¡± Alora paused for a moment as she looked at him. ¡°How are you holding up after¡­you know.¡±


    ¡°I was going to ask you the same thing,¡± Jack joked, before quickly getting serious. ¡°You constantly told me back at the temple that things would feel a little crazy for me but that feels like the understatement of the century. That¡­thing. It almost killed all of us. All because of me.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Alora replied sternly. ¡°Don¡¯t do that thing you do where you take on the full burden of responsibility! All of us chose to be here, and none of us could have possibly predicted that something that powerful could be this close to a populated area!¡±


    ¡°I understand where you¡¯re coming from,¡± Jack started, ¡°but I could never forgive myself if anything happened to you or the others. Is it really this bad all the time?¡±


    ¡°Plenty of things have happened already.¡± Alora smiled in understanding. ¡°Sure a few of us got knocked down from time to time, but we got up again. Even before you came here we took risks and collected rewards, that¡¯s a life we all chose. We know the cost, but we wouldn¡¯t have it any other way. Besides¡­¡± She gave a small chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s the best way to pay the bills while we have to go to school.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded, not necessarily agreeing, but acknowledging that there wasn¡¯t any stopping them. He¡¯d remembered how he was the one to take charge when shit hit the fan. He decided to change the topic. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan for getting to the station we need to get to?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll manoeuvre the train into position first and get the points on the track aligned. After that we¡¯ll go at a steady speed where we won¡¯t crash into anything and can react to anything ahead, but we can also get there in much better time. Still several hours, though. It''s not perfect, but at least we''re not trudging all the way to the oracle! Do you want a drink?¡±


    Alora handed Jack a travel mug of warm liquid before she went to rouse the others. The beverage tasted strange, but had elements of hot chocolate and coffee in it that were familiar to him and helped him fully wake up. He¡¯d definitely have to get the recipe from her - it was delicious!


    ¡°Alright.¡± Nika stretched and gratefully took her mug from Alora. ¡°Thanks, Alora. Very nice. Once we¡¯ve finished our drinks, Jack, Chiyo and I will walk ahead and dislodge anything that could block the train and set the points so we go down the tunnel we want. After that, we stay on overwatch while Sephy drives. Once we get going maybe we can take a few power naps if it¡¯s quiet enough.¡±


    Jack nodded with the others, as they then got to work.


    It didn¡¯t take long to move things aside, not that there was much to move. While it was clear that the spawn had done a little structural damage, most of what was blocking the tracks were just old bins and benches, which took them no time at all to fix, as the unusually quiet train slowly glided behind them. Changing the points was a little more difficult, but eventually Chiyo was able to find the manual override for the non-functional electrical system, a dark lever further away that Jack quickly pulled to lock them onto the right track.


    ¡°Alright ladies and gentleman, this is your captain speaking! We¡¯re ready to go!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Guards, if you would kindly take up positions and keep your arms and legs inside the ride we will now be departing!¡±


    ¡°Wait a moment,¡± Jack whispered cautiously. ¡°I think I heard something.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± Alora asked, pointing her wand to where Jack was looking, down the tunnel, as Nika scrambled up on top of the train to get a better sight.


    ¡°Ready to get us out of here!¡± Sephy called out nervously.


    ¡°It¡¯s further down that way,¡± Jack whispered. ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound like anything big, but sounds like something is running towards us.¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Alora cursed. ¡°Chiyo, what can you¡­..¡±


    She stopped, and everyone who could turned to look at the Ilithii. Chiyo had crossed her arms, and wasn¡¯t doing anything except raise her eyebrows as high as they would go, and looking decidedly unamused.


    The reason announced itself five seconds later.


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    The ¡®dog¡¯ they had met twice previously was panting heavily, clearly tired from having run from wherever it came from. Its twin tails were wagging like crazy on having found the group again, as it went and sat on the ground a few meters from them and stared up at them with excited eyes.


    ¡°No fucking way¡­¡± Nika did her best to try not to laugh at the absurdity of the situation, but ended up failing miserably, with Sephy and Jack eventually joining in.


    ¡°This is getting pretty ridiculous you know¡­¡± Alora playfully told the dog.


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you agree!¡± Alora continued playing along. ¡°This is a bad place, you shouldn¡¯t be here!¡±


    The ¡®dog¡¯ let out a slight whine at that.


    I gave a strong suggestion for that beast to not follow us. Chiyo grumbled. How did it even get down here if we were trapped?


    ¡°Possibly a vent or a small breach somewhere, though you could always read its mind?¡± Nika suggested with barely suppressed laughter.


    I¡¯d rather not. Animals normally recall nothing else but eating, drinking and defecating.


    ¡°Why are you following us, boy?¡± Jack asked the ¡®dog¡¯ as he moved forward to scratch it behind the ears. The ¡®dog¡¯ loved it, and rubbed its face in Jack¡¯s chest. ¡°What do we do?¡± He asked the others. ¡°It isn¡¯t safe for it here, though it might be able to get out the way it came.¡±


    The ¡®dog¡¯ whined slightly at that suggestion, looking to Alora with bright, hopeful eyes.


    ¡°I would be more happy if this creature lived as it should, free among nature,¡± Alora cautiously started. ¡°But it clearly wants to stay with us, and like you said, Jack, it isn¡¯t safe for it here. So the safest possible place for it here is with us.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± The ¡®dog¡¯ barked excitedly, wagging its tails even harder.


    ¡°What do we think?¡± Alora asked the others. ¡°I can completely understand if you don¡¯t want to but should we-¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± Nika immediately answered, along with both Jack and Sephy with their own confirmations.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Alora grinned. ¡°Chiyo?¡±


    But¡­it¡¯s dirty and slobbery and it¡¯s looking right at me now! Maybe¡­.oh alright then. But it better behave itself!


    ¡°Woof!¡± The ¡®dog¡¯ excitedly barked again, which surprised Chiyo. Did it know what she just said? Surely not.


    ¡°Well!¡± Alora dramatically announced, looking at the ¡®dog¡¯.


    ¡°Welcome aboard!¡±

 Chapter 26: End Of The Line

    They had fed the ¡®dog¡¯ some of Nika¡¯s jerky as they started to set off, and Alora had conjured some water for it to drink using one of the MRE dishes Nika had with her. It fed and drank quickly before curling up quietly on one of the first-class chairs to go to sleep. Clearly it was smart enough to know that Alora needed to sleep as well, and that they needed to stay quiet as they ventured into the unknown.


    Jack climbed up on top of the roof of the train on overwatch after Nika had quickly managed to patch his plasma rifle up. According to her there wasn¡¯t much damage and it just needed a quick check over, but Nika suggested running a full diagnostic when they went back and to favour his Dominator for now if he had the choice. The top of the train provided minimal cover, but it was the best place to look ahead and gave him a greater field of fire if need be.


    He was happy to be alone with his thoughts as he kept an eye on everything ahead. Even though Sephy was travelling at a cautious pace, it was still brisk enough that the breeze cooled his face. It had been a hell of a day. Hell, he¡¯d only been with the group for about 3 days and it had constantly been a wild ride. Was this his life now?


    ¡°Mind if I join you? I need to talk.¡± He heard Nika shuffle up beside him, handing him another hot drink that Chiyo had made for them with yet more of the many drink powders they had taken with them. This syrupy substance tasted like it was full of different spices that reminded Jack of Indian cuisine. It wasn¡¯t bad though, and Jack was surprised it didn¡¯t contain as much of the sweetness he¡¯d come to expect from Chiyo¡¯s tastes.


    ¡°Sure, and thanks!¡± Jack replied idly. ¡°Thanks, Chiyo!¡± Jack added with a whisper just loud enough for her to hear downstairs, with a thumbs-up floating briefly up the hatch in response.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be watching our rear?¡± Jack asked her, but Nika shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°Chiyo¡¯s keeping an eye on it, and we¡¯re not hitting the next station for a while - we¡¯ll be fine.¡± The Kizun sighed.


    ¡°What did you want to talk about?¡± Jack continued, a little confused as he saw Nika looking at him intently and shaking slightly, before she quickly rummaged into a pocket and took a pill of some kind.


    ¡°Had the shakes, sorry,¡± Nika lied, not wanting to tell Jack about her heat cycle. Why did it have to keep flaring up, especially now of all times? She shook it out of her mind and tried to focus on what she wanted to say. ¡°That was a hell of a fight back there.¡±


    ¡°It was,¡± Jack replied. He didn¡¯t have much else to say, having already spoken to a few of the others. Right now, he just wanted to put it behind him, but if Nika needed to talk, he would be there for her. ¡°Glad we made it out.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Nika replied nervously, and Jack noticed she was still acting a little weird.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± He finally asked.


    Nika took a deep breath. ¡°It''s¡­ I¡¯m usually the one that keeps their shit together in rough situations. We usually make decisions as a group, and while we don''t have an official leader, Alora is without a doubt the best at leading us on runs. But if we get into a scrap I can usually keep my head on straight to make tactical decisions for the group, but¡­."


    "But?¡± Jack prompted.


    "But I fucked up back there," Nika admitted, hanging her head in shame. "We''ve never faced anything that strong before and I couldn''t think of anything to do but run. The only reason we not only survived but beat that thing was because of you. Not only did you take charge but you knew exactly what to do. I tried to do what I could but I was straight up terrified. When I got injured I thought that was it."


    Jack slowly nodded, not really knowing what to say to that. Both Nika and Alora were good leaders and clearly knew their stuff, but it was true that he''d been the one to assert leadership that one time.


    "How did you do it?" she asked with wide, pleading eyes. "Take charge and lead us to victory without being terrified?"


    "I was terrified the whole time," Jack admitted. "And I''ve been terrified the entire time I''ve been here. We don''t have monsters, anarchy and madness like this where I''m from, and all of this is a living nightmare for me. Every time I go to sleep, I hope I wake back home on Earth. But within this nightmare there''s moments where I feel good. That''s you, and the others. And I will die before I let anything happen to any of you."


    Jack sighed for a moment, steadying himself before continuing.


    "For the record, you''ve led us well and did nothing wrong, but I knew that the only way we''d survive is with hope, and that insane idea I had was the only sliver I could think of. Anything could have gone wrong and we could have been trapped ten times over, but I was never going to give in, no matter what. I was terrified of dying and getting killed by that thing, but I was even more terrified of losing you guys. That was the only reason I kept it together for as long as I did "


    Nika nodded in understanding. "So it was the hope of an insane plan that kept you going better than I did." Nika sighed.


    Jack nudged her playfully. "You''re way too competitive, you know that, right?"


    She snorted. "So people keep telling me. I just feel like I''ve let all of you down, and now I''m terrified I won''t be able to pull myself back together."


    Jack placed a hand on the Kizun''s shoulder. "We all take losses sometimes. It''s how you learn and move on from them that separates a champion from everyone else."


    Nika smiled as she nodded. "You''re right. You''d give Alora a run for her money on wise advice."


    She stopped and fell silent for a few moments, looking¡­nervous?


    "Can I ask you a favour?" She asked Jack, steeling herself and looking right into his dark brown eyes.


    "Of course you can," Jack replied, a little nervous himself.


    "Can we just¡­.hold each other for a little while? Make each other feel safe just a little more?" she asked, bracing herself for rejection.


    Instead, Jack said nothing, wrapping both of his arms around Nika as she did the same to him. It felt good, and the kiss that followed felt all too natural.


    *****


    "Alright everyone, last stretch!" Sephy called out after sipping on yet another energy drink. Though she had swapped out to take an occasional power nap with Chiyo temporarily taking over, she had driven for most of the trip, and so the others had mostly been ok with her drinking an excessive amount of the sugary goodness, despite her less-than-stellar record with sugar. Sephy had given Jack a knowing wink when he came down for a break, though didn¡¯t say anything as he grabbed a drink. She had said before that she was cool with Jack getting more intimately involved with the others, and even encouraged him. But even still, he would have to talk to her about it.


    The rest of the ride had mostly been uneventful, though those on guard duty had to be on alert every time they went through a station, just in case there were hostiles. There weren''t any, thankfully, with Chiyo suspecting that few creatures would even be able to get in, though she also speculated that their enemies ahead could also have cleared the way and added to the ranks of risen that were likely in play. He hadn¡¯t faced them yet, but the others had informed him well of the likely kind they¡¯d be encountering, and he was feeling confident.


    ¡°Excellent.¡± Alora yawned, having been woken up by the announcement. ¡°Are we all prepared?¡± Alora looked to the rest of the group. Jack nodded with conviction, and curiously, to everyone¡¯s amusement, so did the ¡®dog¡¯, clearly keen to be a part of whatever was going on.


    ¡°Would be nice to have another of those MREs before we have to walk again,¡± Sephy joked. ¡°You got the pizza ones, Nika? Those are the best!¡±


    ¡°We had a pizza party only a few days ago!¡± scolded Nika. ¡°And no!¡±


    Perhaps we should go over our planned route and discuss any last things? Chiyo pointed out, wanting to get them on track.


    ¡°If we¡¯re coming back this way, we could stash most of the heavy stuff we don¡¯t need on the train or nearby,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Means we can be quicker without tiring.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to see the other side, but if the station¡¯s sealed it shouldn¡¯t be a problem,¡± Nika agreed.


    ¡°We can just leave it here on the train, I can lock it to only respond to us,¡± Sephy added. ¡°Though we don¡¯t know how long our trip will even be. I really hope it isn¡¯t going to be a waste of time.¡±


    Jack thought about that for a moment with worry. They were here because of a tip from Mr Sparrel, but they knew next to nothing about the oracle, save for their existence. He quickly put his fears and concerns out of mind for now. They''d know when they got there, no need to speculate.


    "Are we taking our passenger with us?" Sephy asked, nodding to the ¡®dog¡¯.


    "If it wishes to come." Alora shrugged. "Nika, do you have any spare shield emitters we could put on it?"


    "If we''re facing possible basic Risen, then the emitters won''t matter if they get close," the Kizun warned. "Unless we have advanced ones in the mix, which is likely considering the Nightwhisper yellow zone shits them out about 10% of the time compared to the normal ones. Enough cognitive ability to operate and use guns, but would the guys ahead even have them to distribute?"


    "Let''s not take the risk," Alora argued. "Can you fashion one into a collar?"


    "Can do." She sighed as the ''dog'' gave a quiet bark of approval.


    *****


    "So, did you and Nika have fun?" Sephy grinned. She and Jack were alone in the driver¡¯s compartment with the ''dog'' as they were about ten minutes away from their stop, all geared up with the bare minimum. Sephy was still in the driver¡¯s seat, happy to keep going while Jack stood guard, ready to exit and engage if they had to. The others were all standing guard with Nika taking a sniping position on the roof and the spellcasters at the back. The ''dog''  was preparing by nonchalantly licking its own crotch in the corner, no longer messing with its new collar at least.


    "Look, Sephy, I¡­." Jack started, only to be cut off.


    "Hey, I said it was cool." Sephy grinned. "About time she loosened up, just make sure we get our time together and I won''t get jealous."


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    She paused a little for dramatic effect.


    "It''s Chiyo I''d be more worried about, she''ll want in on the action too!"


    Jack coughed a little on his water.


    "Yup!¡± Sephy continued, not letting up. "Though maybe you already have in a way, she seemed super happy after you merged but won''t tell me why."


    "You shouldn''t have told me that." Jack grinned. "Now I won''t tell you either!"


    She rolled her eyes in amusement. "Well I''m glad in a way, she''s been a little stormy since she can''t talk to you properly yet. I can''t tell with Alora though, she''s so good at hiding her thoughts and feelings that even Chiyo claims she doesn''t know at times."


    Jack just nodded along, taking a few sips before deciding to change the subject. "So what''s the story with that Nightwhisper place?"


    "Oooh! It''s spooky! At least you didn''t bring it up before we rested!" Sephy''s grin turned just a little more serious as she began.


    "It''s a bad place, evil and corrupted. Not much is known for sure except that it spawns undead, either converting dead bodies within its reach or creating brand new ones somehow. And that''s just the yellow zone, the surrounding districts closer to the perimeter. Further in it gets much worse, so much that nobody goes there."


    She took a sip of her energy drink before she continued.


    "Right in the middle you get Nightwhisper Manor itself, a vast noble estate covering several districts. Nobody really knows what happened, but there was some kind of cataclysmic event originating from the manor. Some say the patriarch was a powerful lich or demon, some say that a cult infiltrated the family, nobody knows for sure.¡±


    "You all stressed not to mess with the place," Jack said. "But I''ve got to ask-"


    "What happens to those that do fuck with Nightwhisper?" Sephy nodded. "Some insane groups can get deep into the yellow zone and come back with riches somehow barely alive but always with casualties. Some accounts mention intelligent undead within, nothing like the ones that walk and talk amongst us like normal. These are smart, powerful, and utterly hateful."


    Jack nodded. He had been curious, but this didn''t sound good. "Is carpet bombing an option?"


    Sephy laughed. "Tried and failed. Big magic over there protecting the place. Though several parties that instigated attacks like these have afterwards suffered from¡­things that seem like accidents but are probably not, y''know?"


    "So an evil power operating right on the city''s doorstep," Jack concluded, to which Sephy nodded in agreement.


    "Probably, but the common line is that it''s just an abnormal zone and there''s no agenda of any kind. If there is a driving force we don''t have any kind of name or identifier, and if there was it''d be Top 10 for sure, but even Heroes don''t come back from trying to find out."


    "Damn," Jack simply replied. It didn''t sit easy with him that there was a threat like that they knew next to nothing about.


    "And with that." Sephy raised her voice just loud enough for the others to hear, seeing markings ahead of them in the tunnel. "We have arrived."


    The station they had arrived at was a small one, with just the two platforms either side for opposing directions with stairs heading up, and the tunnel that kept going. On seeing that there were no hostiles waiting for them, and Chiyo confirming that there were no auras, they stopped and disembarked, listening for anything and finding nothing. Emerging up the stairs they found a shut entrance door similar to the one that entered. Though Sephy could tell that the maglocks had been initiated from the other side, the power surge they had triggered apparently reached this point and rendered them useless. Jack and Nika quickly unblocked and opened the door as everyone else prepared to engage¡­


    But again, no ambush was waiting.


    Instead they emerged into what remained of a small outpost, a concrete palisade of sorts with a few abandoned buildings and surrounded by vast overgrown trees bigger than anything Jack had ever seen on Earth.


    ¡°Guys, I see something,¡± Sephy called out, bringing their attention to the central courtyard. There were the remains of an old flag pole, and a few signs of campfires long past, but the dark, wet splotches of blood were unmistakable.


    ¡°It¡¯s recent,¡± Nika added as she dipped her fingers in. ¡°Probably a Zorn patrol, though I can imagine this spot¡¯s an obvious rest stop for travellers that come this far out.¡±


    ¡°How long?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°No more than an hour, we must have caught up to them,¡° Nika replied.


    ¡°So where are they?¡±


    ¡°Tracks lead this way.¡± Jack pointed at the signs of fresh footsteps and shifted foliage. ¡°Dare I ask which way it is to the Oracle?¡±


    Same way. Chiyo confirmed, looking at the map. Either they¡¯re going for them or setting up an ambush.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll be an ambush,¡± Nika replied thoughtfully. ¡°In fact, I don¡¯t think they know we¡¯re coming.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°If it was an ambush they¡¯d have done it in close quarters here or in the tunnels, but they haven¡¯t,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°And they also tried engaging the maglocks not knowing it wouldn¡¯t work. Chiyo, would they be able to feel if the Spawn is defeated or not?¡±


    Depends how far away they are. The Ilithii reasoned. We made good time using the train but they would have been far and ahead by many hours when we defeated it. It¡¯s possible they don¡¯t know.


    ¡°Then we can sneak up on them,¡± Jack added. ¡°And decide if we engage or not depending on the numbers.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°It¡¯s about an hour and a half to the Oracle from here, but we can probably catch up. If they attack the oracle we can engage from their rear before they know we¡¯re around. They have the numbers, but many Risen can¡¯t use guns. If we keep quiet and prioritise neutralising the advanced ones we should be able to take out the rest as long as we have an escape route.¡±


    ¡°Risen are pretty slow, but what about the assholes leading them?¡± Sephy asked, worried. ¡°A powerful code slicer and someone able to control the Risen at least? It¡¯s not going to be that easy.¡±


    While it is true they are mostly unknown factors, it is better to face your enemy on your terms instead of theirs. Chiyo argued. They tried to kill us, and we shouldn¡¯t give them the chance to try again. We need to take them down now.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack agreed after Alora translated for him. ¡°And we can get some answers too.¡±


    They proceeded slowly throughout the forest as silently and as cautiously as they could, making good time and not encountering any malevolent forces. There were, however, many signs that Risen had travelled the same route, and that they were gaining on them. Sure enough, they were heading straight to the coordinates of the Oracle.


    And as they drew near, they heard the sounds of battle ahead.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cast my blessings now,¡± Alora cautioned as she began her spells. ¡°Chiyo, you do your thing too.¡±


    ¡°Subvocal comms only, don¡¯t talk out loud unless you have to.¡± Sephy added, as Jack and Nika switched to their channel. The ¡®dog¡¯ just cocked its head and looked at them with a low, determined growl.


    ¡°Jack and I will take point,¡± Nika added. ¡°Stick together, don¡¯t fall behind and cover each other¡¯s backs.¡±


    ¡°And help whoever needs helping,¡± Jack added. Clearly someone was putting up a fight.


    ¡°We¡¯re ready,¡± Alora growled in anticipation, nodding to Jack. Staying in front with Nika just a step behind him, he led the charge.


    Getting closer to the edge of the wooded district they were in they saw the breach. The remains of a gate, flanked by what looked like tiki torches, had been smashed open by a small explosion, with several bodies behind it, with some that were starting to stir.


    "Finish them off quickly and quietly," Alora ordered, with Jack chopping the unfortunate Risen down with his axe. He had to admit that they were not what he expected - chops to the head didn''t work, so he focused on the limbs instead, preventing the things from being able to move.


    "Some of these people must have been defending this place," Nika noted, pointing out the similar uniforms.


    "No guns though," Sephy cautioned. "Either they never had them to begin with or they were taken by the enemy."


    "Assume the latter," Alora advised.


    We have a live one ahead!  Chiyo alerted, floating over to another, smaller door that looked like it had been forced open by hand.


    "Let''s go!" Nika replied, cocking her shotgun. "They''ll need help!"


    They progressed down a long corridor, with several bodies, too late to save. Luckily they hadn''t risen yet, so Alora quickly went to each one and cast a quick blessing to prevent it.


    "Jack, get on the other side of the door," Nika instructed, moving towards the closed, lone door right at the end. "Rest of you stack up and prepare to breach and engage."


    They all did so, Jack sticking with his Dominator pistol and keeping his axe in quick reach, and waiting for Nika''s countdown.


    ¡°3¡­¡­2¡­¡­.1¡­¡­Go!¡±


    They barged through the door, coming out into a wide garden area, the group not hesitating to go loud as several shambling figures reacted to their presence. Jack fired at the closest one, aiming centre of mass this time as it collapsed in a pile of twitching limbs. Sephy was less effective, as she peppered two more with rapid fire, only for them to shrug it off, until the ¡®dog¡¯ dashed forward and tripped them up, with the following sustained fire eventually bringing them down. Nika with her shotgun mowed through another cluster, assisted by Chiyo who had bunched them up together.


    But they just kept coming. The lifeless bodies of alien beings Jack had never seen before paid no heed to the devastating wounds inflicted upon them¡­


    Alora bellowed a word of power as the Risen in front of them just burst apart in puffs of light as the spell shot off, while others further away suffered some clear physical damage to their bodies that slowed them down significantly as they shambled towards the newcomers before being cut down by Sephy''s gunfire, which looked much more potent than her first volley, with the Skritta mentioning something about ''overclocking'' under her breath.


    They heard a quiet ¡°woof" from the ''dog'' in the distance to attract their attention, having barely noticed that it had gone off on its own from the group. Jack quickly got to it before the others did and saw what was going on.


    "Live one here!" Jack called out over comms as he quickly got out his bandages and started tightly wrapping them around several of the noticeable wounds of the moth-like alien until Alora caught up and took over.


    Just enough to keep her alive, Alora. Chiyo cautioned. We have no idea how bad today is going to go.


    "I know that!" Alora snapped, annoyed. "Don''t blame me for being a healer and wanting to do my job!"


    Sorry. Chiyo apologised, abashed.


    "Don''t be," Alora sighed. "I¡¯m sorry. We''re all on edge and we''re not done yet.¡±


    "Can you talk?" Jack gently asked the moth woman.


    "Uh¡­you probably shouldn''t get her to talk while she''s badly injured" Sephy cautioned.


    "I know." Jack nodded. "But we need to know what''s up ahead and how to get there. There''s still gunfire so maybe they don''t know we''re here yet, and if we can surround them then our odds go way up."


    The moth woman stirred and tried to say something, to which Nika gave her some water and put her ear close.


    "At least¡­.40 left¡­. controller¡­.. trying to access the Oracle chamber¡­..we cannot beat¡­."


    "It''s ok," Sephy interrupted, seeing the woman start to fade into unconsciousness "Which way?" But no answer came.


    She''s unconscious, but I was able to grab the thought from her mind before she drifted. Chiyo interrupted. This way!


    They left the still-living moth woman in a janitor closet to recover as they followed Chiyo down one of the paths. While there were sounds of combat from other places in the complex as well, Alora was adamant that they defeat the controller to weaken the swarm.


    Should be down here. Chiyo warned, as they progressed deeper, picking off any wandering risen as quickly and as quietly as they could. I detect many auras ahead!


    "And I hear little fighting," Nika warned. "Be on your guard, and stack up!"


    They did so, sneaking over to a still-smoking metal door that had been blasted in by some kind of explosion. They could hear voices inside, but few sounds of fighting.


    "We don''t have time to waste, they need us!" Alora warned. "Take out the controller as soon as you see them!"


    "Alright," Nika replied as everyone got ready, Jack gripping his Dominator tight. "On my signal. 3¡­..2¡­..1¡­.NOW!"

 Chapter 27: The Oracle

    They burst in loud, unleashing all they had. The nearest Risen stood no chance as their gunfire ripped them apart, while several groups of gun-toting advanced Risen were quickly hit with ranged magical attacks from Alora and Chiyo, completely caught unaware.


    Jack, however, spotted the black-robed figure through the smoke where the others couldn''t see and let loose several rounds with his Dominator, missing a few shots but definitely getting some hits in.


    But he didn''t go down! Jack fired several more times as the figure raised his arms high, casting some kind of spell before a dull, purple bubble encased the figures, extending several metres around him and engulfing many of the Risen close to him.


    "Stop firing!" Alora called out over sub-vocal comms. "He''s got a barrier up!"


    "I hit the robed guy but he wouldn''t go down," Jack immediately called out on comms.


    He''s necrolinked. Chiyo warned, which Sephy translated for Jack. Damage to the controller gets taken by a nearby Risen. Clever.


    As the smoke cleared and the adrenaline of the very brief fight subsided, the group could finally take in what was happening.


    Their surprise attack had wiped out about half of the Risen, but many more were still standing on the raised dais in the back centre of the room. Two advanced Risen with equipment were trying to cut through another large ornate metal door, much tougher looking than the ones that came before, that looked like it had been protected by turrets judging by the smoking remains. The room itself looked to be some sort of chapel with rows upon rows of benches surrounding the raised platform occupied by the Risen where, to his dismay, Jack could see many living beings held at gunpoint by several advanced Risen. The figure in robes walked forward to the edge of the barrier and lightly tapped it with his staff as if to say, ''Nothing''s getting through.''


    The figure pulled back his hood to reveal a very emaciated and old toad-looking being with hateful black eyes, and a look of wicked rage.


    "Dubakuu," Alora whispered. "So it was you."


    The figure paced up and down, and Jack could see some kind of cauldron behind him billowing black smoke. It was clear that whatever it was doing wasn''t good.


    "Where is the Outsider?" Dubakuu slowly croaked, addressing them. "I would speak with him, and see him with my own eyes. Bring him here to talk, or I shall kill the hostages and raise them against you!¡±


    ¡°Better do it, I can¡¯t knock the barrier down quick enough,¡± Alora said over sub-vocal comms to Jack. ¡°Keep him distracted for us as long as you can. We¡¯ll do what we can for the hostages.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do what I can,¡± Jack replied over comms.  ¡°Good luck!¡±


    ¡°You too,¡± Alora whispered back.


    ¡°Alright, Dubakuu!¡± Jack spoke up, moving up to the edge of the barrier, tensing up as several of the armed Risen levelled their guns at him, which looked to be mostly laser weaponry. ¡°I¡¯m here to talk.¡±


    Dubakuu growled as Jack approached, the human ready to throw himself into cover if the barrier was disabled despite the weaker guns.


    ¡°I must say I am surprised to see you here,¡± the mad priest growled calmly, in contrast to the look of sheer hate. ¡°My visions informed me of the Great Watcher slumbering beneath waiting for me to awaken, and the Whispering Lord guaranteed your death by its power. How is it that you live?¡±


    ¡°You mean the Spawn of Nekdon waiting for us in the tunnels?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Dead. As you will be if you harm the hostages¡­¡±


    ¡°Sephy? How are you doing on disabling their guns?¡± He heard Alora ask over sub-vocal comms.


    ¡°Working on it,¡± the Skritta quickly replied in between her work in local cyberspace. ¡°Different configurations make it slow work but I¡¯m working on the ones holding the hostages first. Keep him distracted!¡±


    ¡°Impossible!¡± Dubakuu snarled. ¡°I did everything the whispers commanded! There was no other path!¡±


    ¡°Now answer my question,¡± Jack interrupted, wanting to keep the mad priest calm and talking. ¡°Why are you after me? You¡¯re clearly not like the other chumps coming after me, since money doesn¡¯t seem to appeal to you. So where''s your hacker friend? The one that locked us in the tunnels.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve moved to the other side,¡± Nika whispered over comms. ¡°Any Risen not working on the gate or the hostages are focusing their attention on Jack. Get ready to dive into cover, I¡¯m near the far group of hostages and ready to engage.¡±


    Dubakuu looked briefly¡­confused at Jack¡¯s question about the hacker, before he quickly returned to his cold, seething anger.


    ¡°You do not trick me Outsider. Only the Whispering Lord accompanies me, and guides me. There are no others worthy to join me, save for those that rise again.¡± The old priest dismissively waved his arm at several of the Risen next to him.


    ¡°But why come after me?¡± Jack asked, confused. ¡°And why come here!¡±


    ¡°Because the whispers commanded it!¡± Dubakuu roared, suddenly exploding in rage. ¡°And I follow their will!¡±


    ¡°What whispers?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Everyone I¡¯ve spoken to says Nekdon is dead!¡±


    In position on the left. Chiyo advised. The barrier will weaken to sufficiently breach soon, it¡¯s being maintained by the cauldron. Once it¡¯s weak enough I¡¯ll crack it open and we can engage.


    ¡°I have a purge ready,¡± Alora replied sub-vocally. ¡°Everyone get ready to get the hostages out of immediate danger, then hit Dubakuu with everything you have.¡±


    ¡°We all heard his screams as the Whispering Lord was killed!¡± Dubakuu raved madly at Jack. ¡°And those of lesser faith thought him lost! But I still listened to the void, waiting for his whispers. He is there! I still hear him! He told me about the Great Watcher, he led me to the Gloom Cauldron, he gave me POWER again! And right now? He wants you DEAD OUTSIDER! KILL THEM ALL!¡±


    The moment Dubakuu started to properly lose it was the moment Chiyo knew to act. Focusing her power on the weakening points of the necroshield she crushed it as hard as it could, shattering it like an egg before she lashed out at her nearby targets, and the next few moments were vital.


    Seeing the barrier drop, Nika was quick to leap in and line up a blast with her shotgun, ripping through the two Risen she had prepared to take out first, before pushing herself forward with her tail as quickly as she could and bowling over the third before it could take a shot at the hostages.


    Sephy already knew which ones had still-working guns, so she immediately lit them up before the rest registered their ineffectiveness, while the ¡®dog¡¯ immediately leapt at the ones closest to the hostages and kept them distracted until Sephy could turn her attention to the ones that hadn¡¯t been obliterated by Alora¡¯s spell. Alora¡¯s purge had been noticeably less effective than before, but it was still powerful to her closest enemies and freed the nearest group of hostages, while Chiyo took care of any stragglers.


    Jack was the quickest of them all. Knowing that an overcharge would risk harming the hostages, he didn¡¯t hesitate to unleash controlled rapid-fire photon bursts on Dubakuu, as the hateful toad backed away, quickly casting black bolts of energy with his staff that Jack barely felt as he chased after the priest, looking to get close and finish him quickly. As the remaining Risen fell, Dubakuu began to look distracted and confused for a brief moment, flying up into the air as he seemed to frantically speak to himself, Jack barely being able to make out the words over the sounds of gunfire.


    ¡°My lord¡­.the other whisperer¡­.it wants me to¡­.yes¡­.¡±


    Dubakuu gave an evil grimace as the last of the Risen fell, suddenly charging at Jack with a warcry, dark energies dangerously swelling around him.


    ¡°BY HIS COMMAND I¡¯LL TAKE YOU WITH M-¡±


    A sudden jet of fire shot out and enveloped the screaming dark priest as Alora jumped up to Jack¡¯s side, chanting in a strange tongue as the flames seemed to eat away at the darkness Dubakuu had summoned around him, before the screaming priest fell silent and sank to his knees, dropping to the ground in a burning heap.


    ¡°Is that all of the Risen?¡± Alora asked, breathing heavily as her immediate panic on seeing Dubakuu¡¯s sorcery started to die down.


    ¡°That¡¯s all of them!¡± Nika yelled, quickly helping up several of the hostages on the ground. ¡°Good job guys!¡±


    ¡°Is anyone hurt?¡± Alora called out to the hostages, but she didn¡¯t get many immediate replies. It was clear many of them were still in shock, and Chiyo and Sephy quickly went to look over a few of the worst-looking cases.


    ¡°Jack, I saw you get hit as well.¡± Alora turned to him. ¡°Let¡¯s see¡±


    ¡°Nah, it¡¯s nothing, let¡¯s check over the others¡­¡± he began to say, before he heard a deep growl from next to him. The ¡®dog¡¯ was looking behind him, snarling at Dubakuu¡¯s body slumped next to the cauldron before giving several loud, aggressive barks, causing everyone to turn around and look at the ¡®dog¡¯ in confusion.


    ¡°Everybody get away!¡± Jack yelled, unsure on what the danger was but trusting the dark feeling in the pit of his stomach as several of the hostages were spurred into action.


    What¡¯s wrong? Chiyo asked, confused. He¡¯s dead! I can¡¯t read anything in his au-


    ¡°CONSCIOUSNESS OVERRIDE COMPLETE, ASSUMING MANUAL AVATAR CONTROL!¡±


    An inhuman screech sounded from their closed-comms as Dubakuu¡¯s burned body suddenly jerked upright.


    ¡°INTERFERENCE DETECTED WITH AVATAR! PHYSICAL OUTSIDER PRESENCE CONFIRMED!¡±


    Dubakuu¡¯s body shrugged off the impacts as Sephy immediately started shooting, quickly followed by the others, disintegrating chunks of flesh as the body tried to stand while the hostages quickly ran away from the danger.


    ¡°UNAUTHORISED SECONDARY PRESENCE DETECTED¡­¡­UNKNOWN FACTION¡­..THREAT LEVEL¡­¡­EXTREME¡­..¡±


    The gunshots riddled the body of Dubakuu, leaving it barely able to move as the voice slowed and warped.


    ¡°DATA¡­..ANALYSIS PENDING¡­..UPDATING¡­¡­SECONDARY ASSETS¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Overcharge!¡± Jack growled in sheer panic, the heavy shot obliterating what was left of Dubakuu¡¯s body, followed by a metallic clang as a gore-covered metallic object pinged against a nearby wall.


    ¡°W...what the fuck was that?¡± Nika asked, wide-eyed in a panic, looking to the others. Even Chiyo looked stunned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch the metal thing!¡± Sephy warned, slowly reaching into her bag and pulling out some kind of container, which she quickly and carefully wrapped around the metal without directly touching it. ¡°These are cybernetic cranium implants!¡±


    ¡°What? Cyber?¡± Alora asked in shock.


    ¡°That¡­that might explain the hacker?¡± Jack spoke up, utterly disturbed by what had just happened ¡°Could they have been working remotely using Dubakuu somehow?¡±


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    ¡°Maybe, but you¡¯d need a lot of tech for it. If that¡¯s the case they¡¯re extremely good at slicing,¡± Sephy added. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta be careful.¡±


    I feel like we¡¯ve stumbled into something more. Chiyo added with wide eyes. And we¡¯ve barely scratched the surface of it.


    ¡°We can speculate later, right now we need to-¡± Nika started to warn before the great doors ahead opened, and several gunners quickly piled out.


    ¡°Nobody move! Is the threat eliminated?¡± the leader asked, looking to the crowd of people.


    ¡°Woof! Woof!¡±


    The ¡®dog¡¯ quickly brought their attention to another newcomer limping over to them from the way the group had come. It was the moth-like being they had rescued earlier, using a broom as a crutch.


    ¡°Stand down! They¡¯re friendly!¡± she ordered weakly. ¡°Is the Oracle safe?¡±


    ¡°It is!¡± the leader of the new group answered. ¡°It just lifted the lockdown, ma¡¯am! We couldn¡¯t get out!¡±


    The moth-woman simply nodded and hobbled her way over, before Jack shook off enough of what had just happened to go over to assist her.


    ¡°It appears we have your group to thank for keeping us alive,¡± the moth-woman said solemnly to Jack, who just nodded towards Alora, indicating that she was the person to speak to.


    ¡°No need to thank us. We just did what any good, able people would have done in the same circumstances,¡± Alora politely replied.


    ¡°Very few people like that around these days, especially in the middle of nowhere.¡± The moth-woman shrugged, wincing a little as she sat down on the dais, and quaffed the contents of a glass bottle one of her comrades threw her. ¡°So I guess I¡¯m in charge now. Lucky. Fucking. Me.¡± She nodded to the group as she introduced herself. ¡°I¡¯m Sentinel Zhill, we¡¯re the Greenwarden detachment meant to protect this place, and we¡¯ve done a shit job of it. We had no idea we¡¯d get attacked by a schizophrenic necromancer out of fucking nowhere. Usually we¡¯re made aware of threats that enter the forest before they get close so we can intercept them.¡±


    ¡°That might be why you were caught off-guard,¡± Nika interrupted. ¡°These guys came from the old metro, we followed them here.¡±


    ¡°Scarred stars,¡± the sentinel cursed. ¡°Sentinel Captain Joole said that it was locked tight last time he checked.¡±


    ¡°It was opened from the inside only a few hours ago, that¡¯s how they got the element of surprise,¡± Alora hurriedly added. ¡°But the tunnels are clear now and we plan to head back that way after we¡¯re done here.¡±


    ¡°After you¡¯re done huh?¡± Sentinel Zhill asked. ¡°You don¡¯t come across to me as pilgrims of the Great Cycle.¡±


    ¡°While the Great Cycle always has a place in my heart as a child of my people¡¯s Mother Tree,¡± Alora began, paying appropriate respect to the Sentinel¡¯s nature-venerating faith, ¡°that isn¡¯t why we came here. We were told of an Oracle at these coordinates by one of our teachers that can help give answers and comfort to one of our group.¡±


    ¡°Huh, we tend to keep that stuff quiet, but we do get some folks from time to time attempting the trip. Usually they join a larger group of pilgrims for protection.¡± Sentinel Zhill paused for a moment thinking. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll have to make sure everything¡¯ll be alright, but we can bump you to the front of the queue while we clear up with a few conditions.¡±


    ¡°What conditions?¡± Alora asked, warily.


    ¡°Take the necromancer¡¯s gear with you when you go, especially that cauldron he used. Either use or dispose of it as you see fit, but get it away from here. We can¡¯t keep stuff like that around, especially with a lack of protection, so the sooner you leave the less chance we get of some other dark force seeking it. If you also help purify the Risen bodies, we can bury them so that they may rejoin the Great Cycle, and any healing you can provide to the still-living would be useful. We have our own supplies, but I¡¯d rather not dig too deep into them.¡±


    ¡°That is acceptable,¡± Alora agreed, seeing that none of the group wanted to argue.


    ¡°Excellent, I¡¯ll make inquiries and talk to my people.¡± Zhill sighed, and walked off to give orders to the other Sentinels to guard the front entrance to the complex before turning back and sighing again. ¡°Look I¡¯m sorry if I appear ungrateful, I¡¯m not. I¡¯m very thankful you came along and saved us. I¡¯ve just got to try and navigate the people here through the storm. Take a rest and help if you can, and I¡¯ll get you your meeting with the Oracle when I can.¡± She walked off before they could reply.


    ¡°We should have asked for a reward,¡± Sephy muttered after they were out of earshot. ¡°At least some credits and maybe some seeds for your garden, Alora¡­¡±


    ¡°These people have lost enough,¡± Nika argued. ¡°And don¡¯t forget why we¡¯re here!¡±


    I believe Jack and Alora said there was a bounty for news on Nekdon, courtesy of the Church of Siros. Chiyo reassured. It¡¯ll take a little legwork on our end, but we¡¯ll get some kind of kickback. Besides, we still have to go through the loot you and Jack got from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Sephy reluctantly agreed. ¡°It¡¯s just after that I think we need to be ready for anything, and that means better gear and knowing what we¡¯re now up against. Money talks, after all.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± Nika conceded. ¡°Better gear is always good and we need to pay the bills.¡±


    ¡°But not to the detriment of those that clearly need it more,¡± Alora finished with a smile. ¡°But on the other hand, if we¡¯re offered anything I¡¯m not going to say no, and by rules of conquest we can do what we want with Dubakuu¡¯s stuff¡­well, what survived getting obliterated anyway.¡± She gave Jack a cheeky nod.


    ¡°So a cauldron, a staff, and the remains of cyber I have no intention of taking out of my nullification field without proper research.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Could be worse. Most of the loot Jack and I got from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup wasn¡¯t too special, but there¡¯s a lot of it we still need to go through.¡±


    ¡°If we need more funds, we can just cross that bridge when we get there,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°You said you pulled a lot of information from the lockup, so maybe we can just find another spot?¡±


    Sephy grinned. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit Jack! You¡¯re definitely one of us now!¡±


    ¡°Well, that hot tub isn¡¯t going to pay for itself!¡± Alora quipped.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Sephy cheered before they were interrupted by a returning Sentinel Zhill.


    ¡°The Oracle is very eager to meet you all,¡± the moth-woman revealed with a sigh. ¡°And has authorised the release of a package of non-essential supplies and paydata for helping us, which we will gather for you¡­¡±


    Chiyo quickly had to stop Sephy from celebrating too conspicuously.


    ¡°...on the condition that you hear it out. The oracle has a proposition to make to your group independent from my request to take the necromancer''s stuff with you.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°We would be honoured to hear the Oracle out, provided it is able to give us the insight we need.¡±


    ¡°Then you can head straight down.¡± Zhill indicated the large doors Dubakuu had tried to breach. ¡°The Oracle is waiting. Don¡¯t try anything funny.¡±


    Jack got up and led the way, shaking with anticipation. Finally, after many trials and tribulations, he was here! He hoped he would get the answers he wanted.


    The corridor was gloomy, having no artificial lights of any kind, instead being lit up by blue bioluminescent ivy that crawled around everywhere it could, with an occasional burst of bright blue pollen to light their way, until they emerged into a large chamber that filled Jack¡¯s mind with awe.


    In the middle of the vast underground chamber was a huge, bountiful tree with bright blue leaves that lit up the entire room. The ground was covered in faded purple grass and moss, along which Jack could see several small animals skitter about without a worry. Curiously, the tree did not appear constrained by the confines of the room, with the branches just fitting with no sign of having been pruned back. Looking around, there were also several monitors around the perimeter of the room, with several computers with flashing lights, clearly at work on something.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Jack called out, seeing nobody to greet them. ¡°Is anyone there? I¡¯m looking for the Oracle!¡±


    The group felt a slight breeze as the branches quivered. There were no visible vents that Jack could see, so where was it coming from?¡±


    ¡°GREETING,S ENIGMATIC OUTSIDER, AND WELCOME ALL THOSE THAT COME IN PEACE. I AM THE ORACLE.¡±


    The voice boomed around them, startling the group. They looked around, but they couldn¡¯t see where the voice was coming from.


    ¡°REST IN MY SHADE AND BE AT PEACE.¡±


    It¡¯s the tree! Chiyo told the others in amazement. I¡¯ve heard rumours of something like this but never imagined I¡¯d ever see one in the flesh! They are ancient and can adapt to anywhere they are planted!


    ¡°THE INQUISITIVE ILITHII IS CORRECT.¡± The tree quivered in amusement. ¡°LONG AGO MY SEED WAS LEFT HERE TO GROW ALONE OVER MILLENNIA. I HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED AND I HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN, BUT ALWAYS I HAVE BEEN HERE.¡±


    ¡°If you can adapt to anywhere you¡¯ve been planted and have been around for millennia, how come I¡¯ve never heard of a tree like you?¡± Sephy asked, unable to control her curiosity.


    ¡°Sephy!¡± Alora covered her mouth with her hands in shock.


    But the tree once again quivered in amusement. ¡°THE CURIOUS SKRITTA IS WISE TO ASK SUCH QUESTIONS. ALAS, WE ARE A DYING BREED, AND AS SUCH I ASK A BOON OF THE NOBLE ELADRIEL.¡±


    ¡°Eladrie,¡± Alora quietly corrected on instinct before raising her voice. ¡°It would be our honour, Great One.¡±


    A root snaked towards the group, with everyone but Alora backing away slightly. It stopped at Alora¡¯s feet before a stem quickly grew, and looped around at head height. The group just watched in amazement as it flowered, and a blue shard started to grow out of the tip.


    ¡°WE DO NOT GROW OUR SEEDS IRRESPONSIBLY, LEST THEY FALL TO CORRUPTION. WE ONLY ENTRUST THEM TO THE WORTHY, TO BE PLANTED FAR AWAY, TO ADAPT TO NEW WORLDS AND EXPERIENCES, TO INTEGRATE WITH NEW CULTURES AND PEOPLES. THIS IS OUR PURPOSE IN THE GREAT CYCLE. WE ENTRUST OUR SEED TO YOUR WORTHY HANDS, NOBLE ELADRIEL, TO BE CULTIVATED AND KEPT, UNTIL THE TIME TO SOW HAS COME.¡±


    The bright blue shard grew even more, as pulsing light along the root, stem and flower ended within the growing seed, before gently detaching and dropping into Alora¡¯s hands.


    ¡°You honour us!¡± Alora replied in shock, unable to say anything else as she just stared at the shard.


    ¡°We are happy to help¡­¡± Nika started. ¡°But we had our own purpose for coming here.¡±


    ¡°WE UNDERSTAND, FIERCE KIZUN. WHAT WISDOM DO YOU SEEK?¡±


    Nika didn¡¯t say anything, except to nod to Jack, who stood forward.


    ¡°Um¡­.hello!¡± Jack nervously asked. It was strange addressing the powerful being, and although he had many questions, it was like he had no idea where to start. ¡°I¡¯m¡­.not from here. I was brought to this plane of existence somehow, and I¡¯m looking for answers.¡±


    ¡°THE ENIGMATIC OUTSIDER WISHES FOR INSIGHT? A WAY FOR IT TO RETURN HOME?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­yes!¡± Jack hesitated. ¡°Is it possible?¡±


    ¡°PERHAPS,¡± The Oracle answered, almost in thought. ¡°THERE ARE MANY OUTSIDERS I HAVE MET OVER MY MILLENNIA OF EXISTENCE. HOWEVER, THE ENIGMATIC OUTSIDER IS UNKNOWN TO EVEN ME. DOES THE ENIGMATIC OUTSIDER HAVE A PATRON GOD?¡±


    ¡°Not that I¡¯m aware of,¡± Jack replied. ¡°I¡¯ve been told about heroes summoned by the gods, but I was also told that if I had been summoned by a god I would know.¡±


    ¡°AFFIRMATIVE. PLANAR ANOMALY MOST LIKELY CAUSE FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE ENIGMATIC OUTSIDER,¡± the Oracle replied, as the computers around the room began to audibly beep and flash with activity. ¡°CAUSE OF ARRIVAL UNDETERMINED. INITIATING COMPUTER ANALYSIS. QUERY - POSSIBILITY OF RETURN TO HOME PLANE OF EXISTENCE BASED ON CURRENT INFORMATION.¡±


    The group stayed silent as the Oracle spent a few minutes making calculations.


    ¡°CONCLUSION COMPLETE¡­.¡± the Oracle spoke up. Jack held his breath¡­


    ¡°....POSSIBILITY OF RETURN TO HOME PLANE OF EXISTENCE BASED ON CURRENT INFORMATION - IMPOSSIBLE.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Jack yelled. Throwing his arms up in despair. ¡°Fuck! Fuck! FUUUUUUCK!¡±


    He had known deep down it was a fool¡¯s hope to think he could return the way he came, but this confirmed it.


    He was stuck here.


    ¡°Hey, hey! Jack, stay with us!¡± Alora wrapped her arms around him, as he shut down completely, collapsing to the ground. He didn¡¯t care, barely noticing anything as he was struck with grief¡­


    This doesn¡¯t mean there¡¯s nothing we can do! Chiyo told the group desperately. Maybe we can find a spell or a ritual that can work! It works with other types of outsiders like Demons and Solars. There must be a way we can send him back, even if we can¡¯t do it the same way he got here!


    ¡°The Oracle also said ¡®based on current information,¡¯¡± Sephy also added, trying in vain to raise Jack¡¯s spirits. ¡°Maybe we just need to do some more investigating. We know where he arrived, after all!¡±


    You¡¯re right, Sephy! Oracle! Chiyo addressed the tree, desperate to get something useful. What do you know about humans, deathworlders or Earth? What about the other outsiders you¡¯ve claimed to meet?


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Nika commended Chiyo. ¡°If there¡¯s others, we can at least trace their steps.¡±


    ¡°HUMANS¡­DEATHWORLDERS¡­EARTH¡­PREVIOUS OUTSIDER ENCOUNTERS¡­¡± The Oracle rumbled. ¡°SEARCHING¡­¡­WHAT?¡±


    ¡°What? What do you mean ¡®What?¡¯¡± Sephy asked, confused as she perked up.


    ¡°SOMETHING IS¡­SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG!¡± the Oracle replied, sounding almost confused and uncertain. Now even Jack had raised his head at that.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°MY KNOWLEDGE AND MEMORIES HAVE BEEN¡­.HOW COULD THIS BE? MY ESSENCE HAS BEEN CORRUPTED¡­SOMEONE HAS¡­WHAT COULD POSSIBLY¡­¡± The Oracle replied, now sounding terrified.


    ¡°What?¡± Alora asked in shock.


    ¡°Was it Dubakuu?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°THAT OUTCOME IS IMPOSSIBLE. THE RECENT HOSTILES WERE UNABLE TO PIERCE SECURITY.¡±


    ¡°So¡­you got¡­hacked?¡± Jack asked hoarsely.


    ¡°MY¡­TIME OF CORRUPTION IS UNKNOWN. RE-ANALYSING DATABANK PARAMETERS. CORRUPTION DETECTED IN¡­.OVER 40% OF FIELDS, INCLUDING OUTSIDER DATA BANKS! POSSIBILITY OF ENIGMATIC OUTSIDER RETURN TO HOME PLANE OF EXISTENCE BASED ON CURRENT INFORMATION - UNDETERMINABLE BASED ON CORRUPTED VALUES.¡±


    ¡°So there still may be a chance you can go back!¡± Alora exclaimed, ecstatic as she shook Jack.


    But Jack did not feel relieved by that. Instead, he was terrified.


    Something, or somebody, had been here before.


    And they were not friendly.

 Chapter 28: Return Ticket

    Jack sat at the back of the train alone in his thoughts. They hadn''t gotten anything else out of the Oracle after that, as it had well and truly been shaken by the fact that an unknown third party had somehow manipulated its memory and archive of knowledge without it even knowing, at least until the right question began to unravel everything. Anything related to outsiders from another plane had been corrupted somehow, only leaving behind common knowledge.


    What the Oracle had pledged, however, was to inform them of any changes and discoveries related to Jack as it attempted to heal itself with the aid of the Greenwardens, who had not hesitated to call for serious backup once the Oracle had alerted them to its discovery.


    Jack looked at his Dominator in his hand and thought back to the moment he had been told that returning to Earth was impossible. He had been so close to blowing his brains out of sheer grief, Alora and the others being the only reasons why he didn''t just do it then and there.


    But the disturbing realisation that followed was even worse, replacing his grief with a cold rage that threatened to overwhelm him. Whoever or whatever had gotten to the Oracle first had deliberately prevented the group from learning anything useful, only leaving them with more questions instead of answers. And what the hell could essentially lobotomize an ancient, powerful being like that anyway?


    The ''dog'' that was laying down next to him raised its muzzle, sniffing at Jack while looking up at him with bright, intelligent eyes, sensing his distress. Jack could never bring himself to shoo the ¡®dog¡¯ away, so after repeated nudges for some attention, he finally relented and started scratching the ''dog'' behind the ears.


    "I''m surprised he didn''t stay with the Oracle.¡± Alora spoke from behind as she sat down next to Jack and put a comforting arm around him. "He looked so peaceful lying down among the roots, and the Greenwardens looked so surprised when he didn''t hesitate to come with us."


    The Eladrie forced Jack to look at her. "Chiyo tells me you shouldn''t be on your own right now."


    Jack snorted. "Oh really? Why would that be? The fact that this entire trip was a waste of time despite all the shit we had to go through just to get there in one piece?"


    "Not a waste," Alora comforted. "We now know that there might have been a possible inquiry for ''humans'' before."


    "Yeah, it''s worrying if true, but that doesn''t necessarily mean much," Jack replied uncertainly. "Whoever got to the Oracle first could have just heard about me. We have no idea when they got there before us."


    "That wouldn''t explain why they''d go to such trouble to corrupt the Oracle to be unable to answer," Alora reasoned. "And I think you''re smart enough to know that deep down."


    "Yeah," sighed Jack. "But that leaves us with a lot of disturbing questions."


    Alora nodded. "Which comes down to just¡­.why?" She sighed and leaned into their embrace. "I know it''s not what we hoped, but the others and I are with you. As long as we can move forward along the winding path, we will. We''ll all go home and plan our next move with the others and get through this together!"


    "Thanks, Alora," Jack quietly replied, as they just sat there in silence, with nothing but the quiet hum of the train for company.


    *****


    Chiyo was very meticulous in her examination of the cauldron, trying not to think about the horror she had seen in Jack''s aura. She so desperately wished she could talk to him herself, but she trusted Alora to do what she did best in her stead. She felt sorry for him being away from the rest of his own kind, and couldn¡¯t imagine how she¡¯d cope if the roles were reversed.


    ¡°So!¡± Sephy plopped down on the seat next to her. ¡°All the craziness and mysteries we''ve gotta deal with and you want to deal with the cauldron that Dubakuu didn''t even get to really use apart from putting a barrier up?"


    Who''s driving the train? Chiyo asked with raised eyebrows.


    "Nika is, I''m technically on guard duty. Relax!" Sephy grinned. "Since we''ve got no possible ambush spots down this stretch of track I figured I could get away with stretching my wings."


    You know this for certain?


    "Give me some credit, Chiyo, I ran a mapping program on our way here. If Alora insists on talking to the Temple of Hope people about this place so they can investigate, I might as well charge them for a map and the access codes to the train."


    Yet more credits and treasure?  Chiyo grinned at her friend. We weren''t even expecting anything coming on this trip!


    "Well what can I say?" Sephy laughed as she made the two of them drinks. "I never like seeing a good opportunity go to waste. Case in point¡­" Sephy unslung her new gun the Greenwardens gave her. "Hopefully this bad gal''ll be better at taking down Risen!"


    The Greenwardens had little use for a smartlinked plasma burst rifle, considering they stayed away from any kind of cyberware whatsoever. Sephy tried her best to keep a good poker face and not look too excited when Nika pointed out that it had been heavily modified to reduce recoil and kickback, though some teasing from the others about selling it quickly broke down Sephy''s facade when she immediately laid claim to it. There weren''t many longer-range guns she could use that packed a punch like this, after all. ¡±Though¡­" she added solemnly, "I think we''ll need some funds to get some more information. Hire a few brokers, investigators and researchers to help Jack out."


    Yeah. Chiyo replied in agreement. That''s why I''m on the cauldron right now trying to find out what it is and what it does. Everything else will need a group discussion when we get home.


    "What have you found out so far?" Sephy asked innocently as she handed Chiyo her drink.


    I originally thought it helped Dubakuu augment his divine magic. Chiyo speculated, sounding unsure. Nekdon''s been dead for a while, so at most Dubakuu should only have had a finite amount of bestowed power left, only enough to cast basic cantrips without aid. But nothing about the cauldron suggests it specifically enhances or bestows power at all.


    "Is it possible that his cyber messes with his magic in some way?" Sephy speculated, not quite believing it herself. "Making Dubakuu think he was casting divine spells instead of arcane?"


    We don''t know the nature of the cyberware. Chiyo thought. But I do know that, historically, Nekdon''s priesthood considered cyberware taboo because it messes with the whole ''undeath after life'' spiel. Masking one type of magic for another isn''t something I''ve ever heard of, so I wouldn''t know too much about it, but I do know that any attempts to use cyberware to grant magical abilities and knowledge of powerful spells have all failed.


    "Worth a thought," Sephy replied. "Maybe he got juiced up from the Spawn of Nekdon - he did wake it up, after all."


    Perhaps. Chiyo allowed. But we just don''t know for sure. I feel we''ll never get the whole picture by ourselves.


    "I think the Cyber is our best lead, as battered as it is I might be able to pull some information off of it," Sephy replied thoughtfully. "Relax!" she added, seeing Chiyo''s knee-jerk reaction. "No way am I letting it out of a suppression field. I have a few contacts that might be able to help me with the proper equipment."


    That''s good. Chiyo sighed. Maybe it''ll reveal other pieces of the puzzle as well.


    "Yeah," Sephy agreed solemnly.


    "But either way, I have a bad feeling about all of this."


    ******


    "Finally there!" Nika called out to the others.


    It had taken several uneventful hours for the group to take the train back to the eerie station they had liberated it from, electing to carry on, albeit more slowly, as Jack, Chiyo and Nika did their best to clear the tracks of debris, with Sephy simply ramming anything too stubborn to be shifted. Though the train had suffered a little bit of damage, it could still move, which was all that really mattered. Future trips wouldn''t be a problem for the factions that wanted to investigate their discovery of a Spawn of Nekdon.


    "Finally!" Alora called out. "I''ve got water for you all, then we''d better get moving. We''re making very good time, but I think we can all agree that the sooner we get back home, the better!"


    "Don''t forget the drinks!" Sephy added, looking to Jack a little concerned. "I know we didn''t get what we wanted in the end, but we still accomplished a lot! We can rest and cheer up a bit!"


    "We''ll need to tell the Temple of Hope what''s happened first and foremost," Alora argued not unkindly, knowing that Sephy only wanted to try and cheer Jack up. "And the sooner we get some answers the better. We''re not done yet!"


    Some of it can wait a little. Chiyo conceded. While I agree that we should report to the Temple, we also need to wind down from our ordeal. Some more than others. She looked to Jack, who didn''t notice her part of the conversation until Nika summarised it for him. Though the human was putting on a brave face, he couldn''t hide his aura from her.


    And it was in tatters.


    "I don''t need to rest," Jack just muttered. ¡°The sooner I know the better.¡±


    ¡°That will still take some time,¡± Nika told him as they picked up their stuff from the train and stepped out onto the platform. ¡°And I agree with the others. Sucks how it ended, so stiff drinks are needed. We¡¯re done for now, but at least we still have a trail to follow.¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t say anything, just keeping to himself as they ascended the stairs, confirming that they could now bypass the door that had previously trapped them in. He knew deep down the others were right; however, they had gone through a lot more than they had bargained for, so blowing off some steam was important, even if they did have school the next day¡­


    The first signs of morning light were upon them, the solar plate above that provided the night cycle close to fully passing over them. It was far from a traditional sunrise from Earth that gradually peeked over the horizon due to planetary rotation; here it was either completely dark due to an eclipse-like event, or it was fully bright, with little in between.


    Still, despite that, there was apparently still some light coming off some of the buildings in the abandoned town, with a few reflected colours lighting up the floors, and rapidly moving to shine on Alora as the ¡®dog¡¯ began to growl¡­.


    Wait.


    Jack wasted no time, tackling Alora out of the way as the shot zipped past them, before quickly lifting his plasma rifle and immediately opening fire at the spot the light came from, panicking the others before more of the inaccurate fire of the would-be snipers pinged around them.


    ¡°Shit! Get to cover!¡± Nika yelled, as she laid down some covering fire, as Sephy picked Alora up and ushered them to the nearest building, which was far closer than the tunnel they had just left.


    "Who the hell are these guys? Scavengers?" Sephy asked.


    I detected no auras. Chiyo added, wide-eyed with worry. I should be able to tell now that the Spawn of Nekdon is dead.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    "So an ambush," Alora groaned, conjuring a few protection spells. "They must have found out we''d be here and masked themselves."


    "Do we know how many there are? " Nika asked worriedly. "Chiyo?"


    I can''t tell! They have a spellcaster blocking me!


    Suddenly the undisciplined gunfire ground to a halt.


    "Glenphyranix!" A rasping sound growled out. "Why so scared?!"


    "Kralk," Nika growled, before adding with a whisper, "Don''t reveal our position, Alora."


    "Try that misdirection thing you can do!" Sephy suggested, to which Alora nodded in acknowledgement while casting a quick spell, before replying to Kralk.


    "How many times must we do this before you give up, Kralk?" Her voice carried from lower down in the building they were in to echo out. ¡°I¡¯ve lost count of how many times we¡¯ve beaten you!


    "Until I win Glenphyranix!" Kralk snarled. "But today is business first. Hand over the Deathworlder and we won''t kill you when we have fun with you and your friends. I know Xharl here wants to put that loud mouth Kizun bitch in her place!"


    "LOOK HERE! LOOK LISTEN!" they heard another voice bellow out. "Y''ALL CAN''T DO SHIT AGAINST 20 GUNNERS AND OUR MAGE, SO Y''ALL BETTER GET OUT HERE NOW REAL TAWK!"


    "The Redeemer,¡± Jack muttered as they quietly ascended the flight of stairs, with Sephy slapping a few anti-personnel mines around and behind them for good measure. "I was wondering if we''d see him again."


    "At least we know their numbers now," Nika grimly replied.


    "That''s not going to happen, Redeemer," Alora called back. "Find another job, you''re in over your head."


    "THAT AIN¡¯T HAPPENING! Y''ALL CAN''T HIDE FROM US!" he roared back.


    ¡°What¡¯s our gameplan?¡± Jack asked quietly, and when he didn¡¯t immediately get an answer he followed up with ¡°Do we have one?¡±


    ¡°I can try and contact Luvia and see if she can fly over here and help¡­¡± Alora finally answered, sounding unsure.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we have time for that,¡± Sephy whispered. ¡°I can see their matrix signatures, we¡¯re gonna have to hold out here and reduce their numbers.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re here for me, I can try and lure them away from you,¡± Jack suggested.


    That won¡¯t work, they want us as well! Chiyo warned, translated by Nika. We¡¯re better off sticking together and waiting for an opportunity to break out. These guys are undisciplined, we need to take advantage of that!


    ¡°We have all the time in the galaxy!¡± Kralk yelled out at them, clearly wanting to keep them talking. ¡°Come out and face us!¡±


    ¡°Reckon you can rile them up and get them to try coming to us?¡± Nika suggested. ¡°Get them to Sephy¡¯s mines if you can! Chiyo, try astrally projecting!¡±


    ¡°Too scared to come and get us? I thought that those wanting to join the Red Legion had to have balls!¡± Alora taunted to their attackers, still using her ventriloquist trick.


    There was surprisingly a brief pause, with several muffled voices surrounding the building before they heard the voice of Xharl yell out to someone unseen. "Nobody asked what you think! The only reason I haven''t killed you is your magic so make yourself useful! There won¡¯t be anybody else to tell of what¡¯ll happen here, I¡¯ll make sure of that!¡±


    He then shouted louder, ¡°We¡¯re gonna have some fun using you girls for all the trouble you¡¯ve given us!¡±


    ¡°WHY ARE Y¡¯ALL JUST STANDING OUT HERE! WE GOTTA PUSH THESE GUYS, I AIN¡¯T SHARING THE BOUNTY OR THE POON WITH PUSSIES!¡±


    "I''m in charge Redeemer, not you!" Kralk roared back, though that declaration came with some voices of protest. "We all get an equal share in the bounties. Just keep their bodies intact and warm when we attack and we''ll all get a turn with them!¡±


    "NAH FUCK THAT! HEY BOYS! FIRST ONE TO KILL THE OUTSIDER GETS FIRST PICK OF THE GIRLS! GET IN THERE!"


    With roars of approval, several of the combatants surrounding them could be heard rushing into the building as both Kralk and Xharl yelled over one another to try and regain order.


    ¡°They¡¯re taking the bait!¡± Sephy grinned despite herself as several small explosions went off. ¡°Now we pick them off and make ourselves an opening to escape."


    "Wait for them to make their way up, I have some grenades from the Greenwardens that''ll help," Nika added.


    Save a few to blast us a way out if we need to. Chiyo warned. We don''t want to be¡­.


    "Why are you aiming over there, idiot?" They heard Kralk yell out at someone. "They were last heard on the ground floor!"


    "I know exactly where he is,¡± hissed the voice of Svaartal, which only Chiyo could barely sense as the ''dog'' started to give a panicked whine.


    Fireball! Take cover! Chiyo telepathically yelled to the others, and they immediately braced for impact.


    All except for the human boy that couldn''t hear her.


    Jack saw what the others were doing and moved a split second after they had, dodging away from the group into the next room.


    But a split second wasn''t enough, and Jack had no idea what was coming.


    The powerful blast of fire smashed into the building, ripping apart the room Jack was in, billowing dust and smoke.


    The last thing the girls saw was the form of Jack falling¡­.


    "Jack! No!" Alora yelled in despair. "I''ll kill you all!" she screamed out at the attackers.


    He might still be alive! Chiyo told the others as she drew upon her power.


    "Then we''ve got to help him!" Alora commanded.


    "We''ve got hostiles!" Nika yelled as she returned fire to one of the hunters who had appeared down the only surviving corridor.


    "Shit!" Sephy yelled as she backed away from the blast site, several rounds of laser and a few plasma shots missing her. "We aren''t going anywhere for now! Jack, if you can hear me, hide!" she called into the comms.


    No answer.


    "Damn it!" Sephy yelled as she sprayed plasma fire back with her rapid-fire pistols.


    Alora was shaken by the loss of Jack, before resolve took over her and she began casting her protection spells on the others.


    This would be a hard fight.


    *****


    His potent fireball having ripped into the side of the building where the human was, Svaartal cursed under his breath. He wasn¡¯t sure where to place the blame for the utter foolishness of their group¡¯s plan of attack - the stupidity of Kralk, The Redeemer and Xharl¡¯s plan of throwing people at the problem, or the many idiots that decided to follow them.


    It had not been a fun or productive time deciding who was in charge of the operation, and nobody seeing themselves as a leader seemed to be willing to back down or concede as they travelled to Gladespring to pick up the trail. Svaartal certainly hadn¡¯t been amused when most of the group were swayed by outrageous propositions and false promises by the other three, but the fact that Kralk had the local contacts and seniority meant that he was first among equals, though none of the others would ever publicly admit it. The cyber-wolf had relished spending the trip to this abandoned town hyping his followers up about the money and the other ¡®perks¡¯ they were sure to get under his leadership.


    Still, none of the posturing and group politics mattered to him for now. Svaartal had nothing personal against the girls, and definitely had no intention whatsoever of allowing the idiots to follow through on their disgusting threats and promises to them, assuming they could even overcome Glenphyranix¡¯s capable group. He had no doubt that they¡¯d bunker down well enough to maintain a stalemate before attempting a retreat, which was fine with him. He just needed them to be kept busy, after all.


    ¡°Svaartal, where are you?¡± Kralk growled into the comms. ¡°Stupid mage! You were right! They¡¯re on the third floor! We need your magic to break through and¡­.¡±


    Svaartal turned off his burner commlink and tossed it to the side, having never had any intention of taking orders from the ¡®leadership¡¯ that had snubbed him. He had no doubt that the use of his magic would indeed turn the battle in their favour, but Svaartal had no intention of helping his side beyond achieving his personal goal, and he certainly had no intention of sharing the bounty. For the Nirah, the idiots were just there to provide a distraction while he faced the human alone in battle, though he did hope that a few of the more reasonable members that had looked to him for operational leadership heeded his tactical advice and kept themselves alive. He had certainly warned them not to interfere with his efforts, at least.


    Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Svaartal sighed. He couldn¡¯t allow himself to be distracted. He had to do this, though he knew that his sister would disapprove. The ever-increasing bounty represented a life-changing opportunity for them to make something of themselves and live well, as their mother had intended and wished for them before their father showed his true colours. Svaartal¡¯s personal revenge on the human just made him want this victory that much more.


    He saw what he was looking for as he floated unseen in the air, a shifting in the rubble several stories below, right in the middle of the collapse.


    Good. In spite of his goal, his pride definitely didn¡¯t want Jack¡¯s death to be that quick and easy.


    His prey was in sight, and he was prepared.


    The human would die. Painfully.


    *****


    Jack groaned as he shifted his body, pushing some rubble off of him and knowing he¡¯d have to move. He had no idea what had hit them, but he had enough sense in him to know that the others were in danger and he needed to get to them. Stumbling to his feet he picked up his axe and checked that he had indeed still had his Dominator holstered on his hip, but there was no immediate sign of his plasma rifle. Shaking himself loose, he looked up to see the flashes of gunfire from above.


    ¡°Alora!¡± He yelled out.


    ¡°Jack! Thank the Mother Tree you¡¯re alright!¡± He heard her call back via comms, though there was a lot of static buzzing in his ears as she spoke. ¡°Chiyo? Can you get him up?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Jack whispered in his comms, getting his wits together. ¡°I¡¯ll go around and ambush them, I¡¯ve still got my axe and pistol"


    "Chiyo has your rifle. We''re pinned down for now, but they''re being sloppy."


    "Blast a hole through the ground if you need to escape," Jack panted as he started moving. "We can-"


    Jack slammed to the ground as something grabbed his leg and tripped him up. Looking at what it was, he panicked as soon as he saw the wire wrapped around his ankle.


    "I don¡¯t think so human!" He heard a familiar hiss echo from all around him, as the wire snapped taut and he was dragged hard along the ground¡­


    <h2>*****</h2>


    "Jack? What''s going on?" Alora called back, having heard some noise of fighting on his end.


    "You heard him!" Nika yelled as her grenade took out two of the hunters. "We can''t stay here for too long! They''re pushing up on us!"


    "Agreed," Alora growled. "Chiyo?"


    The Ilithii quickly swapped places with Sephy, who was now fully attuned to her smartlinked rifle as she peeked with it around the corner, without needing to stick her head out. The desk that several of the gunners were carrying to shield themselves ate several shots, but eventually Sephy was able to melt it enough to injure one, forcing them to duck into another room.


    Chiyo concentrated for a moment as she felt the fault lines of the floor they were on. By expanding and pushing in the right places, she created a hole in the ground big enough for all of them.


    "Sephy! You go first and take point!" Nika told her, unleashing with covering fire that stopped their attackers from pushing up.


    "Don''t fall behind!" the Skritta called back. "I''ll get my drone so we can get a better viewpoint."


    "Good idea if you can do it quickly and safely," Alora replied. "Chiyo, cover her!"


    Sephy dipped down first, checking her corners with her plasma rifle, before carefully checking the corridor outside.


    "Clear!" She replied, before quickly moving back to unpack her drone from the bag, setting it to thermal as Chiyo moved down to cover her with her powers.


    That floor is ready to completely collapse with the right amount of force. Chiyo pointed out.


    "Alora''s way ahead of you," Nika called back as she heard the familiar whispering of Alora''s casting.


    "Ignatae," Alora finished, pointing her arms up and placing her ''Pyro Glyph'' on the ceiling. "Hope this works!" she whispered before asking the others, "Ready?"


    "Ready," Sephy replied, now covering the room with her pistols. "Get out of there!"


    We have an emergency exit nearby we can use. Chiyo added. I can cast a displacement to help, but they probably have someone watching it.


    "As long as we can break out, it''s worth it!" grunted Nika as she was the last one to quickly slide through the hole, not missing a beat as she reloaded with a fully charged battery before taking cover in the small corridor they were in besides Sephy, training their guns into the room they just left.


    "No need to double tap or finish off any of the downed unless you think they''re still in the fight." Nika whispered as she calmed herself down in anticipation. "If they have buddies stopping them from bleeding out, that''s more people not shooting us."


    "Gotcha," Sephy replied, not even thinking of making a joke about it. "That doesn''t apply to the leaders though. Take them out and the rest will run!"


    "Good girl," Nika growled in approval as they heard heavy footsteps running in from above.


    "GET A GRENADE DOWN THAT HOLE!" someone above them yelled.


    "Get ready!" Alora whispered before activating the glyph she''d placed, blasting anyone in the room to smithereens and collapsing the floor. Sephy and Nika quickly blasted the ones that fell down while Chiyo took out anyone unfortunate enough to fall down in the corridor.


    "Good job everyone, now let''s get out of here and find Jack!" Alora spurred them on, letting Nika take point as they made their way to the exit.


    She hoped Jack was okay¡­

 Chapter 29: Rage of Rivals

    Jack barely had time to react as he felt the sharp gravel begin tearing at the flesh of his back, as he was dragged away from the others. He fired blindly at the serpent flying through the air using some kind of jetpack, but Svaartal dipped and dodged effectively, easily avoiding the photon blasts Jack tried to hit him with. Jack decided that if he couldn''t hit the snake, he could aim for something easier, aiming for the wire holding him instead.


    "Oh no you don''t, Frost!" Svaartal snarled as he sharply moved to the side, smacking Jack into something concrete, the pain dazing him and throwing off his aim. Svaartal operated something on his jetpack to boost the power, and soon Jack was in the air, desperately trying to bring it down to ground level, doing whatever he could to yank on the wire and otherwise lower their elevation. He didn''t know what it would be like to fall from a high height in low gravity, and he certainly didn''t want to find out!


    Jack smacked into another building, this time with a crack as his ribs took the brunt of the impact, the pain of breathing telling him he must have broken a few. He wouldn''t survive much more of this¡­.


    Somehow he was able to look ahead, spotting a partially ruined building with a few stone pillars on the roof ahead. If he could just time it right¡­


    Svaartal dipped to the right, and Jack found something to push up against to shoot him left, sending him past the sharp, jagged concrete pillar he would have smacked into, barely giving him enough time to brace as the wire holding him snapped taut, sending lance''s of pain biting into his ankle, and a curse from Svaartal as something gave and the wire slackened.


    Quickly, Jack unravelled the wire from around his ankle, trying not to look too hard at the unnatural bend in his foot as he tried to pop it back into place with a grunt of agonising pain he couldn''t quite stifle. He tried to force his way through the pain as he got to his feet, knowing that his injury would need to be looked at by a professional. Still, adrenaline was on his side for now, and he knew he had to move. The others were counting on him!


    He quickly spun around and fired with his Dominator as several balls of blue light smacked into him, throwing off his aim and scattering the photon blasts harmlessly over the armoured serpent. The force of each bolt felt like a mid-power punch, dazing him as one smacked him in the face and one of the others hit him in his damaged ribs, but otherwise doing little damage despite being enough to knock the human down.


    "Is that all you got?" Jack grunted despite himself, shooting several more photon blasts at where he knew the snake was hiding in cover. He knew he had to finish this quickly and took careful aim at the pillar. "Overcharge!"


    The bolt smacked dead centre and obliterated the cover, but Jack quickly realised he''d been tricked. There was nothing there¡­


    He heard quiet whispering and knew Svaartal was casting, but where was he?


    "Terralika!"  Jack heard the crescendo and barely ducked out of the way as a globe of acid smashed to the ground past where his head had been with a sizzle, melting a hole in the ground that kept expanding as Jack returned fire, shooting at the top of the pillar where the spell came from, only for the shots to pass by without connecting to anything.


    ''Gotta be invisible¡­ '' Jack thought to himself, as he heard several sounds around him all at once, which worried him significantly. ''But where is he?''


    A slight trick of the light to his left was all it took for him to start rapid firing, missing several times but eventually scoring a hit, shattering the illusion and revealing the armoured snake. Svaartal responded quickly by casting a ray of blue light that forced Jack to dip to the side, but not before the ray of frost sent a biting pain of cold through his shoulder.


    Jack sent some burst fire back, but Svaartal was ready for it, holding his arms out in an ''X'' shape and chanting in a guttural language as he appeared to just¡­take the hits?


    No! Jack realised. He was absorbing the shots somehow! But why?


    Jack quickly felt the winds shift to the left as Svaartal suddenly disappeared and instantly reappeared next to him, reaching out with a glowing hand and trying to grab Jack''s head, which Jack was only barely able to parry by grabbing the serpent''s wrist, as Svaartal did the same to Jack, redirecting photon blasts uselessly to the side as Jack tried firing up close.


    Trying to physically overpower the snake, Jack was horrified when he realised he couldn''t. This wasn''t like last time he had fought Svaartal at all - he was much stronger! Another magic trick?


    "Is that all you''ve got?" Svaartal taunted as he saw the surprise in Jack''s face, before the human quickly pressed himself closer to the snake, restricting Svaartal¡¯s head movement as he tried to decapitate Jack with his acid breath. The liquid passed above his head, but some still sizzled across the human''s back. Svaartal''s breath weapon stopped as quickly as it had started, and both grapplers jockeyed for position again, with Jack laying in some hard kicks into the side of Svaartal. He had no idea how effective they would be, but they clearly hurt as Svaartal started away from them and lashed out with his razor-sharp tongue, forcing Jack to move his head again.


    Just as Svaartal had predicted.


    The snake then suddenly clinched forwards and sank his teeth into Jack''s already injured shoulder, pumping as much venom as he could, but also repeatedly striking the same area, sinking his long teeth in deep as Jack''s grip on Svaartal''s glowing hand began to weaken.


    Svaartal suddenly jolted back though, as Jack desperately fired with his Dominator, catching Svaartal in the side to his visible pain.  The snake released his bite in a desperate attempt to realign his grip before Jack lurched forward and headbutted Svaartal in the face.


    The snake looked furious as he still refused to let go of his grip, and then snarled in sheer rage as he headbutted Jack right back, the efforts stunning both boys and making some space between the two. Jack recovered first and leapt up, smashing Svaartal in the face with his knee, breaking the mutual grapple as the snake fell back to the ground spinning, his glowing hand making contact with the ground and sending a pulse of energy ripping throughout the roof he was on, the kinetic discharge creating large cracks throughout the building and all across the roof.


    Jack quickly followed up with a few bursts but Svaartal quickly conjured a ward that deflected the shots harmlessly to the side as he struggled to stand up. Jack knew he had to press his advantage as he ran to close the distance, but Svaartal quickly thrust out his hands, and sprayed some kind of black slippery substance on the floor, tripping Jack up and sending him slamming to the ground.


    That was all it took for the ruined roof of the building to finally collapse and send both boys tumbling down¡­


    *****


    ¡°They¡¯re trying to flank us!¡± Nika grunted as she ducked down behind her low cover. Sephy laid down some suppressing fire on a trio of Korrigans that were part of Kralk¡¯s crew, the Skritta being the best suited to do so safely thanks to the smarklinked weaponry, before Nika quickly moved back to where the rest of the group was. Their enemies knew the general direction and area they had moved to, but not their exact position. They had quickly stashed their bags and anything they didn¡¯t need under an out-of-the-way office desk as soon as they were clear. Even if they had to flee, Sephy had marked the coordinates down for later.


    They¡¯re spreading further afield.  Chiyo cautioned. We''re easier to spot and pin down, but it''s easier for us to push through and retreat.


    "Can you confirm all their auras now?" Nika asked curiously.


    Whatever non-detection spells Svaartal cast have either expired or he''s deactivated them early. I can''t find Jack, though, and I''ve never been able to see Svaartal''s aura.


    "Sephy? What''s it looking like on the drone?" Alora asked.


    "A lot of dust kicked up on a roof a few blocks from here! It''s got to be them!"


    "Probably," Nika grunted. "We''ve got to get there soon and take Svaartal out!"


    "They''re here you fools! On me! Now!" they heard the voice of Kralk bellow from above. The group barely got to cover in time before he unleashed a wild burst with his Gatling laser, the group barely getting into cover in time.


    "They''re pinned down!" Kralk yelled over his comms. "Surround them! We don''t need that traitor mage for this! Where''s Frost?"


    I''m sorry! Chiyo panicked. I didn''t see his aura! He¡¯s still masked!


    "Time to surrender, Glenpharanix!" Kralk yelled as the tarnished tiles of the floor around them were churned up by heavy fire. "This day belongs to Kralk the Konqueror!"


    "Don''t even think about it!" Nika growled, and Alora nodded in agreement.


    "Never!" Alora yelled as she quickly peeked out of cover with a wand and aimed at Kralk''s position, activating the command word. "Pyralis!"


    A snaking jet of fire zigzagged past in the general direction of Kralk, snaking past cover and ripping into several of the Hunters that had tried to rush them before lancing out at the cyber-wolf, only to suddenly change course as it was sucked in and absorbed by something on his hand.


    "Your most powerful spell? I''m honoured!" Kralk mockingly growled.


    "Shit," Alora growled from behind cover. "He''s got fire protection."


    "It was a good shot, Alora! You still took two others down!" Sephy replied, letting loose with some suppressive fire but unable to get through Kralk''s shields before he dipped back into cover, and he was backed up by more hunters laying down constant fire.


    We''ll need to fall back if we can. Chiyo alerted them. We''ll be swamped otherwise!


    "I''ll take point," Nika whispered into Comms, subtly pushing the door behind them open before she shot back as a quick burst inaccurately spread around the wall where she was.


    "Y''ALL AIN''T GETTING OUTTA THERE!"  they heard the voice of the Redeemer yell out.


    "Dammit Redeemer, you moron! I told you to push in while they were distracted!" Kralk yelled.


    "NAH FUCK THAT" the Redeemer yelled back. "Y''ALL CAN RUN IN AND GET THE PUS-"


    Distracted, the redeemer barely had time to react as Nika snapped back around and, as accurately as she could, put several quick, heavy bursts into the corner she knew the Redeemer was behind. The first round crumpled through the wall, the second obliterated the rest of it, and the third broke through the Redeemer shields with an audible shatter and smacked him in the chest, the obese avian falling back with a whimpering yell.


    ¡°Move now!¡± Nika yelled at the others.


    ¡±Suppressing fire!¡± Kralk snarled. ¡°REDEEMER YOU COWARD! GET BACK THERE! KEEP THEM PINNED DOWN!¡±


    Chiyo quickly moved back to Nika¡¯s position, but Sephy and Alora had to move back into their original cover as gunfire rained all around them. They couldn¡¯t move.


    ¡°Chiyo! Think fast!¡± Sephy called out as she chucked a grenade into the air, the Ilithii quickly reacting and bending it straight at Kralk, flinging it towards the Vriwul at high speed, before it was shredded by the hail of gunfire and exploded midair, taking out another hunter in the process.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± yelled Sephy as she swapped to her pistols, desperately trying to return fire. Surely the hunters would be running out of juice for their crappy weapons soon, but their cover wasn¡¯t much to look at either.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something for you, Kizun bitch!¡± they heard a growl over the sounds of gunfire. Xharl had run forward to the centre of the fight, levelling a heavy force-cannon down range right where Nika was. The girls tried to return fire but couldn¡¯t peek out of cover as he began charging up.


    Chiyo knew this was bad. She drew her energies as she began to weave a barrier in front of them, preparing to give it everything she had so her friends had a chance of escaping, before Xharl fired with a loud booming noise.


    But something weird happened. The blast was blocked by something else, smacking into a suddenly appearing translucent blue barrier, completely rocketing Xharl back and destroying his weapon as his own shot exploded right in front of him.


    ¡°Nice work, Chiyo!¡± Nika let out the breath she didn¡¯t know she was holding.


    But that wasn¡¯t me! Chiyo replied in a panic as she tried to work out what had happened.


    The sounds of shots impacting concrete and porcelain had quietened, as if they were muted by something, and were replaced by a light pinging sound like raindrops on the ground, backed by a growl of rolling thunder, though a quick glance at the source of the sound and their sudden saviour stunned the girls for a moment.


    The ¡®dog¡¯, who had followed along and kept out of the way until now, was snarling and barking at the attackers, as several previously unseen markings all over its body glowed a faint neon blue through its dark grey fur. Its twin tails curled and pointed towards their enemies, as several sparks of electrical energy zapped between the two points, before a bolt of electricity shot out from them at one of the idiots that tried to rush in close to them, taking him out and jumping to another enemy behind cover. A blue sheen was currently deflecting the enemy gunfire as the ¡®dog¡¯ kept growling, quickly glancing to Alora.


    The Eladrie got the message.


    ¡°Sephy! We¡¯re getting out of here!¡± She moved back to join Nika and Chiyo, with Sephy quickly joining her, not wanting to risk shooting within the barrier without knowing what it was. Luckily, the ¡®dog¡¯ followed closely behind as the barrier dissipated, looking at the group expectantly with intelligent, focused eyes.


    ¡°We¡¯re not out of the fight yet!¡± Alora grinned as she quickly cast a powerful spell, pointing a wand just above the doorway they quickly went through as the group retreated to a better position, and firing a small red bead to implant itself above the doorframe. ¡°This¡¯ll teach them!¡±


    ******


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Both boys got up as quickly as they could, with Svaartal swiftly pulling out a vial from one of his pockets and downing the concoction within, clearly experiencing some kind of discomfort as he did. Jack quickly unhooked his axe from his belt, knowing that he had the advantage as he charged forward, but as he closed the distance and chopped down at the snake''s head Svaartal disappeared.


    No ..wait¡­this was another illusion!


    Looking around Jack could see many duplicates casting spells as he quickly attacked as many as he could with his axe. His Dominator was low on charge and he had dropped it in the fall, but he knew one good hit with the axe would finish the fight.


    He remembered how he beat Svaartal¡¯s trick last time and quickly tried to focus on the telltale sound¡­.Got it!


    Taking out his grenade and pulling the pin, Jack feinted throwing it at a group of mirror images close together before lobbing it right at the corner where he could hear the very faint whispering.


    Svaartal barely had time to react, casting a quick cantrip to halt the momentum of the grenade just in time, but the explosion was still enough to disrupt his spell, the images and his invisibility shattering as his concentration broke, the blast sending him slamming against the wall with a thundering crack.


    Jack wasted no time, rushing in as Svaartal recovered and cast a quick wall of force that Jack crashed into and through, but it slowed the human down long enough for him to get back up. The snake quickly grabbed a set of strange knives out of his holsters before lobbing them at and around Jack


    Jack was confused. He knew that throwing knives like that had very little effect in a real fight, that stuff only being done in pop culture. Did Svaartal mess up?


    "You missed, assho-" Jack started before he saw the slight smile on the snake''s face that made him recognise the danger.


    "Skaalp!" the snake hissed as Jack felt a sharp pain explode within him as one of the knives on the ground shot out like a bullet to smack him in the back, barely missing the base of Jack¡¯s spine.


    Jack could feel some kind of magic trying to affect him, but whatever it was, the human easily shook it off as he charged forward with his axe, the blade digging deep into the side of the snake''s tail before the snake blocked the rest of the swing, having suddenly summoned a sword out of nowhere!


    As Jack tried to follow through on his attack by stabbing at Svaartal''s face with his offhand switchblade, he was forced to drop it when Svaartal used his razor tongue, nicking his hand and forcing the human back.


    Whatever wound Jack had inflicted on the snake should have been a bad one, though it wasn''t as deep as he had expected. Either natural armour, magical protection or Svaartal''s newly summoned sword had blunted the blow, but the large chunk of flesh torn out of the snake forced Svaartal to quickly close the wound with a healing spell rather than press his counter on Jack.


    Both boys stared and circled each other, daring the other to make the first move. Jack was focused on the snake now, as Svaartal moved his glowing blue summoned sword with practised moves, changing his stance in response to how and where Jack was moving, as the human tensed his grip ready for another devastating strike.


    "You''re pretty good," Jack growled, trying to get in the head of Svaartal. "But that magic won''t last forever."


    "Likewise, human," Svaartal hissed back. "But how much time do you think your friends have?"


    Jack snapped, yelling out a battlecry as he charged forward, Svaartal quickly meeting his attack with one of his own, as the two boys clashed in the centre of the room, each trying to overpower the other. Both boys stared at each other in hatred as Jack slowly pushed Svaartal back with his superior strength.


    Thinking quickly, Svaartal cast a quick spell, shooting a shocking jolt of electricity through his sword and forcing a break. He followed through, lunging forwards with his blade and catching Jack on the hip as the human spun around quickly to dodge, clipping Svaartal''s shoulder with his axe as he did.


    "Skaalp!"  Svaartal yelled again, sending another knife shooting towards Jack as he dived away towards a set of desks that were still standing, avoiding the flying knife. Svaartal dashed in closer but was caught off guard and knocked down when the human lobbed a chair at him, smacking him right in the face and bowling him over. Jack charged in to counter attack, but Svaartal got up quickly and slashed up with his sword, releasing an arc of energy that knocked Jack back, scorching the flesh on his arms from where Jack covered his face.


    The two boys went at each other with renewed ferocity, scoring cuts and near misses but otherwise being evenly matched. They were both desperate now, knowing that one would have to overcome the other, and soon.


    Svaartal eventually won the engagement, having enough for another acid breath that forced Jack back yelling in pain as it caught his chest and shoulder, only for Jack to stamp on something as Svaartal charged, forcing up what was once part of a desk for Svaartal to painfully slam into.


    Both combatants were on their last reserves, knowing they¡¯d have to end this quickly. Jack was losing a lot of blood and the others were in trouble, but his adrenaline was pumping, and his will was unbroken. Svaartal was running out of spells and his buffs were running out, but his mother¡¯s sword was serving him well, and he was determined to do her proud and keep his sister safe.


    The Nirah struck first, expanding his magical power to the rest of his unactivated homing-knives "Skaalp inia!¡±


    Jack dodged, dipped and dived as best as he moved, avoiding as many knives as he could, though some did still smack into him, each one with a magical effect that Jack could feel try to take hold and fail each time. He dodged behind the cover again Svaartal cast another spell, quickly waving his arms high as with the sound of a thunderclap, creating a shockwave that splintered Jack¡¯s cover and forced everything no longer nailed down to fly into the walls, including Jack who smacked his back against the wall where the knives were still sticking in.


    Growling through the pain, he spotted his Dominator a few metres away. Knowing he only had one shot at this he sprinted to his gun as he heard Svaartal casting, pointed it right at Svaartal and snarled ¡°Overcharge!¡±


    Svaartal had used almost everything in his arsenal that he had prepared for the human and knew these next few moments would decide their fates. He had gained respect for the human and his ability to fight back, but he had no intention of showing any mercy. He concentrated hard as he waved his hands and spoke the words of his most powerful spell, one of the few he had managed to decipher and master from his mother¡¯s spellbook. Though she was gone, leaving him and Svaarti alone with their father, he knew she was smiling, and that she¡¯d be proud of his courage. As the human dove for his gun Svaartal finished the spell, pointed his wand at the human and growled ¡°Shri¡¯ak!¡±


    The bolts of blue and red energies collided with each other and reacted violently, turning into a single violet mass that rippled violently in the centre of the room. The air around seemed to get sucked in as the mass shuddered and expanded with a dark growl that got louder and louder, otherworldly screams roaring around them as black streaks lashed out as the reaction became more and more unstable.


    ¡°Shit!¡± growled Svaartal as he quickly dove out of the nearest window, grunting in pain as his descent slowed, his magic ring working as intended when he hit the ground.


    Jack heard Svaartal and knew he had to get out too, holstering his weapons and bolting for the stairs. In the space of a few crucial seconds, he had just managed to jump the bannister and land down a few floors when the mass violently exploded, demolishing the building he was in.


    Jack couldn¡¯t comprehend much of what happened during the collapse. His body was bludgeoned and battered, and he must have blacked out at least once. All he knew was that when he woke up in pain and shoved the rubble off of him, he could still hear gunfire. The others needed him!


    *****


    ¡°We hold out here!¡± Alora called to the others, as she fired another delayed fireball behind them, the red bead implanting itself in the ground before ripping two more attackers apart. They had seen the building collapse and wanted to finish this as soon as possible to look for Jack. They all feared the worst.


    ¡°Kill them all!¡± Nika growled, using Jack¡¯s plasma rifle to lay down suppressing fire on a small squad of attackers that had taken cover behind some rubble. Sephy had gone to an elevated position with Chiyo and was shooting at any of their attackers that tried to peek out of cover, while Chiyo did her best to protect them from retaliatory fire. The ¡®dog¡¯ was up front with Nika, now breathing a cone of electricity between barks that kept their foes at a suitable distance while occasionally shooting more lightning bolts from its tail.


    ¡°Can¡¯t be too many left!¡± Alora called out as she sent another firebolt down range. Predictably, Kralk had kept most of his elite squad back while letting the rest of the hunters act as a meat shield. It was cowardly but effective.


    But Kralk wasn¡¯t the only leader in the field.


    ¡°Chiyo! Look out!¡± Sephy yelled as she saw Xharl having climbed above them, zipping in with her wings to push Chiyo out of the way as the Xarak jumped down to pound the Ilithii into the ground with his mace, instead clipping Sephy and knocking her off the edge of their position to fall down to the ground with a thump.


    No! Sephy!


    Chiyo wasted little time, igniting her psi-blade and allowing rage to fill her every pore. I¡¯ll kill you for that, you son of a bitch!  She mentally yelled as she floated past the heavy swipe of Xharl¡¯s mace, passed his shield and slashed upwards, forcing him to drop his weapon as she severed his hand.


    ¡°Oh the things I¡¯ll do to your body, Ilithii bitch!¡± Xharl snarled as his hand began to regenerate. ¡°I can take anything you can do to me!¡±


    Can you now? Chiyo defiantly questioned as she floated back, avoiding his swipe.


    ¡°Chiyo! Make it work this time!¡± Sephy groaned from below, throwing a grenade as high as she could.


    With pleasure. Chiyo coolly agreed as she sent the grenade straight into Xharl¡¯s face.


    The explosion blasted the Xarak back to smack into the wall, his shields and armour completely shredded. Xharl looked up at Chiyo floating above him as his body began to stitch itself together.


    Your death will be as insignificant as your life. Chiyo coldly told Xharl, as she pulled a hand back as she pulled a hand back and gathered the full extent of her power before lashing out, liquifying the Xarak¡¯s organs as what remained of his body fell still.


    He wasn¡¯t coming back from that.


    ¡°Sephy! How badly hurt are you?¡± Alora quickly dashed to the Skritta, casting a quick healing spell as Chiyo moved up to assist Nika in holding off the other hunters.


    ¡°My wing¡­¡± Sephy groaned as she got up. ¡°I can still fight but my wing is torn and broken¡­¡±


    ¡°OH SHIT!¡± they heard one of the attackers yell from behind as another screamed.


    ¡°WHAT¡¯S GOING ON BACK THERE?¡± Kralk roared as their attackers seemed to be distracted by something.


    ¡°HE WON¡¯T GO DOWN!¡± they heard someone yell. ¡°OH FUCK HE¡¯S GOT AN AXE!¡±


    The girls saw several of the Red Legion aspirants run out of cover away from something, barely noticing as Nika quickly cut them down with plasma fire. Jack was covered from head to toe in all kinds of blood, carrying his axe and pistol and roaring like a maniac as one of the remaining few aspirants charged him, only for Jack to bury his axe in his neck and begin firing at Kralk before the wall behind him suddenly blasted apart and he was pelted by the rubble.


    ¡°Get to me if you want to live!¡± Svaartal yelled at the surviving Red Legion aspirants from the newly created escape route.


    ¡°COWARD! YOU SHOW UP NOW?¡± Kralk yelled at the spellsword as Jack got up and looked Kralk right in the eyes, recognising the leader. In that moment, Kralk knew Svaartal was right and he had to run. He dashed behind the fleeing aspirants rushing to Svaartal, before he stumbled as Nika put a round into his leg.


    Chiyo and the ¡®Dog¡¯ rushed in through the gap, followed closely by the others, with Alora trying to hold Jack back to heal his injuries before he bled out. The remaining four aspirants were running as fast as they could, with Svaartal surprisingly doing his best to cover them with protection spells and covering spell fire as they made it to the portal he had created, with Kralk taking up the rear with his limp. As the last aspirant made it through Svaartal followed him through, waving a hand as the portal began to disappear.


    ¡°SVAARTAL! NO! YOU BASTARD!¡± Kralk yelled as he ran as fast as he could, diving through nothingness and hitting the ground as the portal completely vanished.


    ¡°You reap what you sow, Kralk.¡± Svaartal dismissed the Vriwul as the group caught up. Kralk tried to raise his gun at them before Alora kicked it away, pointing her wand at him.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone too far this time, Kralk.¡± the Eladrie angrily told him. ¡°And once again you lose!¡±


    ¡°FUCK YOU!¡± Kralk roared defiantly. ¡°Fine! You win!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s won before.¡± Nika aimed her shotgun at Kralk¡¯s head. ¡°And yet you keep coming back.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Alora stopped the Kizun. ¡°He¡¯s unarmed and harmless now, are we really going to just execute him?¡±


    Yes! Nika¡¯s right! Chiyo interjected. As long as he lives he¡¯s a danger to all of us. It¡¯s not just about him but anyone that follows him.


    ¡°But most of the people that followed him are either dead or have abandoned him!¡± Sephy pointed out from where she had to sit down, groaning in pain from her injuries. ¡°Every time he loses, he loses the respect of his peers. After a devastating loss like today nobody is going to want to associate with him, and I think we¡¯ve had enough death today.¡±


    ¡°Desperation can drive a person to do some pretty depraved stuff,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°Do we really want that on our conscience?¡±


    ¡°As opposed to an execution?¡± Alora replied.


    Jack? Chiyo asked, with Nika translating. What do you think?


    ¡°A tiebreaker on if you show me mercy or not?¡± Kralk snarled.


    ¡°Like the mercy you intended to show us?¡± Jack asked quietly, fully remembering the disgusting threats the cyber-wolf and his companions had made.


    ¡°I¡¯d have kept them alive if I could!¡± Kralk spat.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you,¡± Jack replied, his voice barely a whisper.


    ¡°So that¡¯s it?¡± Kralk growled. ¡°Who¡¯s gonna do it then? Could any of you have the balls to-¡±


    A blast of red photon energy blasted Kralk¡¯s head apart before the Vriwul slumped to the ground, dead.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jack snarled, holstering his Dominator. ¡°I could.¡±


    He slowly turned to the others with a look of cold rage on his face. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    *****


    ¡°LOOK HERE! LOOK LISTEN!¡± The Redeemer yelled at Svaartal and the aspirants. ¡°IF Y¡¯ALL PUSSIES HADN¡¯T RUN WE WOULD HAVE WON!¡±


    ¡°Look who¡¯s talking!¡± one of the aspirants spat. ¡°You ran for the hills as soon as you got fired upon. We stayed behind until Svaartal came back and told us it was lost!¡±


    ¡°IF THIS FUCKING MAGE HADN¡¯T RUN OFF!¡± The Redeemer yelled between heavy, heaving breaths. ¡°THEN WE WOULD HAVE DONE BETTER!¡±


    ¡°I was fighting the human, you fucking ingrate,¡± Svaartal replied with a snarl, his patience running thin. They hadn¡¯t teleported far away, going to a wooded grove they had camped at a few districts nearby that, by sheer misfortune, had this idiot waiting for them, having likely done more running in the space of a few minutes than the obese avian had ever done in years. ¡°You knew how dangerous he was and agreed to let me handle him.¡±


    ¡°YEAH, AND YOU DIDN¡¯T!¡± The Redeemer yelled back. ¡°WE GOTTA GO BACK THERE AND KICK HIS ASS!¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Svaartal replied, and the aspirants with him, who the Nirah had noticed were the smarter ones who took his advice earlier, sighed in relief.


    ¡°LOOK MAN I REALLY NEED THIS MONEY, AND IF YOU WEREN¡¯T BUSY BEING A PUSSY OF A MAGE WE¡¯D WIN! I JUST CAN¡¯T DO IT I CAN¡¯T TAKE THI-¡±


    His words were cut off as Svaartal lashed out, the Redeemer pitifully raising a hand to try and defend himself as Svaartal summoned his Spellstriker sword and swung it at the Redeemer¡¯s head in a guzzle of pink mist, striking again and again as he hacked away in roaring anger. The yells and cries of the Redeemer fell silent, but Svaartal did not stop as he kept chopping in sheer rage while the aspirants around him looked at the Nirah with horror.


    Finally Svaartal stopped, his golden scales glistening with gore as he swept a blood-spattered claw through his yellow-white hair, slicking it back. He never had any intention of allowing the Redeemer to live past this encounter. His bounty had been made that much more impressive recently with the addition of an unusually lucrative sum added to the pot from a Lizta clan he had managed to offend while investigating, though even without that amount, Svaartal hated the piece of shit even before seeing his list of offences.


    He did consider the fact that both Kralk and Xharl - two people he had previously looked up to as leaders among the Red Legion aspirants - were little better. The threats they had made to the girls were abhorrent, and he hoped that giving up Kralk would serve as a peace offering.


    Maybe. Maybe not. All the Nirah knew was that he hated scum like that.


    ¡°So what do we do now, Svaartal?¡± one of the aspirants asked him. The Nirah looked at his group of impromptu followers. One had previously been in Kralk¡¯s group, another had been rejected by Xharl previously, and the other two were known loners. He considered for a moment, unused to being looked up to in this way by anyone that wasn¡¯t his sister.


    He had lost, but the human hadn¡¯t won either. Both of them had given everything they had, without being able to overcome the other. Svaartal was surprised when he didn¡¯t feel bad about that. A lifetime of putdowns and consequently being looked down on by others after the death of his mother had shaped Svaartal in a certain way, but with his conflict with Jack, he had broken the mould. He felt like a new person. He had power, and he wanted to use it.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Svaartal finally answered, still in deep thought. ¡°I think I¡¯m done for now.¡±


    The aspirants looked bewildered as Svaartal turned and started making their way to where Kralk had parked their transport, but followed him nonetheless.

 Chapter 30: Heading Home

    The group had rested in silence for a few minutes after that. Not commenting on anything while Alora worked her magic, healing the most critical and life-threatening wounds first, and only stopping for Chiyo to yank several blades out of various places on Jack''s body, who hadn''t even noticed them until his adrenaline ran out.  The collapse of the building had made these wounds even worse, and the Ilithii was as careful as she could possibly be on the blades that had snapped in several places, with Nika theorising that Svaartal had intended them to break up once they entered the body.


    Alora seemed conflicted as she worked, trying to ignore Jack''s insistence that she heal the others first before she worked on him. Sephy''s wing had been mauled badly by Xharl''s attack and the resulting fall, but Alora cautioned that they would need a more experienced healer to properly look at it, though she was able to numb the pain for her. Though Sephy had suggested visiting a street doc and paying for surgery herself, Alora knew she just didn''t want to go to the Temple of Hope.


    Sephy had reluctantly relented after it was pointed out that the healing magics at the Temple would be far quicker and probably free of charge, at least once they gave their report to the right people there. The Skritta had demanded they go back to Gladespring and rest in a safe zone with as many sweet drinks as they could have, and nobody was against the idea. Alora knew she needed to send word ahead to the right people, and intended to contact the church of Astara with the help of Jack as the best people to trust.


    Nika got the group''s stuff back from where they''d hidden it and started looting the bodies with Sephy while the others were busy petting the ''dog''. That is to say, Jack and Alora were, while Chiyo kept her distance, still weirded out by the beast.


    I''m telling you! We have no idea what this beast even is, and you want to trust it even AFTER it started shooting lightning bolts everywhere!?


    "It fought alongside us, Chiyo!" Alora rolled her eyes at her friend''s paranoia. "Are you really going to be mean to it?"


    I''m not mean to it! Chiyo denied while, with a grin, the ''dog'' wandered over to Chiyo at Alora''s encouragement.


    No! Keep it away from me! It¡¯s dirty! Chiyo whined as she floated up, while the dog kept jumping to try and catch her.


    "See! It just wants to play!" Alora smiled. "Maybe you just need to get used to him over time!"


    Get used to? Oh no¡­  Chiyo replied in realisation.


    "Yep." Alora grinned. "If it wants to stay with us, it will." She grew more serious for a moment. "Unless you really don''t like the idea, Chiyo?"


    I''m fine with it as long as it leaves me be. Chiyo sighed. Sephy would never forgive me anyway if I said no.


    "Well that''s that settled." Alora sighed with relief. "Now we''ve got to get back again¡­"


    *****


    ¡°By Astara¡¯s tits! Fucking hell!¡± High Priestess Cornelia finally spoke in shock on hearing their story, having sat through it all in stoic silence until Alora had finished. It had been a relatively uneventful but uncomfortable trip back, with the group still sporting whatever deep-set injuries Alora was unable to fix until Brother Arguinious had insisted on seeing to them with his magic before they delivered their report to the High Priestess. Sephy had been a bit reluctant to accept the healing, not wanting to be ''in debt'' to the temple, but in the end had been persuaded by the others. It helped that she had not known Brother Arguinious until today.


    "We will need to verify ourselves and test the samples you have obtained for us." The high priestess finally calmed down. "But I believe you. This is clearly a Spawn of Nekdon to me."


    "They already know about the truth circle on the carpet," Sephy spoke up from where she leaned against the back wall as far away as possible. ¡°We weren¡¯t lying.¡±


    "I had assumed you must have told them, Sepharina; I intended no deceit. An old trick from my predecessor, but I have to be certain." Cornelia nodded in shame at Sephy. ¡°When I got your message I had assumed it was something else and you''d misidentified whatever it was, but now I know for certain from everything you''ve told me. Unless you disagree, Faegleal?" she asked the woman sitting next to her, who had been leaning back in her chair taking notes.


    Inquisitor Faegleal had been one of the first people to successfully communicate with Jack after his rescue by the paladins, having been the person to question him under the watchful eye of the High Priestess and building trust between them in those first few hours. The honey-badger-looking woman had not been unkind to him during his initial questioning, determining rather quickly that he was an Outsider, and assisted High Priestess Cornelia in the efforts to acclimate Jack when a quick measure to send Jack back hadn¡¯t been found.


    "I agree, Cornelia, this is disturbing. Though the revelation that a Spawn was this close to us is a dire one, my own worry is on the party that woke it up from hibernation in the first place. A few of my acolytes had been investigating Dubakuu as a potential serious threat, but until now hadn''t been able to find him, which in itself was worrying. Unfortunately, by the time we realised he was coming after your group we couldn''t get into contact with you, which matches the time you claim you encountered the Spawn of Nekdon."


    "It took you that long to realise?" Nika asked incredulously.


    "I''m getting to that," the inquisitor replied without missing a beat as she brought up a tablet and showed the room. It was a massive collage of reported sightings and rumours all involving the evil priest. "We received this information over the course of the last two days. Up until now we didn''t know why, but as soon as you mentioned the cybernetics and a slicer it all fit into place for me."


    She tossed the device on the table with a grunt. "This was clearly interference."


    High Priestess Cornelia nodded. "So someone really didn¡¯t want us intervening.¡±


    "That is my conclusion. We''ll need to secure the site of the Spawn, but I think our more immediate concern is tracking this hostile party. Enemies of the faith must be rooted out and eliminated before they can cause more damage."


    Cornelia nodded. "You''re right. We can''t do everything at once, especially after the Killer Klown¡¯s attack, so we need to prioritise. I''ll leave the investigation on Dubakuu to you; in the meantime, I''ll spare what Paladins I can to secure the Spawn''s lair and bring in a few scribes to investigate. I understand your group created a system bypass, Alora?"


    "I did," Sephy spoke up coolly, throwing a datachip into the desk. "That also includes access to the train we used. This should cover the healing your priest gave us."


    "Any healing you received from us won''t have come with strings attached unless initially asked for." The High Priestess sighed. "If your wounds were received defending yourself or acting against evil, it is our pleasure to heal you. But¡­thank you¡­Sephy."


    "We''ll be doing our own research as well," Alora added, wanting to clear the air. "Whoever was behind Dubakuu wanted Jack dead, and used the Spawn to try and do it."


    "But did they know the Spawn was there in the first place?" Inquisitor Faegleal mused.


    "Yes," Jack argued, remembering what Dubakuu had said to him. "When I spoke to him he mentioned the whispers telling him about it and something he called the ''Gloom Cauldron'' which he used to boost his power somehow."


    "Then identifying and tracking down our mysterious Puppeteer is vital," Inquisitor Faegleal concluded. "I''ll have the scribes investigate our archives for similar cases and see if it''s anyone known to us. I want to say it''s The Augmented, but there''s no way any former acolyte of Nekdon would go down that path willingly."


    "Unwilling is always a possibility," Cornelia pointed out.


    ¡°Does your group have an audio copy of your encounter with Dubakuu?¡± Faegleal asked, pondering something. ¡°If you will allow me to go over it I might be able to gain some insights you might have missed.¡±


    Alora quickly looked to Sephy, who nodded in confirmation.


    ¡°Excellent.¡± The Inquisitor accepted the transfer of local files. ¡°I¡¯ll have my adepts clear up the audio and I¡¯ll send you a copy of my findings, and I ask that you share any updates you have with us. I also ask that you don¡¯t talk about the Spawn and Dubakuu especially, until we are ready, and I¡¯d suggest that you extend the same courtesy to the Oracle. The Greenwardens are usually cagey when speaking to us, but in this case neither of us want interested 3rd parties coming to investigate the area and make things difficult.¡±


    "Agreed,¡± Cornelia replied before turning to the group. ¡°Regardless, you have enemies still out there, especially you, Jack. I had hoped that you wouldn''t get yourself into trouble, but it seems trouble has mostly come to you instead, so I wish you the best of luck. Stay sharp, stay smart and trust in yourself and your friends. You always have our support if you need it."


    "Woof!" The ''dog'' agreed, the beast having already received several strange looks from the two women.


    "I would say ''Astara watch over you,''¡± Cornelia continued, looking at the ''dog'' in wonder. "But perhaps she already is. You take good care of them!" she ordered the ¡®dog¡¯ as she gently scratched it behind the ears.


    "Woof!" The ¡®dog¡¯ confirmed.


    ******


    "Gods I''m exhausted!" Sephy plonked herself down on the sofa, laying down and putting her feet on Jack''s lap. ¡°At least we made it back safe!"


    "Same," Alora agreed as she threw everyone a can of cold soda. "Though I''m surprised we didn''t run into any Zorn on the way back ."


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "Yeah that was weird," Nika agreed. "Maybe they played it cautious after losing a few patrols to Dubakuu and his Risen?"


    "Maybe" Alora agreed thoughtfully as she sat down with the others, sighing and sitting in silence for a few moments to clear her mind before she brought up business. "We need to go over what happened and work out what to do next"


    Agreed. Chiyo spoke up. But we still have school tomorrow and enemies that attend it.


    "Early nights for everyone" Nika added, pointedly looking at Sephy.


    "Oh, fine." The Skritta sighed. "But can someone go over my homework for me and let me know if I''ve messed up?¡±


    "You actually did it?" Alora asked with a laugh. "That''s not like you on a run weekend!"


    "I did it on the train!" Sephy grinned. "Turns out just keeping a vehicle going forward and leaving everything else switched on gets rather boring after a while!"


    "You made driving a train sound much more complicated!" Jack laughed weakly. "I''ll help you go over it - the parts I actually understand anyway"


    "Thanks Jack!"


    Back on topic? Chiyo interjected.


    "Yes," Alora agreed. "Jack, I''m sorry we didn''t get the answers you wanted, but at least we have a trail to follow. The Church of Astara can help a little, but they''re more focused on the Spawn of Nekdon and Dubakuu than everything else. That doesn''t mean they won''t be helpful with the rest, but they''re stretched thin, especially right now. We need to do our own investigation."


    "I''ve already put out a few feelers on the cyberware, see if anyone¡¯s heard about it without giving any specifics,¡± Sephy added as she addressed the group. ¡°That¡¯s probably our best lead right now, but it depends on what information we can pull from it. I may have a few friends of friends of friends that can help us crack it, but it¡¯ll cost us when we finally find someone. No way am I trusting this one to the temple, so I guess I¡¯m leading this one.¡±


    I¡¯ll be researching the Gloom Cauldron. Chiyo added, which the others translated for Jack. We don¡¯t know anything about it, and that doesn¡¯t sit right with me. What it is and how Dubakuu got it will uncover a few pieces of the puzzle at least. Jack, I also want to research your arrival, and merge with you at some point to see your memory of it myself when you¡¯re up for it. Perhaps the Church of Astara missed a few things.


    Jack took a sharp intake of breath at that, which only Chiyo might have noticed, though if she did she didn¡¯t mention it. He had no intention of reliving that horror again unless absolutely necessary, and he had been through enough today already.


    ¡°Not tonight,¡± Alora argued. ¡°We need to sleep well. As for me, I¡¯ve sent word to my people to see if they have any more information on the Oracle¡¯s species. If anyone would know what could have messed with the Oracle, it¡¯s probably them. I¡¯ll also keep in contact with the Greenwardens there in case anything changes.¡±


    ¡°And I guess I¡¯ll be keeping an eye on the bounty boards,¡± Nika noted. ¡°For any suspects and if anyone else is coming after us.¡±


    ¡°Thanks guys,¡± Jack replied sincerely after a few moments of silence. ¡°Well, I''ll help you out however I can. I guess I¡¯ll walk and feed this guy in the meantime!¡± He gave the ¡®dog¡¯ a head rub as it was lying next to him on the sofa.


    ¡°It¡¯s one of us now.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°They should probably have a name.¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Do we even know what species it is, Chiyo?¡± Sephy asked.


    No idea. The Ilithii replied thoughtfully, before suggesting a name that sounded to the others like a random garbling of unpronounceable syllables.


    .


    ¡°What?¡± Nika asked. ¡°Chiyo, how would you even spell that?


    Cqcq''trtr, it means ¡®hungry chaser¡¯ in my people¡¯s ancient tongue.


    ¡°Chiyo, I wouldn¡¯t even begin to know how to pronounce that!¡± Sephy argued. ¡°Only a complete idiot would ever try to read a word like that out loud!¡±


    The girls eventually got into arguing with one another over various ideas for names while Jack just sat there, petting the dog and waiting for them to calm down. He had thought of a few names already, from dumb ones like ¡®Pikachu¡¯ to the cliche ones like ¡®Zeus¡¯ and ¡®Thor¡¯. He even thought about some famous dogs from history, like


    Hachik¨­ or Lassie. But looking at the ¡®dog¡¯ as he petted it, he felt none of those fit, until he thought of a name that felt¡­.right.


    ¡°Jack, do you have any ideas?¡± Alora asked him, knowing he had been staying out of it on purpose.


    ¡°Dante,¡± Jack answered simply as the ¡®dog¡¯ looked at him with bright eyes.


    ¡°Woof!¡± It barked loudly in excited agreement.


    ¡°Well it looks like that¡¯s settled!¡± Alora decided on seeing the agreed nods of all the others. ¡°Welcome to the team, Dante!¡±


    Though they had all committed to their different projects and still had some things to go through from before, they wouldn''t be doing that tonight.


    Tonight was for destressing and relaxing!


    As they talked, watched TV and made Dante feel at home, Jack began to move past the ordeal of their journey. It had been wrought with peril and near misses, but making it out of there had been a hell of a rush.


    Though he knew he had gone through a hell nobody should ever have to go through, least of all a teenager like him.


    He had killed many since his arrival to this plane of existence that crossed his path. When they had ambushed the Klowns and Zorn, they deserved it. When they had defeated the Spawn of Nekdon, it had been survival. When they had eliminated Dubakuu and his Risen, it had been in the name of justice and saving the hostages that could not protect themselves. As for the Red Legion aspirants and the bounty hunters? Self defence.


    He was interrupted from his reverie by Nika''s expression of horror.


    She was looking at her tablet in shock, as one by one the others stopped to look at her.


    "What is it?" Alora asked in worry.


    "Jack''s bounty went up." Nika looked at them all. "Several different random profiles were just created and added the same amount of credits to the pot over the space of a few seconds, and House Mal''Kar updated their pot a minute after that."


    "They''re taunting us," Alora growled. "Want us to know they''re involved somehow."


    "What else?" Sephy asked in worry, seeing Nika''s expression remain the same.


    The Kizun took a deep breath before slowly replying.


    "Devil''s Daughter just placed a mark on Jack."


    ***


    Zhal-Han had to sleep on the streets once again.


    His public loss to the Kizun girl had completely ruined and humiliated him. He didn¡¯t even get to face his bounty! The video had been posted all over the local net, and he had been bombarded with messages and comments. One girl from the local academy, Vanya something or other had even requested an interview, which he had rudely declined, seeing as she was one of the main influencers that shared the video on MyFace. His last students had left him, taking what was left of their money back from Zhal-Han by force after he begged and pleaded with them to stay.


    He spent some time trying to find a good place to shelter that was out of the way, trying to keep himself covered up as much as possible. He had no desire to be recognised and disturbed, so he¡¯d hunker down if he could and try and scrounge some food and credits at night. A week or two to allow the news of his humiliation to die down, and maybe he would try again. A new cult or a religion sounded like a better way to make some quick credits anyway. He would plan his next move in the meantime.


    It had been several hours of trying to find a good spot, but it had been difficult throughout. More than once people would see through his disguise and mock him, forcing him to run away to a new area. He seethed with rage as he kept looking through the districts for somewhere to hide and sleep in peace. Maybe he¡¯d try and get his revenge on the human and his group instead¡­.


    Eventually, exhaustion kicked in and Zhal-Han sat down in a one-way side alley by the district wall. It was clearly used as a dumping ground by the local slums, and smelled terrible, but it was the best place to lie low for now. The street lights had either been switched off or seemingly busted as he walked along anyway, so he figured he could catch some hours rest as darkness reigned.


    Suddenly Zhal-Han shot up as a single bulb of light flicked back on at the entrance, with a hooded figure just standing there, looking at him.


    ¡°Go away!¡± Zhal-Han groaned in his exhaustion, as the light went out.


    Only for another to switch on closer to him, illuminating the figure with it once again.


    Zhal-Han fell back in shock and quickly tried to scramble to his feet as the light went off again, coming another few steps closer. ¡°What do you want?¡± he asked the figure in a panic. ¡°I haven¡¯t got anything!¡±


    Another light off, another light on. The figure was closer now, and Zhal-Han could see the dark, obscuring clothing on the biped that covered his identity, though not what was underneath the hood, something bright that clearly contrasted with the dark clothing the figure wore.


    ¡°HELP! PLEASE!¡± Zhal-Han yelled, though none came. The next change of lights brought the figure ever closer, and Zhal-Han finally saw what was under the hood.


    A pale, white mask of simple pottery design, completely obscuring the face, the expression completely neutral, though it was the symbol on the forehead that filled Zhal-Han with terror.


    The Burning Skull. The symbol used by those who worshipped The Destroyer.


    ¡°No! Wait!¡± Zhal-Han tried, whispering to the figure. ¡°I¡¯ll join you! I¡¯ll worship it! I can be one of you!¡±


    The figure gave a slow, deliberate shake of the head, before they were obscured once again, and the final light switched on, lighting both of them up. They were only separated by a few metres, and Zhal-Han was slightly taller, but the figure had something in his hand that Zhal-Han immediately recognised in sheer dread. A long, thin, heavily serrated sawtooth blade. He had seen pictures of similar things before on the news, and knew he was going to die an agonising death.


    Unless he could make a break for it?


    ¡°F¡­FEEL MY TECHNIQUE!¡± Zhal-Han bellowed, grasping one final spark of courage as he charged. He never stood a chance.


    *****


    Art enabled one to find themselves and lose themselves at the same time.


    The paint spoke to them, as they completed their Great Work, the striking colours blending and contrasting in perfection to coalesce into a tranquil finale for all to enjoy. Sadly, there were many who never appreciated the message of their art, never searching for the mysteries and deeper meanings. Though some lost souls did, and began their own paths as ordained by The Destroyer. In the moment, it mattered not. With their colours and shapes, they could express themselves to The Destroyer in ways no mere words or prayers could.


    And the Destroyer was pleased.


    Yet, there was something missing. Xeenphod¡¯s did produce many fascinating paints and clay, but the artist stopped in their work as they felt a pull in their heart, like they realised they were on the verge of creating a great masterpiece.


    The whispers returned, the heralds of the Destroyer served to soothe and reassure the artist as they resumed their work, placing the final touches on their masterpiece, before signing it in the remains of their paint. The Destroyer was indeed pleased, the whispers told them, and they would ensure that all of Hive Station Bastilla would look upon their work.


    The Destroyer had a gift for them, the whispers said. A new specimen. Possibly the only one of his species in existence. In the name of the Destroyer, they were to be killed, and be used for the Greatest Work of all! The artist placed the finishing touches before leaving the work to be discovered, as several anonymous tips were placed, and several local signs and screens were overridden around the artist as they walked away.


    Zhal-Han¡¯s mutilated body was discovered with the first rays of light as promised. the telltale sawtooth blade causing agony before death, ripping and shedding as much blood as possible for the mural of gore and horror left behind.


    The Skinsaw Slasher has struck again.

 Chapter 31: Fat Bounty

    Their evening had been solemn after the news broke. Chiyo had worked the rest of the night doubling and tripling their magical security, while Alora called the Church of Astara in a panic, who had no idea why Devil¡¯s Daughter had an interest in Jack, least of all why she put her Hunter¡¯s Mark on him. Jack had seen what the warlock was capable of during her fight with the Killer Klown, and though he kept his emotions hidden from the others he was genuinely terrified that the powerful spellcaster was now apparently coming after him, especially after seeing her brutally execute Little Miss Massacre. According to the others, it was apparently highly unusual for her to even bother placing the mark before striking out at a target, and she was supposedly a highly potent vigilante with a fiery reputation for eliminating particularly evil bounties and dark organisations.


    So why the hell was she after him? Did she lump him in the same category?


    Sleep did not come easily to Jack that night. Dante was allowed to freely roam the house and yet chose to stay with him, for which he was thankful for. But even with the gentle breathing of the ¡®dog¡¯ for company, it did little to ease his paranoia. He had gone to see the Oracle for answers and instead came back with more questions and more mysteries.


    And enemies.


    Svaartal, The Drow, whoever was behind Dubakuu, and whatever else was lurking in the shadows. Devil¡¯s Daughter aside, he would probably have to deal with all of them one way or another, or die in the attempt.


    Eventually, his exhausted body caught up to his active mind, and his eyes finally closed.


    When they opened again, Jack had no idea how much time had passed, but something was wrong. It was still dark outside, with barely enough light to see. Dante had clearly wandered off somewhere and Jack could feel a cold wind tickle his face. He had kept his door ajar so the ¡®dog¡¯ could leave if they wanted to, which was now wide open. He could hear a noise downstairs, sort of like a low humming accompanied by thundering footsteps. Jack was up instantly with his gun and tried to activate an emergency ping to the others on his commlink, but the thing didn¡¯t respond.


    Shit. He could either hide and risk harm to the others, or he could risk facing the danger alone.


    Gripping his knife tightly, Jack snuck down the corridor towards where Alora¡¯s room was, but to his horror his path was blocked by a wall of gnarled brick and dark metal. Cursing, he looked back and only saw the steps leading down, beckoning him.


    ¡®Screw that.¡¯ Jack thought, avoiding the obvious trap as he climbed out of one of the exposed windows, dropping down with a quiet thump, before he looked up and realised he was somehow now in the living room, amidst a scene of horror. Dead bodies scattered the floor. Alora with her throat slit, eyes wide in horror as she stared up at him. Nika¡¯s mangled body with her chest caved in, slumped against a wall. Sephy¡¯s burned corpse smouldering at Jack¡¯s feet. Pale white blood and chunks of blue flesh, the only remains of Chiyo scattered everywhere, and a mutilated body of Dante. And they weren¡¯t the only ones. Luvia, Vanya, Svaarti, Nya, Rayle, Zayle, Vaal, Kritch. Everywhere Jack turned, he was faced with the death of one of his friends.


    ¡°This is what awaits them,¡± a female voice sneered from behind him. Jack snapped round, finding nothing, only seeing the scarred body of Krill.


    ¡°You are a survivor¡­.¡± the voice continued ¡°....but are they?¡± Jack aimed at wherever he thought the voice was coming from.


    ¡°It will be your fault,¡± the voice sneered again.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t real!¡± Jack yelled, as the voice cackled with mocking laughter. ¡°You¡¯re not real!¡± he yelled louder, as the evil laughter rose to meet him. Jack looked around, following the voice with his gun as it travelled just out of sight, not seeing anything until he turned one last time to see a hooded figure standing and watching him. With dark red skin and black robes, Jack instantly recognised Devil¡¯s Daughter staring right at him, staff raised.


    Consumed by panic, Jack levelled his gun with a terrified yell, barely holding back on pulling the trigger as he suddenly realised that she wasn¡¯t there. In fact, in noticing his surroundings, he could see the light of day peeking through the windows of his room. The cold breeze had been replaced by something else, and something instinctual within him realised that Dante had quickly hopped up on Jack¡¯s bed to check on the human. Jack still had his gun raised, levelled at the opposite wall and barely registering why as he kept hyperventilating, the fright being slow to go away.


    Jack barely noticed as Chiyo dashed into his room without knocking and glided over to him, ignoring his mumbled excuse of ¡®just a nightmare¡¯ to put her arms around him in a hug. She must have sensed his aura and got worried. The two of them just stayed like that for a while, not saying anything, as the rational part of Jack¡¯s mind calmed him down. He was safe. He was among friends who cared for him. Whatever just happened was over now.


    Alora eventually joined too, with the others looking in as the Eladrie gently pried the gun from Jack¡¯s fingers and set it on a nearby table before everyone came into his room, trying to make Jack feel better. He was numb to it at first, however, barely registering what was happening around him as his mind tried to process it all.


    ¡°Jack, are you ok?¡± Alora finally asked him worriedly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jack lied. ¡°It was just a nightmare. Sorry I woke you all.¡±


    ¡°A nightmare?¡± Sephy asked, confused.


    ¡°A bad dream.¡± Jack clarified. ¡°Something that happens involuntarily to sleeping humans when they¡¯ve gone through a lot of shit.¡±


    ¡°Jack¡­¡± Alora began again. ¡°Chiyo says that something targeted you with something magical that partially penetrated through our security. What happened?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jack asked in confusion. ¡°Something attacked me?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know.¡± Alora sighed in relief. ¡°Whatever it was, it doesn''t have any lasting effects that we can see. What did you see?¡±


    ¡°It was dark, I woke up here and thought there was an intruder so I got up to confront them. I saw all of you dead on the floor with a bunch of friends. I heard whispers coming from all around me, then Devil¡¯s Daughter appeared and I woke up when I tried to shoot her!¡±


    It could have been Devil¡¯s Daughter, then. Chiyo told the others. There aren¡¯t many spellcasters that could get through what I threw up.


    ¡°Oh gods¡­¡± Alora gasped. ¡°But why?¡±


    ¡°If I had to guess,¡± Jack rationalised. ¡°Dubakuu wasn¡¯t what we expected because of the cyberware. Maybe Devil¡¯s Daughter is similar?¡±


    ¡°Surely not!¡± Sephy argued. ¡°She¡¯s a hero! And much more powerful than Dubakuu was! And she only goes for bad guys!¡±


    ¡°Publically, you mean,¡± Nika argued. ¡°If she can cast spells at Jack remotely, who knows who else she¡¯s taken out without anyone even knowing.¡±


    The worst thing is that we have no way of realistically retaliating that I can think of. Chiyo pointed out. I¡¯m as shocked as all of you are, but Devil¡¯s Daughter has made her intentions clear.


    ******


    Since everyone had woken up early and were reasonably refreshed from the weekend, breakfast was a special affair, with Nika taking time to cook them a hearty meal which reminded Jack of a Surf ¡®n¡¯ Turf from Earth. There were crispy vegetables of many strange textures and colours that went down very well with the juicy chunks of fish and meat, which Nika had assured them was a perfectly healthy meal for them to start with, though Chiyo didn¡¯t look too amused at the lack of sweet stuff. Between that and the rigorous exercise he had undertaken on waking up, Jack had begun to feel better.


    Of course, it was then that Sephy decided it would be the perfect time to discuss who else wanted to kill him today.


    ¡°Wow! There¡¯s some good news at least!¡± the Skritta exclaimed. ¡°Nearly all the hunters that put their mark on you before have taken them off! Most of the bounties have been removed too, it¡¯s just House Mal¡¯Kar and the other new accounts from yesterday that remain.¡±


    ¡°So pretty much just the Drow then, if we¡¯re right in thinking the hacker is likely working for them,¡± Jack replied after downing another energy drink to properly wake him up. ¡°I¡¯m guessing the rest of the hunters and the clients must have heard about what happened to the Red Legion Aspirants after they ambushed us?¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯d mostly be just anyone at the school,¡± Nika argued. ¡°It¡¯ll mainly be Devil¡¯s Daughter scaring the rest off, though it looks like The Redeemer is actually now dead, maybe I hit him¡­..oh no. Looks like Svaartal claimed his bounty,¡± Nika paused for a moment as she looked at her device. ¡°Huh¡­Zhal-Han might be dead too, judging by a few of the latest comments, but that hasn¡¯t been confirmed. Even if he doesn¡¯t remove his Mark, he¡¯s not a real threat.¡±


    ¡°So Devil¡¯s Daughter is the only threat we¡¯ll face bounty-wise?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°I never said that!¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°We¡¯ve got a few that actually put their Marks on Jack AFTER Devil''s Daughter did.¡±


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Not to mention our other enemies that¡¯ll take the opportunity if we give it to them. Chiyo cautioned. We¡¯re likely to encounter Svaartal again at school.


    ¡°What about the ones that have matched Devil¡¯s Daughter?¡± Nika asked, interested. ¡°They¡¯ve gotta be brave or crazy to risk crossing her this early!¡±


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve only got two of them for now,¡± Sephy murmured. ¡°You might have heard of this guy, Chiyo, we¡¯ve got ¡®Dr Reyaz Grine¡¯, he¡¯s a creepy-looking dude.¡±


    Let me see that! Chiyo asked Sephy as the tablet was handed over. Yes I recognise this guy, it¡¯s the Vivisectionist from the news a year back! He¡¯s got a bigger bounty on him than Jack!


    ¡°For real?¡± Sephy asked, as Alora seemingly recognised the photo.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know this guy was still alive!¡± the Eladrie replied, looking at the profile. ¡°He¡¯s an enemy of Devil¡¯s Daughter, and is obviously doing this to get her attention since they are known to have fought twice before with neither one being able to kill the other.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we can use that then?¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Get them to fight each other and we take down the survivor, or maybe cut a deal with this guy if he¡¯s not so bothered about me.¡±


    That got an interesting look from the others, before Alora shot it down.


    ¡°List of main offences include body-snatching, torture by way of vivisection and mass murder, including that of children,¡± she deadpanned with raised eyebrows at Jack.


    ¡°I stand corrected, fuck that.¡± The human gave a grimace as he was handed the tablet, then he looked at the intimidating visage. Shorter than he was and covered in dirty leathers and rags, the Vivisectionist had a sharp, angular, heavily scarred face twisted into an evil scowl, with pale white skin like a corpse amplifying his hateful yellow eyes and unkept, bright-red hair. ¡°Well I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll be able to sneak up on me,¡± Jack quipped.


    You would be surprised. Chiyo countered. Anyone able to hold his own against Devil¡¯s Daughter is no joke, and this guy is highly intelligent.


    ¡°I know.¡± Jack sighed after that was translated for him. ¡°Who¡¯s the other one?¡±


    Sephy showed Jack the picture, and he immediately burst out laughing. ¡°IS THAT KERMIT THE FROG WITH TWO SAMURAI SWORDS SMOKING A BLUNT?!?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea what a ¡®frog¡¯ is.¡± Nika snorted as she checked it on her end. ¡°But this guy is making a name for himself as a bounty hunter and seems like he has something to prove. Ke¡¯Ritte Grenwa¡¯Cha, AKA ¡®Killer Kush¡¯. Only has a few large bounties on him for several instances of raiding low-level drug merchants and manufacturers then using up their entire stock in the space of a few days in wild parties he likes to throw. Seems relatively clean, aside from the ¡®constantly being high on drugs¡¯ thing.¡±


    ¡°Neither of them are students, at least.¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean they can¡¯t place a bribe here and there to get to you or know where you are, so be careful.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jack agreed, as on reflex he thumbed his Dominator and axe, both of which he was allowed to keep holstered in compliance with school policy. He decided to leave his plasma rifle at the house, which Nika still wanted to have a more thorough look at after it got damaged, but took a few of their newly liberated grenades to hide in a few pockets and his bag, just in case. He also had an unassuming metal bracelet the group had looted from Xharl that quickly extended into a decent shield at will. Jack had slept with it on to ¡®attune¡¯ him to its enchantment, and now had a better defence against ranged and magical attacks, though he had been a little insecure about the look of it, and asked if it would mess with the school uniform policy. Apparently it would be fine if he wore it under his shirt and hooked the business end through the buttons on his sleeve to avoid ripping it if it needed to be activated.


    He had originally argued that Nika might want the shield, but conceded that the shield was indeed now his when Nika called dibs on Kralk¡¯s Gatling Laser and Alora on his Magical Ring that had resisted her flame spells. Chiyo and Sephy had yet to take their first pick of the good shit, but made the compelling argument that Jack was the only one strong enough to use the shield without an exoskeleton anyway.


    ¡°Now you be good!¡± Alora patted Dante on the head as the group was ready to leave. The ¡®dog¡¯ gave a sad whine, but seemed to understand as it sat down on the grass looking at them all. ¡°I¡¯ll have none of that!¡± Alora continued in faux sternness. ¡°You have a lot of food and drink left out for you and a whole district for you to play in! We¡¯ll be back in a few hours, you¡¯re on guard duty until then!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked back as if understanding, before the others, minus Chiyo gave him a quick scratch behind the ears, then shutting the gates behind them. Jack sighed as they started walking. After the adventure they had gone through over the weekend, it was hard for him to wrap his head around the fact that he still had to go to school. It was even worse that today was the intergalactic equivalent of a Monday.


    Today was going to be a long day¡­


    *****


    ¡°How come we never see much of those guys?¡± Jack asked as the group waited in the queue to get into the building, pointing to several of the megafauna species that trundled over to the pyramids on the far side. They had traversed the city several times by now, and very rarely saw many of the giant species despite the sheer diversity of them at the school.


    ¡°They tend to keep to their own size group,¡± Alora admitted. ¡°Towards the south of the city is where you¡¯ll find their enclaves, as well as aboard several habitation ships in the flotilla surrounding the station, but there are the rare few that walk among the smaller peoples. Same case for the blind species or the undead. Though they can do as they wish, that wish is more often than not to be with their own kind, forming their own territories where they can be in their comfort zone.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s only natural,¡± Jack acknowledged, thinking of the similarity of that rationale back on Earth. ¡°At least none of those guys are coming after me¡­¡±


    ¡°Yet!¡± Sephy reminded him, before suddenly sobering up and remembering how serious the situation actually was.


    ¡°Well it¡¯ll be easy to see them coming our way, at least.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Running away might be a problem though.¡±


    ¡°Some of the smaller ones act as hired muscle sometimes, but aside from that you don¡¯t get many making it as hunters of smaller species,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Kinda hard to investigate and track people when you can¡¯t fit into most buildings and most small people look alike to them, but there are some good ones out there.¡±


    Let¡¯s try not to cross their paths. Chiyo replied as she casually nibbled on some candy.


    Eventually the group got to the front of the queue to the security checkpoint, and the others all clocked that for some reason the Prefects were being far stricter than usual in checking students through, with several of the Korrigans even asking some very pointed questions, and levelling their guns at any student that even remotely violated a school uniform policy. They all went as a group to get checked through, not wanting to split up to the annoyance of the Prefects, though the only one that made any noticeable noise was the one looking at Jack, who seemed determined to find something to complain about.


    ¡°And what is this supposed to be, Mr Frost?¡± the rooster-like alien squawked at him after checking his ID, pointing to the weapon tucked away under his blazer.


    ¡°That¡¯s my emotional-support axe,¡± Jack replied sarcastically. ¡°Can¡¯t bear to be separated from it.¡±


    ¡°Having a melee weapon of that nature is permitted by school regulations,¡± the Prefect was forced to admit. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean I like it! We will be watching you, new kid!¡±


    ¡°Enjoy the view, asshole,¡± Jack muttered back, following the others before the Prefect could chase after him for the insult, assuming they were even brave enough¡­


    ¡°Damn, these assholes are everywhere!¡± Sephy complained quietly as they passed another wandering patrol of Prefects. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Do you think they found out about the lockup?¡± Jack whispered back so only Sephy could hear.


    ¡°Unlikely, it¡¯s probably the teachers or a Prefect Commander on a power trip¡± Sephy guessed.


    ¡°I think I know the answer to that one,¡± Nika growled. ¡°Look ahead!¡±


    Jack¡¯s eyes narrowed in rage as he looked across the room. Izadora Mal¡¯Kar was casually standing at the base of the main stairs of the entrance hall flanked by one of her fellow drow, bellowing orders to her fellow Prefects to accost and harass the passing students for any perceived infraction. Both drow were scanning the crowd in between yelling orders, almost as if looking for somebody in particular. Jack felt his body shake as he saw red, remembering what had happened during their last encounter.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just take the lift and avoid them,¡± whispered Alora, leading the rest of the group to the side, though Jack barely paid any attention.


    ¡°That¡¯s the bitch that put the bounty on us, and they¡¯re probably involved with the hacker that¡¯s been fucking with us as well,¡± Jack snarled as almost involuntarily he started walking over to them, which quickly turned into a run.


    ¡°Jack!¡± Sephy gasped as she quickly turned and noticed what he was doing. ¡° No! Bad idea! No! Nonononononono!¡±


    But it was too late.


    ¡°YOU!¡± one of the Prefects yelled out to Jack as his walk turned into a full-on sprint, and several students stopped to watch what was happening. ¡°Running in the Entrance Hall is-¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t hear the rest of the sentence as he closed the distance, just as the Drow Matriarch turned towards him, eyes wide¡­.


    Jack¡¯s kick smashed into Isadora Mal¡¯Kar with the force of a thousand suns, knocking her and everyone she collided with to the ground like bowling pins, the human not stopping as he kept moving forward, trampling over the drow and the Prefects before stopping close to the stairs, turning around and giving the drow a full-on death glare.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± Jack said in false cheerfulness. ¡°Someone¡¯s been a naughty girl and sent a bunch of bounty hunters after me. I mean I¡¯m quite flattered by the attention, but unfortunately, you fucked up.¡±


    His face then grew deadly serious. ¡°You¡¯ve now got my attention. Time to pay the fucking piper.¡±


    Several Prefects rushed out of the surrounding students to raise their rifles at the human with a battle cry.


    ¡®Ah crap¡¯ Jack thought, as he maintained his confident demeanour, levelling his Dominator back at them. ¡®Maybe there were some slight flaws with my revenge plan¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯LL KILL YOU FOR THAT, OUTSIDER!¡± he heard Izadora screech out, and just a split second later several voices spoke up from the crowd in retort, which got ever louder and more fired up.


    ¡°Get them!¡± Someone shouted.


    Before the Prefects aiming at Jack could react to what was happening, several students charged from the crowd to attack them, ripping their rifles out of their hands to batter them over the head like clubs, or pinning them to the floor to ground and pound. Like the breaking of a dam, more students rushed the Prefects like a torrent. Jack could even see some of his friends rushing in to do battle with the Prefects, and he barely saw Alora facepalming from the side before the sea of people separated them all.


    Jack realised he had just started a brawl. And he was right in the middle of it!

 Chapter 32: School Hall Brawl

    Jack immediately dodged as a spiked whip lashed out, cruelly cutting the air where his face had been just a split second ago. He backed away several paces and summoned his shield with a mutter of his chosen trigger-word ¡®Aegis¡¯ just in time, as Izadora kipped up to her feet, made a few motions with her hands and sent a bolt of shadowstuff his way, smashing ineffectively against his shield as he quickly reholstered his gun for now. Sensing movement behind him, Jack retracted the shield and thrust back with a kick, his boot catching the unfortunate Prefect in the chest and shoving him back into his cohort.


    Another Prefect rushed up to him from the side, and Jack wasted no time in meeting her charge, spinning to the side to avoid the attempted tackle and redirecting the momentum into another group of Prefects who were in a brawl with some other students. Spinning back around to the drow, he saw Izadora running away from him while her brother with the whips engaged several of the students chasing them.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, bitch?!¡± Jack yelled. ¡°I thought you wanted me dead?¡±


    ¡°YOUR DEATH WILL COME, MALE!¡± she screamed as she tried to fight her way towards the corridors. ¡°MY HUNTERS WILL OBLITERATE YOU!¡±


    ¡°Not unless I kill you first!¡± Jack replied with a snarl, running forward and clotheslining another Prefect that tried to grab him.


    ¡°Jack!¡± he heard Alora yell in the background. ¡°Where are you? Get to us if you can!¡±


    Three more Prefects and a drone now blocked his path, and Jack quickly dodged back as one slashed at him with some sort of shock baton, countering with a quick punch to their face that knocked them back, ducking down as another slashed at him before he followed through on the third with a snap kick to the stomach of the avian before they could react, sending them to the floor in a howl of pain.


    ¡°GUNS AUTHORISED!¡± Izadora screamed to the other Prefects. ¡°PUT THEM DOWN! PRIORITISE THE OUTSIDER!¡±


    A few of the Prefects looked a little confused and apprehensive at that order. No shots had been fired up until that point, and they ideally wanted to de-escalate the situation...


    But orders were orders.


    Immediately, Jack dipped down and redrew his Dominator, taking out the drone with a quick burst and sweeping the legs out from the second Prefect with one of his feet, who crashed to the ground with a thump. He summoned his shield and leapt in front of two smaller students who had gotten caught in the melee as several laser shots pinged off of it. Jack considered returning fire, but although the Prefects were confirmed assholes and the medical bots patrolled school grounds to heal students and staff, he wasn¡¯t keen on shooting his fellow students that were just trying to enforce the rules. The drow, on the other hand¡­


    ¡°When I move, get out of here!¡± Jack told the kids, who quickly nodded. He charged forwards, towards the shooters, slamming into them and opening an escape route for the other students that didn¡¯t want to fight anymore, though many stood their ground, having relished the excuse to start a fight with the Prefects.


    ¡°Goooood morning Jack!¡± he heard the deep, rumbling voice of Plooderoo next to him, the octopus-like Plooth wailing away at several of the bots, with several grateful students taking refuge behind his bulk. ¡°Nice to see yooooooou alive!¡±


    ¡°Back at you!¡± Jack grinned as he lashed out with a kick at a nearby Korrigan Prefect¡¯s stomach who was trying to pin another student to the ground. ¡°Glad we¡¯re fighting together this time instead of against!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on 4, ¡®Ploo¡¯!¡± The hyperactive voice of Kizzarith called out as he buzzed overhead to grab onto a flying drone with his pincers before crushing it. ¡°Make that 5!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already on 7!¡± Plooderoo roared with laughter. ¡°Dooooo you need to take a break?¡±


    ¡°Fuck no big boy! Figured I¡¯d give you a chance!¡± The beetle-like Lleethux chittered happily. ¡°This is awesome, Jack! Way to pick a fight with these assholes! We¡¯ve wanted to kick their asses for months!¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­.¡± Jack replied, not really knowing what to say. ¡°You¡¯re welcome?¡±


    ¡°Kritch is right! You¡¯d be perfect for the Deathball team!¡± The Lleethux grinned at Jack before he dashed off to look for more opponents.


    ¡°Jack!¡± he heard Nika call out from somewhere amid the crowd. ¡°Wrap it up! Prefect reinforcements incoming!¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± Jack muttered. ¡°Where¡¯s the drow?¡±


    ¡°Over there!¡± Plooderoo pointed a tentacle in the distance. ¡°She¡¯s casting! Feel free to kick her ass!¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Jack hurriedly nodded before pushing his way towards her.


    ¡°There he is!¡± he heard another voice call out from halfway up the entrance hall stairs. It was cruel sounding, with an upper crust pronunciation, and Jack turned to see the drow with whips engaged with three other students, cruelly slashing away and mocking them as they failed to get out of range. He was too far away to engage, so Jack quickly drew his gun and gave the students covering fire as they rallied to attack the drow again. While shooting, he pushed further forward towards the sounds of carnage coming from where the Drow Matriarch apparently was.


    A bolt of shadowstuff lashed out and took out one of the students behind Jack as he dodged the attack. ¡°PREFECTS! TO MY SIDE!¡± Izadora Mal¡¯Kar snarled as Jack could see her about thirty metres away, students moving out of the way even as Prefects rushed to fill the gaps. ¡°BRING HIM DOWN!¡± she yelled with a vicious smile before she began casting.


    Jack grinned on seeing the odds.


    ¡°DON¡¯T YOU KNOW WHO I AM?¡± he yelled in challenge to the approaching Prefects.


    ¡°I¡¯M THE JUGGERNAUT, BITCH!¡± Jack snarled as he charged, blocking a swipe of the first guy¡¯s baton with his forearm, barely registering the pain before he grabbed their striking arm and pulled them in for a throw to the side, grabbing the baton as he did.


    Two more guys charged in to meet Jack, who quickly stuck first with the baton, smacking one on the top of their armoured head and parrying the other, countering with a snap kick. He then threw the baton at a third who was aiming his way with a laser rifle, staggering him just in time for Jack to jump in with a flying knee.


    He was closer now, and Izadora Mal¡¯Kar was panicking. Another Prefect roughly grabbed him from behind, only for Jack to smash his elbow back repeatedly into their torso to loosen their grip before elbowing them in the face, quickly bringing his axe to bear as a tentacle of shadow lashed out at him, chopping it in two as Izadora chanted more urgently, summoning more tentacles as Jack rushed in close, slashing at the drow¡¯s head but being parried by her obsidian staff.


    The Drow Matriarch tried muttering more words of power, but there was no way Jack was going to allow it as he pressed his attack, forcing Izadora to use all of her might to fend him off with her staff. She was far stronger than she looked, so it was obvious to Jack that she had augmented her physical strength with magic, but he was still stronger. Jack quickly unleashed a strong flurry of chops to get past her defences as she moved backwards, summoning more shadow tentacles as she did to try and put space between them.


    But Jack¡¯s onslaught was too fierce.


    Izadora desperately changed tactics before her back hit the far wall, changing her momentum to try and counter with a swing of her staff at Jack¡¯s head, which barely grazed his ear as he ducked. Remembering his karate training, he spun around with the dodge and kicked back with his foot, catching the drow off guard as it caught her in the chest, knocking her down to the ground at the same time as Jack followed through with an upward swing of his axe, feeling a slight resistance at its wicked edge sliced into flesh.


    The drow let out a cry of pain as she smacked to the ground, barely having time to clutch at the blood on her face before Jack quickly holstered his axe and tackled her to the ground as she tried to get back up. Izadora barely got her arms up in time as Jack pulled out his knife from his belt and stabbed down, the blade stopping inches from her left eye as she was just able to block him with all of her remaining strength. Jack gave a primal roar as he pushed down on the knife with both hands, bringing it closer and closer to her eye as it widened in sheer terror at the realisation of what was about to happen!


    ¡°Jack!¡± he heard Nika call out, and on instinct he rolled to the side as something flew over his head with a violent snap that would have taken his head off had he stayed. He kicked up to his feet just in time to block a kick aimed for his head and moved back as the drow with the whip somehow changed the shape of his weapon, the dark metal retracting and solidifying the spiked chain into a pair of short swords, which he flourished with the confidence of practised skill.


    ¡°KILL HIM, SOREN!¡± he heard Izadora screech as she stumbled back, clutching her face where Jack had wounded her.


    Jack got out his axe, and students and Prefects alike stopped their fighting to watch.


    ¡°You call those blades?¡± Jack taunted, ¡°I call those dildos!¡±


    ¡°Interesting choice of words, Outsider,¡± Soren purred, oozing with contempt and confidence as he and Jack circled one another, ¡°considering what I¡¯ll do to you!¡± He lunged forward as he finished his sentence, trying to catch Jack off guard. The human leapt to the side on reflex, dodging the stab, and slashed with his axe to try and catch the drow mid-movement. Soren quickly fell to his knees and skidded under the attack, swiftly changing position and kicking towards Jack¡¯s right arm, throwing off his aim with his Dominator pistol and sending his burst fire to tear several chunks in the ground as Soren rolled with the kick to keep his distance.


    The drow kicked up quickly, morphing his weapon back into the spiked whip as he lashed out, wrapping it around Jack¡¯s guard as the human tried to aim his gun. With a muttering of a magic word from the drow noble, the whip suddenly grew hot as a sensation of pain lanced out throughout Jack¡¯s body where metal contacted skin.


    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± Soren snarled, narrowing his eyes as he focused all of his malice and hate into his torture spell. ¡°I will break you, Outsider! Scream for me!¡±


    But Jack didn¡¯t scream. His eyes were wide open as the sensation of agony washed all over his body, before he fought through the pain, putting it to one side in his mind. His spirit would never be broken! He growled. A deep, roaring growl of defiance and hatred, as he focused his will and his inner fire.


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    Soren¡¯s eyes widened in shock for just an instant as Jack yanked on the whip, sending the drow flying right into Jack¡¯s kick, clobbering Soren in the face, crunching his nose and knocking him down, slackening the cord enough for Jack to get his hands free by letting go of his weapons. Soren rolled to the side to avoid Jack¡¯s stomp, which barely missed his head as he handsprung to his feet then quickly charged at Jack, who reflexively used his momentum against the drow by throwing him over his head to once again hit the ground, though Soren snapped his leg up, catching Jack in the mouth and giving the slippery drow another opportunity to dip away.


    Jack grabbed his weapons as Soren spoke a command word, sending his whip flying to his hand before snapping it in an air of defiance, the look of contempt now replaced with confident anger. Jack raised his gun to fire as Soren muttered a word of power to counter¡­


    Before a wall of bright red hellfire burst forth between them, separating the fighters.


    ¡°That is enough,¡± Jack heard a calm, cold voice reverberate in the entrance hall. He turned, not immediately recognising the voice before he saw the yellow, fox-like form of Rena, the Prefect that had stopped their very brief previous fight with the drow. Next to her Jack could see Nya, her eyes glowing red as she maintained the summoned wall.


    ¡°Thank you for your help, Nya,¡± Rena quietly acknowledged to her friend before walking forward to address everybody. ¡°The Morning Announcements are due to begin soon, and homeroom class soon after that. I suggest you do not loiter here.¡±


    The crowd began to disperse, some with a few groans but others chatting excitedly, some obviously looking especially to Jack, Soren and the wounded Izadora, though others gave glances at some of the other notable combatants in the melee that had kicked ass. Jack just stayed there, still in a fight-or-flight mentality, before the others came up to him to shake him out of it. The drow were quick to teleport out without even acknowledging everybody else, to the visible annoyance of Rena, though that only presented itself as a slight twitch of the mouth that only Jack saw.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s it then.¡± Jack sighed, turning away from the Prefect towards the corridor leading to the lifts.


    ¡°Halt,¡± the cool voice replied. Jack had no doubt what kind of expression the back of his head was receiving.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Jack spoke in mock questioning. ¡°You told us to disperse?¡±


    ¡°I would speak to you first.¡±


    ¡°What about the drow? They fucked off pretty quick,¡± Jack replied casually, turning around and bracing himself for whatever consequence was about to come his way.


    ¡°They are Prefects; however, we do have a complaints process,¡± Rena replied in that same, cold tone.


    ¡°Oh thank god for that!¡± Jack sarcastically replied. ¡°A bunch of people tried to kill me over the weekend because that drow bitch put a bounty on me, and now I have Devil¡¯s Daughter herself wanting to crawl up my ass and kill me, but that¡¯s ok because you have a fucking complaints process.¡± He looked Rena in the eye, ready for another fight. ¡°What the hell is there to talk about?¡±


    ¡°Though you were within your rights to defend your interests,¡± Rena began, ¡°starting brawls in the Entrance Hall before lessons begin is against the rules. You should know that the corridors are more appropriate for such actions during the day, and restrictions are lifted after the school day ends. Your uniform is also now untidy and no longer meets regulation standards. As a result, I will be giving you an official reprimand.¡±


    Jack just stood there dumbfounded for a moment before he fully absorbed those words.


    ¡°OH NO!¡± Jack replied, keeping up the sass. ¡°Fuck me, that won¡¯t go on my permanent record, will it?¡±


    ¡°It will be for that backtalk,¡± Rena replied, narrowing her eyes. ¡°You may be a new student, but you are expected to conduct yourself with decorum.¡±


    Alora cut in before Jack could unleash his verbal assault and make things worse. ¡°He understands, Rena. Hopefully this will not happen again, though considering the actions of the Mal¡¯Kar students both last week and today, I would expect that you understand his motivations.¡±


    ¡°Motivations or not, rules are rules,¡± Rena replied without emotion. ¡°And you are all expected to follow them irrespective of how Prefects conduct themselves.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Alora nodded as she tried her best to placate Jack with a reassuring hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°I must attend class now. Nya, I will meet up with you later, thank you for your assistance,¡± Rena dismissed as she walked away.


    Alora waited for the group to turn the corner before annoyedly rounding on Jack as she led them to the elevator chambers. ¡°Jack! What the hell was that all about?¡±


    Jack for his part raised his eyebrows. ¡°She put a bounty on me, Alora, and you should be happy I got her after what happened with you last week! What did you expect me to do? Not immediately kick her ass on sight?¡±


    ¡°Not by charging in like a complete maniac right in front of everybody!¡± Alora argued. ¡°I¡¯m not impressed!¡±


    ¡°Really? He must have taken out twenty Prefects!¡± Sephy argued. ¡°It was kinda impressive!¡±


    ¡°And completely humiliated the drow in the process!¡± Nika added.


    Izadora¡¯s aura showed me just how terrified she was as well! Chiyo pointed out.


    Alora turned to look at her three friends, with a look that immediately shut them up. ¡°I¡¯m not impressed, Jack, because you didn¡¯t say anything to us before you did it. Stuff like that can get us killed on a run,¡± she cautioned. ¡°Yes, we did well over the weekend despite everything thrown at us, but that doesn¡¯t mean we should be so callous! Now the drow are going to seek revenge and probably increase your bounty, or try to kill you themselves!¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡± Jack conceded with a sigh. ¡°But it was like the moment I saw her I got angry, and before I knew it I was charging at her without a real plan. I guess I figured it was the best shot at stopping this whole thing if I either killed them and stopped them being brought back or convinced them that I¡¯m not to be fucked with.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a dumb plan!¡± Alora replied with eyebrows raised. ¡°Avoiding them would probably make their bounty placement go away with time.¡±


    ¡°Sure, if they didn¡¯t just double down!¡± Jack retorted. ¡°The hacker added funds to the pot the same time as they did. That¡¯s a statement of intent right there! They¡¯re not backing down!¡±


    ¡°Yes, but there are better ways of finding out instead of just battering the first drow you see!¡± Alora sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll have to see what happens, but they¡¯re not gonna take this lying down. I¡¯m glad you¡¯re ok.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, the drow would have probably attacked anyway,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Never seen Izadora take the Entrance Hall before today - it¡¯s likely she and Soren were scouting for us and probably had the other two take the side entrances.¡±


    ¡°Well either way, Rena¡¯s a bitch for stopping it.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°What?¡± She looked at Nya who had given her a questioning look for insulting her friend. ¡°I know she takes the teachings of Tyrus seriously and all that, but If Devil''s Daughter was wanting to kill me I¡¯d want to put an end to the bounty at any cost so she would no longer have any reason to.¡±


    ¡°You think Devil¡¯s Daughter wants to kill you?¡± Nya questioned Jack as she spoke up for the first time.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack replied with a deep sigh. ¡°Last night she put her Hunter¡¯s Mark on me. That seems to have scared most people off the bounty apart from two others, but I saw what she could do when the Killer Klown attacked. Long story short, I¡¯m probably fucked if I can¡¯t shake her off or kill her first.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unusual,¡± Nya replied in confusion. ¡°Devil¡¯s Daughter only kills the worst of the worst, and that isn¡¯t you. Maybe it¡¯s something else?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know,¡± Jack countered as they got to the Elevator Chamber, deciding not to mention the magical attack from that morning. ¡°Either way, she put a mark on me so I¡¯m shooting her on sight.¡±


    *****


    ¡°Did Jack actually kick Izadora Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s ass?¡± Vanya excitedly asked the group as they went through their lockers. ¡°Everyone is saying he took on like 50 Prefects all on his own and Rena had to talk him down from ripping her head off!¡±


    ¡°Something like that.¡± Jack shrugged distractedly. He had received a lot of mail and was trying to sort through it all. From pictures of random girls to poorly written notes asking him to join their groups to job offers, there was a lot of junk mail he couldn¡¯t really store anywhere. He was just in the middle of looking at one envelope addressed to ¡®The Enigmatic Outsider¡¯ in red inked cursive when Nika just sighed and took the wad out of his arms.


    ¡°Permission to get rid of all of this junk mail, Jack? There¡¯s nothing of value in them, those go to the bottom drawer, and if your mailbox gets too full you get fined for it.¡±


    Jack nodded, not bothered by it, being too focused on getting his books in order. There was a school assembly, art, chemistry, sports and cyber class today, which he had to prepare for, so he wasn¡¯t concerned when Nika blasted the letters apart with her shotgun, though Nya looked absolutely horrified at the display, as did many of the other onlookers not-so-subtly looking their way.


    ¡°So, any good stories you got for me from your weekend away?¡± Vanya asked the group.


    ¡°A few,¡± Alora chimed in before the others could answer. ¡°Can¡¯t tell you here, that¡¯s for sure!¡±


    ¡°Oh nice! Those kind of stories!¡± The rabbit-like Chuna perked up. ¡°Drinks are on me after school if you let me do an interview! I already know what happened to Zhal-Han at Gladespring, that was amazing Nika!¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t let the opportunity go to waste! He was coming after Jack anyway,¡± the Kizun replied. ¡°Is he actually dead?¡±


    ¡°Looks like it from early accounts, it was the Skinsaw Slasher that got to him as well! Hell of a way to go, apparently there was barely enough left of him to recognise from the videos, but clearly someone did!¡± Vanya leaned in to whisper a question to Jack. ¡°It wasn¡¯t you was it?¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t me!¡± Jack instantly shot back with an amused snort, seeing Vanya¡¯s joking smirk. ¡°He was barely a threat anyway.¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe an inquisitor or two might try and ask you a few questions,¡± he heard another voice call from behind him which made him subconsciously put his hand over his gun. ¡°The Church of Siros want the killer because of a likely link to the Cult of the Destroyer.¡±


    ¡°Hey Svaarti!¡± Alora called out with a smile, echoed by the others.


    ¡°Hello everyone!¡± Svaarti shyly smiled at them as she sidled up to Vanya, though she must have noticed the nervous look on Jack¡¯s face as she added. ¡°I¡¯m really, really, really sorry Jack, I didn''t know Svaartal was going to attack you! I asked him not to and to drop it but he just told me he was going to do some bounty work while I stayed with Vanya to help with a few articles!¡±


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s alright!¡± Jack quickly placated the frightened Nirah, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder as she shook in nervousness. ¡°What articles do you work on?¡± he added, trying to distract the poor girl.


    ¡°She helps me with all the magical stuff!¡± Vanya happily replied. ¡°She writes about possible origins of magic artefacts, the nature of spells, even a few techniques! And she¡¯s the best when we¡¯re investigating in the field!¡±


    That reminds me. Chiyo spoke up with a smile. Would you be willing to take a look at a few photos, Svaarti? We¡¯ve come across an artefact that might be related to Nekdon, and we want to know a little bit more before we take it to the Church of Siros.


    ¡°Sure!¡± the snake-girl replied happily as Chiyo showed her several pictures of certain points on the ¡®Gloom Cauldron¡¯. She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. ¡°Hmm¡­ at a glance, it¡¯s definitely involved in ritual summoning of some kind, there¡¯s a bunch of focusing runes to anchor spells cast within a specific framework, though the rest of the symbols don¡¯t make much sense to me. My brother may know more though! Maybe you can patch things up¡­¡±


    ¡°Not an option,¡± Nika replied coldly.


    ¡°We will think of something,¡± Alora gracefully interrupted as the bell for morning announcements began. ¡°Thank you, Svaarti! We¡¯d better get to Homeroom!¡±


    ¡°See you later!¡± Vanya called, as everyone got to their classrooms.


    Jack had been expecting it, but he still tensed up as he entered the room to see Svaartal at the far end, back against the wall and burning gaze fixed on the door. He had been wondering all day what he would do on seeing the Nirah again. Izadora Mal¡¯Kar, being the one who had put the hit out on him was an easy split second decision. Svaartal on the other hand¡­


    Though they were both eying each other up, neither made an immediate hostile move. They had fought one another to the best of their ability the previous day, and either boy could have won that engagement.


    And he respected Svaartal for it. Enough not to immediately want to take a huge risk and come to blows at least, as Alora gave him a nudge and led the group to their seats.


    He didn¡¯t know how long that mutual, grudging respect would last.


    But he would take it for now, as the school day began.

 Chapter 33: School Assembly

    School assemblies were boring as fuck.


    Apparently on some days of the week the headmaster cast multiple simulacrums of himself so he could lecture multiple buildings worth of students all at once on various topics nobody cared about, with maybe one or two things that were occasionally relevant. At least that¡¯s how Nika explained it to him as they were escorted to a massive lecture hall by the teachers and Prefects, who quickly put down any signs of dissent with extreme prejudice.


    Jack sat between Sephy and Chiyo, the enforced boy-girl-boy lineup working in their favour. The seats were uncomfortable, and it had taken an extra 15 minutes to herd the rest of the students in before the headmaster had even started droning on. Apparently these had sometimes lasted hours, pushing the rest of the school day right into the evening, and it certainly felt to Jack that this was how it was going to go.


    ¡°.....and so, it is important to note the wise teachings of Professor Klars that discipline is one of the cornerstones of¡­.¡±


    ¡°Kill me please!¡± Sephy whispered under her breath to Jack, out of earshot of the ever-watchful teachers waiting to punish those students who fell out of line. Master Kull in particular seemed to relish roughly dragging students out of their seats to administer verbal beatings, with threats of physical ones should they ever so much as breathe wrong again. For her part, Mrs Schlart didn¡¯t seem to mind what the students did, provided it couldn¡¯t be seen, so Chiyo could talk away as much as she liked, though Jack obviously couldn¡¯t perceive her telepathy.


    Not yet anyway.


    ¡°.....discipline and integrity, important to this institution¡­.¡±


    According to Svaarti, the Gloom Cauldron had something to do with summoning. In that case, what was Dubakuu planning to do with it?


    ¡°....an incident which brings great shame and horror upon our community¡­.¡±


    Not Dubakuu, Jack corrected himself. The hacker controlling the dark acolyte was still out there somewhere. The Mal¡¯Kars were the only possible lead they had on them for now, and it was a shaky lead at best.


    ¡°....a whole TWO CREDITS were STOLEN!¡±


    The headmaster was rambling on about a perceived theft of property from one of the Prefects, and wanting the perpetrator to come forward and confess. Like that would ever happen.


    ¡°...and this theft will not go unpunished!¡±


    He gave Sephy a quick glance and could see that she was likely using her cyberware to do a few things in the background. He was jealous as hell that she had something to do to escape this mess, but he made sure she didn¡¯t slump to the side too much.


    ¡°....but the worst crime is what we discovered this morning!¡± the headmaster yelled, the raised tone of voice slightly waking everybody up, before most of them immediately went back to their species equivalent of daydreaming.


    Jack felt somewhat helpless. They had clues to follow but nothing concrete that could directly lead them to their enemies. And those enemies were poised to strike at him. It could be any time, and any place.


    And his luck wouldn¡¯t last forever.


    ¡°....YES! You heard me correctly, students! Excrement was discovered on Master Kull¡¯s desk earlier this morning by a patrolling drone!¡±


    Wait what? That certainly got everyone¡¯s attention! Did a Zorn break in?


    ¡°NOT ONLY THIS!¡± the headmaster continued to yell. ¡°But a copious amount of urine and bile was discovered on the floor of the cafeteria kitchen on Floor 38, with several drones having been destroyed by cutting weapons of some description, and there is a pungent smell of an unknown substance detected in several areas in this building and several adjacent ones!¡±


    That got several giggles from a few of the students, who were quickly shushed by their teachers.


    ¡°Using several drone images we have compiled a picture of the likely perpetrator, and mark my words! Anybody involved with these incidents shall be severely punished!¡±


    Jack¡¯s ass clenched as he saw the picture.


    Obscured by a lot of smoke and powder, wearing an obviously fake grey beard and moustache was the unmistakable bright green skin, bulging bloodshot eyes and twin samurai swords of Killer Kush!


    ¡°Uh oh¡­¡± Sephy whispered under her breath.


    Jack could only agree. The school was meant to be secure against outside threats!


    Thankfully the assembly did not last for too long after that, the headmaster being all tuckered out by ranting and raving about the bounty hunter that had eluded them so far, clearly being more mad about the embarrassment of being unable to locate them than the intrusion itself.


    ¡°Killer Kush is either highly intelligent or completely retarded¡­¡± Nika spoke up as soon as the group were alone after being dismissed. ¡°I thought the school would be safe¡­¡±


    It is. Chiyo reassured them. If he tries anything during the day he¡¯ll definitely be spotted and eliminated!


    ¡°It¡¯s on school grounds as well, so even if Jack dies medical droids will try to resurrect him,¡± Sephy added, before hurriedly adding, ¡°though I¡¯ll blast him before he tries! You¡¯re with me for Art class!¡±


    ¡°And me,¡± Nika groaned. ¡°Absolute waste of time¡­¡±


    ¡°It is not!¡± Sephy argued. ¡°I¡¯m actually good at it!¡±


    It turned out that both girls raised valid points about Art class. While the passionate toadstool-like Mx Cxilla had warmly welcomed Jack to the class, they then immediately separated the class by gender into two groups to work on a canvas together as a group exercise. While some students naturally switched off and left other members of the group to do the work, Jack appreciated the time he had to talk with some of the guys, especially Vaal¡¯s group who had first tipped them off about the hacker over the weekend. Though he didn¡¯t mention the Spawn of Nekdon or the resulting encounter with Dubakuu at the Grove of the Oracle, their fight with the Red Legion aspirants certainly got a lot of attention.


    ¡°Those extremists have been making the Red Legion look bad for months. I¡¯m glad most of them are gone now, at least,¡± Vaal finally sighed as he added a few brushes of colour to his section of the canvas. ¡°Xharl and Kralk in particular, those two were good at bringing others into their sphere. They were always nasty to anyone that didn¡¯t join them, though most of the blame can be left at the foot of Master Kull for starting them down the path of extremism. I can only imagine how bad things are going to get now that he¡¯s lost his prot¨¦g¨¦s.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯ll try and pick up again with whoever survived,¡± Crill added thoughtfully.


    ¡°Did Svaartal really fight you to a standstill?¡± Vaal asked Jack, who reluctantly nodded. ¡°Damn! What are you going to do about him?¡±


    ¡°You should fuck his mum!¡± Kritch quipped, which got most of the table laughing before Mx Cxilla shushed them and told them to get on with their work.


    ¡°That was harsh, Kritch!¡± Crill pointed out despite his smile, trying to be serious. ¡°His mother¡¯s dead.¡±


    ¡°He has a sister though!¡± Kizzarith grinned.


    ¡°Dude!¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know what to do about him yet.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve got even bigger threats to worry about right now, so as long as he doesn¡¯t attack me I¡¯m happy for us to just avoid one another for now. It¡¯d be a different story if he had gone for my friends, though.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you should consider placing a bounty on Svaartal?¡± Crill mused to Jack. ¡°Svaartal can¡¯t attack you again if he¡¯s taken out.¡±


    ¡°You mean send assassins after him?¡± Jack questioned, a little disturbed as he saw the others nod their heads in agreement. ¡°Come on guys, I really can¡¯t see myself doing that. Who do you think I am? Hillary Clinton?¡±


    ¡°Svaartal did get a fat bounty from my grandfather for killing The Redeemer!¡± Kritch pointed out. ¡°Maybe he isn¡¯t desperate for cash right now and won¡¯t bother coming for you again?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I met your grandfather.¡± Jack smiled as he remembered the insane encounter. ¡°Nice guy, he smuggled us out when The Redeemer came, though we probably could have taken him out.¡±


    ¡°Probably.¡± Kritch agreed. ¡°Though he would want to get any incidents out of the Tea Garden bloodlessly if he could. Bad for business if shootouts occur, and the clan elders have something big planned!¡±


    ¡°Huh, neat,¡± Jack answered simply.


    The group fell silent for a few moments, putting a few more touches to their work on the canvas, which now just seemed like a mismatched patchwork of different styles and influences. It was interesting to do, but Jack had no idea if this was what the teacher wanted or not.


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    ¡°Oh yeah, that reminds me!¡± Kizzarith spoke up. ¡°Jack, are you going to join the Deathball team? We have practice tonight after we lost last week!¡±


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Jack answered, not having thought too much about it, though he knew that Nika and Sephy were on the team. ¡°I can do, but I have no idea how to play!¡±


    ¡°The rules aren¡¯t too complicated, the hardest thing is trying to survive without getting injured!¡± Vaal perked up. ¡°Crill? Want to give him the rundown?¡±


    ¡°In this version, two teams of 11 people try to get a ball through the opposing team¡¯s goal,¡± Crill started, looking serious.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡± Jack answered. That sounded too easy, so he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. ¡°Is it more like football where you only use your feet or rugby where it¡¯s a bit more physical?¡±


    ¡°More like the second one,¡± Crill replied seriously, ¡°and you can get the ball into the opposing goal however you like.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Jack acknowledged. The game didn¡¯t sound so bad after all-


    ¡°You just need to avoid getting killed by the spectators, or ¡®accidentally¡¯ by the opposing team.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Jack questioned.


    ¡°The only rule of Deathball is that players are not allowed to kill one another.¡± Crill sighed. ¡°Spectators are allowed to do whatever they want as long as they don¡¯t physically invade the field of play, though there¡¯s nothing stopping them invading if they¡¯re able to get past the referees!¡±


    Jack¡¯s mouth just hung open as he took all of that in. That sounded insane!


    ¡°We have sports later today,¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°Kull might run a game, and hopefully he won¡¯t immediately throw you in the deep end for wiping out his favourite students!¡±


    ¡°Great¡­¡± Jack deadpanned sarcastically.


    ¡°Boys? How are we getting on?¡± Mx Cxilla cheerfully asked as she came to examine their work thus far, though Jack wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they were just trying to get them to focus on it. ¡°Oh? Very good! A very interesting contrast of differing cultural styles! Jack, is this a vehicle of some kind? Could you tell me more about it?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Jack began, unconfidently. ¡°I drew a tank on a battlefield. I think the contrasting natures of battle work well together?¡±


    He really hoped that would work. Jack was terrible at drawing, but he was a self-proclaimed master of bullshitting.


    ¡°Most interesting¡­¡± the teacher muttered to themselves before moving on. ¡°Carry on!¡±


    While that didn¡¯t fill Jack with confidence, carry on they did, not talking as much with the rest of the group, but working on putting the canvas together until the class ended, at which point the girls were awarded the higher mark.


    Chemistry class was next for Jack, who followed a cheerful Sephy to meet up with Chiyo, who shared that class with him. She had shown him a few of her graffiti designs she had added to the canvas and was very proud of them, and Jack had to admit they were pretty good, with the Skritta promising to use them in future throw-ups next time the group went out on a mission. Jack didn¡¯t know too much about graffiti and the culture from Earth despite a few of his classmates getting into it, but he was glad Sephy was happy all the same.


    ¡°So, did Vaal persuade you to join the team yet?¡± she excitedly asked him as they pushed their way past a Prefect checkpoint, with Jack getting a lot of suspicious looks from the Korrigan guards.


    Jack rolled his eyes. ¡°Oh yeah - ¡®Come play this sport where the bloody crowd is trying to kill you because this galaxy is totally batshit crazy!¡¯ It¡¯s a hard sell for me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that bad!¡± Sephy giggled. ¡°Nika and I play for the team and it¡¯s not like we can¡¯t handle ourselves!¡±


    ¡°Well I¡¯ve kinda promised to tag along after school for practice, but it doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ve said yes!¡± Jack cautioned on seeing Sephy¡¯s face brighten up.


    ¡°Close enough! We¡¯ll make a Deathballer out of you somehow!¡± The Skritta grinned.


    You know you don¡¯t need to fall for peer pressure, right? Chiyo messaged Jack as their teacher began splitting the students off into groups. Lt Xcratho was apparently a former Red Legion demolitions expert who retired and took to teaching with gusto, being very keen on group practical exercises and demonstrations with things that smoked, popped, exploded or otherwise did something interesting, though students sitting in the front row had been known to pick up the occasional singed fur. The cherry on top was that, according to Vanya, Lt Xcratho and Master Kull apparently hated one another despite coming from the same faction.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t said I¡¯ll join the team yet,¡± Jack explained for what felt like the tenth time that day. ¡°It¡¯s bad enough I have bounty hunters after me, adding an entire crowd of people to that doesn¡¯t sound smart.¡±


    But?


    ¡°But if it¡¯s a way to make more friends, and Sephy and Nika are this enthusiastic about it, the least I can do is hear them out. I kinda owe them for tipping us off over the weekend about the hacker.¡± Jack grinned slightly. ¡°Unless you want to take the spot instead?¡±


    No thank you. Chiyo replied with raised eyebrows at the totally foolish suggestion. I¡¯m good.


    ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s put you four together!" The badger-like teacher grinned as she came up to them, waving her tail at Jack, Svaarti, Chiyo and Vanya.


    As Jack sat down, he noticed Svaartal sitting with another group of students, some of whom he recognised as some of the other Red Legion aspirants that had attacked them. Both boys stared each other down, ready to fight if one of them attacked.


    "Oh please don''t do that!" Svaarti pleaded, giving both Jack and Svaartal a pleading look as the teacher began handing out materials for the lesson. "I think you two have a lot in common!"


    "No we don''t!" Jack quietly growled as he broke eye contact and looked at her.


    "Why not?" Svaarti questioned nervously.


    ¡°He¡¯s an asshole,¡± Jack replied, looking Svaarti in the eye.


    "Can''t you two just call a truce?" Svaarti desperately asked. "Yes you both started on the wrong foot but it''s not too late to¡­"


    "He stays away from me, I stay away from him," Jack firmly answered as he looked at the sheet of instructions in front of him. "And that goes for his scant few surviving Red Legion buddies as well."


    *****


    Svaartal sat alone in the cafeteria, quickly consuming the series of fruits, vegetables and dairy foods he had picked for himself, with a few slithers of meat he had been conditioning himself to eat. Though Nirah were usually vegetarians, they were capable of eating limited meats, and Svaartal sought to push himself in all ways.


    He never planned on fighting the human again unless he had to or the pay was worth the attempt. What would be the point? The Crimson Fangs and other extremist Red Legion groups were now dead or disbanded, so there was no more honour to get or approval to gain. And as far as the bounty went, it wasn''t worth going for. The Redeemer, however, had been worth more than Svaartal had expected, and he was pleasantly surprised with the amount. Just a little more and he could get him and his sister away from their father to somewhere safe.


    He had often encouraged her to go live with her friends - he knew Glenphyranix had room and had even offered to take Svaarti in - but his sister had always refused to leave Svaartal alone with their father, despite his encouragement for her to do it. He¡¯d survive on his own somehow.


    A tray delicately being placed on the table in front of him stirred him from his thoughts as a figure sat down. Svaartal didn¡¯t bother looking up. The surviving Red Legion aspirants he had bailed out from the ambush had tried to talk to him several times already during the day to try and get him to lead them in a new band, to which he had refused. The old him would have gladly accepted it as a stepping stone to a prosperous career in the Red Legion, but right now Svaartal didn¡¯t immediately know what it was he wanted, save improving the lot in life of him and his sister.


    He had spent more time today tucked away in the library and practising his spells and swordplay when he could get away with it. His duel with the human had emboldened him to do better, and his newly found mentality had helped him begin to push his limits even further.


    ¡°I told you already,¡± Svaartal patiently called out to the newcomer. ¡°I have no further wish to chase the Outsider¡¯s bounty, and I have no interest in leading a Red Legion group right now. Your best bet is to train together with the others and take on salvaging jobs.¡±


    Another tray was placed to his right, followed by another on the left as two figures sat either side of him.


    Without looking, Svaartal acted casuallly and kept chewing, keeping his hands visible as he subtly reached into his bag under the table with the tip of his tail, grabbing the grenades he kept hidden for situations like these. He had natural resistances to them, but it was still going to sting¡­


    A black fist thumped down on the table right in front of his tray. Svaartal stopped, and calmly raised his head to look right in the eyes of the giant drow it had belonged to standing next to him. With flat top hair and a snarl of anger, it took all of Svaartal¡¯s willpower not to lose his cool at the sight of the hulking beast forcefully getting his attention.


    ¡°Ull!¡± Izadora Mal¡¯Kar snapped at the brute. The girl was just as casual looking as Svaartal was, though that was likely due to her other two brothers sitting on either side of the Nirah ready to act. Svaartal tensed himself as he prepared for anything.


    ¡°Lady Mal¡¯Kar,¡± Svaartal began, nodding his head in respect to the drow matriarch and not betraying any hint of noticing the obvious, wicked facial scar that ran from her mouth, through part of her nose, to her right eye. It was clear that she had used some rudimentary healing techniques to begin healing it, but it hadn¡¯t been a good job and would need a recast. ¡°Your presence honours me. To what do I owe the pleasure?¡±


    ¡°My divination has revealed,¡± she began slowly, ¡°that you faced the Outsider in single combat as part of an ambush led by yourself and several Red Legion aspirants."


    She didn''t phrase that as a question, and that had Svaartal worried. The drow were not known for being forgiving to those who failed them, after all. More grenades were looped in his coils, and he answered with confidence.


    "You are correct, Lady Mal''Kar," Svaartal hissed back, not wanting to volunteer too much information.


    "Though the efforts on the part of your compatriots were pitiful," the drow spat, "your efforts in particular were unusually outstanding, so I ran a background check on you, and I must say that my interest in you has piqued."


    "How so?" Svaartal asked with genuine curiosity.


    "A Scion of Svaarvali, hero of the Red Legion, living in a slum," Izadora replied slowly, with a knowing smile. "Does your mother''s service mean nothing to the forces of the Red Death?" She quickly got to the point on seeing Svaartal''s glare. "You and your sister deserve better, and I can provide that to you."


    Svaartal''s heart beat hard in his chest. Scraping as many credits as he could was one thing, but a Patron? He and his sister''s lot in life would skyrocket overnight! Not just get away from their brute of a father, but thrive doing it!


    "A very generous offer," Svaartal replied as calmly as he could. "What do you desire from me?"


    "Any and all information you have on the Outsider," the drow replied instantly. "I also know you are the one selling vials of its blood and other samples. I require three, one of them being your largest sample. Finally, I wish to employ you and your sister''s talents for the benefit of House Mal''Kar."


    Svaartal could hardly believe it! She didn''t even want him to kill the human! However, he had to keep his cool, and needed to make sure this was acceptable for them.


    "I have a few conditions if I am to work for you," Svaartal politely hissed.


    ¡°Name your terms.¡± Izadora smiled.

 Chapter 34: Gym Class Torture

    "Line up you wretches!" Master Kull yelled at the running students, who had been doing laps for the past thirty minutes. There were many sounds of panting and exhaustion as they all lined up, with a few students who looked like they were about to faint, having been pushed far beyond their limits by the instructors shouting at them, who were severely punishing any they thought could go quicker.


    There had been many stories from earlier classes about how Kull had apparently lost it even more than usual, though whether that was down to the deaths of his prot¨¦g¨¦s or the fact that someone had shat in his office was unknown. All Jack knew was that this wasn''t going to be good.


    "I have never seen such a pitiful display in all my years!" Kull yelled at the students as he thrust his arm to the side, summoning his warhammer. With reddish steel and an aura of magic, it was an intimidating-looking weapon, which Kull used to point in an arc at the students lined up around him, still as statues.


    "When I fought in the Red Legion, I was a legend!" Kull ranted. "I tore through my enemies with all the fury and hate of the Red Death himself. I could not be killed!"


    Kull then quickly pulled his warhammer to his lips and spoke so quietly that only Jack and a few others could barely hear him. "Oh yes Captain! Yes I was sir!" He whispered to his hammer. Jack''s eyes turned ever so subtly to Nika, who he was sure heard as well, before snapping forward as Kull resumed yelling and addressing the students.


    "My enemies were weak!" Kull yelled. "Soft! Slow! Unworthy!" He stomped around and got in the faces of several students, making several cry when he pulled away.


    "And I see that in EACH. AND. EVERY. ONE. OF. YOU!"


    Kull bellowed as he shoved a few of the students in his ranting, even pushing several to the ground, Crill and Nya being two of them. Kull then finished his rant by getting into Jack''s face, who matched Kull''s hateful glare.


    Go on. Jack thought to himself. Try to push me. I push back.


    Kull was thinking about it, Jack could tell. He had no idea if teachers were allowed to physically assault their students, but he wouldn''t take it lying down. Kull''s gaze lingered on Jack for a little longer as he snarled, Jack allowing a small smirk to show, to subtly mock his bullying teacher. He wanted Kull to start a fight with him.


    I''ll show you who the weak one is. Jack thought, and he was disappointed when Kull slowly turned away to whisper to his hammer again.


    "The outsider still lives, Captain, oh yes he does¡­.Yes sir, I agree, a punishment is in order¡­."


    Jack was about to speak up, but before he could Kull spoke up again. "And somehow I am to forge you into something stronger! You set the bar abysmally low, but I will push you nonetheless!"


    He gave a wicked grin at all of them. "Line up! Single file against the wall! TODAY YOU FACE THE GAUNTLET!"


    Several gasps and frightened whispers began among the students, before they were silenced by Kull.


    "If anything will fix you slobs it is this!" Kull grinned. "Survive the onslaught for as long as you can until unconsciousness or death! Now who''s first? You!"


    Kull pointed at one of the taller boys, a quadruped with patches of brown, thick scale plating covered by bushy, light green hair everywhere else. Nervously, the boy made his way to the centre of the sports hall as the other instructors pulled out several pieces of strange-looking equipment, though some looked oddly like guns.


    Once they were set up, Kull yelled, "BEGIN!"


    The boy quickly ducked as a ball was pelted at him at speed. It was slightly larger than a tennis ball and ricocheted off the ground past his foot.


    The next ball collided with the boy''s thigh, buckling his leg as he tried to dodge to the side. The next one pummeled his chest, painfully cracking a plate. After that, it was over. Despite his valiant efforts, the onslaught just kept coming, battering the boy until he dropped to the ground, falling still long before Kull called a halt.


    "PATHETIC!" Kull yelled as the medical droids dragged the boy away. "YOU!¡± He then pointed at a fish-looking girl who had been twiddling her fingers and desperately trying not to stand out from the crowd. With a slight sobbing, she walked out and accepted her fate.


    "EVEN WORSE!" Kull growled as the girl was taken away. He looked around at the students, until his eyes fell on Nya, who Jack could see by the bright neon-red aura around her that she had been casting. "Ah, yes!" Kull snarled. "The Devilspawn. The fact that your race was spared is an insult to the Red Legion, especially those who fought in the Demonfire War! Cast as many treacherous spells as you like, it won''t matter! YOU''RE NEXT!"


    "No!" Jack called out, stepping forward, unable to stand by and watch any more. "I''m next!"


    "Well would you look at this!" Kull exclaimed, mockingly. "I was going to save you especially for later, but I see no reason to deny a willing volunteer!" He then whispered under his breath so only Jack would hear. "You''re going to wish my disciples killed you when I''m done with you!"


    "Really?" Jack replied defiantly. "And here I was hoping for the Red Legion''s finest to give me an actual challenge! They didn¡¯t last time."


    It was all bluster of course, but Jack just couldn''t resist a little backtalk.


    Kull grin was sickeningly sweet. "A challenge, eh? BOYS! SET FIRING MODE TO MAXIMUM STRENGTH FOR THIS ONE!"


    Jack made his way to the centre of the hall and cracked his knuckles.


    ¡°Let''s rock!¡±


    ¡°BEGIN!¡± Kull yelled as he mounted one of the ball turrets, having already fired a ball which Jack easily dodged. Two more from either side were aimed for his head, so Jack did a quick squat, having easily seen them coming, dodging again as Kull carefully tried to predict where the human would be, only for Jack to juke him, catching the ball fired his way.


    ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡± Jack taunted, to a roar of anger from Kull.


    ¡°BRING HIM DOWN!¡± Master Kull yelled, firing more shots, to which Jack just quickly dropped down and did a few pushups as the balls zipped over him.


    ¡°Have you guys fired yet?¡± Jack asked, to several giggles from his classmates, as he began doing star jumps.


    ¡°FIRE TOGETHER!¡± Kull ordered, and Jack took that as a sign, jumping straight up as he palmed the ball he had caught. It had stung his hand when it hit, but he didn¡¯t think he broke anything when he caught it. It was similar in hardness to a baseball, and well balanced. Jack really hoped his aim would be better¡­


    As he was in the air and clear of the turrets themselves, their operators were sitting ducks, and Jack knew precisely who he was going to throw the ball at, pelting it at Master Kull¡¯s head as hard as he could and hoping for a takedown.


    The ball zoomed towards Kull¡¯s head, who barely managed to dodge in time, eyes wide as the ball smashed into the wall, sending a large crack going down as the ball embedded itself into the plaster. The teachers had stopped firing and were staring in horror at the damage Jack had created as he landed back on the ground.


    ¡°Hey I don¡¯t mean to be rude, but can you guys send some more balls my way?¡± Jack called out with feigned boredom.


    They didn¡¯t, but the students behind him certainly did while the teachers were distracted by Kull not giving them orders, quietly rolling or throwing the balls to the middle of the sports hall where he was, with Chiyo guiding them to him with his power.


    ¡°Thanks guys!¡± he called, this time aiming for an easier target as he lobbed another ball at the closest teacher on his left, smacking him in the side of the head as he peaked out from behind his turret with a thump, causing the horned, donkey-like alien to drop to the ground with a groan. Jack had another shot readied, but decided not to follow through with another throw once he saw the teacher clutching his head. He had his limits.


    Sort of.


    ¡°One down, two to go!¡± Jack taunted. ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡±


    ¡°MR PELLIPE, SEE TO MR NORAHO! I¡¯LL HANDLE THIS MYSELF!¡± Master Kull snarled.


    ¡®That¡¯s right¡­¡¯ Jack thought as shook out his muscles. ¡®1v1 me scrub.¡¯


    ¡°GOOD THING I¡¯VE MADE SOME MODIFICATIONS!¡± Kull roared, as he quickly twiddled some levers and pushed some buttons on his launcher, before unleashing a hail of rapid-fire balls at the human as Jack leapt for cover, several balls battering him as he made it to one of the other turrets.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how you like return fire, dickhead!¡± Jack muttered to himself as he yanked the turret round, trying to send back some accurate fire as he placed the metal in front of him.


    ¡°SYSTEM! SHUT DOWN TURRETS 2 AND 3!¡± Kull laughed, and Jack felt his turret instantly lock up.


    ¡°Cheating bastard!¡± Jack spat as he kept his head out of fire. What would he do now?¡±


    ¡°Come on, Jack!¡± he heard Nika¡¯s voice call from behind as their classmates joined her and yelled more words of encouragement to him. He wasn¡¯t going to give up that easily, he¡¯d have to get in close. He could take a few hits of the balls, but a lucky hit in a critical spot could bring him down.


    He cursed himself for not taking his shield with him, but the bracer would have stood out like a sore thumb.


    Unless he could take the cover with him?


    Testing his theory Jack growled as he twisted hard, grunting with a little effort as he ripped the turret from its mount, holding it in front of him as he slowly pushed his way forward towards Kull, readjusting his stance whenever one of his arms or legs took a hit. He was going to get some mean bruises, but nothing was broken, and his rage made the pain go away. He didn¡¯t care what the consequences would be for assaulting a teacher, it would be so worth it.


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    Jack battered the barrel of the turret away with his and then just yeeted his makeshift shield at Kull, clipping him as the former officer attempted to dodge. Kull gave an angry roar and summoned his hammer once again as Jack grunted with effort as he bent the barrel of Kull¡¯s turret, rendering it useless.


    ¡°If this is your best,¡± Jack panted, ¡°no wonder your disciples didn¡¯t stand a chance against us!¡±


    ¡°I SHALL FLAY THE FLESH FROM YOUR BONES!¡± Kull roared as he swiped his hammer at Jack, who backed away quickly, but he was taken off guard as Kull swiftly reversed his swing quicker than the human thought possible, clipping Jack¡¯s arm as he dipped back again.


    Shit. Jack didn¡¯t have any weapons and it was clear Kull was tough and experienced.


    Should he run?


    He could, but what would happen to the others?


    Jack leapt up off the ground, grabbing onto one of the hoops on the wall as Kull gave only the slightest grin, barely warning Jack in time¡­


    ¡­as quicker than he could blink, Kull threw his hammer at Jack.


    He barely let go in time as the hoop shattered with a clang, dropping to the ground with a painful thud as Kull sprinted forward and grabbed Jack by the throat, lifting him up by the neck with one hand and pinning him to the wall before he could even react.


    ¡°I¡¯ve enjoyed toying with you, Outsider,¡± Kull growled as he now pinned Jack with both arms, ¡°but playtime is over, boy! Not only did you kill so many of my promising disciples, but I know it was you that trashed my office and copied my data! I swear by the Red Death himself I¡¯ll kill you for that!¡±


    Jack barely had the strength to breathe! Kull had no right being this quick at the size he was, and frighteningly strong too!


    In desperation, Jack tucked his feet and knees as close to his body as he could before lashing out in a double kick that smashed Kull in the face, staggering him a few steps as he broke the grapple and caught his breath. Jack kicked off the back wall to try and quickly take Kull to the ground, but the Master reacted swiftly, throwing Jack past him, who reflexively brought a hand to the ground to slow his momentum as he skidded along the ground.


    ¡°Master Kull!¡±


    The droning voice carried over the hall, and everyone looked to the main door to see the headmaster, flanked by several security droids.


    ¡°Headmaster! I¡­¡± Kull began.


    ¡°I require your presence in my office immediately,¡± the headmaster interrupted, uninterested in hearing anything from Kull. ¡°Leave instructions for your students and I will have a mentor drone monitor the class.¡±


    Kull growled as he followed the headmaster as instructed, before turning his head to yell at the students. ¡°ALL OF YOU, SPLIT INTO GROUPS OF SIX AND PRACTICE DEATHBALL FORMATIONS UNTIL NEXT BELL!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jack argued, regaining his mask of cocky confidence now his ass was out of the fire. ¡°Aww! Come on! I was having fun!¡±


    ¡°THIS ISN¡¯T OVER, OUTSIDER!¡± Kull growled as he and the other members of staff marched out of the hall. ¡°I¡¯LL DEAL WITH YOU NEXT TIME!¡±


    Jack just stood there, adrenaline wearing off as his mind caught up to what had just happened.


    "Holy shit," Jack panted. "What the fuck was that?"


    Alora was the first to run up to him.


    "Jack, are you alright? Kull''s gone way too far this time, he tried to kill you!" She panicked as she started to cast a diagnostic spell before Jack waved her off.


    "Save your healing for the two that came before me," he groaned. "I should have acted sooner."


    "If you did, Kull might have killed you before the headmaster got here," Nika pointed out. "I remember what he threatened last time, I wouldn''t rely on those healing droids!"


    "Though at least Richtohr and Aohvinn are alright," Sephy pointed out. "Still sore, but the droids seem to have done a decent job with a little encouragement from yours truly!"


    "Thanks for that, Sephy." Alora sighed. "But we can''t let Master Kull get away with this! He''s only permitted to act in self-defence, but what he did to Richtohr and Aohvinn was barbaric and completely against the rules!"


    Did you report what happened last week? Chiyo asked thoughtfully.


    "I haven''t yet, I need to compile our evidence first and submit a motion to the school council. Why?"


    It seems Kull is already in trouble for something. While I can''t read the headmaster''s aura, I caught snippets of conversation via some fellow students walking past them. It seems someone anonymously sent the headmaster some information concerning Kull. That''s all I can get, no way am I going to try and astrally project around a lich to find out more!


    It took a little bit of time for Alora to translate all of that for Jack, who immediately looked to Sephy questioningly.


    "Nope," the Skritta replied, just as confused. "Wasn''t me, I''ve been helping Alora do it her way!"


    "Well I guess we can thanks which-ever-the-fuck gods that are watching over us!" Nika grinned despite the situation. "If it means the headmaster came here and interrupted the lesson, whatever it is he got must have been bad for Kull!"


    "It could have been whoever shat in his office overnight?" Sephy queried. "Even among most of the Red Legion aspirants, he''s not a popular guy."


    "Well, we don''t need to worry about that right now." Alora sighed in relief, looking to their fellow students who had slowly and cautiously joined them. "Let''s put that unpleasantness behind us and play some sports!"


    Do we have to? Chiyo grumbled.


    The students had mostly chilled out as they got into groups of six at the prompting of the droid the headmaster had left behind to observe the class, though it didn''t do much else, allowing the students to do as little as they pleased provided that they were within the parameters given to the droid, which made Chiyo somewhat happy. At Jack''s insistence, Alora had agreed to ease the discomfort of the two students who faced the gauntlet before him before attending to the far more painful-looking bruises of Jack.


    "I was going to offer to help with the pain anyway!" Alora sighed at him. "Your bruises are worse and you could have broken something!"


    "I haven''t, and I''ll be fine," Jack grumbled, though he didn''t refuse the healing magic.


    "Yes, so macho as always!" Alora snorted in amusement. "It''s barely a slither of power from me, so stop whining!"


    "Alora, your go when you''re ready!" Sephy called out as she and Nya went to sit down.


    "Up you get too, Chiyo, it''s good for you!" Nika grinned as she led their group''s activities, the Ilithii not looking amused at her meditation being disturbed.


    Sephy and Nya sat down next to him, the former quickly accessing her commlink to see what their friends were up to, leaving Jack and Nya alone.


    "Are you alright?" Jack asked, breaking the silence. "Kull really tried to lay into you, huh?"


    Nya gave a sad, shy smile. "I''m used to it," she quietly replied. "Thanks for intervening. My sorcery would have helped me, but you really managed to humiliate him until he¡­" She stopped, unsure of what to say to describe Kull physically attacking him.


    "It''s cool. I''ve had worse trying to kill me, and probably will have in the future as well¡­" Now Jack stopped, not sure if bringing that topic to the forefront of his mind was a good idea. "Why would Kull even go off on you like that?" Jack asked, changing the subject. "Actually, don''t answer that if you don''t want to-" he began, realising too late that it might not be a good idea to ask.


    "It''s okay," Nya replied with a sigh. ¡°My people have an awful reputation, which as you heard from that Red Legion psychopath, mostly originated from the Demonfire war. We Stygians were created by Azazel, Demon Lord of Torment, to serve him as his loyal minions, and my people did horrific deeds in his name. The firstborn among us were spawned directly from the taint of his Demon Core, and we bred quickly to form a great army which he used to take over the planet Kaleros and eventually wipe out the existing population. From there, he expanded into the cosmos,came into contact with the Red Legion and fought a war that was costly for both sides. However, in the end, a Red Legion hero was able to defeat Azazel and destroy his core, winning the war for the Red Legion though sacrificing themselves in the process.¡±


    Nya looked at Jack, unsure if she should continue as both of them sat side by side watching Alora and Chiyo practice some throws and manoeuvres, but decided that she should carry on with her story before he could stop her. Before now, Jack could barely get a sentence out of the girl, but now that the topic was one Nya knew a lot about, she was more than happy to talk about it.


    ¡°That¡¯s why we are hated by many, elements of the Red Legion most of all. Most of my people weren¡¯t in control of themselves then - or even sentient - but some were able to break free from Azazel¡¯s grasp and even assist the hero in finding their core and destroying it, which somehow freed all of us from Azazel¡¯s control and awoke the entire Stygian race. Though many wanted us all wiped out, the Red Council narrowly voted to spare us, though they gave us no protections or assurances.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why Svaartal and Kull spoke to you like that,¡± Jack concluded. He didn¡¯t agree with it in the slightest, but he could understand the reasoning behind it, especially if they lost loved ones in the fighting.


    Nya nodded sadly. ¡°Yeah, and it¡¯s been like that ever since. We Stygian are a young people with little culture or community of our own; the closest thing to it is that many of us try and do good in the galaxy to make up for our dark past, but people usually think we¡¯ve got some kind of ulterior motive.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s rough,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you and your people have to experience that kind of persecution. You couldn¡¯t help the things that happened outside of your control. As far as I am concerned, you¡¯re a good person, and that¡¯s all that matters to me.¡±


    Nya smiled again with a nod as her shyness returned. ¡°Thank you, Jack.¡±


    Jack grinned. ¡°Not a problem, hopefully things will get better over time.¡±


    She nodded again. ¡°I hope so.¡±


    ¡°Oh that reminds me!¡± Jack perked up, changing the subject. ¡°I saw your magic this morning!¡±


    ¡°Ah, that.¡± Nya drooped her head. ¡°It wasn¡¯t anything personal, but Rena needed to stop the fight.¡±


    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t about that.¡± Jack turned serious. ¡°It just looks a bit similar to what Devil¡¯s Daughter did on TV...¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Nya sighed, steadying her anxiety before explaining. ¡°We¡¯re of the same species, so it makes sense. Stygian Sorcery is extremely common for my people. I don¡¯t really like to use it publicly since it was used to commit great atrocities during the war.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s how Devil¡¯s Daughter fights?¡± Jack asked desperately. ¡°How do I counter it?¡±


    ¡°You still think Devil¡¯s Daughter wants to kill you?¡± Nya asked in amazement. ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense, she¡¯s a hero! Maybe she¡¯s got something else planned and that¡¯s why she put her mark on you!¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know,¡± Jack retorted with a long sigh. ¡°But I want to be prepared for anything.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t really know how to counter Devil¡¯s Daughter, but Rena has been able to beat my sorcery in fights during sparring practice by staying quick on her feet. I do know that blessings by certain gods that hate us can reduce our sorcery¡¯s potency, but I-I just don¡¯t know if that will work on Devil¡¯s Daughter or not! You should try reasoning with her if you can!¡± Nya replied, getting gradually more anxious as she spoke, so Jack had to calm her down.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I can research that later,¡± Jack replied reassuringly as they were both called up to do some exercises.


    The bell had gone soon after that, and the group quickly got changed and went to their classes, with Jack joining Nika and Sephy for cyber class. They had queued up and were waiting for the teacher, with Jack excited at the prospect of working with some alien tech, when Vanya rushed up to them.


    ¡°Holy shit, there you are!¡± she panted breathlessly.


    ¡°Did you miss me that much?¡± Jack asked with a cheeky grin, though his face fell when Vanya looked serious.


    ¡°I just got the first photos and confirmation from the Skinsaw Slasher murder sight, the victim is officially confirmed as Zhal-Han.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Nika replied uncertainly. ¡°We kinda already knew that, you mentioned it to us earlier.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± Vanya replied. ¡°The killer left another mural using Zhal-Han¡¯s body.¡±


    ¡°Eww,¡± Sephy replied. ¡°Those things are creepy, usually depicting the Destroyer, right?¡±


    ¡°Not this one,¡± Vanya whispered in a worried tone, showing them the picture.


    There was a vast intake of breath from all of them, and Jack¡¯s eyes went wide.


    It was crude and lacking detail, but there was no mistaking it.


    The mural was of him.

 Chapter 35: Welcome To The Team!

    "God fucking dammit," Jack growled to himself for the umpteenth time in the space of ten minutes. "Why does everything in this fucking galaxy want to kill me?"


    "That''s a bit of a leap." Vanya put an arm on his shoulder, trying and failing to calm him down and downplay her worrying revelation. "I mean, the Cult of the Destroyer seeks to kill everyone and everything in the galaxy in the name of their god, so one way or another they were coming after you anyway!"


    Jack, Sephy, Nika and Vanya had just been assigned to one computer console by their teacher that reminded Jack of a stereotypical ''mad scientist'' from a Saturday morning cartoon. She was highly enthusiastic but prone to go on crazy tangents that the human had no way of understanding, though she was aware that Jack was both new to the school and an Outsider, so instructed him to primarily observe the others as they worked, giving him a cheatsheet of the various basic functions he would need to know to operate a school console. However, Sephy quickly told him not to bother as the consoles were very old tech that was never seen outside of the school due to an exclusivity contract when it was first established.


    "Who the fuck would sign up to a cult that wants to basically end existence?" Jack ranted. "Couldn''t the fucking edgelords of the galaxy come up with something less grim at least? I''m guessing this means I''m next on their ''to destroy'' list?"


    "Not necessarily," Vanya mused. "I''ve been following the Skinsaw Slasher''s antics for a while now and they''ve never announced a target like that. Usually it''s a bunch of nonsensical things about how the Destroyer will wipe out all realities, but some others depict events yet to happen. It''s why there''s rumours about the Skinsaw Slasher being a prophet of catastrophe."


    "Or it just means that''s how the Cult is gonna cause havoc next," Nika snorted. "It''s how they''ve been thwarted in the past when inquisitors work out what the message means and lead squads to the red zone. You''d think if they could actually predict stuff they''d see the Killer Klown coming, but nothing predicted that."


    Jack raised his eyebrows at Vanya. "You follow the Cult''s antics?"


    "No!" Vanya laughed. "Just the Skinsaw Slasher so I can report on it. The Cult itself is mostly made up of some posters here at school and a bunch of lunatics that occasionally gather to do crazy shit unless they''re put down, which usually happens in the cities. The Slasher on the other hand? At least they''re unique and interesting."


    Jack''s eyebrows went even higher as he allowed a slight smile.


    "Oh come on!" Vanya playfully rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know it''s unfortunate for the victims and the sooner the Killer is stopped the better, but there are so many questions! Who are they? How do they select a victim? What set them on this path? And why the scary murals?"


    Jack finally nodded his head in understanding. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Back where I came from some of the most popular TV shows we watched involved killers and murders."


    "But I guess it feels a little differently when you''re directly involved somehow," Sephy concluded, having finished reading the instructions on the console screen in front of her.


    "I suppose you''re right," Vanya concluded with a sigh. "But I''m not messing around when I say the Cult isn''t a huge threat here. Most cells and individuals aren''t exactly subtle and sooner seek their own destruction as much as that of others. There are a few exceptions, obviously, but even then, most of those smart ones keep away from the cities, especially one¡¯s with such a massive church presence!"


    "Well, either way," Jack replied with a nervous sigh. "They''ve added themselves to the pot of shit I''ve got hanging over me right now."


    "We''ll take down whatever comes!" Nika grinned, trying to reinstall the group''s confidence. "We''ve faced worse!"


    "Yeah!" Sephy agreed. "They come for us, we''ll kick their asses!"


    "Alright." Jack sighed again. He was still alive, for now at least, and it was true he had been a huge threat to anyone and anything they had fought.


    You are a ''deathworlder'', remember? he thought to himself. Act like it!


    "So I don''t know the first thing about what this is." Jack pointed at the console, changing the subject. "Computers here are completely different from back home!"


    "I''m not surprised," Sephy admitted with a sigh. "There''s no one defining computer system that''s standard among the galaxy, which makes it a pain in the ass for even me at times. However, most of the modern stuff is, at its core, number-based software with mental cyberware integration since those two things are more of a constant."


    "So that means you can basically hook yourself in and play around on different types of systems even if they''re old or not widely used?" Jack asked, trying to follow along.


    "In basic terms, yes," Sephy nodded excitedly. "The more you do it the more you know what to look for. But that''s the advanced stuff, come here!"


    She patted the centre of the table where some kind of control pad was as Jack swallowed his pride and shunted his seat over to it.


    "You''ve been working with the commlink I gave you, and I know you can kinda use it." Sephy grinned. "This setup is a little similar. On detecting a new user it''s going to show a bunch of buttons you can press. All you need to do to calibrate yourself to the system is to select only what you can perceive."


    "Oooookay," Jack replied unsurely as a bunch of selections showed up, but curiously, he couldn''t see any symbols on most of the buttons whatsoever.


    "Trippy as hell right?" Nika grinned on seeing Jack''s ''WTF'' expression. "Mmnetic translators are dead useful, but since this is an old machine it needs to eliminate the stuff you don''t need first. Imagine trying to type with billions of letters and symbols to choose from!"


    "Yeah." Jack snorted with amusement as he quickly went through more screens, finally finishing as the pool of symbols quickly got smaller. "So what are we actually meant to be doing?"


    "It''s usually a bunch of simulations," Vanya replied. "Not really programming and stuff, more vocational stuff and knowing how to use common software."


    "Yeah, well, that''s what happens when a bunch of megacorps fund this place." Sephy sighed. "Training us all up to be good little wageslaves by compiling manifests, data entry and making presentations. Completely soulless and basic."


    "At least this one tries to be interesting," Vanya pointed out, looking at the sheet of paper they had been given. "This simulation involves spaceship calibrations, and some of the later ones even involve drift travel!"


    "At least that sounds fun!" Nika perked up.


    The group worked together on going through the scenario, running software that would regulate the precise ship angles needed to travel to other systems, along with several on-board ship systems that were needed. Despite being a complete novice and stressing out a little trying to keep up with the others, Jack had a lot of fun!


    "If only we had a ship of our own." Nika sighed wistfully.


    "Unfortunately quite expensive unless you get one as a hand-me-down," Vanya replied. "And even then, the cheapest would only be for in-system capable flight and only good for asteroid mining, assuming there are any left."


    "How much did we make over the weekend?" Jack asked, thinking. Even though Hive Station Bastilla was possibly billions of times the size of Earth, it''d still be cool to explore other places in the galaxy as well!


    "Not enough for something worth flying!" Sephy laughed, giving Jack a knowing look as she added with a low whisper, "though maybe when I go through our data we''ll find something that can lead to another payday! We''ll just have to be happy with the hot tub for now!"


    "You guys are getting a hot tub?!" Vanya jumped up in excitement, almost licking her lips as she looked at Jack.


    Jack sighed.


    The end of day announcements were a little crazy sounding to Jack, though the lack of reaction from the others told him this was probably normal. Apparently, a considerable amount of food had been stolen from one of the cafeterias and several students had gone missing that day, but apart from that there was nothing else to report. No sooner than Mrs Schlart had dismissed them, Sephy and Nika had tried to hurry him straight to Deathball practice, but despite everything that had happened to Jack that weekend, he remembered a promise he¡¯d made.


    Or more accurately, he couldn¡¯t avoid it.


    "Hey Jack!" one of the Hoduth triplets greeted him as all three of them surrounded him almost immediately after they had been dismissed for the day.


    "Hey ladies!" Jack tried, and failed, to reply suavely. "I was told you wanted to talk to me? I don''t think we''ve been properly introduced?"


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "Yes!" another chirped up. "Foreman Laandun met you! You remembered!"


    "Sure¡­" Jack replied a little awkwardly, not sure what else to say.


    "Well!" the first one continued, being slightly taller than the other two. "I''m Sveta!"


    "I''m Greta!" the second one, who was slightly chubbier, giggled.


    "And I''m Loretta!" the third one spoke up with a flirty smile, who had slightly bigger¡­.assets than her sisters. "We were basically wondering what kind of arrangement you wish for us¡­."


    "Uh¡­." Jack asked, unsure where this was going. "I don''t know what you mean?"


    "Well¡­" Greta giggled. "Would you prefer one of us in particular, maybe alternate on occasion, or¡­" she put her arm around Jack and pressed close against him, "all three of us at the same time?"


    "Are you shitting me?" Sephy yelled, her voice raising an octave at the brazen offer they were making. "No! No! None of that is on the table right now!"


    Sveta looked a little shocked. "You mean you have already¡­"


    She stopped, looking at something behind Jack. Turning around, everyone saw Chiyo with a calm look of rage that promised immediate murder.


    ¡°And on that note, we have Deathball practice!¡± Nika grinned, as she and Sephy did their best to drag Jack away from the impending shitstorm.


    ¡°We have a party happening on the weekend!¡± Loretta called after them. ¡°Everyone¡¯s invited!¡±


    ¡°Sounds good! Speak to Alora about it!¡± Sephy called back as they hurriedly exited.


    ¡°Hoduth and their damn mating rights¡­¡± Nika chucked to herself. ¡°I mean, Luvia already tried, so someone else was gonna be bold enough to ask at some point.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t really seen much of Luvia today,¡± Jack noted.


    ¡°She¡¯s around, Chiyo said she has a few mystic-related classes today so your schedules aren¡¯t really gonna cross that much.¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Though she did ask about you.¡±


    "Great¡­" Jack deadpanned. "So what kind of Deathball training are we even doing?"


    "Vaal is the team captain, so I guess it''ll be getting you acquainted with the rest of the team, teaching you the fundamental principles, and going through some drills," Nika explained. "So we''ll wait and see. We have a game at the end of this week, I think, so there should be plenty of time."


    "I overheard Vaal saying he''ll probably be having the rest of us try to get past you, Jack." Sephy grinned. "Intensive training for you, and for us!"


    "No pressure, right?" Jack smiled. Now that he was here, he was no longer anxious with anticipation.


    This was hopefully gonna be fun!


    ******


    "Alright guys, we might have a new Charger on the team, so be nice and don''t scare him off before he agrees to join us officially!" Vaal grinned as everyone met up in the centre of the smaller sports hall they had rented from the School Council. Jack couldn''t help but notice that everyone had changed and gotten ready much quicker this time compared to the official physical classes they had. Either the team was really looking forward to practice, or everyone really hated the classes. Jack suspected the latter.


    "So I think most of you either know Jack directly or have at least seen him," Vaal continued, "But for those that don''t, he''s a new student in Astara House and he''s the one that kicked several of our asses last week alongside Nika, and who almost murdered Izadora Mal''Kar and a bunch of her Prefects this morning for no particular reason! So, naturally, I invited him to join us after a few of you agreed with me that he''d be a good fit."


    He gave Jack a quick smirk to show he was only messing around.


    "So in the spirit of making sure we¡¯re all acquainted, you¡¯re all going to introduce yourselves to Jack and tell him what your role in the team is, what you do as part of that role and explain what that means to someone who¡¯s never played or heard of Deathball before!¡±


    ¡°Really Vaal? A fucking icebreaker?¡± Nika sighed. ¡°We interning for EgoCorp now?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t think of anything better!¡± Vaal snorted. ¡°At least you don¡¯t have to make it cringe and include two truths and a lie! But since you want to complain, you can go first!¡±


    ¡°Oh fine.¡± Nika rolled her eyes before giving Jack an exaggerated smile as she sarcastically began. ¡°Hi there Jack! I don¡¯t know if you remember who I am, but I¡¯m Nika! I¡¯m a Charger, just like you might be with sufficient bribery! It¡¯s my job to get one of the balls into the scoring zone and win us points! I do this by getting past everyone trying to stop me and defeating the Keeper since I¡¯m pretty good at evading and kicking ass!¡±


    ¡°Plooderoo, you¡¯re next!¡± Vaal pointed to the Ploothe.


    ¡°Well Jack, I¡¯m the team¡¯s Keeper, and I protect the goal to the best of my ability. Since I don¡¯t need to move so much, I can fully extend my tentacles to swat away the opposing Chargers!¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t introduce yourself, but I guess that counts!¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°Next?¡±


    ¡°Hello Jack, we¡¯re in the same form class but haven¡¯t properly been introduced¡­¡± The voice belonged to the blue-skinned, aquatic-looking boy who had asked him about his gods. ¡°I¡¯m Arlox, and I work as one of the two Protectors on the team with Crill, using magic to fortify my teammates and help defend the goal.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go next for the last of the roles,¡± Vaal spoke up. ¡°I¡¯m Vaal, Team Captain, and I¡¯m one of the five Warders that intercept the opposing team, cover the Chargers and help manipulate the field of play.¡±


    The roles reminded Jack a little of football, though with the exception of the Keeper, they were far more complex. Arlox and Crill, the Protectors of the team, were both magically active and served to provide overwatch on the rest of the team astrally, often not expected to be able to physically do much against the Chargers.


    Along with Nika and possibly himself, Kizzarith was the third Charger since he was quick, he could fly, and he was batshit crazy.


    Sephy and Kritch joined Vaal as Warders, with Sephy being able to open and close doors on more complex fields of play, while Kritch was considerably stealthy and had stories of going through vents and other enclosed spaces to sneak a ball over to the Chargers. Rounding off the team were Karzen and Bentom, two tough-looking armadillo-like beings that were pretty good at blocking and trapping opponents, and fending off the occasional spectator.


    ¡°And now that you kind-of know what we do, it¡¯s time to practise!¡± Vaal gave an evil grin. ¡°Jack, stand next to me please, everyone else against the far wall!¡±


    They did so, Jack not knowing what Vaal had planned, but he had a good guess based on what Sephy told him.


    ¡°So!¡± The Eladra clapped. ¡°Since we lost our last game we need to work on giving the enemy team the slip and avoiding their attempts to stop us scoring goals. To that end, you need to get to the other side of the room and avoid Jack!¡±


    A series of groans came from the far wall. They were not looking forward to this!


    ¡°Kizzarith!¡± Vaal called. ¡°You¡¯re first!¡±


    ¡°Um?!¡± the Leethlux called out. ¡°Sorry I can¡¯t do it right now as I¡­errr¡­.have a broken penis! Ooh! Ow! It hurts!¡±


    ¡°Jack, would you mind?¡± Vaal asked with a mean grin, pointing at the yellow-bellied insectoid. Jack shrugged and started walking forward.


    ¡°Oh no! Shit! Vaal, you¡¯re an asshole!¡± Kizzarith yelled as he walked to meet Jack. ¡°Listen, Jack, you don¡¯t need to do what he says, alright? Maybe we can just do this pea-SIKE!¡± The Leethflux tried to trick Jack as he feigned bowing in deference to him before quickly leaping high in an attempt to fly above the human.


    It didn¡¯t work.


    Jack had seen the tensing of the muscles and body language that told him Kizzarith would try something, barely expending any effort as he caught one of the Leethlux¡¯s feet with one hand as they futility tried to fly away as fast as their wings would beat, before tiring and dropping to the ground with a thud.


    ¡°That¡¯s one down!¡± Vaal called. ¡°Plooderoo! You¡¯re up!¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m a Keeper! I don¡¯t need to get past!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good point!¡± Vaal admitted. ¡°Jack, try to get past him!¡±


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± the Ploothe yelled as he barely had enough time to react to Jack¡¯s body thumping against him, knocking him back and to the ground.


    ¡°That¡¯s two!¡± Vaal grinned, not saying anything else. Who was next?


    Jack looked at the Eladra who said nothing else until he spotted movement out of the corner of his eye. Kritch had taken advantage of Plooderoo¡¯s misfortune and had quietly started sneaking forward, which turned into a full-on sprint as Jack rushed to catch up, tagging the sneaky Lizta not far from the opposing wall.


    ¡°Good try!¡± Jack admitted, as the Lizta sat down, slapping the ground in defeat.


    Crill was next, who tried to use illusions to swarm Jack to little success as he charged through the lot, eventually catching the real one. Arlox did a little better, trying to teleport past Jack, which didn¡¯t work considering the telltale magical shimmer of a slow reentry allowed the deathworlder to just casually wait for him on the other side. Karzen and Bentom, being unacquainted with Jack, actually thought they could power through him, which went as well as expected.


    Finally they were left with Nika and Sephy, who seemed to whisper to each other before running together slowly towards Jack for a moment before splitting off in either direction, leading Jack to quickly pick one to chase, going for Sephy, who he didn¡¯t want to fly away. The Skritta did a good job of ducking and weaving before Jack feinted and got hold of one of her ankles. He looked around for Nika before something hit him in the side, the force of Nika sending him several uneasy steps to the side before he crashed to the ground as she tripped him up with her tail, releasing his grip on Sephy.


    Both girls immediately sprinted for the far wall as Jack got up and tried to catch up, but it was too late. They were panting heavily as they touched the far wall a split second before Jack caught up, but they had done it.


    ¡°Good job!¡± Vaal called everyone into a huddle. ¡°That¡¯s the lesson we need to take from this. Work together in harmony. If you see a teammate in trouble, help them out instead of hogging the balls. An impossible solution for one may be a simpler one for many. So now I want you guys to try two-on-one scenarios to try and¡­¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we forgetting something?¡± Kritch asked slyly, looking at Vaal.


    ¡°Yes, I believe you¡¯re right!¡± Plooderoo chuckled.


    Karzen and Bentom stood either side of Vaal and placed a hand on each shoulder.


    ¡°Time for Vaal to go through the gauntlet now!¡± Nika grinned, crossing her arms.


    ¡°Ah crap,¡± Vaal muttered to himself, accepting his fate.


    *****


    ¡°So Jack!¡± Vaal jogged up to Jack once they had all finished getting changed after practice. ¡°Have you decided on if you¡¯ll join the team or not?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Jack started.


    ¡°Aww, come on! It¡¯ll be great!¡± Kizzarith chittered excitedly.


    ¡°Yup! You¡¯re definitely made for this!¡± Kritch agreed.


    Both Nika and Sephy just watched him with smiles on their faces. They could already tell what his answer would be.


    ¡°I¡¯ve gotta admit.¡± Jack smiled at the team. ¡°I had great fun today. I have no idea how well I¡¯ll do, and I¡¯ll probably need to watch a few games to get an idea of what it¡¯s like¡­.¡±


    ¡°But you can sign me up. I¡¯m in!¡±

 Chapter 36: Getting Away

    The stars had aligned for Svaartal this day, and yet he was still nervous as he waited for his sister.


    They had planned for this day for years, had go-bags prepared, false identities forged, and non-detection enchantments crafted. Everything they would need to escape their abusive household for good.


    There had been many things stopping them from leaving earlier: funds being the main problem and Master Kull being the other. The old squadmate and battle buddy of his father kept a close eye on the pair of them, and would remain a threat as long as Svaartal and Svaarti were students.


    Or until he was removed as a teacher.


    Fortunately, the mountain of evidence Svaartal had gathered over the years had served him well when he sent an anonymous data package to the headmaster''s secretary after lunch, and then Kull was caught attempting to run the gauntlet on another class, even physically manhandling one of the students.


    Even the headmaster had been forced to take action.


    And it was fortuitous too. Kull had tried to punish Svaartal for getting his favoured students killed by forcing him to endure the gauntlet that morning, however, a quick blink to the viewing stands had easily gotten him out of that problem, to some serious rage from the Master, though his fellow students had not been so lucky. At least Svaarti didn''t have that class for another few days.


    It was funny in a way, Kull was usually a lot more careful, but by sheer fortune his office had been targeted by a phantom shitter, and so he became even more unhinged than usual. Svaartal calculated that he would end up at his favourite watering hole in a few hours, which his father would no doubt join him at for the rest of the night.


    More than enough time for Svaartal and his sister to move out with more than just their go-bags. Though Svaarti had pushed back a little at the idea of residing in Drow territory, she agreed that it was far better than living with their father.


    His thoughts were interrupted by a figure approaching him. It wasn¡¯t his sister. There was only one Ilithii he knew of, and she floated in mid-air across from him.


    "Dhassi." Svaartal coldly greeted his classmate as they stopped. Though they knew each other in the past they had drifted apart and had kept their distance from each other. Considering what had gone down that weekend, he had seen this meeting coming.


    He wasn''t afraid. He had a few tricks that would be more than a match for the Ilithii, were she foolish enough to attack. He knew she couldn''t read his aura either, one of the few basic cantrips his mother had directly taught him before her passing when he was still very young, Svaarti barely even speaking her first words at that time.


    Svaartal. Chiyo coldly addressed the Nirah. I saw the false enchantments you placed on your friends that attacked us. What''s your deal?


    Svaartal gave a sly smile. It was a bad idea for Xharl and Kralk to let him cast unknown spells on them after insulting him.


    "Evening the odds," Svaartal simply replied. "I only wanted to kill the Deathworlder, and an early victory for either side would jeopardise that. Besides, Svaarti wouldn''t be too happy if her friends ended up dead or¡­"


    Your group''s threats were very clear to us. Chiyo cut him off.


    "My group?" Svaartal recoiled in mock hurt, subtly palming one of his wands. "I had nothing to do with those particular threats. It goes against the Red Codex, not that it really binds me any more."


    I don''t believe you. Chiyo replied. If she could growl, she would have done so.


    "And I don''t care what you think." Svaartal narrowed his eyes. "Creep."


    What happened to you? Chiyo asked. You used to be nice. I still remember when you made me feel welcome as a fellow mystic. I remember when you helped the rest of us when we were struggling in class! You used to stand up to the bullies when we were children! Now you¡¯re just one yourself! What changed?


    ¡°Perhaps you just didn¡¯t know the real me,¡± Svaartal replied, a little put off by her response. ¡°Perhaps I just grew up. Perhaps the Red Legion showed me the truth of who I need to be. What I do know is that I don¡¯t need to justify myself to anybody, especially not some damn mentalist fuck that can¡¯t keep to herself!¡±


    Chiyo gathered her power on reflex. Sensing this, Svaartal grinned as he quickly snapped out his wand from his sleeve. He had just the right spell to put the Ilithii in her place. They''d regret picking a fight with him¡­


    "There you are!" Svaarti called out, and the fight was called off before it even started.


    "Hello, sister!" Svaartal smiled warmly, ignoring his classmate. "You''re late!"


    "Sorry!" Svaarti sighed. "Some weird green guy with two curved swords asked me where the kitchens were so I showed him!"


    "That''s alright." Svaartal sighed in relief. "We have time anyway so we can make some final plans.¡±


    He turned to Chiyo.


    "I will agree to a truce to our little¡­disagreements for now. Besides¡­" Svaartal replied with a slight, mocking smile. "You have bigger problems right now. I''m personally hoping the Deathworlder manages to kill the Devilspawn coming after him. Good luck!" he finished as Chiyo shook her head, almost sadly, and floated away.


    "What''s your problem with her?" Svaarti asked. "And do you really still hate the Stygians that much?"


    "Just the fallout from our fight over the weekend," Svaartal dismissed. "And of course I hate the Devilspawn. They killed our mother."


    Svaarti sadly sighed. "You''ll need to move on and let it go eventually. They couldn''t help it! They weren¡¯t in control of their own actions!"


    "Not going to happen," Svaartal asserted. "Though as far as moving on goes, I have Father''s phone tracked. We''ll meet up with a few of our new friends and make our move when he gets to the bar."


    "So what''s your plan?" Svaarti asked anxiously. It was clear that his little sister was scared, and while Svaartal was as well, he had to lead. "We don''t just take out go-bags and get out?"


    "We take back our birthright," he quietly replied, as his fear of his father slowly gave way to the cold rage that had built over the years.


    "All of it."


    *****


    "Alright, we''re ready." Svaartal told the others, looking at his commlink. "By the time we get to the house he''ll have settled with Kull."


    "Are you sure you want to do this without backup?" Svaarti asked. The Mal''Kars had given them ''use'' of three slaves who had displeased their House to help carry their bags or act as fodder for magical traps, but Svaartal refused to send them ahead, leaving the slaves to loiter around their meeting point. The logistics weren¡¯t an issue, as Svaartal had quickly been able to teach his sister the ''dimensional rift'' spell that would allow her to store and recall small items. While not infinite, between them it would be enough.


    Just having emergency go-bags wouldn¡¯t do here.


    Svaartal wanted to rob everything that wasn''t nailed down: as a parting shot to their father, to really give them a headstart on life, and to lay claim to all of their mother''s belongings their father hadn''t yet sold or that Svaartal hadn''t hidden. He remembered having to stage a break-in to keep the sword and the spellbook, but he knew that was barely the tip of the iceberg.


    Their father had never spoken of their mother since they arrived at Hive Station Bastilla. Aside from his early memories as a child before she died, Svaartal only knew that she had been highly regarded in the Red Legion, had been a powerful warrior and Spellcaster of some kind, and had left behind a lot of inheritance for her two children.


    Before their father had spent what he could and lost it forever.


    More than anything else, Svaartal wanted to know more. He knew his father kept documents, diaries and other paperwork that couldn''t be sold, though Svaartal had never gotten a look. Any risk like that while they were still all living under the same roof could bring fatal harm to himself and his sister. Even though he had trained hard, pushed himself further and grown into a powerful Magus in his own right over the years, Svaartal didn''t know if he was a match for his father.


    He remembered the first time he had tried to fight back. He hadn''t even reached his teenage years when he staged that robbery to protect his mother''s most valued possessions from being sold, and in his rage, his father had almost killed him, striking his son again and again with magic while Svaartal put up a pitiful resistance until Svaarti had begged him to stop. Svaartal still had the scars, though he hid them well.


    "Shall these ones enter first?" one of the nervous women asked as they reached the address. Izadora had insisted on Svaartal taking several ''worthless slaves'' with him to trigger any magical traps before the loader drones did their work, implying that she didn''t want them returned, only to be used as fodder.


    "No," Svaartal immediately refused. "Don''t endanger yourselves, and keep watch. My sister and I will disable the wards."


    The two Nirah did so, having taken note of all the magical traps around the home over the years, carefully and meticulously casting counterspells to either weaken or deactivate the wards completely. Another ''fuck you'' to their father.


    "Good job, Svaarti. You start with the porch while I work on disarming the other rooms. Use ''Dimensional Pull'' on all the stuff you can, the loader drones will take care of the rest. Anything we can''t take we''ll destroy.¡±


    "You wouldn''t-" Svaarti began.


    "No," Svaartal reluctantly replied. "I disagree with you, but I promised that I wouldn¡¯t set up a proximity bomb to blow the entire block up with Father inside. I have a different parting gift in mind for him. Less talking, more working. Time is of the essence."


    "Alright," Svaarti nervously replied as she started to store items in her pocket dimension. Coats, pictures, shoes, even their father''s slippers. Svaartal had been adamant. Everything that could be taken, would be. What couldn''t be sold or used from their father''s possessions would be burned to a crisp.


    "Living room is clear of traps," Svaartal suddenly spoke softly to break the silence, causing Svaarti to jump. "I''ll work on disarming the kitchen next then clear my room and the bathroom. You mop up everything else then take care of your room. We''ll save Father''s room for last since we''ll need to work together."


    "Okay." Svaarti replied, trying to steady her breathing. She was so scared that something would go wrong! "What if-"


    "He''s still drinking," Svaartal reassured her. "And our watchers haven''t said anything."


    He didn''t elaborate on the worst-case scenario. If his father barged in on them, Svaartal would fight to the death to protect his sister with spell and sword, win or lose.


    Svaartal almost wished that would happen. He could take everything that had built up over the years and unleash all of it as anger and hate, fueling his power.


    But that would endanger Svaarti, so this would have to do for now.


    The kitchen was easily disabled, not being a vital room to begin with, so Svaartal quickly went to his room to clear it out. Many of his most cherished possessions he already had within his dimensional storage, but he was loathe to leave anything behind. He instantly located his emergency go-bag filled with all the supplies he''d need for a quick exit and slung it over his shoulders. He then went across all the surfaces for the small stuff.  A few pictures and posters from the walls, all the clothes he had, his bedding. A few caches of credits or sweets he had hidden away across the years. There wasn''t much, and it was all quickly accounted for.


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    Svaartal moved to leave but quickly stopped, turning back around. He started upheaving everything. Drawers, closets and even his bed. He could barely remember what he was looking for until he spotted it. Hidden underneath the cheap wooden closet was an opened letter he once thought lost years ago when he was a child. He could barely read the words at the young age he was sent it by an unknown sender, but he recognised his mother''s handwriting all the same. He slipped it into a pocket and left, not looking back.


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± he called to Svaarti once he quickly cleared the bathroom, smashing the toilet for good measure.


    ¡°I¡¯ve done the kitchen and I¡¯m going through the living room!¡± she called back as loudly as she dared.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take over. Do your room, then we can work on Father¡¯s room together,¡± Svaartal called back. He knew his sister had more belongings in her room than he did his, and he suspected she was much more sentimental than he was. She needed the time.


    Projector, lumpy cushions, spare credits under the sofa. Svaartal didn¡¯t care if most of the items were barely worth anything. He just took it all, upending everything he couldn¡¯t take with him or marking it for the mover bots to store it on their behalf. He checked his commlink, still nothing. His father was still at the bar with Kull.


    So far, so good.


    No news from the collared slaves either, who were still acting casual while diligently watching the steady stream of passersby. They were in the clear.


    Svaartal took some time to check the door to his father''s room while waiting for Svaarti. The most trapped room in the house, which was to be expected from an accomplished caster like his father, who had made it very clear that if they entered his room and the traps didn''t kill them, he certainly would make them wish they had.


    The ward in the door he had examined multiple times over the years, and though Svaartal knew it was powerful, he had developed a countermeasure. Though disarming the trap outright was impossible, it was possible to change the conditions of the trigger to just a physical touch, enabling Svaartal to open the door with magical means. It would be a simple case of adding in a few magical runes of his own, but the real challenge would be disabling or delaying the alarm that would alert their father. Svaartal knew that he and his sister could let it go and get away with what they had, but Svaartal knew that he had to try to make his revenge complete or he would regret it for the rest of his life.


    "Ready?" Svaarti asked him as she finished. "I know Father has papers. There''s so much he wouldn''t tell us about that I think we both need some closure."


    Svaartal nodded. "If we fail, don''t hesitate to run."


    "We won''t," Svaarti replied with determination as she followed Svaartal''s instructions on changing the ward.


    "The alarm is too intricate." Svaarti panicked after a few minutes of working. "We can delay it, but we won''t have much time."


    "We''ll need to work quick," Svaartal growled in frustration. "Detect what remaining wards you can. I''ve got something for his console!"


    He pulled out the highly potent and highly expensive device he bought from a reasonably trustworthy slicer in return for some magical services. Not only would it completely copy over files, but it would also crack recently used passwords and finally brick the console with a command from the user.


    It would be perfect for draining what little remained of his father''s finances to zero. The last thing he wanted was a bounty placed on the pair of them.


    "Mostly clear!" Svaarti whispered nervously as she started rushing to take everything she could. "All I see is a big one over there!"


    Svaartal looked at where she was pointing. A picture of their father, their mother and several other Nirah both older and younger. Extended family, perhaps? Their father had never spoken of it and Svaartal barely remembered anyone that wasn''t his mother. He had barely begun casting his first cantrips when she died, and his father had immediately whisked them off here. He let the console device do its thing as he crossed the room and carefully checked the painting, quickly noting that it wasn''t trapped, but rather what was behind it was.


    Adding the painting to the rift, he saw what it had been hiding.


    A safe.


    What was behind there?


    "I don''t suppose you know the code for this?" Svaartal asked his sister, who quickly turned to see what he was talking about. "If not I can unlock it magically, but Father will immediately know! I can''t disarm this ward unprepared."


    "No..." Svaarti replied, thinking. "Why a ward on that and not on his console?"


    "Either he believes in the ''flawlessness of technology,¡¯" Svaartal replied with a smirk as he added a new credit chip to the console to download another part of his father''s money, "or what''s in there is far more valuable than what''s on the console."


    "You can''t!" Svaarti frantically whispered as she realised what Svaartal intended. "He''ll know instantly!"


    "I know," Svaartal replied, steeling himself as he confirmed all funds were drained and the download was complete. He activated the ''brick'' program as he finished magically taking the rest of the belongings he could, before giving the device to Svaarti. "Get to the others and meet at the neutral ground we agreed on as quickly as you can. If I''m not with you in a quarter of an hour, go on without me to Mal''Kar territory and show them your papers. If I''m able to catch up to you I will. If not¡­"


    "Don''t say that!" Svaarti rushed up to him for a quick hug. "We''re in this together!"


    "Maybe." Svaartal smiled warmly. "But I have to do this on my own."


    "But¡­"


    "Go!" Svaartal growled, spurring his sister into action. He heard her rush out the front door and gave her a few minutes as he examined the safe. Not the best make, but not the worst either. Either way, he didn''t have long - the first ward was just a few minutes from alerting his father, give or take. Not wasting any time, Svaartal began casting as many defense and enhancement spells on himself as he dared. Speed, strength, steel skin. Everything he had prepared for the day, just in case the Deathworlder wanted to resume their fight, but equally useful here. Finally finishing, he set to work, quickly melting the hinges of the safe door before he ripped it off, slightly singing his hand as he did.


    Inside the safe was surprisingly little. The papers that were thankfully still intact, a few coins that were probably worth something and what looked like a journal of some kind¡­


    Huh? Svaartal thought. I would have thought Father would keep a few of the medals he claimed to receive here¡­


    It didn''t matter. Svaartal quickly pulled out another device he had prepared and got ready to stick it behind the door when he heard a crash from the other room.


    "BOY!"


    Shit! His father was back quicker than expected, and he heard multiple pairs of footsteps!


    Not wasting any time, Svaartal began casting. He couldn¡¯t teleport or blink out of the house itself, but once he was out he¡¯d be able to escape. He knew better than to fight right now, and he had an escape plan in mind¡­


    "Where is he?" another voice growled. Even worse, Master Kull was with him!


    ¡°NO!¡± He heard his father yell as Svaartal heard him quickly rush to the door of his room¡­


    Only to eat a fireball to the face as Svaartal blasted a hole through the wall!


    The trick had worked during their ambush that weekend, and a thin wall of a shitty slum apartment didn¡¯t compare to the concrete his fireball blasted apart last time, even when it was many hundreds or thousands of years old. The trick here was simply not obliterating innocent passersby in the street below, or more importantly himself. Though Svaartal didn¡¯t care much if he hit someone, Svaarti wouldn¡¯t like it, and collateral damage tended to result in heavy bounties. He didn¡¯t know if he had scored any kills, but hoped he did. Even better, for a brief moment he had seen a look of fear in his father¡¯s eyes.


    Several of his father¡¯s drinking buddies that had been out of the range of the blast moved to help him to his feet, but Svaartal didn¡¯t hesitate to dive out of the nearest hole he¡¯d made when he heard the growl of Master Kull, his ring of floating aiding him once again in making a safe landing, but not before he twisted the cap of the trap he¡¯d wanted to place to turn it into a grenade, and dropped it behind him as he jumped.


    As he landed on the ground with a practised glide, the chemical reagents combined to blast out in a misty blast of freezing cold liquid nitrogen, to howls of pain coming from where he had left. He hoped he scored a few kills, but wasn¡¯t going to stick around to confirm them. There was no way he was going to fight such unfair odds if he could run instead! He¡¯d be happy with maiming a few of the bastards at least. Blinking several times to get away he finally stopped on a clear roof, where he checked his surroundings and, without any preamble, quickly portaled out of there.


    *****


    ¡°There you are!¡± Svaarti hissed in relief as Svaartal quickly hopped to the other side. ¡°What happened? I heard explosions a few seconds ago!¡±


    Svaartal grinned in satisfaction as she gave him a bottle of water to guzzle down. ¡°Got everything from the safe, but Father got back immediately with a few of his old service buddies. I had to drop a fireball to blast my way out and covered my escape with the Blizzard Mist I wanted to use as a trap.¡±


    ¡°So is he-¡±


    ¡°Unconfirmed, but he¡¯s probably still alive. Kull was with him too. Father¡¯s funds are wiped from his accounts, but we might still get some issues in the future assuming he can make it back. By the way, the squad was armed, I think they were planning some kind of job.¡±


    Svaarti sighed and nodded as Svaartal quickly led them away from their rendezvous. Despite their daring escape, both of them knew it was never going to be a clean break.


    ¡°But!¡± Svaartal immediately added ¡°We finally did it! We¡¯re out. We have a place of our own and a much better life ahead of us no matter what challenges come our way!¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Svaarti nervously sighed in relief. ¡°But what happens now?¡±


    ¡°Aside from us going to our new home?¡± Svaartal smiled before turning more serious. ¡°Our work for the Drow begins. They don¡¯t want me to kill the Deathworlder but I think they want me to be an enforcer and agent on their payroll.¡±


    ¡°Jack said he¡¯d back off if you do¡­¡± Svaarti remembered her conversation with the human from earlier with a frown.


    ¡°Fine by me, and it¡¯s what I planned anyway. I¡¯ve already told the Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s everything I know about him and his capabilities so they can deal with him instead.¡± Svaartal snorted. ¡°Though there¡¯s a lot I can only speculate on about him. I always assumed Astara summoned him to this plane as a possible active Hero, but Izadora isn¡¯t so sure. I think she has a plan to kill the human painfully since he attacked her this morning, but as for what, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°I really wish you didn¡¯t have to be enemies with him!¡±


    ¡°Too bad. I didn¡¯t exactly make the best first impression with him by following Xharl, but things have worked out pretty well in the end,¡± Svaartal argued. ¡°We are here after all. It was this whole conflict that got me noticed by House Mal¡¯Kar in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which¡­¡± Svaartal added as the convoy crossed into a nearby district. ¡°Our transport is around here.¡±


    He was silent as he considered their escort of slaves, who were all staring at the ground with dead expressions.


    A quick input on the control device on Svaartal caused them to look up in shock as the metal collars around their necks suddenly unclamped to all clatter on the cobblestoned path. As the slaves all grabbed at their necks in disbelief, Svaartal spoke to them as he reached into a pocket.


    ¡°You are all free to go,¡± the Nirah said simply, as he threw each of the former slaves a creditchip. ¡°This should help you out, though I¡¯d suggest heading to the Temple of Hope and mixing with the refugees from the Killer Klown¡¯s attack.¡±


    The now freed men and women all looked at each other dumbstruck for a moment before Svaartal urged them on with a quick, ¡°Get out of here!¡±


    ¡°Thank you! Bless you!¡± one of the women spoke up as the group started jogging in the other direction.


    ¡°Brother¡­¡± Svaarti whispered as Svaartal quickly led them to their meetup coordinates without offering any kind of explanation of what he just did, only briefly speaking to their assigned driver and the porters to transport the large items they had looted before travelling to their new residence in silence. Svaarti took in the gnarled blacked structures reinforced by a green glow of magical energy and shuddered. The Drow¡¯s territory was an eerie place indeed! Eventually they were shown to a dingy apartment in the middle of a seemingly abandoned and deserted residential block and left to their own devices. Immediately moving the sofa to an ideal spot against the wall both Nirah sat down with a sigh.


    ¡°I have two presents for you,¡± Svaartal finally pointed out. ¡°I never told you this, but I was able to recover several of Mother¡¯s things when we were younger. I think she would have wanted you to have this.¡±


    He cast the cantrip to bring forth a faint golden staff slowly floating out of his dimensional storage plane. It was still as beautiful as the day he dusted it off and put it away all those years ago.


    ¡°A staff?¡± Svaarti questioned.


    ¡°This belonged to our mother,¡± Svaartal handed it over to his sister. ¡°Now it belongs to you. I have her sword.  Her spellbook and a few other things we can go through later, but I think she would have wanted you to have this.¡±


    ¡°This is¡­¡± Svaarti gasped in awe as she felt the magic of the staff tingle down her arm.


    ¡°Better with you than me,¡± Svaartal finished. ¡°It seems better suited for utility than combat, which is more your thing. Now as for the second present¡­¡± He grinned, pulling out a clear bag and passing it to her.


    ¡°Ingredients? Chalk, gem dust, myri-OH!¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I got a bag for me as well.¡± Svaartal nodded, happy to see his sister properly smile again as he knew she would. ¡°The ritual components for summoning and binding a familiar. You should be able to adapt it to what you want before the end of the week, which is good because we¡¯re going to a party!¡±


    ¡°We are?¡± Svaarti replied in confusion, though still ecstatic about the thought of summoning her own familiar!


    ¡°The Bharzum triplets are hosting it at one of their clan¡¯s holdings and invited everyone in our year. Father always forbade us from going to these kind of events, which is exactly why we¡¯re attending.¡±


    ¡°But won¡¯t you be working for the Mal¡¯Kars?¡±


    ¡°I am, but that won¡¯t stop me from coming.¡± Svaartal shrugged. ¡°Pretty convenient if you ask me, and it¡¯ll be good for you as well. With those dance moves of yours you¡¯d be able to snag any guy you want there.¡±


    He paused for a second as he met his sister¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Or girl.¡±


    Svaarti¡¯s eyes snapped to her brother in fear, but Svaartal quickly put a hand on her shoulder to reassure her.


    ¡°You have a good heart sister. The kindest that I know of. It never mattered to me who it desires.¡±


    Svaarti said nothing, except to throw her arms around her big brother in a hug.


    Svaartal stared forward at the wall as she did so, not seeing his thousand-yard stare.


    He hoped this deal with House Mal¡¯Kar was worth it.

 Chapter 37: Arrival

    "So!" Nika grinned. "Looks like we''ll be showing you a Deathball montage tonight!"


    "Well I''ve got to learn somehow!" Jack chuckled weakly. "I can''t back out now!"


    "Well the first main lesson is that most of the fields of play are revealed by the referees just before the game." Sephy grinned. "Adds to the fun when players get lost and have to scout out the area as part of the game, not even knowing where the enemy goal is right away."


    "Who the hell came up with this and thought this''d be a fun sport?" Jack sighed, just accepting the craziness at this point.


    "Hey! You yourself admitted it was fun!" Nika slapped him on the back. "Didn''t you have a similar sport back home?"


    "Rugby." Jack smiled, accepting her point. "Though it''s just a normal pitch, you don''t get any magic and the spectators don''t get physically involved."


    "See! They''re practically the same!" Sephy replied.


    Jack rolled his eyes in amusement, but didn''t bother to correct the Skritta.


    "Well I don''t mind watching a few Deathball games tonight once we''ve got our homework done," Alora added. "I think after the weekend we can afford to take a chill day."


    "Dante will need a walk though," Jack pointed out. "How''s he been, Sephy?"


    They had agreed that they''d keep an eye on their new friend periodically while at school, with Sephy having quick and easy access to the camera system they had.


    "He''s been having fun! Most of the morning he was running laps around the district wall, spent most of the afternoon sleeping in your room and last I checked he''s been sniffing around and exploring."


    "At least he''s been keeping himself occupied, but I can take him around a few of the other districts to get him outside," Jack reasoned.


    "One or all of us had better come with you." Nika pointed out. ¡°Even without the bounties, you might get lost without us."


    "I''ll go with him." Alora reasoned. "My homework is already done and It¡¯s Nika¡¯s turn to cook.¡±


    "Uh oh!" Sephy warned. "Better brace yourselves for some protein, but at least it isn''t Chiyo¡¯s night!"


    She paused for a moment as she looked at Chiyo, a little worried. "You ok Chiyo? Usually that''s the part where you yeet me into the air!"


    I am fine. Chiyo replied in a way that did not sound fine. Just thinking.


    "Sounds like watching some dumb sports might be the perfect thing," Nika reasoned. "Get the homework and walk out of the way as quickly as you all can, and we can unwind after that with some grilled meat and herbs!"


    Dante was jumping with joy when the group finally got back, making sure to get pets from all of them, even Chiyo as he kept trying to leap up and grab her with his mouth as she floated in mid-air, who eventually gave in to peer pressure and gave him an unsure pat on the head. After he had finally gotten enough attention, with Alora and Sephy taking a few pictures, Jack and Alora quickly set off with the happy Dante, who seemed more eager to walk them than the other way around.


    "How are you holding up?" Alora finally asked Jack. They had mostly been walking in silence, taking a less busy circuit around the local districts to allow Dante to satisfy his curiosity without bothering anyone.


    "I feel better than I did this morning," Jack replied with a sigh. "Though today was pretty eventful. Honestly when we were at the temple and you told me about all of this, I had no clue it was going to be quite this crazy!"


    "Well I had no idea you''d have bounties placed on you, for one thing." Alora shrugged. "Or that we''d go on the most difficult adventure our group has ever been on."


    "But at least we came out of that in one piece," Jack concluded. "Physically at least."


    Alora put an arm around Jack in a semi-hug. "We''ll find answers."


    "Yeah," Jack replied, returning the hug. "I hope so."


    The rest of the walk was uneventful, with the two of them making small talk about Jack''s adjustment from the Temple of Hope to wider society. It was difficult at first, but he was glad that he was slowly adjusting and making friends. With the exception of all the people wanting him dead, things were feeling better for him.


    The rest of the evening was spent in front of the TV, with Jack finishing off his homework and listening to Nika''s tactical takes from the Deathball game they were watching. The ''Srakuul Slicers'' Vs The ''Drukalaii Decimators'' was pretty fun to watch, though the food Nika had made was quite tough for most of the group.


    Jack was glad that he was allowed the time to just sit back and relax. It had felt as if he couldn''t really let his guard down ever since he learned about the bounty hunters, which had played havoc on his mental state. Today had been a mixed day for him, getting into a fight with the Drow and enduring Master Kull''s ''lesson'', but for the most part it had been good. The lessons were fascinating, and for the first time in a long time he felt appreciated by people outside of his small group of friends.


    Jack closed his eyes that night at the closest point to peace he had ever experienced in this realm.


    He really wished he didn''t¡­.


    Darkness engulfed him as his body felt like it was drifting on ocean currents. Not knowing what it was, Jack accepted the sensation, and allowed his body to be taken away. When his eyes opened, he found himself lying down face up in scuffed rubble in a horrifyingly familiar place. Forced to repeat the actions of his past, Jack groggily pushed himself to his feet as he looked around at his surroundings in a panic.


    Ruined and desecrated buildings surrounded him, covered in dark and disgusting effigies. He saw symbols painted in blood and gore on every surface, with mutilated dead bodies scattered across the ground. Moving back in shock, he heard a strange noise behind him and snapped around to see what it was.


    The creature was nothing like anything he had seen before, with rows of vicious sharp teeth. All across his faded purple skin were carved, bloody symbols, but the one that stood out more than anything else was the massive, burning skull carved on his chest.


    "W-what the fuck are you?" Jack asked in panic, stumbling back as the creature pulled out a savage-looking knife. "A-are you some kind of alien? I don''t want any trouble! Please! What do you want?"


    The alien creature just hissed and grunted in a guttural chuckle Jack couldn''t understand. He turned to run but was faced with another figure slowly advancing. This one was a larger lizard-like creature with a rusted, spiky metal chestplate with the same horrific symbol.


    "Hey, you don¡¯t need to do this!" Jack panicked, desperately looking for a way out. There was none. All around him were more strange-looking creatures with the same burning skull either carved or painted on them. All of them had vile-looking weapons, and none cared for his pleas of mercy.


    This was a nightmare, just one big fucking nightmare. He''d wake up in bed the next morning and his mum would have a cup of tea ready for him and the rest of his family. He pinched himself, trying to force himself to wake up.


    But nothing happened. The pinch was real. This was real!


    Despite his terror, Jack forced himself to calm down enough to focus on the current problem. He was naked, unarmed, and trapped. He remembered the words of his eldest brother, Michael.


    "Only stand and fight as a last resort. Get away if you can. But if you can''t, don''t hesitate, don''t let them make the first move, and don''t show mercy! Kill them if you have to!"


    Jack remembered his martial arts lessons, and immediately threw those lessons out the window as he quickly rushed the smallest of them, leading with a quick punch to daze before shoving them out of the way as he ran.


    But something was off with that attack. Though it wasn''t a full-force strike, Jack barely felt any resistance as the alien''s skull was knocked back, and when Jack shoved past it, it was already halfway down to the ground. Risking a look back, he could see the alien faintly convulsing on the ground but making no effort to get back up. How hard had he hit them? Adrenaline was a hell of a thing.


    Quickly turning around, Jack''s eyes went wide as another lizard-like creature tried to block him off with wicked-looking claws. Jack knew in the back of his mind that if he slowed down or stopped he would be swarmed, so he charged. He could feel himself run quicker than he had ever managed before, causing him to misjudge the distance. Jack tensed up, protecting his vital areas as he smashed into the creature, feeling its bones crunch as his head connected with the creature¡¯s face, not stopping as it was taken off its feet and fell to the side, unmoving.


    "Holy shit!" Jack exclaimed as he kept running. Did I just kill that guy?


    He had no idea where he was going and he didn''t care. Anywhere but here!


    More creatures tried to bar his path, and each one was torn apart in the human''s panic, not even stopping to witness the carnage he was leaving.


    Jack saw a great wall ahead of him, and hoped against hope that he''d find some way out, but as he turned the corner of a few rundown buildings to try and lose his pursuers, he realised he had made a mistake.


    He was trapped.


    Nasty-looking aliens peered out of entryways with wicked grins and mocking chuckles as they stood up with weapons drawn. He wasn''t going to get out.


    Pinned, cornered, no escape. Jack was going to die here. From where he had come there came a steady rumble of footsteps as something big menacingly strode over. With sickly-looking pale green skin, gnarled metal scraps bent in shape to act as a shoddy form of spiky armour and a mouth of rotted, black teeth, the giant roared at Jack as it dragged its tree trunk club along the ground.


    Kill them if you have to!


    Growling in primal anger Jack charged forward with a punch to a surprised bird-like creature, catching it in its crooked beak at maximum strength with a loud crack, knocking it out as it dropped its cleaver. Jack quickly picked it up and parried a spear thrust aimed at his neck which still grazed his shoulder, following through with a full-force chop at the neck of the wolf-like being before Jack could even stop to think, eyes wide in shock as the lifeless eyes of the creature glazed over.


    Kill them if you have to!


    Throwing the cleaver at movement to his left Jack, took up the spear and swung it behind him in terror as two more tried to advance on him, snapping the weapon in two as he clobbered the head of one that got too close. Spinning around on reflex, Jack stabbed the splintered shaft of the spear into another attacker''s head, the thin membrane of the insectoid creature parting to splintered wood.


    Oh my god! What the fuck! I think I actually killed them! Jack thought in panic before something raked across his back, drawing thin lines of blood. Jack quickly reacted with a backfist that broke the face of his attacker, just as another tried to tackle him, spiked and rusted armour shearing Jack''s skin as the human planted his feet on the ground in a karate stance and tossed the alien with all of his strength. The rat-like creature flew hard and fast through the air for several metres before smashing into something.


    Holy shit! I''m strong! How!? Jack thought as he spotted a gap in the crowd, which he quickly dashed through. And I''m fast! What the fuck''s going on?!


    He was snapped out of his thoughts as he felt something coming behind him, and on reflex he jumped to the side as the club of the giant smacked to the ground, pummeling a hole while Jack flew several metres upwards, getting a few seconds of air before landing awkwardly.


    Jumping higher too?! Is this low gravity or something? Jack quickly though as he felt a hot sensation hit his back. Growling in discomfort at the minor damage, Jack spun around to see one of the monsters with what looked like a gun of some kind. Panicking again, Jack ran, heading for the ruins to try and get some cover, throwing whoever and whatever he could find behind him to break the line of sight, shoddily throwing punches to quickly dispatch the unusually weak people that got in his way. If he could get on top of one of the buildings, he might find an exit¡­


    Several more jolts of pain rocked his body as more laser fire pinged him, but Jack shrugged it off as he charged through a door, smashing it to pieces as he knocked the psycho behind it down, doing damage to himself in the process as he landed on yet more of those damn spikes. Forcing himself up and grabbing the dropped knife, Jack quickly met the charge of another psycho, taking a cut along his forearm as they lunged at Jack, who quickly grabbed the arm and pulled forward, hearing a pop of the shoulder joint before Jack brought his knife home into the base of the monster''s neck several times. Hequickly parried an attempted strike from yet another attacker with a bat that tingled his arm, before burying his blade in the creature¡¯s face in return, not bothering to recover the weapon or look at his grizzly handiwork as he picked up the bat and looked for a way up as more figures ran to him. They were weak, but there were a lot of them, and they just kept coming!


    Spotting a rotten set of stairs, Jack jumped up them as quickly as he could, not wanting to take the chance of it breaking from under him as a swarm of crazies chased after him, the staircase quickly breaking apart under their sheer mass just as Jack reached the top and hopped up to the hole in the ceiling.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Pulling himself onto what remained of the roof, what he saw filled Jack with dread. A torrent of psychos were running their way to him, following the giant who seemed to be much more cautious in his approach. He looked around at the dark, purple-black metal wall surrounding him, seeing nothing near him resembling a way out aside from a massive pile of rubble in the distance.


    But the worst thing was what he saw when he looked up.


    The stars above looked¡­somehow wrong.


    Unfamiliar.


    Then he saw honest-to-god spaceships flying in the distance, leaving trails of blue and green in their wake as they zipped to and from a glowing point in the distance with strange-looking buildings he could barely perceive in the distance.


    That confirmed the creeping fear in the back of his mind.


    He wasn''t on Earth any more¡­


    Snapping back to reality, Jack turned and kicked another alien in the chest as it tried to climb up from below, booting it to the ground with a sickening crunch as it took several more with it.


    But yet more kept coming.


    Jack was going to die here.


    He wouldn''t go quietly.


    The thundering of footsteps drew Jack''s attention back to the giant who had now spotted him, giving the human a wide, sadistic grin with his black teeth as it charged.


    Jack has to do something, but what?


    Tearing a chunk of brick from the roof Jack steadied himself as he took careful aim and prayed to whoever was listening that his plan would work, chucking the hunk of brick as hard as he could at the forehead of the colossus, hoping his newfound strength would help him knock the beast unconscious.


    But Jack missed.


    He got it in the eye.


    The giant roared in agony as green ichor spewed out of the destroyed eyeball, trampling its allies as it flailed about in pain. It swung wildly with its club and smacked the building Jack was on, crumpling the weak stone as he felt it start to collapse.


    In a moment of inspiration, Jack ran and jumped forward, leaping off the building and grabbing onto a jutting spike on the giant''s shoulders to stop him from falling before striking the giant''s head as hard as he could with the bat with an audible crack.


    The giant howled in pain as it reached up to swat Jack away on instinct, the human jumping away just in time as the giant''s hand slammed into the spikes to yet more enraged roars, losing its balance and taking several steps to the side, trampling yet more of the smaller hostiles.


    Maybe I can thin their numbers to escape. Jack reasoned. Can''t do it with the big guy chasing me though - his long legs''ll catch up to me. I''ll have to stop it somehow.


    Carefully falling to the ground, Jack awkwardly rolled to try and reduce the impact, still getting up sore but not majorly injured. There were fewer psychos now, but Jack could hear even more coming. The giant yanked its hand free from its spiked shoulder to cover the bleeding in its eye. Jack knew he''d have to get up high to finish it off, or he''d have to bring the giant down to his level, but how?


    The giant was many times the size of him, and he wasn''t going to risk climbing up its body. The ruined walls surrounding him were an option, but were crumbly as hell. He supposed he could trip the beast up somehow, but it''d be a risk - better to hobble it with something sharp.


    Then Jack spotted it. A weakness. Of course!


    Jack narrowly dodged a careless swing from the hulking brute and got in close, readying his attack before bringing the bat down in a bone-shattering strike¡­


    ¡­right into the balls of the giant!


    The very air around him rumbled as the beast cried out in pain, stamping his feet around, trying desperately to squish the human, but instead only taking out his own guys once again.


    Hmm. Jack thought as he dodged the easily predictable feet. That seemed to work. Let''s do it again!


    The second strike raised the pitch of the beast''s howls several octaves. The third brought it to its knees as it collapsed to the ground, grabbing its crotch.


    Now''s my chance! Thought Jack as he picked up a big enough jagged piece of metal from one of the bodies and charged at the hulking monster, jamming the metal into the beast''s neck, before a backhand from the giant sent him flying, crashing through a nearby wall.


    His body aching as he got to his feet, adrenaline refusing to keep him down, Jack watched as the giant foolishly grabbed at the wound, yanking out the metal to a torrent of blood and gore and making it several steps before collapsing to the ground.


    Jack staggered out as quickly as he could. He had suffered some injuries, but as long as he was breathing, he could move. There was a low hum in the air as he used the bat as a crutch, stumbling over to where he saw the rubble.


    Jack''s senses screamed at him as he dodged a swipe of some sort of axe as the psychos came back, sensing weakness. The hum in the air grew louder as Jack swept forward, catching the alien in the legs and taking him to the ground before following through with several brutal bashes to its skull.


    The next two came together with knives as Jack wildly swung with the bat to keep them away, before feeling a burning sensation in the small of his back as someone stabbed him hard.


    "MOTHERFUCKER! COME ON THEN!" he yelled, paying no heed to the cuts he received as he pushed forward, swinging wildly and allowing the pain to fuel his rage, smashing his bat into the head of one and the arm of the other with a sickening crunch. Spinning to the one behind, he swung full force, catching the unfortunate creature in the neck and completely decapitating him, destroying the bat in the process.


    Jack turned to the rest, at least ten or fifteen more. Could he take them? Even if he did, could he carry on?


    A thunderous crack rang out as a bolt of blue light from above him smacked into the closest attacker, putting him down instantly. A split second later, two more lights took out two more. Jack looked up and saw what closely resembled a military helicopter floating above him, humming as it hovered and allowed its passengers to line up shots.


    One of the psychos screeched something in its inhuman tongue, the rest echoing it as they charged Jack, before several forms dropped out of the sky, slamming into the charge and tearing the attackers apart. Jack could see the lead newcomer, a wolf-like being, use an actual sword to tear through two of them at the same time before quickly swapping to a rifle and blasting those that tried to run away.


    And just like that, they were all dead. With practised movements, the other newcomers fell into formation around their leader, who holstered its weapons and made a few growling noises and gestures at Jack.


    "What?" Jack asked. "I don''t understand you, stay back!"


    The wolf-creature made some more noises, adding in some hand gestures that Jack still didn''t understand.


    He took a few stumbling steps back and tripped, his ruined leg no longer supporting him.


    The wolf-creature raised a calming hand at Jack as she addressed her comrades, who hadn''t made any threatening moves towards Jack so far, keeping their weapons holstered, but with their hands not too far from them.


    The wolf then made some more hand motions and appeared to be shouting something before stopping.


    Then she spoke.


    "We mean you no harm! We can help you!"


    "Holy shit!" Jack pushed himself back on his hands and feet in panic. "What the fuck?"


    "Please! I know you''re frightened, but you''re safe now!" The wolf-creature desperately called out to him as she slowly took a step forward. "I know this is a lot to take in, but you''re not on your home plane of existence any more!"


    "What the hell is going on?" Jack barely managed to get out as he pushed back. "This isn''t happening!"


    Feeling the pain in his stomach Jack immediately retched, twisted himself over to his hands and knees and threw up on the barren ground.


    "He''s hurt!" the leader called out to her team. "Get our healers on standby back home."


    Jack stopped and rolled away on hearing more footsteps.


    "Stay away!" he cried out, reaching around him for some kind of weapon.


    "Please! We''re not here to hurt you!" the wolf-creature called out. "This place is dangerous! We can get you somewhere safe and help you!"


    Jack stopped, seeing what could only be genuine empathy in the eyes of the creature.


    "My name is Cornelia." she spoke slowly and soothingly. "What''s yours?"


    "J-Jack!" Jack replied without thinking.


    "Okay, Jack." Cornelia nodded, getting closer as she saw Jack no longer backing away. "We have people that can fix your injuries and hopefully get you back to where you belong, but you''ve got to come with us. It''s still dangerous here."


    Jack didn''t respond, only staring blankly in shock as Cornelia stopped in front of him.


    "I know you feel like the unluckiest person in the galaxy right now, Jack, but I swear to you by the light of Astara herself that I am telling you the truth. We can help you!"


    She raised a paw to Jack to help him up.


    "If you understand me, take my hand."


    Jack took it, and was pulled up.


    Only he didn¡¯t come face to face with Cornelia this time, as it had been that night.


    Staring at him with a curious expression, was the hooded face of Devil''s Daughter.


    Reacting without thinking Jack lurched back¡­


    And woke up.


    Dante quickly nuzzled up to him as he calmed his nerves and breathing before there was a quiet knock, announcing the presence of Chiyo, who gave him some water.


    I saw what happened. she messaged him. I''m so sorry.


    "Don''t be." Jack sighed, as he gulped the water down. "It''s in the past. Devil''s Daughter¡¯s fucking with me again."


    I only briefly detected her presence. But you woke up before I could help.


    Jack sighed, exhausted. "How long until we need to get up for school?


    Still a few hours.


    "I think I need a stiff drink¡±


    ******


    Svaartal had been summoned not long after he and Svaarti had finished unpacking. Their new apartment was much larger than they had been used to, with two bedrooms, a decent kitchen and living room and a clean bathroom, and Svaarti was mostly happy with it.


    Except for the fact they were in Drow territory.


    Svaartal had dismissed her concerns, though. The Mal''Kars had wanted information out of him concerning the human, and he was all too happy to provide it as a down payment, along with some of Jack¡¯s blood and flesh samples he had scraped off his tongue and sword.


    He came to a stop outside of where his commlink told him the meeting chamber was. The three Mal''Kar males stood outside the double doors, stopping Svaartal when he wanted to knock on the door.


    "I wouldn''t," Kravel stated simply. "Our sister does not wish to be disturbed at this moment. Our guest has yet to arrive anyway."


    "Yes, very fortunate you got those samples of the Outsider." Soren grinned. "Though it is such a shame I will not be the one to kill him."


    "I think now is a good time to be clear on something," the largest Drow, Ull growled.


    There was barely a brief pause before, without warning, Ull suddenly grabbed Svaartal''s neck and pinned him to the wall. The Nirah panicked and prepared to shoot acid, but Ull''s other arm snapped his mouth shut.


    "Go ahead," Ull mocked. "Use your acid or your Slevaash venom on me."


    "What do you want?" Svaartal managed to grunt out, trying to think of a spell to get him out of this. Even blinking wouldn''t work now that Ull had a hold of him.


    Ull leaned in close. "If you ever even think of betraying us, I will personally make your death painful. And as for that weakling sister of yours? She will end up wishing she shared in your fate. Do you understand?"


    "Yes!" Svaartal quickly replied, trying not to sound as terrified as he was.


    "Good!" Ull gave a growling reply, letting the Nirah go as he moved back to where he was before.


    A few minutes later, the double doors opened and they were ushered in. Svaartal waited until the others sat down, glad he had researched Drow customs as he sat in his assigned seat. Izadora sat at the head, Ull on her right, Soren and Kravel on the left. Svaartal sat on the left next to Soren.


    Izadora pressed something on the table and ordered to the slave on the other end, "Escort our guest here, and please inform the twins that their presence is required after he leaves."


    She addressed the room. "An anonymous ally has learned of the Deathworlder and has assigned additional resources to us, most likely the unknown party adding to our bounty. It seems they also have an interest in wanting the Outsider dead."


    The door opened and in strode a short, pale man with red hair and unnatural wicked scars across his face.


    "Doctor Grine," Izadora greeted. "Please take a seat."


    The doctor did not. He looked bored as he took in each of them before finally speaking in a quiet, refined tone. "Your agent told me you had something to assist me in eliminating Devil''s Daughter and gave me funds to ensure my attendance. Talk."


    "Very well." Izadora involuntarily bowed nervously as she took out a briefcase and opened it, revealing the three vials of Jack¡¯s blood with bits of flesh that Svaartal had given them to secure their pact. ¡°We have several DNA samples of a confirmed Outsider species, the one you placed your mark on, in fact. It is my belief that we can work together to eliminate our mutual enemies.¡±


    ¡°I care not for the status of the Outsider. I only wish to kill Devil¡¯s Daughter and ideally harvest her body for my research,¡± Grine snapped, shutting Izadora up. ¡°However, these rare DNA strains may be of benefit. Show me your report on the Outsider.¡±


    Izadora slid him the report they had compiled, mostly from Svaartal¡¯s account. The Nirah was a little perplexed by the reactions of the Drow, who he always saw as portraying a constant aura of strength.


    But here they were afraid! And openly so! Just who was this guy?!


    Svaartal subtly extended his magical senses just enough to try and make sense of it, but strangely enough, Dr Grine didn¡¯t seem to be a mage as he had guessed. Something was off about the guy, but what? And why were the Drow so scared of him?


    ¡°There are a lot of ¡®possibles,¡¯¡± Grine dismissed as he read the report. ¡°¡­possible champion of Astara¡­possible Null capabilities¡­possible Demon Lord¡­unknown magical potential. This seems almost too good to be true for my research. If this is inaccurate¡­¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t that we know of Doctor, and we hope your insight into the samples will confirm it for us. Regardless, we believe you are the best person for the job of eliminating both the Outsider and Devil¡¯s Daughter, with assistance from House Mal¡¯Kar forces.¡±


    Grine stared at her with unnatural red eyes for a moment. ¡°I am not interested in a complex alliance. However, I have something useful that will aid you in your efforts that I am willing to sell to you in exchange for the samples. The question is, what else do you have to offer me?¡±


    Grine¡¯s price was high, but an accord was finally reached. Almost a minute passed after the doctor left before Izadora pressed the button on her desk. ¡°Send the twins in.¡±


    The door opened and two Drow entered, a male in a pristine suit and a female in a white dress wearing a pair of thick shades.


    ¡°It looks like we have a new mission, sister-of-mine!¡± the male spoke in a lazy drawl, his insane grin somehow permanently affixed to his face as he spoke.


    ¡°Most wonderful, brother-of-mine!¡± the woman spoke with a matching Cheshire cat smile. ¡°It has been too long! Will it be the Outsider I¡¯ve heard so much about? We need a new friend to play with!¡±


    ¡°Now that you¡¯re here,¡± Izadora continued, asserting herself and ignoring the insane ramblings of the newcomers. ¡°Here is what I propose¡­¡±


    It had been an hour of back and forth, but finally, The Twins left in full understanding of their mission, specially selecting the most elite of House Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s forces to form a Drow killteam, making use of Dr Grine¡¯s¡­.products. The other Drow Nobles left and Svaartal moved to join them.


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    Svaartal stopped, turning and seeing Izadora looking at him with an¡­unusual expression. The Drow Matriarch waited until the room was clear before moving closer to Svaartal. ¡°Join me in my chambers. It occurs to me that you have proven yourself valuable and I should properly welcome you to the fold.¡±


    Svaartal knew better than to refuse.

 Chapter 38: The Gloom Cauldron

    ¡°It has come to the school¡¯s attention that several students have been reported missing, with a few being discovered several hours later with seemingly no memory. All students are advised to be extra cautious until the threat is rooted out," Mrs Schlart addressed them at their end-of-day form class.


    It had been a day or two since Jack had relived his arrival in his nightmares. He hadn''t been sleeping much, to the concern of the others, who were amazed that he was still standing even without the use of energy drinks. He had taken to spending many restless hours training outside with his footwork, gunplay and up close axe work, with Dante occasionally coming over to observe him. It would not do to be unprepared for a fight, and if his fight with Svaartal proved anything, it was that he needed to get better.


    He needed a better counter for magic as well, and though Chiyo agreed with his hypothesis that he had some kind of resistance to certain aspects of it, he wasn''t invulnerable to it.


    The others had spoken about shopping for some better gear for the future, though that depended upon them selling their loot, especially what he and Sephy acquired from the Prefects Lockup. Jack was especially keen on getting some more magical items to give him more of an edge after he got Xharl''s shield, but Alora had warned him about the prices.


    Which led to some discussion about their next run, to Alora''s dismay. They had made a lot over the weekend, but the promise of a hot tub had been an expensive one, and although they had more than enough to pay their bills, they could always have more funds¡­


    Their plan for this week had been to try and divine where the Gloom Cauldron had come from by tracking both it and Dubakku via divination; however, despite Alora and Chiyo''s best efforts, they had been unable to do so on their own.


    So the plan was to get some help.


    Svaarti, Zayle and Nya had been persuaded to help with a divining ritual after school, and it was only now that their schedules coincided. School had been a mostly boring affair, with a few repeat classes of maths and communication as they were core curriculum subjects, though Jack had to admit that Geography had been pretty fun. Miss Riied was one of those passionate teachers who liked to go off-topic in response to class questions, and as a result, Jack had learned about some fascinating natural phenomena from alien planets Miss Riied had visited. He wouldn''t be surprised if he learned more from her stories than he would had she conducted the lesson properly. He wasn''t even mad he received homework.


    "So I urge all of you to be careful," Mrs Schlart concluded. "We don''t know the nature of the threat and I do not wish for any of you to be in danger, especially with the loss of several of you recently." She looked towards the empty seats where Xharl and his cronies had once sat. "Class dismissed!"


    "Finally!" Nika groaned. "Today was so long! I can''t wait for this week to be over!"


    "It''s not all bad!" Sephy grinned. "We have a Deathball game at the end of it with our new secret weapon!" She looked pointedly at Jack.


    "And a party that''s sure to be fun!" Alora smiled. "The Bharzum triplets have invited most of our year! They''re definitely looking to show off!"


    "I wonder why .." Jack snorted as the triplets in question were giving him the eyes as they left the classroom. "But I want to see what this ritual does¡­"


    "I have faith it will go well," Alora cheerily replied. "Five of the best mystics in our year are working on this. Even if we have different styles, I''m confident we''ll find something useful."


    "What are we even trying to find?" Sephy asked, a little lost.


    Realistically, whatever information we can get. Chiyo clarified. What the Gloom Cauldron does, why Dubakuu had it, and what connection does it have with the slicer. Hopefully we''ll get some good answers, but I''d be happy with more clues.


    "Well, if not, I''ve reached out to one of my slicer friends who has the equipment needed to take a crack at the cyberware." Sephy sighed. "We track that, we find the asshole, though we''ll need to be ready to strike quickly. If we get a ping, chances are whoever was helping Dubakuu will too, and we don''t want them to wipe their data and escape!"


    "After the Deathball game, then?" Jack suggested. "Assuming that doesn''t kill us?"


    "Good idea!" Nika agreed. "Since we''re on school premises we should be juiced up. Since it''s also the last day of school before the weekend, we should have enough time for Sephy''s friend to do their thing and to raid wherever they tell us."


    "The party''s the day after!" Sephy grinned. "So we already have the post-run celebration sorted if it doesn''t take too long!"


    If we absolutely have to hit a location on such short notice without scoping it out first or knowing what kind of opposition we''ll find, then we need to prepare. Chiyo cautioned.


    "Agreed," Alora replied seriously. "Everything we know about Dubakku''s activities before we fought him tells us he was operating locally, so we shouldn''t need to worry about any long trips."


    "I have some spare MREs anyway that won''t take up much room," Nika added. "And we should have enough water. I reckon we need to make sure we gear up as best we can. Wands, grenades, batteries, whatever. And the best armour and guns we can get if needed. Just make sure you can carry it all without slowing. We need to hit hard and fast."


    "Is there a way of teleporting us to wherever we need to go?" Jack asked. "We know Vanya can do something like that?"


    "Chiyo and I can''t," Alora replied with a sigh. "The way our magic works is less compatible for teleportation than, say, Vanya''s or Svaarti''s. It''s not impossible, but it''s a risk."


    But there''s nothing stopping us from asking a friend that can for help. Chiyo reasoned. I know Nya can do it, and it''s not like she''ll tell anyone before we''re done.


    "As long as they don''t stick around after they get us to wherever we need to go," Jack cautioned. "I feel bad enough that you guys are stuck in my mess as it is."


    "It''s our mess too, now!" Sephy laughed. "Don''t worry about it. This should help clean it up anyway once we slice up the slicer!"


    "I don''t really talk to her that much, so if you speak to Nya that''d be great, Chiyo,¡± Nika added, getting down to business. ¡±Honestly, I''d trust her out of the people we know. Vanya will blab, Svaarti''s too close to an enemy we really don''t want fucking things up, and Luvia would probably try to eat us if we suggested she fly us."


    "Sounds good," Alora confirmed, and the others nodded in agreement. "Chiyo, I think if we ask her later in private we can keep it more secret. Let us know if she says no, but I think we should be good."


    Chiyo just nodded and smiled as they got to the room they had booked for that afternoon.


    As they waited for the others, the two mystics of the group stretched and acted nervously, as if they were anticipating running a race, before one by one their friends arrived.


    "We''ll need you three to let us know if something looks wrong," Alora told them nervously. "I''ve never led a ritual like this before."


    "We know, Alora." Nika rolled her eyes. "And we''ll keep an eye out for glowy woojoo shit and any anomalies, not that that''s ever happened before."


    "And we have the map and compass as well," Sephy added. "If we have an esoteric trace we''ll write it down while you commune with the gods."


    "That''s literally not how this works." Alora sighed at her friend, but stopped when she saw the Skritta''s grin, knowing her friend was just winding her up.


    "Write down whatever we see," Jack confirmed. "Just don''t push yourselves."


    The casters all nodded as they all sat cross-legged in a circle, having drawn some runes on the ground and setting up some physical props and components to use. On getting the Gloom Cauldron out of her bag, Svaarti marvelled at all the tiny runic scrips running throughout, noting that much of it looked ancient and impossible to fully decipher, though the others agreed with her initial conclusion that it had an aspect of summoning.


    As all five casters started whispering words to focus their power the lines and runes began to glow a dark purple, beginning with the cauldron in the middle. Several lines of runes began to glow around its base, which Jack quickly tried to scribble down as quickly as he could.


    "Look at the map!" Sephy whispered to him and Nika, as a circular pointer slowly moved to certain places, sometimes stopping for a period of time before slowly resuming.


    "I''ll note down the places it moves to and how long it stays there," Nika whispered back. "What''s the other stuff doing?"


    Jack looked towards an orb that swirled with smoke, which changed colour from a deep purple, to a blood red, and finally black before repeatedly the pattern.


    "Jack." Sephy got his attention, pointing at a needle in a bowl of water, which was pointing right at him. "Would you mind moving a few paces?"


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Jack did, and the needle followed.


    Interesting.


    Jack noted another piece of paper on the ground that was shoddily writing several runes using a special writing implement designed to be manipulated by ritual magic.


    The purple runes on the cauldron seemed to expand out, blurring slightly before twisting into forms that even Jack was able to determine.


    Tapestry¡­Unholy¡­Avatar¡­Corruption¡­Death¡­Beyond¡­Domination¡­


    Suddenly, as one, all five casters recoiled back in shock, releasing their hold on one another and disrupting the ritual, as various reagents that had been in motion clattered and fell still.


    "Here!" Jack quickly handed Alora and Zayle some cups of water they had prepared as Nika and Sephy did the same with the other three. "What happened? Are you alright?"


    "I think so." Alora sighed, audibly frazzled. "We agreed we''d stop at the first sign of something dangerous."


    "This¡­artefact is evil," Nya spoke with serious eyes as she looked specifically at Jack. "Where did you get it?"


    "Told you, picked it up off some asshole coming after Jack," Sephy quickly spoke up. "Just need to know if we can sell it or not."


    "Destroy it," Nya replied, speaking in an affirmative tone Jack had never heard from her before. "That thing radiates evil magic. Whoever last used it was preparing to make a sacrifice of something powerful.


    The Oracle. Jack thought to himself. That would explain why Dubakuu tried to get to it.


    "If this artefact is focused on summoning, then maybe they wanted to summon something powerful," Zayle reasoned. "You said its master tried to attack halveer Jack? I don''t think he''d work as a sacrifice¡­"


    "What else did you find out?" Nika asked, wanting to note down everything while the memory was still fresh


    "Divine in nature," Alora dismissed. "None we recognised, probably an old god, definitely one of the evil ones."


    "Nekdon?" Jack asked. Despite that particular god being checked, he had faced way too much shit with that god''s name on it recently, so he had to ask.


    "Shared some aspects, but if Nekdon is involved it would have been in collaboration with several other gods, which rarely happens - especially among darker deities, though a worthy champion could theoretically gain the blessings of multiple gods.¡±


    "The artefact has also been heavily drained of magic," Svaarti added. "It was used for something powerful recently. Honestly, you should really hand this in to one of the churches, they''d be able to investigate."


    "Not until we know everything first and confirm we''re in the clear," Sephy dismissed. "Since we were involved directly, I''d rather not receive a reward from the Church of Siros only for their Purifiers to come after us. They''ve been known to do that before."


    "Svaarti may be right." Alora sighed. "I know you have your reasons for not trusting the Church of Astara, but it might be best to leave this with them once we¡¯re done with it. You haven''t seen the things we''ve seen."


    "We''ve been relying on the Church of Astara too often recently," Sephy grumbled. "A private collector would pay a lot for it¡­"


    "Let''s discuss this another time," Jack interrupted, heading off the incoming argument. "What else do we know?"


    "Got the locations on the map," Nika answered, waving her paper around to show them. ¡°Significant places for the Cauldron. Why we don''t know, but hey - it''s something!"


    "Some of these places are ruins, some are the middle of nowhere and some are some pretty hot spots," Alora concluded. "What else did you see?"


    "There was the needle following Jack around!" Sephy pointed out.


    "Could it be because he was the intended sacrifice?" Svaarti asked, unconvinced. ¡°If not, I have no idea!"


    "Purple, Red and Black smoke, too," Jack added. ¡°Apart from that writing thing you had, that''s it."


    Purple involves summoning, Red is probably destruction, Black is corruption. Chiyo confirmed.


    "That confirms what we know," Alora nodded. "Sorry, Sephy, we can''t hold on to this."


    Sephy swore under her breath but Nika slapped her on the back. "Hey, we''ve made a lot already, and chances are we''re going to make more. Keeping this thing''s gonna cost us long term."


    Alora turned to their three friends, credit chips in hand. Zayle took hers without complaint, Nya didn''t expect to receive one and Svaarti''s came with something extra.


    "That''s the scale I wanted! Perfect!" the Nirah squealed in glee.


    Why do you even need that? Chiyo asked her, a little curious. Svaarti had been much more upbeat today than usual, and the Ilithii found it strange, despite being happy for her friend.


    "Let''s just say I have a ritual of my own to conduct!" Svaarti replied with a smile as she left.


    "That was weird." Nika finally commented after several seconds of silence. "What shall we do now? Got a cauldron to get rid of, preparation for a run, homework, Deathball practice and fuck knows what else¡­"


    They paused like that for several more seconds before Alora spoke up with a one-word question.


    "Drinks?" she asked.


    "Drinks," the others all confirmed.


    *****


    "BWAHAHAHAHA!" the portly-looking snail-creature exclaimed. ¡°EVERYBODY''S GOT A PRICE! FOR THE MILLION CREDIT MAN!"


    "Speaking of," Nika prompted, as she and Jack kept hold of the bags of weapons they had to trade.


    "Of course!" The man grinned. "May I offer you a drink?"


    "As payment for the bags, no." Sephy rolled her eyes, nudging her head to indicate Jack. "Trust me when I say my Deathworlder friend here is more than capable of taking down a less-than-honest entrepreneur."


    "Now, now! I would never!" the ''Million Credit Man'' exclaimed in overexaggerated disbelief. "On the house then, to celebrate our transaction."


    "No thank you," Jack growled, having been warned not to accept refreshments beforehand. "Payment. Now."


    "Very well. Viirgll!"


    A hulking brute of a Ploothe trundled beside his boss, carrying a case. On opening it and showing it to the room he brought it up to the centre of the room. Nika walked over as agreed to check it was enough, while Jack just stood there, trying to look intimidating as he did.


    "I take it our business is concluded?" the ''Million Credit Man'' asked.


    "Sure," Nika replied with a smile. "Unless you''re willing to part with a few of your magical artefacts."


    "Hmm¡­¡± the broker replied, thinking hard. "Another time."


    "Dammit!" Sephy moaned after the three of them had left. "I was sure he''d fall for a double or nothing! Chiyo said she wanted more magical gear!"


    "I think he was on the fence," Jack replied. "Challenging him on the drinks probably turned him against it. Doesn''t matter, there''s always next time."


    "At least this guy pays well." Nika shrugged. "Alora and Chiyo should get the underlay armour for all of us sorted out, at least now we have the funds."


    "The skintight bodysuit stuff? Ewww." Sephy grinned. "Calibrating Jack should be fun though!"


    "If it keeps us all safe, fine," Jack admitted with a sigh at Sephy''s comment. "I just hope they got my size right, and that they have one for Dante!"


    "That''s why he''s gone with them!" Nika grinned. "Though Chiyo wasn''t too happy about that!"


    The group had been focusing on preparing that evening. Sephy had found a reasonable enough buyer for their looted weapons, with the possibility to purchase further dubiously obtained goods, and Alora suggested they invest in a good quality base layer. So they decided to split the part to get things sorted that evening, before they would have to experience Chiyo''s cooking later on, which the others had joked about but Jack had never experienced.


    Sephy knew their buyer in question had several magical items in his collection and was a notorious gambling man. She had hoped to goad him into betting a few magical items pitting one of his bodyguards against Jack, who had agreed with her plan. It was a shame the ''Million Credit Man'' didn''t take the bait.


    The trip back was uneventful despite Jack''s worries. There had been a close call at one point where a group of undead ''Crypt'' gangsters were loitering by one of the district entrances, dressed in rags of bright blue and obviously looking for trouble, but Jack and the girls had successfully blended into the busy crowds and weren''t bothered.


    As they approached the house, the smell of something noxious permeated the evening air.


    "Ah! There you are!" Alora forced a smile as they entered. "Chiyo''s just finished cooking!"


    *****


    Okay, maybe the unidentified lightning beast isn''t completely unbearable. Chiyo admitted as Dante finished the rest of their leftovers for that evening. To Jack, the soup hadn''t been as terrible as he had expected, just that the ingredients likely weren''t the best combination. At least the ''dog'' liked it.


    Making his excuses and attempting to go to sleep early that night, Jack tossed and turned as he anticipated the horrors of that night.


    Jack did not know when exactly he first became lucid. The first thing he remembers is a corridor of grey, a few shadows of insignificant faces walking by. Grey walls, darker grey floors, and grey skies barely lighting up the battered, rusted locker he was rummaging through.


    And then he heard the sounds.


    The shouts, the cruel laughter, the screams¡­


    ¡°No¡­¡± Jack replied in horror. He knew why he was here. ¡°No!¡±


    He knew exactly what this nightmare was, and he wanted no part of it. The end of the corridor was there, inviting him like a siren call. He knew if he went there he would experience it again.


    ¡°WHERE ARE YOU?!¡± Jack yelled, though no answer came. The siren song of his past actions called harder and harder¡­


    Striking back with a force of sheer will, Jack refused to heed its call. He couldn¡¯t live through that again¡­


    There was another way¡­


    The quiet sound of footsteps snapped Jack out of his thoughts as he lay in wait. They were deliberate, like someone was purposefully trying not to make too much noise as it came closer, before finally stopping, then shuffling around in confusion.


    It was then Jack struck, charging out of the locker with burning fury as Devil¡¯s Daughter snapped round with wide eyes of shock only to take a full-force punch to the face from the pissed off human. She fell back with a panicked expression, holding up her hands to cover her shimmering face as Jack quickly closed the distance¡­


    Only for Jack to wake up.


    ¡°Aww come on¡­¡± He sighed as he took a few sips of water and checked the time. Another early morning, but he¡¯d gotten some hours of sleep in, which was better than the last few nights. Dante quickly came trotting up a minute later and jumped onto the bed, giving Jack a few licks.


    Chuckling, Jack relaxed and gave the ¡®dog¡¯ a few scritches as he leaned back and relaxed.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter.¡± He sighed again, more to himself than to Dante.


    ¡°At least I got her this time!¡±

 Chapter 39: Familiars

    ¡°Awww! She¡¯s so cute!¡± Alora squealed as Svaarti showed them the little bundle on her shoulder. To Jack it looked like someone had taken a flying squirrel, a bat and an armadillo and spliced them together, with patches of white fur, large cute eyes and a thin, expandable membrane that extended from its scaled limbs, allowing it to hop and glide to wherever Svaarti pointed, rewarding it with small pieces of fruit. From what Chiyo told him of familiars, they didn¡¯t need sustenance or much training, but that didn¡¯t matter to Svaarti who was clearly having fun with T¡¯Chika, her new friend she¡¯d summoned into being.


    ¡°And this is Jack!¡± Svaarti whispered encouragingly to the creature as if it were a child. ¡°Say hello!¡±


    ¡°Hello Jack!¡± the tiny creature squeaked, curiously looking up at the human.


    ¡°Hello!¡± Jack replied with a faint smile, stroking the top of its head.


    ¡°She''s amazing, Svaarti!¡± Vanya smiled as put an arm around her friend. ¡°Think she¡¯ll be able to help us out with the paper?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she can¡­¡± Svaarti replied hesitantly as the queue the group were in got ever closer to the Prefect checkpoint. ¡°Perhaps if we have the time to help with it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You¡¯re usually keen to get involved!¡±


    ¡°Shame we can¡¯t take Dante to school,¡± Jack spoke up, changing the subject as Svaarti seemed reluctant to answer. ¡°He would have been helpful against the drow.¡±


    ¡°We still need to meet him!¡± Vanya beamed, trying to be subtle in putting her other arm around Jack seductively. ¡°When do I next see you guys outside of school? I really wouldn¡¯t mind testing out that hot tub of yours!¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t got that yet!¡± Sephy quickly replied, taking Jack¡¯s other arm a bit too forcefully. ¡°You¡¯ll probably see us at the Bharzum¡¯s Party.


    ¡°Not after school? You¡¯ve got a Deathball game, haven¡¯t you?¡± Vanya asked with a sad expression, looking to Jack.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°We¡¯ll celebrate our win at the party!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re that confident, are you?¡± they heard from another queue to the side. ¡°You¡¯re facing me and my team with a squad of 10!¡±


    ¡°Hey there, Luvia!¡± Alora smiled and waved at the dragon. ¡°They¡¯ve been training hard this week!¡±


    ¡°So have we! And I haven¡¯t seen you in ages! OH HI JACK!¡± She enthusiastically waved back upon seeing the human. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you in days! The two of us really need to catch up! You should come watch our game tomorrow!¡±


    ¡°Will do!¡± Jack called back with his best poker face.


    Sephy barely stifled her laugh. Their Deathball team had kept their newest team member a secret as best they could, and it seemed that that strategy was working wonders!


    Svaarti was first to undergo an inspection by the Prefects, and she was shaking with nervousness. T¡¯Chika was small and quiet, but that didn¡¯t stop the Nirah from worrying.


    ¡°And just what are YOU hiding from me?¡± the Prefect snarled at Svaarti. ¡°We¡¯ve been told to be on the alert for drug pushers this week. Arms against the wall!¡±


    ¡°That will be unnecessary,¡± a voice snarled from across the room as Svaartal slithered up to the Prefect and stared her down, flanked by the drow Soran and Kravel. The brother eyed the rest of the group challengingly, then smiled to his sister, nodding for her to pass through as he accompanied her away from the scene.


    ¡°It¡¯s that one you want to examine closely,¡± Kravel spoke up with a slimy growl, mockingly pointing at Jack. ¡°I recommend a full cavity search.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s your sister?¡± Jack taunted back. ¡°You inbreeding pussies managed to fix her face yet?¡±


    Kravel growled in anger as black flames appeared in both hands, Jack being quick on the mark and swiftly levelling his Dominator at the asshole''s head, daring him to try something. ¡°Had I been here, you would be screaming in pain,¡± the Drow wizard sneered.


    ¡°More like sighing in boredom,¡± Jack quipped.


    Soren quickly put an arm around his brother, seeing they were outnumbered by the rest of the group. ¡°You¡¯ll get what¡¯s coming to you soon, Outsider. I guarantee it,¡± he drawled. ¡°Such a shame that Rena put an end to our fight, but no matter. Our new Nirah friend was very forthcoming about your capabilities.¡±


    They were interrupted by a deep set growl from behind them as Luvia stepped in close, the dragon girl snarling at them.


    ¡°Leave. Them. Alone.¡±


    ¡°Fine. He¡¯s a dead man walking anyway. Devastation comes for you, Deathworlder¡­¡± Soren replied with a sickening chuckle as he and Kravel backed away and got out of sight.


    Seeing that the Prefect at their checkpoint had long fled leaving behind a small puddle, the rest of the group quickly went through.


    ¡°So Svaartal¡¯s thrown his lot in with the Drow,¡± Nika growled. ¡°That makes things much, much worse.¡±


    ¡°What the hell?!¡± Vanya exclaimed. ¡°That must be why Svaarti¡¯s been acting so weird! She must have moved out without even telling us! Her father always forbade her from doing a bunch of things, including summoning a familiar!¡±


    ¡°I always thought we¡¯d get the call to help her leave home at some point.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve offered her a room with us any time she needs it, but she¡¯s always refused to leave her brother behind.¡±


    ¡°Never understood that,¡± Nika grunted. ¡°Piece of shit isn¡¯t worth it.¡±


    Regardless, Svaartal must have cut a deal with the drow to get protection and patronage for him and Svaarti. Chiyo reasoned. And if Soren is to be believed, he gave them tactical advice on our group. We must be careful!


    ¡°No way is Svaarti gonna be in a good spot there,¡± Sephy warned. ¡°It¡¯s the Mal¡¯Kars, for fuck sake!¡±


    ¡°She seems happy,¡± Vanya worriedly spoke. ¡°But I¡¯ll need to speak to her.¡±


    Jack stayed silent, thinking to himself about what had just happened.


    Just what were the drow planning?


    *******


    ¡°Very good you two!¡± Mr Bazil, the Industrial Vocation teacher, praised the pair of Jack and Nika as they showed off the robot they had put together, which had just been awakened with some adaptive software. "Those eight spindly legs were an interesting design choice considering the small size required, but it seems to have worked well! Which one of you came up with that?"


    ¡°I did, Sir,¡± Jack spoke up. ¡°There¡¯s a creature where I come from that can crawl up walls and that inspired the idea.¡±


    ¡°Excellent work!¡±  The teacher grinned. ¡°You¡¯ve got movement sorted out, so your homework for the next two weeks before our next lesson is to work out what features you want to add to it and do so, then fully calibrate your bot with the software so it can learn how to properly operate itself. When we next convene you two can tell us about the bot you¡¯ve made!¡±


    ¡°Sounds good!¡± Jack replied, having had genuine fun with Nika  rummaging through the different boxes of components and seeing what worked with the standard motherbase component they all started with.


    ¡°That was amazing!¡± Nika smiled as they left. ¡°Usually I end up with randoms trying to mooch off me, so I¡¯m lucky I have you to work with now!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just glad you know what you¡¯re doing!¡± Jack laughed. ¡°Though how come it¡¯s two weeks rather than one?¡±


    ¡°This alternates with Cookery.¡± She grinned. ¡°Though they mix up the classes again for that. I¡¯ve checked, I join Alora and Sephy, and you¡¯re stuck with Chiyo next week! Art and Music alternate too, but I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s it for you. At least for this school rotation!¡±


    ¡°That makes sense. It¡¯s a shame we don¡¯t get this again, but cooking won¡¯t be too bad as long as I have a recipe to follow.¡±


    ¡°Well you can get your practice in tonight!¡± Nika snorted as she put a reassuring arm around him. ¡°You¡¯ll be cooking for all of us!¡±


    Jack gulped at that.


    The next lesson was a boring Biology class, covering various types of single-celled organisms and their individual molecular makeup. To Jack it was a bit of a disappointment, as he would have much rather learned about the various alien creatures he might meet instead, but perhaps that would happen during a future lesson. Certainly both Sephy and Nika joined him in being bored, so he didn¡¯t feel too bad. Luckily, that snoozefest was followed by ¡®Species and Culture¡¯, which was actually rather interesting, learning the basics of three prominent alien species Jack had yet to meet, and then being given homework to do a bit more research on all of them.


    ¡°So remember! I want you to go into detail about their traditional gods, celebrated holidays and a rundown of their history before meeting the rest of the Galaxy!¡± Miss Luxcot called out as the bell rang and everyone began to pack their bags. ¡°At least 800 words per species!¡±


    At this the class groaned as they filed out of the room to go to lunch.


    ¡°That¡¯s gonna be a pain in the ass on a run weekend.¡± Sephy sighed.


    ¡°Well if each of us pick a species and share our notes we could cut down on the time?¡± Jack suggested.


    ¡°Sounds like some sort of plan.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Putting it to words will be annoying though, best to get it done tonight if we can. It¡¯ll suck, but we have a run and a party. I hate to say it, but we should eat quickly and make a start during lunch.¡±


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Both Jack and Sephy grumbled at that prospect.


    *****


    ¡°And so it is for this reason, that when you all finally join the wonderful world of corporate life, it is vitally important that you maintain a good, healthy working relationship with all of your colleagues, and remember that as we saw in our case study, your manager is your best friend and can always be trusted to lead your team and have your best interests at heart!¡±


    Yuck.


    After an interesting Physics lesson that went into detail on celestial bodies and something that sounded similar to Hubble¡¯s Law, Jack had hoped that their ¡®Galactic Citizenship¡¯ lesson would give him some more insight into the various kingdoms, empires and factions around the galaxy that he hadn¡¯t heard about yet. He had asked Alora about it, and while it was apparently on the syllabus, the school¡¯s corporate sponsors wanted students to be taught about the various megacorporations they would likely be working for when they were of age.


    It had Jack thinking dark thoughts. If the worst should happen and he was stuck here forever, what would he even do? Could he move on and live his life as the only human in an alien galaxy? Sit down in some shitty office job every day until he died? Maybe he¡¯d get to fly in a spaceship if he was lucky. Damn he missed home¡­


    He really hoped they¡¯d have better luck with tomorrow¡¯s run.


    Dante greeted them with his usual enthusiasm when they got home, with Nika and Sephy volunteering to walk him, though that was likely just because they wanted to put off the homework they had received that day.


    Which left Jack to cook a meal for the group. He flicked through the thick, battered cookbook he was given and stopped at a random page.


    What the hell was Xliplo Sauce?


    *****


    Chiyo wandered into the living room about half an hour later, having finished the rest of her homework for the evening. All things considered, it had been a rather typical school day, despite the occasional news of a missing student reappearing randomly throughout the day with little to no memory. Whatever the threat was, it hadn''t come for them yet, and it wasn¡¯t lethal. They knew Killer Kush had been around the school, but they had no idea just what was he possibly up to. Was he trying to get some information on Jack?


    Chiyo was interrupted by Jack singing something from the kitchen, where he had several pans and pots cooking at the same time. She didn¡¯t know what the song was, but assumed it was some kind of tradition or ritual from his home world.


    ¡°You gotta do the cooking by the book¡­¡±


    Chiyo had no idea how Jack had been able to keep going for this long. Every night he was woken up by Devil¡¯s Daughter messing with his dreams, and every time he just got up, cracked open an energy drink, and began to train. Thanks to her own unusual sleeping schedule, Chiyo had often joined him, and had seen him pull off some amazing moves with his guns, axe and knives.


    ¡°Never use a messy recipe¡­¡±


    Looking at Jack¡¯s aura, Chiyo could see that his underlying emotions were nowhere near his cheery facade. Jack had somehow managed to keep himself together all this time, but the telltale colours of fear and terror were still there, same as the day she met him, only this time much more vivid. Other signs were present as well. The red of anger, the blackness of despair


    But just faintly Chiyo saw the hint of other signs. There was happiness, a sense of belonging, even hope!


    ¡°If you do the cooking'' by the book. Then you''ll have a- BREAK IT DOWN BITCH! LET ME SEE YOU BACK IT UP!¡±


    Chiyo was snapped out of her thoughts by the sudden change in tune as Jack quickly checked something in the cookbook and quickly stirred several of the pots before looking up and seeing the now silent giggling Ilithii.


    ¡°What? Not your thing?¡± he joked, which made Chiyo laugh harder.


    Your singing is worse than my cooking! She texted back.


    Both of them laughed even harder at that.


    ¡°I could always give you a hand next time,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°According to Nika, we share a Cookery class next week anyway.¡±


    What would we even cook?


    ¡°Pancakes would be easy enough,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°My mum and dad drafted me to help them with a few dishes when I was younger, and I did a lot of backwoods cooking whenever I was with the Scouts. I guess the best way to get better would be to start with something simple, get confident at it, then take that knowledge to something similar but more difficult. ¡±


    You make it sound so simple!


    ¡°And it probably isn¡¯t.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Should be fun trying it at least!¡±


    They paused for an awkward moment, before Chiyo typed something.


    I would like to merge again tonight. She typed, looking seriously at Jack. We¡¯ve all agreed we need to get as much sleep as possible before tomorrow and you¡¯ve barely been getting any thanks to Devil¡¯s Daughter.


    Jack nodded. ¡°Sure, we know it works, but won¡¯t you get dragged into it if she attacks again?¡±


    Chiyo stopped at that, thinking about something for a moment, before suddenly using her power to gently pick Jack up and hold his limbs, before casually floating over a playfully flicking him on the forehead.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Jack snorted as he was let go, quickly rushing to the pans to stop the food from burning before Chiyo showed him a message, cheekily sticking her tongue out.


    You really like that hero complex of yours, don¡¯t you? Chiyo raised her eyebrows, demanding an answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that!¡± Jack sighed, as Chiyo¡¯s eyebrows grew even higher. ¡°I told you guys, it¡¯s my mess. I feel guilty letting you get involved and I don¡¯t want you to get hurt!¡±


    When Alora got into trouble with the drow, you didn¡¯t hesitate to back her up even when it had nothing to do with you. Chiyo retorted. When Sephy wanted to rob the Prefect¡¯s Lockup, you got involved in that stupid idea by asking her about it and joining her when you could have just ignored it.


    Jack mulled the meaning of that for a moment.


    All of us get into trouble at some point. Chiyo typed, quickly working her fingers. But it doesn¡¯t matter what it is, when we work together as a group, we can overcome it. The Spawn of Nekdon, Dubakuu, the Red Legion Aspirants, none of us as individuals could have done what we all did together. So stop making all this transactionary and trust us. We help one another because we¡¯re friends and we always know our friends have our backs.


    Jack nodded, understanding what the Ilithii meant.


    ¡°We¡¯ve really got to fix this communication issue between us.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°I could always do with some words of wisdom.¡±


    I absolutely agree! Chiyo grinned. You still owe me a date!


    Their dinner that night could have been worse.


    ******


    Svaartal, my dearest son.


    I hope this quick letter never has to reach you. If it does, it means that I am most likely dead, and that my sending spell will ensure you somehow receive this wherever you are by the winds of fate. At the time of writing this, my companions and I prepare for the final assault against Azazel, Lord of Torment and we don¡¯t have much time. It will be a difficult, bloody battle, but it is our hope that we can pierce into the heart of the planet, destroy the Demon Core, and end this war, freeing all those that are suffering under his rule.


    I have left you and Svaarti with your uncle Svaarzhul and his squadmates just until your grandparents get there and pick you up. I know it isn¡¯t ideal, but our forces have no choice but to seize this opening.


    If I don¡¯t make it back, your grandparents and all the rest of the family will do their best to look after you and show you all my letters I have left with them for you. I am so proud of you! I know you will grow up to do great things!


    Take care of your little sister, and know that I will always love you.


    Your mother, Svaarvali.


    Pocketing the letter once again, Svaartal let out a heavy breath as he sat down in the centre of the room he and Svaarti had claimed as their ritual chamber, having made all the needed preparations for what he was trying to accomplish. He knew Svaarti would not approve of his extra steps, and so had waited until she left school with her friend Vanya for a few hours to ensure he would not be disturbed.


    He had observed Svaarti using a scale she had acquired to give a physical form and sentience to an appropriate spirit, and was glad nothing went wrong. Svaarti had cast the basic form of the ritual, just happy to get a companion she could talk to as it scuttled and jumped around their apartment in the first few hours before it finally ran out of energy and was just happy to be petted.


    But Svaartal wanted something more complex.


    Far more complex, and far more powerful.


    In theory, there was no limit to the number of focusing layers one could add to such a complex casting, simply limited by reagents and magical power, but with greater powers came a greater will required to tame and shape the much rarer kinds of chosen spirit. Many an overconfident mage had perished in the attempt of such rituals, but Svaartal knew his limits perfectly, and intended to push on the very edge of them.


    A quick word of power ignited the black candles of rare wax he had purchased and meticulously placed between and around the sigils he had drawn on the ground, initiating the casting. Relaxing in his coils he pushed all unwanted sensations away from his mind as he focused on the catalyst in front of him. A single reddish-black feather on top of a small hill of obsidian pebbles. Forcing his thoughts into picturing his desired form, he felt the ritual commence fully, and he closed his eyes as he murmured the activation stance.


    Expanding his magical senses, Svaartal opened his astral third eye, and found himself floating in a sea of swirling shapes and colours. Looking around, he could see several orbs of many shades rise up from the infinite ocean. Spirits all, some large and some small, he began to call to his vision, and allowed the slow ocean currents to take him to where he needed to be. Several of the orbs floated to him, begging him to take them but he refused them all. Too weak, too naive.


    He didn¡¯t know how long he floated in the astral, deep in his meditations. Time in this realm flowed differently to that of reality, but Svaartal did not allow his mind to wander. Whimsical thoughts were dangerous in a place like this, where the horrors of the unprepared mind could be made manifest to wreak havoc on the one that thought them. Fortunately, Svaartal had always kept a sharp mind.


    Eventually, he found himself face to face with what he was looking for, a perfect spiritual match. Rather than skip along the astral waves or beg, the dark grey orb simply waited as Svaartal examined it, and the Nirah knew he was being examined back.


    Suddenly, the form warped and shifted quicker than the eye could see, with the occasional spark of red or black within the writhing mass. A sliver of doubt permeated Svaartal¡¯s mind on seeing that. He had never heard of a spirit acting like that before.


    It was then the battle of wills began.


    Svaartal could feel a presence push on his mind, as if searching for a weakness, quickly reaching around and methodically chipping away at his mental walls. It was a classic test of worthiness for a mage, to tame a spirit and exert one¡¯s will. Most weaker spirits didn¡¯t bother, happy as they were to accept any master that wanted them, but stronger ones had the instinct to resist, like an animal fighting off a predator.


    And this one was strange.


    And powerful.


    Rather than the panicked clawing and hammering at his mind, this one was smarter, taking root in his self doubt and insecurities and trying to force them wide. Svaartal had never heard of a spirit do this before, but he recognised it for the test it was and lashed out in an attack of his own, taking all of his anger and lashing right back at the spirit, forcing it back. It didn¡¯t attack again, perceiving Svaartal in greater detail as the Nirah did the same to it. Unusually, there wasn¡¯t another attack. Svaartal felt a sensation of eager agreement from the spirit, a soon-to-be soul to be given form. Expecting a trick, Svaartal extended his astral sense once more. The moment he touched the spirit he felt the connection, a bond of souls working in harmony as the contract was formed.


    Svaartal muttered more words in his physical form to begin the next phase of the ritual. Now that the binding was complete, his familiar needed a physical form of their own. From an animalistic spirit, Svaartal would awaken it into a true soul, and will it into sentience. Hearing the physical creation on the material plane at the edge of his senses, Svaartal pictured what he wanted in his mind, using much of his remaining magical power to shape the spirit¡¯s form like clay.


    And the spirit was pleased.


    As the ritual came to an end, Svaartal opened his eyes. In front of him stood a large bird-like creature, about a metre tall with obsidian feathers black as night with a red tint like burning embers, thick, powerful wings of perfect muscle, and honed, sharp talons of dark steel. With a serrated beak of razor teeth, it spoke.


    ¡°I ask of you.¡± It spoke calmly, looking at Svaartal with intelligent, black, calculating eyes.


    ¡°Are you my master?¡±

 Chapter 40: Nightmare

    ¡°So, I just sit like this, and you¡¯ll throw up a bunch of barriers and initiate the merge?¡± Jack asked, sitting cross-legged on the ground in Chiyo¡¯s room. The two were directly facing one another in the centre of her meditation circle, ready to begin the merge, and hopefully use the opportunity to mentally prepare for the ordeal to come while allowing Jack¡¯s body the chance to sleep.


    Yes. Chiyo quickly typed back. While I would prefer direct contact with you, this is likely the best way. I don¡¯t understand what Devil¡¯s Daughter is trying to do, but having these extra protections is probably worthwhile.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack took a deep breath. ¡°Relax myself as much as I can and open my mind?¡±


    Chiyo nodded with a nervous smile.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Jack sighed as he controlled his breathing, trying not to think about anything bad for the time being.


    The now familiar sensation of Chiyo linking to his mind touched Jack like a wave of warm water on a beach. As he sat there accepting the feeling, he began to perceive the hazy mindscape he had come to expect from their previous mergings. Immediately Jack allowed a conscious moment of thought to clothe himself and provide a sofa to sit down on, before he was soon joined by Chiyo.


    Excellent, you¡¯ve gotten much better at accepting the merge! She smiled as she plonked down on the sofa next to him. I just wish this was under better circumstances.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack admitted, glad to be able to have a proper conversation with Chiyo in their shared mindscape instead of using text. ¡°I don¡¯t know why Devil¡¯s Daughter keeps attacking me in my sleep like this.¡±


    I¡¯ve been wondering about that. Chiyo reasoned. Everything about this doesn¡¯t make any sense to me.


    ¡°How so?¡± Jack asked curiously.


    Let¡¯s put aside the fact that Devil¡¯s Daughter has a very distinct reputation for targeting the absolute worst of the worst and hasn¡¯t knowingly targeted an innocent. Chiyo started before Jack interrupted.


    ¡°And what we don¡¯t know?¡± he countered. ¡°Attacking people in dreams for starters? Maybe she thinks I¡¯m a bad guy based on the sheer amount of killing I¡¯ve had to do in self defence since I got here?¡±


    Let¡¯s put that aside for now! Chiyo reiterated. We¡¯ve seen Devil¡¯s Daughter fight the Killer Klown, one of the deadliest known threats on the station.


    ¡°Right?¡± Jack asked, trying to see her point.


    So why would she go to all this trouble of attacking you in your dreams instead of trying to take you in a fight? Chiyo pondered. Yes, you¡¯re a strong fighter in your own right, but Devil¡¯s Daughter isn¡¯t one to keep her distance or shirk combat either.


    ¡°Maybe we should ask her when she shows up,¡± Jack sarcastically quipped.


    That might not be a bad idea. Chiyo reasoned. Has she tried to speak to you?


    ¡°Never really got to that point,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°She might have done on the first night, but I have no idea what her voice even sounds like. Every time I spotted her she was right in my face and I woke up, apart from last night where I was able to land a hit on her.¡±


    Very strange¡­ Chiyo admitted to thinking. We¡¯re missing something here.


    The two of them sat down to talk and discuss the plan for tomorrow. Sephy had organised a meeting with her ¡®friend of a friend¡¯ a few hours after school, allowing plenty of time for the deathball game and for them to prepare before attempting a backtrace on Dubakuu¡¯s cyberware. Once that was done, they¡¯d have a location, and once they had a location, they could finally strike back at the hacker behind Dubakuu! At least that was the plan¡­


    ¡°Sounds like we¡¯re in for a hell of a night either way.¡± Jack sighed, leaning back on the imaginary sofa. ¡°We should do something to pass the time.¡±


    I agree. Chiyo replied with a sly smile, moving closer to Jack, eyes expectant¡­


    The mindscape shimmered suddenly, and Jack and Chiyo jumped up in anticipation.


    Here she comes! Chiyo warned. Try to keep the dream stable if you can!


    ¡°Easier said than done!¡± Jack grunted, as with a conscious thought his axe was in his hands and his gun was at his hip. ¡°Stay close!¡±


    But before Chiyo could acknowledge Jack¡¯s instruction, the mindscape warped and twisted, and a moment later, Jack jerked upright, awake. Only he wasn¡¯t in his room. Bright white walls surrounded him, reflecting the warm sunlight coming out of a solitary window. A subtle beeping could be heard on his right, and Jack sat up to take a look, eyes widening as he recognised a heartbeat monitor common in any hospital. Shuffling around and getting up, he recoiled in panic as he felt a slight resistance, looking down and seeing a bunch of tubes poking out of his arm. Before even stopping to think, Jack yanked them out before stumbling onto the floor and pushing himself back up. He felt weak, like he hadn¡¯t moved in a long time.


    ¡°Oh my god!¡± a familiar voice called from ahead, and the sound of a door smacking open could be heard as they ran towards him, holding him in a tight embrace as she helped him to his feet. ¡°Jack! You¡¯re awake!¡±


    ¡°Mum?¡± Jack asked. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay now! It¡¯s okay!¡± His mother cried tears of joy. ¡°You¡¯ve been in a coma for a long time! The doctors didn¡¯t know if you would wake up or not, but I¡¯ve been coming here every day! I knew you would come back!¡±


    ¡°No way, this can¡¯t be real!¡± Jack shook himself out of the embrace. ¡°I was just¡­.¡± He looked around for Chiyo but saw nothing. ¡°Chiyo? Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, Jack, it¡¯s okay!¡± His mother tried to calm him down as he looked around in panic. ¡°The doctors said there would be some brain damage, but we can fix that!¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Jack shook his head. ¡°I was just talking to my friend! We entered a shared mindscape to prepare for some kind of attack?¡±


    ¡°Mindscape? Attack?¡± His mother gave a faint smile, trying not to laugh. ¡°Listen to yourself, Jack! That¡¯s ridiculous! Next you¡¯ll be telling me about aliens, magic and monsters!¡±


    ¡°No! It was real!¡± Jack took a step back.


    ¡°Jack, it¡¯s going to be okay!¡± his mother cried out, trying to move to embrace him again, but Jack stepped back again, holding out an arm to keep her away.


    ¡°Okay, okay.¡± His mother tried to calm down as her eyes saw the open door. ¡°You¡¯ve only just woken up, perhaps a familiar face will help?¡±


    Jack turned around to look, and his heart lurched when he saw who it was.


    A girl his age stood there, looking at him with beautiful dark eyes and brown hair. Dressed in jeans and a purple hoodie, it was an all too familiar face Jack never expected to ever see again.


    ¡°Hello, Jack,¡± she nervously greeted with a faint wave.


    ¡°Aliza¡­¡± Jack finally gasped in shock. ¡°How¡­but¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Jack,¡± Aliza smiled back at him. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too.¡±


    ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be possible,¡± Jack growled under his breath, backing away until his foot hit the back wall. ¡°How?!¡±


    ¡°I know things got really bad.¡± Aliza sighed, after taking a moment to find the right words. ¡°The bullying wouldn¡¯t stop and I just couldn¡¯t take it any more¡­¡±


    ¡°Aliza¡­¡± Jack hoarsely managed to reply as he now took a step forward. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault, Jack.¡± Aliza smiled warmly. ¡°I know it was sudden but¡­¡±


    Jack¡­¡­fight¡­..


    ¡°....when I moved to another school I knew I should have stayed in contact with you!¡± Aliza cried and took a step towards Jack.


    Jack instead held his arm out towards Aliza, taking a step back. ¡°What?¡± he asked. ¡°Explain.¡±


    Aliza was taken aback by Jack¡¯s sudden change in behaviour as she stopped. ¡°My parents forbade me from ever contacting you! They took away my phone and social media, and I was chaperoned everywhere I went! I managed to escape and made it out¡­¡±


    Jack¡¯s perspective shifted as his Dominator reappeared in his outstretched hand, his mind no longer believing the deception.


    ¡°ALIZA IS DEAD!¡± He yelled in rage at the imposter. ¡°WHO ARE YOU!?¡±


    Aliza stopped, giving up her lies as she gave a low chuckle, which quickly changed into a cruel cackle as the form of his mother disappeared, and the hospital room warped into nothingness.


    She was suddenly forced back, pinned against an invisible wall, writhing in pain with an expression of utter malice and hate before it turned into a maddening laughter as she stared at Jack.


    Show us your true form, coward! Chiyo snarled, as Aliza¡¯s skin flaked away to reveal a Stygian red.


    ¡°You know, I was told by too many people you were one of the good guys,¡± Jack snarled as he looked at Devil¡¯s Daughter. ¡°Should have known that was all a load of bull...¡±


    This form is not your true one. Chiyo continued, staring at the writhing Devil¡¯s Daughter. I told you to show us your true form!


    The form shimmered again. The face of Devil¡¯s Daughter changed into something ugly, marked with vicious scars and burns, with several chunks of their body missing altogether.


    ¡°The One Who Hates sends their regards,¡± The Stygian woman mocked, barely giving Chiyo a glimpse before giving Jack her full attention. ¡°Come find me, human,¡± she taunted. ¡°And prepare to accept your fate!¡±


    The figure pulsed, and with a flash of red magical energy, she disappeared.


    The dark sensations around them completely subsided, and just like that, Jack and Chiyo were alone again.


    ¡°What the hell just happened?¡± Jack asked Chiyo as he sat down, thumping on an incorporeal floor.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    She tried to take over your mind, I think. Chiyo sat down on the ground next to him. I think these last few nights were her trying to weaken you using your own negative experiences to drain you mentally. She didn''t know I¡¯d be here.


    ¡°And she didn¡¯t know about¡­¡± Jack began, thinking of Aliza until he just couldn¡¯t continue.


    No. Whatever she tried to do you completely threw her off. I don¡¯t think she¡¯ll be able to target you like that again.


    ¡°Unless she comes for me the old fashioned way.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°I guess deep down I knew I was going to have to fight Devil¡¯s Daughter at some point.¡±


    If that was definitely her. Chiyo reasoned, and Jack nodded, conceding the point, as the sofa reappeared underneath them. It¡¯s hard to believe she would do this, but if not her, who? They stayed like that for a few more moments, thinking about what just happened.


    ¡°The One Who Hates.¡± Jack then spoke. ¡°What does that refer to? I doubt it¡¯s good.¡±


    I¡¯m unsure. Chiyo admitted. Affiliated in some way most likely. We¡¯re still missing pieces of the puzzle but we know more than we did.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack sighed, before changing the subject. ¡°How much have you seen? Of my dreams I mean.¡±


    Only when I detected something wrong. Chiyo admitted. That night where you dreamed of your arrival, I sensed so many negative emotions from you that I saw it all from the moment you first got up. As for here, I saw enough. I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°I told Alora that Aliza had gone to a different school when she asked me about something. I¡¯m guessing it was that memory the intruder preyed upon not knowing it was a lie. Aliza took her own life and¡­I saw it happen¡­¡±


    Jack stopped as he fought to control the tears that he knew would come, turning away from Chiyo as the Ilithii moved closer to him, putting her arms around him and just staying that way until Jack calmed himself down.


    I wish I had the right words, just know that I care. We all do.


    Jack smiled sadly and nodded, embracing Chiyo as he looked over her shoulder to look at the faint form of Aliza staring silently back at him, a hooded figure of light behind her with both hands on her shoulders.  ¡°I know. I can¡¯t keep doing this to myself. If I keep reliving that memory, if I keep holding on to the past, I¡¯m only going to lose myself to pain and suffering. I don¡¯t know if she will ever forgive me, or if I can even forgive myself, but I have to let it go, and I have to move on.¡±


    The form of Aliza smiled as both faded away, the hooded figure giving one, slow nod of approval as it disappeared into bright dust.


    ¡®Goodbye Aliza.¡¯ Jack thought to himself, as he let go of the past.


    Do you have any more movies in your subconscious we could watch? Chiyo asked after some time had passed, trying to change the mood. We have about an hour or two before we need to wake.


    ¡°Thank you, Chiyo.¡± Jack smiled, embracing her tighter, moving his head down to look at her as she looked back up at him with silvery blue eyes. They stayed like that for several moments, gazing into each other¡¯s eyes, unsure of what to do, before both gave in to their passion. Chiyo used her power to pull Jack towards her for a kiss as he put his arms around her waist, hoisting her up to sit on his lap.


    You have no idea how long I¡¯ve wanted this!  Chiyo managed to get out as she wrapped her arms around his neck, Jack barely having the wits to put a supporting arm around her back as the Ilithii hungrily explored with her tongue. Jack didn¡¯t want to be completely passive, however, as his other hand cupped Chiyo¡¯s ass, pulling her closer to him as his tongue met hers halfway¡­


    Suddenly, without any warning, Jack¡¯s perspective shifted as he found himself back in the lotus position in Chiyo¡¯s room as a loud pulse roared through the house. He looked ahead to see Chiyo, who had turned a completely dark shade of blue as she shuddered, and another pulse shook the house again.


    In a panic, Jack got up and quickly moved to her, stopping in confusion as he laid her down. He was pretty sure that wasn¡¯t an expression of pain¡­


    Another pulse rang throughout the house, less powerful than before but still enough for a few of the books to fall off the shelves. The house shuddered twice more, before the tremors lessened in intensity, Chiyo looking up at Jack with a mortified expression.


    ¡°Chiyo! What the hell was that?¡± he heard Nika yell from her room.


    Um¡­nothing! Chiyo replied unconvincingly.


    ¡°That didn¡¯t sound like nothing! You ok down there?¡± Sephy called down.


    It¡¯s fine! Go back to sleep! Chiyo replied.


    ¡°Um¡­Chiyo¡­¡± Jack asked, and almost instinctively Chiyo reached for her commlink to start typing an excuse before Jack stopped her with a wide smile.


    ¡°I could understand what you were saying!¡±


    ******


    ¡°And so that is the initial beginning of the Concourse of Dragons, the initial alliance of Draconic species that united to combat The Twilight Court that would one day transcend into what we now know as the Red Legion!¡± Mr Sparrel grinned as he aggressively drew some diagrams and wrote some names on the board. ¡°While in theory, all types of dragons had an equal say, this naturally changed over several centuries until the Red Dragons, who in general are considered to be the most powerful, asserted dominance under the total command of Halvastar, the Red Death. Now the Twilight Court still survives to this day, but¡­¡±


    They were interrupted by the bell. Dammit! Jack was really into History Class, and by the sounds of it, most others were as well!


    ¡°Your homework is to research and write an essay on the influential factions that formed the initial Concourse of Dragons and their key figures!¡± Mr Sparrel chuckled as he heard even more groans at that. ¡°What? I¡¯ve got to give you kids homework sometime! Jack, see me after class!¡±


    Jack and the rest of the group hung back as their fellow students left, with Mr Sparrel quickly ushering them forward.


    ¡°My contacts in the Greenwardens tell me you visited the Oracle and that you had an¡­interesting time.¡± Mr Sparrel sighed, pulling out a glass and pouring himself a drink from a hipflask. ¡°If I had known even half of what my sources tell me is true, I never would have sent you on that path. Unfortunately, I have nothing else for you so far despite my best efforts. I¡¯ll be perusing my library this weekend and I have put feelers out with my former Starseeker colleagues to see if any case like yours has ever happened before. Also, the Oracle is an old acquaintance of mine, so I shall visit them soon and find out why the Sentinels have been so unforthcoming with me and offer any assistance I can. I¡¯ll let you know if I have any updates, but be careful. There are powerful forces at play that young men and women of your age should never have to deal with.¡±


    ¡°We understand, Mr Sparrel,¡± Alora politely replied. ¡°We are grateful for whatever assistance you are willing to provide.¡±


    ¡°Just stay safe.¡± The history teacher smiled. ¡°And good luck with the game!¡±


    *****


    ¡°More missing students?¡± Alora questioned after the group left Homeroom. Mrs Schlart didn¡¯t have many more announcements that evening, save the same one that had been repeated over the last few days.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Saw a bunch of missing posters around, and even though some have been found with no memory, others have been missing for a while.¡±


    ¡°Not our problem though!¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Even if it was, where would we even start?¡±


    Sephy¡¯s right! Chiyo concurred, thankful she no longer needed to text Jack. The faculty will handle it eventually, but we should act if we see anything.


    ¡°Would have thought the cameras would have picked something up,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Whatever¡¯s happening is probably in a blind spot.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not worry about that now,¡± Nika replied as the group made it to the sports team changing rooms. ¡°See you two on the sidelines?¡±


    We¡¯ll be there, though we¡¯ll try and get our homework done first! Chiyo nodded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let Luvia win!¡± Alora winked. ¡°Good luck!¡±


    Jack, Nika and Sephy entered the changing rooms to find Vaal waiting for them. ¡°Alright! Jack, I''ve got your kit here!¡± The Eladra tossed him a bag. ¡°Most of us are changing at the moment, I¡¯m just waiting for Kizzarith and Crill then we¡¯re briefing once we¡¯re all ready.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Nika acknowledged, as all three headed towards different cubicles, Sephy having to be playfully waved away from Jack¡¯s cubicle by an exasperated Nika.


    Opening the bag of freshly ordered team kit, Jack had to admit that the facilities here were much nicer than the ones they used for normal sports class. The tiles were unblemished and uncracked, the hooks on the walls for belongings were plentiful, and the bathroom facilities looked polished. Far cleaner than one could ever expect on your average school property, though judging by the sounds Plooderoo was making several stalls away, Jack felt sorry for the poor sod that had to keep it that way.


    ¡°Damn Ploo! Who are you trying to murder?!¡± he heard Kritch call out from the stall next to him, to raucous laughter from the rest of the team.


    ¡°Scrooooooow Yooooooou!¡± Plooderoo called from his stall. ¡°My people evolved to defecate on a weekly or monthly basis with little warning while trawling deep ocean floors. I either do it here or mid game!¡±


    ¡°You should have done it at the goal posts! The smell will keep the enemy team away!¡± Kizzarith added with a chuckle as he entered the changing rooms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take too long! We still need to go over the field of play,¡± Vaal interrupted, and Jack immediately stopped dawdling and focused on his uniform, which reminded him a lot of the lycra clothing many people wore to the gym, with built-in protective pads on the elbows, knees and other vulnerable parts of the body. Slipping on the black and purple top with his surname and what appeared to him as the number ¡®10¡¯, Jack felt ridiculous, the stretchy skin-tight material sticking all over his body. Hurrying to put the socks and official footwear on, Jack was one of the first ones out and ready to go.


    ¡°You get used to the feel of it eventually.¡± Arlox, the aquatic Protector from his class, smiled as Jack joined him on the bench while they waited for the others. ¡°It¡¯s not the best, and it doesn¡¯t really count as armour, but it¡¯s good for regulating body heat and tracking you, plus it makes it harder for opponents or spectators to grab you, though that fur on your head may be a vulnerability.¡±


    ¡°Hah! I don¡¯t think our newbie has to worry about that! Not after all the ass he¡¯s been kicking so far, including ours!¡± Bentom chuckled as she exited the showers, doing a few stretches as she joined them. The armadillo-like xeno had less clothing than the two boys, but Jack reasoned that was likely due to her natural protective hide.


    Karzen joined them soon after her sister did, quickly followed by the others, with Plooderoo being the last one, the Ploothe still tugging awkwardly on his patchwork uniform.


    ¡°Alright, now we¡¯re all here.¡± Vaal called everyone to a team huddle and brought out the map. ¡°Here¡¯s the plan. The field of play is the entirety of Floor 38 of this building, which includes the cafeteria. Spectators are at the edge of the out of bounds areas so that shouldn¡¯t be a problem. Play begins in the cafeteria with the first ball. The other two balls will be released by the referees ten minutes into the game or when the first goal is scored. Goals are located in these two corners.¡± Vaal then indicated spaces on the edge of the map, where the outer perimeter corridors met. ¡°So there are many places they can come from, but also multiple places we can intercept an attack. This will be trickier when all 3 balls are in play, but as long as we all communicate and work together we can get through this. Crill and Arlox, stay close to Ploo and be on defence. Coordinate with Kritch and Sephy who we¡¯ll need to slice into the system and find paths for us. Myself, Karzen and Bentom will be in the initial scrum in the Cafeteria with our Chasers.¡±


    Vaal stopped to give Jack a grin. ¡°As soon as the sirens blare, Jack, I want you to be the first person on that ball and give our opponents a taste of our secret weapon when they try to get you! Don¡¯t try and make a run for it; instead, try and pass the ball to Nika or Kizzarith so both of them can work together and make a break for it, while the rest of us stall whoever they¡¯ve got there. Once the scrum ends, chase after wherever the ball has ended up and get us that first goal! After that¡­we¡¯ll improvise! Score goals if you can and it¡¯s quick and easy for you to do so, but don¡¯t be afraid to fall back and intercept one of the other balls!¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Jack sighed, nervous with anticipation as they heard a klaxon sound, signifying that it was time for both teams to get ready!


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go!¡± Vaal cheerfully hyped up the team, leading the way as they exited their changing area to the cheers of spectators from all around. They were silent as they made their way to the central cafeteria. Not only did they not want to leak their plan to the spectators, but because there was nothing else to say. The plan was basic, but that made it adaptable. And adaptability was vital in the face of their opponent.


    Both teams grouped up at the centre, kept apart by the referee team, before being instructed to shake hands will all opponents. Jack did so, examining his opposition as they curiously examined him, before finally he got to the end.


    ¡°JACK?!¡± Luvia exclaimed as soon as she saw him. ¡°You¡¯re their new team member?!¡±


    ¡°Well yeah!¡± Jack grinned with a wink. ¡°You invited me to watch your game so I figured I¡¯d get a close-up view!¡±


    ¡°We both know that¡¯s not true! You would have had to be registered!¡± Luvia eyed him up and down slyly, licking her lips. ¡°I¡¯ll have to punish you for that!¡±


    ¡°Combatants! To your starting positions!¡± the head referee called, and Plooderoo and the two Protectors lightly jogged to the goal area, as something similar happened for their opponents. Sephy and Kritch moved to their own positions outside of the room, as Karzen and Bentom moved to the side to cover two of the closer exits. Nika, Kizzarith, Vaal and Jack kept as close to the centre as they were allowed to by the referees, as several members of the other team did the same, Luvia being one of them.


    The referee team scattered to cover the field of play as the head referee brought out the ball, and laid it perfectly in the middle of the room.


    ¡°COMBATANTS? ARE YOU READY?!¡± the referee yelled, louder than Jack thought possible from the small creature. He was answered by various shouts, nods and bashes from the players, though only the team captains were acknowledged.


    ¡°SPECTATORS? ARE YOU READY?!¡± the referee yelled again, to massive cheers from the crowd around them, as the referee brought out a loudspeaker-like drone that he threw into the air above the ball, before quickly getting out of the way of the incoming carnage. Jack began to shake with anticipation as the drone initiated the countdown.


    ¡°3¡­..2¡­.1¡­..BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!¡±


    The game had begun.

 Chapter 41: Deathball

    Jack immediately dashed forward towards the ball as quickly as he could, as his teammates did the same, some aiming to intercept threats, while Nika and Kizzarith ran ahead to be open for a pass. Jack could sense more than see the other team as he got to the ball first, quickly grabbing it and turning around to protect himself from the inevitable collision of the goat-like being that rammed into him a second later. Jack then jumped up, looking for a pass as something fast and red tackled him from up high.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so Jack!¡± Luvia playfully taunted, trying to grab the ball out of Jack¡¯s grip as he tried to get away¡­


    ¡°Jack! Up high!¡± Kizzarith called out, and Jack quickly threw towards the sound of the voice, botching the throw a little due to Luvia, but that wasn¡¯t a problem for the Lleethux who quickly used his wings to dip to the side and caught the ball in his claws.


    ¡°After him!¡± Luvia ordered, letting go of Jack and flying after him. Recovering, Jack quickly ran after her, bowling over an opponent that looked similar to a hedgehog mixed with an owl, then pulling the goat-like being off of Vaal. Just as Luvia flew out of the far door, Jack caught up with her and managed to grab a red-scaled foot, yanking back and halting the dragon-girl¡¯s momentum to excited cheers from the crowd of students gathering around to watch.


    ¡°You want some more, do you Jack? I¡¯m down!¡± Luvia grinned as the dragon concentrated and beat her wings even harder to compensate, dragging Jack along as he held on for dear life, him skidding along the corridor floor like he was water skiing as Luvia began to gain ground on Kizzarith, who looked like he was flying for his life!


    ¡°Still holding on?¡± Luvia playfully called back as she quickly dipped from side to side, trying to shake Jack off.


    Suddenly something brown, round and scaly came spinning at high speed across a connecting corridor and smashed into the dragon, putting Luvia off balance enough for her to clip the wall, sending both the dragon and the human tumbling to the ground to loud ¡®Ooohs¡¯, ¡®Ahhhs¡¯ and all sorts of alien reactions to the crash. Jack groaned as he landed on his back, with Luvia on top of him.


    ¡°Nice job, Jack!¡± Bentom called to him, having recovered from her tackle, as she tucked into a ball again and rolled off. ¡°Keep her marked! Kizzarith and Nika have this one!¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Jack grunted as he tried to gently move Luvia off of him without hurting either of them.


    Jack felt Luvia stir from on top of him, and she looked down at the human as she quickly manoeuvred herself and straddled him, pinning him to the ground as she licked her lips. ¡°You know, Jack, I wouldn¡¯t mind staying like this for a while!¡±


    Jack had to admit that he wasn¡¯t completely opposed to that idea as his hands rested on her hips, but he heard roars from the crowd towards the opponent¡¯s goal. He couldn¡¯t let his team down!


    ¡°You¡¯re not hurt, are you?¡± Jack asked cautiously as he calmed his breathing. ¡°That was a hell of a collision.¡±


    ¡°Oh that? That¡¯s nothing! I can take much worse than that¡± Luvia snorted before looking down. ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡± Jack grinned slyly, before he quickly pushed Luvia¡¯s knees out from under her while sharply twisting his body, completely throwing her off balance, easily enabling him to reverse the pin to Luvia¡¯s shock, as she laid there looking at Jack while breathing heavily, with the subtle smell of brimstone in the air.


    ¡°Sorry, but we¡¯ve still got a game to play!¡± Jack chuckled as he rolled off of the dragon. ¡°Catch me if you can!¡±


    Luvia stayed there wide-eyed for several seconds, giving out several deep, laboured breaths as she processed what just happened. That felt good!


    Better catch up!


    *****


    ¡°Keeper and Protectors up ahead!¡± Kizzarith called out to Nika as she quickly caught up to him from the side. ¡°They¡¯ve webbed the area up!¡±


    ¡°Stay low for now,¡± Nika told him as they watched their footing, trying not to get themselves tangled up. ¡°They¡¯ll expect us to try and go high!¡±


    Several students watching from the sidelines tried their best to shove the referees and security bots out of the way, but for now, the barrier would hold. Some shots of gunfire rang out above them, but for the most part, they were in the clear. At least so far.


    One of the Protectors up in front, a stocky boy with greenish skin, planted themselves and took in a deep breath from multiple holes on their body. Sacs on their back expanded with the air before the boy blew as hard as he could, catching Kizzarith midair and knocking him down into the webbing, but not before he quickly passed the ball to Nika, who caught up to the boy and successfully dodged around them, tripping them up with her tail and stopping them from attempting another gust of breath. Nika dashed forward without hesitation as the Keeper, a bulky student on six spindly legs, had finally noticed her in between shooting webs all along the walls and corridors nearby. This would be tricky¡­.


    Nika suddenly ducked as a blunt spike of mud suddenly jutted out of the wall, the Kizun barely reacting in time as she skidded underneath. She spotted the culprit ahead, a timid-looking yellow-skinned biped who had summoned some shimmering brown robes and was hiding behind a pillar just in front of the keeper.


    Clever!


    Nika steeled herself as she rushed in, the mud mage quickly casting barriers to try and stop her and Kizzarith, who had now caught up, the two passing the ball between each other as they got closer. Kizzarith went to intercept the mud mage while Nika took the ball, aiming for the Keeper. The bulky being had her dead to rights as it readied another blast of web¡­


    Before something bulky smacked into its side, dropping several bodies into a heap on the ground next to the open goal. Nika wasted no time, dashing in close and touching the ball to the scoring ground before the rest of Luvia¡¯s team could stop her.


    The buzzer blared loudly down the corridors to the cheers and cries of the crowd. The bodies groaned on the ground. Both Jack and Luvia were in a heap on top of the poor keeper who was flailing with her thin legs writhing in the air. Jack got up first, stiff from his multiple collisions with various walls, ceilings and people in the crowd. Offering a hand to Luvia, the dragon took it and was blown away by Jack¡¯s strength as he yanked her to her feet.


    ¡°You alright? Need a hand as well?¡± Jack asked the keeper.


    ¡°Yes¡­.please¡­.¡± they weakly hissed.


    ¡°You¡¯re not done, are you?¡± Kizzarith grinned. ¡°Now we¡¯ve got 3 balls to work with - the game has just begun!¡±


    Jack sighed.


    *****


    ¡°Alright! We¡¯ve done a good job so far!¡± Vaal grinned as the team huddled in their changing room during half time. ¡°We¡¯re winning 8-5, but that can easily change, so don¡¯t get complacent. Luviannestixxx is probably mustering her team to get meaner so they¡¯re gonna try harder.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve been fighting hard to hold the chokepoints,¡± Kritch warned. ¡°Trying to funnel us through this corridor here until it¡¯s time for theirs to make a run for the goal from these corridors they have. Super annoying.¡±


    ¡°Very annoying,¡± Plooderoo agreed. ¡°You guys managed to intercept a few, but others got past. Luviannestixxx got me really hard on the last one! My plates are still sore!¡±


    ¡°Sorry about that!¡± Jack spoke up. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to mark her when I can, but a bunch of them keep mobbing me. That earth mage of theirs that keeps trying to magically hold me down is a pain in the arse!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t say that! She¡¯s cute!¡± Kizzarith retorted with a playful wink. ¡°On the plus side, that frees the rest of us up a bit more, except your dragon girlfriend is too good at intercepting our plays.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not-!¡± Jack, Nika and Sephy began to reply at the same time, but stopped on seeing the chuckles of the rest of the team.


    ¡°Alright enough messing around, we need a gameplan,¡± Vaal interjected.


    ¡°Fewer players able to stop us, we just need a new route,¡± Nika argued.


    ¡°What about there?¡± Jack pointed to a spot on the map. It was labelled as a janitor room where various cleaning supplies and spare droids would be kept and took up a reasonable amount of space. It also had access to several maintenance corridors which snaked around the field of play.


    ¡°Yeah, I checked those earlier,¡± Sephy replied, sounding a little unsure and confused. ¡°For some reason they seem to be manually locked. No remote access for me.¡±


    ¡°Kritch?¡± Vaal asked expectantly.


    ¡°I tried to access them earlier, but the lock is either hidden, or it¡¯s locked from the inside.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s weird,¡± Bentom noted, to several affirming nods from the rest of the team.


    ¡°Perhaps the school simply did not want that area damaged?¡± Arlox pointed out.


    ¡°Yeah, probably.¡± Vaal sighed. ¡°Though why the hell would they allow the field of play to be here?¡±


    A loud buzzer sounded in the distance signalling just a few minutes until they were expected back on the pitch.


    ¡°Shit, not much time!¡± Vaal cursed. ¡°Alright. Here¡¯s what I think we should do¡­.¡±


    *****


    Standing on the left flank, the buzzer blared once again and Jack wasted no time in charging in, grabbing one of the balls and shoving the two marking him, an unfortunate lizard-like Xarak and an unknown bat-like alien with goggles. Jack immediately turned, not to the door like Luvia was trying to with her ball, but to the distracted cluster going for the middle ball. It was a true scrum, with most of the rest of the players fighting for the central ball, giving both Jack and Luvia some token resistances, but he could just about see the ball being kicked around under their feet.


    Aiming for the goat-like being, Jack quickly joined his team in the scrum, tipping the balance of power in their favour as he tripped his target, which cascaded into the players all spilling onto the ground in a giant bundle. Desperately looking for the ball, he was relieved when he saw that Kritch had the presence of mind to stick a shaking hand from the middle of the pile with the ball in hand, which Jack quickly grabbed with his other hand, now carrying two balls at once.


    He must have hesitated for too long out of concern for all within the pile because Vaal yelled, ¡°Run, Jack!¡±


    He did so, dashing through the door as the two opponents he¡¯d first knocked down got to their feet and started chasing him while he tried his best not to lose his grip of both balls as he legged it down the corridor. The spectators were going wild as a few finally managed to break free of the droids and referees holding them back. They rushed onto the field of play, with several large, tough and overconfident-looking students in particular coming after Jack.


    ¡°Fuck off!¡± Jack yelled at them while he sprinted as fast as he possibly could before he could get caught, as the big students dived at him, clearly looking to show how tough they were by messing with the infamous new student! His pursuers were not so lucky, however, the Xarak getting swamped by bodies, while the bat-like alien had something thrown at them that made an awful *clang* as it bounced off their head.


    Jack barely had time to react as a strong gust of wind blared in his face as he kept running forward. One of the two protectors had spotted him and was desperately trying to shove him back before Nika drop kicked them in the head, while Kizzarith quickly intercepted the mud mage, who for her part just stared with wild, bulging eyes as the Lleethlux tried to awkwardly chat her up.


    ¡°Oh shit! No! Not again!¡± hissed the keeper, as she braced for impact, blasting web in Jack¡¯s direction, unable to land a hit as he moved from side to side. ¡°FU-¡±


    Jack dropped at the last second, skidding under the keeper''s spindly legs, before touching both balls to the scoring zone.


    The students cheered as the buzzer went off as Jack gave a sigh of relief that their plan worked. They had increased their lead, though another buzzer sound in the distance told him that Luvia¡¯s team were raring to catch up.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t scare you, did I?¡± Jack grinned at the unharmed keeper, who was hyperventilating in panic.


    ¡°Maybe just a little¡­¡± the keeper hissed back with a nervous laugh.


    ¡°Guys we¡¯ve gotta move!¡± Nika told her teammates as she untangled herself from the green-skinned protector. ¡°New balls are already out and Luvia¡¯s team has them!¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± Jack cursed. ¡°This must have been their gameplan!¡±


    ¡°Better run!¡± The green-skinned protector grinned while his two teammates looked at him in fear, not wanting to piss off the people attacking them.


    ¡°Agreed!¡± Kizzarith nodded as he zipped off. ¡°This game isn¡¯t over yet!¡±


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    *****


    ¡°Let¡¯s pick up the pace, team!¡± Vaal yelled. ¡°They¡¯re catching up!¡±


    ¡°I still can¡¯t kick them out of the system at that bottleneck!¡± Sephy called back.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got the crowd causing trouble as well!¡± Kritch pointed out. ¡°They all want a piece of Jack!¡±


    ¡°Want me to stand guard at the bottleneck?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s a waste!¡± Vaal pointed out. We¡¯ve not got long and we¡¯re still ahead - get balls and maintain possession for as long as you can! Score if you can, but if we deny them the opportunity to score themselves and time them out that¡¯s a win for us!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± Jack nodded as he rushed forward. He had a ball, which Plooderoo had taken from one of the opposing chargers, which Kritch had managed to ferry to Jack by sneaking through a maintenance passage past the unsuspecting crowd that was now scattered all throughout the pitch, getting into fights with any referee or droid that tried to get rid of them!


    He was just about two-thirds of the way down one of the main corridors towards the goal when suddenly a blast door came down right in front of him. Jack barely stopped in time, narrowly avoiding crashing into it, as another blast door went down behind him.


    ¡°Nothing personal!¡± the bat-like being called out from a classroom to the side. Jack quickly chased her into the adjacent open classroom, though he wasn¡¯t quick enough as they closed the opposite door and triggered the emergency lock.


    ¡°We might lose one of the balls¡­¡± They smiled through their pants of breath on the other side. ¡°But Luviannestixxx would rather have you out of action than stop us catching up! She uh¡­also wants me to send you the recordings of her prowess after the game since you won¡¯t be able to see it in person!¡± They then ran away as Jack tried shoving his shoulder against the door, which held despite him making a dent in the metal.


    Crap. Jack thought to himself. What do I do now?


    He spent several moments thinking before he heard a buzzer in the distance, quickly followed by another. He was running out of time! The game would be over soon! He needed to get out!


    Wait¡­.this was next to that locked off maintenance area, right?


    The moment the idea came into his mind was the moment he cursed himself for the stupid and painful-sounding thought.


    But he couldn¡¯t think of an alternative¡­


    Taking one deep breath before yelling a battlecry, Jack charged at the nearby wall, tensing up in anticipation of the pain¡­


    Before he burst through to the other side in an explosion of plaster!


    Shaking the dust off, Jack looked around at his immediate surroundings, and his eyes almost bulged out of his sockets with what he saw.


    Sitting around the room he found himself in, Jack saw several students in various states of chill and contentment as they passed some kind of bong along the line, taking a good hit before passing it on. He looked to his side and recognised the closest student as one of the ones  reported missing from the posters!


    ¡°WHAT THE FUCK!¡± Jack yelled in disbelief. Were these people going missing for days on end just to get high!?


    ¡°Brooooooo,¡± he heard a voice call from the other end of the room. ¡°You¡¯re like¡­.the guy!¡±


    Jack looked around, and mentally groaned.


    Having shed his wanabee Gandalf robe and fake beard that was picked up by the school¡¯s cameras, Killer Kush looked surprisingly alert for a bounty hunter so obviously high off his tits.


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Jack began, completely caught off guard. ¡°No! I¡¯m not the guy! I¡¯ll just be going now!¡±


    ¡°Nah bro¡­..you¡¯re the guy! Where¡¯s our food delivery, man? It''s been like¡­3 days¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡­WHAT!?¡± Jack replied incredulously, completely mindfucked. ¡°Why would a food delivery person come to a locked maintenance room in the middle of a school!?¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Killer Kush pondered as he stood up, staggering forward as Jack slowly made his way to the other end of the corridor. He didn¡¯t want to make any sudden moves and anger this hunter when the two samurai swords strapped to his back looked every bit as potent in person as they did in their photo¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Jack tried to calmly address the frog-looking hunter as they reached into one of their many pockets and snorted whatever they had pulled out. ¡°I¡¯ll try and get your delivery up here, but you¡¯ve got to let these guys go¡­¡±


    ¡°Nah man¡­they¡¯re cool. We¡¯re just chillaxing bro¡­¡± Suddenly something in Killer Kush¡¯s expression changed, and he looked at Jack sharply. ¡°Shit, you¡¯re worth a lot of money!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong guy!¡± Jack retorted, backing away much quicker now.


    ¡°OH YEAH! PAYDAY TIME!¡± the bounty hunter whooped as he quickly unsheathed his twin swords while Jack ran for it down the corridor, desperately hoping for an exit up ahead.


    ¡°WHOOO!¡± Killer Kush yelled as he quickly chased him. ¡°YOU¡¯RE FAST, BOY, BUT YOU AIN¡¯T FAST ON DRUUUUUUGS!¡±


    Jack quickly disengaged the manual lock on the nearest door and burst out into one of the side corridors where students cheered on seeing him emerge, with sounds of shock as Killer Kush burst out just moments later. He had been right, he was quicker than Jack, so he would have to be taken out!


    As the Kermit-The-Frog looking hunter sped towards the human while flourishing his blades, Jack did the only thing he could think of in the heat of the moment - lobbing the ball at the nutjob as hard as he could. Clearly more focused on his blade display than he was on defence, it took Killer Kush completely by surprise as Jack wasted no time in closing the distance.


    ¡°GET!¡± he growled as he booted Killer Kush in the chest to knock him down dazed. ¡°THE!¡± He grabbed his leg. ¡°FUCK!¡± He whacked the frog against the wall. ¡°OUT!¡± Jack roared, throwing Killer Kush as hard as he could through the nearest window with a loud smash, and Jack could have sworn he heard a ¡°WOOOO!¡± from the crazy frog.


    ¡°Well that was anticlimactic.¡± Jack sighed as he absentmindedly picked up the ball. ¡°Better not be seeing that twat again¡­¡±


    ¡°Jack! Where the hell have you been? Was that Killer Kush!?!¡± Nika called out as she spotted him. ¡°BALL! GOAL! NOW!¡±


    His mind still running on autopilot Jack hurried to obey without question, quickly running to where the Kizun was pointing, barely registering the failed attempts from opponents and spectators alike to stop him as the latter slowly chanted something.


    Jack spotted the goal ahead and pelted towards it as swiftly as he could, barely registering whatever mud walls the mudmage cast in front of him as he just smashed through them¡­


    ¡°No! He¡¯s running at me again!¡± the opposing keeper screamed in panic. ¡°No! Please don¡¯t kill me! FUUUUUU-¡±


    Jack dove at the goal and scored, the buzzer sounding just as he realised the crowd was counting down.


    ¡°3¡­2¡­1¡­BEEEEEEEEEP!¡±


    The game was over.


    It didn¡¯t take as long as he expected for Jack to find a referee who was still somehow conscious, but he quickly reported the location of the missing students and waited until medical droids arrived to check on them before he checked the final score.


    13-12 to them. They had won!


    Jack sighed as he staggered towards the sounds of the celebrating team to explain what had actually happened to Sephy and Nika. He really needed a drink after that, but at the back of his mind, he knew the night was far from over!


    *****


    ¡°Hope you three have recovered!¡± Alora told Jack, Nika and Sephy as they quickly entered the house to an enthusiastic greeting from Dante. Alora quickly rushed to a few prepacked boxes and handed one to each member of the group, keeping one for herself and holding onto a smaller one for the team ¡®dog¡¯.


    ¡°Put these battleskins on as a base layer and make sure they fit. They should calibrate to be skin tight but need a bit of time to do that. Get them on first before we worry about everything else!¡±


    ¡°Base layer? They won¡¯t make my boobs go saggy, will they? They¡¯re not too big, but I¡¯d like to keep them firm if it¡¯s all the same to you!¡± Sephy asked, to laughter from the others.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s not a problem!¡± Alora grinned. ¡°Wear your gear for the run on top and get back here. How long do we have, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Two hours until the meet. It¡¯ll take us about 40 minutes to walk there.¡±


    ¡°Good, that gives me enough time to fix us up some food.¡± Alora exhaled, breathing slowly and heavily with anticipation. ¡°Get all yours on first then we can fix Dante up.¡±


    Jack quickly got to his room and opened the box. As he pulled out the various components it reminded him of a wetsuit from Earth that divers would wear, though the material was a little thinner. According to Alora, these were an early generation and rather pricey, but the armour was effective at dispersing the power of hits across the whole body instead of a single area. As he put his legs through the opening, he noted the itching sensation as the material tried to shrink and cling onto him tightly, and Jack really hoped it wouldn¡¯t feel like this for the entire run.


    Quickly pulling on the legs and pulling on the top over it, he felt the top and bottom parts seal and rapidly shrink and compress against his skin. It was only when Jack put on the gloves and got ready to fit on the socks did he notice a problem with this.


    A rather major problem.


    ¡°GOD DAMMIT IT¡¯S SQUEEZING MY BAAAAAAAALLS!¡± Jack yelled as he desperately tried to pull the fabric back away from his plums.


    ¡°Need one of us to kiss them better?¡± Nika called out from downstairs, as the house erupted in laughter.


    ¡°It¡¯s just calibrating! It¡¯ll be fine!¡± Alora called back. ¡°Just grin and bear it! It happens to us as well! It¡¯ll stop soon!¡±


    ¡°These better work!¡± Jack grunted back in a higher pitch than he¡¯d intended, though eventually the pain subsided. He got the rest of the gear on and put a few clothes over them, going with his hoodie, some loose trousers and the tough walking boots Chiyo had bought him before he joined the others for some dinner Alora had quickly cooked up.


    ¡°A simple meal, but a big one, with leftovers for whenever we get back,¡± she told them, after having heated up a thick, starchy soup she had partially prepared earlier. ¡°Eat up what you can while you can. We don¡¯t know what time we¡¯ll get home. Hurry up too, the sooner we gear up the better.¡±


    They did so, wolfing down the food as he tried to put the strange feeling of the battleskin to the side. According to the others, it was worth the slight discomfort, working reasonably well against blunt trauma and minor gunfire, especially in conjunction with their shields, though cutting weapons could tear through and expose the flesh underneath. Jack had no idea what they might be facing, but they had worked well as a team during their previous run. This surely couldn¡¯t possibly be much worse.


    Could it?


    They didn¡¯t intend to take any hiking backpacks for what was intended to be a one-night run, or anything else that could unnecessarily overencumber them for the duration, with the exception of several scrunched up microfiber bags they could easily unfurl if they wanted to take anything with them. Both Jack and Sephy had learned not to forget them again after the Prefect¡¯s Lockup!


    Each member of the team instead wore a tactical rig each of varying sizes over their clothes and layers of protection, and between those and their pockets, they had enough room for the items they thought they would need, with the exception of the box of highly potent and pricey energy drinks Jack would initially carry, which would not be with them for long. Most of their loadouts did not differ too much from what they took on their last run to the Oracle, with the most notable exception being Nika, who had claimed Kralk¡¯s gatling laser for herself and had it on full display as her primary weapon, attaching it to the spindly yet effective exoskeleton she wore to enhance her strength. Sephy had her new plasma rifle as her primary weapon, and had bought some new technical kit, while both Alora and Chiyo had stocked up on mystical gear and had practiced new spells and techniques in advance. Jack, of course, had his knives, his axe and his Dominator. His plasma rifle had been properly fixed up since their trip to the Oracle, with one specific addition¡­


    ¡°You like the sling I got you?¡± Nika grinned at him. ¡°Should stop you from dropping it all the time!¡±


    Jack rolled his eyes. ¡°That only happened twice!¡± he sighed. ¡°Big tentacle monster and a building blown up by a fireball. Am I really gonna keep getting crap about that?¡±


    ¡°Not if you have the sling!¡± Nika snorted with amusement. ¡°Easy enough to quickly unclip should you need to.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Jack replied with a stifled smile as he slung it over his shoulder. ¡°And yeah, I like it. Thanks, Nika!¡±


    ******


    ¡°This is the place?¡± Alora asked Sephy as the group carefully walked up to the block of apartments Sephy¡¯s slicer acquaintance had directed them to. ¡°Isn¡¯t it unusual for slicers to want to settle in corporate territory? Vandalee Inc is known to be quite strict!¡±


    ¡°It should be the place,¡± Sephy replied. ¡°And that¡¯s exactly why a slicer would want to move here, especially if they have the right contacts and the right bribes. Vandalee controlled territory is just big enough to be secure from outside threats, and small enough to not overly control what goes on under the surface.¡±


    The group had every right to be there, having gone through the district entrances indicated by Sephy¡¯s contact, the guards waving them past upon seeing them even with their obvious weapons. Nika had speculated that their contact likely called ahead to ensure there were no issues, because any self-respecting security should have buzzed them by now. Deciding not to push their luck, the group snuck up the stairs, Sephy taking point to make sure they weren¡¯t disturbed before they eventually found themselves in front of a door to an unassuming apartment. Sephy subtly nudged Jack and pointed at the small and unassuming shadowmark of a circle with two parallel lines scratched on the wall next to the door as she sidled up, then slowly knocked in a pattern of 5 long, 3 short, 1 long, then 2 short.


    They waited for several seconds, before hearing a set of clicks and snaps of locks being disengaged, before the door opened, and they were all silently beckoned inside before their host slammed the door shut.


    On entering the apartment, Jack realised that it looked a lot bigger than expected, with thick wires snaking along the ground to various workbenches, monitors, turrets, several battlestations of computers with a few unassuming individuals sliced in and unresponsive to their presence, and even what looked like the barebones ribcage-like chassis of a shuttle which was having some work done. Several walls had clearly been broken down to accommodate all of this, and Jack could see that this complex covered several apartments rather than just one. He would hate to be the landlord¡­


    ¡°Do you have it?¡± an excited, hyperactive voice called from up ahead. Their host, an unusually tall Lizta, shook with excitement, though Jack suspected the shaking had other factors too, judging by their unusual smell, which Dante wrinkled his nose at.


    ¡°Course we have it!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°And we come bearing gifts!¡± She nodded at Jack to come forward with the case of energy drinks. The Lizta stared at the drinks in sheer lust, only jumping in shock when they realised who was carrying them, though didn¡¯t say anything, seemingly too afraid to do so as he stared at Jack in fear, shakily pointing at a spot on a workbench and beckoning the others as Sephy took out the remains of Dubakuu¡¯s cyberware.


    ¡°Can you backtrace the primary signal from this hardware and give us an exact location?¡±  Sephy continued, showing the see-through bag to the slicer.


    ¡°Where the fuck did you pick this up?¡± he hissed in shock as he grabbed the bag and examined it.


    ¡°You know what it is?¡± Nika asked, tensing herself at the sudden movements of the contact.


    ¡°Yeah, this looks like Augmented shit,, but...¡±


    ¡°Augmented?¡± Alora asked, confused. ¡°How are they involved? I didn¡¯t think they had much of a presence on Hive Station Bastilla?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they had some kind of vanguard lurking around, and they have their fair share of supporters who want to join. Oh well. None of my business.¡±


    Their contact hooked up the device in a specialised machine within what looked to Jack like a Faraday cage as they began the process of isolating the parts that emitted and received a signal, an apparently simple process with the right special equipment.


    ¡°Alright,¡± their contact spoke up after several minutes. ¡°I¡¯ll need to disable the suppression field next to trace the signal. You¡¯ve told me you¡¯ve got to move quick, so I¡¯ll take the rest of my payment now before I start.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Alora nodded to Sephy to proceed with the handoff. ¡°The rest of the credits as agreed, and you keep the cyberware.¡±


    The contact checked the amount, and satisfied, they began the process. The group steeled themselves in anticipation for where they would need to go. Would the hacker have a safehouse in one of the city slums? Or perhaps they were operating from a corporate building?


    It was worse. The group looked on in shock as the map pointer zoomed in on where the signal controlling Dubakuu came from, and even Jack reflexively inhaled a breath in panic.


    It was the Pallid Pit. The hellhole of horrors where Jack arrived.

 Chapter 42: The Pallid Pit

    ¡°The Pallid Pit?¡± Nya squeaked.


    ¡°For what reason would you wish to go there?¡± Rena asked calmly, narrowing her eyes at Jack.


    ¡°We¡¯re not asking you to come with us and we¡¯re not gonna justify our reasons,¡± Jack replied flatly to Rena, meeting her gaze with one of his own. ¡°We¡¯re just asking you to teleport us to a safe location as close to there as possible for a generous fee. And this is time-critical!¡±


    The group had quickly rushed back to their arranged meeting point - a nearby outdoor cafe within a Greenwarden grove, where the animals were tame and would often snuggle up to patrons to be fed by them. Alora had left a moderate advance payment behind the bar to keep both Nya and Rena content while they waited for the group to get the location of the hacker, and she was thankful they hadn¡¯t taken too many liberties with their lent budget.


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure.¡± Nya nodded. ¡°Then I won¡¯t stop you.¡±


    Rena actually looked taken aback by the Stygian¡¯s answer. It was the most emotion Jack had ever seen out of the yellow fox-like Prefect so far.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you would want to go there, but I can tell it¡¯s very important to you,¡± Nya replied seriously, without a hint of hesitation in her voice. ¡°I¡¯ll get you as close as I can. Commlink signals are spotty in that area, but if you¡¯re in trouble and can get through to me I¡¯ll try and get you out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be able to handle what lies ahead.¡± Alora sighed, as the other members of the group made a quick weapons check. ¡°The Pallid Pit hasn¡¯t returned to full strength since¡­it was cleansed a month and a half back.¡± Her eyes briefly moved to look at Jack. ¡°Since the signal is exact, we¡¯ll hopefully be in and out in a short amount of time.¡±


    ¡°Are we all ready?¡± Nya asked, shooing the nearby animals away as Nika, Jack and Sephy did some final stretches. ¡°Link arms in a circle. I¡¯ll stand at the centre and cast a transportation circle.¡±


    Jack did so, directing Dante to stand with Nya as he linked arms with Nika and Sephy, who were very keen on staying away from Rena, who would be joining them temporarily for the ride.


    Casting eldritch chants, Nya barely gave Jack any time to close his eyes or react as one moment they were all on the grass, and the next they were standing on dust and rubble, surrounded on all sides by squalor and despair. Fighting the slight nausea he felt at the sudden shift of reality, Jack immediately went into action, turning and aiming his newly-slinged plasma rifle, assessing the situation and ready to open fire. ¡°I don¡¯t see anything.¡±


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re alone here,¡± Nika confirmed, spinning up her gatling laser and checking the other angles with Sephy while Alora and Chiyo hid behind them.


    ¡°I can confirm no hostile lifesigns in this vicinity,¡± Rena cooly replied, her eyes glowing purple for just a moment. ¡°Though your technique needs practice.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t ask,¡± Nika growled. ¡°We¡¯ve been through enough crap to know what we¡¯re doing, and I bet we¡¯ve been in more proper scraps than you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Nya!¡± Alora butted in before Nika started a fight. ¡°I hope you and Rena enjoy the rest of your night!¡±


    ¡°It was no trouble!¡± Nya smiled. ¡°But be careful, especially you Jack!¡±


    ¡°We will.¡± Jack nodded as Nya and Rena quickly disappeared.


    ¡°Well you heard her, Jack, you have to try doubly hard to stay alive!¡± Sephy joked, to quiet laughter from the others.


    ¡°Where did she even dump us?¡± Nika quickly asked, getting them back on task.


    ¡°We¡¯re very close!¡± Sephy replied, sounding surprised as she checked her comms. ¡°One district out, close to the Pallid Pit district entrance. No wonder we couldn¡¯t find anyone nearby! Most of this shit is abandoned, only the desperate take root here!¡±


    And neither should we. We need to get to the signal before our enemy has a chance to get away! Where¡¯s the entrance?


    ¡°If I remember right, the entrances were mostly blocked, but if you say new people keep finding their way there, then there must be a way in,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°We just have to find it.¡±


    ¡°According to the map, one of the old entrances should be a few blocks up the main road,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°While time is of the essence, we can¡¯t rush recklessly in. It isn¡¯t that far but the slicer will know something is up and might try an ambush.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first then.¡± Jack nodded as he quickly expanded and retracted his shield a few times to get a good feel for it. It was a little awkward to aim his rifle while the shield was up, but he figured in an emergency he could let it fall freely on his sling and switch to his axe or much more powerful Dominator if he needed to.


    Once Alora and Chiyo had cast all the magical protections and contingencies on them that they could in a reasonable amount of time, they were ready to go. Leading the way he was flanked by Nika, who was directing them with the map. Sephy stayed behind them with Alora and Chiyo, who had wands out. Dante took the rear on high alert, occasionally stopping to sniff in certain places or spend more time looking in different directions before catching up. Nobody would be sneaking up on them from behind, at least.


    The rows of abandoned structures continued, looking more decrepit as they got closer. Rotten wood, corroded metal, and gnarled and twisted foliage taking root. It was clear that nothing good had settled here in a long, long time, and somehow the Pallid Pit was at the middle of it all¡­


    ¡°Movement up ahead,¡± Jack whispered to the others as he slowly moved closer to the wall they were following, the others following suit and ducking down behind cover without alerting anyone.


    ¡°What do you see?¡± Alora asked on subvocal comms.


    ¡°People by the entrance,¡± Jack whispered back. ¡°I think it¡¯s open. How do you want to play this?¡±


    ¡°Should pick them off now while they¡¯re in the open,¡± Nika reasoned


    ¡°We don¡¯t know if they¡¯re all hostiles, so we should take a closer look but be ready for a fight,¡± Alora hesitantly whispered.


    ¡°Both of you are right,¡± Jack interjected. ¡°Stay hidden and cover me while I¡¯ll go try and talk to them and get them to fuck off, but the moment any of them make a hostile move you take them down.¡±


    Jack got closer to the small gathering, seeing that, for the most part, Alora¡¯s plan to hold off had been a prudent one. Several sorry souls were sitting on the ground on the side of the road leaning against whatever rubble was available, and it only took a quick glance from Jack to sum them up. Lepers, beggars, the destitute and downtrodden. The Pallid Pit was the place where only the most desperate sought refuge.


    What kind of horrors and nightmares could these people have possibly experienced that would make coming here a comfort?


    Some of the standing figures turned on hearing Jack¡¯s methodical footsteps and immediately moved out of the way, knowing full well that shit was about to hit the fan. Others moved more slowly, thumbing weapons and quickly moving to the side, looking to the imposing figure leaning against the entrance rubble. A glowing orange cigar poking out the side of their maw, they were guarding the way into the Pallid Pit, where light indicated a single-file path. They were a hulking reptilian with natural bone spikes that had clearly been artificially sharpened to a point. The thick, heavy armour they wore looked like corroded scrap, and the painted burning skull on the chestplate was a dead giveaway that they belonged to the Cult of the Destroyer.


    ¡°Prophet told me you¡¯d be back tonight, human,¡± he growled in a sadistic chuckle, and Jack¡¯s eyes widened at being called by his species. ¡°Almost doubted ¡®em, but here you are, just as promised. I¡¯ve been waitin¡¯ a long time for a night like this.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Jack asked him, as many of the figures now fled from the scene, with only a few remaining, backing away from the two cautiously. ¡°Do you know who we¡¯re after? Will you let us pass?¡±


    There was silence for several moments as the two stared at each other, the unknown figure with wide eyes licking his lips in ecstasy as if anticipating delicious meat, with Jack getting ready to run, listening to Nika telling him over subvocal comms where the best bit of cover would be, and listening to the others call their targets. Eventually the man spoke, turning to fully face Jack, and it was only when he shifted did Jack notice the large, heavy gun propped up against the wall next to him.


    ¡°Tell me, boy. Do you like to¡­.dance?¡± the man¡¯s voice grumbled, a hint of dark humour dripping from the question. ¡°I¡¯ve been waitin¡¯ too long underground for someone worthy to finally kill me, and now that you¡¯re here, I¡¯m just achin¡¯ for a dance!¡±


    ¡°Jack! Move!¡± Nika called as several shots ran out to take out most of the remaining figures. Followup shots all centred on the leader, whose armour and shields easily ate the gunfire as they raised their huge gun, laughing as the twin barrels started spinning¡­.


    ¡°Aegis!¡± Jack called out in panic, his shield popping up just in time as his cover was melted by the heavy plasma fire, with several thuds pinging off the metal sheet, smoke billowing as Jack ran, trying to remain fully covered as the man kept up his fire. Jack didn¡¯t know what he was screaming, but it was something about ¡®dancin¡¯.


    ¡°Overcharge!¡± Jack yelled as the fire ceased, the plasma barrels having overheated. The figure barely reacted in time as he lifted his gun up to block the high-powered photon blast, before dropping it and rushing to get close to Jack while the human kept firing. Several shots landed true and hit, but the armour held long enough for him to tackle Jack. He tried to bite him with his teeth and gore him with his spikes like a feral animal, piercing through the battleskin and stabbing into the human¡¯s flesh, before stopping with a jerk as Jack¡¯s knife got through his armour plates and slid between his ribs. Following through, Jack shoved the brute off him as they chuckled through their final breaths.


    ¡°Wait, boy¡­.¡± the brute whispered as his voice got faint. ¡°I gotta tell you something¡­¡±


    The fighting had ceased as quickly as it had begun and the others were slowly making their way to him. Jack moved closer so he could better hear his opponent. ¡°What can you tell me?¡±


    ¡°The Prophet ain¡¯t runnin. They figured you¡¯d show up eventually and they¡¯re waitin¡¯ for you. Tell them¡­Tell them¡­.¡±


    The brute suddenly held on to Jack as hard as he could, activating something on his armour that beeped ominously. ¡°TELL THEM THE BUTCHER TOOK YOU WITH THEM! DESTROYER TAKE US!¡±


    Jack tried to jerk free but the grip was strong, the Butcher desperately keeping him there with the last of his strength as the beeping got faster. Thinking quickly, Jack put his left wrist close to the Butcher¡¯s head. ¡°Aegis!¡± Jack commanded as his shield reappeared, crudely slicing off the Butcher¡¯s head and breaking his grip before Jack frantically dove behind cover just as the armour exploded in a roaring fireball, obliterating everything nearby. He was knocked and cut a bit, but still alive.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°Jack! Are you alright?¡± Alora rushed to him, with a wand of healing out. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it was a bad idea to let you get close!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alright!¡± Jack quickly called out as the others joined them, Dante getting close and licking his face. ¡°Get off!¡± he told the dog with a relieved sigh. ¡°And no, it wasn¡¯t a bad idea. Most of them ran away, so I¡¯m glad we didn¡¯t open fire on any non-combatants. Couldn¡¯t have seen this bastard coming though.¡± He kicked what remained of the armour plating across the ground and spotted the sorry sight of the Butcher¡¯s weapon. ¡°Does his gun still work?¡±


    ¡°Slagged to shit.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Can¡¯t blame you for wanting it, but something like that would have been linked to the electronics in his armour anyway.¡±


    We have learned a few things though. Chiyo reminded them. If the Pallid Pit being the place wasn¡¯t enough of a clue, then this confirms the Cult of the Destroyer is involved.


    ¡°Who the hell is the ¡®Prophet¡¯?¡± Sephy asked, a little shaken. ¡°Chiyo? Aren¡¯t Destroyer Prophets like¡­super rare or something?¡±


    Yes. Chiyo replied, worried. Very little is known about how the Cult of the Destroyer works, but Prophets are rare, and are speculated to have been the ones in charge of some of the more powerful cells.


    ¡°Powerful?¡± Sephy replied in confusion. ¡°The Pallid Pit is dangerous, but it¡¯s never been considered a serious threat.¡±


    ¡°That we know of,¡± Nika interjected. ¡°That guy for sure wasn¡¯t your average cultist.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s only one way to find out.¡± Jack looked to the others as he indicated the blast zone behind him. ¡°After that explosion, if the Cult didn¡¯t know we were coming before, they certainly do now.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry.¡±


    Jack took the lead, aiming down his gun sights as the group made their way through the rubble of the entrance, combining the practice and experience he had accumulated so far to check any possible alcoves and murder holes where they might be ambushed from. One fool tried, and was quickly blasted apart by Jack¡¯s plasma rifle before they could even jump out.


    Soon they made it through, Jack quickly surveying the immediate area, ready to dip back before he allowed the others through, Nika and Sephy covering the casters, with Dante taking the rear and confirming nothing else was amiss.


    The Pallid Pit barely had anything resembling buildings remaining, having been destroyed multiple times over many battles and local wars, and so it was of little surprise to the others that the signal ping came from closer to the central ruins, though how the hacker had access to power and space was a mystery for now. Most cultists and vagabonds were content to simply sit or lie on the unsheltered ground, lazily staring at the group as they pressed on, occasionally putting down the odd fanatic that ran up to them with a weapon, easily dropping the hostiles before they got anywhere near.


    ¡°He¡¯s here¡­¡±  one of the dregs whispered to the others.


    ¡°It is foretold¡­¡± another voice carried in the wind.


    The group was tense, ready to put down any that made any bad movements, not that many did. Glancing at the faces, Jack could see that many were in awe.


    ¡°Signal should be around here,¡± Sephy added nervously as they made their way to a spot that looked ever more familiar to Jack as they got closer. ¡°But I don¡¯t get it, these buildings couldn¡¯t possibly have the equipment needed! Even if they did, the Cult of the Destroyer would fuck it all up. You¡¯ve seen how suicidal they are, seeking destruction even to the point where it¡¯s detrimental to their own cause.¡±


    Jack? Chiyo asked, as the human was examining a spot on the ground. What¡¯s wrong?


    ¡°This is the place where I woke up,¡± Jack admitted, remembering the nightmare as if it were yesterday and pointing at an unassuming spot on the ground. Dante plodded up to it and sniffed at it in slight curiosity, but didn¡¯t give any particular reaction, except to look up at Jack in confusion. ¡°When I woke up there were a bunch of assholes with weapons and spiky armour, and I was fighting for my life, and that has me thinking¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Alora asked, gently.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the welcoming committee?¡± Jack asked simply. ¡°We¡¯re right in the middle of Cult of the Destroyer territory, and apart from the guy at the entrance we¡¯ve faced mostly token resistance. There¡¯s a Prophet around that¡¯s waiting for me, so where the fuck are they?¡±


    ¡°Hang on.¡± Nika perked up, seemingly having remembered something. ¡°Remember what that guy at the entrance said?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack replied, catching on. ¡°Before he attacked he mentioned something about waiting underground. This ringworld has an extensive undersection, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Sephy excitedly understood. ¡°It¡¯s normally really hard to access the Gloom Paths and natural entrances to the really deeper parts are extremely rare! But if the signal originates from here¡­¡±


    Then the slicer is somewhere below us! Chiyo concluded. It explains why the Cult of the Destroyer here is always able to rebuild so quickly!


    ¡°That kind of close-quarter combat in what¡¯s got to be a fortified area is gonna be bad.¡± Nika grimaced. ¡°But we¡¯re prepared. Keep your wits about you!¡±


    ¡°All we need to do is find the entrance.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Where should we-¡±


    They were immediately interrupted by several roars above them, as a small squadron of ships seemed to rush in before abruptly stopping. The group barely had enough time to register what they were, before they immediately opened fire indiscriminately on the countless cultists below.


    Those are drow ships! Chiyo panicked. Why are they even here?


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter!¡± Jack replied, being the first to spur the rest into action. ¡°We¡¯ve got to get underground! There¡¯s no way there¡¯s any good cover up here!¡±


    ¡°Chiyo?¡± Alora asked the Ilithii, who seemed to be concentrating.


    Bunch of life signs are gathering in certain spots all over the place. Chiyo replied. Likely multiple entrances, nearest one over there! She pointed to one of the ruined buildings, that Jack remembered several of his previous attackers burst out of.


    The group quickly ducked behind a ruined wall as one of the drow ships did a flyby overhead, mercilessly cutting down cultists who seemed apathetic to their imminent demise. Another ship in the distance hovered amid one of the clusters of cultists, and Jack could see it lower slightly off the ground before a group of drow soldiers jumped out and rappelled down with practised discipline, blasting anyone near them.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to get the fuck underground. Now!¡± Nika ordered, and the group wasted no time in following her, blasting anyone unfortunate enough to wander into them. At this point, anybody in the area was considered hostile, and with the sounds of fighting everywhere, there wasn¡¯t any time for niceties. Turning the corner of one of the ruined buildings, Jack didn¡¯t hesitate to open fire on a small group of cultists emerging out of a hatch in the ground, catching them completely by surprise, and he was quickly joined by the others who helped finish them off.


    In the distance there was a loud explosion as one of the drow ships exploded, hit by a ray of hellfire, and Jack could see in the distance a familiar-looking red-skinned figure in black robes.


    Devil¡¯s Daughter was on the hunt for him this night.


    ¡°We should get a grenade down that hatch!¡± Sephy quickly suggested, and Nika agreed, lifting it just enough to get it in before shutting it, holding it down with Jack standing on top. After feeling the explosion, Jack and Nika hopped in and cut down the unfortunate psychos with extreme prejudice. Helping the others down, they quickly shut the hatch.


    ¡°Shall I weld it behind us?¡± Nika suggested, and Alora thought for a moment.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She finally nodded. ¡°We don¡¯t want anyone getting in behind us, just make sure you can undo it if we have to come back this way.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unlikely considering the shitstorm outside,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Might be safer to fully weld it, exfil underground and find the nearest hatch out that isn¡¯t in the middle of a battlefield.¡±


    ¡°We still don¡¯t know what lies ahead.,¡± Jack suggested. ¡°Might as well leave our options open for now.¡±


    They were interrupted by Chiyo, who was focusing her mind around the area. I sense no immediate hostiles in this area. I suggest we make some distance and get to the source of the signal before we are discovered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep point,¡± Jack immediately volunteered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right behind, but your shield is fucked,¡± Sephy pointed out, noting the heavy damage The Butcher had managed to inflict on it in such a short amount of time. ¡°You¡¯ll need to give it time to recharge and auto repair soon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still better than nothing,¡± Jack reasoned as he snuck to the end of the corridor and checked for hostiles.


    It was only then that he really took in the atmosphere of where they were. With several sets of pipes and wires that ran along the dank, rusted walls, this reminded Jack heavily of a maintenance tunnel from the post-apocalyptic video games he used to play, with dark graffiti occasionally scribbled along the poorly maintained metal and the occasional pool of coagulated blood sticking to the rough concrete floor.


    Local legends say that these tunnels were made for servitor machines created by the gods themselves to maintain Hive Station Bastilla. Chiyo telepathically whispered to him, as if she could sense his curiosity as they moved along. It had been about 15 minutes since they started moving, only to find nobody else, which Jack found awfully strange, though perhaps the cultists had all been called to fight the drow or Devil¡¯s Daughter. Nobody was meant to ever access them, but over the millennia they have, and legends say that dark and powerful beings live at the deepest depths, where the passages open up into vaults the size of continents. Certainly what¡¯s known for sure is that monsters are known to lair down here. Even more reason to keep our guard up!


    ¡°Here¡¯s hoping we don¡¯t meet any of them,¡± Jack muttered, listening out for any movement as they came out at a crossroads. ¡°And if there are servitor machines still around they¡¯re doing a shit job. Which way, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°This way!¡± Sephy pointed down one of the passages to their right, allowing Jack to take point and scout a safe route for the group. The sounds of combat echoed in the distance all throughout the maze-like tunnels, and more than once Jack got the group to double back if he spotted any sign of squads of drow or cultists fighting. That wasn¡¯t something they wanted to get involved in if they could help it, since it made sense to allow one enemy to fight another. They¡¯d likely be forced to fight their way out at some point, but the fresher they were for it, and the fewer enemies there were, the better.


    They could tell they were getting closer to¡­something as they found what was clearly the various signs of a large number of rough living individuals against the walls and along the floors of the Gloom Tunnels from where adherents of the Cult of the Destroyer had clearly been hiding and waiting for something. Ironically enough, the drow likely coming for them made things much easier for the group by keeping the fanatics busy.


    Sadly, that was not to last.


    Being as quiet as he could as he peaked around the corner, Jack quickly leapt back as several laser rounds zipped past his head. He quickly snapped around and returned fire once they stopped, smacking the cultist who had shot at him in their centre of mass with a quick plasma burst, and catching another who was too late to duck into cover with a second. Sephy quickly rushed to join him to give Chiyo some covering fire while the Ilithii used her power to lift the remaining cultists out of cover, where they were quickly dispatched by Jack and Sephy.


    ¡°That was unlucky but not unexpected,¡± Nika commented. ¡°They must have been lying in wait for hostiles to come by; it was wishful thinking we could get to the slicer uncontested. We¡¯ve gotta get the fuck away from here now, both sides will have heard the gunfire. The Cult here is much more extensive than we thought, but those Drow are elite. I don¡¯t want us fucking with either longer than necessary.¡±


    ¡°I think we probably need to go down another floor or two.¡± Sephy pointed up ahead down the large chamber they were in to a nearby passage that looked like it headed deeper and seemed barely travelled, and Jack wasted no time in leading the group down. ¡°Same as on the surface, no way would the slicer be up here,¡± Sephy continued. ¡°If the cultists that aren¡¯t left outside sleep here, further down would be the more important places.¡±


    Agreed. There are life signs downstairs! Chiyo warned. Get ready!


    They did so, as Alora moved closer to the front so she could more quickly get an offensive spell off. Jack stayed up in front, using the strap to hold his plasma rifle one handed, and bringing his Dominator out with the other. The tunnel had clearly seen some kind of recent use, but Jack could still see the telltale signs of lime covering much of the piping and wiring, making it look more like a stone cavern than a maintenance tunnel. He could only imagine what it looked like even deeper¡­


    ¡°This is probably the floor, I¡¯m picking up a strong electronic signal of some kind,¡± Sephy informed them as Alora, Jack and Nika immediately checked the room for hostiles, while Dante and Chiyo kept watch back the way they came. This room seemed much more lavish than the rooms they found on the previous floor, with several banners with the burning skull of the Destroyer dotting the room, lit up by several dim crystals, as opposed to the rough flames and bulbs up above.


    ¡°Lighting sucks,¡± Nika stated the obvious. ¡°What do we think? Cast some light and possibly reveal our position, or do without and risk an ambush?¡±


    ¡°Do without.¡± Alora decided. ¡°Chiyo and Dante should be able to alert us.¡±


    ¡°Which way, Sephy?¡± Jack quietly whispered.


    ¡°Around that sort of direction.¡± Sephy waved broadly at one of the longer walls. ¡°Why can¡¯t things just be simple?¡±

 Chapter 43: The Gloom Paths

    ¡°Damn labyrinth, it¡¯s even worse down here.¡± Nika sighed, carefully moving to one of the nearby passages. ¡°Probably best to head down this tunnel and hope for a turn.¡±


    ¡°Sephy,¡± Jack interrupted. ¡°Do you have a marker pen or something you use for graffiti on you? If we make a mark somewhere only we know what to look for, we can retrace our steps if we have to.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± The Skritta grinned as she pulled out a highlighter and left a small mark on one of the pipes, all while Alora hurried them along.


    ¡°We need to stay ahead of the fighting,¡± the Eladrie warned. ¡°But yes, that was a good idea, Jack.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just hope we don¡¯t get flushed out,¡± Nika whispered as the echoes of combat got fiercer as they moved. ¡°Drow are probably chewing through those assholes, I almost feel sorry for them.¡±


    Unless there are any more like the Butcher. Chiyo argued. Lower-level cultists with no combat experience that just have a deathwish aren¡¯t an issue for the drow or us, but the Cult of the Destroyer has its elite forces too! And they¡¯re on home ground!


    As if to punctuate that, several cackles and explosions could be heard through the pipes heading upwards.


    Sephy? What¡¯s the direction of the signal looking like? Chiyo asked. If it changes quickly it means we¡¯re close!


    ¡°Not too close, not too far!¡± Sephy replied, keeping an eye on her indicator. ¡°We¡¯re probably going to pass the right direction and keep going until this passageway ends, at which point we will hopefully have a direct path.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s pick up the pace then!¡± Alora confirmed, ¡°We can¡¯t afford to take a break here!¡±


    Jack obliged, trying his best to toe the line between stealth and speed, Dante keeping close to his heels as he did, occasionally making sure the others in the group weren¡¯t struggling. Eventually, after what seemed like ten minutes, the path opened out into a large chamber. This one had no signs of lime or stone, and appeared to be spotless from dust and decay that they could see. The floor and walls were comprised of some kind of dark brown metal with hexagonal patterns. Not the rough, corroded rust that Jack originally believed, the metal instead had a smooth, almost slippery sheen. It climbed up the walls like ivy, only leaving some remnants of the usual pipes and wiring at the top.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­different.¡± Even Nika had to give pause. ¡°What is it, Chiyo?¡±


    I have no idea. Chiyo replied, examining the metal. Add it to the ever-growing list of mysteries of the Gloom Paths. We can¡¯t afford to worry about it right now though.


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°Sephy?¡±


    ¡°This way!¡± Sephy confirmed, leading the group to a set of three tunnel entrances right next to each other.


    ¡°Well this is awkward,¡± Jack noted. ¡°Which one do we take?¡±


    ¡°Left heads back near where we were coming from.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°What about the others?¡±


    There are lifesigns that way. Chiyo argued as she moved to the other side, with Alora taking a look. Right is safer but likely longer.


    ¡°Middle doesn¡¯t look good,¡± Jack added. ¡°I think it heads even further down and-¡±


    They were interrupted by a loud bark from Dante, whose direction made the group look up as something blasted a hole in the wall a floor above them. Several large, roaring creatures dropped to the ground, quickly followed by several Drow, clad in finely laden black uniforms. The creatures were monstrous, like some kind of emaciated-looking canine with rotted flesh, painful-looking spikes of broken, repurposed bones, and a maw of way-too-oversized teeth.


    But Jack could see they weren¡¯t canines.


    With horrified expressions on what remained of their torn and warped faces, Jack could tell that these creatures were somehow the twisted and mutilated bodies of a living person! Though mostly drow, there were also terrified looking avian, aquatic and reptilian species as well!


    ¡°House Mal¡¯Kar sends their regards!¡± one of the drow snarled as they opened fire, keeping the group in their hastily acquired cover in the passageways as more drow from the hole above maintained suppressing fire.


    Snapping out, Jack quickly let out a quick burst of plasma fire to smack in the ¡®head¡¯ of one of the beasts. Though it rocked on its feet, it stayed up, and even began to somehow quickly form a shield of flesh and bone, an action mimicked by several of the others, allowing the drow on the ground to push up. Jack let out a follow-up burst to smack one in the head, but judging by the way it wriggled on the ground, it was only wounded.


    ¡°We can¡¯t stay here!¡± Jack told the others by subvocal comms. ¡°If we retreat into the tunnels we can bottleneck them and thin their numbers!¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Nika called back as she let out some blind fire with her gatling laser from behind cover. ¡°Splitting the group is a terrible idea! Especially here!¡±


    ¡°Jack¡¯s right!¡± Alora replied as she flung a fireball. It only seemed to stagger the drow, but seemed to have a greater effect on one of the beasts, before in its death throes it blasted a spike of bone right back at her which smacked into the metal support Alora was hiding behind. ¡°Fighting retreat! We¡¯ll find each other!¡±


    ¡°As you say! Good luck!¡± Nika called back as she and Sephy retreated under the cover of a pulse grenade.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need luck!¡± Alora confidently replied back before she, Chiyo and Dante methodically moved back, launching spells and ranged attacks that the drow dared not face, instead sending a few of their beasts that way.


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± Jack roared before his high-powered photon blast melted one of the beasts and two of the drow, before he too moved back. Alone, he was an ideal primary target, and that was fine with him if it took their attention away from the others. Dual wielding both of his guns, he lay down suppressing fire, taking care not to move too far away, and drawing the drow deeper into the passageway as it descended further down into the Gloom Paths. While the drow had some kind of protective armour, they were clearly worried about taking too much damage, though the beasts were far less reserved, having as much of a deathwish as the cultists but being far more resilient and deadly.


    Backing away, the passageway quickly opened into a larger passage, and Jack knew his advantage would soon be lost. Laying down some more covering fire, he quickly activated a specific grenade from his belt and waited for the last moment before lobbing it underarm over the heads of the closest drow. It exploded, violently expelling its contents all over his group of attackers, before the concrete-like substance rapidly expanded, completely engulfing the passageway.


    And also trapping him in the new passage.


    No choice. Jack thought to himself. He knew he had the strength to break through it given enough time, but time was a precious resource when his friends were in danger. Now to find a way out.


    Turning around to look for an alternative exit, he quickly dodged to the side as a jet of flame suddenly lurched out at him before just as quickly subsiding. Sensing movement behind him, Jack dodged again, blocking a hit from something blunt that managed to dent his plasma rifle as he reflexively blocked it. Quickly retaliating, he snapped his rifle up, giving off several bursts, which were effortlessly magically absorbed by the two strange-looking drow before his plasma rifle ran out of juice, and it refused to eject its battery when Jack tried to quickly reload. The hit from earlier must have jammed it.


    Instead, on seeing that the drow hadn¡¯t pressed their attack, Jack pushed the plasma rifle back on its sling until it clipped onto the calibrated magnets on the back of his battleskin. He was more than happy to use his more powerful weapons here. These two were clearly no ordinary drow¡­


    ¡°What fortune, sister-of-mine!¡± The suited male smiled an unnaturally cheerful smile, the device on his hand still glowing from the flames as he pulled out a wicked-looking mace. ¡°Our target wants to play!¡±


    ¡°It was never a case of fortune, brother-of-mine!¡± The female in the white dress flourished her twin battle hammers as she leaned back into the male, smiling an insane grin as he caressed her body. ¡°But fate! I hope he will be more interesting than the others!


    ¡°This one will entertain us, sister-of-mine!¡± The male felt the female up as the two giggled, staring at the human in wicked glee. ¡°He is to die painfully by the young mistress¡¯ decree! Oh yes¡­¡±


    As the two drow then separated and prepared to attack, Jack growled, bringing his rage to bear. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this shit!¡±


    ******


    Dante blinked to one of the beasts, latching onto it¡¯s neck with his maw as it shuddered, electricity coursing through it¡¯s body before it fell still, unable to regenerate. Another beast leapt at him, only to be slammed into the wall by an invisible force.


    It¡¯s resisting my power! Chiyo told Alora as the Eladrie thrust out with a summoned spear, skewering another beast, then summoned divine flames to engulf it. They had proceeded a fair way, though their enemy was tenacious. We can¡¯t hold out forever, I hope you have something!


    ¡°Thought you¡¯d never ask.¡± Alora smirked despite herself, knowing that what she was about to do was difficult. ¡°Cover me while I cast!¡±


    Chiyo and Dante did so as Alora began chanting, several magical rings of power surrounding her as she knelt in a pose of supplication. Chiyo grabbed what she could with her power, throwing a cloud of dust at the incoming drow, to little effect as they could see through their visors. Chiyo followed through by lashing out with waves of psychic power, striking at the drow mentally with much greater effectiveness, though having little effect on their monsters. Dante likewise sensed Alora¡¯s wish, and shot out a slow ball of lightning down the passageway they had come through, which brutally lashed out with bolts of powerful lightning. Though the ¡®dog¡¯ seemed a little fatigued by the effort, that did not stop him from forcing the beasts back with jolts of electricity as Alora finished her ritual.


    ¡°Shar¡¯hashala of Quemos! I summon thee!¡± Alora shouted, her palms hitting the ground as she was bathed in light before her form grew, skin glowing bright, sprouting wings and shimmering with holy flames as Alora finished her transformation into a guardian celestial. Wasting no time, she waved her hands forward and immediately immolated three of the beasts, and struck a fourth that had attempted to attack Dante with a powerful foot, smacking the creature into the nearby wall with a sickening crunch. As the remaining hostiles attempted to flee back down the corridor, Alora quickly intercepted the ones she could, smiting them with her summoned sword, before unleashing white flames down the passageway they had just fled down, obliterating the remaining drow and their foul beasts.


    ¡°I can still maintain this form for a little while longer before I revert back!¡± Alora told Chiyo. ¡°Might as well use it! Where are they?¡±


    All three appear to be converging somewhere that way! Chiyo pointed, and fortunately, this time there was a passageway heading straight there.


    Though before they could get a move on, something shimmered in front of them before a portal of hellfire opened, and Alora and Chiyo summoned their power to get ready for a fight, as from the bright flames stepped forth the black-robed, red-skinned form of Devil¡¯s Daughter herself.


    Dante seemed at ease, however, as he casually padded over to the Stygian, staring up at her with intelligent eyes, and giving her a single ¡®Woof!¡¯


    Devil¡¯s Daughter unsummoned her portal as she took in the three in front of her, quickly looking around for more but not finding anyone else. Finally she spoke, locking eyes with Alora.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Jack?¡±


    ******


    ¡°That¡¯s eight!¡± Nika called to Sephy, as her gatling laser finally ripped through the last Drow¡¯s armour.


    ¡°No fair!¡± Sephy pouted, sending a powerful single shot round down range, hitting someone as they backed into cover. ¡°You have that chunky thing!¡±


    ¡°Hey! If you can pick it up and operate it, it''s all yours!¡± Nika grinned. She was reluctant to admit that Jack¡¯s idea had been a wise one. She and Sephy had given the bulk of the drow coming after them the slip multiple times, successfully catching them off guard several times and whittling down their numbers. Though these drow were clearly elite, they were apparently not used to facing experienced opponents, and they were paying dearly for it. ¡°Time to break again!¡±


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Breaking now!¡± Sephy replied, following the trace of the signal as she pushed forward to another room, this one having heavy Destroyer iconography and multiple metal pillars with unusually heavy cables webbing along their lengths and the ceiling. Sephy took cover behind a pillar on her right, noting that direction was where the signal was coming from. She could hear other sounds of battle in the distance, and hoped they would link up with the others soon!


    Nika quickly ran after Sephy as the Skritta covered her, exoskeleton-powered legs easily covering the distance while her arms were locked in place holding the gatling laser as she moved to join Sephy and prepared to engage. However, as a wave of the drow and their beasts rushed through, several shots rang out and quickly took them down completely by surprise. For a moment Nika thought it was Jack, but quickly thought better of it as someone else dashed from behind cover and quickly obliterated the remaining drow before turning to the two girls. The undead woman, with a pale, gaunt face and long white hair, effortlessly spun her heavy pistols in her hands with an evil grin, her tattered blue coat swaying with the slight breeze of the Gloom Paths.


    ¡°What vermin do I behold in the centre of my web?¡± She cackled wickedly. ¡°Not another pesky drow. You¡¯re with Him!¡±


    ¡°No idea what you mean!¡± Nika growled in reply.


    The figure mockingly laughed as she spun her guns. ¡°You¡¯re a poor liar, child. In the Destroyer¡¯s name I have ended lives and broken minds longer than you have been alive! Tell me where the Outsider is, and I¡¯ll make your deaths quick and painless!¡±


    ¡°Not gonna happen!¡± Sephy snarled. ¡°Blow it out your ass!¡±


    ¡°I was hoping you would say that!¡± The woman gave a cocky, gummy grin as she spun her pistols again before holstering them, hovering her hands by the holsters while keeping her eye on the girls, who were subvocally planning their next move. ¡°I know The Butcher finally got his wish of a glorious death in battle, but that one always lacked vision for the finer things. The thrill of the hunt! The rush of the fight! The passion of the kill! Feel honoured, children! For I will show you why I am named The Trickster!¡±


    There was a quick silence as anticipation filled the room to a boiling point, before the undead gunslinger broke it first.


    ¡°DRAW!¡±


    Immediately, Sephy crouched low and snapped out of cover with suppressing fire, forcing The Trickster to dive for the nearest pillar as they aimed for Nika, the Skritta having correctly assumed that The Trickster would see Nika as the greater threat. As Sephy tried to hit The Trickster with accurate burst fire, the form of the cultist shifted as it began to blur with the nearby darkness.


    ¡°Stealth camouflage!¡± Sephy warned.


    ¡°Gotcha!¡± Nika called back, before yelling, ¡°Dodge this, bitch!¡±


    She unleashed a furious hailstorm of bullets around the pillar as Sephy pushed forward, trying to get a better angle on The Trickster. Suddenly, several shots of green light flung out from behind the pillar, inaccurately aimed towards Nika¡­


    Or were they!?


    Nika quickly dodged out of the way as the powerful blasts ricocheted off the nearby wall, passing through precisely where she just was and pinging several more times on various surfaces before they dissipated. The Trickster wasted no time in moving from her position. Sephy saw the shimmering blur of the camouflage as she did and clipped The Trickster with a quick plasma burst from her rifle as several shots came her way, which Sephy dodged by using her wings to fly in the air, keeping up the fire and forcing the Trickster to move between cover as she tried to break line of sight and give the girls the slip. Several more ricocheting shots came flying around, much wilder this time.


    ¡°Have a plan?¡± Sephy called subvocally as she ducked another shot that almost got her from behind. ¡°Only a matter of time before we get one in the back.¡±


    ¡°I have an idea!¡± Nika growled as several shots were aimed towards her, preventing her from spinning up her gatling laser. ¡°Keep her distracted, switch to your pistols so I can spin this up!¡±


    Sephy did so, letting loose with her rapid-fire pistols anywhere where she could see the shimmer of camouflage as Nika fired up her gun, holding down the trigger as she kept up the pressure. Sephy could see the shimmer run to hide behind a pillar right at the end, and she called the position to Nika, moving into position as the Trickster got pinned down.


    She really hoped this would work¡­


    Several bolts of green gunfire pinged off the walls to fly at Nika¡¯s position, but didn¡¯t appear to hit or phase her as she kept up the heat. Several more shots quickly followed after that, pinging around and failing to hit. The undead gunslinger hissed in rage and frustration as the relentless laser fire kept her pinned down as Sephy got closer, stopping her from breaking out of cover!


    The Trickster was seething. She was done playing. She wanted to finish this, this had taken too long and she had no time to fool about any more! The sanctuary needed defending, from filthy drow and foul beasts alike! All would be destroyed, and meet oblivion. Starting with these two whelps! She heard the fluttering of wings to her left and sent a few more rounds that way, though annoyingly, none hit. Why was she missing? That Kizun was standing still! Her head should have been destroyed by now!


    What fortune! The Tricker heard the hiss of the gatling gun overheating! If a ricocheted shot wouldn''t hit and kill her, a direct blast would! Turning around she took aim and¡­WHAT!?! WHERE WAS SHE?


    The gatling laser was still spinning uselessly in place, held there by the exoskeleton that was locked in position, but the Kizun had slipped out of it! Hearing movement from the left, The Trickster was caught off guard as the Skritta dashed around and unleashed a storm of rapid gunfire, hitting the Trickster several times, who panicked, losing all sense of confidence and turned to dash towards the nearest exit¡­.


    Only to see the Kizun sliding up to her, shotgun aimed right at her face.


    The Trickster had barely enough time to give the slightest smile of acceptance. ¡°Pretty go-¡±


    Nika¡¯s blast tore half her face off as the Trickster fell to the ground. Both girls didn¡¯t even hesitate, as they immediately kept pumping more shots into the barely twitching body. There was no such thing as overkill when it came to undead.


    ¡°Do you think she had a phylactery? We don¡¯t want her coming back!¡± Sephy asked Nika, who shrugged.


    ¡°Dunno. Alora or Chiyo could probably answer that one, but even if she does, I hear it takes a while for it to work. We¡¯ll be long gone by then.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which, we need to move, the others need us!¡± Sephy replied seriously as she took The Trickster¡¯s pistols and coat, quickly rummaging through the pockets.


    ¡°Jack¡¯s on his own, at least Alora, Chiyo and Dante are together,¡± Nika reasoned, before holding a finger in the air for silence, hearing the sounds of intense fighting and screaming in the background.


    ¡°That would be where Jack is!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°And it¡¯s in the same direction as the signal too!¡±


    ¡°The others will find us, but Jack has no way of navigating this place,¡± Nika asserted, returning to her exoskeleton and checking her gatling laser. ¡°Besides, we don¡¯t want him hogging all the action!¡±


    *******


    .


    Jack fired several quick bursts with his Dominator, but whatever magic these two freaks were using made them impossibly fast, and even worse - his shield picked this moment to start recharging! The Sister blinked in close and swung wildly at Jack¡¯s head with both of her twin hammers as he ducked the attack, using his momentum to spin around and lash out with a kick, barely catching The Sister as she moved away, knocking her back. Jack raised his gun for a burst before he sensed movement behind him, quickly dipping to the side as The Brother came down with an overhead chop with his heavy mace, smacking the ground where Jack was standing just moments before, using his momentum to deftly roll forwards as Jack sent a burst from his Dominator and shuffled back as he tried to get eyes on The Sister.


    Suddenly Jack heard something behind him as The Sister blinked close, and Jack grunted in pain as he parried a hammer swipe with his forearm, trying to grab the weapon but failing as The Sister quickly pulled it back. She swiped with the other, but this time Jack was ready, jumping forward with a kick that caught The Sister right in the mouth, throwing off her attack and knocking her back, before Jack dived out of the way of a jet of flame as The Brother roared in anger. Jack sent some shots right back at him as the flames disappeared, only for The Brother to blink in and catch Jack by surprise. He tried to dodge a swipe with the heavy mace, but took a hard hit to the stomach.


    Jack jumped up to his feet angry as The Brother helped his sister up. ¡°You want up close and personal?¡± Jack snarled in sheer hate as he holstered his Dominator and drew his axe, his rage building in every fibre of his being. ¡°You¡¯ve got it! You want to kill me? Come and try it!¡±


    ¡°He struck me in the face, Brother-Of-Mine!¡± The Sister snarled as purple blood dripped down her nose to spatter her white dress.


    ¡°He will die painfully, Sister-Of-Mine!¡± The Brother snarled as he comforted his sister, but Jack wasn¡¯t willing to wait as he charged in, chopping with his axe as the Drow quickly blinked away to keep their distance. The Brother thrust his gloved arm out, which Jack could see had some kind of device on the hand, and shot a thinner jet of flame towards Jack as he rushed again at their position, with Jack dodging the more accurate pyro attack as best he could, though taking some damage he barely noticed as he forced the Drow to blink again.


    This time, however, he could hear the Drow panting, and knew in the back of his mind they couldn¡¯t keep up the blinks for very long.


    The two drow gave each other knowing looks as they nodded to one another, getting up and looking much more serious compared to before. Jack walked towards them as they walked towards him, ready for what they would try. The Brother suddenly charged at Jack, swinging his mace as hard as he could. Jack ducked under the blow, feeling the wind ruffle his hair and allowing The Brother to continue past him with their momentum as he blocked a hammer blow from The Sister with his axe, having the presence of mind to quickly hop to avoid The Brother¡¯s attempt to trip him, snapping back with a kick as he moved in closer to The Sister, parrying her second hammer strike before pulling her towards and past him, throwing her off balance as she desperately tried to stay on her feet. Hearing a shuffling from the side, Jack dodged another swipe at his head from The Brother, who quickly brought his heavy mace up to block a retaliatory chop from Jack¡¯s axe, but couldn¡¯t parry Jack¡¯s follow-up punch to the face, knocking The Brother back as he leapt forward and followed through with a kick that knocked him down.


    Anticipating The Sister, Jack feinted moving to finish off The Brother, but instead twisted and roared as he sent a vertical chop to intercept The Sister, who brought her twin hammers up in an ¡®X¡¯ to quickly block and lock the weapons in position. Taking advantage of his forward momentum, Jack used his superior strength to push The Sister back, the drow panicking as she stepped back with it, trying not to trip up before she somehow found the strength to dig her feet just as she was about to hit the wall. The Sister quickly slackened her grip on her hammers, allowing the handles to slide through her hands to shorten the length as she broke the clinch, moving within Jack¡¯s guard and punching him in the chest with the hammer heads as he was knocked back. Somehow having the reflexes to anticipate The Brother, Jack quickly fell to the ground, letting the swipe go over him as he used his momentum to come up from a back roll, grunting in pain as he felt the sharp impact and rocks on his back, despite the battleskin reducing the damage.


    The Brother quickly stopped and changed his direction, furiously swiping at Jack several times with his mace with unnatural strength. The human dodged each attempt before parrying once more with his axe, getting in close and headbutting the drow male in the face, stunning him and forcing him back Jack in time as The Sister leapt at him, bringing both of her hammers down. Jack was quicker, however, blocking the devastating attack with all of his strength and using his momentum to throw The Sister at the wall headfirst, her skull cracking against the rough metal wall as her sunglasses fell free down her blood-spattered face, revealing the acid like scars around her red eyes as she was dazed.


    Hearing The Brother rush at him again, Jack tried to dodge another swing but failed, the mace smashing into his torso with a sickening crunch, and Jack barely got his axe up in time to block a second blow, before The Brother followed through by striking Jack in the face with the pommel of his mace, forcing the human back. The Brother yelled a cry of victory as he rushed in close with a downward chop of his mace, with Jack blocking and holding on with as much strength as he could muster. He knew the drow could magically enhance their strength, but his strength was natural, and he pushed back. The Brother¡¯s nose began to bleed from his magical exertion as Jack held on, before suddenly the human roared in rage, pushing The Brother back in a burst of strength, his guard wide open as, without thinking, Jack threw his axe as hard as he could, smashing into The Brother¡¯s torso! Jack dashed to the shockedlooking drow as they raised their gauntleted hand to spew fire once again¡­


    Jack caught up just in time, grabbing the arm with his right hand and aiming the flames away from him by twisting the arm, while with his left Jack brought his fist down on The Brother¡¯s elbow as hard as he possibly could. The Brother screamed in agony as his arm was completely destroyed with a snapping crunch of bone, deactivating the magical fire. Jack pulled him in close for a grapple as he heard The Sister get up, and knew he had to be quick and decisive. Switching around and getting behind The Brother as the drow¡¯s other arm flailed desperately, Jack grabbed The Brother¡¯s shoulder with his left hand and underneath the screaming drow¡¯s chin with the other, digging his fingers in deep as the drow male struggled to break the grip. Jack¡¯s anger reached a boiling point, as his fingers broke through the drow¡¯s skin and latched onto the jawbone¡­


    ¡°NO!¡± The Sister screamed as she rushed towards Jack as quickly as she could.


    Jack roared a war cry as he pulled with all of his might, ripping the head off The Brother in a volcanic eruption of purple gore as The Sister charged at him in a berserk rage. Gripping his axe, he tried to swing at her head, but in The Sister¡¯s anger she hit Jack first, smashing his arm as he desperately tried to move back and parry. But The Sister would not tire, swinging at Jack with no heed to any discipline or tactic. As Jack blocked, he was booted back by the enraged drow, not wanting Jack to get within her guard as she charged again.


    Jack quickly charged back, pretending to meet her axe to hammer, but at the last moment he dropped down in a slide, taking The Sister¡¯s legs out from under her as she was caught completely by surprise. Jack quickly kicked up to his feet, as The Sister scrambled as well, turning to face Jack¡­


    Just in time to take three photon rounds to the chest.


    The Sister fell back with a surprised grunt as Jack holstered his Dominator, and then his axe, as he walked methodically towards The Sister.


    The drow snarled as she felt her life leave her. She would not lose to this male! She would try and beg for her life just long enough to avenge her brother! She looked to the side and could see her hammer. Reaching for it she tried to be subtle in her movements as her hand wrapped around the cool, metal handle. She then tried to relax herself and not look like a threat as she looked up to the human that had approached, to try to beg for their mercy¡­


    Only for The Sister¡¯s eyes to widen in terror as, with a snarl, the human stomped his boot through her face and out the back of her skull.


    Jack groaned as he leaned against the nearby way to quickly catch his breath after the ordeal. The pain of his injuries caught up with him as his adrenaline began to subside, and they were not forgiving. He had been hit in several places, mostly along his arms and chest during the melee, and though the protection of his battleskin spread a lot of the impact around his body, he knew he would be sporting some wicked bruises. The rest of his body felt a little stiff and sore as a side effect of the battleskin, but not to the point of injury. He had been hit in the head and face a few times as well, though Jack did his best to ignore the pain of that. There was nothing he could do about it anyway.


    Listening out for any danger as he searched the bodies, Jack could hear the faint sounds of combat in the distance and above him. Cursing himself for blocking the way he came, he barely registered chucking everything that looked valuable or important that The Sister and The Brother had on them into a microfiber sling-bag he shook out of one of his pockets, only hesitating for a moment when he examined the strange contraption The Brother had used as a flamethrower. Jack was sorely tempted to just put it on and test it out, but common sense overruled that idea, and he carefully placed it in the bag with everything else. Strapping the drow weapons to him he was just about to start jogging towards the sounds of fighting, when he stopped, noticing a discarded object on the ground. Crouching to pick up The Sister¡¯s shades, he took a moment to put them on, before looking for the next fight.

 Chapter 44: The Prophet

    ¡°Jack? Is that you? Coming in on your left!¡± he heard Sephy call over subvocal comms about five minutes later, as another patrol of Destroyer cultists found out why ¡®trying to bumrush a human¡¯ was a terrible idea. They were getting much more fierce and fanatic in their attempts to kill him, so Jack assumed he was getting close to somewhere interesting.


    ¡°Overcharge!¡± Jack called out, obliterating both the cover and the last remaining cultists that were hiding behind it, before he spotted a purple hand that shot out of one of the passages on his left.


    ¡°That you, Sephy?¡± Jack called out, and immediately the Skritta relaxed and walked out, with Nika following a few moments later.


    ¡°I guess this means the others aren¡¯t with you?¡± Nika asked, and Jack shook his head, realising that Alora, Chiyo and Dante hadn¡¯t met up with Nika and Sephy either.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine!¡± Sephy tried to reassure them both before Jack came closer to their light and she saw Jack¡¯s injuries. ¡°What the hell happened to you? And where did you get the cool shades?¡±


    ¡°Got jumped by two batshit crazy drow that weren¡¯t like the other bastards shooting at us. I assume that means they were probably in charge?¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°Drow nobles tend to stand out from the pack and they¡¯re in charge by default.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense, they gave the same vibe as Izadora,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°I take it you had your own share of trouble?¡±


    ¡°Yup!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Commlinks record everything so we¡¯ll show each other when we get back!¡±


    ¡°Guys, listen!¡± Sephy interrupted, and both Jack and Nika instantly fell silent. The sounds and echoes of fighting had died down heavily, and there was mostly an uneasy silence, with the exception of the occasional unknown bang in the distance.


    ¡°Drow have probably lost this one, they probably didn¡¯t think they¡¯d need to descend into the Gloom Paths either,¡± Nika whispered. ¡°Question is - how much of the cult is still around?¡±


    ¡°At least two commanders are confirmed to be out of action.¡± Sephy reasoned. ¡°But that¡¯s not what I was talking about. Do you hear the hum?¡±


    Both Nika and Jack strained their ears, and sure enough, just faintly they could hear it. It almost sounded like¡­


    ¡°Electronics,¡± Jack concluded. ¡°Like a server room or something.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re close.¡± Nika nodded, testing a spin of her gatling laser. ¡°You ready?¡±


    ¡°My Plasma Rifle got knocked hard fighting the drow,¡± Jack noted. ¡°But I¡¯m more in my element with my axe and Dominator anyway. At least I didn¡¯t drop it this time. What about the others? If there¡¯s no sounds of fighting¡­¡±


    ¡°They know how to handle themselves, they¡¯re probably sneaking around trying to get to us. Chiyo should have a relative bead on our auras so they¡¯ll catch up when they can,¡± Sephy pointed out.


    ¡°But do we want to push on without them?¡± Jack whispered back.


    Nika seemed to ponder that for a moment before nodding. ¡°This is still time sensitive and we don¡¯t want to give the cult the opportunity to regroup. It¡¯s not ideal, but we¡¯ve got to push on while we have the advantage.¡±


    Jack nodded, doing his best to trust his friend''s judgement. He didn¡¯t like the idea of going in with a split party, but they had made it this far¡­


    He stayed in front, ready for a fight. His new shades had proven better than a simple fashion accessory, giving him a type of darkvision that outlined the dimensions of the dark caverns and tunnels in a faint purple and highlighted any would-be ambusher that had tried to take him out, and Jack used these to great effect as he cleared a path, though the resistance they faced as they followed the source of the humming was token. On the walls of the caverns and tunnels there were many red lights that gave an eerie glow to their surroundings, which built up the closer they got. Encountering no more resistance over the next few minutes, the three friends stopped in what had to be the penultimate room. Though it wasn¡¯t the clearest to Nika or even Sephy in the low red light, Jack could more easily spot the many grooves in the pristine stone floor, forming numerous complex glyphs and wards that almost encompassed the entirety of the room, with several blank spots dotted amidst the mosaic. At the far end of the chamber lay a raised platform with a lectern overlooking an altar, and from behind it the group could see a much brighter red glow coming from an exit at the other end of the room.


    ¡°Magic sigils are never a good thing, especially something of this size,¡± Nika growled over subvocal comms. ¡°Plus no resistance. Feels like a trap.¡±


    ¡°We can probably go around the edge,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°There¡¯s something like a thin path all the way around the perimeter we can sneak around. If there¡¯s anyone still in the next room they know we¡¯re coming, but if we stay quiet we might still have the element of surprise.¡±


    ¡°Jack¡­¡± Sephy replied like she had just realised something. ¡°That spot you pointed out where you said you woke up? I put a virtual marker there and it¡¯s directly above us!¡±


    ¡°This could be a ritual room?¡± Nika questioned. ¡°Not that we¡¯d be able to tell. Definitely Chiyo¡¯s field of expertise.¡±


    ¡°We could always come back,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°But if not, can we at least get a good look at it with a camera?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the rear and pick up as much of it as I can,¡± Sephy promised.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded as he took point. ¡°Let¡¯s go and hope the others catch up soon!¡±


    They moved in complete silence as they slowly and methodically moved around the room, not even talking over subvocal comms, keeping their senses wide alert for any dangers. But none came. As they edged ever closer, the electric hum began to drown out everything else, and Jack was hyper-focused as he finally got to the stairs leading up to the ominous next room, glancing at the simple stone lectern and not spotting any obvious notes or papers.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Jack asked the two girls, and both nodded confidently. ¡°Alright. 3¡­.2¡­.1¡­Go!¡±


    The chamber they entered was large and lavishly furnished, which struck Jack at first glance as looking like an extensive library, with many corridors of shelves containing dusty tomes and unusual-looking objects. Quickly taking full cover and assessing the situation, all three noticed the thick, ugly metal cables snaking along the ground that were the primary source of the red glow, which got much brighter further up ahead in what looked to Jack like the centre of the room, judging by what he could see of the ceiling.


    ¡°Close quarters, be careful and keep something close range handy,¡± Nika warned over subvocal comms.


    ¡°Get behind me if it gets really bad,¡± Jack added.


    ¡°Yeeeeeah, I think we should stick together,¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°If we split we could get picked off.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°Stay frosty.¡±


    Neither Nika nor Sephy knew what Jack meant by that expression but they kept it to themselves as they pushed forward down the long row of bookshelves, checking behind them and through the shelf spaces for any hostiles, but there were none that they could see, and in a way that made things feel worse¡­


    Jack stopped suddenly, and silently pointed ahead as they turned a corner. The central part of the room looked like a hacker¡¯s paradise: a veritable battlestation of criss-crossing wires, numerous monitors displaying anything from streams of data to various news reports and wicked-looking devices connected to the side. Jack quickly noted one that included a seat with restraints.


    Yet there was no missing the sole figure standing with their back to them, watching the various video feeds. Hooded in a black robe and carrying a black staff, they paid no attention as the three friends got closer, guns drawn and ready to engage.


    ¡°Welcome, Outsider,¡± the figure spoke. It was feminine, quiet and assured with an air of confidence. The three tensed up and prepared to open fire, though something about the voice seemed almost familiar to Jack¡­


    ¡°Turn around and drop the staff!¡± he ordered, trying to keep his voice steady and level.


    The figure raised their arms high in surrender and slowly turned on the spot, completely relaxed and taking their time. They did not drop their staff, however¡­


    ¡°Drop the staff!¡± Jack ordered again, as Nika took an involuntary gasp on seeing the exposed red skin on the figure¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Devil¡¯s Daughter!¡± Sephy whispered. ¡°Has to be!¡±


    The figure still refused to comply with his demand, though made no hostile moves. Slowly and carefully with her offhand, she delicately pinched the fabric of her hood, slowly drawing it back and letting go, just enough for the hood to fall back.


    Jack almost opened fire right away.


    It took all of his willpower and discipline not to. He knew there was no way this wouldn¡¯t end in a fight, but they needed answers. Still, the familiar face filled him with hate. Though her scars and bodily mutilation had been replaced by evil, wicked-looking cybernetics, there was no mistaking the Stygian woman who had been tormenting him in his dreams.


    ¡°Welcome back.¡± The woman smiled, still keeping both her arms in the air. ¡°The Destroyer never lies. We knew you would return here, Outsider. Your destiny demands it.¡±


    ¡°Then you know why we¡¯re here,¡± Jack snarled. ¡°I want answers!¡±


    The woman just cackled in answer. ¡°You will answer his questions!¡± Nika ordered as she spun up her gatling laser.


    ¡°The One Who Hates.¡± The woman grinned a dark smile, refusing to elaborate.


    ¡°Who the hell¡¯s that?¡± Jack asked. ¡°The hacker controlling Dubakuu? Are they controlling you too?¡±


    The woman kept her smile as she seemed to be examining Jack from head to toe, sizing him up. ¡°Yes¡­.yes yes yes¡­¡± she whispered to herself. ¡°His prophecy is coming true!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Crazy bitch! Answers! Now!¡± Sephy interrupted.


    The woman¡¯s smile faded somewhat, as her eyes lazily looked to a newcomer.


    ¡°The End has come,¡± a voice whispered from the side, as a hooded figure slid out from behind a bookcase to their right, wearing a mask of simple, white pottery with the symbol of the burning skull, their twin sawtooth blades reflecting the crimson glow.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Nika growled. ¡°Those knives¡­it¡¯s the Skinsaw Slasher! Has to be!¡±


    ¡°The Avatar has arrived!¡± another voice whispered from the other side, as another robed figure stepped out, with the same blades and mask as the first.


    ¡°There were two Skinsaw Slashers?¡± Sephy tensely questioned, as both girls moved closer to Jack and covered the flanks.


    ¡°No,¡± Jack replied in a grave tone, as more figures emerged, all with the same robes, masks and blades.


    ¡°Such strength and power, a true force of destruction!¡± another of the slashers added.


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    ¡°A perfect vessel of entropy!¡± a deep growl resonated from the small gathering.


    ¡°The time of the Destroyer begins...¡± another whispered from behind them, as the woman simply looked at them.


    ¡°When I give the signal, run back the way we came. We can bottleneck them in the corridor,¡± Jack muttered just enough for their subvocal comms to pick it up, both Sephy and Nika quickly acknowledging.


    ¡°The One Who Hates desires your death, Outsider,¡± the woman purred. ¡°But I answer to The Destroyer, and I will answer to His Champion.¡±


    Jack, Nika and Sephy stepped back in shock as the Skinsaw Slashers took to their knees and bowed to Jack.


    ¡°Your arrival has been long foretold.¡± The woman raised her voice to address the room. ¡°One worthy enough to be the first Hero of the Destroyer! You arrived in our midst! Delivered to us by the Destroyer! The One Who Hates wants you dead? Accept The Destroyer¡¯s power and wipe them out first!¡±


    The electronics behind the woman flashed a darker shade of red in response, but only Jack spotted out of the corner of his eye one of the Slashers twitch slightly.


    ¡°Get ready to move,¡± Jack whispered to the other two.


    ¡°You will be the first, and you will be the last!¡± the woman yelled, licking her lips. ¡°The Harbinger of the Apocalypse! Our time has-¡±


    Suddenly, right in front of them, the air shimmered as a circle of hellfire burned into the ground. The Slashers reacted in a mixture of confusion, anger and joy, thinking this to be a sign of the Destroyer.


    But not the woman in front of them. She sneered at the interruption as four forms appeared as the smoke cleared. Chiyo, Dante and what could only be a transformed Alora were clearly ready for a fight, but Jack¡¯s focus was entirely on the other Stygian woman in front of him.


    The real Devil¡¯s Daughter wasted no time and struck out at the imposter with a magical ray of hellfire, who cast a shield to block it.


    Then all hell broke loose.


    ¡°CONSCIOUSNESS OVERRIDE COMPLETE, ASSUMING MANUAL AVATAR CONTROL!¡± the Slashers all screeched in unison as they jerked upright and rushed forward. ¡°SECONDARY THREATS DETECTED! TERTIARY SYSTEM COMPROMISED!¡±


    ¡°Come on then!¡± Nika yelled in a challenge as the Slashers rushed forward with blades out, charging directly towards Jack and Devil¡¯s Daughter.


    Devil¡¯s Daughter wordlessly blinked forwards to engage who Jack now assumed was ¡®The Prophet¡¯, the two women slinging magic at one another as their fight took them further away from the others. Dante barked furiously as the group felt the air around them turn static, noticing that their movements quickened as they immediately opened fire into the slashers while moving back, trying to keep their distance from the close-range weapons.


    ¡°Get behind me!¡± Jack called to the others as the Slashers shook off shots that would have easily killed anyone else, dashing into melee range. ¡°Aegis!¡± His shield burst out and he used it to batter the slashers back, desperately getting whatever shots off he could, before yelping in pain as he received a brutal cut from the sawblade sword of one of the slashers, who had dodged his counterattack and lunged past his defence.


    ¡°Fall back!¡± Nika yelled to the others, as a blast of her shotgun finally took one down. She allowed Chiyo to lean on her as the ilithii desperately tried to keep the bulk away from them with her abilities, but she was quickly faltering.


    Alora yelled out a word of power as she quickly lashed out with a lance of holy power, splitting from the group as she charged forward and skewered one of the slashers with a spear of light. ¡°YOU WILL NEVER KILL ANYONE AGAIN!¡± she yelled with righteous fury, as she flew back to avoid a nasty slash from a taller slasher that nicked her ankle.


    ¡°Get away from them!¡± Jack yelled in panic, taking some nasty cuts to the back as he turned to batter a duo of slashers that were rushing at Nika, Sephy and Chiyo as they moved back to the corridor of shelves to avoid getting swarmed, catching one with his now-drawn axe, easily forcing the unforgiving blade through the flimsy block and burying it deep into the slashers shoulder, leaving their arm uselessly hanging at their side.


    The slasher didn¡¯t even flinch.


    The counterattack from the slasher''s other sawtooth sword scraped Jack¡¯s shield as he quickly brought it round to try and defend himself, moving in an arc to further block any additional attackers on his flanks.


    Jack knew he couldn¡¯t keep playing defensive for much longer. It was too slow!


    He gave a quick glance to Alora, who was busy tearing through slashers, and knew she had the right idea.


    And that was the problem in his mind, wasn¡¯t it? He didn¡¯t trust the others to be able to hold their own without him.


    ¡°Nika? Can you guys manage without me?¡± Jack called back as he tried to finish off the slasher he¡¯d crippled.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got this, Jack!¡± Nika called out as she expertly extended her bo staff, fending off three of the slashers at once at the opening to the corridor, allowing Chiyo to take a breather and lash out with her power.


    ¡°Yeah! Go crazy!¡± Sephy yelled out from somewhere. ¡°Help Alora and Dante!¡±


    *****


    ¡°CREATURE ANALYSIS COMPLETE! OUTSIDER STATUS CONFIRMED!¡± the slasher growled as Dante dashed forward to evade the attack, yipping in pain as the tip of a blade caught their flank, before a jolt of electricity jumped along the blade and stunned the slasher in return, who fell to the ground with a thud before stirring once again. Dante did not hesitate, clamping his powerful jaws around the exposed throat of the slasher, quickly ripping it out before looking around.


    Dante¡¯s family were really nice, even the grumpy blue one! They gave Dante his name, and they  gave him food, drink, a den and lots of fuss! They did good things and stopped bad people that wanted to hurt them! That was why the Shining Lady sent him to help them! He loved his new family, and would do anything to keep them safe from the bad people!


    He saw Mistress Alora back in her strange new form fighting bad people, and more were coming to try and hurt her! Dante barked loudly as he channelled his divine magic, blasting the bad people with chain lightning that forked through a bunch of them, but not killing any! How?! They were badly hurt though, and he could see Master Jack running right at them! Dante knew Master Jack had this, so he quickly went to look for the others.


    He was a good boy.


    *****


    Sephy was at a disadvantage. She knew how to strike from the shadows with her knives, but against people who knew how to do that themselves she wasn¡¯t going to risk it, especially with these numbers.


    What to do?


    Oh!


    ¡°Don¡¯t die, you two! I¡¯m going high!¡± Sephy grinned as Nika flicked out her bo staff and covered the entrance while Chiyo assisted at range, igniting her psiblade for quick use. Sephy quickly used her wings to help propel her up the bookcase until she was able to squat precariously on the top. Taking aim with her pulse rifle, she tried to see what damage she could do!


    Seeing the bright bolt of blue, Sephy knew Dante was holding up alright. Alora was still tearing through slashers as best she could, who were trying their best to coordinate their efforts into bringing the Eladrie down. Sephy could see that Alora had taken several hits but didn¡¯t seem to show any pain as she continued to strike out while Jack made his way to her.


    ¡°Still, might as well thin the numbers!¡± Sephy grinned to herself as she took aim at an exposed slasher, and took its head off completely!


    Huh?


    How were they still moving? They continued moving carefully forward despite lacking sight, and it was only when Sephy put another burst into their legs did they stop being an immediate threat. She looked up further ahead, and saw that Devil¡¯s Daughter was still engaged in a battle with The Prophet, with a few dead slashers nearby. She spotted a live one sneaking about to try and get the drop on Devil¡¯s Daughter, but a quick burst from Sephy sorted that out! Her burst caught the slasher¡¯s centre of mass, and this time it seemed to do a lot better, dropping the bad guy before he knew what hit them!


    Devil¡¯s Daughter quickly glanced towards Sephy and gave a quick wink and a nod.


    Well¡­in Sephy¡¯s mind she did! It was a lot better than the reflexive assessment of the potential threat that was the reality!


    ¡°Chiyo!¡± Sephy called down. ¡°Why are they shrugging off hits? I just took one¡¯s head off and it kept going!¡±


    Their minds and personalities have been overridden by another consciousness! Chiyo warned There¡¯s barely anything left of the original person!


    Chiyo steeled herself as more of the Slashers emerged from the other end of the corridor of bookcases before charging. Chiyo quickly used her telekinetic power to throw books at the Slashers to try and slow them, though she was loathe to damage them. She wanted to read them later!


    She called upon her power, sending a bolt of telepathic force down range, and completely ruptured the first slasher it hit, obliterating them as the lance continued, knocking the next slasher down in much the same way.


    But two of them were able to dodge, and Chiyo didn¡¯t have the power to do that same attack twice in succession. She floated up and raised her psyblade, trying to remember all the lessons Nika had taught her.


    How would Jack do this? He¡¯d just go crazy¡­


    Wait¡­that gave Chiyo a crazy idea!


    Quickly drawing as much of her power as she could Chiyo tipped the nearest bookcase over, which fell on top of the two slashers, scattering books and debris all over the place. Mentally wincing at all the dust and rubble covering the already flimsy-looking tomes, Chiyo quickly floated towards the downed slashers, finishing them off with her psyblade, though taking a very painful gash in her leg from where she couldn¡¯t move away in time. Stumbling back she leaned against one of the bookcases, no longer bothering to float since she needed to refresh as much of her power as she could, and the cut had dug deep!


    Nika growled as she swung her bo staff around in wide arcs, making sure to change the pattern of her swings in order to keep the enemy guessing. She had taken several hits already, but she had managed to hold her own, using the powerful strikes of her staff to keep the slashers at bay and break their bones with devastating counterstrikes, the kinetic force strike modules she implanted into her weapon intensifying the power of her impacts.


    ¡°Come on!¡± She grinned. She was in her element as she spun and swept at an exposed leg, relishing in the sound of shattered bone, her momentum unhindered. ¡°Who wants some?¡±


    Behind her bravado, she just wanted to keep the heat off her friends. Jack could definitely hold his own, and Alora and Dante apparently could too, but she knew that Sephy and Chiyo didn¡¯t have the advantage here in close range, so until the numbers of the slashers were thinned she wanted to hold the line to cover the others while they did their thing.


    Besides, it wasn¡¯t like she was lacking in assholes to take down!


    She swung her staff in quick loops, keeping the slashers back while she considered who to strike next!


    A burst of plasma fire smacked into one of them, and Nika didn¡¯t hesitate to take advantage, the tip of her staff smashing the white mask and taking part of the slasher¡¯s face with it. Another slasher was picked up off their feet with telekinetic power, and with a wicked grin Nika slammed her staff into their chest with a sickening crunch. Dante quickly dipped in and bit hard on the ankle of another slasher, filling them with deadly electricity, and Nika wasted no time in following through with a lethal swipe.


    And with that, Nika¡¯s opponents were down.


    ¡°Thanks for the assists,¡± she called out with a cocky smile. ¡°But those were all my kills!¡±


    The slashers are focusing on Jack and Devil¡¯s Daughter! Both they and Alora need help!


    ¡°Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s come for Jack, so let the slashers go for her,¡± Nika replied grimly. ¡°Sephy, when we eliminate all other hostiles, I want you to have her in your crosshairs. I¡¯m pushing up, you and Chiyo stay here and cover us!¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Sephy replied unhappily. She was a fan of Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s antics, but she would not let her harm Jack!


    *****


    Alora grunted in pain as she vaguely felt another cut wrack her celestial form before she raised her hand and blasted the slasher with radiant fire until they dropped to the ground. Her celestial form wouldn¡¯t be able to take much more, but she was determined to stay in the fight for as long as it took, and deal with the residual pain after!


    ¡°TERTIARY THREAT LEVEL INCREASED!¡± the prone slasher growled as they slowly expired, as Alora stabbed them in the throat to shut them up.


    She flew up into the air with her summoned wings, spotting another slasher charging towards where Jack was rampaging and dove down, pinning them to the ground with her shining spear, then yanking it back out to stab down again. Jack rushed past her yelling like a maniac, bleeding from many cuts all over his body as he chopped, shot and stomped any Slasher that rushed in to desperately try to kill him. Alora quickly came to his aid, flying high and shooting what spells she had left at the few remaining slashers as Nika rushed in to back Jack up. They headed towards Devil¡¯s Daughter and The Prophet, who were still slinging spells at one another, trying to rip through the other¡¯s defences. While Devil¡¯s Daughter was powerful, she also had to fend off the attacks of the slashers, and was clearly badly wounded from their attacks.


    The Prophet held on as she saw Jack approach, and gave him a mad smile.


    ¡°Accept his blessing, human!¡± she growled as she fought to maintain her shield. ¡°Become the Hero of The Destroyer and bring about the end!¡±


    ¡°Overcharge!¡±


    Jack¡¯s blast smashed into The Prophet¡¯s shield and shattered her remaining protections. The last look she gave him as Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s spell melted what remained of her natural body was one of utterly confused shock and horror at being completely wrong.


    Devil¡¯s Daughter gave a visible deep breath and began to turn around before she noticed Nika and Jack levelling their guns straight at her.


    ¡°I¡¯ve moved position and got eyes on her,¡± Sephy called in. ¡°Chiyo and Alora look badly hurt and Dante¡¯s limping towards you.¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± Jack muttered under his breath before focusing his attention on Devil¡¯s Daughter.


    The warlock stared at him in silence, not moving as the others approached, stopping behind Jack.


    Except for Dante.


    The ¡®dog¡¯ casually limped past them towards Devil¡¯s Daughter with a wagging tale, heedless of Jack¡¯s quiet order to stay put, before standing in the middle of them, looking at both of them and giving a single bark.


    Jack felt his rage calm on seeing the dog¡¯s behaviour, as Devil¡¯s Daughter gazed down at Dante too, before visibly relaxing and looking back up to the group with a warm smile.


    ¡°Greetings, friends,¡± she finally spoke. ¡°And be at peace, all of you. I am not your enemy.¡±

 Chapter 45: Devils Daughter

    The voice of Devil¡¯s Daughter was deeper than Jack had expected it to be, though had a melodic quality to it


    ¡°You have a strange way of showing it,¡± Jack replied, not aggressively as he might have a few moments prior, but genuinely curious.


    ¡°I will explain my actions to you, but for now I would suggest this chamber be locked down before the dregs of the Cult of the Destroyer dare to check on their leader,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter replied calmingly, perfectly aware of Jack¡¯s bead on her.


    ¡°Electronically activated siege system,¡± Sephy whispered over subvocal comms, having used her cybernetics to check. ¡°Closed circuit. All connected to a lever attached to the pillar closest to Devil¡¯s Daughter.¡±


    ¡°How do you want to play this?¡± Jack asked the others.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go for it, you shoot her if she tries anything,¡± Nika confirmed.


    ¡°I understand your caution,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter called to them as she slowly lifted a hand, which glowed with pale red light. ¡°I swear on my power that I speak the truth and mean you no harm.¡±


    ¡°We can trust that,¡± Alora confirmed to the group. ¡°That was a magically binding oath.¡±


    Confirmed. Chiyo concurred. She¡¯s here to help.


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure¡­¡± Jack replied sceptically. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then we need to check your injuries.¡±


    ¡°Help them out once we¡¯re clear, Jack, I¡¯ll get on Alora,¡± Nika agreed, before whispering on subvocal comms, ¡°Sephy, keep on Devil¡¯s Daughter just in case.¡±


    ¡°Gotcha, I¡¯m unhurt,¡± the Skritta confirmed as she kept as much focus as she could on the Stygian vigilante. Nika kept her shotgun pointed at her as well as she backed towards the emergency lever, before quickly yanking it down. All around the chamber, fitted doors of solid slabs of metal began to quickly slam shut and lock in place, a sound echoed all throughout the chamber.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°We¡¯re in the clear.¡±


    Devil¡¯s Daughter nodded. ¡°Do what you need to do to take care of yourselves, I need to check the console, then we¡¯ll talk.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll join you,¡± Sephy interjected. ¡°We¡¯re here for answers too!¡±


    *****


    Jack was checking Chiyo¡¯s leg wound, doing his best to not cause any more pain than necessary as he bandaged it up, tearing strips of cleanish-looking cloth from the clothing of one of the dead slashers, before wrapping them tight around the nasty cut Chiyo had received. It had been very painful looking and, as Alora was finding out the hard way, had some sort of resistance against healing magics that stopped the skin from knitting back together.


    Jack was not completely confident he was doing the right thing here, barely remembering his very brief first aid lessons with the Scouts, but he tried not to show it, telling Chiyo what he was doing as he did it. Chiyo¡¯s blood didn¡¯t clot as well as human blood, and the Ilithii had several large bruises and signs of swelling all over her thanks to the drow and their beasts, so Jack didn¡¯t hesitate to start with what felt right.


    Thanks, Jack, you¡¯re doing well! Chiyo smiled faintly as she rested against a pillar. And more importantly, I think you¡®re doing it right!


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Jack sighed in relief as he gave Chiyo a reassuring grin. ¡°I¡¯ve done what I can with what we have as far as cleaning goes, but unless Alora is able to do it better, we should probably check it again when we get back. I¡¯m pretty sure for now putting pressure on the wound and stopping the bleeding is good enough.


    This wasn¡¯t how I pictured you getting handsy with me but I¡¯ll take it! Chiyo cheekily replied with a sly smile well hidden from the others.


    ¡°Careful!¡± Jack whispered back with a wink as he moved on to Dante. ¡°Last thing we need is you causing another quake when we¡¯re deep underground!¡±


    ******


    ¡°Stop whining!¡± Alora fussed as Nika reluctantly accepted her help.


    ¡°You¡¯re not cutting my fur to better apply bandages,¡± Nika growled. ¡°Especially while Jack¡¯s around. I¡¯ll look ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°I never said I was going to do that!¡± Alora stifled a chuckle as she went over a few of the more minor cuts she was able to deal with using her healing focus.


    ¡°That didn¡¯t stop you last time!¡± Nika raised her eyebrows as she in turn looked over Alora¡¯s wounds, most of which had faded somewhat upon her celestial form dissipating, the damage dealt to Alora¡¯s energy levels and mental state rather than her body, though it still itched like hell.


    ¡°Last time I couldn¡¯t heal that well and you decided to bang yourself up being dumb and sliding down a rubbish chute!¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°And you kept it longer and knotted so I didn¡¯t have much choice!¡±


    ¡°Good times¡­¡± Nika replied with a smile, reminiscing.


    ¡°Less dangerous, more idiocy,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°Shame we never get less of both. Are we good for now?¡±


    ¡°For now,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°It gets a more thorough look when we get back. You and Chiyo need to take a stim though.¡± She raised her voice so Chiyo could hear, who quickly nodded in agreement, taking a green pill out of one of her pockets and downing it with some water as Alora did the same, almost immediately perking back up with the rush of chemical energy.


    Getting back up, they approached the console Devil¡¯s Daughter was working on, where Sephy had been constantly trying to engage her in small talk as she copied the vast streams of data, while not-so-subtly trying to see what information Devil¡¯s Daughter was looking for.


    ¡°So,¡± Jack asked, getting straight to the point. ¡°It turns out you don¡¯t want to take the fat bounty on me.¡±


    Devil¡¯s Daughter turned and nodded her confirmation. ¡°I never had any intention of chasing it, but many individuals did, so that is why I added my Hunter¡¯s Mark. My reputation holds weight, and it kept many others from coming after you until now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded, seeing the logic. ¡°I saw you take on the Killer Klown on the news, and my friend Nya swore you must have had some kind of ulterior motive. It makes sense most hunters wouldn¡¯t want to risk a fight with you.¡±


    ¡°Most, but not not all,¡± Nika pointed out.


    ¡°Not all,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter agreed. ¡°And you have my apologies. Dr Grine resurfacing was unexpected and unfortunate, and I didn¡¯t even fathom this¡­Killer Kush being stupid enough to get involved.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s down though!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Jack threw him out a window!¡±


    Devil¡¯s Daughter raised her eyebrows at that, but didn¡¯t comment.


    ¡°So you did it to help me out,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Thanks for that, we would probably be swimming in constant shootouts had you not, but you could have told me someh-¡±


    ¡°I attempted to. Twice,¡± the Stygian replied, not sounding impressed. ¡°I wanted to make contact and warn you that your DNA was being used to target and track you, though thankfully any magical efforts have been minimally effective. I sent a letter to your school locker that went unopened, and I attempted to dreamwalk to you during the week-¡±


    ¡°So you did try to fuck with my dreams!¡± Jack interrupted.


    ¡°Just the once. I saw the Pallid Pit and your unexpected reaction dissuaded me from attempting it again.¡±


    Jack has been targeted in his dreams all week. Chiyo pointed out, gesturing towards the melted body of The Prophet. We thought it was you, but it turns out it was her masquerading as you.


    Devil¡¯s Daughter nodded, more to herself as if confirming something on her mind. Perhaps she was communicating subvocally with someone just like they did.


    ¡°So why exactly are you going to all this trouble to help us?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Because I suspect we have a mutual enemy,¡± she confirmed. ¡°The one who placed the bounty on you. What do you know of them?¡±


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Not enough, that¡¯s why we came here,¡± Alora interjected. ¡°They¡¯re a code slicer of some kind that was working with a former priest of Nekdon during our last run and took control of their cybernetics when we defeated them, and just a few hours ago we hired another slicer to track their signal to here. The rest is speculation, we heavily believe them to be the one behind Jack¡¯s extensive bounty and that they¡¯re working with the drow of House Mal¡¯Kar.¡±


    ¡°Whoever they are, they aren¡¯t here,¡± Jack added. ¡°Tracing the signal let them know we were onto them, so though we hoped to find them, we figured they¡¯d probably run. Wherever the location ended up being we figured it would be within a few hour¡¯s travel distance and they wouldn¡¯t have had enough time to get rid of all the clues and evidence before we got there.¡±


    That woman did refer to them as ¡®The One Who Hates¡¯ a few times now. Chiyo reasoned. Maybe a higher-up within the Cult of the Destroyer?


    Devil¡¯s Daughter nodded slowly, taking the information in.


    ¡°I have a suspicion I know who they are,¡± she finally replied. ¡°And many of you will have heard the name before.¡±


    She took a sigh before looking to Alora.


    ¡°What do you know about Malakiel?¡±


    That garnered several sharp intakes of breath from the girls, though Jack had no idea what Devil¡¯s Daughter was talking about. He turned to give the others a questioning look.


    ¡°One of the Top 10 bounties on Hive Station Bastilla,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°And they¡¯ve been there a while, I think they¡¯re Number 6 at the moment.¡±


    ¡°Damn,¡± Jack replied, almost in awe. From what he knew of the Top 10 bounties, the Killer Klown had been ¡®promoted¡¯ to the 8th spot - and that was after he led his devastating massacre the previous week. Just how much worse was this ¡®Malakiel¡¯?


    ¡°Malakiel is believed to be a highly malevolent Artificial Intelligence,¡± Alora told Jack, answering his obvious confusion. ¡°And unfortunately, it makes perfect sense for them to be involved.¡±


    More like an Abominable Intelligence. Chiyo added with a shudder.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter confirmed. ¡°Malakiel¡¯s schemes and motivations are completely bizarre and mysterious, but have nearly always resulted in dire catastrophe. ¡®The One Who Hates¡¯ is an apt name for them, though they have gone by many others across many schemes. It¡¯s likely whatever you were up to interrupted one of them and they¡¯ve deemed you a high-level threat.¡±


    ¡°So if they¡¯re an AI, are they¡­in there?¡± Jack asked uncertainty, pointing to the console.


    ¡°No,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter replied, shaking her head. ¡°Unfortunately, this is simply a staging outpost for Malakiel¡¯s operations for this city and the surrounding area. Their overall reach is believed to cover the entire ring, or at least most of it.¡±


    ¡°So this is basically some kind of relay or something?¡± Jack asked, trying to wrap his head around what he was being told.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter confirmed. ¡°Once taken down it will be a long time before Malakiel is able to come back from this. I suggest that you don¡¯t try copying any information over.¡± She quickly pointed her finger to Sephy, who was attempting to do just that, and looking like she was struggling.


    ¡°Yeah, I can see all the viruses and protections they¡¯ve placed here,¡± Sephy replied, visibly annoyed. ¡°But there¡¯s just one thing I¡¯ve gotta do first!¡±


    You¡¯re not trying to drain the accounts, are you!? Chiyo asked in a panic. Don¡¯t! Malakiel can trace you with that!


    ¡°Aaaaaaand done!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°All the previously unknown accounts putting bounties on Jack have been confirmed to be false and have been rendered void, and I¡¯ve got the logs from the manual users of this console!¡±


    ¡°Clever!¡± Alora praised Sephy¡¯s thinking.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter nodded. ¡°Now you can sleep easier¡­¡± She looked down to the dead body of The Prophet. ¡°In more ways than one.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s that at least.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Still have a few bounties on me, mostly from the drow, but at least it¡¯s not as ridiculous anymore, and my friends are less likely to be caught in the crossfire.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter agreed. ¡°Though speaking of bounties, I suspect you wish to partake of the various items collected on the shelves here, though much of what the Cult of the Destroyer has gathered will likely be cursed and should be left. I have my own reasons for being here, so when we are all done I can create a portal to a safe location and destroy what is left behind.¡±


    ¡°Shame we can¡¯t copy over the primary data streams...¡± Sephy pouted


    ¡°Even if you could, most of it would be heavily encrypted and beyond your comprehension,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter warned. ¡°I know what I seek, but I will obtain that information magically.¡±


    What information do you seek? Chiyo asked.


    Devil¡¯s Daughter seemed to pause, as if contemplating telling them, before apparently deciding to do so.


    ¡°There are limited facilities for cyberware here, so I believe there are other locations Malakiel has hidden away. While they are blinded, it would be a good idea to strike out against them, whether directly or by leaking information. I also seek more information from House Mal¡¯Kar, since I know they¡¯ve made contact with Dr Grine, and like many other drow houses they¡¯re recruiting third parties for an unknown purpose. I don¡¯t like it.¡±


    ¡°Like Svaartal,¡± Nika pointed out to the others.


    ¡°Quite possibly.¡± She nodded with a sly smile. ¡°But I won¡¯t know until I ask them nicely¡­¡±


    ******


    The group left Devil¡¯s Daughter to her investigations, trusting that she knew what she was doing while they explored the many shelves and hidden places of the cult¡¯s sanctum.


    ¡°Anything?¡± Alora asked Nika as the Kizun scanned several of the dead Slashers.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± she replied. ¡°No known aliases, any possible identifying features have been altered or removed, and DNA scans bring up nothing on the open system. They¡¯re all nobodies. This one is going to be a hard one to explain.¡±


    ¡°Maybe the investigating factions keep that information hidden from the public? We have the masks and knives, at the very least the knowledge that it¡¯s a group of killers rather than one will be worthwhile,¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°Though there is no way to be sure if all the victims received justice this day.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Nika nodded grimly. ¡°Because how do we know for sure if we got all of the bastards?¡±


    ¡°We might not have,¡± Alora put a hand on her friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°But I¡¯m sure we made a very good difference. We¡¯ll compile all the information we can and let the investigators work it out. I¡¯m just happy we might have stopped the killings for good.¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°Though the reward money doesn¡¯t hurt either.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t argue with that.¡± Alora smiled, before it faded again as her eyes fell upon the body of The Prophet. ¡°What about her?¡±


    Nika shook her head. ¡°We can only speculate. She was obviously the High Priestess here. Chiyo says she¡¯s the one that fucked with Jack¡¯s head and made him think she was Devil¡¯s Daughter, probably to try and push him to try and kill her if given the chance.¡±


    ¡°Using one enemy to take out another,¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Devious, but a smart contingency to have. Good thing it didn¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°Agreed. I¡¯d say he and Devil¡¯s Daughter are evenly matched, so maybe they were hoping for a mutual kill if Jack refused to become a Hero of The Destroyer.¡±


    ¡°Flawed logic.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Though what else would you expect from death cultists?¡±


    *****


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Jack queried Sephy, having been drawn to a strange blue orb of swirling shades on one of the shelves. It certainly made for a refreshing change to the rows upon rows of musty, mostly illegible books and the various trinkets they had been stuffing into the bags. They were almost completely stocked up at this point, having worked fast.


    ¡°Chiyo! You¡¯re gonna want to check this out!¡± Sephy called back, and the Ilithii quickly floated over, eyes bulging at what she was looking at.


    I need it!


    She quickly moved closer, not even paying attention to them as she stared at the orb, moving towards it as if entranced.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Jack asked.


    This is a primal elemental essence made manifest! Chiyo replied distractedly. I can absorb its power!


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jack slowly replied, a little weirded out by Chiyo¡¯s demeanour. ¡°I can stick it in a bag and-¡±


    No! Chiyo snapped, before looking at Jack with wide eyes and calming down. I¡¯m sorry. This is far too important, it needs to stay with me so I can enhance my power with it! I¡¯m not leaving it in a bag!


    ¡°Fair enough, it¡¯s clearly important to you.¡± Jack nodded, as they heard a few noises from where the sealed doors were. ¡°Shit. We¡¯d better hurry up!¡±


    There is one thing I have noticed. Chiyo added, as she wrapped the orb in a bundle of cloth.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Sephy asked.


    The Gloom Cauldron. Chiyo pointed out simply, indicating an empty space on one of the shelves. It was here at one point but not for very long¡­.


    Suddenly, a loud rumble growled from one of the sealed entrances to the chamber, as the room shook.


    ¡°Company!¡± Nika warned.


    ¡°We should depart this place,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter called out to everyone. ¡°Come to me!¡±


    The group did so, and Devil¡¯s Daughter thrust her staff into the ground and chanted some words of power under her breath as they heard a crash to the side of them as cultists tried to blast their way into the sanctum, before with a flash of bright red, they suddenly teleported, appearing in a forest glade, the familiar sounds of the city close by.


    ¡°And that¡¯s the end of that.¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter sighed. ¡°I cast a glyph to trigger a powerful blast a few moments after leaving the area. There will be nothing left for the Cult of the Destroyer to recover.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your help,¡± Alora replied in gratitude, and Devil¡¯s Daughter nodded in reply.


    ¡°It is I who should thank you for leading the way. I require strong allies in my mission, and I hope our paths cross once again under better circumstances.¡± She turned to walk away. ¡°I wish you all good fortune.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one thing you haven¡¯t mentioned,¡± Jack called out to Devil¡¯s Daughter, suddenly alert. ¡°How were you able to find us?¡±


    Devil¡¯s Daughter turned to him and smiled as she summoned a portal for herself. ¡°Perhaps the better question to ask is - How did the Drow find you?¡±


    Once the Stygian had teleported away Jack looked to the others, who racked their brains for a moment before Nika grimly spoke up.


    ¡°Someone must have told them¡­¡±

 Chapter 46: Tattletale

    Knock. Knock. Knock.


    Jack tapped on the apartment door slowly, finishing the pattern of 5 long, 3 short, 1 long, then 2 short they had used earlier that night, just loud enough for the occupant to hear, as the others leaned against the walls, tired but still awake enough for this.


    They kept quiet as they heard movement on the other side of the door. Jack kept his eye on the peephole as they heard from the other side, ¡°OH SHIT!¡±


    That was everything Jack needed to hear.


    The human booted the door right off its hinges before it landed on the unfortunate slicer, who practically shat himself as he stared into the eyes of the pissed-off Deathworlder standing atop him.


    ¡°S-S-SECURITY!¡± the slicer tried to yell to activate the droids and turrets before Jack quickly took them all out with surgically precise shots, with the rest of the group barely entering after him before all threats were neutralised.


    ¡°How much did they pay you to tell them where we would be?¡± Jack quietly asked as he levelled his Dominator right at the slicer¡¯s head.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry!¡± the slicer cried out. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to!¡±


    Jack immediately fired, unleashing a photon blast on the ground right next to the slicer¡¯s ear.


    ¡°That was a lie,¡± Alora coldly pointed out. ¡°You definitely meant to.¡±


    ¡°P-please don¡¯t kill me!¡± the slicer sobbed, begging for his life.


    ¡°Your rep was pretty good,¡± Sephy added. ¡°Why throw that away?¡±


    ¡°A lot of dangerous people have been making threats! And you went to the Pallid Pit!¡± The slicer¡¯s eyes bulged as he panicked. ¡°And the drow house sent special forces, their personal assassins and they¡¯ve made a deal with Dr Grine himself! I thought you¡¯d be dead anyway, and if they found out I helped you, I¡¯d be too!¡±


    ¡°Clearly we¡¯re not dead,¡± Nika deadpanned, unimpressed.


    ¡°PLEASE DON¡¯T KILL ME!¡± the slicer yelled. ¡°I¡¯ll give you anything you want! Money! Drugs! Information!¡±


    ¡°What about that?¡± Jack pointed at the shuttle in the back.


    The rest of the group smiled wickedly at that idea¡­


    *****


    ¡°This shuttle is almightily shit!¡± Nika groaned as she looked through it. It really was pretty much a skeleton, barely more than a metal frame with flimsy engines strapped to the back and underside, though it did at the very least have a panel at the front to control it. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s been almost completely chopped up for parts.¡±


    ¡°Will it fly?¡± Alora asked as she and Chiyo checked through the slicer¡¯s inventory, having ¡®negotiated¡¯ a suitable recompense from them in exchange for not killing them or publicly ruining their reputation.


    ¡°Just about.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°But we¡¯ll all need to tie ourselves on.¡±


    ¡°We could always walk back?¡± Jack pointed out from where he was standing with Sephy and the terrified-looking slicer.


    ¡°Might be safer.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Though I think most of us are spent for tonight and it should be fine for at least getting back. I can fly it, but I¡¯ll need help to do it so we might as well all go.¡±


    ¡°Do what you can, Jack can help you once he¡¯s done covering Sephy,¡± Alora replied with a reassuring nod.


    ¡°Sure, I can stand by with words of encouragement!¡± Jack retorted to chuckles from the others. ¡°How are you doing Sephy?¡± he spoke a little quieter to the Skritta sat in the slicer¡¯s chair, leaning over the tied,up and gagged owner lying on the floor.


    ¡°Oh yeah, I¡¯ve got a bunch of shady shit here he¡¯s not gonna want out.¡± She grinned. ¡°He¡¯s definitely not gonna try and turn on us again. Removed his markers on the ship too!¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Jack grinned as he looked to the captive slicer and addressed them. ¡°Look. On the plus side mate, we can pretend this went very well for all parties. Not only will your reputation not be harmed but you were a big reason why the Cult of the Destroyer at the Pallid Pit got decimated, possibly permanently this time!¡±


    The slicer mumbled something through his gag, and Jack quickly tore the cloth off. ¡°What¡¯s that mate?¡±


    ¡°How in the name of unholy fuck are you people even alive!?¡± they asked in shock.


    ¡°Meh, we¡¯ve dealt with worse!¡± Sephy grinned as she finished what she was doing on the console. ¡°We¡¯re done here!¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Jack whispered back so only the three of them could hear. ¡°Tell me.¡± He looked to the slicer, motioning Sephy to come closer. ¡°What do the marks mean?¡±


    ¡°M-marks?¡± The slicer asked, a little confused.


    ¡°Like the one outside your door,¡± Jack replied patiently, as he saw sudden recognition in his eyes. ¡°Sephy and I have found a bunch of others around the city. We know a bit, but not enough.¡±


    The slicer looked conflicted as he looked between the two, before starting to relent.


    ¡°Ok, I can tell you what I know,¡± he whispered, looking around to make sure nobody else was listening in. ¡°Only reason I know a little is because someone else brought me into it, that¡¯s how it works! He told me a few of the basic signs and where to find them and I went from there!¡±


    ¡°What for?¡± Sephy asked, eyes wide with excitement.


    ¡°Look I don¡¯t know how deep this goes, but this is all about clandestine shit. Fences for stolen goods, information brokers, system slicing, that kind of stuff. You get in the know and you get into that shit. I get contacted by complete strangers wanting slicing services and no questions asked, and can make inquiries with others in The Circle.¡±


    ¡°And now we¡¯re involved with it,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°The security of the whole thing can¡¯t be that great¡­¡±


    ¡°But it is!¡± the slicer replied excitedly. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of others in The Circle disappearing never to be seen again after talking too much, trying to bring in the wrong people or doing something stupid - they police themselves! You two should be fine since you¡¯ve played the game and noticed them on your own.¡±


    ¡°But what about what the signs mean?¡± Sephy asked, ¡°What¡¯s your circle with two parallel lines outside your door mean?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the basic ¡®affiliate¡¯ sign,¡± the slicer explained. ¡°Put it up outside your residence and in your electronic signature, and other affiliates will notice you, and people will contact you.¡±


    ¡°We might just do that!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Do you know any others?¡±


    ¡°Never bothered checking. I rarely travel outside my sanctum and I have no need to.¡± The slicer sighed. Jack got the impression they were deliberately trying to build up rapport with them, clearly sufficiently afraid and wanting to stay alive.


    ¡°We¡¯ll learn more as we go then.¡± Sephy shrugged as she unslotted herself from the system.


    ¡°Jack? You okay to help me lift some stuff?¡± Nika called over.


    ¡°On my way!¡± Jack called back as he walked over, checking his pack.


    *****


    ¡°Is everyone secure?¡± Nika asked the others as they all held onto their designated spots on the shuttle chassis. It really was barebones, but Jack found it surprisingly light as he lifted up the back end of the shuttle, with Dante looking slightly nervous lying down on what remained of the engine to help balance the weight of the thing.


    Jack had gone around using the rope he took with him, creating as secure a rigging as he possibly could with the climbing rope, and used the rest to fix up lifelines for the rest of the group, using a few carabiners to make sure they couldn¡¯t accidentally be jerked off. Sephy especially needed this in order to be able to keep an eye on power balancing for the engines, sitting up front with Nika, who she would help in piloting the thing.


    Alora and Chiyo were on the sides, by far the most tired out of the group as their stims began to wear off but still able to cast whatever cloaking and protection spells they needed for the short but risky trip back. Jack had tied them and Dante as securely as he could just in case they couldn¡¯t hold on


    Which left barely anything to keep him attached.


    While he had volunteered to be the one to move around and manually troubleshoot any issues with the thrusters, he really had no idea what the hell he was doing, and was praying he wouldn¡¯t need to actually do any maintenance work on the fly.


    Sephy instructed the slicer to open the roof hatch, which they did without complaint. Though they had betrayed them to the drow, Jack got the impression that they would remain cooperative going forward out of sheer fear if nothing else. The group hadn¡¯t really taken anything from them apart from the shuttle, some files and a few spare parts, so the slicer wouldn¡¯t end up resenting them either. It was perhaps a light punishment, but the group agreed that they would be a good contact to keep.


    ¡°I hope we can do business in future!¡± Alora smiled as she turned to the slicer, who just stared blankly at the group with the biggest ¡®WTF¡¯ expression Jack had ever seen, barely having the presence of mind to numbly nod.


    ¡°Lifting now!¡± Nika called out, as Jack and Dante felt the engines rumble beneath them.


    ¡°We¡¯re alright boy!¡± Jack ruffled the ears of the ¡®dog¡¯ as they slowly began to ascend, Jack using his feet to gently push the craft away from the back wall. According to Chiyo, the thrusters didn¡¯t produce heat like he expected, rather working on force alone, which in theory would let him move around them without getting hurt.


    The thought of it still sucked though.


    But up they still went as Nika carefully boosted the underside thrusters, slowly elevating the craft to the hatch. Jack¡¯s ass clenched as he cautiously got up and moved around, prodding the shuttle into position as Nika carefully tried to get past the hatch, with Sephy carefully manipulating the amount of the thrust to avoid spinning out. With one final push from Jack, the craft made it past the lip of the hatch, and they were free!


    With no objects to collide with the shuttle quickly stabilised in mid-air, and suddenly the worries of the group subsided. It reminded Jack of a hot air balloon, a ride on which he had gone on once when he was very young, although the basket he was in back then at least had a floor and a safety railing! The cool night breeze gently tickled his face as he looked down at the empty streets, the glow of lights shining on the various districts below, painting a unique canvass of abstract displays that clashed and crashed into each other, the diversity of the districts contrasting, yet somehow looking¡­.natural in its own way.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    It was beautiful.


    ¡°Keep it as low down as you can and don¡¯t go too fast!¡± Alora called to Nika as she clung tightly to her bare metal pole, the Kizun acknowledging with a simple nod. ¡°How are you holding up, Chiyo?¡±


    No traffic coming anywhere near us, though I¡¯ve had to direct some flocks of birds away. Chiyo replied. Can we really not go faster? It¡¯s cold!


    ¡°Better cold than shorting the engines!¡± Alora cheekily replied. ¡°How are they looking, Jack?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Jack began, not knowing what to even look for. ¡°They look the same and we haven¡¯t dropped out of the sky so I assume we¡¯re good for now!¡±


    ¡°Yeah we¡¯re all good!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Systems are old and not the most efficient but they¡¯ll get us home, unless you think Jack should go underneath and check the bottom?¡±


    Jack took a half second recoiling in shock before realising that Sephy was just joking.


    ¡°Pan to the right a little if you can!¡± Alora called out to Nika. ¡°We¡¯re heading in the right direction but we keep drifting and we don¡¯t have a lot of fuel!¡±


    ¡°Up, down and forwards works, but we don¡¯t have the best means to turn!¡± Nika called back.


    ¡°What if we redistribute the weight?¡± Jack asked, thinking of how blimps and boats sometimes worked, then cursed at himself as he realised this would likely be more risky work for him, as the others were tied securely to their places.


    ¡°That¡¯ll work!¡± Alora called back. ¡°Sorry, Jack, Could you be our rudder?¡±


    ¡°Why did I have to open my mouth?¡± Jack grumbled, with only Dante hearing and looking concerned as the human made some mental calculations in his head, before moving towards the right-hand side of the shuttle and leaning out, forcing that side down and turning the shuttle to the right, though Jack had to quickly scramble to the other side to help stabilise it and stop it from tipping over.


    ¡°That¡¯ll do it for now, we should be on course.¡± Alora checked her device. ¡°Might need some more adjustments when we get closer and come to land.¡±


    ¡°As long as we get home I¡¯m settling down wherever,¡± Nika replied. ¡°We could probably carry this thing once we¡¯re on the ground.¡±


    ¡°Screw doing that tonight!¡± Sephy replied, and the group nodded in agreement.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be doing any harm wherever we leave it as long as you don¡¯t destroy the house or my garden!¡± Alora called back over the ever-increasing wind. ¡°In the long term we can cover it with a tarp or maybe take it to one of the abandoned properties!¡±


    Let¡¯s worry about that when we have a chance to relax! Chiyo replied as she hugged the metal frame as tightly as she could.


    ¡°You okay, Chiyo?¡± Jack asked, concerned. ¡°Are you able to use your powers to float alongside us?¡±


    Levitation isn¡¯t like flight, it gets more difficult the further away I am from solid ground, though not impossible. I can sort of influence and reduce the external forces on the craft as a bubble around myself, but levitation is a bit more complex!


    ¡°We¡¯ve got time, how does it work?¡±


    Chiyo smiled. You¡¯re just trying to distract me from thinking about how high up we are, aren¡¯t you?


    ¡°Yup!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Though I need the distraction too! How¡¯s the leg?¡±


    Feels numb and cold more than painful now. I¡¯m a little woozy, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll fall unconscious. Alora¡¯s healed me enough that I¡¯m not actively bleeding


    ¡°Ideally you should keep your leg elevated above heart level, but at least you haven¡¯t been walking much on it,¡± Jack replied, trying to remember what he knew about first aid. ¡°When we get back you should lie down and rest it on a pillow.¡±


    Not before I eat something, I''m starving! The Ilithii replied with a smile, and Jack realised he was too as he nodded in agreement. Though they had eaten their dinner several hours previously, they had gone through a lot since then. Alora had deliberately cooked leftovers for them to eat once they got back, but he would be lying if he didn¡¯t want to order takeaway or raid whatever snacks were lying around.


    ¡°Hey guys?¡± Jack called. ¡°Injury check!¡±


    ¡°Sore and stiff!¡± Alora called back. ¡°Quite tired too. I¡¯ll need to rest and replenish my magic soon.¡±


    ¡°Itchy as hell, will need to replace bandages when we get back,¡± Nika replied. ¡°Stims are probably wearing off for those that took them.¡±


    ¡°Only a few bumps and scrapes for me,¡± Sephy called back. ¡°Just a little tired.¡±


    ¡°How are you doing boy?¡± Jack asked Dante, who softly panted from his spot on the engine. He still had several cuts from the fight with the Skinsaw Slashers, and he had taken several shots too, which the battleskin had fortunately absorbed.


    Jack himself was able to keep it together. He had taken heavy cuts and gunfire during the run, but he was content to tough out his wounds until Alora was able to recharge her healing spells. He would gladly fall asleep at the first opportunity he got, but would not do so until the others were safe.


    It was about half an hour later before Alora¡¯s directions to both him and Nika got more frequent as they approached their home district. The criss-cross of walls, settlements and unexplored zones meshed together in a blur, and it was only when Chiyo had ¡®pinged¡¯ the wards that Jack finally began to see the familiar sight of home.


    ¡°Taking it down as gently as I can!¡± Nika warned. ¡°We¡¯ll be in our district, but I have no counter thrusters to hard brake!¡±


    ¡°Try not to make it a crash landing!¡± Sephy retorted. ¡°After all the effort we put into getting it here!¡±


    ¡°Trying!¡± Nika called back. ¡°Any ideas?¡±


    ¡°Take it as close to the ground as you can!¡± Jack replied, thinking quickly and holding the end of the rope tied to the ship. ¡°If I can dig in and pull back, that should throw off some of the momentum!¡±


    ¡°Wall coming up!¡± Alora warned, as Jack quickly leapt off and dug in his heels as best he could, still being dragged along by the shuttle as it came down to land, getting yanked off the top of the wall for his troubles.


    Using all of his strength to hang onto the rope he barely noticed thumping into the roof of their home, but he had the presence of mind to dig in again and pull back. The shuttle was moving much slower now and was better controlled as Jack was pulled off the roof to dangle over the ground once more, before finding his feet for one last time as he yanked on the rope, finally pulling the shuttle to a stop just outside one of the abandoned buildings. Sephy efficiently reduced thrust on the underside, slowly and safely lowering the shuttle so everybody could hop off, before Nika killed the power, letting the ship drop half a metre onto the grass once everyone else was clear with an undignified thump.


    ¡°Everyone alright?¡± Nika asked, groaning as she got up and stressed her numb limbs. ¡°Sephy¡¯s better at driving than I am, but I hope it wasn¡¯t too bumpy!¡±


    I never want to do that again. Chiyo replied with a shudder as she floated in the air. Next time we¡¯re flying the shuttle¡¯s got to at least have a floor!


    ¡°And brakes!¡± Jack added, clutching his hands in pain from the ropeburn. ¡°Or at least an anchor!¡±


    Dante barked in agreement, walking around on the ground as if testing how solid it was.


    ¡°Well at least we got it here.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Despite its condition, it¡¯s an excellent asset to have!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll need a lot of work, but it¡¯ll be great once I weld some panels on.¡± Nika grinned, positively salivating over the prospect.


    ¡°But right now we need to recover,¡± Alora interjected, waving everyone to the house. ¡°I for one need to rest, as I¡¯m sure the rest of you do!¡±


    ¡°And we need to go through the loot!¡± Sephy excitedly added, eyes wide with excitement.


    ¡°R&R first.¡± Jack sighed as they all trundled over to the house. ¡°Everyone sit down and I¡¯ll heat up the leftover soup.¡±


    I think this calls for celebratory snacks and wine too? Chiyo proposed to the group.


    ¡°I think it does!¡± Alora gave a weak smile in agreement.


    *****


    ¡°Here you go!¡± Jack began passing the bowls of leftover soup over to the girls who were all mostly sitting or lying down on the sofa. He had wasted no time in making sure various injured body parts were elevated and bandages were fixed properly. Anywhere that was sprained or bruised had some cold bags of food from the freezer applied to reduce the swelling, at least until Alora was able to look at it once she was rested up. Jack really hoped he remembered his basic first aid correctly, but by the way the girls were looking comfortable and the wounds not as terrible looking, he figured they were in the clear for tonight.


    ¡°There¡¯s a special blend of tea in the cupboard that¡¯ll help!¡± Alora groaned as she moved to get up, but was gently pushed back by Jack as he handed her bowl of soup to her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡± Jack smiled. ¡°Just tell me where it is.¡±


    ¡°That cupboard, blue pot.¡± Alora pointed vaguely in the right direction. ¡°No, up one¡­that¡¯s it!¡±


    ¡°Can Dante have some?¡± Jack asked as he poured the instant boiling water into his prepared teapot.


    ¡°Should be safe for him, just add it to a bowl of water to dilute and cool down,¡± Alora replied. ¡°It¡¯s a special blend of mine that should help a lot with sleep and recovery. We have a busy night tomorrow and there¡¯s some things we¡¯ll need to do.¡±


    ¡°Yup. I¡¯ve already sent a preliminary notice to all involved parties regarding the Skinsaw Slasher,¡± Nika replied. ¡°This is big, so they¡¯ll probably get some representatives together and get in contact with us, which¡¯ll save us the trouble.¡±


    ¡°The information on the Cult of the Destroyer will be useful too,¡± Sephy added. ¡°Especially since now we know why they kept resurging around the Pallid Pit.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just glad that my bounty is down.¡± Jack sighed as he prepared a bowl for Dante and brought the steaming pot of tea to the table. ¡°Though the drow will still be after me, at least that¡¯s the devil we know.¡±


    After their brazen attempt failed, they may wish to obfuscate their failure and unofficially call it off. Chiyo reasoned. After all, if news broke out that the kill team they sent after you were all killed, other drow houses would turn their gaze on them. It is better to officially ¡®forget¡¯ about you than continue to openly appear weak.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be nice!¡± Jack grinned before his face got serious. ¡°But tonight was absolutely brutal, same with last weekend. Although we made it out both times with stories and riches¡­¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to make that a regular occurrence, or even better not do that again.¡± Alora nodded sagely. ¡°Well we shouldn¡¯t need to, right? We know who¡¯s been messing with you, and for now at least they¡¯re no longer a local threat, and we probably have funds to last us weeks if not months or longer!.¡±


    Jack gave a non-committal hum at that. Though they had been on a successful run tonight, and he was no longer in immediate danger from bounties, he wasn¡¯t convinced that this was over¡­


    ¡°I have no idea why you¡¯re so good at making teas Jack, but I¡¯m not complaining!¡± Sephy grinned as she heartily gulped down her brew.


    Jack was taken out of his thoughts by that. ¡°I¡¯m still a true Brit!¡± He grinned. ¡°We pretty much learn to brew tea before we can talk!¡±


    ¡°Quite effective too!¡± Alora yawned. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m too tired to even get up to go to bed!¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t!¡± Jack replied with a small smile. ¡°I know where the blankets are, and I¡¯m up for just dropping on the sofa.¡±


    Sounds¡­..good to me. Chiyo replied drowsily. Got to keep the leg elevated and iced anyway.


    The group didn¡¯t spend too much time chatting after that, exhausted as they were. Alora and Chiyo had expended much of their power and so had quickly fallen asleep, propped up by many pillows and cushions. None of them had bothered shedding all of their gear, being too exhausted and just dumping their bags and easily discarded outer clothing on the ground, though Jack had helped Dante out of his custom-fitted battleskin to make sure he was comfortable since the ¡®dog¡¯ couldn¡¯t remove it himself.


    Both Jack and Nika had taken many nasty hits during the course of the run from Skinsaw Slashers, Cultist Leaders and Drow Assassins alike, though neither of them were fully willing to admit how bad they were since they weren¡¯t life threatening. They knew Alora would probably nag them once she woke up and went over them with her healing magic, but as long as everyone else had been seen to, they were fine with it.


    For now, both were lying back on the sofa, feet on the table with Jack occasionally scratching the Kizun behind the ears, which she very much enjoyed! Sephy was cuddled up to him on the other side, and Dante was sprawled across all three of them, enjoying frequent scritches and pets from them, careful to avoid the wounds of the poor animal. Jack had considered making a makeshift dog cone for him, but Dante seemed to be smart enough not to scratch his own injuries. He had gotten priority for what little magical healing Alora had left at the end of the night, but he was obviously still hurt.


    ¡°Good boy.¡± Jack smiled as Dante looked at him with bright eyes.


    ¡°Do we actually know what gender he is?¡± Nika asked with a contented sigh.


    ¡°No, but I don¡¯t feel like checking,¡± Sephy whispered back. ¡°We can add it to our list of problems.¡±


    ¡°Well at least that list isn¡¯t as bad as it was this morning,¡± Jack reasoned as he relaxed.


    ¡°Yeah, Malakiel of all things.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°At least they only considered you and Devil¡¯s Daughter ¡®Secondary Threats¡¯.¡±


    Jack sat there in silence for a moment as a nagging feeling began to fester. Malakiel hadn¡¯t been responsible for all of the strangeness the group had suffered, after all. If Jack was a secondary threat that Malakiel tried so desperately hard to kill¡­


    Who or what was Malakiel¡¯s Primary Threat?

 Chapter 47: Dress Shopping

    The light of day had begun to shine brightly, piercing through the closed curtains and slowly creeping across the living room before it landed on Dante. Stirring awake from a deep, relaxing sleep, the ¡®dog¡¯ slowly sat up, their wounds having fully healed on their own.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    The ¡®dog¡¯ heard the quiet whisper from behind as they got several comfortable scratches behind the ears. They turned around to see that Jack had also woken up, likely by Dante¡¯s movements. They were smiling at him, and Dante smiled back with bright eyes in relief that things were okay, and was glad that they didn¡¯t detect any pain in Jack¡¯s dreams last night.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you some fresh air, but you¡¯ve got to be quiet, the others are still resting,¡± Jack whispered, gently moving up off the sofa and quickly checking to confirm that nothing was wrong with the others. Confirming all was well, he and Dante snuck down one of the corridors to use an exit that wouldn¡¯t wake anyone else up.


    It was a bright day outside, with no poor weather to marr the dawn of the new day as Jack walked around in bare feet to loosen the stillness in his legs, feeling the blades of alien grass slip between his toes, massaging them from the stress of the previous day as he casually strolled around their land, Dante happily hopping alongside him.


    He looked at the ¡®shuttle¡¯ they had acquired the previous night, and once again wondered how they were even still alive. The ribcage-like chassis with engines still had the makeshift rigging of rope Jack had tied to it, the lifelines still tied onto the thickest parts. According to Nika the engines weren¡¯t that great, being quite slow and inefficient, and wouldn¡¯t be suitable for anything long distance, but they would have to do a more thorough check when it came to doing work on it.


    Jack eventually came to sit down against one of their district walls, Dante plopping down next to him. Honestly, with the amount of funds and assets they had all received, they could probably easily put a few benches around and not even notice the cost. Looking around at the abandoned buildings, it would certainly be worth the conversation with Alora, who owned the district. Certainly they had to spend their ill-gotten gains on something more than just a hot tub...


    Apparently there were local contractors willing to do the tub, but the group had held off while Jack¡¯s bounty was so high. It wouldn''t be hard for a hunter to disguise themselves, after all.


    ¡°You seem to heal quickly,¡± Jack whispered to Dante as he took a good look at the ¡®Dog¡¯, noticing no scars or cuts remaining.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante replied with a happy bark.


    ¡°I wonder if they make translators for magical space dogs of dubious origin?¡± Jack asked rhetorically as he scratched the ¡®dog¡¯ behind the ears.


    Dante made a confused whine as he cocked his head at Jack in reply.


    ¡°Probably not.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°But I can guess you want some of those space-sausages Nika made for you?¡± he asked teasingly, knowing Dante could understand. ¡°Extra portions for everyone after last night, plus we have a party later! There¡¯s gonna be food there for you too, since you¡¯re coming with us!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    ¡°Alright, guess I¡¯m cooking.¡± Jack sighed as he got to his feet. He had rested enough, there were things to do!¡±


    ¡°Have you ever had pancakes?¡± he asked the ¡®dog¡¯.


    *****


    Alora woke up after a long rest to a faint sound of sizzling in the background and an oily smell in the air. Feeling comfortable and content, she lazily looked over to see Jack working in the kitchen on something, with Dante next to him, looking at him with a wagging tail. Jack saw her and gave a little wave, pointing to the others who were still asleep - even Nika, who was usually the first up, seemed to enjoy the rest after the busy night that they had.


    Alora just sat there, happy to remain snug and content as her mind started to fully wake up. Her healing magic had been completely expended the previous day, and as a result, she was still rather drained mentally. At least she wouldn¡¯t need to cast any immediate healing spells, as her friends seemed to be at peace.


    ¡°Here you go!¡± She suddenly noticed a tray being thrust into her hands, not having been alert enough to notice Jack silently walking up with whatever he had been cooking, which looked like some kind of thin, pan-fried dough with some powdered sweetener on top.


    ¡°What are these?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Pancakes,¡± Jack answered with a smile. ¡°Well, technically they¡¯re probably crepes based on how they look, and the ingredients are different, but they¡¯re still good. This is just more of a pick-me-up, I¡¯ve got a pile of others in a stack that we can all take from, with some toppings I found in the cupboards.¡±


    ¡°Say no more¡­¡± they heard a faint voice from the side as Sephy stirred and began to move.


    ¡°Yeah those smell good!¡± Nika sprung up off the sofa and began to stretch.


    You definitely planned this. Chiyo grumbled as she floated up, still wrapped up in her thick blankets like a grumpy burrito as Dante bounced up and down trying to poke her with his nose.


    ¡°Chill out, guys!¡± Jack laughed. ¡°I¡¯ve already made plenty for everyone!¡±


    *****


    Thank you Jack! Chiyo gratefully acknowledged the human as he passed around several streaming mugs of tea for the group. Alora had quickly cast several healing spells on anyone who was still even remotely hurt as they all gathered back on the sofa with trays, having moved the stack of ¡®pancakes¡¯ and all the potential toppings to the coffee table where people could help themselves.


    ¡°So,¡± Alora began. ¡°We probably should have debriefed and planned for what we do today last night, but we were way too tired to do so. Anyone need or want anything before we do it now?¡±


    ¡°Is it too late to go to the bathroom?¡± Sephy joked.


    ¡°Great, gotta love the company meeting.¡± Nika sighed before nodding to Alora, knowing its necessity as part of the post-run ¡®wind down¡¯ process, and for making sure the facts were reviewed and understood.


    ¡°First things first,¡± Sephy began. ¡°Sorry about my contact being a snitch, he was the best choice at the time and I did my research, but nothing at the time indicated he¡¯d turn on us. When Devil¡¯s Daughter told us we had a leak, I thought it would be Rena.¡±


    ¡°Same.¡± Jack nodded in agreement. ¡°Don¡¯t know what her problem is but she¡¯s always been suspicious to me.¡±


    ¡°Well, regardless, it wasn¡¯t her.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°And even if it was her, she probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to do it without Nya knowing.¡±


    Nya is trustworthy. Chiyo added. Her association cleared Rena of involvement in this case.


    ¡°Well at least we¡¯ve sorted things with Tagrilla now,¡± Sephy pointed out.


    ¡°Tagrilla?¡± Nika asked. ¡°Is that his fucking street name?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°We took what remained of his shuttle as hush money and our paths might cross again under better circumstances, so we might as well get used to being on a name-to-name basis. Regardless, he won¡¯t be betraying us again. The dirt I got from him will see to that.¡±


    Are you sure? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°Yes I¡¯m sure!¡± Sephy snapped back, annoyed. ¡°He cited the drow throwing their weight around as a reason, who¡¯s to say they won¡¯t try and turn our friends? Svaarti¡¯s already compromised!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll address the drow and the shuttle in a moment,¡± Alora acknowledged, raising her voice to head off the incoming argument. ¡°Remember, we want to do this in order. What happened next was our arrival outside the Pallid Pit when Nya dropped us off.¡±


    ¡°She got us pretty close,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Meaning we could avoid the Drow¡¯s attack on the surface.¡±


    Thank goodness for that! Chiyo pointed out. Nya¡¯s very good with her sorcery and knew that time was of the essence, so she took a risk getting us close.


    ¡°Then we got closer and found a welcoming committee,¡± Jack added, remembering The Butcher.


    ¡°One of the leaders of the Cult with an entourage and a death wish.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Claimed The Prophet told him we¡¯d be coming and tried to take out Jack in a suicidal attack.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve put a few feelers out on him for curiosity¡¯s sake if nothing else,¡± Sephy spoke up. ¡°Someone like that¡¯s got to have shown up somewhere. I have less hope for the other two leaders though.¡±


    Someone that bloodthirsty wouldn¡¯t look out of place in the Red Legion. Chiyo concluded. Though I doubt they¡¯ll be forthcoming about their former troops.


    ¡°We then had a lovely little stroll through the Pallid fucking Pit.¡± Nika gulped a large swig of tea at that. ¡°Nothing particularly notable up top, not even the place where Jack remembers awakening. It had suffered a recent cull, so it wasn¡¯t too wild, and any attempt on us failed miserably. We figured we had to go underground at the same time the drow arrived, and those assholes were definitely special forces.¡±


    The most notable stuff occurred underground. Chiyo pointed out. Though I could discuss at length the strangeness of the Gloom Paths, it was when we split up where I think we need to look at most.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°The drow split us up, but what were the monsters they had with them? We didn¡¯t see them on the surface.¡±


    ¡°Nothing I¡¯ve ever seen before.¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°Chiyo?¡±


    Nor me. Chiyo shook her head. Though Devil¡¯s Daughter did mention the involvement of Dr Reyazz Grine with the drow. Did they have any particular weakness?


    ¡°They were tough to beat, but point-blank annihilation seemed to work,¡± Alora grimly confirmed. ¡°The majority came after Dante, Chiyo and I, and we were able to defend ourselves with heavy use of magic, though they clearly had some kind of resistance to it. Devil¡¯s Daughter somehow found us and helped us with the rest before we teleported to you. Again, I have no idea how she was able to pinpoint your location, I just told her roughly which direction you went in.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s spooky.¡± Jack shrugged before looking to Sephy and Nika. ¡°You were able to find me after a while, what happened with you?¡±


    ¡°We fought the second cult leader!¡± Sephy spoke up excitedly, as Nika shrugged with a grin, letting her friend brag on their behalf. ¡°Nika and I kicked her ass!¡±


    ¡°Who was she?¡± Alora asked.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Called herself The Trickster, she was an undead gunslinger,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°Could have come from any of the undead enclaves dotted around, maybe even the Vile Fleet. It¡¯s all speculation.¡±


    ¡°We have her shit though!¡± Sephy smiled wickedly. ¡°Jack, you fought the drow, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he confirmed. ¡°Two of them you thought were the nobles in charge. Brother and sister, both very dead. I picked up some interesting things off of them before linking with Sephy and Nika, where we found a massive ritual chamber of some kind before we pushed to the inner sanctum.¡±


    I¡¯ve seen the ¡®flamethrower¡® you picked up. Chiyo raised a finger as if considering something. It wouldn¡¯t be too hard to combine its functionality with your shield gauntlet if you just assign another command word to it. I can do that a little later for you.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°If the rest of you are cool with me keeping it.¡±


    ¡°And then we all convened on the Stygian leader, who most of us initially assumed to be Devil¡¯s Daughter, but of course we now know she was most likely The Prophet, the third leader of the Cult of the Destroyer there,¡± Alora concluded. ¡°And multiple individuals we believe to be behind the Skinsaw Slasher murders.¡±


    ¡°Hell of a hard fight,¡± Nika added as everyone nodded. ¡°You should all be proud.¡±


    ¡°And we came out with a lot of good shit and a lot of answers!¡± Sephy grinned.


    And more questions! Chiyo cautioned. There was a very faint resonance of the Gloom Cauldron down there, though we do not necessarily know where Dubakuu picked it up or if the Cult of the Destroyer even knew about it! He couldn¡¯t have picked it up at the Pit since it would have had a stronger presence if it was there. The possible link to Jack is too much of a coincidence to ignore.


    She looked to Jack as everyone else listened intently.


    I have no proof, or any understanding of how, but I believe the Gloom Cauldron has a direct link to Jack¡¯s arrival in the Pallid Pit, but not on its own. There must have been other factors in play, and for now we don¡¯t know what they are.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t gotten rid of the Gloom Cauldron yet, have we?¡± Nika asked, and Alora shook her head. ¡°We should keep this piece of the puzzle around for now. If anyone that knows asks, tell them we gave it away and don¡¯t elaborate.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Alora nodded reluctantly as everyone else who was hesitant fell in line. ¡°The Cult knew a little based on how they wanted Jack to be The Destroyer¡¯s active hero, but clearly not enough. Not only would Jack never do that, The Destroyer has never knowingly responded actively to worshipers, and many of their prophecies are falsehoods and wishful thinking.¡±


    ¡°We have a few positives from this whole thing though!¡± Sephy perked up, trying to make everybody feel better.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack smiled. ¡°Malakiel is off my ass and House Mal¡¯Kar lost a bunch of their elite soldiers, and possibly a few family members.¡± His expression then turned serious. ¡°But personal issues aside, we took down a lot of bad people, and I really hope it¡¯s made a difference.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of that, we¡¯re heading to some shrine in a few hours,¡± Nika replied, addressing the others. ¡°Designated neutral territory for representatives of several parties to look over the physical evidence we gathered on the Skinsaw Slashers and report back on the scans we¡¯ve sent them.¡±


    And here I was hoping for a longer lie-in¡­ Chiyo grumbled.


    *****


    ¡°At least this place has a good cafe.¡± Jack shrugged as he ordered another of his new favourite drinks. It was a very milky concoction with faint hints of coffee, white chocolate and a smoke grenade.


    It was some good shit!


    The area they were in was simple. Apparently, over centuries, this area had once been situated on a major crossroads, and pilgrims would erect and maintain simple wayside shrines to honour their gods to and from conducting business. In more recent times the area had been adopted by a multi-faith family who ran the cafe and tended to the shrines, honouring the gods of all who came by, even commissioning the construction of more shrines if representation was missing. Good, bad, and in between were all welcome, and the rule of neutrality was exactly why this was a popular meeting place.


    The squad had arrived with about ten minutes to spare, and the representatives they were here to meet were ten minutes late. The representatives had at least booked a private room to use, along with a waitress to take their orders.


    ¡°These assholes better at least pick up the tab,¡± Nika grumbled as she fidgeted in her chair ¡°At this rate we¡¯re gonna be too stuffed for the party tonight!¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait for that!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°We should totally buy outfits while we¡¯re out!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t already have any?¡± Jack asked, trying to head off the potential torture of clothes shopping with a gang of girls. ¡°Won¡¯t it be too late?¡±


    Alora smiled. ¡°What are you talking about? There¡¯s plenty of time! We can totally buy some new outfits!¡± The girls all nodded in approval at the wonderful idea, while Jack screamed internally.


    Don¡¯t worry, Jack! You can help us pick them! Chiyo tried, and failed, to cheer Jack up.


    But before he could diplomatically try to negotiate his way out of the shopping trip, they heard movement outside, before the door was unceremoniously pulled open without any knocking as an array of various people of all sorts of species stormed in. A few of the group were about to say something aggressive, and Jack had even expected an attack before the figure at the front embraced him with furry paws.


    ¡°Thank you! Bless you!¡± the old woman clutching him sobbed. Indeed, many others had similarly embraced whoever they could get to. Chiyo quickly backed away and floated to the top corner since she was furthest away, completely confused by what was going on. Even Dante got plenty of hugs, though they didn¡¯t understand why.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve been busy,¡± a familiar voice called out from the door.


    High Priestess Cornelia was smiling faintly at the group, through her eyes gave Jack the sense that he was in trouble about something.


    ¡°High Priestess!¡± Alora called out, being the first one to regain her wits. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting you to attend in person.¡±


    Her smile grew warmer ¡°It gave me an excuse to leave the temple, and I had to come down. And for goodness sake girl, we¡¯ve been on a first-name basis for a while.¡±


    ¡°This is the group?¡± another voice called, female and more professional sounding, as a quadruped being with red feathers and a sharp beak came into view behind her.


    ¡°Paladin Jadirel,¡± Sephy acknowledged, not sounding too amused.


    ¡°Sepharina?¡± the Paladin queried. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±


    ¡°No thanks to you,¡± she almost spat before Jack placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. The human was careful not to make any big movements as he kept his other hand politely wrapped around the shoulder of the old mammalian still sobbing into his chest.


    ¡°I think an explanation is needed,¡± he cordially proposed, while he stared the paladin down.


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Cornelia spoke up as she motioned for everybody to sit down around the table. ¡°Some of the representatives are still to come, but based on the data package you sent us about the Skinsaw Slashers, several of our inquisitors have been connecting the dots overnight, and have resolved in full several of our previously ongoing cases. The Church of Astara, the Church of Tyrus-¡± She nodded to Paladin Jadirel in acknowledgement. ¡°-Along with several of our other partners contacted the families of several of the known victims to inform them that their loved ones have been avenged, and we agreed to their requests to find closure and meet you.¡±


    Chiyo immediately looked ashamed at backing away as she had, but how the hell was she to know? Some advance warning would have been nice, but perhaps it was for their sake as much as it was for the families of the victims. They had done some genuine good here, and these were just the cases the inquisitors had confirmed closed based on the data alone. The Ilithii had always been one of the more cynical members of the group, but she had to admit, it felt righteous in a warm, fuzzy kind of way.


    Still awkward as fuck, though at least she didn¡¯t have anyone bothering her.


    ¡°Woof.¡± Dante looked up at her from where he¡¯d walked under the table.


    Nevermind¡­


    ¡°My granddaughter was only 9 cycles old when she was taken from us,¡± the old woman told Jack, who just didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°Thank you for avenging her¡­¡±


    ¡°She dances among the celestial skies, Leski,¡± Cornelia gently pulled her away and led her to her seat as more people arrived.


    There wasn¡¯t much for the group to do. Mainly recite their story of the previous night, and tell the representatives how they came to encounter the Skinsaw Slashers, minus the reason for them being there in the first place.


    Despite already being informed in advance, several of the people around were shocked to learn that there was more than one, and while the link to the Cult of the Destroyer was long known, the extent was not, and there was shock and horror at how insidious it was.


    ¡°Perhaps this means the Pallid Pit has finally been cleansed.¡± One of the corporate representatives rubbed their hands together. ¡°If it could be developed¡­¡±


    ¡°That would not be wise,¡± Cornelia acknowledged the speaker with a nod. ¡°And that is not the reason we are here. We are simply here to hear their account of what happened and obtain the physical evidence, nothing more.¡±


    ¡°And you are sure they can be trusted, High Priestess?¡± Paladin Jadirel asked Cornelia, not so subtly indicating Sephy. If it hadn¡¯t been for the family members of the victims being present, the Skritta knew she would put the zealous paladin of Tyrus on blast.


    ¡°I trust them explicitly.¡± Cornelia simply nodded diplomatically before addressing Alora. ¡°I would imagine several news outlets will want to contact you regarding this once the story gets out. Be careful before you get involved with them, and think about how you go about it first.¡±


    ¡°We will,¡± Alora agreed.


    The friends stayed there for a while, occasionally answering questions and confirming speculations before they left with the victim¡¯s loved ones. The committee stayed behind to discuss the rest of the details among themselves after Nika left them the bag of knives, masks and DNA scans they had recovered.


    They had stayed with the others that had left with them, consoling the victims and walking among the shrines with them, before they all gradually began to leave, much more at peace than when they had arrived.


    Leski was the last to leave, having reminisced to Jack about her granddaughter as she stared at the simple shrine of Astara they were sitting at. As he got up to properly say goodbye, she grasped his hand with a strength and intensity he didn¡¯t think possible of the old woman.


    ¡°Your spark of courage will be the torch to ignite the fires of hope,¡± she said with a nod of wisdom.


    ¡°What?¡± Jack asked, a little taken aback.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Leski replied with a look of slight confusion. ¡°Did I say something? I¡¯m sorry, in my old age I sometimes ramble on and forget myself¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Jack smiled as he led her to Cornelia, who had just exited the meeting.


    ¡°Everything seems to be in order,¡± the High Priestess greeted them. ¡°Let¡¯s get you home Leski. Jack, I¡¯ll need to speak to your group later. Don¡¯t do anything wild until I do!¡±


    ¡°No promises!¡± Nika joked as she walked up to Jack, seeing that they were finally done.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious,¡± Cornelia replied with a grim expression. ¡°You need to be very careful.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Jack agreed, ¡°I guess we can talk about that later.¡±


    *****


    ¡°What do you think of this one, Jack?¡± Alora called over to him, walking outside the changing rooms. She was wearing a long, white, glittery dress that flowed down to the ground with a faux fur scarf and handbag for decoration.


    ¡°It looks exactly the same as the last one you came out in!¡± Jack grumbled, not even having anywhere to sit, and trying his best to lean against the racks of bras outside the changing rooms of the boutique store they had been at for several hours without looking or feeling like an absolute perv, though the way Sephy had tried to get him to pick a few for her had left him with an awkward feeling.


    ¡°Really?¡± Alora asked, pondering something as she looked herself over. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right...¡±


    We¡¯re picking up some nice shoes after this, aren¡¯t we? Chiyo called back.


    ¡°Definitely!¡± Nika called back. ¡°Some new trainers and combat boots would be really good!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what she meant and you know it!¡± Alora called back as the girls all laughed. ¡°And yes! It¡¯ll only take us a few more hours to get some really good ones!¡±


    Jack fought with all of his willpower to maintain his neutral expression, though his mind was screaming all manner of curses and vitriol. He would much sooner fight to the death with Svaartal again than put up with any more of this nightmare! He was so focused on what Alora was saying he hadn¡¯t even noticed Chiyo floating to him in a short pink dress, and the Ilithii stared at him wide-eyed in almost horror as she read the emotions of his mind.


    ¡°We should get some nice-looking jewellery too!¡± Sephy poked her head out from behind the curtain, clearly not wearing anything behind the thin material. ¡°Jack, which did you prefer? Green or gold?¡±


    Jack heard a small whine from his feet, as Dante looked up at him with pleading eyes.


    And just like that, Jack had his sliver of hope!


    ¡°Sorry guys! Dante¡¯s getting a little restless!¡± he called back to the others with a smile, as Chiyo tried desperately to ask Jack for his opinion. ¡°I¡¯ll take him for a quick walk while you guys finish up!¡±


    ¡°Finish up?¡± Alora asked, confused as Jack hurriedly led Dante away. ¡°We¡¯ve only tried a few so far!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon!¡± Jack lied as he and Dante quickly left the store, getting several strange looks from the staff.


    They trotted a safe distance before they both sat down at a fountain that was making shapes in the air with squirts and sprays of water.


    ¡°You are so getting some nice sausage and bacon from me later!¡± Jack tiredly sighed as he scritched the ¡®dog¡¯ behind the ears. ¡°Good boy!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante happily barked back.

 Chapter 48: Partytime

    Several lines of arrivals patiently waited to be checked by security on their way to the Clan Bharzum fortress the party would be hosted at. A large complex owned by the clan, the fortress itself had a set of thick, iron doors that were slightly ajar to allow people in once they had been registered, and opened to a massive array of tunnels, chambers and alcoves that descended deep underground, having been mined and governed by Clan Bharzum for centuries.


    ¡°Um¡­Greetings! You must be Jack!¡± the Hoduth guard exclaimed as the group got to the front of the queue. ¡°And you ladies must be his harem!¡±


    ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Alora asked with an unamused expression, drawing herself to her full height in her flowing white gown. She had added a matching pair of pristine white shoes she bought at one of the stores and a very fancy-looking tiara on top of her curly grey hair, which she already had among her possessions, to complete her very regal look.


    Jack had no idea how he had survived the shopping trip, but he couldn¡¯t deny that the girls all looked great by the end of it; even the tomboyish Nika had dolled herself up like the other girls with a bit of help from Alora, though she had shot down wearing anything too fancy, opting for a black croptop, leather-like jacket, shorts and stockings that gave a punkish look to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my lady!¡± The guard recoiled in shock and gave Alora a second quick glance. ¡°That was just how the Ladies Sveta, Greta and Loreta noted you on the guest list!¡±


    I guess we shouldn¡¯t be too surprised. Chiyo replied, floating idly at the back in her short, pink dress. They¡¯ll be working on Jack all night.


    ¡°Hah! No way are they gonna outdo us, right Jack?¡± Sephy asked him, wearing a very scandalous-looking red dress that resembled ribbons wrapping around her body, showing quite a lot of the Skritta¡¯s dark, purple skin. Jack had to admit that out of all of them, Sephy had really gone all out for tonight¡­


    ¡°Right?¡± Sephy continued, looking worried as she looked at the human who hadn¡¯t answered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll have a good time!¡± Jack smiled as he gave a noncommittal shrug. He and Alora almost had a full-on argument in the shopping centre earlier when she insisted that he couldn¡¯t just wear his combat gear to the party. In the end, Jack begrudgingly agreed, buying the first set of a nice pair of shoes, socks and trousers he could find that met Alora¡¯s approval criteria, in a process that only took about five minutes. Though Jack didn¡¯t end up buying a nice top, he remembered the Hawaiian-like shirt he and Sephy had ¡®liberated¡¯ from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup, and how the Skritta had passionately argued that he should wear it. Not having been willing to spend any more time shopping than absolutely necessary, Jack agreed.


    ¡°And¡­um¡­.is this beast part of your harem as well?¡± The Hoduth guard pointed at Dante, who had been washed and groomed before they left.


    ¡°Um¡­sure why not?!¡± Jack replied jokingly with a chuckle, not even bothering to correct them. The group had been queuing to get in for a few minutes and he was happy to move things along so they could wind down and try and have some fun. They had earned it!


    They strolled through the gap of the massive gates and emerged into a large, cavernous chamber where other groups were milling about, waiting for more people to show up and help populate the party a bit more before exploring the rest of the venue. It was clear from the large space, the strips of brightly coloured lights and the many members of staff walking around with trays of food and drink that this party was expected to host a rather large number of people.


    ¡°There he is!¡± they heard a shrill voice call out as one of the Hoduth triplets, who Jack thought was Greta by her chubbier stature, eagerly dashed over to him. If Jack had to describe what the brown-skinned, blonde-haired girl was wearing, it would be like some kind of skimpy swimsuit except made entirely of precious metals, gems and jewellery that wrapped around and sagged around her curves. ¡°Hi Jack!¡±


    ¡°Greta!¡± Alora greeted warmly, and Jack internally thanked the Eladrie for confirming his guess on the name.


    ¡°This is a really good looking place you¡¯ve got here!¡± Jack smiled politely as he couldn¡¯t help but look at the jewellery, much of it being bizarrely braided wherever the girl had hair, with the hair on her head being so completely adorned he was surprised it hadn¡¯t fallen off. Greta even had fine rings seemingly tied around her armpits, and looking down, Jack realised the implication of the vast length of gold dangling down the girl¡¯s crotch¡­


    ¡°You are always welcome here, Jack!¡± Greta seductively replied, licking her lips and looking pleased at his reaction before beckoning the group to one of the walls, pointing at a statue of a Hoduth chiselled into the rock. ¡°Our ancestors have maintained this outpost for many years, you can see the masonry detail is several millennia old.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty amazing!¡± Jack considered, highly impressed as he tried to work out the numbers in his mind. ¡°What did you use this place for? I can¡¯t imagine anyone could mine it for that long without exhausting all the veins.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes my clan left it fallow for a while and allowed the veins to grow back.¡± Greta shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s what we¡¯re doing now, but in the meantime we can use this place to PARTY!¡±


    She shouted out the last word to everyone that could hear, and partygoers all around whooped and cheered all around them.


    ¡°We¡¯ve still got some time before the first wave of guests are all in¡­¡± Greta continued with a saucy smile as she seductively took Jack¡¯s hand and placed it on her hip. Her flesh was soft and warm, and Jack¡¯s lower brain jumped to attention. ¡°Perhaps my sisters and I can show you some hospitality before the music starts¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea, we¡¯re pretty hungry!¡± Alora spoke up, perhaps a little too quickly. ¡°I believe I just saw a waiter with those Hoduth cheese and fungus crackers we like so much! I¡¯d definitely like some before you run out!¡±


    ¡°Yeah Jack! Come and try them!¡± Sephy took Jack¡¯s arm and pulled him away a little too forcefully.


    ¡°There¡¯s no limit to the food and drink we have available!¡± Greta pouted. ¡°Perhaps once you¡¯re more loosened up and merry?¡± She licked her lips at Jack.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll find each other later once we¡¯ve had a few drinks and appetisers!¡± Jack smiled politely as several more groups were let in. ¡°We¡¯d better not distract you from greeting the other guests!¡±


    Greta waved, and quickly turned away to do just that, approaching another group of guests and chatting to them as if she hadn¡¯t just invited Jack to a foursome.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t kidding about the food,¡± Alora whispered in Jack¡¯s ear. ¡°Besides, the night is still young.¡±


    ¡°The food?¡± Nika questioned with raised eyebrows. ¡°It¡¯s the ale you really need to try!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Wow! Look at how many people there are!¡± Svaarti gasped in shock as she and Svaartal joined the end of one of the shorter queues. They had both tried to get to the party at the sweet spot between early and not-too-early, but it had turned out they weren¡¯t the only ones with that idea.


    ¡°I hope we¡¯re not turned away! Do you really think it doesn¡¯t matter what I wear?¡± Svaarti asked her brother, who was as patient with her now as he was the last time she asked that question.


    ¡°We will be fine. Relax! That¡¯s what we¡¯re here for!¡± Svaartal chided his sister. She was wearing a simple outfit of a white blouse, black pencil skirt and spectacles which she kept taking on and off, self-conscious of how people would perceive her. He, on the other hand, had taken advantage of a magical belt he had, which allowed him to store and change sets of clothes as he saw fit. He usually used it to disguise or camouflage himself in the field or simply storing outfits that he liked and his father didn¡¯t, but right now he decided a flair for the dramatic was needed. An intimidating set of crimson mage battlerobes cut a striking figure, and Svaartal knew that many eyes were upon him.


    As they should be.


    ¡°S-Svaartal!¡± one of the Bharzum triplets greeted him in shock once they realised who it was. ¡°And Svaarti! Welcome! We didn¡¯t expect you to come!¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Svaartal asked lazily, looking at the Hoduth with a neutral expression. ¡°Would you rather we didn¡¯t, Lady Bharzum?¡±


    ¡°N-no that isn¡¯t it!¡± The girl smiled. ¡°We¡¯re glad! We¡¯ve invited both of you many times in the past, but you never accept.¡±


    ¡°Regrettable circumstances,¡± Svaartal acknowledged with a rare, thin smile. ¡°But we are honoured to be your guests tonight.¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± The girl nodded enthusiastically as she not-so-subtly looked the Nirah up and down, sizing him up as she licked her lips. ¡°Please enjoy the appetisers, we will be opening the ale soon with live music. Oh! And since neither of you have ever attended one of these gatherings before, please do not start any fights - this is accorded neutral territory.¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Svaarti beamed, relieved at there being no problems. ¡°We¡¯re just here to have fun after all!¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Svaartal nodded politely. ¡°Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Bharzum.¡±


    They both walked towards a table of food on the other end of the chamber before Svaarti queried her brother. ¡°That was rather formal of you.¡±


    ¡°It was a better option than trying to guess her name, and I¡¯ve never bothered interacting with her beyond what is necessary.¡± Svaartal shrugged. ¡°Speaking of which, is what¡¯s-her-face meeting up with you?¡±


    ¡°Vanya.¡± Svaarti sighed. ¡°As if you don¡¯t know her name, she¡¯s spoken to you before, and yes, she mentioned she would come here. I thought I would surprise her.¡±


    ¡°I have no need to remember it,¡± Svaartal dismissed. ¡°And don¡¯t let me keep you, I think they¡¯re starting the warmup music soon, and I¡¯ve seen you practice your dance.¡±


    ¡°You should dance too!¡± Svaarti grinned, though Svaartal rolled his eyes. ¡°What? Lady Bharzum seemed to be interested in you? I think she would go for it if you asked her.¡±


    ¡°I think not. I will observe the foolishness from the sidelines,¡± Svaartal dismissed the suggestion. ¡°Though perhaps I will partake of the other activities after a few drinks.¡±


    ¡°You should! You said we should have fun and relax!¡± Svaarti smiled as a deep, bass rumbled along the floor. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to find a partner and dance?¡±


    Svaartal barely considered the prospect for a second, then shook his head. ¡°Perhaps later, sister. I¡¯ll catch up with you later.¡±


    Svaarti nodded as they slithered off, a little disappointed her brother wouldn¡¯t relax, but she had faith he would enjoy the party in his own way.


    Svaartal sighed. He had resolved to put on a brave face for his sister, but now that she was no longer with him, he allowed himself a subtle moment of weakness, placing a slightly quivering hand on the wall to support himself as he centred his mind, breathing deeply as he willed his negative thoughts away.


    Loud shouting, like the occasional noise coming from the ever-enlarging crowd, always put Svaartal on edge, though he would never admit it did. Showing weakness was not something he could ever allow himself to do.


    ¡®What the hell am I even going to do here?¡¯ the Nirah thought to himself.


    *****


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    ¡°Hey! There¡¯s our man of the match!¡± a voice called out amidst the crowd. The party had gone strong for about half an hour, as many, many people had been invited, and the music was blaring loud and proud as groups flocked to the main chamber to mingle with each other. Naturally, Jack had managed to lose his friends in the chaos after going to grab a drink, with only Dante keeping him company, ducking and weaving in between whoever he could to catch up to escape the chaos of the rapidly filling chamber.


    Jack turned to focus on the voice, quickly spotting Vaal, who was waving at him to come join him. The Eladra was surrounded by a small group of people Jack recognised, so he quickly picked up a glass of wine from a passing Hoduth waiter and joined the group, mostly composed of the deathball teams from the game he had played the previous day.


    ¡°None of that ¡®man of the match¡¯ stuff, Vaal, we all played well!¡± Jack smiled diplomatically as he spotted several of the opposing team looking at him attentively.


    ¡°That¡¯s the biggest load of crap I¡¯ve ever heard!¡± the girl with Vaal¡¯s arm around her spoke up, and Jack recognised the bat-like code-slicer that trapped him in one of the rooms. ¡°You literally ran through a bloody wall to get out of my trap! Had I pulled that on literally anyone else it would have worked!¡±


    ¡°It was a good plan, Zook!¡± Vaal smoothly calmed his date down, which looked very easily done. ¡°You couldn¡¯t have seen Jack coming, though!¡±


    ¡°I certainly did, and he terrified the shit out of me!¡± another familiar voice hissed, and Jack recognised the opposing keeper, now much more steady on her feet, and not just because she was leaning against Plooderoo, who seemed to be her date for the evening. ¡°Though speaking of what¡¯s coming, I think Luviannestixxx is looking for you, I¡¯d better brace myself if I were you!¡±


    The group chuckled at Jack¡¯s obvious embarrassment at that statement, and the human quickly latched on to courtesy to move the conversation elsewhere.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t stick around too long after the game, I don¡¯t think we were properly introduced?¡± he spoke to the two opposing players.


    ¡°I¡¯m Zook, and I¡¯m a Strallea!¡± the bat-like creature immediately spoke up. ¡°And that¡¯s Klikko, and she¡¯s a Kunee. We know you¡¯re an Outsider so that¡¯ll save you the awkward conversation about asking us what species we are. I can imagine it¡¯s probably a little weird being around so many different peoples if you¡¯ve not been living here for long?


    ¡°Not gonna lie, you¡¯ve pretty much hit it on the head.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°I was at the Temple Of Hope for a while and it was a massive shock for me, and I had to adjust quickly.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s rough, but hopefully you don¡¯t find it too bad here.¡± another voice perked up as Kizzarith squeezed into the circle next to him with a drink.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t found her yet?¡± Vaal grinned at his friend.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t! Maybe she¡¯s running late!¡± the Anacite grumbled. ¡°The mud-mage from yesterday!¡± Kizzarith told Jack on seeing the human¡¯s confused expression.


    ¡°Pridra?¡± Zook asked, surprised. ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s coming tonight, her family are quite strict and religious and she¡¯s not mentioned anything about looking for something...¡±


    ¡°Aww come on!¡± Kizzarith groaned.


    ¡°Unlucky, mate!¡± Jack awkwardly but gently patted his insectoid friend on the back. ¡°Maybe she¡¯ll come around if you just talk to her next time you see her, if not you can just move on.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right.¡± The Anacite sighed, before perking up at hearing something in the distance, a sentiment shared by the others in the group.


    ¡°Have you seen Jack anywhere?¡± they heard the voice of Luvia ask from nearby, and Vaal quickly put a hand on Plooderoo¡¯s shoulder to stop him from drawing her attention.


    ¡°Shall we give him the chance to escape first?¡± he asked playfully, seeing Jack¡¯s hesitation.


    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate that.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Too early in the night and not enough alcohol. I¡¯ll go for it a bit later though, if she hasn¡¯t gotten bored of me by then, just not right now!¡±


    ¡°Heh, we¡¯ll see you later!¡± Vaal grinned back, with Jack giving a quick wave of goodbye to the others before disappearing into the mass of people, Dante somehow effortlessly keeping pace. He eventually managed to get to the edge of the rocky chamber next to one of the manned bars.


    ¡°Well speak of the devil!¡± Jack heard a voice call out over the din of the party. ¡°Hey Jack!¡±


    ¡°Hey Vanya, hey Svaarti!¡± Jack smiled as the crowd around him parted to allow his two friends to move up to him.


    ¡°How are you finding the party?¡± Vanya asked with a smile, swaying slightly as Svaarti supported her until she leaned on Jack, taking many liberties with finding and keeping her balance. ¡°I would imagine you would be fully swarmed by the rest of your group by now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve lost them among the crowd, they¡¯re probably having fun doing their own thing.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°How have you two been?¡±


    ¡°Been uneventful so far, which is why I want to interview you about your very eventful first week at school and everything in between before someone else does!¡±


    ¡°We can still do that, but we should probably get the others together since they¡¯re just as much a part of it as I am!¡± Jack smiled. ¡°What about you, Svaarti?¡± he asked cautiously, knowing she was now technically affiliated with the drow.


    ¡°Good, very good!¡± The Nirah nervously smiled. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve been able to come to a party like this, it¡¯s far bigger than I was expecting! There¡¯s a lot of people!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps we can take a little break from the chaos? I¡¯d be happy to answer a few preliminary questions before we sit down with the others for a proper interview?¡± Jack proposed.


    ¡°Sounds good to me!¡± Vanya grinned, practically dragging the both of them to one of the side tables.


    *****


    ¡°Looks like this party is getting lively!¡± Alora pointed out to Chiyo, taking in the sheer number of new arrivals that were only just arriving. Though the queues outside were getting shorter, there were still scores of teenagers eager to get in.


    Indeed! I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if it wasn¡¯t the whole of our year here! The Ilithii replied, clearly quite impressed. What is this party even meant to celebrate? Do the Bharzum triplets have a birthday or is it a Hoduth festival of some kind?


    ¡°No on both accounts!¡± Alora snorted in amusement. ¡°And it¡¯s not just people in our year! This is just a powerful Hoduth family wanting to flex their wealth and influence on behalf of their younger members for the sake of it. That¡¯s mostly all to it.¡±


    Like you had to put up with back home?


    ¡°This is nothing like back home with my people, and the gods know I don¡¯t miss that.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Far more cutthroat and political, where any wrong word or move can earn you enemies. Not a party you can actually enjoy like this one, and honestly, I¡¯m not complaining about whatever Clan Bharzum¡¯s motivations might be - they know how to throw a good one!¡±


    Chiyo looked at Alora, sensing a little pain in her aura from her sharing her experiences of Eladrie party life and said nothing, allowing her friend to continue.


    ¡°This will do us all some good,¡± Alora concluded. ¡°Especially Jack, because goodness knows he needs something like this to distract him.¡±


    I agree. The two runs we¡¯ve been on since Jack arrived were far more dangerous than we¡¯ve taken up before, but at least the payoffs are good. Chiyo reasoned. We can afford to relax and not have to worry about bills or lack of groceries, at least for a while.


    ¡°Plus I¡¯ve put the order in for the hot tub.¡± Alora tittered as she and Chiyo gratefully accepted some finger food from a Hoduth waitress that passed them by. It was a hollowed-out bulb with a rich and salty creamy sauce in the centre that tasted divine to the two girls. For a cuisine that had to cater to the dietary requirements of many different species, Clan Bharzum had certainly done an excellent job.


    You actually ordered the hot tub? Chiyo giggled, raising her eyebrows at the unusual purchase. I know Sephy had it in her head for a while, but there are far more practical purchases you could have made!


    ¡°Oh, live a little!¡± Alora laughed along as a familiar figure came over to join them.


    ¡°Alora!¡± Luvia beamed as the dragon-girl cleared a path to them with fresh drinks.


    ¡°Luvia! Wow, you¡¯re going all out tonight!¡± Alora smiled as she brought Luvia in for a quick side-hug of greeting, before the dragon brought the reluctant Chiyo in for one as well.


    ¡°Is Jack not with you? Dammit! The Welcoming Dance is going to start soon and it¡¯s a tradition for members of opposing Deathball teams to dance together post-game!¡± She pouted.


    ¡°Is it really?¡± Alora asked with a smile, allowing a not-so-subtle hint of doubt into her words. ¡°I think you might be overreaching there!¡±


    ¡°Well Jack doesn¡¯t know that!¡± She rolled her eyes. ¡°And he has a bunch of people looking for him already based on his reputation alone!¡±


    ¡°Well that doesn¡¯t sound good!¡± Alora chuckled again, sensing what little alcohol she¡¯d already had start to get to her.


    ¡°Shall we rescue him?¡±


    *****


    ¡°So yeah, I was living at the Temple of Hope for a while, but I didn¡¯t go outside after my arrival until I met my Form Class for the first time at school.¡± Jack shrugged, taking another swig of the Hoduth ale while Svaarti and Vanya listened and took notes.


    He had agreed to answer a few basic questions about his time on Hive Station Bastilla until he had met the rest of the group, but had insisted on the rest of the group sitting down for a proper interview about the rest of their antics. That way, Vanya and Svaarti would have a little bit of material to work with until that time came.


    He had surprisingly not had that much to contribute to the two budding journalists who were trying to claw every little bit of information out of him, but aside from his arrival in the Pallid Pit, there wasn¡¯t much to tell. After he arrived and was taken to safety at the Temple of Hope he hadn¡¯t left, only leaving his room to earn his keep with various chores, meeting Alora in the process.


    ¡°How would you say your mood has been since attending school?¡± Svaarti asked, deciding to change tactics.


    Huh. Good question.


    ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s been better,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°Meeting and befriending people of other species is a dream for many guys on Earth, so things are looking up. I really miss my home and my family, and I really thought I¡¯d hit rock bottom when the Temple of Hope couldn¡¯t send me back, but the people I¡¯ve met have helped me adjust. I don¡¯t know what would have happened if I had arrived under different circumstances¡­


    ¡°So how would¡­¡± Vanya began, before a chime echoed around the chamber.


    ¡°It¡¯s starting!¡± Svaarti squealed with delight, and quickly dashed off into the crowd.


    ¡°Wait! Svaarti!¡± Vanya called after her, and while she was distracted Jack took the opportunity to leave. The questions had sobered him up quite a bit and he was happy to throw himself into whatever was going on to distract him from the painful memories.


    A spotlight focused on an older Hoduth man who was adorned in fine clothes, with a prominent dark cloak that had a strange symbol on it, which was mirrored by the younger Hoduth woman at his side. A quick look at the nearby members of staff led Jack to realise that this was probably Clan Bharzum¡¯s family sigil. Other Hoduth stood in the background behind the speaker, including the three sisters who had invited him.


    ¡°Welcome everybody! I hope you all find our hospitality to your satisfaction!¡± the man warmly bellowed to the crowd, who all cheered, with some raising their glasses.


    ¡°We have a lot of entertainment lined up tonight, and the barrels are rolling in!¡± He ended the sentence with practised showmanship, receiving the second cheer of the night.


    ¡°Get ready for the Welcoming Dance! Find your partners and let us get started!¡±


    Jack immediately panicked as the crowd flooded around him as people desperately tried to find who they were looking for.


    ¡°There he is! The Outsider!¡± someone nearby shouted, and Jack was jostled around as people tried to find him. He looked to the side at the bar and saw Dante sitting on the table, looking at him in amusement.


    ¡°Uh¡­sorry guys, dancing isn¡¯t really my thing!¡± Jack politely called out as the crowd tried to surround him as he struggled to get away¡­


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll have this dance,¡± he heard a familiar voice speak up from next to him, and the crowd quickly lost interest in him and moved on.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Jack grinned as the music began, and his partner gently grabbed his arms as their bodies naturally swayed to the slow, melodic tune.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it!¡± Alora replied with a soft smile. ¡°We didn¡¯t spend ten hours shopping to get ready to miss out on this kind of stuff!¡±


    ¡°Only ten hours?¡± Jack joked, earning a playful slap on the arm before he held her closer, trying to avoid stepping or bumping into anyone else as the atmosphere quickly calmed.


    They stayed like that, holding one another as the music began. The tune had no words, but the beauty of the melody touched Jack¡¯s soul, bringing his emotions to the forefront of his mind. The sadness was there, and grief for what he had lost, but also there was happiness and all the good times he had shared with his new friends.


    ¡°Thank you, Alora,¡± Jack whispered to her. ¡°If not for you, I¡­¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Alora whispered back. ¡°And I¡¯m thankful for you too. With you I feel¡­¡±


    She trailed off, not finishing her sentence, staring into Jack¡¯s eyes as they moved as one to the song that was coming to an end. Jack stared back into the Eladrie¡¯s eyes as her freckles twinkled with the lights above.


    As the song ended he slowly tilted his head forward, and Alora did the same as their lips briefly kissed. It felt perfectly natural for the both of them, a moment of serenity amidst a torrent of chaos.


    But a moment was all it lasted.


    Alora gently pulled away, and began hyperventilating with a strange expression.


    Jack backed away slightly in panic. ¡°I..I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Alora whispered as she quickly turned and disappeared into the crowd.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Jack called as he tried to follow, but it was no use. He had lost her.


    ¡°Fuck!¡±

 Chapter 49: Mingling

    Alora was shaking as she sipped her wine, trying not to draw any attention to herself as she kept her movements casual, leaning back against the smooth rock of the cavern wall. The sounds of the party had quickly given way to a ringing in her ears which she couldn¡¯t shake as she covered her ears in a vain attempt to drown it out. But even then she felt it through her fingers as a numb tingling that she fought to top and calm down.


    But try as she might, the feeling of dread wouldn¡¯t leave her.


    Suddenly, she felt a furry muzzle nudge her hand away from her ears as Dante licked her cheek. The ¡®dog¡¯ wouldn¡¯t let up as Alora found herself patting and stroking his fur on reflex, her mind still distracted by what had just happened.


    She thought she was past the influence of her family and that she would be able to live her life in peace, but the empathic link bound to her by her older relatives had reacted strongly to the moment she had shared with Jack.


    They had to know what she had wanted, and what she gave in to, and they were not pleased in the slightest.


    What would they do? Why couldn''t they just leave her alone? They had wanted her out of the way by sending her to school at Hive Station Bastilla with a pretext to restore and maintain a long-forgotten and decrepit holding that was mostly ruins, which she had done to great effect. Now she was happy here and had done what had been asked of her, so why couldn''t they just leave her be?


    Well. The enchantment did not physically control her. She could still do what she wanted, though it would not be a pleasant sensation as her aunts and uncles made their displeasure known. What if she broke the enchantment? It could be done, but what would the response be when she did so? Could she stand up to whatever her family would send her way?


    Possibly. With her friends by her side. Now she knew how Jack had felt when they backed him up to see the Oracle and assault the Pallid Pit.


    ¡°Alora? Are you okay?¡±


    She looked up to see Crill and Arlox peering down at her with concern as Dante kept trying to distract Alora and calm her down, poking her with one of his paws.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Alora managed to get out after a few moments, before going back to stare at the ground.


    Crill looked at Arlox with a knowing look before putting his arm around him and whispering in his ear. Arlox quickly nodded in understanding before slinking off. Crill hesitantly placed a reassuring hand on the Eladrie¡¯s shoulder as she fought to keep her hyperventilating under control. She felt a shortness of breath and pushed back the sensation to retch as Crill quickly placed a pot at her feet just in case.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± she heard a familiar voice call out as Luvia quickly made her way through the crowd, Arlox hot on her heels before Crill stopped him, shaking his head before leading him away. ¡°Alora?¡±


    ¡°Hey Luvia,¡± Alora groaned as her friend sat next to her on the other side of Dante. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Clearly,¡± the dragon sarcastically replied. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Just something that happened with me and Jack, honestly it¡¯s not-¡±


    ¡°What did he do?¡± Luvia interrupted, face turning serious as Alora saw her form begin to enlarge, horns and claws elongating in her smouldering rage. ¡°If he¡¯s done something to you, I¡¯ll¡­¡±


    ¡°NO!¡± Alora almost shouted at the dragon, who quickly calmed down as she cocked her head, expecting an explanation.


    ¡°It was nothing like that!¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Just my family showing their disapproval over something we did.¡±


    ¡°Oh. If you say so...¡± Luvia calmed down, reverting her form to her usual less-menacing self. ¡°What actually happened then?¡±


    *****


    Chiyo was perched high up on a ledge atop one of the large statues in the main entrance hall, idly observing the mingling masses below while she waited for the next activities to start. She had lost the others a while ago, and was content to just chill out, using her power to lift herself high up until any activity that took her fancy began. Crowds weren¡¯t really her thing. Too much emotion from too many people in an enclosed area would start to take a toll on her mind sooner or later, so she preferred to be alone at times to centre herself.


    It was then that a lump leapt high in the air and grabbed on the ledge she was sat on.


    ¡°Hey Chiyo!¡± Jack called, as the Ilithii almost fell off in shock.


    Jack?! You scared me! What''s wrong?


    "It''s Alora!" Jack panickingly told her. "I think I fucked up. We were dancing, and¡­"


    She had a panic attack? Chiyo quickly interrupted, having realised what had happened.


    "Um¡­" Jack began "I¡­maybe?"


    Can I see your recent memory of what happened? Chiyo asked, and Jack quickly nodded.


    Jack felt a brief sensation press into his mind, before the effect quickly subsided and Chiyo sighed.


    She should be alright once she calms down. It''s not your fault. The Ilithii replied, taking another sip of her wine.


    "It was sure as hell something I did though!" Jack sighed.


    I''m sure Alora will tell you more herself, but Eladrie society is a bit¡­strict, and has a lot of expectations. Chiyo tried to gently explain. I think the pressure just got to be a bit too much for her, but I think she''ll be fine. I''ll let everyone else know so they can check on her if they find her.


    "Thanks, Chiyo." Jack gave a worried sigh.


    Don''t worry so much! Chiyo rolled her eyes as she nuzzled up to him. This is pretty much the standard for a party full of teenagers. She''ll probably just laugh it off the next time you see her!


    "Alright." Jack nodded his understanding. "I''ll talk to her once we¡¯ve cooled down."


    It''ll be fine. Chiyo shrugged. Besides, the night is still young.


    "What were you even doing up here anyway?" Jack asked, now allowing a hint of a grin to return. ¡°Needed a place to brood?¡±


    Chiyo rolled her eyes. I don¡¯t brood!


    ¡°You sure?¡± Jack teased.


    I could fling you off, you know! Chiyo giggled as a small gaggle of musicians made their way onto the stage. Using her power, she lifted two glasses of wine from a thoroughly shocked waiter who hadn''t seen them, replacing them with her empty one. Clinking them together they took a sip of the sugary wine as the band began to play a jazz-like tune.


    "If it''s all the same to you, I think I''ll enjoy the good seats for now." Jack grinned.


    *****


    ¡°CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!¡±


    Nika grinned widely as she downed the tankard of Hoduth ale she had been dared to finish in one go, riding the high of the crowd as she kicked it back, before turning the tankard upside down and slamming it on the table.


    "Hah! Told you I could do it!¡± She grinned, basking in the applause.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing we overstocked!¡± Sveta smiled, having taken a place of honour at the large table they were all sat at, playing the gracious host for her classmates who didn¡¯t want to mingle and mosh in the centre of the great chamber. It hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed by Nika that there was a tight space reserved next to Sveta, and she had her suspicions on who it was reserved for should he make his way to them¡­


    "I bet not even your top-line stuff can bring me down, Sveta!" Nika boasted with a grin as several of the students around them nodded enthusiastically.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Nice try, Nika!" Their Hoduth host laughed. "We''re not rolling those barrels out just yet! Maybe later, if you¡¯re still conscious by then!"


    Several Hoduth officials went running past them, and for a moment Nika thought they were going to bring the banhammer down on her for her excessive drinking. Instead they rushed past them towards one of the alcoves where the toilets were.


    "What happened?" Nika asked as Rayle scurried back from the opposite direction along with a small crowd.


    "No idea." Rayle shrugged. "I was at the back, but something must have happened in the bathroom."


    "Maybe someone cut a glory hole?" Nika snorted, prompting snickers from around the table, with Sveta looking quite abashed at the suggestion.


    "I had heard that Sah''shil from Mr Gort''s form class wanted to try and get a rainbow party going, maybe she cut one as a warmup?¡± Zayle added, slinking up next to their sibling.


    "Not through solid rock they wouldn¡¯t!" Sveta pointed out. "Someone probably passed out. It happens, especially when species with low tolerance think they can handle Hoduth ale!"


    "Speaking of." Nika grinned. "I''m going to get some fresh air now that the main gates are closed, the music isn''t my thing anyway."


    "Has Jack tried any of this ale yet?" Sveta asked. "Never let it be said that Clan Bharzum doesn''t know how to host a proper Hoduth welcome!"


    "I''ll send him your way if I spot him." Nika grinned. "Challenge him to down the ale, it''ll do him some good!"


    "That was the plan!" Sveta called back in a farewell.


    Nika sauntered out past the large crowd of still-dancing partygoers, not seeing any of her companions, but smelling something cooking past the gate. Grabbing a cup of water from a waiter on the side, her eyes widened with glee as she spotted a flat-topped grill with several different types of meat sizzling on top. Next to it was a set of hard, bread-like shells to stuff the meat in.


    "Hey there!" a voice called out. It was one of the Clan Bharzum nobles, the woman who had stood just behind the speaker that had started the party.


    "You hungry?"


    ¡°Damn right I am!¡± Nika grinned as she grabbed one of the shells.


    *****


    "Pay up people!" Sephy grinned as she won yet another round of the game they were playing. Raking in the pot, she turned around. "Sure you don''t want to play, Kritch?"


    "I''m good, thanks!" Kritch snorted. "I know better than to play you!"


    "Yeah I''m out." One of the players grumped as the rest ragequit in a similar fashion, leaving the room, which left the two of them alone. Sephy shrugged and took a sip of her wine, waiting for a decent period of time before allocating the piles of money into roughly similar piles and sliding one of them over to the Lizta.


    "Too easy!" Kritch grinned as he pocketed his share.


    "Ashol really tried to bluff hard there." Sephy grinned. "Any other time they might have won."


    "Playing fair is for suckers." Kritch snorted back. "Can''t believe nobody''s caught on yet."


    "They only have to catch on once," Sephy countered. "So that''s it for tonight."


    "Damn." Kritch sighed. "Well, let¡¯s hope Vaal can get our group a job soon, I could do with a big payday."


    "Not me, my group has been through enough for now," Sephy told him. "Bills paid, enough food to last a few months and we don''t have any active bounties to worry about. Maybe a few trivial jobs to keep us on form and not bored, but that''s it."


    "I would say that''s lucky, but from what I know, it probably wasn''t," Kritch reasoned.


    "Yeah the less you know the better," Sephy agreed. "Not even proper jobs to be honest, but the payoff worked out."


    "My grandfather sometimes has us do stuff," Kritch said with a shrug. "Maybe he''ll have something for you in a few months. You got his attention when The Redeemer showed up!"


    "I''ll keep that in mind, but only if it comes with free drinks!" Sephy grinned. "Anyway, I''m gonna see if I can find out where they bring the food in from, winning money is hungry work!"


    "I don''t suppose you know where Zayle is, do you?" Kritch asked before Sephy had a chance to exit.


    Sephy raised her eyebrows.


    "Don''t look at me like that! Vaal and the guys have been giving me shit for it, so the least I can do is speak to them about it before she joins Jack''s h-"


    "Oh no!" Sephy interrupted, trying and failing to put on a serious expression as Kritch tried not to burst out laughing. "Let me stop you right there! We are not calling it a fucking harem! It''s just a casual thing between friends! That''s all!¡±


    Now it was Kritch''s turn to raise his eyebrows, only for Sephy to throw a cushion at him.


    "I don''t see it happening with the twins," she relented. "So go for it! Haven''t seen either of them tonight though, maybe they''re in one of the side rooms?"


    "Thanks!" Kritch replied, hyping himself up after downing a hearty swig of ale that would have put Nika to shame, before lightly jogging out of the room.


    Sephy sighed before coming to a realisation.


    "Motherfucker took my drink!"


    She went to find another.


    *****


    ¡°Pretty good act,¡± Jack admitted as the musicians finished their last song and exited the stage as some ¡®background music¡¯ came on to replace them. ¡°These guys had a lot of variety too, I have no idea what any of their instruments are or how they work, but they can certainly do a lot with them.¡±


    Clan Bharzum certainly haven¡¯t skimped on the entertainment. Chiyo nodded in agreement. Have you calmed down enough yet?


    ¡°I guess I have a bit.¡± Jack sighed.


    In that case you should probably go and mingle. Chiyo pointed out as she floated the pair of them to the ground with little warning. There are a lot of people who are curious about you, and we did promise to enjoy ourselves tonight. Go have some fun!


    ¡°What about Alora?¡± Jack asked.


    She¡¯ll be fine, but I¡¯d still give it a little bit of time before actively seeking her out. Chiyo smiled. I¡¯ve known her longer than you have, so trust me when I say she¡¯ll probably benefit from a bit of space, at least for now.


    ¡°Alright, if you say so. Though you told me it wasn¡¯t my fault earlier, so I¡¯m guessing that wasn¡¯t completely true?¡± Jack asked.


    You are not at fault, but you may have been the catalyst. Chiyo clarified. I¡¯ve already comm¡¯d the others to let them know what¡¯s happened so they know to keep an eye out.


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Jack slowly replied, still a little confused. ¡°If you say so, I¡¯ll probably go explore the complex for a bit and see what¡¯s going on, this place is pretty massive. What about you?¡±


    I think I¡¯ll partake of some of the food here. Apparently Nika says there¡¯s some nice meat around but I¡¯m craving some more cheese appetisers. I¡¯ll catch up to you later!


    ¡°Not brooding, I hope?¡± Jack teased, only for Chiyo to playfully slap his arm.


    No promises. The Ilithii retorted, holding Jack¡¯s arm for slightly longer than necessary before the two parted ways.


    *****


    ¡°So like that huh?¡± Luvia sighed. ¡°And I thought my family was bad.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so.¡± Alora nodded, having calmed down in no small part because Dante wouldn¡¯t stop demanding her attention, distracting her from her negative thoughts. ¡°Honestly, when I left for Hive Station Bastilla I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d ever be bothered by them again if I just stayed here and lived my own life. I¡¯m more of a convenience out of the way of the politicking back home so I would have thought they would be satisfied enough with my exile. I guess not.¡±


    ¡°They obviously have something in mind for you.¡± Luvia pointed out. ¡°A betrothal or some other arrangement that they¡¯ve organised based on what triggered the response?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve always been afraid of,¡± Alora admitted. ¡°I would sooner die than continue to be a pawn to their schemes, especially like that.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you do, you need to be ready to deal with the consequences.¡± Luvia placed a reassuring hand on her friend''s shoulder. ¡°The Eladrie Nations are on par with the Red Legion, as you well know. Your physical distance helps you here, but they will have means to get to you.¡±


    ¡°Whatever I decide, I will need to talk to my group about it first and make sure they¡¯re on board, and knowing them, they¡¯ll support me whatever happens.¡± Alora sighed.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked, causing Luvia to suddenly and very uncharacteristically jump back in shock, not having even met the ¡®dog¡¯ before tonight.


    ¡°Thanks for the vote of confidence.¡±  Alora finally smiled, scratching the dog behind the ears.


    ¡°You might want to consider a change of residence or identity¡­¡± Luvia began.


    ¡°No.¡± Alora shook her head. ¡°I am not the little girl that travelled here those years ago. Whatever happens, I will not run or hide. If my aunts and uncles want to do something about it, I will stand and fight. They don¡¯t know how much I¡¯ve grown or what I¡¯ve accomplished.¡±


    ¡°And so they will likely underestimate you,¡± Luvia reasoned, nodding her head and beaming with approval, her jagged fangs glistening in the low light twinkling around them. ¡°Giving you ample opportunity to turn the tables if they try something.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Alora nodded with resolve. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m even so afraid of any more. We¡¯ve faced horrors like we¡¯ve never faced before ever since Jack joined us, and we¡¯ve been the best version of ourselves. I can¡¯t do this alone, but I can do it with them!¡±


    She stood up, having found her courage. ¡°But first I have a party to enjoy. I¡¯d be damned if I¡¯m going to let my shit-pile family continue to get in the way of that! Thanks for listening, Luvia!¡±


    ¡°Any time!¡± The dragon grinned back.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked in encouragement.


    ¡°And thank you too Dante.¡± Alora scratched him behind the ears and threw him a sausage she took from one of the nearby tables. ¡°I think Jack will need you more than I do at this point, poor guy must be hating himself right now, so you need to find him and help him feel better.¡±


    ¡°Funny,¡± Luvia quipped. ¡°Finding Jack and making him feel better was my plan as well! I can¡¯t believe I actually thought he might have done something untoward¡­¡±


    ¡°Well it looks like Dante has a head start!¡± Alora chuckled as the ¡®dog¡¯ quickly skittered off around the corner and sped off into the distance.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m competing with a beast you¡¯ve picked up of all things!¡± Luvia pouted. ¡°Will you be alright on your own now?¡± She asked Alora.


    ¡°All good now!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Go have fun, and good luck!¡±

 Chapter 50: Face to Face

    Cautiously walking down a corridor to the deeper parts of the complex, Jack hadn¡¯t seen anyone else he knew since he parted ways with Chiyo. Though he knew in the back of his mind he should try and make the effort to get to know some more people and mingle with the crowd, he was simply intimidated by everything going on around him, though of course he didn¡¯t show his fear openly. At school it had been easier going when he had people with him he already knew and could help him adjust.


    Here, it was like the strange and off-putting atmosphere threatened to engulf him. The sounds alone felt disjointed, as the squeaks, squawks and shouts the various species made were not like anything he had ever heard on Earth. His fight-or-flight reflexes were on overdrive, even as the more rational parts of his mind told him that he shouldn¡¯t be reacting this way, and that this was something else he just needed to learn to adapt to. He knew these people around him weren¡¯t doing anything wrong or malicious, despite being unusual to him, just as he was unusual to them. This was nothing like his arrival in the Pallid Pit, or like the fights he and the others had gotten in, but despite all of that, there was something about the chaos around him that gave him an uncomfortable feeling, and Jack decided that he would need to find a quiet place to sit down and pull himself together before trying to find one of the others.


    A tentacled student was intertwined with a mantis-like being against one of the walls on the left, two others of a lizard-looking species were on the ceiling, and Jack had to dodge to avoid the sticky liquid that was dripping down on to the floor, before he grabbed a dish of something that looked roughly like a fruit salad from the serving plate of a nearby waitress.


    ¡°Hi, Jack!¡± a voice called out as he rounded a corner.


    Looking around for the owner of the voice, Jack suddenly stiffened and stopped, staring dumbfounded at the figure who had just randomly called out to him and said ¡®hi¡¯ from out of nowhere. Excluding anyone from Earth, they were one of the last people Jack had ever expected to see again¡­


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Jack finally yelled out after several seconds had passed. It was all he could think to ask at that moment as he stared at the speaker.


    Killer Kush waved enthusiastically from a nearby corner. He was sat down, leaning against several cushions at the table with several undead-looking beings with primarily blue clothing.


    ¡°Killer Kush?!¡± Jack asked in shock, blinking several times and shaking his head just in case he was hallucinating. He wasn¡¯t. The short, green-skinned Kermit-The-Frog-looking alien with twin samurai swords was impossible to mistake. ¡°HOW THE FUCK ARE YOU EVEN ALIVE?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Killer Kush replied in genuine confusion, tone completely mellow as he pulled out a fat blunt and stuck it in his mouth, which one of the skeletal beings graciously lit for him. ¡°Hey! Thanks, bro!¡±


    ¡°No problem, homie,¡± the skeleton replied, before idly looking once again in Jack¡¯s direction.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Jack began, still completely shocked. ¡°You attacked me during a Deathball game and I threw you out of a high window! How are you here!?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Killer Kush replied in confusion. ¡°I remember meeting you but I don¡¯t remember that happening, bro. Are you recalling things right? Didn¡¯t we do a line of some rocks and debate the advantages and disadvantages of a central banking authority?¡±


    ¡°No, we didn¡¯t do anything of the sort!¡± Jack replied, far more confused than threatened. ¡°You attacked me and I threw you out of a window!¡±


    ¡°Bro!¡± Killer Kush suddenly perked up. ¡°Didn¡¯t you¡­like¡­have a bounty on you or something?¡±


    ¡°I did, but not any more!¡± Jack quickly spoke up, just in case Killer Kush had any ideas, but the bounty hunter hadn¡¯t made a move and was instead just content to lay back and have another puff of his blunt. ¡°Turns out it was a bunch of false accounts whose owner had no intention of paying, so we shouldn¡¯t have a problem¡­¡±


    ¡°Nah, chill, we ain¡¯t got no problem, playa!¡± the large skeleton next to Killer Kush spoke up. ¡°You¡¯re the crazy motherfucka that took out the Pallid Pit! We ain¡¯t messin with chu or your crib! That diss track was just posers hating, nothing personal!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Jack replied cautiously, not knowing what to make of the somehow-alive bounty hunter and his undead companions, and not even having heard any of the diss tracks made by the various local gangs of the city who said they were coming for his bounty.  ¡°What are you doing here anyway Kush?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m security, bro,¡± Kush replied, taking another hit of his joint. ¡°Clan Bharzum liked my resume so brought me on as hired help.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± the Skeleton replied. ¡°Ain¡¯t none more gangsta than the Crypts. Fuck the Bloods!¡±


    Something crackled and Killer Kush put a hand to his ear. ¡°Huh, I¡¯d better roll out. Sounds like some teams are having comms issues. Peace out!¡±


    ¡°All good, homie,¡± the skeleton replied as he put away a bag of some pinkish-looking powder. Kush quickly made his exit, and before he realised what he was doing, Jack took the bounty hunter¡¯s seat.


    ¡°So you¡¯re an Outsider, huh?¡± one of the fleshy undead across the table asked Jack. ¡°Never seen one of you before.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded, slightly bemused by the whole conversation. ¡°Don¡¯t know how I got here, all I can do is survive and try to adapt.¡±


    ¡°Shieet, this guy ain¡¯t so different than us,¡± another, smaller skeleton piped up.


    ¡°Yeah homie, you¡¯re right,¡± the larger skeleton agreed, and on seeing Jack¡¯s slightly confused expression decided to explain more. ¡°A lot of us sapient undead motherfuckers have no idea who we were or how we came to existence. If we had families before, they tell us to fuck off or try and kill us, and if we were created out of nothing, that¡¯s even worse.¡±


    ¡°Damn,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°That sucks.¡±


    ¡°Fuck yeah, it sucks fat fuckin dick.¡± The ghoulish guy across from him nodded. ¡°And not in a bussin way like I¡¯ve seen Malissan Karpel from class 21-OV do.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s bad.¡± The large skeleton sighed. ¡°But while I got my homies with me we have each other¡¯s backs. Sure, we only exist thanks to some fucked up woowoo shit, and many people would destroy us on the spot if they could, but while I exist I¡¯m gonna make the most of it. Can¡¯t make more of us like those Blood mothafuckas, and we don¡¯t want to run into some creepy-ass Necromancer that can wipe away what makes us¡­us. Especially not whatever the fuck¡¯s at Nightwhisper Manor¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the really dangerous place that can spontaneously create undead, right?¡± Jack asked, trying to be cautious as he didn¡¯t know what remarks would cause offence to these unusual undead.


    ¡°Yeah, our homies that came from there are all from the outer districts,¡± the smaller skeleton confirmed. ¡°Inner districts got some whack shit going on, none of those mothafuckas are sentient, they¡¯ve got some crunk-ass shit happening there.¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡± Jack asked curiously.


    ¡°Like how it calls to us,¡± the big skeleton answered. ¡°Every undead motherfucka we know hears it. Constantly beckoning us to make our way there and give ourselves to it until we flip out and heed the call. Anyone that does isn¡¯t seen again. That¡¯s why the Crypts are tight. Mothafucka¡¯s be hatin¡¯, but we¡¯re all we have, and we stop each other heeding the call. All else we got left is making the most out of our shitty-ass existence.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that mate. That sounds rough to have to deal with,¡± Jack replied truthfully. Though he had fought undead before, they were just feral pawns for a necromancer, nothing like these guys. These guys were people. Dead, but still people.


    ¡°Nah, homie, don¡¯t go feeling sorry for us.¡± The smaller skeleton asked. ¡°We ride every day like it¡¯s our last and feel the moment. And it ain¡¯t all bad. Shieet, these rocks Killer Kush has are so good even we can feel a bit of it!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right, bruh,¡± the ghoulish one confirmed to Jack as he got up to emphasise his words with hand gestures. ¡°Universe dealt us a janky hand. We¡¯ve still gotta play with what we got, you know what I¡¯m sayin¡¯? That¡¯s why we¡¯re Crypts until we¡¯re dead for real. We live unlife hard and with no regrets! We leave behind legacies future Crypts will tell stories of, because that shit never dies unless the Crypts do, and the Crypts will never die!¡±


    ¡°Damn right, playa,¡± the larger skeleton added as his commlink buzzed. ¡°It sucks, but it sucks less when you have your homies with you.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of.¡± Jack grinned as he heard a familiar sound of panting as Dante came up beside him to lick his hand, tails wagging excitedly on having found the human.


    ¡°Perfect timing man, we¡¯ve gotta go!¡± the larger skeleton pointed out, holding his bony hand out low for the ¡®dog¡¯ to sniff. ¡°Clan Bharzum want us gangstas to check something out.¡±


    ¡°No worries, it was good to meet you!¡± Jack raised his arm to shake the skeleton¡¯s hand, but was instead led through two soft slaps of the hand, followed by a fist bump.


    ¡°That¡¯s the shit, we chips, playa,¡± The skeleton replied enthusiastically. ¡°You da man, Outsider!¡±


    ¡°Bye!¡± Jack replied with a polite smile, not understanding most of what the Crypt just said as they headed off. ¡°Nice guys,¡± he commented to Dante, who just looked up at Jack with a curious look. ¡°Definitely not what I expected. I think I need to sit down somewhere quiet though.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed, as the ¡®dog¡¯ followed the human down to a quieter part of the complex¡­


    *****


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    So even worse than I had feared, even I didn¡¯t know¡­ Chiyo thought as Luvia gave her an update on what had happened with Alora.


    ¡°There is no way she told me the full story, but I can empathise with family giving you more ass pain than a Kharexian banquet,¡± the dragon finished.


    ¡°It¡¯s times like these I¡¯m glad I¡¯m a foundling,¡± Sephy admitted with a shrug. ¡°But we should probably wait to hear it from her in her own words.¡±


    Agreed. And we shouldn¡¯t let that get in the way of us enjoying the party. Chiyo added. We can address it when we all wake up tomorrow, assuming we aren¡¯t all hungover.


    ¡°Speaking of enjoying the party,¡± Luvia added with a grin, ¡°Vaal told me there¡¯s a buffet in one of the backrooms where a few of our classmates were headed, maybe we could all meet there? I like these appetisers as much as the next person, but I for one need a full meal!¡±


    That¡¯s a good idea, we should catch up with the others. Chiyo suggested.


    ¡°Eh..¡± Sephy muttered as she tried to use her commlink. ¡°It¡¯s weird. Can¡¯t contact anyone but I can see where their last locations are. Nika and Alora are nearby, but Jack¡¯s probably gotten lost.¡±


    ¡°Would you be able to find him for us, Sephy?¡± Luvia asked. ¡°The others will probably make their own way there once they hear about it, but he probably wouldn¡¯t know.¡±


    Sephy scowled at that. Who did she think she was to order her about like she was Red Legion? Luvia could be very haughty and bossy at times to her less-close friends, and it sometimes took a few words from Alora to shut her up. Sephy bit back a rude remark and turned away to leave for a nearby tunnel, having no intention whatsoever of luring Jack to the dragon any time soon.


    It took a few moments of Chiyo¡¯s raised eyebrows for Luvia to realise her mistake and mutter a low curse.


    Why are you so especially hung up tonight anyway? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°The Concourse of Dragons unofficially expects me to at least visibly start the search for suitable mates,¡± Luvia growled. ¡°And even if I didn¡¯t have that social pressure I¡¯d be interested in him - you should know it is in the nature of my species, especially reds, to pursue what they want.¡±


    That would be a conversation you would need to have with him. Chiyo began. But¡­.


    She trailed off for a moment as her senses picked up something unusual on the periphery. Following the sensation, she expanded her astral sight, before her eyes widened.


    ¡°Chiyo?¡± Luvia asked, confused. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    *****


    Svaartal slinked down the tunnel to the deepest chamber of the complex, wanting to get away from the loud noise of the party above. He had tried to relax and have fun as he had promised Svaarti with so much confidence when he presented the idea, but he just couldn¡¯t, and that pained him. Everyone else that he had seen so far seemed to blend in so naturally, like it was a theatrical play and everyone had been given the script except for him. Even getting drunk only alleviated the problem for so long. Svaartal was far too paranoid and untrusting of others to let himself be vulnerable for long, and he had discreetly removed the effects magically every time he felt himself slip mentally.


    The lowest chamber was a small little area, the tunnel opening up into a cosy refuge where several others appeared to be taking a break from the revelries above in booths dotted by the bare walls, speckled with several couples who apparently needed to find a room.


    There was a small bar on the right, staffed by a solitary Hoduth bartender with a small supply who looked to Svaartal with barely a casual glance. Above him, there was some kind of overhanging balcony that presumably led to the upper levels. The balcony faced the back wall exit, which was sealed with a thick set of iron doors that looked ominous to the Nirah. He assumed they must have led to the Gloom Paths below¡­


    But another sight piqued his interest.


    Anybody else might not have spotted him with his back to the wall, but Svaartal knew immediately who it was.


    Frost.


    Svaartal contemplated this as he casually sidled over to the bar and ordered some of the fine Hoduth ale, taking a sip before ordering another.


    Jack shot to his feet in a panic and almost drew his gun when Svaartal sidled up to his table and settled down opposite him, and then his panic fell to confusion as Svaartal used his magic to slowly and carefully slide the other glass of ale he had ordered over to the human.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re not smothered in your harem, Frost,¡± Svaartal quipped as he sat down and took a sip of his ale, looking down and seeing the beast that had hung around his group last time they met. Dante gave a soft warning growl at the Nirah but didn¡¯t attack.


    Jack looked up at Svaartal, then down at the ale, examining it in suspicion.


    ¡°If my Sleevaash Venom doesn¡¯t work on you, I doubt anything I could come up with could poison you,¡± Svaartal continued, calmly taking another sip. ¡°Besides. This is neutral territory, and I have no particular desire to incur the wrath of Clan Bharzum.¡±


    Jack nodded, not taking his eyes off the Nirah as he slowly took a sip.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± the human replied cautiously, searching for some kind of tell that something was amiss. ¡°Now why are you here? What do the drow want?¡±


    ¡°I am not here on behalf of House Mal¡¯Kar,¡± Svaartal casually answered as he took another sip. ¡°My sister and I were invited to this party, so for once we attended.¡± The Nirah gave a sly smile. ¡°Besides, House Mal¡¯Kar have other concerns as of late, and I have no intention of being around that mess you¡¯ve made for them. While I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Izadora losing two of her cousins was planned at some point down the line, the loss of an entire platoon of special forces made the High Matron particularly angry. All the Mal¡¯Kars here on Hive Station Bastilla are in a conference call with their elders offworld. I can¡¯t imagine they¡¯ll be a problem for you while they¡¯re under such scrutiny.¡±


    ¡°And you?¡± Jack answered with forced calm. ¡°Will you be a problem for me?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say?¡± Svaartal replied, meeting Jack¡¯s intense gaze. ¡°You no longer have a bounty on you worth pursuing, and the Mal¡¯Kars haven¡¯t ordered me to kill you.¡±


    ¡°Yet,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Or you¡¯re lying.¡±


    ¡°Both are possible,¡± Svaartal admitted with a shrug. ¡°I suspect Izadora Mal¡¯Kar won¡¯t forget or forgive your slights against her. At some point, it will escalate to the breaking point, and it is likely that the two of us will fight to the death one more time. Whatever the circumstances, I think it will decide things for good.¡±


    ¡°Is that what you want?¡± Jack questioned, looking at Svaartal curiously, and saw that the Nirah looked unsure.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Svaartal admitted. ¡°I have less reason to come after you than I did before, but my new duties will almost certainly mean that I will.¡±


    ¡°You could always refuse,¡± Jack pointed out as he took another gulp of ale, only for Svaartal to snort in amusement.


    ¡°I think not. My sister and I have obtained good, profitable positions, with a prominent drow house, and you are indirectly the one to thank for that.¡± Svaartal sipped some more of his ale. ¡°Why would I give that up?¡±


    ¡°Is Svaarti happy with that? Will she be safe?¡± Jack asked seriously, with raised eyebrows, and raised a placating hand to calm the Nirah down, who glared at him with a dark expression. ¡°Maybe you belong with an evil family of slavers, but we both know she doesn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Careful, Frost,¡± Svaartal sneered.


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying, both of us care for her wellbeing,¡± Jack responded cautiously. ¡°I don¡¯t know what hell you two came from, but nothing good will come of siding with psychos like the drow.¡±


    ¡°You want to know something funny?¡± Svaartal asked, before he continued. ¡°She thinks we both have a lot in common, and on the surface, she may have a point. I think we misread one another when we first met.¡±


    ¡°She said something similar to me,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°And I happen to agree with her.¡±


    ¡°That may be,¡± Svaartal acknowledged with another drink of ale. ¡°And that is the reason why we are enemies. I do what I do best, as do you. We both fight for something, and we will fight to the death for it. I¡¯ve found out all about you, Frost. You arrived here with nothing, and you wouldn¡¯t have lasted long if not for the Church of Astara, and your new ¡®family¡¯. Without them, you¡¯re alone with nothing.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Jack raised his voice with a hint of anger at how right the Nirah was. ¡°And what about you? Who would you be without your sister? She¡¯s been a saint sticking by you, but if she ever left you would be as alone as I was.¡±


    ¡°Alone? I doubt it, Outsider,¡± a new voice called out, sneering and callous. Both Jack and Dante looked around for the new speaker, but there wasn¡¯t anyone nearby and nobody had approached.


    Slowly, a form began to materialise on Svaartal¡¯s shoulder. Dante growled as the bird of the darkest red Jack had ever seen shimmered into view.


    ¡°So you are the ¡®Deathworlder¡¯ with the power to challenge my master?¡± It spoke with a razor beak, eying the human curiously, before jumping off Svaartal¡¯s shoulder and pacing up to the end of the table to look at Dante. ¡°And look at this. One of Astara¡¯s favoured rodents, as my master suspected.¡±


    Dante growled at the beast, and gave the bird a threatening bark, hair standing on end with static electricity.


    ¡°I fear not thy lightning, Astartae,¡± the bird squawked back at the ¡®dog¡¯, as it¡¯s feathers started glowing a brighter shade of crimson¡­


    ¡°Carrow,¡± Svaartal put a hand out to stop his familiar. ¡°You will restrain yourself. We are to abide by our agreement to Clan Bharzum.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, my master.¡± The bird nodded and returned to his position aboard Svaartal¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°You too, Dante,¡± Jack gently warned, scratching the ¡®dog¡¯ behind the ears, until Jack felt him stiffen and walk away, which was rather unlike him. Jack just shrugged it off as the ¡®dog¡¯ calming down and let him wander around the chamber.


    ¡°Your familiar, I assume?¡± he asked. Svaartal simply nodded.


    ¡°Under different circumstances we may have been friends instead of enemies.¡± The Nirah sipped his ale as Jack did his. Both were nearly done with their drinks. ¡°But I¡¯ve got to do what I must, as must you. If the Mal¡¯Kars order me to come for your group, I might not necessarily relish in it as I did last time, but if it¡¯s between putting you down or everything I have worked and clawed my way towards my entire life, I will not hesitate to do what needs to be done. Honing my magic and pushing my limits is all I have.¡±


    ¡°There is a flip side to that,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°If you put my friends in danger and I need to take you down, I¡¯ll do it, whatever it takes, even if I go down with you. I won¡¯t feel good about it after talking with you face to face, but I won¡¯t hesitate.¡±


    ¡°Until that day comes,¡± Svaartal lifted his glass and finished the rest of his ale, Jack doing the same. Suddenly, Svaartal looked confused as he looked at something to the side. ¡°What is your beast doing?¡±


    Dante was staring blankly ahead at the thick metal doors at the end of the room, emitting a worried growl.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Dante?¡± Jack asked as he got up and walked over to him, but the ¡®dog¡¯ didn¡¯t look his way until Jack patted him, turning around and giving the human a frightened look.


    ¡°Master, something strange is happening in the Astral,¡± Carrow whispered to his master.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Svaartal asked, before Dante started barking with a loud ¡°WOOF!¡±.


    It was an unusual kind of bark. Much louder than Jack would have thought capable of an animal Dante¡¯s size, but he kept barking with mechanical regularity. The lights in the room blared brighter, and Jack suddenly became aware that the music echoing throughout the complex had ceased. It was a flood of sound, a solid cascade that blared through the minds of all present, reminding him of some kind of alarm¡­


    Svaartal and Jack both drew their weapons simultaneously as the human yelled, ¡°EVERYBODY OUT!¡±


    Jack was barely able to finish his sentence and leap into cover before an explosion blasted the doors wide open¡­

 Chapter 51: Partycrashers

    Jack let loose a controlled burst with his photon pistol at the first figure to run in shooting, dropping them with three accurate shots to the chest as more began piling in through the rubble. These enemies were seemingly uncaring of the risk as Jack took better aim, blasting the head off another one that jumped in as he moved further back. As the dust settled and Jack could see more clearly, he recognised with dread the polka-dot, makeup-covered, mutilated forms of Klowns as more of them rushed into the room...


    An orb of roaring red flame smacked into the closest Klown before exploding in a massive fireball, obliterating several of his nearest fellows, as Svaartal moved out of cover and quickly followed his spell up by thrusting both of his hands forward, spraying out a thick, black grease on the ground of the bottleneck. A very simple spell in the Nirah¡¯s arsenal, but a highly potent one in the right circumstances¡­


    ¡°Get to the upper levels! Warn everyone!¡± Jack shouted back at the few people still around, snapping them out of shock as he picked off several of the Klowns on the ground, though more were still stumbling through. Dante shot a bolt of chain lightning at the Klowns with an angry bark, killing them before they even hit the floor and igniting the magical grease.


    As the flames rose and illuminated the opened passage, Jack could see just a hint of the sheer size of the swarm of Klowns that were raring to get in¡­


    Several of the smarter Klowns leapt over the grease and the flames, using the bodies of their burning comrades as stepping stones to rush in close. Jack dodged a hammer aimed at his head, ducking low, and used his axe to trip the Klown before burying the axe into the freak¡¯s neck, then tearing it out and throwing it into the chest of another that rushed up to him, taking the Klown off their feet as its momentum caused it to land right next to Jack. Svaartal summoned his sword and met another Klown¡¯s charge with one of his own, using his serpentine body to easily dip under a swipe and lunge upwards, skewering the Klown through the chest, then dexterously pulling back and swiping diagonally upwards, releasing an arc of arcane light that shot out and caught another Klown in the face.


    ¡°Collapse the tunnel!¡± Svaartal called to Jack. ¡°Carrow!¡±


    Carrow squawked a challenge at the Klowns as the air around them shimmered. Appearing from nothing and rapidly growing, several red-hot rocks orbited the familiar, before a word of power from the bird flung them at high speed at their chosen targets, tearing through mutilated flesh and shattering bones.


    Jack broke away from his melee with another klown, shooting them twice in the chest as Dante covered him by tripping another before biting their ankle and sending lethal electricity coursing through its body.


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± Jack yelled, aiming his Dominator at the ceiling where he thought the rock was weakest, then letting loose a heavy shot that smashed into the rock. Dust and debris fell onto the bodies of the fallen klowns at the gate as several loud noises cracked around them over several seconds, before the ceiling finally gave way and fully collapsed.


    And bringing another group of Klowns with them!


    ¡°Shit!¡± Svaartal cursed before he cast as quickly as he could. "Terralika!"


    The globe of acid shot out from his hands, flying several feet before it exploded in a cone, catching several of the Klowns that were getting to their feet.


    But if the Klowns could feel physical pain, they didn¡¯t show it, getting up despite the debilitating attack.


    And more were coming.


    From the passage above them, another cluster of Klowns were dropping to the ground, either being forced to by the push of the crowd of their fellows behind them or simply being insane enough to jump down, relishing the chance to attack these interesting enemies!


    ¡°Carrow! Keep them occupied!¡± Svaartal snarled as he brought his sword up again, quickly finishing off one of the one of the Klowns as Jack did the same. Dante barked and summoned a sphere of ball lightning in the middle of the room that zapped any Klown that got too close with a bolt that put them down.


    Suddenly, a larger form hit the ground, and this Klown clinched the landing perfectly. They were a bald mountain of meat with sinister painted tattoos all along the disfigured flesh of their powerful muscles. They clutched a thick shield of polka-dotted steel and a vicious-looking spiked flail, and flourished it in a way that meant business. Their wicked grin was painted a crimson bloody red on the pale white of their scarred face, with two sinister eyes of the darkest shade of black to form a truly intimidating visage. Jack fired a short burst with his Dominator that was easily deflected by the new threat.


    ¡°You¡­..die¡­.slow¡­.¡± the Klown articulated in a menacing growl as Dante barked in defiance.


    ¡°You shall fear me, Klown!¡± Svaartal snarled as he shifted blade stances, getting ready for an opportunity to strike.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go motherfucker!¡± Jack roared as he charged in with his axe, dropping to a skid as the Klown reacted with impossible speed, swinging in a horizontal ark with the flail that flew just above his head. Svaartal slithered forward the moment the Klown¡¯s back was turned, but they were clearly aware of him as their shield was well placed, preventing the Nirah from getting in close. They quickly brought their guard around to take the full brunt of Jack¡¯s charge before the Klown attempted a counterattack, shaking off a lightning bolt Dante had flung at them.


    Svaartal dodged the swing of the flail just in time for it to smash into what remained of the bar, shattering glass and splintering rock with the force of the powerful blow. Jack rushed forward again, and the Klown continued the motion of the flail¡¯s swing, coming down in a vertical downward motion...


    ¡°Aegis!¡± Jack yelled, bracing himself as the spiked ball slammed down on him, before he quickly recovered and grabbed the chain, holding on with all of his strength.


    Svaartal wasted no time in getting in close and stabbing the klown through the armpit with his sword, then easily dodging their foolish attempted counter, using the momentum of the attempted shield bash to get behind it and sever the arm in a devastating display of swordplay, before moving away.


    Jack¡¯s Dominator beeped to signify its charge-up had finished. Keeping hold of the chain of the flail as the klown desperately tried to break Jack¡¯s grip, they didn¡¯t notice the human take careful aim¡­


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± Jack roared, pulling the trigger.


    The heavy shot of red light smacked into the Klown in an explosion of red gore, obliterating the brute before they knew what hit them.


    The room suddenly got quieter with the brief lull of combat. Klowns on their floor were trying to break through the debris, but they hadn¡¯t done so yet. Up above them, Carrow had laid down a wall of flame that blocked off the Klowns as long as it stayed there, no longer as brave as they had been when the big one was alive.


    ¡°That was one of the Named,¡± Svaartal growled as he wiped his sword clean. ¡°Chosen by the Killer Klown himself. I think that was Mister Mayhem, one of the Klown Kaptains that¡¯s publicly known. There may be more powerful Named about though, I know there are stronger ones than him.¡±


    Several shouts and screams could be heard echoing in the distance, along with the distinct sound of combat.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Jack growled. ¡°They¡¯re attacking elsewhere, so there are probably more higher ups coordinating the attack. Can you teleport us to the entrance?¡±


    ¡°Oh absolutely, Commander!¡± Svaartal replied, voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Do you want me to lick your balls too?¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t look amused at that.


    ¡°No,¡± Svaartal confirmed with a sigh. ¡°Teleporting out of here was the first thing I tried. There¡¯s magical interference preventing magical travel weaker than a blink.¡±


    ¡°Alright, looks like we¡¯re using the old-fashioned method.¡± Jack sighed as he made for the stairs.


    ¡°We?¡± Svaartal asked in a dry tone. ¡°You, maybe.¡±


    Jack turned. ¡°Where the hell are you going?¡± he asked, as the Nirah slinked to the centre of the room and looked up towards the balcony.


    ¡°I¡¯m going with a better route, and I can¡¯t take you with me even if I actually wanted to,¡± Svaartal replied.


    ¡°Unless¡­¡± Jack began to propose, but he was cut off.


    ¡°What more do you want of me, human?¡± Svaartal sneered. ¡°We have Klowns piling in, and I have no intention of hanging around.¡±


    ¡°Help me stop them,¡± Jack asked, his expression perfectly serious. ¡°I know how good you are. If we work together, we can help save a lot of people.¡±


    Svaartal said nothing for a moment, before shaking his head.


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    ¡°I think not, Frost,¡± the Nirah replied. ¡°I¡¯m going to find my sister and then we¡¯re getting the fuck out of here.¡±


    ¡°I last saw her on the upper floors,¡± Jack confirmed, disappointed, but seeing no reason to withhold the information. ¡°One of the private rooms with Vanya when they wanted to do a preliminary interview.¡±


    ¡°Appreciate it.¡± Svaartal nodded before blinking to the balcony.


    Jack looked down to Dante as they went back the way they came, collapsing the balcony behind them to cover their retreat. ¡°You with me, boy?¡±


    ¡°WOOF!¡± Dante barked in determination.


    ¡°Good.¡± Jack steeled himself as he quickly and carefully checked his corners, making his way up the tunnel and hearing the sounds of combat getting closer. ¡°Let¡¯s do this!¡±


    ******


    ¡°What the hell?¡± a voice called out of the crowd as the music suddenly cut out. Alora was on her own looking for Jack through the throng of dancing partygoers when several sharp noises echoed throughout the complex, somehow drowning out the cries and complaints of everyone around, and giving Alora a strong sense of alarm.


    Alora pulled out a wand just as a thunderous boom roared from somewhere below, shaking the room and knocking several of the guests to the ground.


    Then they heard gunfire, and all hell broke loose...


    Immediately, Alora was battered and thrown about in the crush as people all around her screamed and yelled in panic as they rushed to get out. The Eladrie fought with all of her might to stay on her feet as she was squashed in the stampede, as hot, sweating and flailing limbs smacked into her and almost overpowered her. Eventually, somehow, she managed to scramble out of the mass to one of the walls, and leaned against it to regain her breath.


    But there were others that weren¡¯t so lucky, falling to the ground and getting trampled in the mad panic. She saw Rayle struggling to crawl to her, clothes already smattered in purple blood as the Squa¡¯Kaar desperately fought to get to where Alora was, before an accidental foot booted her in the head.


    ¡°No!¡± Alora yelled in shock. ¡°Help her up!¡±


    Some bodies slowed down for a moment, before completely ignoring her and as several explosions and more sounds of violence came from close by.


    ¡°Can you hear me? Grab my hand!¡± Alora called out to her friend, before the crowd suddenly reacted in terror as one of the doors to the side of the chamber burst open to reveal a group of klowns that quickly levelled their guns into the defenceless crowd¡­


    ¡°Pyralis!¡± Alora yelled, pointing her wand at the group, quickly shooting out a snaking coil of fire that zipped past and around the fleeing crowd to smack into the klowns, throwing off their wild aim as they collapsed to the ground.


    Noticing the caster, one of the other Klowns pulled out a wicked-looking knife and rushed her. Panicking, Alora pointed her wand straight at the crazy Klown and shot a quick stunbolt that was thankfully strong enough to take it down.


    ¡°Rayle!¡± Alora heard a familiar voice cry out over the screams. Turning around, she saw Zayle holding their sibling in their arms, having summoned an earth spirit to cover them from the crowd moving past. ¡°Someone help me! She¡¯s not breathing! Please!¡±


    Alora steeled herself before shoving her way back in to get to her friends. She was not physically strong by any stretch of the imagination, and not for the first time that night she wished Jack was with her¡­


    ¡°Zayle, we can¡¯t stay here!¡± Alora placed a hand on her friend¡¯s shoulder as she quickly cast a diagnostic spell on Rayle, recoiling in despair as it instantly gave her every detail of every shattered bone, deep bruise and ruptured organ the frail amphibian had sustained in the stampede. Alora cast every quick stabilising spell she could, and fought down waves of panic as she realised she didn¡¯t have what it took to heal Rayle.


    ¡°Can someone help us? Please!¡± Alora called out again as she tried to shake Zayle into action.


    ¡°Alora!¡± someone called out from the crowd as an avian pushed towards them, spectacles smashed with blood dripping down his face. ¡°There¡¯s Klowns coming this way! There¡¯s so many! I can¡¯t find Arlox!¡±


    ¡°Crill!¡± Alora called back in relief. ¡°Help carry Rayle, they¡¯re hurt bad!¡±


    ¡°Alright, but cover me, they¡¯re right behind us!¡± the avian replied as he quickly scooped up the Squa¡¯Kaar.


    *****


    ¡°All guards to the walls!¡± Nika heard a Hoduth captain call out, as several loud alarm-like noises could be heard much closer by. ¡°We¡¯ve got Klowns attacking outside!¡±


    The Kizun had stayed outside for a few more minutes to get some fresh air, and had assumed that one or more of her friends had wished to do the same, but had barely begun looking before she felt the ground rumble heavily beneath their feet. Then she felt another quake. Then another.


    She looked back as her sensitive ears picked up several screams, her mind quickly at work as she unholstered and unfolded her shotgun. The others! Shit!


    ¡°Klown Kannons!¡± someone shouted as several forms flew over the walls in clusters to crash randomly among the fort grounds. Not wasting any time, Nika fell into a tactical mindset with practised discipline, and took a potshot at one as it came down, not allowing it time to recover. She knew that if these Klown Vanguards got a foothold, they were screwed, and by the way several others were pouring out of the fort, the Klowns had likely planned well for this attack.


    Knowing they would need to be eliminated as a priority, Nika rushed to engage the closest group, shouting as she did to get everyone else out of the way. The moment she had a clean shot she took it, her shot thundering into the chest of the nearest Klown and knocking them down, but Nika knew it wasn¡¯t a confirmed kill. These armoured and shielded Klowns were far tougher than the dregs they had fought on their way to the Oracle, and were clearly commanded far better too.


    ¡°Get out of the way or get down, you fucking morons!¡± Nika yelled, thoroughly annoyed as she had to check her fire as several people ran past her line of sight, desperate to get to safety. After finishing off the downed Klown and thinking quickly, she crouched down and aimed up, blasting another Klown in the face just before they were about to open fire in the crowd, the spread of her plasma shotgun dissipating harmlessly above their heads. Skidding forward on her momentum and using her tail to dexterously shift between moving bodies, she sprung up high and carefully aimed towards the ground - hot, up-close plasma ripping through the protective jumpsuit and melting the mutilated flesh beneath.


    There were sounds of combat all across the grounds as people fought for their lives, and Nika knew they couldn¡¯t keep this up for much longer as more and more Klowns were shot over the walls. Extending her combat staff, she quickly swung around in an arc to cave the head of another Klown, blasting fragments of skull across the battlefield, before continuing the swing into the legs of another.


    Reacting to movement behind her, Nika prepared to dodge the hammer strike of a Klown Korporal that had deemed her a threat, before it stumbled back, a spray of acid hitting it in the face and decapitating the freak as it stumbled forward uselessly and dropped to the ground.


    Svaarti¡¯s eyes went wide in shock as she took in her handiwork, barely noticing Nika¡¯s nod of thanks as she moved to engage another Klown, but the Nirah had enough sense to whisper a cantrip under her breath and summon her mother¡¯s arcane staff, just as Svaartal had taught her, feeling the power of the golden, radiant artefact tingle through her hands as she held it in a two-handed grip, the crystal at the tip glowing a defiant sapphire blue.


    Svaarti was scared beyond belief. She wasn¡¯t a brave and powerful warrior like her brother, but Svaartal had taught her several tricks in case she ever had to defend herself. And curiously, Svaarti felt a wave of calm and confidence that was quite unlike her as she pondered what she could even do. It was as if the staff was reassuring her that she could do this!


    A maniacal laugh came from the side as a Klown with a chainblade ran at her, and without thinking Svaarti cast the first, most basic defensive spell Svaartal had her practice until she could do it on reflex - a stunbolt that was the equivalent of a basic punch.


    It was a weak spell that shouldn¡¯t have done much other than to slow the Klown down.


    Instead, it was as if the Klown had run right into an oncoming car.


    With the loud crunch of multiple bones being turned to powder, the klown collapsed to the ground in a heap, as Svaarti was shocked and confused at the sheer power of her spell.


    ¡°Did you do this?¡± she asked the staff in wonder, as she took in the carnage occurring right in front of her and quickly began to think. She was no natural warrior, but she was still a powerful wizard in her own right, and had her own set of spells she specialised in. Could the staff enhance those spells as well?


    Svaarti started casting¡­


    ******


    Mister Mincer had followed his instructions perfectly! With his brothers and sisters leading the purges here and elsewhere, all across Hive Station Bastilla, they would exterminate all of the vermin inside and take the bodies for Klownification! It was just like a sweetshop, and he was especially looking forward to the new friends they would make once they made the meat puppets all better! He could just feel Grandfather Jingubash rubbing his hands in gleeful anticipation, and he knew that daddy would elevate him even further into the ranks of his much more powerful brothers and sisters!


    Moving sneakily and silently, his sappers brought the Big Bomb to the foretold spot in the tunnel, guided by the Prophets of Jingubash. The mean monsters that hated Daddy would have no idea that they were using the Gloom Paths to attack from underneath while Daddy distracted them on the surface!


    A few seconds later, the prophet of Jingubash happily gave Mister Mincer the signal, and without hesitation, the Klown Kaptain activated the explosive, blasting a sizable hole in the wall and taking out several of the Klowns in the process! Leading the charge with a cackle, Mister Mincer emerged into the chamber with his hammer held high, before his eyes widened in fear.


    Lined up facing them was a squad of high school students with red armbands all levelling their guns at the newly blasted hole, having fully expected them.


    But even worse was the angry red dragon right in front of them¡­


    Surprise motherfuckers! Chiyo smiled in grim satisfaction.


    Mister Mincer had no time to direct the swarm as Luvia unleashed a torrent of red-hot fire that cremated the Klowns in an instant, spreading all throughout the exposed tunnels and engulfing any Klown in them in a lethal inferno. Luvia then focused her flames on resealing the tunnel, melting the rock around the entrance.


    ¡°Well that was anticlimactic!¡± The dragon chuckled as she transformed back to her humanoid form. ¡°Thanks for letting us know, Chiyo, I almost feel bad for them!¡±


    There are other attacks like this throughout the complex, Chiyo warned, and Luvia nodded.


    ¡°Red Legion!¡± She addressed the room. ¡°And friends!¡± She acknowledged with a tilt of the head at Chiyo. ¡°The Klowns seek to hunt us down like prey! Tell me, are you prey?¡±


    ¡°NO!¡± The Red Legion aspirants around them shouted, and for once, Chiyo was inclined to agree with them. She could see Vaal and Plooderoo yelling the loudest, likely to show off for their dates who were in the room huddled behind them, who Chiyo recognised as two of the players from Luvia¡¯s deathball team¡­.


    ¡°I thought not!¡± Luvia roared as she summoned her impressive-looking crimson armour. ¡°Follow me and let¡¯s take the fight to them!¡±

 Chapter 52: Desperate Defense

    The laser fire of the klowns dissipated harmlessly against Svaartal¡¯s magical shield, before he suddenly blinked forward and lashed out with sword, severing the useless laser rifle in two before the Nirah followed through with a lunge that sliced the Klown¡¯s stomach open.


    ¡°Disgusting,¡± Svaartal spat as his familial link informed him that Carrow had set fire to two more klowns in a room to the side.


    He silently slithered up to the end of the corridor as both he and Carrow heard panicked screaming and sounds of resistance in the chamber up ahead. Peeking carefully around the corner, Svaartal could see several Klown Katchers trying to restrain several of the partygoers, though why they were trying to take them alive was unknown to the Nirah, who used the distraction to easily blink to the tunnel opposite.


    Though as he kept moving forwards and listened to the screams and pleas for mercy he suddenly stopped and glanced back out of the corner of his eye, remembering the words of the human.


    Help me stop them¡­ We can help save a lot of people¡­


    He knew he shouldn¡¯t. Any time he wasted put Svaarti at risk. But¡­


    ¡°Master?¡± Carrow queried, awaiting his command¡­


    *****


    ¡°COME ON THEN!¡± Jack roared as the Klown¡¯s laser fire had no effect on him, being no more than an insect bite to the incredibly angry human as he returned fire, putting two photon blasts through the chest and one in the head of the Klown, not even waiting for them to hit the ground before unleashing a rapid burst on the next one, not bothering to snap into cover. There was no time - there were a lot of Klowns down here and he needed to get everyone still alive to safety. There were a few survivors cowering behind him, with the few ones with guns covering their rear.


    ¡°ANYBODY HERE MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN!¡± Jack called out to the now-cleared chamber.


    ¡°Jack!¡± he heard a familiar voice nearby, as Kritch cautiously opened the cover to the vent he was hiding in. ¡°Thank the gods! I managed to get a few of us in here in time, but they were just looking for us!¡±


    ¡°Is there not a way through?¡± Jack asked as the four people began crawling out. Jack had no idea how Kritch got them in, but he was impressed by the unimposing Lizta.


    ¡°I was trying to cut through the metal security bars at the end enough for all of us to slip through!¡± Kritch shrugged. ¡°Could have worked.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°That¡¯s Plan B. Dante and I can get you through if we don¡¯t have another way up.¡± He indicated Dante with a quick point of the finger so everyone knew who he was talking about.


    ¡°What¡¯s Plan A?¡± Kritch asked.


    ¡°I kill every single Klown between here and safety, and rescue everyone I can.¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± Kritch replied with a heavy sigh as he tried to calm himself. ¡°You¡¯re not joking, are you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Jack confirmed as he moved forward and peeked around the corner, quickly dispatching the two Klowns before they could even think to shoot. ¡°Can you fight?¡± he asked Kritch. ¡°I may need you to keep overwatch while I clear rooms.¡±


    ¡°I know how to use a gun, though I work better from the shadows,¡± Kritch confirmed as he shakily moved up to the human.


    ¡°Good enough,¡± Jack assured, controlling his breathing and trying his best to put on a brave face as he put a hand on the Lizta¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Stay behind me and Dante.¡±


    ¡°Corridor ahead has a few side rooms, then there¡¯s a big chamber ahead.¡± Kritch whispered so quietly even Jack could barely hear.


    ¡°Glad you remember this place better than I do,¡± Jack whispered back as he quickly and quietly moved to where the tunnel turned, taking half a second to listen before he and Dante rushed out, having heard the sounds of fighting nearby. The ¡®dog¡¯ barked aggressively as he dashed forward to the group of Klowns with their backs turned, zapping a bunch of them with a lethal bolt of chain lightning as several plasma rounds were blind fired from cover ahead, ricocheting down the corridors and keeping the other Klowns at bay.


    Jack ran in after the wayward ¡®dog¡¯, rapidly clearing the small side rooms of klowns with liberal use of photon gunfire, before checking to see who Dante had rushed to help.


    ¡°There you are!¡± Sephy threw her arms around Jack, who returned the embrace. ¡°I knew you were nearby, I traced your last known comm signal!¡±


    ¡°Jesus, Sephy, it¡¯s hell down here - you should have gotten to safety!¡± Jack scolded.


    ¡°Not without you,¡± the Skritta replied, with a serious tone he had never heard from her before that left no room for argument. ¡°And not without them.¡± She pointed back towards the room she was shooting from, revealing a small group of partygoers.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re alright.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°What about the others?¡±


    ¡°Alora and Nika are on the main floor, and Chiyo¡¯s on the other side of the complex,¡± Sephy confirmed, checking an app. ¡°Hopefully things are safer there.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°Not too far, but we need to be quick! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    *****


    Nika dodged a sword slash and parried another with her bo staff as the Klown Kaptain cackled, relishing the thrill of the fight as they backed away from one another, the crowd giving them space as they did so. She had no doubt this was one of the Named, the Klowns that were second only to the Killer Klown himself and controlled the horde in his absence.


    ¡°FUN! WHAT FUN!¡± the Klown roared, rallying his troops to him. ¡°Mister Scissor gonna cut you to bits!¡±


    The Kaptain cackled in murderous glee as he flourished his weapons in a dazzling flutter, clearly looking to intimidate Nika with the display, though the disciplined Kizun would not back down. She was surprised that more Klowns had not backed up their Kaptain when he realised that Nika was a competent opponent, but she wasn¡¯t going to complain, quickly dashing forward with an overhead smash as the Klown deftly dodged and launched forward, with Nika using her tail to leap to the side to avoid the attack.


    Holding her bo staff in a strong grip, Nika deflected two rapid strikes before countering by swinging her staff in wide, unpredictable arcs, hoping to finish this quickly as the Klown skipped backwards while she chased him.


    But before she could land a hit, something strange happened.


    From behind her, a pulse of golden light lashed out in a bubble which expanded harmlessly around Nika and the other guards and partygoers around her, even giving them unusual feelings of courage and strength, but caused the Klowns clear visible pain as many clutched at their faces, giving the defenders a serious advantage. Nika wasted no time in lashing out at Mister Scissor, catching his leg with a bone-shattering strike as he fought to get away, rushing to get to the safety of his fellow troops.


    ¡°Izorinn!¡± Nika heard a familiar voice call out as chains of light shackled the Klown Kaptain helplessly to the ground. Alora was limping over to her, with a few of their friends injured behind them.


    ¡°See you in oblivion, asshole,¡± Nika growled as she executed the struggling Klown Kaptain with a point-blank shotgun blast to the face. ¡°Alora, what¡¯s going on? Where are the others?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Alora panted in response to both questions as she fell to one knee. ¡°The Klowns are everywhere slaughtering whoever they can, I thought we could escape out the front! We wouldn¡¯t have, had it not been for whoever cast that Ward!¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t you, Alora?¡± Nika asked, confused.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s beyond my power, and it¡¯s still active, I think it¡¯s keeping the Klowns at bay, at least for now.¡± Alora breathed heavily as Nika quickly moved to support her, looking around to see who had saved them.


    Glowing with a light golden aura like a celestial guardian, Svaarti¡¯s eyes were shut tight in concentration as she supported herself with her mother¡¯s staff. From the point where the base of the staff met the ground, glowing symbols and runes were expanding out along the cobblestones, while several golden strands emerged from the crystal at the tip, feeding towards the fully expanded bubble of light.


    The Nirah whispered words of power as she stayed there, which Alora assumed fed and enhanced the shield she had summoned.


    She had no idea Svaarti could cast something so powerful!


    ¡°We have to cover her!¡± Alora shouted out, getting the attention of anyone she could. ¡°Anyone that can fight, either help the guards on the walls or cover the gates!


    ¡°Carry the wounded to the base of the wall if it¡¯s safe to move them!¡± Nika added. ¡°Anyone that can heal, keep them alive until help gets here!¡±


    Crill and Zayle hurried past them, carrying the limp, lifeless form of Rayle and laying them down next to the wall, as close to Svaarti as they could get. As they worked on keeping her stable, the runes of light snaked along the floor towards them and the other wounded laid on the floor, channelling radiant energies as the cries of pain from the injured died down, to be replaced by calmed emotions and raised spirits.


    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Crill asked as the Squarri began quickly casting whatever healing and support spells he could. ¡°She¡¯s adding more layers to the spell even while maintaining the primary repulsion field!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s highly advanced magic, but it¡¯s got to be taking a huge strain on her!¡± Alora replied as she observed her friend fighting to maintain the spell. ¡°We need casters to join her and help control the spell!¡±


    ¡°If you can cast any magical juju shit and can¡¯t heal or fight, get the fuck here!¡± Nika called out to the crowd as she looked to the walls where more Hoduth guards were rushing to.


    ¡°Hey! You two!¡± A newcomer urgently rushed up to them, a Hoduth with Clan Bharzum insignias who sort of looked like they were a clan official barely much older than their classmates. Nika recognised her as the Bharzum noble that was on the stage next to the Elder who greeted them all, and also gave her food earlier. ¡°Both of you sound competent, so I¡¯m deputising the both of you until backup or an Elder arrives. We have the wall, but we need to hold the gate and evacuate anyone still inside until then.¡±


    ¡°How the hell was this even allowed to happen?¡± Nika asked angrily. ¡°Didn¡¯t you check this place before hosting an event here?¡±


    ¡°We triple checked!¡± the Hoduth yelled back. ¡°But over half our guards didn¡¯t show up tonight when they were meant to and most of the ones that did are all greenhorns! I think there¡¯s something else going on behind the scenes, and if we survive tonight you have my word we will hold ourselves accountable, but right now we need to hold out!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right!¡± Alora cut Nika off before she could start an argument. ¡°I¡¯ll coordinate here for now, Chiyo says she¡¯s with Luvia and heading towards us and doesn¡¯t know where the others are. You get to the gate!¡±


    ¡°Follow me!¡± The Hoduth Noble beckoned Nika, holding her assault rifle in a practised grip as she yelled out orders to nearby guards. ¡°Use the furniture to give us a makeshift palisade! No, I don''t care how old and expensive it is!¡±


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    ¡°You have a name?¡± Nika asked as she took in the pitiful defences that were being assembled as the remaining guards retreated. ¡°We¡¯ll need a channel for survivors to get to safety.¡±


    ¡°It will be done.¡± The Hoduth nodded before bellowing orders to the guards. ¡°Leave an opening in the centre for friendlies to get through. We need elevation so we can see them and give them cover, get some platforms up!¡±


    Once her orders were being carried out, she sighed before looking to the Kizun, taking a quick swig out of her hipflask. ¡°I am Sigrin of Clan Bharzum, acting Elder for now by the looks of it. Pretty sure my sisters mentioned you and the Eladrie being in their class.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re their older sister? They might have mentioned you,¡° Nika acknowledged, relaxing slightly as she remembered the stories the triplets had mentioned of their wildcard elder sibling.


    ¡°We have a huge family, so I don¡¯t blame you, and it doesn¡¯t matter anyway if we get overrun.¡± Sigrin shrugged before she turned towards a group of guards working at a nearby security post. ¡°Do we have access to our security system?¡±


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am.¡± One of the guards quickly turned to address her. ¡°It looks like we¡¯ve all been manually shut out from the central security station, timestamps say it happened around the time the attack started.¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± Sigrin snarled. ¡°We have an infiltrator.¡±


    ¡°What systems do you have access to then?¡± Nika asked. ¡°Could you send a message with public speakers?¡±


    ¡°We can try,¡± Sigrin confirmed¡­


    ******


    Jack and Sephy burst into the large secondary chamber, where the sounds of fighting had begun to die down. Bursting through, they spotted several dead Klowns nearby having been gunned down and could see several Clan Bharzum guards making a stand against the Klowns pouring through the exposed tunnel at the end, though many of their number had already fallen. Jack¡¯s heart fell as he recognised many of them as the undead mercenaries he had met not even an hour ago¡­


    ¡°Hold on!¡± Jack yelled to the guards as he rushed forward, laying suppressive fire on the klowns as the friendlies fell back to more favourable cover and switched batteries with nods of thanks to Jack. ¡°Kritch? How far to the main floor?¡±


    ¡°Just one more floor up!¡± Kritch confirmed. ¡°There¡¯s a maze of tunnels connecting to this chamber that lead up to other parts of the complex, but that passage over there will take us right to the entrance!


    ¡°Where are the rest of the guards?¡± Jack asked the Hoduth who looked the most senior out of the terrified squad.


    ¡°Floor above us! They¡¯re reporting trouble at the walls and are trying to get non-combatants secured, it¡¯s chaos! We were meant to have way more people here!¡±


    A loud roar suddenly bellowed out from above, temporarily drowning out the sounds of fighting before they quickly resumed.


    Jack! Sephy! The voice of Chiyo echoed faintly in their minds. What are you still doing down there? We¡¯re holding them back for the moment but you need to get up here now! Alora and Nika are safe and are mounting a defence outside, but the Klowns are getting numerous and they¡¯re starting to bring in their advanced troops!


    It sounded bad. They needed to act quickly!


    ¡°Sephy! I need you to lead the others up to the main floor if it¡¯s safe while I cover you. I want to get these guys out, too!¡± Jack looked to the Skritta pleadingly as he pointed to the guards, knowing she wouldn¡¯t like the idea.


    ¡°No fucking way! I¡¯m not leaving you!¡± Sephy refused, as everyone they had rescued so far looked on.


    ¡°Sephy, please!¡± Jack put his arms on her shoulders to try and calm the Skritta down. ¡°Link up with the others above us and get these people out of here if you can. I¡¯ll cover the retreat from here and follow you if I can. You go with her, Dante!¡±


    ¡°WOOF!¡± Dante barked, roughly nudging Sephy with his nose. There was no time to argue.


    ¡°You better be right behind us!¡± Sephy chastised Jack, quickly pulling him into a hug and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.


    ¡°Go!¡± Jack yelled as something big started charging towards them. He waved everyone to follow Sephy as he and the remaining guards laid down some heavy covering fire. The escape passage was small, acting like a bottleneck that slowed the flow of bodies looking to escape. The creature leading the charge reminded him of a rhino, if said rhino was twice the size, with more bone protrusions at key points along its body, and heavily maimed and ¡®altered¡¯ by the Klowns. It trumpeted loudly as it shrugged off the laser and plasma fire the Hoduth guards were sending it¡¯s way as it sped towards them.


    They weren¡¯t going to get through in time¡­


    Without thinking, Jack ran forward and to the left, trying to lure the attention of the Klowns away from the crowd. The ploy worked, and the giant Klownified beast turned to charge at him!


    ¡°Fall back, now!¡± Jack yelled to the remaining guards. ¡°Get in that passage and collapse the tunnel behind you, I¡¯ll find another way out!¡±


    Sorry Sephy. Jack thought to himself as he steeled himself for what he knew he had to do. ¡°OVERCHARGE¡±


    His heavy shot hit home, just to the side of the beast¡¯s nose as he dodged, the gargantuan animal smacking into the wall behind him, but not before Jack had seen the look in the creature¡¯s eyes. It was the look of an animal that had suffered a lot of pain and agony, and it made him sick to think about the tortures the Klowns could have inflicted on an innocent creature.


    Though perhaps many of the Klowns were similar such victims?


    Jack quickly let loose a quick burst at the base of the creature¡¯s neck, hoping it would put the animal out of its misery as he backed away, the Hoduth guards prepping several grenades to collapse the tunnel as Jack had ordered them to. In its maddened death throes, it flailed around, smashing into walls and Klowns alike as Jack did his best to maintain his distance while keeping the attention on himself.


    On hearing the cluster of small explosions to the side, Jack legged it, turning around and sparing a quick glance to confirm his half-assed plan worked before running as quickly as he could. He aimed for the tunnel he had come from, having no other options, as the Klowns howled in sadistic glee while chasing him.


    Jack cursed as he quickly rounded a corner and took aim, blasting the first Klown to follow him before continuing, hoping he would be able to find a place to fortify or hide at.


    He had gotten everyone else out, but now he needed to make sure he stayed alive!


    *****


    Greta Bharzum desperately flailed her legs at the Klown that was atop of her as she saw others being dragged away. She didn¡¯t want to know what the Klowns would do to them, but she would not let them violate her!


    ¡°HELP!¡± she screamed again, kicking the Klown in the face as it tried to tear at her noble garb. What happened to the clan guards? Where were they? Were they all dead?¡±


    Suddenly, the Klown jerked back as a black crossbow bolt slammed into its forehead, dark thorny barbs ripping and tearing through lobotomized skull and brain matter alike, violently punching through and embedding itself in the rock behind. As its compatriot looked around, it took another bolt straight into the torso, caving in its ribcage and pinning it firmly to the wall a split second before a third took one in the shoulder, spinning several times from the sheer force of the impact.


    Greta then saw several orbs of blue light zipping around the room, homing in on several of the klowns who were trying to drag some of the others away, knocking them back and stunning them. A strange bird of reddish black moved in close to attack and finish off the ones on the left, while a serpentine form leapt through the air, spinning in a corkscrew as it summoned a sword to slash at a Klown on the right, before landing and swiping horizontally in the air, shooting out a arc of energy that roared over the struggling partygoers on the ground to slice into the last Klown. Wasting no time, the figure pointed a wand at the ceiling of one of the tunnels and growled a word of power, collapsing the support beams and sending rocks and rubble crashing to the ground in a tumble of debris, burying the Klowns trying to reinforce their comrades.


    Except for one.


    Dashing through with seeming ease, a thin avian Klown with flowing electric blue hair dodged the debris and skidded to a halt several metres away from the Nirah who had taken down several of her best troops like they were nothing!


    ¡°Ooooooh! You¡¯re interesting!¡± The Klown Kaptain cackled cruelly as she flourished her twin rapiers with a practised two-handed display. ¡°I was worried that murdering everyone here would be far too boring!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re more well-spoken than your brother was,¡± Svaartal snarled as he noted the confident motions of the twin blades. ¡°Though he won¡¯t be saying anything anymore.¡± The Nirah would need to call on his magic to give him the edge in this fight.


    Or involve Carrow. They could communicate nonverbally after all, but he didn¡¯t want anyone knowing that, and Svaartal had no qualms whatsoever about fighting dirty. However¡­


    Remain hidden, watch for treachery and get ready to engage if needed. Svaartal mentally instructed his familiar, who silently understood and acknowledged. She is my kill alone.


    ¡°I like you! The Kaptain grinned, licking her powdered beak in lust before she lunged forward with a twin slash. ¡°You¡¯re not like the others! You¡¯re special! I¡¯m gonna make you my new brother just for me!¡±


    Svaartal dodged one blade and parried the other with his own sword, attempting to press forward and lock blades. The Klown Kaptain was quick, and though he could just about keep up with her speed, he had more of an advantage in physical strength and magic.


    The crazy woman dove to the side in a roll, denying the blade lock and carefully avoiding a powerful swipe to the legs as she disengaged. Svaartal quickly used his own enhanced speed to stay on her, though, not letting the Klown fully get back to her feet as she desperately tried to parry or avoid his powerful blows, before she unexpectedly jumped high in the air, spinning twice in a dervish of blades before landing on the ground.


    ¡°Little Miss Slash gonna flash and dash!¡± The Klown grinned as her form began to shake and quiver. Quick as a bullet, she leapt forward, spinning and twirling her swords quicker than Svaartal could follow. He quickly blinked out of the way to avoid the landing before letting loose a slice of arcane energy from his sword that Little Miss Slash avoided as it sailed past and crashed into a wall.


    Damn. Svaartal thought, remembering that there was the potential for collateral damage as someone on the floor nearby squeaked and moved away as the Klown Kaptain jumped at him again with a furious charge. This time, the Kaptain was just barely able to get past Svaartal¡¯s defence, shallowly cutting him in several places along the arms even through his magical protections, though the Klown caught an injury much more fierce, as the Nirah had predicted the move and blasted Little Miss Slash full force with his acid spray, catching her full in the chest. As she tried to wipe the acid off of her with her already-mutilated hands, he could see the right side of her face had been caught as well.


    If there was any collateral damage on any of the hostages from that, it was their own damn fault for being in the way!


    Svaartal muttered a cantrip that quickly and easily closed his ¡®wounds¡¯ as he thought about how he would finish this. Time was something he didn¡¯t have in abundance. The memory of his fight with the human edged on Svaartal¡¯s mind; what trick would Frost try if it was him?


    ¡°By Jingubash, you will suffer for that!¡± Little Miss Slash cackled. ¡°I will slice you apart! Then I¡¯ll put you back together and make you my pretty!¡± She rushed forward and Svaartal met her charge with one of his own, acting on instinct to parry an overhead slash before spinning his sword to parry another and riposte with a flurry of his own, forcing the Klown back before she repositioned and spun, blocking Svaartal¡¯s downward strike with one blade as she slashed across with another. She thought she was going to hit, but instead met an unexpected resistance as the rapier twanged against something metal that had suddenly pressed against her.


    Little Miss Slash barely had time to contemplate the barrel of Svaartal¡¯s sniper rifle aimed point blank at her chest before Svaartal fired, ripping the Klown apart at the molecular level as the overcharged concussive sonic round punched through the Klown and smacked into and through the hard stone of the cavern wall.


    Svaartal shook his arm to dissipate the pain of having fired the powerful gun one-handed, unsummoning it as quickly as he had brought it to bear in a flash of inspiration. He was glad he didn¡¯t break anything. Though he had the rifle custom ordered and his magical enhancements were still going strong, the recoil still stung like a bitch.


    Greta Bharzum had pushed herself as close to the nearest wall as she could ever since she got loose, and made herself as small as possible. The Hoduth cowered on the floor in shock throughout the fight, and hadn¡¯t even noticed the end of it before Svaartal slowly slinked up to her, looking down at his terrified classmate.


    ¡°Lady Bharzum.¡± The Nirah addressed Greta, but the Hoduth was still in shock and didn¡¯t react.


    I don¡¯t have time for this shit. Svaartal thought to himself.


    Groaning internally at his foolish decision, he tried a different tactic as he slunk down to her level while putting on the closest thing to a friendly face he was capable of, ordering Carrow to secure the area. ¡°Lady Bha-....Greta, you can¡¯t stay here. You and the others have to come with me.¡±


    Something inside of Greta compelled her to nod in understanding, and she barely noticed as Svaartal pulled her to her feet, before promptly abandoning her and seeing to anyone else that looked alive. By the time he got to the third partygoer, Svaartal had dispensed with the pleasantries as a waste of his valuable time and instead used his magically enhanced strength to drag people up to a standing position and even slapped one to get their attention and stop their mewling. Fortunately, not all of the people around him were gibbering wrecks, and once they realised that they had been saved they quickly helped the Nirah in rallying everybody with more kinder words and hugs than Svaartal cared for.


    ¡°I would have thought we would have received more challenges appropriate for our combined power than this, though I have no doubt that can be found on the front lines of this conflict,¡± Carrow mused.


    ¡°You will get a taste of worthy combat soon, whether we seek it or not,¡± Svaartal dismissed his familiar as he checked over the drow-forged crossbow he had claimed as his own from House Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s armoury before unsummoning it back through his dimensional rift. ¡°Getting to Svaarti and escaping this shitshow is my only concern as of now.¡±


    He decisively slithered to the only entrance he left unblocked, which he knew likely led to the main floor. The sounds of roaring and fighting were quieter now, as if it had retreated further away from his position.


    It would be a fight to get to safety.


    Svaartal turned around to address the survivors as he formulated a plan in his mind.


    ¡°Stay close to me if you want to live, but don¡¯t get in my fucking way.¡±

 Chapter 53: Escape Plan

    ¡°Chiyo! Sephy! Thank the gods!¡± Alora called out as the Red Legion aspirants covered the posse, her two friends quickly rushing to join her and Nika, helping the wounded travel the last few steps and cover everyone else trying to get to safety. All the people they rescued rushed through the gate as soon as the way was clear, with Luvia then ordering the careful retreat of the Red Legion to secure and reinforce the front line, being the last one out. The dragon had taken some nasty hits from the Klowns that had focused on her as a high-level threat, but that hadn¡¯t been her primary concern¡­


    ¡°WHAT DO YOU MEAN JACK ISN¡¯T HERE!?¡± she roared in annoyance. ¡°I thought you said he was right behind you! Was my display of power all for nothing!?¡±


    ¡°I thought he was behind me! That¡¯s what he told me!¡± Sephy shouted, looking around in a panic.


    ¡°He told us he¡¯d find another route!¡± one of the guards spoke up, panting heavily. ¡°He led the Klowns away from us and told me to collapse the tunnel.¡±


    ¡°That fucking idiot!¡± Sephy snarled as Dante whined next to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he had a good reason to do so, Sephy!¡± Alora replied soothingly, but internally the Eladrie was terrified. Within the last few minutes the attacks from the Klowns had been much better organised with better skills, equipment and backed up by special units. It was like they had been toying with their prey before moving in for the kill, and their position was tenuous at best.


    If Jack was on his own¡­


    ¡°Thank Rhoskum you people got out! What happened?¡± Sigrin Bharzum demanded after she had been reunited with her sister Loretta, who had been with Luvia when the attack started. The acting Clan Elder walked up to the guard who had seen what happened and shook him.


    ¡°They attacked without warning!¡± The guard got his breathing under control before he continued. ¡°We didn¡¯t have any orders so we held our ground to buy the kids time to escape until this weird guy relieved us and told us there was nobody else behind us, and that we should retreat to higher ground! That¡¯s when we met up with the others.¡±


    ¡°Which tunnel did he go down?¡± Sigrin asked the guard, and in the same breath she turned to the newcomers and asked, ¡°Are any of you good with slicing? I need access to the intercom!¡±


    ¡°Section Orv,¡± the guard replied as Sephy raised her hand to volunteer her slicing experience.


    Alora¡¯s heart dropped on seeing Sigrin¡¯s sudden intake of breath.


    ¡°That¡¯s bad.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go after him!¡± Luvia growled as she nestled her wounds. ¡°I can fight my way through!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Sigrin snapped, and Luvia looked outraged at being challenged, especially like that, though the Hoduth wasn¡¯t having any of it. ¡°You¡¯re hurt and he¡¯s only one person, you¡¯ll get yourself killed. I want you and your Red Legion aspirants on the wall to give the people here a chance!¡±


    ¡°Listen well, Hoduth!¡± Luvia snarled as the dragon seemingly grew slightly in height to tower over Sigrin, backed up by the very nervous-looking Red Legion aspirants and equally terrified Hoduth guards respectively. ¡°The authority of Clan Bharzum was dissolved the moment you failed to uphold your oaths to protect us!¡±


    ¡°Lady Sigrin is right, Luvia!¡± Alora found herself saying, trying to keep the peace. ¡°Jack can handle himself, if he said he¡¯ll find another route, that¡¯s what he¡¯ll do!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t-¡± Luvia angrily began, before her head snapped around to look back towards the main hall where something was happening.


    ¡°The Klowns are gearing up for a major push!¡± Sigrin yelled, having not been rattled by the display in the slightest. ¡°Reinforce the barricade!¡±


    Sephy and Chiyo followed Nika and several other volunteers, taking cover in the few places they could and bracing themselves for whatever was coming.


    The Klowns at the front line had been passive, having had issues bypassing Svaarti¡¯s barrier physically, but still being able to shoot through it. They had clearly been ordered to hold position until a way through had been found for it, though Sephy could see that a few of them in the distance were looking behind them as the shouts and screams from behind them hit a fever pitch.


    What was happening?


    Then suddenly, one of the Klowns broke and ran forward, smacking face-first into Svaarti¡¯s barrier, unheeding of the powerful magic that scorched its body as it pushed through. Several more suddenly broke ranks and joined, quickly being cut down by the concentrated fire of the defenders.


    Chiyo was confused. Why were they trying to swarm them? It didn¡¯t have the feeling of an attack¡­


    The Ilithii focused her mind to read the auras of the closest Klowns, and was surprised.


    Nothing but sheer, extreme terror.


    Fear was not uncommon for Klowns, of course. Once, many of them had been normal people, killed or worse before being turned into a mutilated monstrosity, invested with just the tiniest amount of power from the Killer Klown himself or one of the more powerful Named to be reanimated as a mindless shell.


    Or at least, that was assumed from what very little was even known about ¡®Klownification¡¯.


    In most cases, the soul has already passed on. In less fortunate cases, the soul remains, shredded to tatters. Whatever remains in either case could hardly be called a soul at all, unable to display any kind of advanced emotion aside from the trademark insanity and bloodlust inherited from the Killer Klown.


    Whatever was happening wasn¡¯t natural.


    And soon Chiyo saw why.


    Channelling a magical aura of dread as he cleaved through cowering Klowns like paper, Svaartal fought hard to maintain the powerful spell, while ensuring it did not affect the group of terrified partygoers keeping as close to him as they could. Several powerful jets of fire engulfed any Klown that did not immediately flee or were too paralysed and trembling on the floor to do so, as Carrow got his fill of Klown blood before they could fight through the magical compulsion.


    ¡°There is your safety. Move your asses or die!¡±  Svaartal snarled at his charges to get moving to the barricade, feeling his Cloak of Terror begin to subside as he saw fewer Klowns being visibly affected. It was one of the strongest spells in his arsenal, and had maintained it for as long as he could, but even though it was ending the Nirah was far from harmless.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Svaartal could sense more than see the volleys of renewed laser and plasma fire from the front gate cut down any Klown that tried to attack those that were fleeing, but he and Carrow still covered them. His familiar cast several micrometeors that smashed into one of the larger, brutish beasts that then went berserk, turning on its handlers in a trampling rage. Svaartal spun and blinked, timing his sword strike perfectly to flawlessly decapitate another Klown, while with the same swing he unleashed a wave of arcane power that cut another¡¯s legs from under them.


    Turning around, he saw that his ¡®charges¡¯ were making good speed. It didn¡¯t look like any had fallen at least, which was ideal. It would have been such a waste of spells and effort on his part otherwise.


    Perhaps it still was.


    Why the hell did he even help these people? They were dead weight! He had been moving quickly to find his sister and like a dumbstruck moron he hesitated when he heard the screams, cries, and sounds of death around him, just like he did now.


    And that damn human¡¯s words echoing through his mind as he saw the Klowns try to circle around him.


    Help me stop them.


    ¡°I¡¯d better get a good fucking reward for this shit,¡± Svaartal muttered, casting another spell as he stood his ground and snarled at the advancing Klowns.


    *****


    It looked like this lot would make it, with the ideal exception of one.


    Nika¡¯s shots had been accurate and on point as she quickly covered the retreat of this group of partygoers, taking down many, many Klowns as they desperately tried to catch up. The Hoduth guards had spotted Greta Bharzum, and were so focused on her safety that they were distracted from anything else that could happen. Seeing that the friendlies would make it, the Kizun considered the opportunity before her.


    ¡°Watch the beasts!¡± Nika called, pointing to the left-hand side of the hall, where several Klown handlers were wrangling and whipping a cluster of horrific creatures into formation for a charge. Good. Their attention was diverted.


    This is for trying to kill Jack, you bastard.


    Quickly checking to confirm nobody was looking, the Kizun took aim at her target, and fired.


    *****


    ¡°Master!¡± Carrow called as the triple burst of plasma smacked into Svaartal from behind, almost disrupting his spell as he grunted through the pain and let loose a tiny cloud of thick, greyish-brown smoke that shot out of his hands towards the bulk of the beastial threat.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine! Get to the barricade!¡± Svaartal growled in pain as he attempted to blink, only getting part of the way as the burns on his back stung him. His magical and mundane shields had been cracked by whoever shot him, and he needed to give them time to recharge.


    The greyish-brown mist he¡¯d cast detonated and rippled out, rapidly starting to expand all throughout the main chamber and tearing apart all living creatures it engulfed as the spell ripped the moisture from anything it touched. Slithering the rest of the way before the cloud could reach this far, Svaartal got to the barricade, holding his arm out horizontally as Carrow came down and landed, using it as a perch before sidling up to his shoulder to stare down the defenders.


    Paying no heed to the Bharzum Guards who were hollering and applauding him, he made his way past the defenders and towards the strands of golden light reaching up to the dome. Svaartal stopped as he was accosted by another Hoduth with some kind of noble garb. Next to her was Greta, so he assumed this was probably an authority figure.


    ¡°It seems we owe you a debt of gratitude, friend!¡± Sigrun greeted the Nirah. ¡°That was some mighty amazing-¡±


    ¡°No shit,¡± Svaartal snapped. ¡°Where¡¯s my sister?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s fine. She¡¯s maintaining the barrier protecting everyone here from Klown incursions,¡± a familiar voice replied as Alora and several of her friends approached. ¡°She had acted with valour and selflessness in keeping everyone here safe. It is fortunate she¡¯s the opposite of you.¡± Alora glared at Svaartal with a challenging gaze.


    ¡°You¡¯d better not have put her up to anything she can¡¯t handle or I¡¯ll make you suffer,¡± Svaartal growled at the Eladrie, before quickly spinning around with his wand raised and aimed at the exact same time Nika levelled her shotgun at his head.


    ¡°Want a bet?¡± Nika cooly replied, as Svaartal heard the noise of someone else aiming a gun at him.


    ¡°We have you outnumbered, cumguzzler,¡± Sephy called from behind.


    ¡°I have you outclassed,¡± Svaartal snarled. ¡°My magic will rip you to pieces!¡±


    Both Sigrin and Chiyo tried to calm everyone down as several more people crowded around them to see what was going on. Dante came bounding out of the crowd, coming to heel next to Alora protectively.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Carrow stared amusedly at the ¡®Dog¡¯. ¡°I don¡¯t see your master little rodent, did you lose him? Some guardian you turned out to be.¡±


    Dante gave a low, warning growl at the familiar, which rose in pitch until he gave one loud, challenging bark at the familiar. Carrow¡®s feathers began to glow the familiar red of magical fire as he cawed in anticipation of a fight.


    ¡°Svaartal!¡±


    Svaartal immediately stood down as he heard Svaarti¡¯s voice as she slowly slithered towards them with her eyes closed, deep in concentration. Her familiar, T¡¯Chika, was perched on her shoulder, looking at each of them as it spoke with Svaarti¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I can maintain this barrier for as long as it takes, but we need to start teleporting everybody out of here!¡±


    ¡°Svaarti, you can¡¯t!¡± Svaartal replied, trying to keep the worry out of his voice as he gently pulled her to the side. ¡°A spell like this is too powerful for you! It¡¯s wreaking havoc on your body, and there¡¯s a suppression field in play preventing advanced teleportation!¡±


    Svaarti slowly nodded as T¡¯Chika kept speaking with her voice.


    ¡°The Klowns have done this before, from what Vanya and I have researched, it¡¯s a ritual several Priests of Jingubash¡­employ.¡±


    The voice and energy of T¡¯Chika began to fade as the connection began to take its toll on the diminutive familiar.


    ¡°The more Klowns there are¡­especially the powerful¡­the more powerful the field.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve slain many Klowns already,¡± Svaartal reasoned. ¡°Though that is a mere drop of rain compared to the full horde, I don¡¯t think the bulk of them are here. If we work together I can pierce through the suppression field, then I can teleport you out of here.¡± He summoned a stone from his dimensional rift with a unique carved rune and showed it to Svaarti¡¯s familiar, whose eyes went wide.


    ¡°It is what you think it is. The pair to this is in my school locker,¡± Svaartal whispered, not wanting anyone to overhear him. ¡°Directing the teleportation won¡¯t be a problem, all we need is enough power to link to my beacon stone on the other side.¡±


    ¡°But this means¡­¡± Svaarti began.


    ¡°Svaarti¡­¡± Svaartal began to argue, knowing what his sister was going to say.


    ¡°We can get everyone here to safety!¡± Svaarti excitedly replied through T¡¯Chika¡¯s voice. ¡°I can summon and maintain a portal while we get the wounded out!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a tremendous risk, sister,¡± Svaartal carefully replied. ¡°You¡¯ve already used up a lot of your power to maintain this barrier, you¡¯ve done more than enough, and definitely much more than these people deserve. I can get you and me out, and we can inform any factions that would be willing to help.¡±


    ¡°There might not be enough time! You said it yourself that this isn¡¯t the full horde, what if they¡¯re too busy elsewhere to help the people here? They might not be able to help, but we can!¡±


    ¡°But Svaarti¡­¡± Svaartal began. ¡°The magical power you¡¯ve already expended is tremendous. You¡¯re at a dangerous risk of spell scarring. We don¡¯t owe these people a thing.¡±


    Svaarti grabbed his hand, her eyes scrunched up in concentration. ¡°Please brother¡­we¡¯re all these people have.¡±


    After several moments of wanting to refuse outright and abandon everybody else to their fate, Svaartal relented and released the grip of his beacon stone, allowing Svaarti to take it. ¡°Alright, Svaarti.¡± He nodded with a sigh of resignation, accepting that his sister had made her choice. ¡°We¡¯ll get these people out.¡±


    He turned to look at the crowd. At the front, he saw his classmates and others who had taken charge of the defence, and had no doubt they had heard enough. ¡°Clear a space and get ready to defend it!¡± he snarled.


    ¡°We¡¯re getting you all out of here! I hope you¡¯re fucking worth it!¡±

 Chapter 54: Counterstrike

    Jack quietly grunted with effort as slowly pushed himself forward along the vents, thankful that Kritch had already loosened the first grate when he had tried to hide here earlier, enabling him to quickly give the Klowns the slip.


    Unfortunately for Jack, he was much bigger than the Lizta and the others he had managed to smuggle in the vents with him, and so felt the cold stone walls uncomfortably press against him as he edged further and further ahead. He had done his best to hide the vent behind him by quickly moving the heavy furniture around, so hopefully the Klowns wouldn¡¯t be smart enough to uncover it. Even if they were, it would still be hard for most others to move out of the way.


    He hated this. He knew this was his ¡®Plan B¡¯ escape plan, but now that he was in the vents, it was cold, dark, painful and claustrophobic. This wasn¡¯t like the video games. He wasn¡¯t Batman or Gordon Freeman, who could apparently just crouch and move just fine through vents. This sucked!


    Feeling his head hit the end, Jack craned his head to look up and saw another grate, which was the one Kritch had been trying to unlatch. Jack was thankful to see a loosened corner as he carefully slid his arms uncomfortably around his torso, grabbing the corner as hard as he could, trying to pull it off, cursing as he realised he had no leverage to pull back. Grunting, Jack wiggled the metal back and forth, eventually loosening it enough to rip the whole thing off, though bloodying his knuckles in the process.


    Keeping as quiet as he could as he painfully pulled himself through the second grate, Jack was slightly relieved as the small vent linked to a slightly larger one that went straight up, clearly to pass a lot of breathable air to the lower sections of the fortress.


    ¡°At least it¡¯s a way up,¡± Jack mumbled to himself as he got the rest of his body through. It was still cramped, but at least it was easier for him to move his arms above his head to grip onto the lip of another vent above and pull himself up, using his feet to press against the walls, allowing himself to keep climbing higher and higher. He was unsure where he was in relation to the passages he had previously explored, but he knew that the way out would be closer to the surface.


    It was to Jack¡¯s disappointment, therefore, that the vents didn¡¯t lead there.


    Rather than emerge in the open, the main vent curved round at a 90-degree angle and proceeded a good long distance, though Jack could see a light at the end. Not like the multicoloured neon of the party, but a bright white light he couldn¡¯t immediately identify.


    Having no other option, Jack picked up the pace and shuffled to the end.


    Putting his ear to the vent and not hearing anything Jack decided to take a risk, and carefully moved his legs around and up, before booting the vent grate off its hinges to clatter on the floor beyond.


    Taking a few moments to stay still and see if there was any reaction to the sudden noise and hearing nothing, Jack silently slipped out the grate into the dark corridor, gun out. He didn¡¯t sense any presence nearby in the minimal light, but just in case, he quickly pulled his new shades out of his breast pocket and flicked them open, dialling the setting to let him see clearly.


    Strange. While the lack of bodies should have been encouraging, the lack of them here worried him.


    Where the hell was he?


    While the stone corridor he was in was body-free, there were still signs of regular use. Sneaking further along, he found a broom and other cleaning supplies leaning against a wall, and realised that he was most likely in some sort of staff-only area. It made sense that it was somewhere the Hoduth didn¡¯t intend for guests to get to, but as Jack picked up his pace, it didn¡¯t explain how the Klowns weren¡¯t skulking around. He had seen them spread heavily around the complex up to this point, so why weren¡¯t they here?


    A muffled sound of coughing from up ahead caused Jack to speed up as he tried to locate the sound. It didn¡¯t sound like any Klowns he¡¯d heard up until this point, but Nika had told him about some of the powerful, rarer variants seen among the Killer Klown¡¯s forces he hadn¡¯t encountered up until this point, and so he remained cautious as he advanced. Moving to a bend in a corridor, he heard the cough again, still muffled somewhat. Placing his ear against the wall Jack immediately stepped back as he heard the sounds of gunfire on the other side.


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± he growled, blasting a hole through the wall with a high-powered blast of photon energy, spraying rock and dust over the off-guard Klowns on the other side. Diving through the hole he made, Jack grunted as he took the shots the Klowns sent his way before he brought up his shield to use as cover and returned fire, melting flesh and bone as the Klowns up front tried to rush him.


    Hearing noise from behind, Jack lashed back with an elbow, catching one of the Klowns in the face as it tried to grab him, knocking it back as he spun around and swiped upwards with his axe, burying the blade under its chin. Just past them, he could see several figures slumped against the wall, with at least one still alive as they grappled with a Klown for its gun.


    Planting his feet firmly into the ground as he brought his shield up, Jack dug deep and roared in a burst of strength as he pushed back, staggering the Klowns in front of him. He growled in anger as the Klowns returned fire, burying his axe firmly into the neck of the biggest looking Klown. Hearing movement behind him, Jack let go of his weapon, drew his Dominator and quickly dispatched one of the Klowns that was in the open with a crude burst of fire that quickly brought it down, leaving the remaining one grappling with the figure on the wall. With a sharp intake of breath Jack recognised them as a pincer desperately grabbed onto the Klown¡¯s gun.


    Kizzarith!


    The counter push by the Klowns threw him off balance, and Jack snarled in pain as a speartip got past his shield and sliced at his outer thigh, grazing off his muscle to leave a nasty cut before Jack shuffled back to give himself some room, blindly letting loose with a burst of photon fire that didn¡¯t do as much as he¡¯d hoped. Taking the risk and turning around, Jack fired with wobbly aim, the blast of energy smacking into the back of the Klown as they and Kizzarith struggled and flailed in desperation.


    The Anicite of Lleethlux Hive wasted no time as the Klown jerked with the damage, gripping it around the neck with a pincer and squeezing tight with a terrified growl, before dropping dizzily to the ground.


    Jack''s inner fire burned white hot as he braced his shield with a two-handed grip, barely holding back the tide of Klowns that were piling up with horrid cackles as they tried to force him back. Taking a deep breath as he steeled himself, Jack then yelled as he shoved back with as much power as he could muster, sending a shockwave of force rippling through the mob of Klowns, knocking several to the ground as their compatriots swarmed over them¡­


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± Jack growled once again, aiming down the tunnel as the powerful blast shot right above the Klowns in front of him, hitting something solid and exploding in a flash of red energy, rupturing the tunnel as rubble and splintered supports crumbled and collapsed on top of the giggling attackers in a cacophony of crunching rock and shattered bodies.


    Hearing the notification that his gun was low on power, Jack quickly holstered it, also retracting his shield to allow it to cool down and repair the damage it had taken as he pushed forward and picked up his axe, punching a nearby Klown in the face as it haphazardly tried to grab him. Taking care not to extend his two-handed axe grip too much in the cramped tunnel, Jack pounced on any downed Klown he could, ripping into flesh in a blind rage as he tore through powdered, mutilated flesh, snarling in anger as he showed no mercy, and took no prisoners.


    It was only when he heard a faint coughing to break the sudden silence did Jack realise there were no Klowns left alive.


    ¡°Kizzarith!¡± Jack called in shock as he rushed over to his friend, trying not to let his horror show as he saw the grievous injuries the Lleethlux had taken. From what he could see, at least one of his wings had been almost completely torn off, and a pincer was smashed. The rest of his friend was covered in his own blood, and Jack tried not to panic as he quickly looked him over, tearing strips of fabric and grabbing suitable rocks from whatever dead bodies were at hand to bind whatever wounds he found, pulling them as tight as he could in the style of a makeshift tourniquet.


    ¡°J¡­Jack?¡± they spoke up as they stirred awake from the pain. ¡°Is that you? I can¡¯t see¡­.it¡¯s dark¡­.¡±


    ¡°Hey bro, it¡¯s me,¡± Jack gently replied with a smile, examining Kizzarith¡¯s eyes and wiping the gore away with the cleanest part of his shirt.


    ¡°That shirt¡­sucks¡­¡± Kizzarith faintly replied, and Jack was relieved he wasn¡¯t blinded too. ¡°How..bad¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey! Stay with me!¡± Jack sternly spoke up, gently but firmly shaking the insectoid awake. ¡°You¡¯ll be alright but you need to stay awake! This will hurt like hell, but it¡¯s going to keep you alive until I can get help!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Jack¡­¡± Kizzarith sobbed. ¡°I tried my best to save them¡­I¡¯m not strong like you¡­¡±


    Jack looked to the room where Kizzarith had been, and saw several forms either on the ground or up against the wall. Some even dared to peek around the corner, seeing that the Klowns had been taken down.


    They were alive!


    ¡°Hey!¡± Jack called. ¡°If you can, I need you to get over here and help me! Are any of you hurt?¡±


    He did not want to leave Kizzarith, but if others were also badly hurt he would need to try and treat them too. Several terrified voices called back their confirmation.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Hear that, bro?¡± Jack smiled as he pointed to several figures from the room up ahead. ¡°You saved them!¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­.¡± Kizzarith dreamily replied as Jack worked on binding his wounds as quickly and as efficiently as he could, despite a complete lack of knowledge of the alien biology. ¡°Never¡­got to chat up that mage from the game¡­.think she¡¯s into me?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯d be an idiot to turn you down!¡± Jack grinned despite himself.


    ¡°Heh¡­maybe you could¡­.¡± Kizzarith¡¯s voice faded out as he slumped forward.


    ¡°No!¡± Jack cursed as he tried to shake his friend awake. ¡°Kizzarith! Stay with me! You!¡± Jack pointed to the closest form in the distance. ¡°I need anyone spare to get here and hold these tourniquets in place!¡±


    The figure scampered over to him on hearing his commanding tone, and Jack realised why the people behind Kizzarith had been so hesitant. This Hoduth girl was obviously on the younger side compared to his classmates, so he forced himself to be patient as he waved the others to him.


    ¡°Hold that there and don¡¯t let go,¡± Jack ordered the girl, trying to keep his tone as soothing as he could as he pulled up, fulling running on adrenaline and hoping against hope that he remembered what little he knew about first aid correctly. If he was wrong, Kizzarith¡¯s death would be on his hands.


    ¡°No peeking at the wounds either, these stay tight until I get back or he gets a medic,¡± Jack told the Hoduth, who nodded in terror at the human. ¡°I need to check on the others, if I can spare anyone I¡¯ll bring them here. Do not move!¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t wait for a reply as he dashed down the corridor, cursing as he tripped up on the dead Klowns to see to the others, hoping he hadn¡¯t wasted any time. Fortunately, the ones who had made it here didn¡¯t look too badly hurt, mostly having been shot at. The terror in their eyes, however, spoke of the horror and loss that they had already endured, and Jack knew that any partygoer caught in melee was likely dead or worse.


    A horrible fate, but he swore he would save as many as he could, or die trying.


    The room was a dead end, a circular relaxation room covered in various cushions with what looked like a statue of a gem tangled in streams of pretty-looking crystal. Though Jack did not allow his mind to wander far from his focus, he noticed detailed script delicately carved amidst the large and obvious white marble runes, making him think this was a shrine of some kind. Either way, it would serve as a safe zone while he forged ahead.


    Though several of the partygoers had taken some injuries, none of them were life-threatening. Jack brought the ones that were capable of movement out into the corridor, ordering them to bring some cushions with them to provide better elevation and comfort to the Leethlux, who was not looking good. Taking a risk and asking about magic proved useful, as one was able to use his rudimentary knowledge of ice magic to chill Kizzarith¡¯s body to better keep him alive.


    ¡°Stay here, I¡¯ll try and get back if I can, or failing that make sure medics get here,¡± Jack told the group. ¡°If I¡¯m not back in good time and you think you¡¯re in danger, head back through the hole I made and carry on until you see an open vent!¡±


    Seeing the nods, Jack quickly clambered back through the hole he had made in the wall and carried on down the deserted staff corridor, hoping he¡¯d at least find a first aid kit or something. Instead, as he proceeded down the corridor, he noticed indents in the rock, spaced out a fair distance apart. Checking them out, Jack realised that they were in the shape of a door, with the indents indicating a handle. There was even a peephole to look through, and Jack¡¯s eyes widened in shock at seeing the river of Klowns on the other end.


    Calming down, Jack thought rationally and realised that although he could see the Klowns, they couldn¡¯t see him in return, and on examining the handle of the door he realised that it was a release mechanism that needed to be manually unlocked. If the Klowns could do it from their side they would have done so already, so Jack backed away, unwilling to engage the storm of Klowns on the other side.


    Not yet, at least.


    But if there were more secret doors around the staff passages, and if he was smart, Jack had some options to work with here¡­


    Making speed down the snaking tunnels Jack peered through another peephole, then another, seeing more of the same - A rabble of Klowns hunting down the tunnels for more victims. It had not gone unnoticed to Jack that there hadn¡¯t been any forks or side passages to go down, leaving him with only one way to go. He hoped there was something useful at the other end¡­


    A sudden scream echoing through the tunnels sent a fresh jolt of adrenaline rushing through him as Jack bolted to the next secret door. What he saw through the peephole was more than enough for him to tear open the door and roar a battle cry, digging his axe blade deep into the back of the closest Klown and shooting two others with quick, clean headshots before they even knew he was there. A fourth received a thrown axe to the chest as Jack switched to a pistol and knife combo in the close confines of the small room, easily avoiding the two Klowns attempts to overpower him, using his knife to pull them close and shoot them point blank to avoid any chance of a stray shot catching the only innocent in the room, flailing on the ground in an attempt to force away the Klown on top of her, who Jack roughly pulled back, and sent his knife right into its eye.


    ¡°Vanya!¡± Jack panted, as the Chuna quickly backed away, staring blankly ahead of her, not even noticing Jack as he approached and tried to gently touch her shoulder.


    ¡°No! No! Stay away!¡± Vanya recoiled at Jack¡¯s touch.


    ¡°Vanya! Look at me!¡± Jack desperately called to the shaking rabbit-girl, who was still panicking and not recognising him, before Jack more firmly grabbed Vanya¡¯s head and forced her to look at him.


    ¡°Vanya, it¡¯s Jack, I¡¯m not going to hurt you!¡± Jack slowly spoke clearly and decisively, staring Vanya in the eyes until she calmed down.


    ¡°Jack! Oh gods!¡± She sobbed as she threw her arms around him tight, refusing to let go.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be alright,¡± Jack soothed as he led her up, ¡°but we need to get you out of here!¡±


    It was difficult to coax Vanya through the open door, but Jack managed it, also pulling any nearby bodies of unfortunate innocents in that he could to deny the Klowns any further recruits before shutting and locking the door, and potentially allowing them the chance to be resurrected. Though he knew it was possible from what he was told about at the school, he knew nothing else. He hoped they would all get a second chance, but there was no chance of that happening if the Klowns weren¡¯t turned back.


    Looking over Vanya, Jack could see that she hadn¡¯t suffered many obvious open wounds, with the exception of a few lacerations that indicated she was likely bruised and battered underneath her thick brown fur.


    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Jack asked the Chuna.


    It took a few repeated questions before she answered, ¡°I ache all over¡­¡± with a shudder.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Jack acknowledged. ¡°You¡¯re safe here, Klowns haven¡¯t gotten to these tunnels. Take some rest, and when you¡¯re able, follow the tunnel that way and meet up with some others and help them if you can. Don¡¯t attempt to open the doors, it¡¯s a hole I blasted in the tunnel, you can¡¯t miss it.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t go!¡± Vanya jerked in hysteria, holding on to Jack for dear life. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be alone!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back as soon as I can,¡± Jack tried to reply soothingly, gently dislodging his friend¡¯s arms from around his waist. ¡°But I have to go, other people need my help.¡±


    He was able to dislodge himself, and although Vanya tried to keep hold of him, she winced in pain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to move,¡± he told her. ¡°Conserve your strength. Apparently there¡¯s some type of magical interference preventing long-range teleportation, but if you are able, I need you to be prepared to teleport yourself to safety in case I can¡¯t get medics down here, and meet up with the others if you can. Can you do that for me?¡±


    Vanya simply nodded in a quick, jerky motion.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll make sure you get help as soon as possible,¡± Jack reassured the Chuna as he turned and jogged ahead. He absolutely hated the idea of leaving her alone, same with Kizzarith, but he knew that the longer he stalled, the more lives would be at risk.


    It still left a rotten feeling in the back of his mind, though.


    Moving along, Jack eventually came to the end of the tunnel, a chunky bulkhead door in his way with no peephole to speak of. Gripping the circular valve at the centre, he grunted with effort as slowly the wheel turned, resisting the human every step of the way before it finally gave enough for Jack to roughly rip the door open enough to let him in.


    Squeezing through the exposed gap, Jack entered the room. Several batches of screens were either along the walls or along several rows, complete with computer workstations. If he had to hazard a guess, Jack would assume this was a security hub of some kind.


    Though it was the many dead bodies that gave it away, all of them Hoduth and bearing the sigil of Clan Bharzum.


    Checking the closest one still seated at their station and steeling himself, Jack swivelled the chair and took in a sharp breath as he saw the horrified death mask of the unfortunate woman. From the expression, it looked like they had been taken by surprise, and though Jack wasn¡¯t an expert in forensics by any means, he guessed that the nasty -looking wound on her chest was an exit wound judging by the gruesome nature of the gore, confirming it when he checked her back. A quick glance at several of the other guards confirmed that most if not all had been killed stealthily.


    Something didn¡¯t seem right to Jack, beyond the obvious of course.


    From everything he had seen of the Klowns, they were little better than a swarm, content to throw fodder at their targets, unheeding of the cost. A horde of crazed killers to send their foes running in panic.


    But this was something different. It was too precise. Too tactical.


    Jack knew very little of the Klowns aside from what the girls had told him, but from everything he had seen, his instincts were telling him one simple fact.


    The Klowns were not responsible for what happened here.


    Keeping his breath calm, Jack stayed alert as he backed up into a corner, staying as quiet as he could as he listened out for any other noise. Keeping his gun pointed out and using his offhand, he flicked through the various vision settings on his shades, keeping his eyes wide open as he looked for any hidden foes in the area, though he found none.


    Whoever had done this had likely moved on.


    Not relaxing for even a second as he stayed on full alert, Jack headed to a workstation right at the back of the room, elevated from the rest with a clear view of everything else, assuming that it was where the person in charge would have been situated. He didn¡¯t really know what he was looking for, as none of the security screens appeared to be on. It seemed likely to Jack that the Klowns had hit the generator for the complex by now and cut the power.


    Jack sighed in annoyance. He was really hoping to find something useful he could either do or make use of. There were no racks of weapons, nor any medical kits he could see. Just a bunch of powered-down workspaces, a few powered-down robots at defunct charging points along the walls and¡­.


    Oh hello.


    Nestled on the right hand side of the manager¡¯s desk was a thick lever, though it completely lacked any label or indication regarding what it did. It was pulled upwards in a standing position on the wall, almost invitingly to the human boy.


    Should he pull it? He had no idea what it even did, if anything.


    Meh. Fuck it.

 Chapter 55: The Architect

    ¡°Well done, Sephy!¡± Alora called out, as suddenly several turrets along the outer wall activated and swivelled towards the mob of Klowns who started bellowing in anger as the heavy superheated plasma began to light them the fuck up.


    ¡°What!?¡± Sephy called back from where she had been trying to slice into the system. ¡°That wasn¡¯t me! What the fuck just happened?¡±


    ¡°Someone must have turned the emergency power on!¡± Sigrin gasped in shock. ¡°The only place they could have done that from is the Security Nexus!¡±


    ¡°I thought you said you couldn¡¯t contact anyone there?¡± Luvia questioned, having quickly flown down from the wall to demand an update.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t!¡± Sigrin confirmed. ¡°I haven¡¯t received any answer from our guards there, and someone activated the siege system before the attack began - it should have been completely locked down and impregnable! But by tripping the emergency power, the basic automated defences have been activated!¡±


    ¡°What about the other systems you have?¡± Nika spoke up from where she had stationed herself.


    ¡°They wouldn¡¯t be triggered by default,¡± Sigrin replied, before turning to Sephy. ¡°Can you get me a line to the Security Nexus?¡±


    ¡°I can, now that I have power to work with!¡± Sephy grinned as she quickly got to work, slipping into cyberspace and rerouting connections to get a secure line, before nodding to Sigrin to confirm she was now connected.


    ¡°Nexus, this is Sigrin Bharzum, why the fuck haven¡¯t you been doing your jobs?¡± the Acting Elder asked.


    ¡°Whoa, what the shit?¡± a familiar voice called in surprise from the other end. ¡°Where the fuck did that come from?¡±


    ¡°Jack!¡± Alora gasped in relief. ¡°Thank the gods you¡¯re alright!¡±


    ¡°Alora?¡± Jack called back. ¡°Is that you? Are the others ok?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re fine for now!¡± Alora called back shaking. ¡°We-¡±


    ¡°Jack was it? What¡¯s the status of the security team?¡± Sigrin interrupted. ¡°They should have alerted us to the attack and deployed countermeasures before it was allowed to occur.¡±


    ¡°Dead,¡± Jack announced. ¡°Taken by surprise, some still dead in their seats. I don¡¯t think the Klowns did this, don¡¯t know what did, they¡¯re not here any more as far as I can tell.¡±


    Sigrin paused for a moment to allow that to sink in, before Jack spoke up.


    ¡°I need medics down here as soon as possible, there are badly wounded that need urgent attention! Where the hell is the cavalry?¡±


    Sigrin looked confused for a moment at the expression, but quickly realised what he meant.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I got a distress signal out but haven¡¯t had a response - the Klowns are jamming us. Jack, I need you to activate the secondary and tertiary defences from where you are.¡±


    ¡°How the hell do I do that?¡± Jack asked into the walkie-talkie-looking device he had picked up from someone who was probably the deceased security chief.


    ¡°Now that the power is back on, there are several coloured switches that you should see at the main terminal, you just need to activate-¡±


    Jack wasted no time, pressing buttons, turning keys and flipping switches. He heard several rumblings in the distance, followed by a lot of powerful-sounding gunfire.


    ¡°Done it, what¡¯s next?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°I- alright,¡± Sigrin confirmed, pleased that the Klowns were now getting some payback. ¡°Next are the droids. Next to each charging station is a button that will-¡±


    ¡°Get them to do something? On it!¡± Jack quickly panted as he sprinted to the far wall, pounding each button and releasing several intimidating-looking robots with powerful guns that looked even more impressive than the Zero-Zone droids from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup, as well as several others that were slightly smaller and looked like they had been designed with utility in mind. He really hoped that some of them were better able to render first aid than he was as he pointed a group back the way he came from.


    ¡°That¡¯s good, I can see why my sisters told me about you,¡± Sigrin replied, checking the status of the bots from the monitor at the gate security post. Using the hidden staff doors, they would be able to get the drop on the Klowns and begin purging the complex of them. ¡°My team can remotely access the long range comms from here. Good job, there¡¯s nothing else you need to do. Stay there and a High Threat Response Team will come and pick you up when-¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± Jack interrupted. ¡°I can still fight and I might be able to rescue some more people. Has the Killer Klown been sighted?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t been told of any sightings but that doesn¡¯t mean he isn¡¯t here. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°I can take him,¡± Jack replied in a low growl.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be on your own! A High Threat Response team has confirmed that they''ll-¡± Sigrin began to argue before Jack cut her off again.


    ¡°I need a map of the complex so I know where the hell I¡¯m going.¡± Jack told her. ¡°I can bring people into the staff section if I¡¯m careful.¡±


    ¡°Here you go, Jack!¡± Sephy replied, sending an interactive minimap to Jack¡¯s commlink.


    ¡°The Klowns suppression field is weakening,¡± Alora added. ¡°Commlinks should start to work again and we¡¯re working on a portal to get the wounded out.¡±


    ¡°Oh shit¡­¡± she heard Jack gasp.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s happening?¡± Sigrin asked as she could hear sprinting on the other end.


    ¡°I¡¯m not letting him get away!¡± Was all they heard before the line went static¡­


    *****


    ¡°The portal is up! Get the wounded out!¡± Luviannestixxx ordered from the sky, before swooping down and breathing a line of fire that melted any Klown it directly hit.


    ¡°If any of you die with a cold gun¡­¡± Svaartal snarled from the head of the battle formation at the gate, ¡°I¡¯ll sodomize your fucking corpse!¡±


    Svaarti was leading the ritual to create and maintain a powerful portal to the school, but she needed time to hold it open long enough for everyone else to escape through it before she used it herself. Though Svaartal was more than accomplished enough to participate in the ritual and help, he trusted the defence of his sister to nobody else.


    Though the fort''s defences had finally been activated, this had only emboldened the Klowns, and as Svaarti¡¯s barrier dissipated, they howled in glee as they charged in.


    A volley of plasma from the front gate cut several Klowns down, though many more were able to climb over the bodies that were already there, led by a large brute with a thick, cruel maul that seemed to shrug off any shot that hit. Recognising the danger, Svaartal began casting as quickly as he could; the giant glaring at the mage with murderous intent as they held the maul above their head, roared as he got closer and closer, with several of the defenders breaking in panic as they knew they couldn¡¯t take him down¡­


    ¡°Shri¡¯ak!¡± Svaartal growled, timing the spell just right and pointing his wand straight at the brute. A bolt of powerful blue light shot out towards the Klown, smacking him right in the chest, and the powerful force spell ripped the giant apart, instantly turning them into a spray of gore that exploded outwards with the strength of the spell, which expanded in a semicircle from the point of impact, blasting the Klowns around them.


    Several of those that remained - mostly the Hoduth guards he had commandeered - cheered, though Svaartal could also see the Kizun, Skritta, Eladrie and Ilithii from his class eying him cautiously.


    ¡°Let them be afraid,¡± Carrow spoke up from his dutiful place on Svaartal¡¯s shoulder as the familiar cast protective enchantments on the pair of them. ¡°This is your hour, master.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Svaartal grinned in agreement.


    ¡°Yes it is.¡±


    *****


    Jack sprinted down the staff corridor as quickly as he could, trusting the minimap Sephy had sent him on his commlink. He had been checking the camera footage from the freshly activated CCTV, looking to see if he could find anyone that had needed help, and finding nobody, when he spotted the figure in one of the upper chambers.


    Recognising the room from where Vanya and Svaarti had spoken to him earlier that night, he had exited the Security Nexus and was rushing to the far end of the complex, hoping that he had correctly remembered the commlink mapping software that Sephy had taught him the basics of using.


    Checking the peephole of the secret door, Jack opened it into the body-laden corridor and shut it behind him, forgoing his safe haven. There had been a slaughter here, and as Jack followed the bodies, he could see several of both innocents and Klowns who had been struck down with wounds not too dissimilar to those of the guards in the Security Nexus.


    Getting to the end of the corridor, Jack could see the end of the fight he had seen on the cameras, with a figure in the distance swiftly dodging a sword swipe before they leapt in close and mercilessly stabbed a knife into the swordsman¡¯s neck. Jack sprinted to catch up as the figure instantly turned to recognise the threat, before they threw their victim at Jack with unnatural strength, knocking the human down before running away and putting distance between them.


    Jack roughly grunted as he got up, not having expected that kind of power. He briefly looked at the victim¡¯s face, and felt a pang of guilt when he saw the glazed eyes of Killer Kush staring back at him. Though the bounty hunter had tried to kill him previously, he had died fighting the Klowns tonight, and so Jack gave him his full respect.


    ¡°Hope you¡¯re smoking the good stuff in a better place,¡± Jack whispered as he gently closed the fallen warrior¡¯s eyes and laid him down. He quickly got himself together before picking up the pace and chasing the figure in the distance, letting off shots on pure instinct with his Dominator at any Klowns that tried to jump him, and sent several after his target, who seemed to sense where the shots would be and swiftly moved out of the way just before impact.


    Jack sprinted as fast as he possibly could down the blood-stained tunnels, making some slight ground on the figure in the distance.


    Though the other person was fast. Impossibly so.


    Grunting with effort, Jack kept on the figure as they weaved down side passages in an attempt to shake him, not even bothering to look back at him before skidding to a halt at a dead end cavern, calmly turning around as Jack stopped and heard the readying of rifles around the room.


    Like an idiot, he¡¯d been led straight into an ambush!


    ¡°Hold your fire,¡± Dr Reyazz Grine spoke quietly and deliberately to the others in the room, so quiet that Jack barely heard him.


    Dr Grine said nothing else for the moment as they just stared at Jack with hateful yellow eyes, like a child would examine a particularly interesting insect.


    Right before pulling it to pieces.


    ¡°I know everything I need to know about you from your bounty,¡± Jack growled. ¡°Murder. Torture. Mutilation. And to top that off you like to target children. You¡¯re probably one of the most fucked up dudes I¡¯ve heard about in this crapsack place.¡±


    Dr Grine still said nothing, just staring at Jack. Looking closely, Jack thought he could see the wicked facial scars that jigsawed along his pale white flesh part and move, almost like they were alive.


    ¡°It is now apparent to me that you clearly know nothing of consequence, boy,¡± Dr Grine calmly sneered back after several seconds. ¡°How disappointing. At least the samples of your DNA your Drow associates provided proved promising. An excellent tool I will use to eliminate Devil¡¯s Daughter.¡±


    ¡°I doubt it¡­¡± Jack snarled, as Dr Grine¡¯s expression shifted to a slight hint of curiosity.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be too dead.¡±


    Adrenaline rushing through him, Jack quickly dove to the side, drawing his Dominator and letting loose a bolt of photon energy at Dr Grine, who quickly dodged the shot. Swinging his arm around in a fluid motion, Jack fired again, taking out one of the Klown guards with a clean headshot, then again, catching another in the chest. Before the remaining two could aim their plasma rifles at Jack, the prone human quickly snapped his gun to them and let out a rapid burst that took out both.


    It took him barely a second to wipe them out.


    Kicking up to his feet, Jack quickly summoned his shield and braced as something slammed into him hard, flipping up and over him as he angled his block upwards, diverging the momentum of the charge. Dr Grine landed gracefully like a cat, quickly spinning around to face the human before dodging a swing of Jack¡¯s axe that missed his head by millimetres, skidding back rapidly to dodge the swipe.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°Why the hell did you open a way for the Klowns to get in anyway?¡± Jack taunted, trying to get a rise out of this monster and break his calm facade. ¡°Do you work for them or are you just a bitch that¡¯ll do anything for a quick buck? Gonna take it up the ass from the Killer Klown next?¡±


    Grine calmly paced to the side, not responding as Jack taunted him, though the human was being anything but careless.


    He¡¯s definitely looking for a weakness and getting ready to attack. Jack thought. So I¡¯ve gotta nail him first!


    Jack leapt in, seeing Grine¡¯s eyes slightly widen as he saw the vivisectionist lean slightly to their left to dodge a vertical chop from Jack¡¯s axe. However, Jack knew that would happen, and he used his momentum to pivot on his leading foot to follow through with a kick aimed at where he knew Dr Grine would be, briefly connecting and sending the red-haired scientist slightly stumbling back, though they quickly recovered as Jack swung his axe hard horizontally, ducking under the blow and delivering a punch to Jack¡¯s stomach that the human felt hard, though that didn¡¯t stop him from reversing his swing and slashing again at Grine, and he once again felt a slight hint of resistance as his axe connected just before the Dr leapt back to get out of Jack¡¯s superior range.


    ¡°Manlets. When will they ever learn?¡± Jack taunted as he quickly switched to his Dominator and forced Grine to dodge several shots, before Grine suddenly changed tactics and charged Jack, who barely got his shield up in time to eat a strike that sent him staggering back several paces.


    This guy had no right to be this fast or strong!


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Dr Grine muttered quietly, almost to himself, jumping away to avoid Jack¡¯s counter-attack while reaching into his pocket and throwing something purple at Jack¡¯s feet. Recognising the grenade for what it was, Jack jumped back too, bringing his shield up as the shockwave blasted him back to smack against the rough stone walls of the chamber.


    Jack quickly got up just in time to see Dr Grine pull out some sort of injection device from his coat, stabbing himself hard in the chest and holding the plunger down as his form began to warp and shift. The scars along Grine¡¯s face and the visible parts of his body began to get far more pronounced as his body began to stretch and twist in crooked forms. Bony spikes began to protrude in various places along the body almost protectively, and a spiked tail extended outwards, swishing back and forth in anticipation.


    As Jack started shooting, two bony appendages blasted out from the top of Grine¡¯s shoulders and almost automatically blocked the shots. Chunks of burned bone and flesh spattered off as the appendages began to self-repair, harden and expand in response to the trauma.


    ¡®You¡¯ve got to be fucking kidding me.¡¯ Jack thought to himself. ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡±


    The mutated mass of Dr Grine visibly panicked on hearing Jack charge up his weapon, and tried to quickly dodge to the side to avoid the shot. But though Grine was now larger and more durable than before, that clearly came at a cost of speed as the heavy shot clipped the flailing limbs of flesh, blasting sizzling and bubbling gore against the back walls.


    ¡°It is obvious why Malakiel sees you as a high level threat, Outsider,¡± Dr Grine sneered, breaking the facade of calmness he had maintained before as he quickly pounced to his feet, his damaged body already beginning to repair itself. ¡°But I doubt that fool A.I. has even scratched the surface¡­¡±


    Dr Grine dashed forward as Jack quickly fired a rapid burst. As the monstrous form shook off the blasts, Jack heard the subtle ¡®beep¡¯ of the Dominator to tell him it needed to recharge. Cursing, Jack swapped to his axe as he dodged to the side of the sudden rush, being caught off guard as Grine reacted quicker than he expected, turning and striking with a bladed fist that made a dent and poked a hole through Jack¡¯s shield as he only just brought it up in time, before several protrusions attached to the arm slithered past Jack¡¯s guard and began raking his arm repeatedly, leaving jagged cuts along his forearm that began dripping heavily with blood.


    Jack shoved back as hard as he could, but this time, the bash barely knocked Grine back. His arm hurt through the adrenaline and Jack fought in his mind to put the pain to one side. Pulling out his by now very blunted axe, he rushed forward, ducking a swipe from a bone spike and aimed for Grine¡¯s head, hitting one of the shoulder joints and digging deep as the Vivisectionist attempted to dodge to the side, much quicker than Jack had predicted.


    Tearing the weapon out with a squelching sound, Jack ducked as rapidly as he could just in time as a mutated claw nearly took his head off. Using the momentum of his movement, Jack swung up with the axe and caught the limb at the elbow, almost severing it completely, proving he was still strong enough to mostly cut through the bone and sinew despite the relative bluntness of the axe blade at this point.


    Dr Grine growled, now having totally lost control of his emotions as he raged at the boy who was somehow still alive. ¡°I will enjoy dissecting what remains of your body! You¡¯re too dangerous to live!¡±


    ¡°Kill me if you can!¡± Jack roared back as he charged forward, now on the offensive as he quickly blocked a flurry of bone shards that were shot at him, embedding into his shield but not punching all the way through. Grine took a defensive stance as he prepared to meet Jack head-on, but at the last moment Jack leapt to the side, jumping and kicking off the wall and taking Grine by surprise as he changed the direction of his attack and chopped down, anticipating the likely direction of the inevitable dodge and extending the grip of his axe to give him more length to work with.


    The axe wickedly sliced down and caught Dr Grine in the face, slicing through one of the hateful yellow eyes and tearing down to rip through part of his mouth as the evil doctor roared in pain, barely having enough time to block Jack¡¯s powerful backswing and counter with another claw that dug deep into Jack¡¯s stomach as he tried to jump back and block it.


    ¡°I can do this all night!¡± Jack grinned through the pain, leaping forward with another charge as he saw Grine subconsciously move a hand to feel his injury.


    Swiftly blocking the chop with a bony arm, dodging back with a snarl and pulling back, Dr Grine ripped the axe from Jack¡¯s grasp before wildly throwing it back, the human barely dodging in time to avoid the deadly projectile as it slammed and stuck into the rock wall behind. Jack realised with a pang of horror that he had been baited into attacking, and Grine had wanted to disarm him. He¡¯d need to buy himself enough time to get it back¡­


    On pure instinct Jack took a stance and blocked an overhead haymaker that rocked him. Though he had diverted the power of the attack, it was even stronger than anything Grine had hit him with so far, and Jack knew he was in big trouble. Taking a risk, he stayed low as he dashed forward, tackling Grine around the waist and knocking him to the ground, finding his enemy to be considerably lighter than he expected¡­


    Wait a moment¡­That was it!


    The extra elongated arms and body were powerful, but the limbs were thin and spindly, and though Grine had some kind of regenerative ability for lighter wounds, the body parts Jack had severed were not growing back.


    He hasn¡¯t gained any mass from transforming. Jack thought to himself. He¡¯s just moved his natural mass around to optimise it for a fight. That¡¯s why he still weighs the same if not less than before. If I can reduce his mass enough or destroy a vital organ he needs to pull this off¡­


    Jack wasted no time, blocking a desperate swipe from a claw with his forearm before Grine could build up any power, though Jack still strained against the unnatural strength of his enemy. There was no doubt about it - Dr Grine was getting stronger and faster with each passing second.


    His energy levels are immense! Surely he can¡¯t maintain it for very long! Jack thought to himself as he fought to maintain the grapple as Dr Grine shook hard to get him off. ¡°Aegis!¡± he growled as he blindly slid his arm forward while Grine kicked and battered Jack¡¯s body, bone barbs stabbing and digging deeply into the human¡¯s body.


    The shield caught Grine at the ankle just as he was able to break the grip, slicing just enough to force the doctor to shift his mass to reinforce a supporting bone to act as a peg leg.


    You¡¯re stable enough on your feet but that¡¯ll still slow you down. Jack thought in the back of his mind as he registered the pain all over his body. But I¡¯m not in a good spot either. I need to finish this quickly before he gets reinforcements!


    The expression on Dr Grine¡¯s face changed as he realised what was coming when Jack quickly sprinted for his axe, bringing his shield up just in time as several shards of bone were desperately fired in his direction, firing back a few shots with his barely-recharged dominator while Grine threw another one of his purple bombs towards him. One of the shots intercepted it mid-air, blasting the explosive apart before it got too close, the resulting shockwave knocking both of them down.


    Jack got up quickly as the adrenaline rushed through him, pulling himself up and coughing up blood as rock dust kicked up in the air. Quickly looking around for where his axe was, he brought his shield up as he heard the movement just before Dr Grine charged in, barely managing to stifle a yelp of agony when a spear of bone broke through the metal plating of his shield and stabbed him in the stomach.


    Jack grabbed the haft of bone and held on as tightly as he could, whilst Grine grabbed the shield and pulled him in closer. Jack growled in pain as the spear dug deeper and deeper, and in desperation he brought his knee up with all of his might, snapping the bone and taking a thick nasty cut across one of his ribs for the trouble at the sudden give of resistance, as the newly splintered bone raked across him.


    Growling with determination, Jack held on as he yanked the bone spike out of him, getting to one knee as his leg gave out from under him. He felt something pull hard on his shield as Dr Grine lashed out with a flurry of attacks, knocking Jack senseless as he ate the strikes, hearing more than feeling the thunderous impacts as they battered, stung and slashed his body.


    I can¡¯t keep on the defensive any more, I need to... Jack thought to himself, trying to come up with a way to fight back.


    Wait.


    He did have¡­


    Jack roared a battle cry as he got back up to his feet, shoving back, and grinning as he predicted the pushback from Grine. He held his stance as the evil doctor pushed back harder, and that was when Jack deactivated his shield, bringing Grine off balance as he stumbled forward.


    ¡°Agni!¡± Jack yelled, and a jet of fire burst out from his bracer that quickly enveloped Grine as he struggled to get away, his flesh bubbling and blackening from the cleansing flames. He felt the metal of the bracer heat up and sear into his own flesh, knowing that Chiyo had not completed the magical binding that would fuse the shield and his newly liberated flame gauntlet together safely, but he was out of options, and he knew he could take the pain.


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t!¡± Jack yelled as he grabbed Grine by his red hair and pulled him closer to the roaring inferno he was spewing, growling as the flames licked his forearm and hand, but causing devastating damage to Grine as he flailed wildly in Jack¡¯s grip, desperate to get away. Suddenly, both Grine and Jack were flung away from each other hard as Grine¡¯s final purple bomb exploded point blank, ignited by the flames. Jack¡¯s vision spun as he smacked hard into rock with a sickening crunch, blacking out for a brief moment before he found his resolve and pushed himself up again, forcing himself not to look too hard at his wounds. He saw Dr Grine getting up as well, growing fresh appendages as he started slowly climbing up the wall towards a metal grate at the top¡­


    Jack roared in rage, sprinting as fast and hard as he could, leaping high and only just catching Grine by the ankle, pushing against the wall and tearing them both away from it before they slammed onto the ground with a nasty thud. Jack quickly got on top of Grine, pinning him to the ground, though the doctor was able to grab Jack¡¯s bracer-arm, using his power to twist and point it away. Jack felt the strain and knew Grine would try to break it, which left him with only one option¡­


    ¡°Overcharge you son of a bitch!¡± Jack yelled at Grine, as he dug the barrel of his Dominator right into the vivisectionist¡¯s torso. He heard the whine of his gun charge up power, and knew the countdown for what it would mean.


    ¡°Fool boy! It will kill you too!¡± Grine sneered as he struggled to get away, trying to throw Jack off of him.


    But despite the powerful, desperate strength of Dr Grine, Jack held on with everything he had.


    ¡°I know,¡± Jack replied, as he felt the serene calmness of acceptance in his mind. ¡°But I¡¯ll take you with me!¡±


    Grine¡¯s eyes widened as he realised what Jack was trying to do, panicking as he redoubled his efforts, stabbing Jack in the leg repeatedly to try and force the human to relinquish the pin.


    But Jack held on.


    Alora, Sephy, Nika, Chiyo and Dante, I love you all! To all the friends and companions I have met¡­I am honoured and privileged to have known you and hope my sacrifice saves a lot of people from this monster.


    Mum, Dad, I hope you would be proud of me. Aliza¡­.I¡¯ll see you soon.  Jack thought desperately in the back of his mind as Dr Grine gave one last defiant roar, desperate to break away as the overcharge audio cue for the Dominator wound up, almost ready to unleash hell¡­


    Suddenly, with a screeching sound, a black-hooded figure magically materialised in the centre of the room. Turning to the noise of the struggle, they pointed a wand at Jack with a golden claw, who had enough presence of mind to realise they weren¡¯t friendly and rolled away to block the ray of green light, able to bring his shield up as Dr Grine quickly disengaged and dashed to the newcomer, freeing his arm.


    As Jack hurriedly dashed into cover and shot behind him, the metal of the shield instantly began to rupture and disintegrate, turning to a fine grey powder before Jack retracted the shield, which fortunately didn¡¯t reach him or the bracer itself.


    ¡°You want some too?!¡± Jack yelled as he let loose several shots at Dr Grine before he got behind cover with the robed figure.


    ¡°Gladly, Outsider!¡± the voice of the newcomer hissed as they returned fire with a spell that clipped the pillar Jack had hidden behind.


    ¡°No!¡± Grine called to his associate. ¡°Others are targeting him, we don¡¯t need to get involved!¡±


    ¡°Too late, assholes!¡± Jack growled back with false bravado as he peeked out of cover, looking for an accurate shot as he saw bright lights sparking from where he knew the mage was. ¡°I¡¯m just getting warmed up!¡±


    ¡°Foolish boy!¡± Grine snarled, spitting out black bile as he spoke back in his usual, calm, cold demeanour. ¡°We know about the Spawn of Nekdon! And the one that summoned it will see you dead!¡±


    Jack was taken aback by that for just a split second, which was all the time the mage needed to complete his spell.


    ¡°No you don¡¯t!¡± Jack roared as he got his second wind and rushed in, firing a burst as both Dr Grine and his mage associate vanished.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Jack growled as he steadied himself, before quickly snapping round on instinct, levelling his gun at the newcomer that had silently approached down the lone tunnel he had come from, before lowering it slightly, but not fully.


    ¡°Rena?¡± he asked, slightly confused. The yellow fox-like being looked almost surprised she had been discovered but quickly composed herself.


    ¡°Frost? What are you doing here?¡± she asked as Jack checked over his injuries. They were bad, but he was still standing and he could still move.


    That was all that mattered.


    ¡°I could ask you the same question,¡± Jack retorted, before sighing and elaborating. ¡°Dr Reyazz Grine was here, I think he was the one to take out central security and make it easy for the Klowns to attack. I reactivated the backup power and defences, but when I saw Grine on the cameras making an exit I went after him.¡±


    ¡°Dr Grine? Are you sure?¡± Rena asked. Jack rolled his eyes, taking a few paces to the severed claw he had cut from the man, and kicked it to his mysterious acquaintance, spraying black ichor over her previously clean feet.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Rena whispered to herself as she turned away for a moment, almost as if confirming something to herself.


    ¡°And he has accomplices,¡± Jack continued, seeing no reason to keep the information secret and wanting to share what details he knew while they were fresh in his mind. ¡°A mage with a golden claw-like hand got him out. The bounty entry on him never mentioned working with others, but where there¡¯s one there may be more around.¡±


    ¡°What are you planning to do?¡± Rena asked incredulously as Jack marched up to one of the walls and yanked hard to retrieve his axe.


    ¡°Finding out,¡± Jack replied simply. ¡°And killing any Klowns still standing.¡±


    ¡°You are seriously injured, there is no shame in-¡± Rena began before Jack cut her off as he began trying to grind his axe on the rock floor to sharpen it. It was heavily damaged by this point and likely beyond repair, but as long as it could still inflict damage, it would do for now until he could replace it.


    ¡°Not a chance,¡± Jack replied with an aggressive stare, trying not to show the pain. ¡°There are still people here that need help, and I¡¯m gonna help as many as I can.¡± He glanced around and found what he was looking for. An abandoned tray of beer bottles sat on the edge of a coffee table in the only far corner untouched by the fighting. Moving over, he uncorked all the bottles before chugging them down three at once.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Rena asked in surprise. ¡°It would be wise if you were to remain here or retreat to a safer location.¡±


    ¡°Just a little something for the pain,¡± Jack explained with a shrug, barely noticing Rena¡¯s eye-bulging expression of shock. ¡°Follow me and help, or stay out of the way.¡±


    Jack narrowed his eyes as he heard the sounds of gunfire in the distance. He took in a deep breath¡­


    Bellowing a war cry, Jack charged towards the battle!

 Chapter 56: The Devils Due

    Svaartal snarled at the remaining Klown beast that stumbled woundedly towards the line of guards before he expended the last of his magical power to shoot a cluster of magical bolts that slammed into it, stopping it dead in its tracks.


    Any time now, sister¡­ Svaartal thought to himself, having an idea of how long the ritual would take.


    With perfect timing, the air shifted in the ritual circle as a magical arch began to materialise and expand, growing just enough to allow one person plus a little extra through at a time, though the portal could be entered from both sides.


    "The portal is stable, get the most heavily wounded out first."


    Had he not seen it with his own eyes, he would never have guessed the commanding tone was coming from Svaarti, almost like the voice was not her own. Her eyes were open now, glowing a golden white as she held the portal open with one hand, maintaining the spell while leaning on her golden staff with the other.


    "You heard her, move!" he heard Glenpharynix call out to her fellow healers as they began to gather the wounded.


    "Red Legion! Help them carry anyone that can''t move themselves!" he heard Luvia add to that, and saw his former fellow legion aspirants hustle into action as Vaal, Plooderoo and several others picked up the closest wounded to the portal¡­


    ¡°Prioritise the most injured first, they need immediate attention!¡± Sigrin Bharzum ordered as she left the line of the Hoduth guards to give commands. ¡°Anyone with healing abilities should go with them first. Anyone that can move but not fight, carry a wounded person with you. Do not block the path for others when you get to the other side, spread out but don¡¯t wander off!¡±


    Svaartal held his position on the front line, using his drow-forged crossbow with deadly effect as he did his part holding off the emboldened Klowns, who somehow seemed to sense that their would-be victims were escaping through a portal.


    He kept looking back to check on his sister. Though she had closed her eyes again, she was still able to maintain the spell, with T¡¯Chika on her shoulder. The little creature seemed to do its best to direct the immediate people in their vicinity, but there were several others attempting to take charge, only loosely deferring to the acting Bharzum elder.


    It mattered not a bit to Svaartal. The moment any of them fucked up and put his sister at risk, or the Klowns broke through, he would blink to her and get her out of there, using the few seconds they would have to use the portal before the disruption of power would automatically shut it behind them.


    But for now, he kept his ears open, listening to what people were saying in between letting loose shots. Though he was ready to leave, they might as well save who they could, so he rallied anyone who could fight to him. After all, who else could he trust to defend his sister?


    ¡°Sephy, you¡¯re needed over on the other side,¡± he heard Falos call out to Hawker, who was still plugged into the system defences. ¡°The medical droids are notifying us that it¡¯s not within school hours.¡±


    ¡°Dammit!¡± the Skritta spat as she got out. ¡°There¡¯s still pockets of Klowns still causing mayhem, and I¡¯ve just seen Jack on the cameras - he looks like shit and he¡¯s on his own!¡±


    ¡°He can handle himself," Nika replied decisively, "but we need you and the others on the other side."


    "On my way!" Sephy called back, disconnecting from the system and rushing to the portal. The Kizun briefly stopped the short queue of people ferrying the injured for Sephy to quickly slip through before resuming within a few seconds.


    Where are the others? Chiyo asked as she carried some people through with her power.


    "Alora and Dante already went through," Nika called back.


    As should we, Chiyo pointed out. My power is almost exhausted and you''re hurt. After we get these people through, we''re no longer needed here.


    "Alright," Nika shrugged. "High Threat Response will be here soon anyway, so they''ll get to Jack and anyone still in there."


    "It''s your call," Luvia called over to them from the wall. "I figured I might as well ride this battle out to the end. Let''s get some drinks once this is over, my treat!"


    I think I''ve had enough for tonight, Chiyo replied as she followed the line of bodies she was carrying. Nika, Alora wants you to come help with the injured.


    "On my way." Nika groaned as she joined the end of the line that was rapidly moving, urged on by Sigrin.


    "I''d hurry it up if I were you," Luvia warned, voice turning to worry. "Something''s riled the Klowns something fierce!"


    "You heard her!" Sigrin called to the crowd as she readied her rifle. "Speed it up! Anyone that can''t or won''t fight: why are you still here?!"


    Svaartal was confident the Klowns from within the complex were now mostly contained, so turned as the acting Hoduth elder approached him.


    "What''s the status on your magic?" Sigrin asked without preamble. "I''m not going to bother trying to convince you to go through the portal without your sister, but if you''re out of spells, then it''s going to be more difficult to cover the evacuation."


    Svaartal thought to himself for a moment, considering something, before summoning a small green gemstone glowing with energy, quickly crushing it in his hand and feeling the rush of stored magical energy return to him. He had been filling the power gem up all week in preparation for another fight with Frost, and really didn''t want to have to use it¡­


    "That won''t be a problem, Svaartal sneered in annoyance. "You had better make this worth my while once this is over. Just do your job and guard Svaarti with your lives."


    "Understood," Sigrin replied professionally, "and I give you my word that you will be compensated."


    Like your clan gave their word that they would protect this place and their guests? Svaartal thought as he nodded in agreement and slithered over to Svaarti to check on her. She looked stable, with the staff taking most of the strain, but he knew that his sister''s mind was in a state he didn''t know if she could take.


    "This will be over soon," he whispered, hoping Svaarti could hear him, before he blinked to the wall.


    "We can hold them, master." Carrow calmly told him as his familiar landed on his shoulder. "I overheard the Bharzum guards. A High Threat Response team will arrive within a few minutes."


    "Forgive me if that doesn''t reassure me," Svaartal growled, examining the force of Klowns laying siege before taking a quick intake of breath.


    "Klown Kannons!" he called. "Take them down!"


    "They''re mine!" he heard a roar from across the wall as he saw Luvianestixx transform into her full draconic form and take flight, blanketing the battlefield with fire.


    Svaartal wasted no time as he cast a Wilting Fog at the bottom of the wall, ripping the moisture from the fresh surge of Klowns that desperately tried to climb the chipped and damaged stone.


    "They''re shooting over the walls!" he heard Sigrin call out.


    A bolt from Svaartal''s crossbow cut one down before it even hit the ground as he blinked to the ground floor again.


    "Carrow!" he called out. "Use your power to highlight the hostiles as they come."


    "Yes, Master," the familiar replied, as the flying dark shapes suddenly glowed a dull orange, lighting them up for coordinated laser and plasma fire to bring them down.


    "Hold on!" Sigrin shouted to the defenders as a low buzz could be heard in the distance, getting louder and louder with each passing moment. "Those are reinforcements!"


    Several of the defenders cheered, though that quickly turned to panic as the Klowns were galvanised into one final push. Svaartal quickly had his wand out and got ready to cast before something else took them out. A powerful bolt of fire zipped between all the Klowns he could see on the ground, turning them to piles of ash as the defenders cheered once again, getting louder as several newly arrived shuttles began opening fire on the Klowns on the outside who were now running away.


    But Svaartal did not join them. As the smoke cleared, he cast a quick spell to enhance his vision, and his eyes went wide as a figure out of his nightmares strode amongst the destruction.


    He looked at the one that had cast the final spell to wipe out the Klowns, as Devil''s Daughter marched up to his sister.


    "Where did you get that?" the Stygian demanded, aggressively pointing to the golden staff as Svaarti backed away in fright. "Your theft will not go unpunished!"


    Svaarti said nothing as she moved backwards, clearly afraid as she brought her staff up in a defensive stance while she fought to maintain the portal.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Sigrin Bharzum called, raising her rifle at Devil¡¯s Daughter, her Hoduth guards hesitating before also doing the same. ¡°Back away! Leave her alone!¡±


    Devil¡¯s Daughter stopped walking forward and turned her head to look Sigrin right in the eyes. To her credit, the Acting Elder did not recoil.


    ¡°The Killer Klown has assaulted many locations tonight, but he has not done so alone,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter patiently told the defenders. ¡°He has utilised third parties to soften and sabotage all throughout the city, and I have good reason to believe that this Nirah and her brother are involved in the massacre tonight.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit!¡± Sigrin snapped back. ¡°All of us would be dead by now if not for them! Both Nirah have been nothing short of heroic tonight! They opened the portal to get the wounded out, Svaarti cast a barrier to keep the Klowns at bay and Svaartal carved a path to safety and rescued many, including my little sister!¡±


    ¡°A quite convenient alibi,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter replied as she looked to Svaarti, who had now shut her eyes tight to keep the portal active. ¡°But I have reason to believe that Dr Reyazz Grine is somewhere within the facility. He has recently met with House Mal¡¯Kar, a noble drow family to which both these Nirah are aligned. The conclusion is obvious.¡±


    ¡°Carrow, get into position over there,¡± Svaartal ordered his familiar over their telepathic link. He had taken advantage of the chaos to move along the wall within Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s blind spot, ready to strike. He could see many curious faces and gazes from the other side of the portal wanting to see what was happening.


    ¡°A serious charge,¡± Sigrin acknowledged with narrowed eyes, ignoring her guards who were slowly standing down. ¡°We don¡¯t currently have access to camera logs, but we will once the battle is over. However, even if Dr Grine is confirmed to be involved, that does not mean the Nirah are complicit.¡±


    ¡°But you understand why I am here,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter replied, more as a statement than a question.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Sigrin nodded. ¡°Your reputation speaks for itself. We will conduct an investigation and cooperate with you once the battle is over, however, both Nirah are under our protection until that time. Our Clan Honor demands it.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± The Stygian regretfully shook her head. ¡°Time is of the essence and I need answers, I am sorry.¡±


    She quickly slammed her staff on the ground, knocking the Hoduth back in a shockwave before walking towards a frightened Svaarti.


    ¡°Carrow!¡± Svaartal immediately yelled out loud. Devil¡¯s Daughter quickly looked to the noise before Carrow sent a weak shot of molten rock from the side, immediately disappearing after Devil¡¯s Daughter effortlessly blocked the distraction. Svaartal wasted no time in blinking between Devil¡¯s Daughter and Svaarti before the former could react, casting a quick gust of wind that was just strong enough to send Svaarti shooting through the portal to be caught by the observers on the other side.


    The portal closed just as Svaartal levelled a powerful wand at the Stygian that made the mistake of threatening his sister. The vigilante was quick to respond to the threat, holding up her staff and ready to attack, but cautiously holding back, not knowing what spell Svaartal¡¯s wand was attuned to.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter sneered at him. ¡°I knew that bait would lure you out. Out of the two of you, you were the one I was really hoping to meet tonight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m honoured,¡± Svaartal mocked.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be if I were you, scum,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter quickly retorted, a hint of anger breaking her calm facade as she circled to the side, Svaartal slowly mirroring her movements. ¡°I know you and the drow are involved in tonight''s attack.¡±


    ¡°Clearly the scent of brimstone has clouded your logic, Devilspawn,¡± Svaartal growled back, still mocking Devil¡¯s Daughter as he awaited any possible opening he could exploit. ¡°I have likely slain more Klowns tonight than any other, and few either have the power or the stupidity to come to an accord with the Killer Klown.¡±


    ¡°I know Dr Grine has reached an agreement with them based on his activities tonight,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter countered. ¡°And I recognised his handiwork when I ran into House Mal¡¯Kar special forces last night trying to kill the Human.¡±


    ¡°I had wondered if you actually encountered Frost,¡± Svaartal gave a slight grin at being correct in his assumption. ¡°A disappointing result all around considering both of you are still alive, but I had advised the drow that striking while they were in the Palid Pit was a bad idea, even if Izadora was able to trace him to the slicer they used using the Outsider¡¯s blood. A shame my advice was ignored.¡±


    ¡°Fortunate that Grine¡¯s abominations were destroyed along with the drow,¡± the Stygian jeered. ¡°But though I know at least what the Drow gained from this exchange, I can only speculate at what Grine stood to gain. I think the payment was you helping him tonight.¡±


    Svaartal scoffed. ¡°Nothing was gained. The Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s wanted to coordinate with him to kill the human, nothing more. Grine refused because he¡¯s coming for you. They paid for some bioweapons and called it a day.¡±


    ¡°Such a believable story,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter mocked Svaartal as she continued to circle him. ¡°Did you have a tea party with him too?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask Grine yourself next time you see him,¡± Svaartal growled back. ¡°If he¡¯s in the facility as you say, then shouldn¡¯t you be having this conversation with him?¡± He saw Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s face twitch slightly, and that set off alarm bells in his mind.


    ¡°Ah. You¡¯re here for an ulterior motive,¡± Svaartal snarled. ¡°How hypocritical, accusing myself and House Mal¡¯Kar of plotting something nefarious when clearly you are too. I guess I shouldn¡¯t be surprised. You Devilspawn should never be taken at face value, after all, constantly holding yourself aloof from the crimes of your people. Even without a Demon Lord to serve, your kind are still conniving filth that should have been cleansed from the Galaxy when we had the chance to do so.¡±


    Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s eyes narrowed in hatred.


    ¡°Last time,¡± She growled. ¡°You will tell me what you know of your own free will, or I will rip it from your mind, with your life.¡±


    ¡°You threatened my sister, Devil¡¯s Whore.¡± Svaartal spat back. ¡°Come and try it!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Sigrin yelled at the two of them, as she and several of her Hoduth guards had all recovered from the knockback and were pointing their rifles at the both of them. ¡°Both of you stand down! There¡¯s still pockets of resistance in the complex and I need both of you!¡±


    Neither of them heeded the order, eyes focused on the other, killing intent clear to see.


    ¡°Make your choice,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter retorted to the Hoduth. ¡°Trust me when I say this piece of shit is not worth protecting.¡±


    ¡°I said nothing about needing protection,¡± Svaartal growled in anger, as he and Devil¡¯s Daughter continued to circle one another. ¡°Skaalp!¡±


    Svaartal made the first move, as a knife of glass shot out from his dimensional rift from behind the Stygian Warlock, Carrow having been waiting in position for the right moment. Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s eyes widened as the disruptive enchantments breached her magical shields and smacked into her back, throwing her off guard as Svaartal jabbed forward with his wand, with his spell fully prepared.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Boriah!¡±


    The cone of icy wind blasted Devil¡¯s Daughter back and battered at her shields as she adjusted her footing and began counterspelling, summoning hellfire to stave away the worst of the frost spell. It was a powerful attack that lapped at the Stygian¡¯s exposed forearms despite her magical shielding. Grunting with effort, the warlock moved her arms and blasted the source of the frost with a powerful strike of her own, lashing out with a ray of hellfire. It melted the frost that had gathered and smacked into the Nirah.


    Only for the illusion of Svaartal to puff out of existence as the attack melted the rock behind.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be surprised that a bigot like you would learn of my species¡¯ weakness to ice,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter spat. ¡°You think you¡¯re the first person to try it on me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the first to kill you with it,¡± Svaartal¡¯s voice hissed out.


    *****


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± a new voice called out. It was an older Hoduth at the head of a squad of heavily armed Clan Bharzum soldiers in power armour, supported by several battlemechs that had just landed out of a dropship. Several other craft were hovering nearby, with small teams of heavily armed and armoured figures quickly rappelling to the ground, before breaking off and sprinting through the gates.


    ¡°Grandfather!¡± Sigrin Bharzum called, having moved well out of the way the moment the fight began, her guards dutifully behind her. ¡°Don¡¯t get involved with those two! I¡¯ll explain later, right now we need to clear the caverns - I¡¯ve got confirmation of heavily wounded that need immediate medical attention!¡±


    ¡°You heard her, clear the tunnels and stay out of the way of the fight!¡± the Elder called out to his soldiers. ¡°Wipe out the Klowns and get those kids to safety!¡±


    *****


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, coward? I thought you wanted to kill me?¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter called into the night. ¡°You can¡¯t hide from me behind simple illusions¡­¡±


    He¡¯s invisible, has to be. The decoys are too obvious. She thought to herself. I need to be cautious. He¡¯s even silenced himself so I can¡¯t detect him by sound, but fortunately there are other ways to see¡­


    Getting into cover and casting an enchantment, her vision suddenly became much clearer and more defined, as if the stonework and various objects had been sculpted to perfection by an artist. The decoys of Svaartal soon made themselves clear as the True Sight highlighted them all, and interestingly, the Nirah had taken the place of one of them, and hadn¡¯t gone invisible at all!


    Just what was he trying to do? He was a lot more restrained than she thought he would be if they ever came to blows¡­


    It was then she spotted more of the same glass knives scattered along the ground¡­


    ¡°Skaalp!¡± Svaartal yelled as another knife went flying. This time, the Stygian brought her staff up and summoned an active shield of hard flame that was able to absorb the blow, but when she looked back to Svaartal, she saw another illusion.


    How was he able to swap between them that fast?


    You want me to go all out, you evil bastard? Fine by me! You get what the hell you deserve!


    Keeping several illusions within her line of sight, Devil¡¯s Daughter thrust an arm out, as several missiles of crimson light shot out from each of her fingertips, each blasting out and ripping through an illusion with a puff of smoke, though with the last one she saw Svaartal quickly dodge.


    Got you. She thought to herself.


    Making a motion with her hand, she stopped the scorching ray in midair and reversed the direction, careful not to grin as she heard the Nirah curse as it smacked into his back and blasted him off the wall to fall to the ground. Her elation turned to concern as his falling speed slowed down, and she brought her arms up, conjuring a wall of rock from the floor as two powerful crossbow bolts came shooting towards her, the earth only just halting the bolts as the drow-forged tips pierced through the rock to glint against the red light of her magic.


    Grunting with effort, Devil¡¯s Daughter launched the wall at Svaartal¡¯s last known position at high speed, before it was blasted to smithereens by a fireball.


    The Stygian quickly covered her face with her hands to shield her eyes from the backblast before she prepared to unleash another spell¡­


    ¡®Skaalp!¡¯ Svaartal called out from the side, and Devil¡¯s Daughter barely reacted in time as a knife came flying in from the opposite direction, actively reinforcing her magical shielding to deflect the blade. Suddenly, a hot rock came flying at her from above. Her shields still held for the most part, but she still staggered back with the force of the attack.


    That damn familiar. How did he manage to bind and shape a Corvid of all things?! Nevermind, I know how to even the odds¡­


    Bringing forth as much power as she dared, Devil¡¯s Daughter waved her hands and quickly chanted as she summoned the demons she had currently bound to her essence, planting her hand on the floor to open the portals all around her and unleash her legion. Though their numbers had been reduced in the fight with the Killer Klown and the assault on the Pallid Pit, she had enough to fight one Nirah and his familiar. She could just take the time to bind some more demons later on a quieter night.


    Many loud roars echoed all throughout the courtyard as several summoning circles spontaneously appeared along the ground, with monstrous clawed hands grasping out of the earth.


    ¡°Carrow!¡± Svaartal called as his familiar intercepted one that leapt up and charged at him, slamming into its side with high force, cracking like a thunderbolt, digging his talons into the beast as it roared in pain, but suddenly another demon appeared, then another.


    Then another.


    ¡°Get out of there!¡± Svaartal mentally ordered Carrow as several of the beasts converged on the familiar, who only just managed to zip upwards as the Nirah took advantage of the densely packed demons, quickly waving his arms and articulating the arcane tongue of a powerful spell...


    ¡°Nahrajha!¡± Svaartal growled out, shooting his arms out as a spray of wild, chaotic elemental power ripped out at the demons that had gone for Carrow. Some had barely been touched, as ripples of fire were easily shaken off, but others had been struck dead on the spot, ripped apart by force, scorched by acid, melted by electricity, or torn to shreds by shards of rock and metal. Other wild effects had clearly taken their toll on the demons, though by what exactly even Svaartal couldn¡¯t tell.


    Such was the nature of the pandemonium he had unleashed.


    Yet he couldn¡¯t sit idle, as even more demons began tearing themselves free of their summoning circles. He needed to do something, now!


    With a clawed finger, he subtly touched a ring on the same hand to activate the active power. A simple band of steel inscribed with light blue script, the words grew as it quickly sprayed out a mist of mildly cold water vapour in all directions around him, and Svaartal quickly slithered and blinked around to carpet the battlefield in a thick cloud that obscured his presence even with the True Sight of Devil¡¯s Daughter.


    He allowed himself a grin as he began subtly casting a spell of his own to shift things in his favour, articulating the words in his mind so he didn¡¯t reveal his position. The ring he had used was more sentimental than useful. A younger Svaartal had crafted it all by himself with the idea of being able to extinguish fires in an emergency, and maybe prank the few friends he had made at that age. It was the first magical item he created, and though his father beat and berated him for such a foolish waste of magical resources, he was still proud of his achievement.


    Especially now, for this.


    ¡°Are you alright, Carrow?¡± he telepathically asked his familiar, multitasking as he finished the spell from muscle memory.


    ¡°Yes Master, if a little wet. I¡¯m out of range.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Svaartal acknowledged as he threw his arms out wide, letting loose a fine powder that scattered all around and stuck to anything it could, the dust particles then glowing bright and twinkling like glitter in the mist. Though much of it had clung to the floor, enough of it had hit the monsters all around them to light them up and reveal their presence.


    Sneaking up as quietly as he could, Svaartal quickly got the drop on the nearest beast, stabbing it through the back and twisting, sending it spasming to the ground before it knew what struck it, his magical sword having sliced through it like it was made of cheese. Carrow also pounced on another from high above, using his supernaturally-honed razor-sharp talons to rip into the beast''s skull before darting away in a hit-and-run attack.


    Suddenly, powerful gusts of wind ripped around them, as the mist and glitterdust began to clear. Devil¡¯s Daughter would not be so easily countered. Using the rapidly disappearing water vapour in the air, Svaartal let loose a bust of frost that clung to the demons around him, freezing a few of the closest ones solid while doing significant damage to many of the others.


    ¡°Master! Behind you!¡± Carrow called out, and through their empathic link the Nirah could tell what kind of attack was coming. Crossing his arms, Svaartal took the ray of hellfire full force as he growled the enchantment that would activate all of his powerful magical shields. He roared in agony as the power overwhelmed him, the deafening roar of sound screaming all around him. This was the same attack that turned Little Miss Massacre into a stain on the ground, and Svaartal threw all of his power into his magical defence, shutting his eyes as he did so, knowing that he was dead if he couldn¡¯t pull this off.


    He had to hold on¡­


    A strong opponent.¡¯ Devil¡¯s Daughter thought to herself as she hit the Nirah directly with her most powerful magical attack, a ray of sheer, unfiltered hellfire that melted the rocky ground between them. I have no respect for you as a person in the slightest, but I can respect your skill. You have no idea how much I¡¯ve wanted to do this for so long. This is exactly what you deserve for everything you¡¯ve¡­


    WHAT!?


    As the beam of power ended and the smoke cleared, Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s eyes widened as she saw Svaartal still alive. He was hurt, and badly too, but as his form smouldered, he shook with laboured, pained breaths. Many of his scales had cracked and blackened, but he was still standing, as he looked at Devil¡¯s Daughter with sheer hatred.


    ¡°My¡­turn¡­¡± he growled. Barely reacting in time, Devil¡¯s Daughter was taken by surprise as he blinked right up to her and lashed out with both hands, crackling with red energy and being halted by her magical barrier. Recognising the danger, Devil¡¯s Daughter put as much power as she could into her own magical barrier as Svaartal unleashed all the magical energy he had just absorbed and stored up from her hellfire ray¡­


    With a loud ¡®crack¡¯ of overcharged arcane energy, both combatants were sent flying away from each other, Devil¡¯s Daughter smacking hard into the back wall while Svaartal skidded along the floor in a tumble. Svaartal got up first, and quickly began casting his most powerful spell, ready to unleash a force blast that could rip anything apart.


    ¡°Shri¡¯ak!¡± Svaartal yelled, launching a bolt of blue light that would obliterate the Stygian.


    Beating him to it, however, Devil¡¯s Daughter blinked away just in time before she quickly thrust out with her wand, sending a cloud of yellowish-green fog that blanketed the space between them. The poisonous cloud was unlikely to overpower the Nirah, but it would likely delay him enough for her to start recharging her shields while her demons would hopefully destroy him¡­


    She dodged a dive from the familiar, quickly countering with a strong blast of yellow energy that was powerful enough to paralyse the Corvid and send it crashing down to thump against the wall.


    Cursing in the back of her mind at the loss of so many bound demons, she ordered the rest of them to mob the Nirah, but was stalled as several of the front hellhounds slipped on a greasy black substance on the ground he had sprayed between them.


    ¡°Terralika!¡± Svaartal yelled as he pointed his wand at the most clustered group of demons and shot out a globe of acid that exploded, sending out a hissing spray of liquid that made the demons howl in torment, before he turned to the other group and resummoned his crossbow, and shot the remaining two. Though the shots were not killing blows, the bolts had some kind of weakening enchantment that sent the two demons crashing to the ground, too tired to continue moving.


    ¡°Seranae!¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter shouted in reply, as several chains of searing flame shot out of the ground around the Nirah and lashed around his serpentine body, holding him in place though leaving an arm free, which he levelled at Devil¡¯s Daughter, who had her own out, levelled at him.


    ¡°Answer my questions¡­and I will let you go.¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter panted with exhaustion, as Svaartal snarled with similar effort, ignoring the pain of the burning chains. ¡°Even if you may not deserve clemency, you fought well, and I now believe the Hoduth may have been right about your actions tonight!¡± The words were out of the vigilante¡¯s mouth before she could even think.


    Surely not. She thought to herself, her mind scattered and unfocused. After everything you have endured, are you really willing to just¡­let it all go like that?


    ¡°No!¡± he spat. ¡°I will never surrender to one of you Devilspawn!¡±


    ¡°Why the hell do you hate my people so much?!¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter yelled back at him, now completely losing sight of her discipline and mission, shouting back with years of pain and hurt. ¡°You¡¯re smart enough to see through the Red Legion¡¯s bullshit, and I know the aspirants rejected you! Why!?¡±


    Svaartal still clenched his teeth in defiance. That same look of hatred as before. Damn him! Why!?


    ¡°You Devilspawn killed my mother!¡± Svaartal growled, embracing the pain as he channelled it into cold discipline and will as his mouth twisted into a vile mask of sheer hatred. ¡°Every scar, every torture, every hardship my sister and I have endured lies at your people¡¯s feet. And I will have justice!¡±


    Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s eyes widened in shock as Svaartal summoned a sword and simply¡­sliced through the magical chains holding him!


    By the gods! How!? She thought to herself as she quickly raised her staff to block as Svaartal blinked forward and slashed at her head. Her mind was panicking now. That was one of her most powerful spells and he had somehow torn through it with that blade!


    She shoved him back and counterattacked, using her power to conjure a blade of hellfire onto the end of her staff to transform it into a glaive. Svaartal blocked it seemingly without effort, as the hellfire crackled and almost recoiled from the Nirah¡¯s blade. The Stygian ducked a swipe at her head as she quickly tackled the Nirah, holding on to his sword arm as she tried to subdue him.


    ¡°Your hatred has consumed you!¡± she desperately called to Svaartal who was able to push back with equal magically enhanced strength, clinching in place as both tried to overpower the other. ¡°This won¡¯t bring your mother back!¡±


    ¡°You threatened my sister!¡± Svaartal growled, before he was able to scrape a fang into her arm, unleashing his Sleevash Venom. The Stygian riskily adjusted her arm to move it away from Svaartal¡¯s mouth, but even mildly she felt the effects begin to take hold on her body as her heart rate began to increase dramatically to dangerous levels, and she knew the effects on her mind would be even worse! She needed to teleport away and get to the elders!


    As Svaartal began to overpower her to force a break, Devil¡¯s Daughter desperately blinked, taking both of them into the air only to fall a few metres to break the clinch, the Stygian knowing enough about Svaartal¡¯s Featherfall to not take them too high for it to take effect. Rolling off, the warlock quickly got up and cast as she ran, desperate to get off a longer-range teleport, before she yelled in pain as Svaartal¡¯s acid breath got her fully in the back, disrupting the spell.


    Desperately, she turned and blocked the nasty chop of the Nirah¡¯s sword with her staff, then again, and again as Svaartal yelled in blind, furious rage, paying no heed to defence as he attacked with determination.


    Devil¡¯s Daughter felt her arms weaken as they clashed once again, and this time got a proper look at the glowing blue blade. Underneath that and up close, she saw the white metal and gold filigree all along the length, with dark blue script, and two gleaming sapphires on the pommel. Her mind screamed in recognition¡­


    ¡®That sword!¡¯


    Svaartal broke the clash and Devil¡¯s Daughter raised her staff to block again. If she could just¡­


    The sword shimmered as Svaartal spun around for a one-handed swipe. Recognising the threat too late, Devil¡¯s Daughter adjusted her stance¡­


    Right before the illusion disappeared, and a lance of pain ripped through her stomach as Devil¡¯s Daughter was run through with the spellstrike sword. Moving to strike back out of sheer instinct, Svaartal expertly shuffled back and swiped upwards with the blade, sending a beam of energy that smacked into the Stygian, sending her flying with a fresh, burning pain.


    Gasping with loud breaths, Devil¡¯s Daughter collapsed to the ground and thrust her arm out, desperately trying to regain hold of her staff which she had dropped¡­


    With a word of power, Svaartal summoned the staff to him and away from its owner.


    As the staff flew to his hand, there was a moment of resistance from the weapon, as burning, scorching lines travelled up the Nirah¡¯s arm, before with an act of will, Svaartal resisted the curse as the lines faded back to the black rod of hellish power.


    ¡°A lot of children were left without parents thanks to your kind,¡± Svaartal growled, as Devil¡¯s Daughter fought with everything she had to stay conscious. ¡°Parents that matter at least. I do this for them. But first¡­I know this form is not your own. Let us see who the Devil''s Daughter really is¡­¡±


    He raised his hands, sword and staff pointing at the Stygian as they began to grow with power.


    Desperately, in a final moment of defiance, Devil¡¯s Daughter thrust a palm out, sending a blast of force that knocked him back several paces, but not to the ground.


    ¡°Have it your way then,¡± Svaartal sneered with hatred. ¡°Skaalp inia!¡±


    In those last moments, Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s eyes turned to desperation as her hand, smeared in her own blood, drew a desperate sigil on the ground. As all the remaining glass knives flew towards her, she dug deep and called upon her last remaining spark of power. Using the sigil she had quickly drawn, she completed her desperate spell just in time, vanishing just before the hail of knives slammed into nothing.


    ¡°You can¡¯t hide from me!¡± Svaartal yelled into the night. ¡°I will hunt you down!¡±


    *****


    Her vision darkened once again, and once again she held on, not falling yet, not yet dead.


    But soon to be.


    Her desperate teleport had thrown her randomly to a nearby place, and she was glad it had not been a place where Svaartal could find her. In the complex, dead Klowns and dead teenagers were all around her. It only reminded her of her failure.


    How could she have been so stupid!? The elders had warned her against such a reckless action, and they had been right.


    She had let her personal feelings get in the way. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! The moment she had an excuse she had taken it, completely jeopardising everything they had worked towards!


    And then she didn¡¯t have what it took to see it through. She should have just killed him outright, without words, but instead she wanted to gloat. Then she wanted to fix things after realising why.


    Why did she care? He did not deserve mercy, forgiveness or pity, nor did he even want it.


    After all, she had all the reason in the galaxy not to grant it.


    She stumbled and fell to the ground with a crash, barely registering the pain. What did it matter? It paled in comparison to what had already been inflicted on her. Death was almost welcoming at this point.


    She barely registered it as her magical veil dissipated, revealing her true form. There had not been much Sleevash venom, certainly not enough to kill her outright, but she would be dead long before it would matter. She had lost so much blood, and she was out of power.


    She thought she heard a noise in the distance. Likely a Klown. To think she would be finished off by one of them. It was funny in a way.


    At least people wouldn¡¯t know Devil¡¯s Daughter was dead.


    There was the noise again, not even speech. Just a roar of anger on the battlefield.


    A familiar roar? Closer.


    Her vision blurring, Devil¡¯s Daughter crawled forward. To where she did not know. Neither did she know why.


    The roar again, words too. She did not recognise them, her mind wouldn¡¯t let her.


    Yet she found herself moving forward, despite herself. Why? Why not just give up and die in peace with a scrap of dignity?


    The voice again, along with the sound of gunfire. Footsteps, running closer. Forcing her face up, she saw the blur up ahead. Fighting to stay alive, she tried to make a sound, and didn¡¯t know if she even did.


    She felt the footsteps now, as something rushed closer and closer. Was it death?


    ¡°Oh my god!¡± she heard the strange, accented voice call out, and she looked up to see the familiar face of Jack staring down at her.


    ¡°Nya!¡±

 Chapter 57: Relief Efforts

    ¡°Sephy! We¡¯ve got another bot being belligerent over here!¡± Alora desperately called as she quickly moved between various groaning figures on the ground and rendered whatever magical aid she could to keep them alive with the school¡¯s medical droids that had been reprogrammed to assist. She felt terrible for leaving so many of her friends and other fellow students still crying out in pain, but she remembered in the back of her mind a concept Jack had told her of from his home world while they were at the Temple of Hope assisting the healers.


    Triage.


    Saving as many survivors as she possibly could, even if it meant neglecting others.


    ¡°Medical treatment can only be administered during school hours,¡±  the droid chirped unhelpfully.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get the bot!¡± Nika groaned as she staggered up to where Alora had pointed.


    ¡°You should sit down!¡± Alora worriedly reprimanded the Kizun, who predictably shook her head in defiance.


    ¡°Fuck no, my wounds aren¡¯t lethal and I¡¯m still conscious.¡± She grunted as she roughly grabbed the floating drone, pulled some kind of pin out of one of her pockets and jammed it in place to hold something down. ¡°Which is more than I can say for others here. That¡¯ll sort it for now.¡±


    She huffed as she stumbled to move back to Dante, who was looking very lethargic as he lay on the ground exhausted. ¡°Stay with us Dante, you did what you could.¡±


    Alora nodded in agreement as she moved to another patient. Shortly after Svaarti had been flung through the portal, closing it in the process, Dante had suddenly collapsed to the ground in a sudden heap, a motion that was quickly mimicked by several others nearby him, including Nika. Nobody had any idea what Dante had actually done, but all had agreed that he had done something big to help. Chiyo had done her best to make him comfortable as she went about doing tasks of her own, grabbing a spare coat from her school locker and wrapping it around the ¡®dog¡¯ who was weakly panting while watching everybody else with sad, pleading eyes.


    A loud cry of surprise came from behind her, as one of the unconscious bodies suddenly woke up and madly flailed around in panic.


    ¡°Someone help me hold them down!¡± Alora called out as she tried to calm the student down in vain as they tried ripping their bandages off of them.


    ¡°I¡¯m here!¡± A low rumble came from the side as several whitish-blue tentacles held down the flailing limbs. ¡°Klikko! We¡¯ll need some more bandages too!¡± Plooderoo called back to his date, the arachnid keeper from Luvia¡¯s deathball team who was spinning some webs while a few others folded, cut and tied them into strips of cloth that were passed back.


    Sleep. Chiyo soothingly told the patient as she placed one of her hands on the side of their head, the green-skinned student immediately slumping their head back to rest, antenna drooping as Plooderoo slowly lowered them back to the ground.


    ¡°Thanks, Plooderoo.¡± Alora sighed in relief.


    ¡°H-Have you seen Kizzarith anywhere?¡± the Ploothe asked.


    ¡°Not yet, I¡¯m afraid,¡± Alora replied, placing a comforting hand on the giant¡¯s shoulder. ¡°There¡¯s still people on the other side confirmed alive and well, though.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got some heavy hitters on that side too, that¡¯s gotta count for something!¡± Kritch pointed out, with a few others nodding in agreement. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯d rather have them here out of danger with the others and I hope he¡¯s gonna be alright, but if Jack was able to get the defences back online, everyone''s chances go way up!¡±


    ¡°And Devil¡¯s Daughter arrived with a High Threat Response team!¡± Sephy added. ¡°It¡¯ll be cleanup duties from here, so the worst of it should be over, but still. All those people¡­¡±


    ¡°If the Klowns have been beaten back then there is the possibility for the resurrection of any of the fallen.¡± Crill groaned from where he leaned against a nearby wall. ¡°They will have taken what bodies they could for klownification, but any remaining could be revived, especially with the school bots¡­¡±


    Such a thing after such an event would still cause heavy damage to their mental state. Chiyo cautioned. Of course we must try, but it may not work for those who have already fully passed on.


    ¡°Not to mention expensive,¡± Luvia sighed, fighting to stay up and awake. She had taken a heavy amount of damage from the fight, but refused to accept any help or instruction from Alora, insisting that she was fine and having no intention of looking weak in front of everyone else. Though with every minute she passed she looked even more worse for wear as she muttered something about ¡®looking strong¡¯¡­


    She would need to lie down soon one way or the other¡­


    ¡°Clan Bharzum should cover whatever costs are needed!¡± Sveta Bharzum nervously spoke up as she looked around at the sad display all around them. ¡°As a matter of honour, I have no doubt the elders will act to make this right!¡±


    The crowd paused for a moment before Nika spoke up.


    ¡°We shall see,¡± the Kizun replied simply, a hint of doubt in her tone. ¡°Right now we should focus on what we can do.¡±


    ¡°Especially those that we owe our lives to,¡± Vaal replied from where he was knelt down next to Svaarti. The Nirah had received the greatest priority from anyone who could help in any way. Coats and jackets had been laid on the ground to keep the unconscious wizard as comfortable as possible, and Greta had taken it upon herself to monitor her condition. Her breathing was weak, and Chiyo had confirmed extensive spell scarring all across her arms and chest.


    But the worst part was her aura. The Ilithii could see cracks and fissures throughout it, with terrified emotions running rampant. Svaarti had used far more power than she was capable of safely using, and it had torn the Nirah apart.


    Chiyo didn¡¯t know if she could be healed from something like that.


    ¡°What even happened on the other side of the portal?¡± Nika tiredly asked as she paced up and down where it had dissipated, somehow hoping it would reappear for her to rush through and rejoin the fight. It would distract her from her wounds. ¡°They shut it quickly by sending the Svaarti through, did the Klowns have reinforcements?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, the High Threat Response Team was already making landfall!¡± Greta Bharzum pointed out from the other side of Svaarti, also taking what care she could as she pressed a cold cloth to the Nirah¡¯s forehead. ¡°Devil¡¯s Daughter was saying something, so maybe Svaartal was just following her advice¡­.¡±


    Alora, Nika, Chiyo and Sephy looked to one another, not believing that conclusion in the slightest.


    Suddenly, a gap formed in the crowd as at the end of the corridor a shimmering light began to shine, as it grew in intensity and formed a dimensional rift.


    Gasps emerged from all around the corridor as Svaartal emerged, torn and bloodied, with his sword in one hand and the recognisable staff of Devil¡¯s Daughter in the other.


    Taking in the wide eyes and expressions, Svaartal knew he had everyone¡¯s attention as he raised Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s staff high before slamming it into the ground, sending fissures of hellfire rippling along the ground in waves of dark red light with a loud roar of power. Everyone immediately went quiet and gave the Nirah their full, undivided attention.


    ¡°I¡¯m only going to ask this once,¡± Svaartal announced to the stunned crowd, as Carrow perched on his shoulder, cawing challengingly at the various gazes of shock all around them.


    ¡°Where is my sister?¡±


    *****


    Captain Ivar Bharzum dashed forward as fast as his short legs could carry him, flanked by his squad of elite soldiers. They and several other groups had scrambled as soon as they had received word that their outpost was under attack and had been up in the air a minute after the first call for help had been received, gearing up during the flight as he received updates and reports.


    It wasn¡¯t good. Clusters of the Killer Klown¡¯s forces had launched surprise attacks at specific points all over the city, and the confusion had delayed any sort of organised response. They had gotten here a mere fifteen minutes later, and he had been terrified that they had been too late.


    Thankfully, his cousin Sigrin had organised an evacuation and defence, but the work was far from done. Their territory had to be purged of the unholy taint of Jingubash¡¯s Children.


    His heavy plasma rifle was hot in his hands, soot caking the thick, metal bands of his gauntlets from continuous fire, as he and his men obliterated any surviving Klowns they found, and had even relieved some wounded that Sigrin told him about. His younger cousin had quickly seized the initiative and pushed forward to the security nexus to guide them via the cameras, and she had notified them of groups of injured, and defenders that were still fighting the Klowns. He was trying to catch up to one that was fighting on his own that Sigrin wanted rescued as a priority for questioning, but they were moving very quickly, and leaving a very messy trail of gore to follow.


    Eventually, he just caught up to them at a crossroads fighting a Klown Klasher of all things! This type of Klown had a reputation for being a powerful juggernaut in battle, yet as their group turned the corridor and charged in to assist, the Klown was blasted off her feet by the powerful warrior, who had spun around and planted his boot into their chest in a vicious kick that heavily dented the thick sheet of polkadot metal the Klown was wearing as armour. The warrior was covered in blood, much of it his own from several open wounds. Ivar had no idea how the boy was even alive.


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    As Ivar and his men raised their rifles to help finish off the Klown she lifted her head to get up. However, the warrior growled and sprinted at the armour-clad mutant, lashing out with a penalty kick so forceful that it blew the Klown¡¯s helmeted head right off her body to fly past a terrified-looking soldier who dodged just in time, with what remained of the head smacking into the nearest wall.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± one of the responders yelled in shock as he raised his rifle at the mysterious warrior. ¡°What the hell is that motherfucker?¡±


    ¡°Compose yourself, Balvi!¡± Ivar snapped back as he holstered his rifle and took a cautious step forward. ¡°Are you Jack?¡± he asked the form that was caked in blood.


    It took several moments of loud, growling breaths before the warrior had the presence of mind to speak.


    ¡°That¡¯s me. Are you the cavalry?¡± Jack asked, panting, as he quickly stumbled back to check on Nya, who had been unconscious from just the moment after he found her. ¡°We need a medic for this one!¡± he told Ivar, having correctly assumed him to be in charge.


    ¡°Mamur, help her!¡± Ivar ordered his field medic without hesitation, pointing to the grievously wounded Nya. ¡°Rargil, Dagli go help him.¡°


    Ivar then turned to Jack as the human grabbed a half-drunk bottle of something off the floor, quickly downing the contents. ¡°You need to come with us, we¡¯re getting you out of here.¡±


    ¡°No, there¡¯s still places I haven¡¯t checked yet¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop. Your friends told Sigrin you¡¯d probably say that.¡± Ivar sighed. ¡°We have other teams combing the complex for survivors, including the groups you were able to help. We also have Sigrin on cameras and my grandfather leading a counterattack into the Gloom Paths, so you don¡¯t need to do anything else. Our orders are to get you out of here, ensure you get medical attention and get your full account of what happened. Are you going to cooperate?¡±


    The rush of adrenaline in Jack¡¯s mind subsided as he realised he and everyone else were safe now. He fell to his knees in sheer exhaustion, feeling lightheaded and dizzy as he barely had the presence of mind to put a hand out to stop himself from smacking into the floor as Ivar shouted in alarm.


    ¡°Ailgur, get over here, he needs help¡­¡± the Hoduth ordered.


    ¡°Are you ok, lad?¡± Ivar asked as Jack softly laughed, which gave way to a chuckle. ¡°You¡¯ve lost a lot of blood, we¡¯re going to stop you leaking before we move, otherwise you¡¯ll bleed out.¡±


    ¡°Why are you laughing?¡± one of the other soldiers asked the human.


    Jack held up a metal stick to show to the squad.


    ¡°My fucking axe broke¡­¡±


    *****


    Many hundreds of miles away, in a long-abandoned city, a light suddenly shone in one of the alleyways.


    A lone rodent, scurrying along the deserted streets reclaimed by nature, saw it and got curious, slowly padding its way towards the unusual sight with stick-like appendages. Two creatures it had never seen before suddenly appeared out of thin air, panting from the brief excursion of teleporting as they stepped into the cold night air. Before the rodent could scurry away, a long, sharp tentacle quickly lashed out, lancing the rodent through the chest.


    Barely letting out one last final squeak of pain, the rodent died instantly as its body was rapidly decomposed and absorbed by the tentacle. Dr Reyazz Grine barely let out any hint of exertion as he re-knitted a small part of himself back together.


    ¡°We have time,¡± his companion calmly hissed to him, his black robes perfectly still despite the strong breeze.


    ¡°Less than you may think,¡± Grine replied back with equal calmness, though his mysterious companion was not a fool.


    ¡°Complications?¡± The wizard asked, tilting their hooded head in expectation.


    ¡°Our end of the bargain was fulfilled,¡± Grine confirmed. ¡°Though as you know, the Killer Klown is¡­mercurial at times. He may blame myself and the others for any perceived failure on his part.¡±


    ¡°I doubt he¡¯ll see it as a failure,¡± his wizard companion reasoned. ¡°His primary drive is terror, and he will have certainly accomplished that tonight. His lack of new recruits may work in our favour.¡±


    ¡°You may be right,¡± Grine conceded as he absorbed several more rodents while they walked. ¡°Though the rest of the Court may not agree with your assessment.¡±


    They continued travelling in silence for several minutes. Nothing disturbed them, and with the exception of Grine absorbing fresh vermin, both figures were content to remain quiet and alert.


    ¡°Here we are,¡± the wizard confirmed as they eventually made it to the tall ruin of a building they had agreed to rendezvous at.


    Climbing the stairs without complaint, both men silently slinked down a long corridor, following some shadowmarks that had been left specifically for them. Coming to an unassuming but decrepit-looking wooden door that looked like it had fused to the frame over time, the wizard cast the passphrase, dispelling the traps and illusions on the door, before opening the reinforced metal door.


    ¡°Took your time!¡± The huge muscular reptilian man grinned with jagged, sharp teeth as he threw his wizard friend a cold bottle of expensive ale.


    ¡°We¡¯re ahead of schedule and you know it, asshole!¡± the wizard grinned slyly, reaching his arm out into a handshake symbolising their camaraderie before sitting down in a plush, comfortable chair.


    The safehouse had been stocked with all the comforts and necessities they could possibly want while resting between assignments, or waiting to be called upon. Dr Grine wasted no time in quickly moving to a minifridge in one of the cupboards, pulling out a vial of an expensive concoction of his own creation which he quickly downed. His wounds quickly began to regenerate and heal, and his biomass rapidly replenished to the levels they were at before he had infiltrated Outpost Khundohr.


    The wizard made no comment about that, recognising the dimensional pocket enchantment for what it was. He casually got another cold ale out of the fridge and laid back with some snacks, using his long tongue to spear through each crunchy freeze-dried vegetable and egg-based morsel out of a large bag.


    ¡°Excellent.¡± Grine calmly sighed as he rested in another chair opposite the wizard. ¡°Another successful operation, and I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be called upon again soon. I will be laying low for the immediate future once this meeting has concluded; perhaps you will accompany me, Vhashiel?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to have another crack at Devil¡¯s Daughter?¡± the reptilian asked Grine, genuinely surprised as he leaned forward on his chair, placing his chin on his hammer.


    ¡°The Good Doctor was spotted and confronted,¡± the wizard interjected before Grine could answer. ¡°The one responsible for that hiccup is still alive, so we need to be careful since they will surely talk. Perhaps you know them? Same rough age as my ¡®wayward children.¡¯ An Outsider.¡±


    At hearing these words, Master Kull growled heavily, dragging his warhammer along the ground as he got up and paced up and down the room.


    ¡°Jack Frost,¡± he growled. ¡°We know this Outsider. We know him well!¡± he snarled under his breath. ¡°I shall kill him, and we will make him suffer!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Grine replied, almost seeming  to slightly flinch when Kull turned his gaze to him. ¡°The Court will not take kindly to your pursuit of vengeance unless it runs parallel with our goals. Your position at the school is at risk enough already!¡±


    ¡°It may be that the Outsider will end up marked for death just like Devil¡¯s Daughter has,¡± the wizard pointed out as the Nirah removed his hood to reveal a hateful-looking serpentine face. ¡°Though his nature as an Outsider puts too many eyes on him. They have enough enemies, let them do the work for you.¡±


    Kull seemed to calm at that suggestion, nodding in agreement with a low growl.


    ¡°How did your mission go?¡± Grine asked Kull pointedly.


    Kull grinned. ¡°Better than expected. The local Red Legion districts got hit hard, the Killer Klown has many new recruits and my standing with the Legion could not be better! Nothing like a champion killing one of the Named to save face. Already pinned the blame for the feeble defence on the dead, and my path to Grandmaster of the Red Legion forces on the Ring is well and truly clear.¡±


    ¡°And here I thought subtly wasn¡¯t your thing!¡± The wizard grinned wickedly, earning a friendly shove from Master Kull.


    A single beep rang out, and the three individuals immediately stopped what they were doing.


    The Court was in session.


    Many individuals all across the Ring gave their updates. Across several hours they listened to accounts from others that had operated over the past few weeks, broken by a single brief moment where they gave their own reports. Eventually, secret votes were put in place, and orders were anonymously given.


    As Dr Grine had predicted, the trio had no new orders, so  theywere either to maintain cover where it applied, or to lay low. If they wished to induct anyone to the Court, it would have to be proposed later.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need to head back soon,¡± Kull pointed out. Though he did not have a court-provided sequencer crystal to take him back the way he had arrived, his wizard friend had given him an alternative.


    ¡°I know, I almost envy you.¡± The wizard locked arms with his old friend, clasping the forearm of the other in a firm grip.


    ¡°The time for the Red Legion to acknowledge you properly will come, my friend,¡± Kull reassured the Nirah.


    ¡°Indeed. I especially can¡¯t wait for the family reunion!¡± The Nirah chuckled as he let go and let Kull return home. The dimensional rift disappeared as quickly as it came, and soon he was alone with Dr Grine.


    ¡°So what really happened back there?¡± the wizard asked Grine, expression immediately falling serious, not bothering to hide his curiosity any longer. ¡°I¡¯ve never, ever, seen you lose control like that before.¡±


    ¡°Something unexpected,¡± Grine answered. ¡°I encountered the Outsider, as you saw. They chased after me, and were far stronger than I anticipated.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± the Nirah lazily asked. ¡°Kull told me of his exploits first hand. Defeating 7 of the best Red Legion aspirants in his class, including my own wayward ¡®son¡¯, and an incident where Kull had to instil some discipline in his students.¡±


    ¡°I can imagine,¡± Grine acknowledged, waiting to hear where the wizard was going with this.


    ¡°Why give him information about the Spawn of Nekdon we know he faced?¡± he asked, looking at Grine with steely eyes. ¡°You omitted that from your report, and we both know the Court does not look too kindly on letting information like that slip.¡±


    Grine paused for a moment, nervous.


    ¡°Will you tell the Court?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± The Nirah smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve sent him on a path that will either kill him or turn him into an asset. A move out of my own playbook.¡±


    ¡°Your wards?¡± Grine asked.


    ¡°Yes. Svaarvali¡¯s scions know barely any scrap of their heritage. Provided my own allegiance to the Court remains obscured at all times, they will serve it well if approached properly. Another insult to the family when the time comes.¡± The Nirah¡¯s grin went wide as he relished the idea.


    ¡°Vhashiel?¡± Grine began to ask, but the Nirah cut him off.


    ¡°That is not my name. It is merely an alias that is no longer needed,¡± the serpent snapped, with a look that would allow no debate. ¡°An identity that now needs to be shed for the good of the Court. It is time for me to reclaim my true name.¡±


    ¡°Then who are you? Really?¡± Dr Grine asked, curious now. He respected the wizard as a powerful and reliable ally, and he had wondered who the well-versed mage really was. As a precaution, he had learned all he could of the members of the Court known to him, but had found very little about the wizard, and that concerned him greatly. Wizards of comparatively high power were usually well known in public circles, and finding nothing about this Nirah was concerning. Not even his link to Master Kull gave him much.


    The Nirah smiled wickedly, as if an invisible burden had been removed from his shoulders. ¡°I am Svaarzhul, and none shall eclipse me.¡±

 Chapter 58: Triage

    ¡°Hold still!¡± The Hoduth seeing to Jack gently slapped his arm as she rubbed some gel into his burns, which quickly stopped stinging and gave way to a cooling sensation. ¡°I would try giving you a stim to knock you out but I have no idea if that would even work. At least the Stygian isn¡¯t complaining¡­¡±


    Jack sighed, acknowledging the medic¡¯s dark humour with a slight nod, looking at the unconscious form of Nya as he did.


    Upon being escorted by Captain Ivar and his squad to the surface, he had been quickly medevaced to another Clan Bharzum holding that had been converted into a temporary hospice, with several of the clan wizards working in tandem to also begin teleporting those that had fled to the school. Unlike the outpost they had left, this complex encompassed three adjacent districts and hadn¡¯t been dug deep, serving as offices and residences for the clan. It was in one of the larger buildings that the respectable medical wing was temporarily expanded to encompass several nearby rooms to cater for the large number of injured, with more being carefully brought in by Hoduth porters one at a time.


    ¡°That should do you for now,¡± the medic told him. ¡°Just wait here for now and don¡¯t go anywhere until we get back to you, since we¡¯ve got more victims being brought in we need to look at. Keep an eye on the Stygian while you¡¯re here and shout if her condition deteriorates any further.¡±


    ¡°Will she be alright?¡± Jack asked, only for the medic to audibly suck in a breath.


    ¡°I have no idea how she¡¯s alive if I¡¯m honest, but at least she¡¯s stable, possibly due to some passive magical effect or drugs in her system - I haven¡¯t got the scans back yet,¡± the Hoduth candidly replied, looking down at Nya. ¡°You did well, by the way. Not only getting this one out, but a few of the other teams are getting reports of someone matching your description saving and treating them.¡±


    ¡°I did what I could.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Still doesn¡¯t feel like enough.¡±


    ¡°We have a Chuna who¡¯s in an absolute state that¡¯s been asking for you by name, and we have a critically wounded Anicite who others have told me knows you.¡±


    The weight on Jack¡¯s mind was lifted slightly by the news that Vanya and Kizzarith had been recovered by other response teams, but lurched when he heard how bad a state they were in.


    ¡°Yes, I know them,¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°How-¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll do what we can but I can¡¯t promise anything,¡± the medic replied curtly. ¡°The Chuna only has defensive physical wounds, and the Anicite is pumped full of drugs. Don¡¯t worry about them, I need you to stay on the Stygian for now until the experts we¡¯re bringing in can have a look at her.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Jack sighed as he slumped back in a chair that had been provided to him. He stayed like that for several moments, left alone with only the pained, laboured breathing of Nya giving background to his thoughts.


    ¡°What the hell happened to you?¡± Jack whispered to the unconscious Stygian. ¡°I didn¡¯t even see you at the party, and nobody mentioned you were going. Though I suppose if I saw your weird friend skulking around I should have expected you to be nearby too.¡±


    He had no idea where Rena had gone. After meeting her in the complex, she had slunk off as quickly as she arrived and didn¡¯t follow him, possibly to cover more ground, but Jack did find it strange that he hadn¡¯t seen or heard anything about her once he¡¯d found Nya. He knew that if it was any of his closest friends in the same position he¡¯d be right there the moment he got the news. As it was, the last he had heard about them when he made it to the security nexus was that they were okay, and he was confident he would see them soon. They could handle themselves.


    Looking to the door, Jack could hear the noises of medics and other staff running around, mixed in with the occasional shouting. Nobody came in to see them however, as several people were gurneyed to other nearby rooms based on the severity of their injuries. As Jack relaxed, however, and the last of his adrenaline faded away, he groaned as the aches and pains began to flare up and itch, and knew he didn¡¯t want to get up again for a while. If he had known he¡¯d be this comfortable he¡¯d at least try to get a drink beforehand.


    *****


    "Are you capable with healing magic?" one of the Hoduth medics asked.


    "I dabble," Svaartal distractedly replied as he examined Svaarti''s spellscars.


    The Nirah was beginning to seriously regret allowing the Clan Bharzum representatives to convince him to bring his sister here, but after the Hoduth had failed in keeping their own holdings secured and allowed the attack to happen, he hoped they would at least provide some decent care for fixing Svaarti''s injuries and not be completely incompetent about it.


    He had failed to find Devil''s Daughter to finish her off. From what he examined of the astral signature she left behind, she had used a very desperate teleport to get herself out of there, and with luck, she would have ripped herself apart in the process. Unfocused teleportation was highly risky after all, but Svaartal knew that a potent warlock like Devil''s Daughter would likely have ways to mitigate the risk. He had practised for such a scenario himself, after all¡­


    He had no doubt they''d meet again.


    "Would you be able to lend what aid you can?" the medic tiredly asked. "Even if you''re only able to heal minor wounds, anything you can do to assist our staff would be greatly appreciated."


    "How much?" Svaartal asked, not really paying any attention.


    "W-what?! You¡¯re asking for money? Don''t you want to help your friends from school?" the Hoduth asked, completely shocked by Svaartal''s response, who just scoffed at that.


    "They wouldn¡¯t give a shit and they¡¯d leave me for dead if given the opportunity," the Nirah dismissed. "We''ve done enough for you people - my sister has paid a heavy price and I just came out of a fight with Devil¡¯s Daughter herself.¡±


    Svaartal suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, as another patted the medic on the back.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Dalir,¡± Sigrin Bharzum reassured the medic with a friendly wink before turning to Svaartal. ¡°I assure you, we shall compensate you well. I have already given you assurances for what you have done so far. Surely the matter of healing would be trivial for a powerful spellcaster like yourself?¡±


    Svaartal was not stupid in the slightest, and knew Sigrin was buttering him up in an attempt to manipulate him; however, he found he wasn¡¯t that bothered by it. Everything he could do on the spot for Svaarti he had already done, and he had already sent a message to one of his contacts within House Mal¡¯Kar. Some extra money and prestige couldn¡¯t hurt, and out of all the members of Clan Bharzum he had met tonight, he found he had some respect for the acting Elder despite everything that had happened.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Svaartal grunted in agreement. ¡°First we get Svaarti secured.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s acceptable,¡± Sigrin replied, taking Dalir¡¯s spot at the rear of the gurney. ¡°You can help with the next lot, Dalir, I¡¯ve got this one.¡±


    The medic nodded and scampered off as Sigrin led them down a corridor.


    ¡°So,¡± Sigrin idly spoke up after several moments of silence. ¡°Devil¡¯s Daughter, huh? Most people in your position would have run. Did you kill her?¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Svaartal replied curtly. ¡°Unconfirmed. She teleported out and is probably many miles away by now if she isn¡¯t dead.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m kinda curious why she went after you and your sister though?¡± the Hoduth asked casually. ¡°Something about your sister¡¯s staff clearly piqued her interest.¡±


    ¡°More Devilspawn lies,¡± Svaartal growled. ¡°She accused my sister of stealing a family heirloom that is ours by right. I¡¯m not going to give the words of an enemy much credence. She probably wanted to take it from us while making up a justification, you saw what my sister did with it.¡±


    ¡°That I did.¡± Sigrin nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve called in a favour with a cabal of wizards that I worked with in the past since we¡¯ve got reports of some other magical wounds among the injured, and they can hopefully treat your sister. Unfortunately, Clan Bharzum does not have much magical talent in-house, but perhaps that could change¡­¡±


    Svaartal didn¡¯t look too curious, so Sigrin got to the point. ¡°From what I understand, you are aligned with a Drow House, but perhaps instead you and your sister could be aligned with Clan Bharzum.¡±


    Svaartal scoffed at that prospect, but Sigrin didn¡¯t appear perturbed in the slightest.


    ¡°As an adventurer I¡¯ve learned to work with all sorts of people. Mercenaries, idealists. Good, bad and neutral. Most of the Elders of Clan Bharzum would disagree with the idea as you have, but not me. Both you and your sister could be a good fit. We need magical talent and I haven¡¯t met anyone that can do what the two of you did tonight.¡±


    ¡°Not interested,¡± Svaartal sneered. ¡°I am no oathbreaker and House Mal¡¯Kar offers much more than you ever could. Security, for one thing.¡±


    If Sigrin was offended by Svaartal¡¯s response she didn¡¯t show it. ¡°I don¡¯t expect you to accept my offer right now, but perhaps you will remember this conversation.¡± The Hoduth inclined her head with a sly smile. ¡°The offer to join us and work for me is an open one, though perhaps if your contract allows for it in the meantime, I could hire you for jobs if they don¡¯t conflict with House Mal¡¯Kar business.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t count on it,¡± Carrow squawked from atop Svaartal¡¯s shoulder, peering at the unusual Hoduth with curious eyes. ¡°My master is far more than a common mercenary.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Sigrin nodded and dropped the subject. ¡°You will be compensated well for tonight and the Elders may wish to speak to you¡­¡±


    Svaartal sighed heavily at that, making it clear he was not in the mood for pointless chatter.


    ¡°Very well.¡± Sigrin sighed, while indicating a room at the end of the corridor. ¡°You can keep Svaarti in here. From what I¡¯ve seen of wizards overcasting beyond their natural limits, rest is the best medicine, but guidance and corrective therapy will help. She can stay here for as long as she needs.¡±


    ¡°We shall see. I want to be nearby in case Devil¡¯s Daughter tries to make another attempt. If she comes anywhere near us, I¡¯ll end her.¡±


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    Opening the door, Svaartal¡¯s eyebrows rose as he saw the room was already occupied. Frost was sat in a chair at the end and had just perked up on seeing the newcomers, though his look of curiosity quickly turned to shock as they wheeled Svaarti in, setting her next to the other comatose patient in the room.


    ¡°What the fuck happened to her?¡± Svaartal asked, pointing at Nya, who was covered in so many bandages and blankets that she was barely recognisable.


    ¡°We believe she may have encountered a Klown mage, or possibly even the one you said was helping Dr Grine, Jack,¡± Sigrin explained, acknowledging the human. ¡°Good to meet you in the flesh, by the way. Sigrin Bharzum, Acting Elder.¡±


    ¡°A pleasure,¡± Jack acknowledged with a nod. ¡°Will Svaarti be alright?¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t know until the mages look at her - they¡¯re on their way, but I need the both of you to help keep our patients stable until the extra medics we¡¯ve hired get here. We¡¯ve got some droids at the school helping, but there¡¯s apparently been some issues with them, so we¡¯re bringing victims here and setting them up for long-term care.¡±


    ¡°Are there guards for my sister at least?¡± Svaartal asked, sounding annoyed after quickly gazing for barely a moment upon Nya¡¯s aura, disappointed that it didn¡¯t look anything like the aura of Devil¡¯s Daughter. A foolish thought.


    ¡°I can have a few of our young reservists guarding the door within a few minutes,¡± Sigrin quickly agreed. ¡°Our home districts are on full alert now, but I¡¯ve prioritised our local troops with getting the wounded here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll protect them!¡± a high-pitched voice squeaked out, as T¡¯Chika peeked out from under Svaarti¡¯s makeshift blanket, creating some kind of magical sparks to try and look tough in an utterly non-intimidating manner.


    ¡°I am sure you will protect your master to the best of your ability, T¡¯Chika,¡± Svaartal replied with a barely concealed smile before he turned to his own familiar. ¡±Carrow, guard the room. Alert me immediately if anyone enters and stall them until I arrive, especially if they¡¯re magically active. If hostile, engage and kill them.¡±


    ¡°By your command, Master,¡± Carrow squawked, as the Corvid began using their innate magic to conjure arcane protections.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure that won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Sigrin sighed as she led the two boys to another, larger room with more victims nursing smaller wounds. ¡°But your familiar doesn¡¯t strike me as having healing powers.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­that¡¯s right¡­¡± Svaartal hesitantly replied as his eyes fell on Jack, who had no doubt in his mind that the Nirah was lying to some degree due to him being around. In truth, Carrow had some limited ability to heal himself and his master, which he had already fully utilised during the fight with Devil¡¯s Daughter, but he didn¡¯t want to reveal that information publically.


    Both Jack and Svaartal awkwardly followed behind Sigrin, not saying anything to the other, while occasionally sneaking a glance at the other¡¯s wounds. They could clearly see that they had both been through their own personal hell tonight, though as the door opened to reveal the large hall with conscious wounded, both boys knew it could have been a lot worse.


    The first person Jack saw was an orange-furred creature with four arms and a short, thick tail, who had taken multiple hits with plasma and laser fire and was shaking so vigorously Jack had to ask a passing medic for some kind of sedative, because there was no way he was going to trust himself to administer drugs with his extremely limited medical knowledge, which didn¡¯t even account for alien peoples in the first place.


    Making sure to keep his tone of voice light and reassuring, he gently cut away at the burned, melted fur before rubbing in liberal amounts of cooling gel while avoiding the blisters, eventually wrapping it up in a sterile dressing while cautioning the student, who had shakily introduced himself as Zinqeth, to not pick at it despite how itchy it would get.


    The second student was much the same way, though initially much calmer. Bizh was of a blue avian species with a scrunched-up face, who winced as Jack removed several of her singed feathers near her wounds that were all grouped close together. Talking to Jack to distract herself from the pain, she speculated that one of the Klown Kommandos or maybe even one of the Named had taken a shot at her. Fortunately, she had apparently made it back thanks to the help of Svaartal of all people. He was surprised, but glad to hear that. Perhaps his words did reach the Nirah after all¡­


    The third person he helped was of a more exotic species he was less used to, but he didn¡¯t let that get in the way of doing what he could to help them. The closest thing Jack could describe them as was some kind of feathered serpent from Aztec mythology on earth, naturally floating off the ground through some aspect of their biology, likely as an offshoot of their natural affinity for sorcery, as Obeda was happy to inform him as Jack tried his best to secure a bandage around them. According to several witnesses, Obeda had managed to slay several Klowns in the opening moments of the attack, assisting Elder Torvin Bharzum who mounted a desperate stand at the thickest point of the assault.


    ¡°He told me to run and I did¡­¡± Obeda hissed morosely as Jack ended up wrapping a bandage all around their serpentine body. ¡°I should have stayed, maybe I could have¡­¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Jack interrupted, as Obeda stared ahead, his spectacles askew. ¡°He wanted you to get out of there and you got out, you did what you could, and from what people have been telling me, you saved a lot of lives yourself through your actions.¡±


    ¡°I saw the Elder die.¡± Obeda sighed. ¡°I was one of the last ones out of there before they were overrun and they set off the explosive mining charges. The only reason I survived was because I followed Luvianestixx and her group of survivors to the entrance before I blacked out.¡±


    ¡°I hope you feel better.¡± Jack patted him on the closest thing he could estimate to a shoulder as he finished up with Obeda¡¯s physical injuries. ¡°I¡¯m not a shrink, but we both went through something similar. If you want to talk, here¡¯s my commcode.¡±


    Obeda copied it over to his commlink, still giving off a thousand-yard stare but having enough energy to thank Jack with a slight nod of acknowledgement. Jack walked off to find someone else to help out, glancing down at his commlink and doing a double take as he realised how many hours had passed since he started. He had pretty much been on autopilot the entire time he had been helping people, and now saw that there were many more medics who looked far more qualified than him doing the rounds, as well as a familiar figure making their way towards him.


    ¡°Jack! Thank the gods you¡¯re alright!¡± Alora yelled out as she ran and flung her arms around the human, who winced a bit from the pain but otherwise returned the hug with one arm.


    ¡°Hey Alora,¡± Jack managed to groan back through his cracked ribs, being reminded of his own injuries. They stayed like that for several moments, a moment of calm in the storm of misery. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re alright, what about the others?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve all taken hits.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Nika¡¯s hurt the worst along with Dante, and they¡¯re currently resting in one of the rooms. Sephy and Chiyo got hit too but they¡¯ve been helping out the medics last time I saw them, though there¡¯s word of experienced medical staff relieving those without experience as they arrive here, so they might tell you to report somewhere soon to get yourself patched up now that the more critically injured are stable and secure.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± Jack asked as he leaned against a wall, thoroughly tired from the night but trying not to show it.


    ¡°I took a few stray shots but I healed myself up so it was nothing serious.¡± Alora sighed, sounding even more tired than he was. ¡°I¡¯ve been working all night, and I used up my healing power last night too after the Pallid Pit. I¡¯m going to need to lie down soon, but on the plus side I¡¯m getting even better at this.¡±


    ¡°Same, it¡¯s amazing what moving from one near-death experience to the other will do to give you experience in surviving it,¡± Jack quipped with a slight smile.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Alora softly replied with a heavy exhale of breath. ¡°Not everyone was so lucky. While it could have been much worse, so many people died tonight, and Clan Bharzum are still recovering the bodies they can. I saw them bring Arlox in, Jack. I have never seen Crill so distraught before in my life. He went in with some priests that will try and bring Arlox back, but even if they manage to do that, he¡¯ll never be the same¡­¡±


    Jack shut his eyes tight as the news of Arlox¡¯s death washed over him. He had liked the aquatic boy in the short time he knew him, and had fun playing Deathball on the same team as him. And it wasn¡¯t just him. He hadn¡¯t known the Crypts or even Killer Kush for that long, but despite all the shadiness and the latter trying to kill him, Jack still found that he mourned for them all the same. They had fought a common enemy in the end, even at the cost of their own existence.


    ¡°Even among the living many of us will never be the same,¡± he finally spoke out as Alora held on to him, knowing his pain. ¡°This was meant to be a good moment we could all enjoy, and I just¡­¡± He couldn¡¯t bring himself to finish the sentence, just saying, ¡°Sorry.¡±


    He and Alora just stayed there in silence, neither having any words for the other as the reality of the aftermath hit home. The sight of cuts and burns was one thing, but for Jack, it was the sounds that got to him. The sobbing and weeping of victims as they rocked back and forth, the shuddering of others as they pushed themselves as far as they could against the walls, eyes widening in fear at any sudden movements around them, and the heavy hyperventilating of other victims as they relieved their memories of the terror. All of it washed over Jack, and threatened to consume him with despair.


    I can¡¯t lose it now. I can¡¯t look weak. I have to be strong. I need to do something!


    Alora seemed to notice a shift in Jack¡¯s mind as his body stiffened and straightened. He buried all of his fears, hate and sadness deep in his mind as he threw himself into a new purpose.


    ¡°Our friends need us,¡± Jack spoke up with a new edge to his voice as he looked to Alora, who nodded in agreement. ¡°Can you talk to Vanya? It can¡¯t be me. I don¡¯t know how far it got or if it was definitely what I thought it was, but I had to leave her alone after what happened.¡±


    ¡°Oh gods¡­¡± Alora quietly gasped, understanding what Jack was implying. ¡°I had heard rumours from others, but I never thought¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded with a grim expression. ¡°And since Svaarti is in a coma, you¡¯re the best person I can think of who would know what to do.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll find her.¡± Alora nodded grimly. ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°Kizzarith. I¡¯ll try and see him if I can and give him a few words of encouragement if he¡¯s regained consciousness,¡± Jack replied quickly. ¡°Nya and Svaarti were both comatose last time I saw them, what about our other friends?¡±


    ¡°Luvia and Plooderoo are probably getting treated now, or if not they will be soon. Both of them have hardy constitutions so probably had to wait, same as you. Kritch seems to be coping surprisingly well, I last saw him with Zayle. Rayle is in critical condition, maybe you¡¯ll see them when you see Kizzarith? Don¡¯t know about anyone else we know, so I hope they¡¯re alright¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded before a group of medics wearing green uniforms approached them.


    ¡°You two, we¡¯ve been looking for you,¡± the leader called to them, not unkindly. They were a short being with extremely pale, brown skin, large black eyes and a snout with whiskers. In a way he looked similar to the rat-like Lizta, but was more mole-like in Jack¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Apologies, we¡¯ll get back to work, Lector.¡± Alora tiredly sighed.


    ¡°No, no,¡± the Lector replied with the closest thing to a friendly laugh they could manage given the situation. ¡°The Sect of Esin are here to relieve you, and assist any other healers Clan Bharzum can find and hire. The Outsider should have been relieved over an hour ago, and I can see your magic is almost depleted. Both of you need to rest and come back fresh, the whole city is reeling from this mess.¡±


    ¡°How bad?¡± Alora asked. ¡°We¡¯ve heard there have been other attacks but don¡¯t know the details.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s bad.¡± The Lector¡¯s face was deadly serious. ¡°Nobody knows how, but there have been deep strikes all over the city. The Killer Klown must have been spending the last two years building up his forces for this, and there are rumours he was spotted trying to besiege the Temple of Hope!¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t succeed, did he?¡± Jack asked, dreading the potential answer.


    ¡°No.¡± The Lector emphatically shook his head. ¡°Though at great cost to the Temple Guard. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the Killer Klown planned it that way since he¡¯s done it before.¡±


    ¡°Build the pyre and watch it burn,¡± Alora growled. ¡°The Killer Klown sows the seed of chaos in the name of his foul god.¡±


    At that moment several people nearby shouted in alarm as they pointed to something on the wall. Responding to the activity, everybody nearby looked towards the screen on the wall which had just turned on by itself, revealing the obese purple-and-yellow suited form of the Killer Klown. His wide grin of bloody, sharp teeth widened to insane levels as he gave a mocking salute to the viewers, twirling his top hat before planting it back on his head.


    ¡°What joy and fun to be had this night! I most certainly hope I gave you a fright¡­¡±


    The Killer Klown spoke with a flamboyant growl, giving a sadistic grin as he stared directly through the screen. Jack¡¯s jaw clenched in anger as he took in the expression of the freak that stared at him, as if staring into his very soul.


    ¡°But tonight was a mere morsel, nothing more than a taste. I will cut through you all, until you¡¯re erased!¡±


    Several frightened whispers came from the crowd, but all of that washed over Jack as he kept a laser focus on the screen.


    ¡°Run or fight or you will all learn, that by my will this ring will BURN!¡±


    As the feed cut out, Jack stared at the empty television screen, as sheer rage roared within his mind like a thunderstorm.

 Chapter 59: Inquisition

    ¡°Can I ask you two for a favour?¡± Kizzarith weakly asked Jack and Kritch as they waited with the Anicite before he was brought in for another round of surgery. The insectoid had already undertaken a few rounds of surgery to keep him alive and preserve his vital organs, and the medics were shocked that Jack had managed to save his life. However, even if Kizzarith had been brought back from the brink of death, they still had a long way to go until they would recover.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Jack softly replied, keeping his eyes on his friend''s face and not on the nasty burns, cuts and missing body parts. ¡°What do you need?¡±


    ¡°So¡­like¡­I can¡¯t ask the others to do it since we dorm together in Red Legion territory and it¡¯s against regulations to have some of the stuff I¡¯ve got, but I have no idea how long I¡¯m gonna be here or if I¡¯ll even be alive. Can you delete my browser history for me and pick up a few things? I heard the Red Legion territories got hit bad so they¡¯ll want all the aspirants to stick around to secure it, and there¡¯s no way in hell I¡¯m brave enough to ask the girls.¡±


    ¡°I know the way and I can wipe it no problem.¡± Kritch nodded.


    ¡°Give me a list and I¡¯ll get the stuff,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°Though I¡¯m assuming we¡¯ll need permission from whoever is in charge?¡±


    ¡°Vaal will let you in, he''s technically an officer so he¡¯s got clearance to let you have access to my dorm if you¡¯re just there to pick up some stuff.¡± Kizzarith sighed as his voice grew weaker still. ¡°Hey guys¡­.if I don¡¯t make it through¡­.¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t say things like that,¡± Jack snapped, putting his hand on Kizzarith¡¯s shoulder to keep him awake. ¡°You¡¯ve survived the worst of it, so now you¡¯re doing exactly what you should be doing. Hang in there.¡±


    ¡°I just hope the Red Legion won¡¯t send me away¡­¡± The Anicite sniffed. ¡°I¡¯m useless to them now¡­¡±


    ¡°No! You¡¯re not!¡± Jack reassured his friend. ¡°This is tough, but you¡¯re tougher. The Red Legion would be dumb not to see that! You¡¯re going to recover and come back stronger than you were before!¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­¡± Kizzarith smiled back. ¡°Thanks, Jack¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry boys, but we¡¯re prepped and ready,¡± one of the doctors informed them as they and several nurses quickly moved around the gurney Kizzarith was laid on to move him to their temporary operating theatre.


    ¡°Understood.¡± Jack nodded, giving a quick shout of ¡°Good Luck!¡± to the Anicite before he and Kritch left the room to stand out in the corridor. Though Kritch had only taken superficial wounds, Jack was still badly hurt from before and yet he still didn¡¯t have anyone to help mend him. He was worried the medical staff were severely overestimating how effective his biology was, and he repeatedly checked his bandages to make sure he wasn¡¯t bleeding too heavily.


    ¡°We won¡¯t need to do that immediately,¡± Kritch finally sighed. ¡°Kizzarith will be out for a few days after this round of healing. I heard they¡¯re gonna try and save what they can. Clan Bharzum brought a team in just for him, especially since he apparently was lucky enough to save one of their daughters. I¡¯ve gotta say, they must be going all out with their finances, so I hope they can take the hit without cutting costs. Honour and reputation are more important to the Hoduth Clans than money, after all, but if they enter the red at a time like this they might end up collapsing, or someone might try and take advantage of the situation and strike against them¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you think Clan Bharzum can handle it?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Under normal circumstances, yes.¡± Kritch nodded. ¡°In a chaotic time like this, it¡¯s less likely, but maybe they know things I don¡¯t and they¡¯ll be fine. There will be many that try to take advantage of the chaos for their own benefit, so maybe this is also meant to be a show of strength from Clan Bharzum to ward off any that might want to make a play against them.¡±


    ¡°And what about your family?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Will they be okay?¡±


    ¡°Oh, they¡¯ll be fine!¡± Kritch grinned. ¡°My clan is too small for a ring-wide threat like the Killer Klown to bother targeting. My grandfather will know how to play this to his advantage and keep us all safe.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief, I like your clan¡¯s tea garden and they seem like good people.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Helping our party avoid an obese moron causing a scene is certainly a good way to get into our good books!¡±


    ¡°There you are!¡± Ivar Bharzum called out, sighing as his eyes wandered to Jack¡¯s injuries. ¡°I told the medics we needed you healed up as a priority, we have inquisitors that need to talk to you about what you encountered. I gave my report but they want to verify everything you told me and get you to recall any information you may have missed.¡±


    ¡°Sure, Captain.¡± Jack tiredly nodded. ¡°Are the medics able to heal me up while I talk?¡±


    ¡°Probably.¡± Ivar shrugged. ¡°They¡¯ve already spoken to a few others who might have seen things, but aside from those who aren¡¯t conscious, they want to talk to you, the Nirah, and this ¡®Rena¡¯ you told me about as soon as possible. Can¡¯t find the other two for the life of me, so congrats, you¡¯re up. We¡¯re starting to notify households and factions where applicable for those that aren¡¯t hurt, but we¡¯re happy to put you guys up for as long as it takes.¡°


    ¡°Hopefully not during school time, otherwise we¡¯re fucked,¡± Kritch muttered, before he looked up at Ivar¡¯s raised eyebrows. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let the Elders handle that shitshow in the making.¡± The Captain shrugged. ¡°After the donations our Clan has made to them over the centuries, I¡¯m sure we can lean on them to go easy on you. Anyway, you coming or not, Outsider?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    *****


    Pain. Darkness. Alive?


    The thoughts of Nya coalesced, registering bare whispers of sensation, until finally her mind became whole enough to become fully aware. The ability to dream lucidly had been something her masters had taught her from a young age until she did it reflexively, every single night, without thought. With it, she concentrated and gathered her power until she was able to astrally project out of her body.


    Moaning slightly in pain with the effort, she manifested above her body and slapped her hand over her mouth in shock as she saw the physical state she was in.


    "Hello!"


    Nya snapped round in shock, not expecting to be addressed on the same plane of existence, suddenly panicking as she cursed her recklessness. If Svaartal had found her and taken her alive, of course he would place some guardians around. His familiar was right there, idly looking her way but otherwise not taking any action.


    "Hey Nya! It''s okay, you''re safe!" the voice spoke again, and this time Nya focused her astral senses to make out the figure.


    "Svaarti?" Nya asked, taking a sharp intake of breath at recognising the Nirah''s own astral form. "You¡­"


    "We''re being looked after by Clan Bharzum, they got us out, though I don''t remember much." Svaarti floated towards Nya and gently placed her hands on the Stygian''s shoulders with the intention of calming her down. "T''Chika told me I was treated at school before I was brought here, and that you were brought here by Jack and one of the response teams."


    Yes, I remember now. Nya thought to herself. Jack found me, he must have got me out after I reverted to my natural form. I don''t think I''m compromised. Good thing my astral signature changes too¡­


    "I¡­don''t remember too much," Nya partially lied, recalling much of what had happened but having definite gaps in her memory. "I do know the Klowns were portaled in."


    Indeed, Rena had gone to stealthily investigate before she informed Nya and their masters that not only had Dr Reyazz Grine made an appearance, but that he had assisted the Klowns in taking out the security nexus, and he had a powerful wizard working with him. It was that information that led her to confront Svaartal, partly to wring out what he knew of Dr Grine''s dealings with House Mal''Kar, but also for the excuse of making him pay for the way he always treated her.


    Her masters would ream her severely for this, and Rena too. Somehow Jack had seen the Vulsta when she shouldn''t have been seen at all. And now questions would be asked.


    Hopefully her masters would know what to do.


    "That would make sense, Svaarti agreed with Nya''s account. "When I was able to breach through the suppression field, I was able to exploit vulnerabilities to pull it off and link a focus to Svaartal''s school locker. At the time, I thought it was down to the Klowns, but if exceptions were made for others it would explain how we were able to do it much quicker than expected."


    "That''s an amazing thing to be able to do," Nya asked, thinking quickly. "Is that why you''re in the same position as I am?"


    Svaarti nodded. "That and the barrier I''d summoned to repel as many of the Klowns as I could. I''ve never been able to cast something as powerful as that before so I''m surprised I''m not as hurt as I thought I would be. I certainly didn¡¯t expect to be aware enough to be able to astrally project¡­"


    Nya looked at Svaarti for a long moment, and she didn''t get the sense that the Nirah was lying. Such a claim was far too bold to be false. Rena had claimed that there were reports from Clan Bharzum responders that there was an extensive magical defence protecting the front as well¡­


    "That sounds amazing!" Nya smiled. "How were you able to pull it off?"


    "The staff my brother gave me when we joined House Mal''Kar!" Svaarti beamed. "He told me it belonged to our mother. I''d been practising with it all week, but this is the first time I''ve used it for anything complicated. It enhanced the spells I used to attack the Klowns, so I thought I would use it for a weave. But when I began, it was like I knew fully what my intention was and I could recall the knowledge to optimise and strengthen it into something powerful. Same with breaching the field."


    "Maybe you did that on your own rather than with the staff''s power," Nya pointed out. "You''ve always been a great mage."


    "Thanks!" Svaarti shyly smiled. "But it was definitely the staff enhancing my abilities."


    No doubt about it. The staff is what I think it is, though I never expected it to resurface like this. Nya thought to herself. Svaarti is probably innocent of all this, but where did Svaartal get it? A gift from the Mal''Kars? Or did he steal it himself?


    "What about you?" Svaarti asked Nya after a long pause. "How did you end up like this?"


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    "I ended up duelling a mage and I lost." Nya sighed. "I was stupid and I''m lucky to be alive."


    "I''m sure you did what you could," Svaarti replied, comforting the Stygian. "I hope nothing like this happens to us again, but if it does, we''ll learn from what happened here and do better."


    "You''re right." Nya nodded in agreement.


    "Next time."


    *****


    "They tried to, but they didn''t¡­" Vanya sobbed as Alora leant the Chuna a shoulder to cry on. "I feel like I should have died¡­"


    "I''m sorry, Vanya," Alora soothed as she rubbed her friend¡¯s fur. "It''s over now, and we''re all going to help each other heal, ok?"


    Vanya nodded. "I should have stayed with Svaarti. I knew this was the first time she came to a party, but I encouraged her to mingle with some of our classmates, and now she''s¡­"


    "None of us could have seen this coming," Alora slowly replied, emphasising her words. "This lies entirely at the feet of the Killer Klown. He will pay for what happened."


    "I hope so¡­" Vanya sighed. "I just¡­I don''t know what to do."


    "Here''s what you''re going to do," Alora spoke assertively. "You''re going to move in with us and stay for as long as you need. You told me you got some words with Jack, so when you''re up for it, you get to fully interview the rest of us."


    "I don''t want to be a burden¡­" Vanya tried to start, but Alora wasn''t having any of it.


    "You''re never a burden and we''re happy to have you. I''ve told the others and they fully agree that all our friends are welcome to stay with us. We''re secure and secluded, so you''ll be safe. We''ll fetch your stuff when we can, but we have plenty of spare clothes you can wear in the meantime."


    Vanya made an expression as if to try and argue, but Alora was patient, and gave her friend all the time she needed to accept the help they both knew she needed.


    *****


    "Damn joints are stiff. It''s even worse after the Pallid Pit run," Nika groaned from sitting up on the makeshift bed the medics had ordered her to stay laid down on. "But yeah, don''t worry about finding a place, Zayle. We''ve got more than enough room to put you up, Alora''s already given us the go-ahead."


    "And room for Rayle too once they get better," Sephy added with a grin.


    "Thank you, friends." Zayle shuddered with relief from the side of Rayle''s bed, which had been placed next to Nika''s. "Rayle and I could barely afford paying our dues as it was, and the Laird has been increasing them in response to recent attacks, or so they claim. Ever since The Killer Klown¡¯s first attack breached part of their territory they¡¯ve been seizing assets from anyone they can by making up pretexts and threatening tenants not to leave. Rayle and I have been wanting to move for a while and had plans to try and offer our services for residency in a safer district.¡±


    This Laird sounds like a nasty piece of work. Chiyo finally ¡®spoke¡¯ up. I would suggest we secure your belongings as quickly as possible before they realise you are leaving.


    ¡°Under normal circumstances I would agree with you.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°But even I think we¡¯re way too hurt to come with you and make the attempt. Realistically, I would expect a local lord to be on high alert immediately after and during a major city-wide attack, so it might be better to wait for things to calm down before trying to recover your things. Either way, you¡¯re not going back alone. At least some of us will need to come with you just in case things get worse.¡±


    You¡¯ve both stayed with us overnight before without any issues. Chiyo pointed out as one of the nurses quickly walked over to Nika and gently pushed her back down, saving herself the trouble of repeating her order to the Kizun. While I don¡¯t suggest we go right now, a day or maybe two at most should be fine.


    ¡°You may be right.¡± Zayle sighed nervously, shaking at the thought.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you might be overthinking this kind of stuff?¡± Sephy asked as another nurse quickly checked her bandages. ¡°It¡¯s not like this is a Run. We¡¯re just going to pick your things up, do you really think it¡¯s gonna be that bad a situation that we¡¯ll need the entire group kitted up like we¡¯re going back to the Pallid Pit? If a few of us come with you would anyone even give us any trouble?¡±


    ¡°That is a valid question.¡± Nika shrugged, fluffing up the sheets as she remained lying down. ¡°Asshole landlords aren¡¯t exactly uncommon, and I¡¯ve heard all kinds of stories from mild to terrible. You know best, what do you think? Just how bad is this guy?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t always this bad,¡± Zayle admitted. ¡°The Laird was never particularly great to begin with, we only stayed within his territory initially because we needed a place quickly and the dues were cheap at the time. The buildings are somewhat shoddy and the facilities are poorly maintained, but at least security was up to standard, and once we knew when brownouts would occur we could work around them. However, he kept charging us and the other residents for any infractions and kept increasing the rent, citing that he needed to hire more security. But the worst thing was when Rayle¡¯s Watcher Spirit notified us that they¡¯d snooped in our home and stole some things. After that, we hid our valuable belongings in the ground underneath using an Earth Spirit.¡±


    ¡°Damn, that sounds awful.¡± Sephy was the first to speak, likely talking from experience. ¡°We have some spare clothes and other things Jack and I¡­.came into possession of that you can have in the meantime that can serve as replacements."


    If you¡¯ve buried your belongings safely underground, then perhaps we don¡¯t need to go to your home itself. Chiyo reasoned. You can order the Earth Spirit to shift it all underground, right? Maybe bring it up in a nearby district?


    ¡°This is true, though not all of our possessions are buried,¡± Zayle clarified. ¡°If it¡¯s made too obvious there are ways of wresting control of the spirit. Instead they have no idea it¡¯s there. Though it¡¯s not absolutely necessary, I would like to obtain the rest of our things if we can. The Laird has taken too much from us already, and I don¡¯t want to leave him anything I could otherwise take with me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s reasonable.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Though it¡¯s a shame we won¡¯t be able to use our new toy. If we fixed the shuttle up even a little bit we could hover over in the middle of the night and load it up, but depending on what you have we may need to leave some things behind, unless your Earth Spirit can swallow the furniture too?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± Zayle slowly added. ¡°Rayle and I had a plan. The Laird has a vault with confiscated valuables, including where our Watcher Spirit told us he¡¯d taken our things.¡±


    ¡°Now that¡¯s interesting!¡± Sephy grinned as she realised what Zayle was hinting towards, though Chiyo and Nika needed a brief moment.


    ¡°Wait, are you proposing we¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zayle gave a sly smile. ¡°I want you to help me steal it all right from under their noses!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Can anyone corroborate your account that Dr Reyazz Grine was present during the attack?¡± one of the Inquisitors, a reptilian Red Legion representative, asked with a curious gaze.


    ¡°I saw him on the cameras in the security nexus, and that is what led me to chase him,¡± Jack replied, trying his best to be patient, but getting frustrated with the constant questions that raised doubt among those gathered. ¡°Just bring up the logs from when I turned it all back on and you¡¯ll see it.¡±


    ¡°I took the liberty of backing up the logs the moment I got there myself,¡± Sigrin Bharzum added. ¡°I¡¯ve made copies for each of you, feel free to verify for yourselves. The murder scene also perfectly lines up with what we know of Grine¡¯s capabilities. It is our belief that he somehow was able to infiltrate the party and access the security nexus, killing all those on duty. Once that was accomplished, he likely held his position until the Klowns attacked, and he had an exfiltration set up.¡±


    ¡°That matches what we know of Grine¡¯s operational planning,¡± Inquisitor Faegleal raised her voice to grab the attention of the rest of the room. Jack was glad for a familiar face in the hearing, and having the representative from the Church of Astara move things along was very welcome. ¡°I¡¯m sure the surveillance from before the attack will turn up something we can use to work out how he did it. We may very well have never discovered his involvement without Jack, though his involvement with the Killer Klown does raise concerns.¡±


    ¡°Is it possible that he¡¯s feeding the Killer Klown¡¯s army with his experiments?¡± another inquisitor spoke up, and several murmurs could be heard pondering the question.


    ¡°Perhaps we should stay on topic?¡± another spoke up. ¡°What happened when you caught him?¡±


    ¡°I fought him.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Wasn¡¯t able to kill him.¡±


    ¡°Jack, we need more details than that and you know it,¡± Inquisitor Faegleal spoke up, not unkindly. ¡°What happened when you caught up to Grine?¡±


    ¡°He led me into an ambush, there were Klowns there.¡± Jack recalled the details. ¡°He ordered them to stand down for a moment, I think to examine me or something. We said some things, I can¡¯t remember what exactly, then I attacked. I was able to take down the Klowns before they could get me, then I fought him.¡±


    Jack stopped there as the inquisitors began whispering to each other again. He knew how it ended. He had to tell them about the mage at least, but there was no way he was going to tell them how he had planned in that moment to kill Grine by sacrificing himself in the process.


    ¡°What can you tell us about the spellcaster that came to the assistance of Dr Grine?¡± another inquisitor asked him.


    ¡°He wasn¡¯t there for long.¡± Jack sighed, trying to remember as much as he could about the mage. ¡°Black robes, I think he had a golden-scaled claw though I wasn¡¯t really paying attention to the amount of fingers.¡±


    ¡°Would you say he was subservient to Dr Grine?¡± Faegleal asked.


    ¡°No., Jack replied, a little uncertain. ¡°I got the impression they were partners based on how Grine spoke to him, wanting to leave instead of fight.¡±


    ¡°Is that all they said?¡± the Red Legion inquisitor asked.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Jack began, then stopped. ¡°In his anger, Grine yelled something at me that very few people here know about.¡±


    ¡°Here in this room?¡±


    ¡°No, as in this worl- I mean the Ring.¡± Jack sighed.


    ¡°Jack, now is not the time to be withholding information.¡± Faegleal stared at him with an unreadable expression.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Jack replied, trying to keep his voice calm. ¡°He told me that he knows about the Spawn of Nekdon, and the one who summoned it wasn¡¯t exactly happy about that.¡±


    Faegleal closed her eyes for a moment and nodded, subtly motioning with her hand for Jack to hold back on elaborating as everyone else in the room looked around, confused.


    ¡°We had planned on making a statement about this,¡± Inquisitor Faegleal spoke up, so the room immediately gave her their attention. ¡°The Church of Astara sent Jack and his party of mercenaries to investigate rumours of dark activity to the North, where they encountered and eliminated a Spawn of Nekdon. The Church of Astara has secured the site in cooperation with our brother and sister faiths from the Temple of Hope, and we are still investigating the scene.¡±


    ¡°A Spawn of Nekdon!? Here!?¡± the Red Legion inquisitor exclaimed. ¡°How is this possible? Nekdon is dead!¡±


    ¡°That is what we wish to find out, but sadly we know little.¡± Faegleal sighed. ¡°What we do know is that thanks to Jack¡¯s report, Clan Bharzum was able to find the room the mage appeared in and were able to make preliminary notes on their astral signature. Whoever the mage was clearly had skill in masking their power, as there wasn¡¯t much to be deduced. We can conclude that whoever they are, they are very powerful, and there are few mages known to us with that level of potency. If Grine can¡¯t be found, this mage may prove an easier target. As for whoever summoned the Spawn, it could very well be a bluff. If not, then right now we have nothing to go on, so I suggest we investigate Grine, and the other attacks where third parties could have been involved.¡±


    There were several nods of agreement from around the room.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s nothing else that we need from you for now, Jack.¡± Faegleal smiled sympathetically. ¡°You¡¯ve mentioned this ¡®Rena¡¯ individual as having met you afterwards, so I think we will speak to her next as soon as we are able, so we can get an understanding of her perspective.¡±


    ¡°Come on.¡± Sigrin patted Jack on the shoulder as he got up and was escorted out of the room.


    ¡°Well you¡¯re full of surprises,¡± she snorted as soon as the door was fully shut. ¡°A Spawn of Nekdon of all things? I need to get out in the field more! Would you like some food or drink?¡±


    ¡°A tea of some kind would be great.¡± Jack sighed as he leaned against the wall in exhaustion before something caught his eye. ¡°Huh, those guys don¡¯t look like medics to me?¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± Sigrin asked, not seeing where Jack was pointing. The robed figures were walking quickly down the corridor, though as Jack looked, he could see various passing figures not even turn their heads to acknowledge them.


    It was like they didn¡¯t notice them.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t see them? Guys in robes?¡± he asked, only for Sigrin to suddenly blink her eyes in alarm, before perking up and nodding.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange. I swear I couldn¡¯t see them before! Let¡¯s stay on their tail while I raise the alarm, it looks like they¡¯re heading to where we have the magical coma patients!¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± He unholstered his gun as Sigrin quickly spoke into her comms. ¡°I¡¯ll follow them, if you subtly raise the alarm we can get the drop on them.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t going to be happy if these guys were up to no good¡­

 Chapter 60: Mysterious Visitors

    Nya suddenly perked up as she recognised the ¡®ping¡¯ of the grandmaster in the astral realm, who had just arrived personally with several others, though her enthusiasm dimmed on realising she would need to explain herself. She and Svaarti had been happily conversing for what must have been several hours now, and though the Stygian had always been on cordial terms with the Nirah before, whenever they had classes or study group together, they had never really been close. However, after talking to her over several topics of magical theory, she found that she and Svaarti had a lot in common, and that Svaarti was nothing like her scumbag brother. Though she really wanted to ask more about the Golden Staff, the Stygian knew better than to potentially blow her cover.


    It hadn¡¯t been seen in action since the time of Azazel during the Demonfire war. The elders would need to be informed at once, and the fact that the one that had recent possession of it also had that sword¡­


    Her thoughts were instantly interrupted by a loud, challenging squawk as the Corvid familiar spread their wings and began casting.


    Carrow had also detected the astral ¡®ping¡¯...


    *****


    ¡°Devil¡¯s Daughter attacked my sister and me, and after getting Svaarti out of there, I defended myself successfully,¡± Svaartal snapped to the inquisitors. ¡°I have no intention of explaining my actions to those sympathetic to her.¡±


    ¡°Strange. Devil¡¯s Daughter has consistently fought threats to the city and its people.¡± Inquisitor Faegleal glared at the Nirah. She knew enough about this one from the injuries his ambush had inflicted on Jack, Alora and their friends on their way back from visiting the Oracle, and she was not happy he was in front of her, having been lauded a hero of the Klown attack. ¡±Why did she target you?¡±


    ¡°The motivations of Devil¡¯s Daughter are hardly that black and white,¡± another inquisitor drawled with a wicked smile, as Faegleal scowled even harder. Of course the resident Drow Matriarch would be the one to throw doubt into the mix and derail the questioning. ¡°Indeed, many upstanding corporations and organisations have placed bounties on Devil¡¯s Daughter for her sabotaging activities. The way I see it, this Nirah proven himself a valiant warrior in rescuing many of those who would have otherwise perished in the combat, and he also mounted an effective defence with his equally valiant sister despite the incompetence shown by Clan Bharzum in allowing this to happen.¡± Her wicked smile grew even wider with that final, biting comment, looking towards Ivar Bharzum as she said it.


    ¡°That he was a key factor in the battle is not in doubt.¡± Faegleal called out in an attempt to restore order, as many of the other inquisitors nodded in agreement with the drow, some more enthusiastically than others. ¡°What I want to know is why Dr Reyazz Grine met with your Patrons.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go ask them, Astarite?¡± Svaartal sneered at the inquisitor. ¡°I¡¯m just a mercenary House Mal¡¯Kar treats well. If I had even heard the faintest of rumours the party would be attacked, my sister and I wouldn¡¯t have gone, and if House Mal¡¯Kar knew, then I have no doubt they would have forbidden me from attending.¡±


    ¡°His logic is sound, Inquisitor Faegleal,¡± the Red Legion inquisitor spoke up. ¡°Unless you have any further questions, I think that there is nothing more to ask. His actions this night have witness accounts backing it up, so unless you have any solid evidence to the contrary, I believe this hearing is adjourned and Svaartal is cleared beyond any reasonable doubt of the charge of aiding the attack. Though I must say that it is a shame this young man is no longer an aspirant for the Red Legion.¡±


    ¡°A shame for you, maybe...¡± Svaartal began, before a Hoduth quickly rushed into the room, whispering something into Ivar¡¯s ear.


    ¡°We have a situation,¡± Ivar began, addressing the group, but Svaartal was alerted by Carrow informing him of an astral incursion.


    ¡°They¡¯re going for Svaarti!¡± the Nirah shouted, before he quickly teleported away from the worried inquisitors.


    *****


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± Jack yelled, aiming his gun down the corridor, ready to shoot straight at the lead figure of the small group, who all stopped in unison. ¡°Don¡¯t move or try anything, you¡¯re surrounded.¡±


    His words were true. Sigrin and the Clan Bharzum Rock Guard had done a stellar job of looking casual right up until they quickly formed a firing line, aiming right at the mysterious figures, who for their part cooperated with Jack¡¯s demands.


    ¡°We do not seek a conflict with you, Outsider,¡± the lead figure calmly spoke. The voice sounded like it belonged to an elderly person; whispery, but still having an inner strength behind it. ¡°We will cooperate. It was not our intention to cause a panic, especially in these dire times.¡±


    ¡°Gee, what a great fucking way to go about that,¡± Jack drawled with sarcasm, not believing the figure¡¯s words in the slightest. ¡°I¡¯ve met plenty of weird dudes in robes with hostile intentions already, tonight included. So you¡¯re going to have to excuse me if I don¡¯t buy that shit. You still haven¡¯t said what you want.¡±


    ¡°We registered ourselves with Clan Bharzum¡¯s guards at the entrance, and we are here for our charge.¡±


    ¡°Is there any way you would propose to verify both that and everything else?¡± Jack asked. ¡°For all I know, you¡¯re the alien equivalent of Bill Cosby.¡±


    ¡°I do not know who that is, but may we remove our hoods?¡± the lead figure asked. ¡°I understand you question our logic, but our identity will answer it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t move, I will do it for you,¡± Jack spoke up before Sigrin had a chance. ¡°If you think I¡¯m going to give you the chance to cast a spell with subtle hand movements, then you¡¯re more retarded than you look.¡±


    Several of the figures bristled at that but immediately stopped at the slight movement of the leader. Quickly looking to Sigrin who nodded in understanding, Jack quickly but carefully went to the lead figure and slid the hood back, revealing the pale, wrinkled red skin of an elderly Stygian man who looked to be nothing more than a fleshy bag of bones. Moving to the other figures revealed more Stygians, though a few ones at the back were of differing species. On reaching the last figure, Jack pulled the hood back to reveal Rena, who stared back at Jack with a cool glance.


    ¡°You¡¯re here for Nya?¡± Jack asked as he moved back, having made the connection. ¡°I¡¯m going to need confirmation on that. I was the one to get her out of there and keep her alive, so I have a duty of care here. I need to know she¡¯s gonna be alright.¡±


    ¡°What the Grandmaster says is true,¡± Rena said as the fox-like being nodded her head ever so slightly to them, in a deferring way.


    ¡°You must be Rena,¡± Sigrin addressed her dryly. ¡°You are wanted for debriefing and general questioning to aid in our investigation, where the hell have you been?¡±


    Rena for her part simply looked to the ¡®Grandmaster¡¯ to speak for her.


    ¡°Rena alerted us of what happened and that Nya was here. We registered ourselves at the entrance, but considering the confirmed company of several factions and individuals with borderline hostile attitudes towards the Stygian people, we elected to cloak our presence. Rena will, of course, cooperate with your investigation. I see now that this was done in error, and you have my apologies.¡±


    ¡°LIAR!¡± a voice snarled, as Svaartal slinked down the corridor, past several of the Clan Bharzum guards. And he wasn¡¯t alone.


    Several armed Drow were flanking him with wicked-looking plasma weaponry. Jack recognised Soren leading them, along with a female that he didn¡¯t recognise. Though none were taking aim, Jack had no doubt that they were well-trained and ready to throw down if things got even more out of hand than they already were. A squawk came from behind as Carrow flew above and landed on the Nirah¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Confirmed, master,¡± the familiar sneered as Svaartal raised his crossbow at the Grandmaster. ¡°The astral signature came from this group.¡±


    ¡°A magical attack?¡± Sigrin questioned, as Jack very subtly shifted his stance to be able to get into cover against the drow, should he need to.


    ¡°No, I merely wished to confirm the location of my adopted ward,¡± the Grandmaster calmly replied, not intimidated in the slightest by the newcomers. ¡°In fact, if she is stable enough she can come with us and we will leave, in order for our presence to not cause any further friction.¡±


    ¡°A Devilspawn wanting to go through all that trouble to retrieve one of their own? I doubt it. It is more likely you¡¯re also here to cause harm to my sister,¡± Svaartal snapped back. ¡°A Devilspawn already tried once tonight, and I doubt it is a coincidence that more have come out of the shadows. You¡¯re lucky Frost got to you first.¡±


    ¡°Everybody calm down,¡± Sigrin ordered. ¡°They don¡¯t need to enter the room, so we can wheel her here and escort you all out. I will also remind you all that you¡¯ve all agreed to respect the Elysium of this location upon entering.¡±


    ¡°That is acceptable.¡± The Grandmaster nodded, though looked at Svaartal curiously as several Hoduth guards went to get Nya. Svaartal for his part stared right back at him through the sights of the crossbow that had proven an excellent choice so far. Rena was also intensely gazing at him, likely in rage. He had never particularly paid the Vulsta much thought before, though he would have to tread carefully in future. Thanks to his affiliation with House Mal¡¯Kar, he was now a deputised Prefect, after all, and would need to work with her at some point.


    However, he didn¡¯t need to play nice.


    It took a few minutes for Nya to be wheeled out, and the atmosphere was tense throughout. Anything could have triggered a fight, but fortunately, Sigrin Bharzum was able to maintain the peace even as Svaartal was tempted to start a fight with the Devilspawn staring at him. Soren had assured him that the Drow would have his back if anything were to happen, but Svaartal knew his chances weren¡¯t the best right now. He knew Frost had met Devil¡¯s Daughter the previous night, and had no doubt he and his group were the reason why she came for him and Svaarti.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    He and House Mal¡¯Kar would need to plan their response.


    ¡°Here she is. We¡¯ve repaired what we could of her physical wounds but she¡¯s suffered some major trauma. We¡¯ve theorised she faced an enemy wizard who we are trying to identify, so if she wakes up, we want to talk to her.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± The Grandmaster nodded, all business. ¡°While Rena answers your questions, we shall exchange details and render what aid we can, provided the peace remains enforced.¡± He gave a side glance to Svaartal and the Drow contingent as he spoke, though Jack knew there were at least some within the Red Legion that would be hostile to the Stygians too.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Sigrin nodded. ¡°Since I don¡¯t want any more blood being spilled tonight, I¡¯ll move your group to the other side of the complex with a contingent of militia guards. If you¡¯re sincere with that offer for help, let them know what you can do and we¡¯ll transfer willing volunteers over to you. You¡¯ll be compensated well for the service.¡±


    ¡°I assure you, no compensation is necessary.¡± The Grandmaster smiled sweetly. Svaartal made a scoffing sound of disbelief but he didn¡¯t say anything further.


    ¡°We will discuss that later, for now, follow me please,¡± Sigrin ordered, leading them right past the drow to Svaartal¡¯s dismay.


    ¡°Once we¡¯re done here, I will help see to your just rewards for your acts of bravery, or at least get your details I can send things too,¡± Sigrin quickly whispered to Svaartal as she passed. ¡°Irrespective of your motivations, you helped save a lot of people tonight, and it is Clan Bharzum¡¯s hope that we do right by both you and your sister.¡±


    Svaartal didn¡¯t give an indication either way. His Patrons, after all, were right beside him, and he had no reason to even consider leaving them.


    The Nirah dismissed his crossbow as the Stygians themselves got closer, to favour summoning his sword or shooting out a disruptor knife should they make a move against him, and while most of the rest of that group kept their distance as they passed, his mouth grinned in anticipation as the Grandmaster stopped to stare at him closely with a very curious expression. Soren quickly placed a reassuring hand on Svaartal¡¯s shoulder before stepping in front of the Nirah to block his view, having hands on his twin blades.


    ¡°Keep walking, filth,¡± the drow purred arrogantly.


    The Grandmaster opened his mouth as if to say something, before closing it and moving along.


    Seeing that the situation had resolved itself, Jack left before anyone had noticed he had gone. While he could have spoken up, he didn¡¯t want to make the situation any worse, and was content to allow the two different parties to argue amongst themselves. He was done getting involved for tonight.


    It was only when the Stygians turned the corner did Svaartal relax, and Soren released his hold on the Nirah¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°We leave as soon as we can,¡± the Drow Noble ordered. ¡°If even part of what I have heard you have accomplished tonight is true, you and your sister can expect a response, and House Mal¡¯Kar needs to plan how we present your antics. Where is Svaarti?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s this way,¡± Svaartal answered as he led the Drow to the nearby bay where they were keeping his sister. Though Clan Bharzum had promised him they would care for Svaarti long-term, the fact that they had let Devilspawn get this close to her meant that he just couldn¡¯t trust the Hoduth to keep her safe.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Soren asked one of the house wizards that he brought with him.


    ¡°Heavy spell scarring. The body will repair, as will the spirit, but letting them heal as one will take time,¡± the mage replied without a hint of interest.


    ¡°A shame, I had rather hoped to better acquaint myself with this one.¡± Soran sighed as he stood by Svaarti¡¯s bed, his finger stroking her hair as he trailed it down to her neckline. ¡°Still, she will heal in time, and a talented caster like her will surely manage it sooner rather than later. I will ensure she gets the best treatment we can provide to bring her back.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Svaartal said, noting the way Soren looked at his sister with interest without calling it out. ¡°Are we able to move her?¡±


    ¡°No issue.¡± The female Drow grinned at Svaartal. ¡°Say what you want about their security, but Clan Bharzum at least builds their equipment with functionality in mind. It¡¯s all clipped together, so we can just wheel it all as one connected mass. When we get back I can switch her over to better tech.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Svaartal nodded at the unusual drow before turning to Soren. ¡°Are we going now? I should at least speak to Sigrin Bharzum about compensation.¡±


    ¡°You can speak to her later over secured comms.¡± Soren gave a sly smile. ¡°House Mal¡¯Kar will ensure she keeps her promise and that you are fully compensated and publicly congratulated. For now, the best thing to do would be to leave before Clan Bharzum knows we are gone.¡±


    ¡°As you wish.¡± Svaartal shrugged, as he wheeled Svaarti away.


    ******


    ¡°How are we even going to get home?¡± Jack tiredly asked Alora as the group was finally reunited. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re in a position to be walking back.¡±


    ¡°Clan Bharzum has promised to taxi people that need to get home,¡± the Eladrie yawned back. ¡°We¡¯ll still have to walk part of the way back since they don¡¯t have a closer landing zone, but it won¡¯t be too far. Rayle is staying here for now until she hopefully wakes up so we don¡¯t need to worry about transporting them. Vanya and Zayle are confirmed to be coming with us too, and I¡¯ve offered succour to anyone that needs it, though I think most will be staying here tonight. Clan Bharzum seems to be trying to go all out with their hospitality, it¡¯s clear they want to regain face after what happened. Since my magic is expended, there¡¯s little reason for us to stay and clog things up, though I suspect we¡¯ll be coming back to render assistance once we¡¯ve rested up.¡±


    ¡°I think all of us can make it under our own power.¡± Nika groaned as she sat up, indicating a stack of crutches leaning against the well. ¡°Except Dante. Don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with him. He was fine until the portal closed, then he just collapsed.¡±


    Jack examined the ¡®dog¡¯ once again, seeing if there was anything wrong that he could see. Dante was breathing weakly and had gotten up once or twice to make himself more comfortable without acknowledging the others, but other than that they were curled up under Nika¡¯s bed, asleep.


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s just really tired?¡± Sephy opined.


    ¡°Nah, I don¡¯t think so,¡± Jack replied unsurely. ¡°We¡¯ve seen him sleeping before and it hasn¡¯t been like this. Hopefully with rest he¡¯ll get better but if he doesn¡¯t maybe we can call a vet?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a vet?¡± Zayle asked curiously, having kept quiet until now.


    ¡°Like a doctor or healer for animals,¡± Jack quickly explained. ¡°Hopefully Dante will be alright, but as far as getting back goes I can probably carry him.¡±


    ¡°We have spare cargo haulers if you need them,¡± a familiar voice called out as Ivar Bharzum approached the group. ¡°Borrow what you need, but we¡¯ll probably need them back.¡±


    ¡°Captain,¡± Jack acknowledged with a nod. ¡°Need me for anything else?¡±


    Ivar shook his head. ¡°You kids are spent, and you¡¯ve done enough. Even if I did need you lot helping out, you¡¯d probably do more harm than good considering how tired you are. No offence.¡±


    ¡°None taken, Captain, you¡¯re probably right, though once we¡¯re recharged we can come back and help - we have no excuse not to.¡± Alora politely smiled.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll need you back at some point anyway so we can reward you and give you your stuff back.¡± He looked to Jack. ¡°That gauntlet of yours we managed to peel off your arm is pretty fucked - you don¡¯t want it back right now, trust me. Luckily for you, I have runesmiths on speed dial. They¡¯re going to fix it up and make it more durable, plus add a few new features for you to play with and hopefully fuck up some Klowns in the future!¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Jack sighed, rubbing his arm where the metal had melted his flesh. Though he had finally had something to soothe the pain, he had been warned that it would still bother him for a while, though thankfully the worst of it had been healed magically. The rest would be natural. He still sported many less-serious injuries all over him that the medics hadn¡¯t been able to prioritise with their limited resources, but if he came back, they would see to him if there wasn¡¯t a greater priority.


    ¡°Now I swear on me Clan, that isn¡¯t all you and your party will be rewarded with,¡± Ivar hurried to add. ¡°Once we¡¯ve got the wounded out of the way and compensated the victims and their families, we¡¯ll open the vault and bring out the good shit. That¡¯ll take some time though, so in the meantime, you can hold on to this.¡±


    The Hoduth reached to his back and unclipped something before presenting it to Jack, who despite himself grinned madly as what he saw.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t your official reward from Clan Bharzum or anything,¡± Ivar pointed out. ¡°But considering the reports the boys picking through Outpost Khundohr have been giving me about the aftermath of your chopping rampage, it doesn¡¯t seem right to let you go without this, considering your old axe broke. Give it a feel.¡±


    Jack did, picking up the double-headed battle axe and running his hand down the length of the shaft. The material of the handle was comfortable, at a perfect temperature that he knew would keep his hands from getting too sweaty. He could feel the very subtle grooves in the metal, which ran all the way from the base of the shaft all the way to the top. He was surprised by the light weight of it as he gave it a few practice swings, making sure nobody was near him when he did. Though he worried that the lighter weight would impact his ability to fuck shit up, Ivar assured him that the blades of the axe were magically honed, and wouldn¡¯t need sharpening.


    ¡°That thing¡¯s been gathering dust on my wall. I think it¡¯s much better when it¡¯s in use, don¡¯t you?¡± He grinned a wicked smile at seeing Jack¡¯s approval.


    ¡°Wow! Thank you!¡± Jack smiled. ¡°I hope things get a bit peaceful above all else, but part of me hopes I get to put this bad boy to use!¡±


    ¡°Hopefully chopping wood, lad!¡± Ivar snickered. ¡°Anyway, I actually came here to let you kids know we¡¯ll put you on the next shuttle to get you home. Medics have prescribed some different medicines for you all which one of the girls has already bagged for you.¡±


    ¡°Would they be needing more meds by any chance?¡± Sephy asked curiously, perking up as if remembering something.¡±


    ¡°Probably.¡± Ivar shrugged. ¡°If they¡¯re buying, they usually advertise for it.¡±


    What was that about Sephy? Chiyo asked as the group got up to follow Ivar to the shuttle.


    ¡°Remember what we said we¡¯d do with those drugs we liberated from the Prefects Lockup?¡± Sephy grinned.


    ¡°Well that will cover a few pizza deliveries at least.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Reckon they¡¯ll still deliver after a Klown attack?¡±


    *****


    Grandmaster Ilvella bid Sigrin Bharzum farewell with a smile as he led his followers to the edge of the complex, before several of the others passed the threshold of the district gate and began summoning a portal to transport them home.


    ¡°Are you sure we cannot offer any further aid, dear?¡± the Stygian asked with a kindly smile. ¡°Though my beloved Nya has suffered greatly, others have surely suffered more.¡±


    ¡°Clan Bharzum thanks you for your offer, Grandmaster,¡± Sigrin replied with a smile. ¡°But we have it well in hand. We would however like to speak to Nya when she awakens to see if she saw anything that may be of use to the investigation.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Ilvella smiled. ¡°We will contact you when she awakens and is able to talk. Will that be all, or is there anything else?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all for now, Grandmaster,¡± Sigrin replied after a quick think. ¡°Just help Nya recover.¡±


    ¡°We certainly will!¡± The Sygian nodded as he entered the portal.


    The moment the portal fully closed behind him on the other side, his false grandfatherly smile immediately turned into a look of calm anger.


    ¡°You have much to answer for, Rena,¡± he coldly addressed her.


    ¡°Who in the name of the gods was that Nirah!?¡±

 Chapter 61: House Guests

    ¡°So?¡± the excitable Drow asked, bouncing on her feet as she awaited the confirmation.


    ¡°The crossbow was an excellent choice,¡± Svaartal admitted. ¡°Thank you, Dextra.¡±


    ¡°I knew it!¡± She grinned as she wrote something down on her pad. ¡°My darling siblings refused to give it a try, though I guess they are all just stuck in their ways. Not even Soren picked it up, even though I told him he needs something longer range instead of the whip.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t comment on that,¡± Svaartal awkwardly replied.


    The two of them were alone in Dextra¡¯s armoury, having commandeered one of the unused side chambers for Svaarti to recover and be monitored with the best electrical equipment House Mal¡¯Kar could provide. Svaartal had been introduced to the House Armourer a few days after settling in, and was pleasantly surprised by how bubbly the Drow was, even more so when he learned that she was also a Mal¡¯Kar.


    The Secondborn sister was considerably lower on the family totem pole as dictated by the elder Izadora, but the drow was undeniably useful despite her lack of clerical or arcane power, instead being a prodigy with technology and systems that the magically and martially inclined Mal¡¯Kars desperately needed. There were other Mal¡¯Kars around that Svaartal had become at least passingly acquainted with, but he had built a certain rapport with Dextra that he didn¡¯t really have with any of the others.


    To that end, if he had to place his trust in any of the drow, it would be her. As well as being able to run and maintain the technology to allow his sister¡¯s spell scars to heal and recover, she was also enthusiastic about her magical and mundane equipment as the House Armourer.


    ¡°Oh come on, we both know it, stop trying to be polite.¡± Dextra snorted. ¡°Soren¡¯s talented, but he refuses to try new things, the others just take whatever they want and barely acknowledge me unless they need me for something, at least with you I have a peer I can float ideas off.¡±


    ¡°I only have a rudimentary knowledge of the technical arts,¡± Svaartal reminded her.


    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s why we complement each other!¡± Dextra smiled.


    Svaartal sighed, knowing what Dextra was after. ¡°You don¡¯t need to flirt with me, Armourer. Just tell me what you want. While I don¡¯t mind letting off some steam, you may be better suited taking your pick of the suitable house slaves.¡±


    ¡°Oh come on, don¡¯t give me that!¡± Dextra pouted. ¡°I suppose I could, but I don¡¯t want to ¡®take my pick¡¯ out of the slaves, that feels kinda weird for me. But seeing as my sister took a shine to you when you first swore your soul to my family, I figured I¡¯d ask.¡±


    ¡°I never swore my soul,¡± Svaartal calmly retorted, to which Dextra sighed, ¡°I wasn¡¯t being literal!¡± Before they were interrupted.


    ¡°You should take advantage of the slave stock, sister,¡± Soren purred as he entered the room. ¡°Once you get past their snivelling and mewling you can find their company quite satisfactory, you know. As for ranged attacks, my wands will suffice. A shame Izadora forbade me from joining the Twins, I would have loved to face the Outsider to a proper finish. Our brief bout at school was cut dismally quick.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a crack at him.¡± Dextra grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve been working on a new mechsuit that I wouldn¡¯t mind taking out into the field.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. The High Matrons themselves have forbidden it. Though they¡¯re likely going off of the rumours on the datanet, so Izadora feels that can be overridden with time.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll give me enough time to work on it, at least.¡± Dextra shrugged. ¡°If you¡¯re able to get me some footage of him.¡±


    ¡°We shall see,¡± Soren dismissed with a small smile. He turned to look at Svaartal. ¡°Izadora has called a meeting in light of the news of tonight¡¯s attack. You too,¡± he added to Dextra.


    ¡°Really?¡± The bubbly drow asked in surprise. ¡°What the hell does Chief Queef need from me?¡±


    ¡°Everyone is required, the High Matrons have given orders,¡± Soren purred back with an assertive tone, not allowing any dissent. ¡°And Kravel wants to examine Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s staff as soon as possible.¡±


    *****


    ¡°Hey boy, you¡¯re going to be okay,¡± Jack whispered to Dante as he wrapped the lethargic ¡®dog¡¯ in blankets. The others hadn¡¯t been able to get a reaction out of him, so Jack was the one who tried to feed Dante with some thinly sliced sausage that had been precooked and left in the fridge, with some water to go with it. The ¡®dog¡¯ only took some of the water and outright refused the sausage, which was very unusual for them. ¡°You¡¯re definitely not feeling great after that, but then again, who is?¡± he whispered to himself more than the ¡®dog¡¯. ¡°I know you used some kind of power. I used my gun for far longer than I should have been able to, especially with the overcharges, and I think you must have helped out whoever you could with your mysterious abilities.¡±


    Dante didn¡¯t respond much beyond nuzzling Jack subconsciously in his sleep. He had set up a bed for Dante on the floor of his room so he could keep an eye on the ¡®dog¡¯ during the night if something happened, but also because he didn¡¯t have many possessions and had the space. His condition hadn¡¯t changed during the trip, however, and Jack felt he could leave him to rest for a while if Chiyo monitored his condition from afar while he helped out downstairs.


    Alora was doing an excellent job of playing host where she could in comforting both Zayle and Vanya, being helped where possible by the others. Chiyo was doing her best to make soothing teas and pass them out to everyone while Sephy went through the bags of clothing they had picked up from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup. Vanya was already wrapped up in blankets and was for the most part unresponsive, though she indicated with a bare movement of her head that the change of clothes Sephy had picked out for the Chuna would be fine. Zayle had adopted a comically oversized black t-shirt with a strange skull on the front on top of what she was already wearing, looking completely exhausted but still wanting to try and help.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright Zayle, just drink the tea and it¡¯ll help you sleep.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need special treatment,¡± Zayle stubbornly replied. ¡°I¡¯ve got to earn my keep for myself and Rayle!¡±


    ¡°Chill out, Zayle!¡± Nika grunted as she sat up from where she was on the sofa, putting a reassuring hand on Zayle¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve stayed with us before and we¡¯re happy to have you. There¡¯s no pressure on you to do anything!¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Your ability to commune with spirits, and Rayle¡¯s affinity with nature, will be an excellent fit for our household. Chiyo interrupted diplomatically. However, this has been a harrowing night. Let us approach this later with fresher minds.


    ¡°Which rooms do you want?¡± Sephy asked them both as she gathered up bedding for their two friends.


    ¡°Any suitable place Rayle and I can use as a magical lodge, if you will permit this?¡± Zayle asked Alora, who nodded before noticing Jack¡¯s confused expression. ¡°A room we can use to better focus our spirit walking and rituals,¡± they smiled as they explained what that meant. ¡°I will sleep anywhere that is suitable, the ground floor would be nice, especially if there are water facilities we can use to keep ourselves moisturised.¡±


    ¡°We can arrange that, it¡¯s no trouble!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°For now, Sephy can put you up downstairs next to one of the bathrooms.¡±


    ¡°Where would you like to stay, Vanya?¡± Jack asked, making himself useful.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be alone,¡± the Chuna simply stated, cradling her tea.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be, we¡¯re all over the house and just a knock away,¡± Jack stated, trying to put on a warm smile while looking to Alora with a side glance to defer to her if needed. ¡°What about the room we put you in last time you were here?¡±


    Vanya made a slight indication with her head in agreement, before weakly finishing her tea.


    ¡°Now the medics gave you a sedative to take before you go to sleep,¡± Alora reminded her. ¡°If you take it now, it¡¯ll start to kick in when your bed gets made.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Vanya replied quietly, taking the offered drink from Chiyo with said sedative and downing it quickly.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go.¡± Jack touched Vanya on the elbow to get her attention, then quickly realised his error when she recoiled and shuddered away from him before she composed herself. Inwardly cursing himself for his foolishness, he led Vanya along the short walk to where he had carried her the night of the Killer Klown¡¯s first attack, quickly making the bed and indicating that it was ready. But Vanya stood at the door, looking unsure about something.


    ¡°Will you be alright, or do you need anything else?¡± he asked as gently as he could.


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    ¡°You can¡­stay with me if you want,¡± Vanya whispered, looking to Jack with hopeful eyes as she slowly moved towards him, slowly letting go of the blankets wrapped around her. ¡°I told you I don¡¯t want to be alone, and I haven¡¯t thanked you properly for saving me-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Jack held his hand out, gently holding Vanya away. He knew full well that it wouldn¡¯t be morally right or healthy to entertain that line of thought in any way. ¡°You¡¯ve been through a lot and we all need to rest and heal from that. There will be time to possibly consider that, but it¡¯s not now.¡±


    Vanya¡¯s expression changed to one of hurt for just a moment, before she sighed and nodded, completely exhausted, getting among the covers and throwing the blankets over her, not saying anything before her breathing quickly calmed to the same, uniform repetitive pattern of sleep.


    Turning off the light and closing the door, Jack quietly made his way back to the living room, noticing that Zayle had also gone to bed. Chiyo caught his eye as he returned and gave him a nod of approval, clearly knowing what had happened.


    ¡°So what do we do now?¡± Jack asked the others as he slumped down on the sofa.


    Alora sighed. ¡°Yet more things to add to the list of things to do.¡± She very uncharacteristically thumped her fist on her knee in frustration.


    ¡°Alora, you cool?¡± Sephy asked cautiously.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not!¡± she snapped. ¡°Tonight was meant to be the first good night we could all share together without something messing it all up! I thought we had actually caught a fucking break for once!¡±


    She paused and took a deep breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t be snapping.¡± The Eladrie took a deep breath to calm herself down. ¡°Yes, we all did well in combating the Klowns, but by the gods I wish we didn¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°I think all of us agree with that,¡± Nika added, reaching out with her tail and patting her friend on the shoulder. ¡°There will be other times, Alora, and things definitely could have been worse.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°Jesus, had I not found Vanya and Kizzarith both would be dead, or worse. And thank fuck Clan Bharzum are stepping up to help the victims.¡±


    The Hoduth Clans have a culture of honour, and wouldn¡¯t break their word. Chiyo pointed out. We can trust Clan Bharzum to help our friends, however, third parties may take advantage of their weakened state if they sense an opportunity.


    ¡°Both that and the general chaos means work for us.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°We might need it depending on how bad the attack was. Hyperinflation is a pain in the ass but it¡¯s happened plenty of times before. And even if we¡¯re not desperate for resources, it¡¯s always better to have more for when we have a dry period.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want us risking our necks unnecessarily unless it¡¯s for a damn good reason,¡± Alora cautioned. ¡°And that¡¯s not the point. We¡¯ve been through so much, and we need a break from it all. That means stepping back and just being normal for a while. You know what I wanted from this party? I wanted Jack to experience some of the good this universe has to offer rather than the shit he¡¯s gone through ever since he left the Temple of Hope!¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Alora.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°It was a good idea, but you know we had no control over what happened. We just got unlucky.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Alora replied. ¡°But I still hate it!¡±


    ¡°Contract for the hot tub is already locked in at least, so despite the chaos they should be doing it, though it might be delayed.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°An evening in - that would do me for some downtime. The only ¡®normal¡¯ thing I can think of is our homework for Industrial Vocation we still need to work on, we¡¯ve got time to do it but we focused on the other stuff before the Pallid Pit Run.¡±


    ¡°That was for the spider-bot, right?¡± Jack asked. ¡°I had fun in the class and maybe we can do that soon, but we¡¯ve got other things we¡¯ll need to do first. Vanya¡¯s belongings are apparently secure, but Zayle said they and Rayle are in a tentative position at their place, maybe we could help them tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Possibly, but let¡¯s not commit to that time frame.¡± Alora yawned, leaning back on the sofa. ¡°We have two more full days of the weekend and nights after school we can use, and I think I would prefer to help those that are hurt with my healing powers than go fetch Zayle¡¯s belongings.¡±


    ¡°Well, we don¡¯t all need to go,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°It¡¯s not like the Pallid Pit. We¡¯re literally just getting our friend¡¯s stuff. Don¡¯t forget that Jack and I were able to successfully rob the Prefect¡¯s Lockup, which we¡¯re still profiting from!¡±


    ¡°Sephy might have a point,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°At the very least those of us that are up for it can go and take a look. If there¡¯s a window of opportunity to get the stuff and leave, that¡¯s great, maybe with a bribe or two to leave us be, but if it¡¯s doable we can get it done. Plus, Zayle told you something about a vault they want to rob? That could always wait for a better time, but if the opportunity presents itself we could go for it. At the very least we could recon the area, unless you guys know the area?¡±


    I don¡¯t. Chiyo shook her head. And I think that¡¯s historically how Rayle and Zayle preferred it. Their species benefits from a swampy environment and I got the impression that¡¯s what their home had, but they might have been ashamed of it, hence why we¡¯ve never visited.


    ¡°I¡¯ve done a little bit of research on the general area before based on comments they¡¯ve made in the past, but I¡¯ve always kept it to myself,¡± Sephy added. ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a slumland to be honest, with shanty towns popping up on the outskirts. It got hit hard by the Klown attack last week, and local reports indicate a breakdown in what previously passed for ¡®order¡¯ over there.¡±


    ¡°Perfect opportunity for a takeover,¡± Nika replied. ¡°It would make sense if Zayle¡¯s Laird is trying to lock the place down and gather as many resources as they can, especially if they¡¯re  thinking about leaving with their loot. But also by doing that it means they¡¯re scared and weak. Sephy might be right that there¡¯s an opportunity to be had, and that we don¡¯t all need to go for this one, though I¡¯d prefer it if we do.¡±


    ¡°You and Jack are the most injured out of all of us,¡± Alora cautioned. ¡°Both of you should stay behind.¡±


    ¡°I should be good for it.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°I can take the hits, but I don¡¯t have my gauntlet for the time being. If we do this right we won¡¯t be getting into a fight anyway, though we¡¯ll need to clear this all with Zayle. Besides, I¡¯ll need to be there to carry stuff.¡±


    ¡°Only fair I come for the trip too, then,¡± Nika added. ¡°Someone¡¯s got to keep you idiots safe.¡±


    ¡°Rest first,¡± Alora asserted. ¡°Planning later. However, before, that there¡¯s something I need to talk to you about now that we¡¯re alone together.¡±


    Alora took a deep breath before looking to all of them. ¡°Before the Klown attack, something happened during the party between me and Jack, and only a few of you know why.¡±


    ¡°Alora, I-¡± Jack began, having suddenly been reminded of those events, before Alora shut him down.


    ¡°Not your fault.¡± Alora pointed to him with a smile. ¡°The fault lies with my family.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Jack asked with a confused look, shared by everyone else with the exception of Chiyo.


    ¡°My family is full of backstabbing shitbags,¡± Alora continued bluntly. ¡°I am not close to them, and I was sent here when I was only a little girl to settle ancestral lands we haven¡¯t claimed in millennia. I realise now I was not meant to survive, and it¡¯s a miracle this district hadn¡¯t been taken over at the time, but fortunately the Myrial survived.¡±


    Everyone was silent, not even moving to get more drinks. Any self-blame that Jack felt towards himself for what happened evaporated as she told her story.


    ¡°Most of you already know how things went from there. I met and befriended Chiyo, then Sephy and Nika in short order and we all turned this place into a home.¡±


    ¡°Still working on it.¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°I realistically haven¡¯t paid my family any thought in years,¡± Alora continued. ¡°Never had any contact of any kind, and I¡¯m happy to keep it that way. As far as I am concerned, you four are my true family.¡±


    Sephy slowly and subtly covered her mouth at that, but Jack saw that her eyes betrayed how happy she felt to hear that. He didn¡¯t know how he truly felt about Alora including him as a surrogate family, but he could understand how she felt considering what she had been through.


    ¡°When Jack and I shared a moment, an empathic link that my family had placed on me reacted violently, and that is why I reacted the way I did,¡± Alora stated, looking to the human as she said it. ¡°I knew something had been placed on me by various older relatives, but until earlier tonight I thought it expired over time. Part of it may have deteriorated, to be honest, but that isn¡¯t good enough.¡±


    Alora looked at everyone in the room to show she was being serious.


    ¡°I want the link broken,¡± the Eladrie stated. ¡°I know it can be done, and I know how it can be done. However, before I do it, I need to tell you all that there will likely be long-term hostile repercussions incoming when I do it.¡±


    ¡°Say no more,¡± Sephy spoke up. ¡°Do it. We¡¯ll take down anyone that comes for you.¡±


    All around the room heads nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Alora smiled, relieved at them all. ¡°I thought you would be on board, but it would be wrong of me to do it without asking. It can wait. However, I also feel like we need to have a proper conversation on how this new arrangement between all of us will work.¡±


    She indicated primarily towards Jack, and everyone in the room knew exactly what she meant.


    Yes. Chiyo agreed. We are a close group, and I am honoured to call all of you my best of friends. Even after you try to copy my homework, Sephy! Whatever happens, I do not wish to compromise any of what we share.


    ¡°Hah!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Yeah, I love all of you too. I don¡¯t mind what happens with it all, as long as we all stick together.¡±


    ¡°We all want that,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°And that¡¯s why this might hopefully end up working out.¡±


    ¡°But why would your family be that bothered about that if they clearly want you out of the way?¡± Jack asked Alora, confused. ¡°What¡¯s up with your family?¡±


    Alora gave a deep, deep sigh.


    ¡°As far as all of you have been aware, my family is one of the high noble families of the Eladrie people. We have a ruling High Council that ostensibly rules our people on a galactic level, made up entirely of members of these noble families that individually command countries, continents, even planets and entire solar systems. The number of seats a family can hold is ever-changing, and is far from an even or fair split. In the past, rare individuals have had the strength, will and purity to rule all of us, blessed and marked with potential by the Mother Tree herself in times of great need, though many do not.¡±


    Jack took a deep breath in awe of that as he looked to Alora, bracing for what she would say next.


    ¡°My name is Princess Alora Glenphyranix, and by the signs of the Mother Tree, I am a claimant to the throne of my people.¡±

 Chapter 62: Princess

    ¡°The High Matriarch has ordered us to halt any current, petty feuds. And yes. That means the Outsider, as much as I loathe to say it. For now, anyway,¡± Izadora continued as she addressed the seated nobles, officers and enforcers of House Mal¡¯Kar. Svaartal knew he should feel uncomfortable on being one of the only non-drow present, as he did during his first meeting with the leadership, but he somehow felt a slight sense of belonging on seeing the approving looks some others around the table gave him as they all took their places. On Soren¡¯s insistence he sat next to the suave Slayer, opposite Kravel who could not help but sneak looks at the Nirah while Izadora was addressing them all.


    Svaartal guessed he should probably be flattered by that.


    ¡°We must also take advantage of this chaos.¡± Izadora concluded. ¡°The High Matrons have demanded displays of strength from the Houses, and we will be no exception. The defeat of Devil¡¯s Daughter by our beloved Sigilus is already an acceptable display, but I want to demonstrate our superiority over all. I have a target in mind, and we will strike soon once the timing is right, so rest up appropriately, and remain ready for me to call upon you for some fun.¡±


    With that the meeting was adjourned, as Izadora called Dextra to her for a private conversation. Svaartal awkwardly left the meeting trying not to bring any attention to himself, to no avail.


    ¡°Do you really have it?¡± Kravel asked Svaartal excitedly as the House Wizard approached him outside. ¡°I need to take a look, come with me!¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Svaartal smiled politely at the sorcerer. ¡°I was going to ask for your expertise anyway once the meeting was adjourned and we had a moment.¡±


    Kravel led Svaartal to the Arcanum, with Soren following close behind with idle interest. The magical chambers and facilities were the best Svaartal had ever seen by far, and whenever he got the quiet opportunity to do so he often browsed the many rare tomes and tested theoretical spells. Often he had done so alone, as Svaarti was nervous to socialise with the other spellcasters, often taking tomes and scrolls to her meditation chamber instead, and Svaartal himself preferred a quieter environment to conduct his craft.


    In the first few days, the prickly Kravel had not taken kindly to the two Nirah being brought into the fold, the House Wizard seeing it as a personal slight. However, he at least developed a healthy respect for Svaartal over the past week, and no longer saw Svaarti as a threat due to her being a non-combatant. Indeed, after several theatrical displays to maintain face among the rest of the family, he had concluded that their hiring had been an excellent choice by Izadora, praising her efforts in hiring spellcasters with differing skillsets than the rest of the house, while maintaining that his prowess as House Wizard clearly made him superior.


    ¡°Glad to see you two finally getting along,¡± Soren purred as he leaned against the wall of the main Arcanum hall with a smile. ¡°Maybe you two should spend the night? It will do you both some good.¡±


    ¡°Merely growing pains,¡± Kravel snarled back at the mocking Soren. ¡°This Nirah at least has proved his worth, and together we shall unlock the secrets of Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s staff.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll watch you two have fun.¡± Soren grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to get a shot at Devil¡¯s Daughter myself, perhaps you can give me some insight? The kill wasn¡¯t confirmed, and if she¡¯s alive she will definitely be coming after our dear friend for a rematch.¡±


    ¡°As you wish,¡± Kravel growled. ¡°YOU!¡± he snapped to one of the slave-girls in attendance. ¡°Bring us two bottles of Zaphra wine and three of the fine crystal glasses. If you don¡¯t do so quickly¡­¡±


    The Ure gave a little squeak of acknowledgement before rushing off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t spoil that one,¡± Soren told his brother lazily. ¡°You need to learn to be more tender with the herd, and even Izadora is getting sick of having to replace them after your tantrums.¡±


    ¡°They need to understand fear, brother,¡± Kravel whispered back. ¡°Without fear there is no discipline. With no discipline there is no control. Without control, our superiority is brought into question. You should be far less lax with the livestock, brother.¡±


    They heard the sound of quickly rushing feet and the tingling of glass as the slave quickly returned with the requested drinks, placing them on a side table.


    ¡°You were too late with our wine, slave!¡± Kravel roared in anger as Soren rolled his eyes. The House Wizard took a menacing step towards the slave before Svaartal thrust an arm out, summoning the staff of Devil¡¯s Daughter right in front of the sorcerer before he could harm the slave.


    ¡°Shall we begin?¡± Svaartal asked Kravel innocently, as Carrow appeared on his shoulder to stare the startled drow down while Soren stifled a laugh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s.¡± Kravel nodded in agreement, refusing to show fear or acknowledge the display from the Nirah as Soren poured the wine.


    *****


    ¡°Heavy igneous rock influences,¡± Kravel muttered to himself. ¡°Similar to Izadora¡¯s staff, but a different composition. Volcanic glass is usually more a style choice, but has been known to be applied to staves of great power. There is other, stranger material within but I cannot tell what it is at this stage.¡±


    ¡°The runes glow red when activated,¡± Svaartal pointed out as he willed the staff into an active state. ¡°Obviously tailor crafted with classic Devilspawn sorcery in mind, but there¡¯s definitely much more.¡±


    ¡°Note down the runes and identify the language,¡± Kravel snapped to two other drow wizards that he had summoned to assist them as he walked around the artefact that was floating vertically. The script itself was almost microscopic in nature, and Svaartal had no doubt that there was far more than what could be read.


    ¡°Whatever the magical core is, it must be highly potent,¡± Svaartal said unsurely as he contemplated the staff. ¡°Though what it is currently eludes me.¡±


    ¡°Then the script will clue us in.¡± Kravel sighed as he walked away from the staff to pour himself more wine, leaving the wizards to write it all down.


    ¡°Careful not to touch it, there¡¯s a contact-based curse,¡± Svaartal called out to the two, who nodded in acknowledgement.


    ¡°So what was it like?¡± Kravel asked after several minutes of silently sipping wine. ¡°Facing the Devil''s Daughter?¡±


    ¡°Difficult,¡± Svaartal admitted. ¡°Up close and personal I had the edge with my sword, but I can tell she was skilled in close range as well. She is very powerful, but I got the impression she lacks the versatility that I have.¡±


    ¡°You should not forget how Clan Bharzum allowed it all to happen,¡± Soren added, having ordered some food as well. ¡°If she had killed you they wouldn¡¯t need to pay compensation. What have they even promised you for a reward?¡±


    ¡°Nothing yet.¡± Svaartal sighed. ¡°They claim they¡¯ll get something together as an appropriate compensation, but for now the only thing they¡¯ve offered me is long-term medical treatment and therapy, which I¡¯ve already declined.¡±


    ¡°Therapy?¡± Kravel asked with a snort of laughter. ¡°What are you? A woman?¡±


    ¡°I must agree with my brother, they are clearly slighting you with that accusation of weakness,¡± Soren added. ¡°Besides, a pointless conversation for several hours is hardly a suitable reward. I will notify Izadora. Some suitable threats should end that foolishness.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps that is all the filth can offer,¡± Izadora¡¯s voice called out from the entryway next to them. Svaartal noticed something next to him, and shifted back in stifled shock to see Ull, the huge drow having silently appeared next to them. ¡°Far too weak for us to bother with right now, for House Mal¡¯Kar has greater targets in mind. Our superiority was thrown in doubt by the Outsider, but you have displayed our strength with the defeat of Devil¡¯s Daughter.¡±


    A movement to the side alerted Svaartal, as Ull brought his thick, muscle-bound arm out for a handshake which Svaartal took, trying not to show his fear, gripping Ull¡¯s wrist as the huge drow did the same to his.


    ¡°Well done,¡± the drow said simply, with a proud look.


    *****


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Sephy exclaimed.


    I had no idea! Chiyo gasped.


    ¡°Huh,¡± Jack commented.


    ¡°Cool!¡± Nika grinned.


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    ¡°WHAT?!¡± The others rounded on the Kizun.


    ¡°What?¡± The Kizun shrugged her shoulders with a grin. ¡°That means Alora¡¯s probably got some good real estate hidden away somewhere, maybe even a holiday home!¡±


    Jack gave a little snort of amusement, realising that Nika was just trying to cheer Alora up, and indeed the Eladrie smiled softly at her antics.


    ¡°So how do we break this curse?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°You said you could do it.¡±


    It¡¯s a form of long-distance link that can be broken a multitude of ways. Chiyo pointed out. We learned about these types of bonds in class, they¡¯re often used by basic practitioners to remain connected with their families. I would recommend a ritual of some kind, but I assume Alora has a plan?


    ¡°You would be correct.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°It will involve a ritual to break the curse, but if I can learn and discern the full nature of the spell as well without my family knowing, it will grant me an advantage in dealing with them when they inevitably respond.¡±


    ¡°Will we need to move out?¡± Nika questioned. ¡°This place does belong to your family after all.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Alora replied simply. ¡°Even if I haven¡¯t taken full control of the Myrial to protect us along with all of our active defences that¡¯ll destroy anyone that tries to enter with hostile intent, this is our home, and I won¡¯t give it up without a fight.¡±


    ¡°Does your family have any other holdings nearby?¡± Sephy asked curiously. ¡°If they had this district covered by some Eladrie woo-woo stuff that stopped anyone getting to it for a long-ass time, maybe there are other places too?¡±


    ¡°Not as far as I know,¡± Alora answered unsurely. ¡°Though logically, if my family laid claim to one district, there may be more, though if there are I wouldn¡¯t even know where to begin looking.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­here?¡± Jack spoke up. ¡°Is there anything that was left here that might tell you anything?¡±


    Sephy, you explored the district in detail in the past, have you seen anything? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°I have, but there isn¡¯t much to look at,¡± the Skritta pointed out. ¡°No offence, Alora, but it¡¯s all abandoned with nothing there, though I guess maybe shifting some of the debris will find us something?¡±


    ¡°We could always take some time to go together and have a look?¡± Jack reasoned with a smirk. ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯s far away or anything¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, but it''s a lower priority.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Honestly if there¡¯s usable scrap among the debris we can use it for fixing up the shuttle. Before the party, I honestly expected that¡¯s what we¡¯d be doing tomorrow morning.¡±


    Pretty sure it¡¯s ¡®tomorrow morning¡¯ right now. Chiyo pointed out. All of us need to rest and get our energy up.


    ¡°I can¡¯t even think of sleeping after what happened,¡± Sephy finally replied after several moments of silence. ¡°We survived, but it¡¯s been much worse for everyone else.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack agreed, remembering the horrors he had seen that night, and the friends that had been hurt. Worst of all, he remembered how he was willing to end his own life to take Dr Grine with him.


    That was a secret he would take to the grave.


    ¡°We will need to try,¡± Alora finally replied with an understanding expression. ¡°Our friends need us to be at our best.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nika sighed as she got up, but immediately cursed in pain as she dropped to one knee.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you to stop pushing yourself!¡± Alora cried out in worry as she rushed over to the Kizun, who was waving her off.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, I just need to get to bed,¡± she stubbornly replied as her friends gathered around to check on her.


    ¡°Need a lift?¡± Jack asked, offering an arm. ¡°I can carry you if you want.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it!¡± Nika responded with a grin as she allowed Jack to scoop her up. The thin strands of her pink fur were incredibly soft against his bare arms as he carried her bridal style to the garage-like area the Kizun claimed as her quarters.


    ¡°Want to tell me how bad it is now that the others can¡¯t hear?¡± Jack asked with a smile.


    ¡°Tail and right leg are hurt. Happened before, but not at the same time, so movement feels really weird. Alora should be able to help fix it, but I won¡¯t allow it when others need the healing more. It might mean I¡¯m sidelined if you decide to go for Rayle and Zayle¡¯s stuff.¡±


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be up by then,¡± Jack replied to reassure her but Nika shook her head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know, but we can hope. Someone will need to stay behind for Vanya, I¡¯m not leaving her alone unless Alora stays to do that, but she might be held up helping the medics. Worst case scenario, you¡¯ll need to take charge if it comes to it.¡± She looked to Jack to show she was serious.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want us to split up when we¡¯re going into something sketchy,¡± Jack whispered back as he nudged open the door to Nika¡¯s room. ¡°It never goes well, and after everything that¡¯s happened I don¡¯t want to tempt fate.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I understand that. Might not have much choice in the matter, though. We¡¯ll talk to Zayle tomorrow and see if they can give us specifics on any threats.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Jack sighed as he placed the Kizun down on the bundle of cushions, grabbing a blanket nearby and handing it to her, who quickly wrapped herself up. He turned to leave before he felt her hand gently grab his arm.


    ¡°Forgetting something?¡± She grinned as she pulled him in. ¡°I¡¯d say turning the tables on the Klowns deserves a reward, no?¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t answer as Nika¡¯s warm lips pressed against his. It was a moment of warm and soft bliss that made them both forget for a moment the horrors of the night before they both pulled back.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Jack replied after several moments, not knowing what else to say.


    ¡°You could always stay?¡± Nika pointed out with raised eyebrows, knowing it was unlikely.


    ¡°Can¡¯t right now.¡± Jack smiled. ¡°Even if we do work out what we are and how it all works, I¡¯m meant to be keeping an ear open for Dante and Vanya.¡±


    ¡°Maybe when things calm down.¡± Nika shrugged, but then grinned. ¡°Though I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if we pick up some more tenants at some point. We might need to share!¡±


    ¡°How many more do you think?¡± Jack asked curiously.


    ¡°Hard to tell at this stage,¡± Nika thought. ¡°We don¡¯t know the full extent of the Klown¡¯s rampage. Many people will have either lost their homes outright or will at least have lost the security. There¡¯s a bunch of people you haven¡¯t met yet, and as good as Clan Bharzum has been, they might not be able to maintain their board. We¡¯re more fortified than most, so we¡¯ll probably need to prepare for something. It¡¯s Alora¡¯s call though, but it might be worth buying supplies just in case, especially with a bunch of currencies losing value.¡±


    ¡°Something to sleep on,¡± Jack reasoned as he gave out a yawn. ¡°Though I have no idea if I can.¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± Nika admitted. ¡°I left a pot of the good stuff in the kitchen. That¡¯ll wake us up for real in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll see you then.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Good night!¡±


    ¡°Night!¡±


    Emerging from Nika¡¯s room, Jack slowly walked back to the living room, his muscles aching badly as his pain and injuries flared up like a wave, the last of his adrenaline for the night completely gone.


    ¡°Can you take me up to my room like with Nika?¡± Sephy called him with a grin, as the other two giggled at the Skritta¡¯s tomfoolery.


    ¡°Maybe next time.¡± Jack smiled as he leaned against the wall before his expression sobered up. ¡°Unless you guys are too hurt?¡±


    ¡°Nah, I am a little bit sore but I should be alright.¡± Sephy sighed as she started making her way down the corridor to her room.


    I¡¯m completely drained of power, I¡¯ll meditate and alert you if I detect anything. Chiyo added as she floated down to the basement.


    ¡°Thanks, Chiyo!¡± both Jack and Alora simultaneously called out after the Ilithii as they made their way upstairs to their rooms, careful to keep their voices down in order to not wake Dante or Vanya, even though it was unlikely that either of them would be affected.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Jack started with a grin. ¡°A Princess, huh?¡±


    ¡°Oh stop it!¡± Alora sighed back. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how monarchies work where you¡¯re from, but there are many Eladrie royal families in existence that have their own slices of the pizza, with the noble houses having their own smaller pieces within that slice, or externally as petty rulers.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re using the expression wrong,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Slice of the pie.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s close enough and you know what I mean,¡± Alora retorted. ¡°I blame you and your strange Outsider expressions!¡±


    ¡°So there are multiple royal families, but you mentioned the throne of your people?¡± Jack asked curiously. ¡°How does that work?¡±


    ¡°Because at the top there is the position of High Monarch,¡± Alora answered. ¡°However, it hasn¡¯t been held in my lifetime, and only in our ancient history. The High Council rules us in practice on a species and interstellar level when dealing with foreign powers. Externally, my people are quite powerful so nobody messes with us, but internally we¡¯re heavily fractured and disunited, constantly caught in power plays and noble warfare.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a lot of corruption,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°But if you have a claim for the seat of High Monarch¡­¡±


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t I gone for it?¡± Alora asked with a sad smile. ¡°Because candidates in the past have been murdered before they build up their power and get the chance to seize praxis. Do you really think the High Council wants anyone getting on the throne?¡±


    ¡°So¡­how¡­¡± Jack began, trying to approach the subject delicately.


    ¡°How have I survived?¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°I kept it hidden and didn¡¯t tell anyone I got marked by the Mother Tree, and I accepted exile as soon as I got the opportunity. I wasn¡¯t going to do anything at that age, and I still don¡¯t know if I want to. Who would back me?¡±


    ¡°I would.¡± Jack smiled weakly as he patted Alora on the shoulder. ¡°Maybe we can work on our battle plans tomorrow morning?¡± he joked.


    ¡°Hah, maybe!¡± Alora giggled. ¡°Goodnight, Jack!¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Alora,¡± he replied as he closed the door.


    He sat on the bed clutching his knees and waited several moments until Alora¡¯s footsteps went away before every negative emotion he had bottled up poured out at once. As his mind flashed back to the events of that night he began shaking back and forth, clutching a pillow as hard as he could as it muffled his sobs of distress.

 Chapter 63: Tea And Spirits

    ¡°Woah!¡± Jack yelled out as he fell out of bed  Luckily he hadn¡¯t been foolish enough to have set Dante up right next to him just in case of any accidents like this.


    What stood in front of him holding a tray looked like a collection of rocks, pebbles and dirt vaguely moulded into a humanoid-ish form. Staring at it wide-eyed, he levelled his gun at the thing as it slowly motioned to the tea it had and began to pour Jack a cup.


    ¡°Good morning, Jack!¡± Zayle perked up as they walked in after the hulking thing. ¡°No no no! Please don¡¯t shoot him! He¡¯s really nice and still owes me favours!¡±


    Jack just stared back at the Squa¡¯Kaar with the biggest ¡®WTF¡¯ expression on his face, not saying anything as the pile of rubble held out the mug for him to take, which he eventually did after he got the feeling it was staring at him.


    ¡°Zayle¡­¡± Jack began. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Are you okay, halveer?¡± Zayle asked. ¡°My watcher spirit alerted me that you were starting to awaken so I thought I would make you a hot drink to wake you up! I sent my earth spirit to take it to you while I helped tidy up downstairs with my air spirit!¡±


    ¡°What time is it?¡± Jack asked with a groan as he got up, taking a sip of tea and taking care not to flinch from the taste. It was strong and bitter, and it seemed like Zayle had tried to counter that by putting way too much sweetener in it, but there was no way Jack was going to tell them after they were kind enough to go through the effort of making it and bringing it to him.


    ¡°It is early morning, I didn¡¯t expect you of all people to awaken for a while yet!¡± Zayle commented. ¡°Chiyo told me you and Nika probably would be up, though. Are you feeling better?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack lied.


    ¡°Oh good!¡± Zayle perked up. ¡°I hope everyone else does too! Uh¡­would you like me to get you some clothes to wear?¡±


    ¡°Shit!¡± Jack cursed as he got to his feet, quickly downing the rest of the drink and putting the mug back on the tray before he quickly went to the pile of clothes on the floor and threw on a thin undershirt and shorts.


    ¡°No need to be embarrassed.¡± Zayle shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°Earth spirits don¡¯t really understand that kind of concept.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Jack began, staring at the gecko, who scoffed.


    ¡°What? I can grow a penis whenever I like, why would I be bothered?¡± Zayle smiled at Jack with a shrug.


    Immediately, Jack spat out the drink still in his mouth in shock, spraying the earth spirit with the milky liquid. If the spirit seemed upset, it didn¡¯t show it.


    ¡°What the shit!? Okay, time out,¡± Jack spoke up after he finished spluttering. ¡°I don¡¯t even know if you¡¯re joking or if you¡¯re serious. That was too much!¡±


    ¡°Sorry!¡± Zayle covered their mouth to stifle their laugh. ¡°It is true though! My species evolved to do it to deal with population issues, but it doesn¡¯t really matter these days. At least it helps with the stupid school uniform policy! Have you ever tried wearing a skirt in a breezy winter? It¡¯s not good!¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say I have,¡± Jack replied with the first genuine chuckle he had in a while. ¡°Is it really that terrible?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really bad! My people grew up in warm swamps, but not baking hot like the summers here! That¡¯s when you get horrible chafing with dangly parts! It takes a few months to fully change, but usually Rayle and I time it well to match the seasons!¡±


    ¡°Too much information!¡± Jack snorted with a laugh. ¡°Maybe we can change the topic to where we¡¯ll be heading to pick your stuff up?¡±


    ¡°Sure, but I think Nika might need some help.¡± Zayle looked to the side, seemingly at nothing. ¡°My watcher spirit is telling me she¡¯s having trouble getting to her feet.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let''s not wake anyone up,¡± Jack decided, looking at Dante with concern. Despite everything that had happened, the ¡®dog¡¯ hadn¡¯t woken up from their slumber, and Jack quickly rearranged the blankets so they were better covered, but in a way that allowed everyone to check up on him without disturbing him.


    The two headed downstairs, followed awkwardly by the earth spirit with pebbles tapping the wood as it trundled along.


    ¡°Morning,¡± Nika groaned as she stumbled her way to the living room clad in just her sports bra and shorts, her lower half surrounded by some kind of faint smoke that snaked around her legs and tail until she was able to grab a blanket and wrap it around herself. ¡°Thanks for the assist, Zayle,¡± she sighed as the smoke coalesced and formed a small humanoid shape that stood at attention next to her.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Jack asked the Kizun as Zayle quickly saw another opportunity to be proactively useful in making tea while her spirits awkwardly just stood there.


    ¡°Still sore, still stiff.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°But healing naturally. I won¡¯t let Alora give me a jump start when there could be lives at stake back at the Clan Bharzum compound. We have many friends in medical comas or being put back together for resurrection, and I¡¯ll be damned if I take magical healing over them.¡±


    Jack nodded as he sat on the sofa next to her. ¡°No morning workout for us then?¡±


    Nika rolled her eyes at him. ¡°Careful, I might try a lap around the district even if I have to crawl! I¡¯ve been hurt before but I never get used to just sitting down on the sofa and not doing anything productive. I know many of our friends like to do that and I¡¯m not one to judge, but I hate being forced to do nothing else without any choice in the matter.¡±


    ¡°We could find something practical,¡± Jack considered. ¡°I don¡¯t want to think too hard about homework, but the Industrial Vocation bot we were working on was fun!¡±


    ¡°The one with the eight legs you thought up?¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Yeah, we can do that here while the others are still sleeping.¡±


    ¡°I can start making breakfast if you want?¡± Zayle asked as her earth and air spirits lingered behind her, having not been given tasks to do. ¡°Or if it¡¯s too early I can summon my water spirit to clean the pipes?¡±


    ¡°You should take a break instead and calm down.¡± Jack smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve done more than enough already and none of us even asked you to! Maybe you can sit down and rest while you tell us about your soon-to-be-ex-landlord instead?¡±


    ¡°The Laird?¡± Zayle asked. ¡°Paranoid, crazy and power-hungry, though nothing like the horrible and powerful enemies I¡¯ve heard you¡¯ve encountered. He wasn¡¯t too terrible in the past, but I think ever since his position started to get tenuous he¡¯s been making a bunch of terrible decisions. Originally the security was alright and it was an environment Rayle and I were comfortable with so we stayed there because it was something we could afford while we attended school, but for a while now the dues have kept going up and we get less for it. He¡¯s been bringing in extra thugs who like to try and fine people or intimidate residents into not leaving. That¡¯s why I was hoping to get our things and get out before things get worse!¡±


    ¡°What was your original plan?¡± Nika asked curiously. ¡°You mentioned before how you and Rayle had it all planned out. Where would you have moved to?¡±


    ¡°We were tempted to sign up to the Red Legion as aspirants. They provide free lodgings and military training after school and we have friends that have already signed up. The benefits are really good if you have magical capabilities, though it does mean we¡¯d be tied to their operations on the Ring. Alternatively, Kritch mentioned to Rayle that his family might be in a position soon to accept some tenants! Rayle was really keen on that idea for some reason¡­¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Jack smiled, suspecting some ulterior motive on the part of their Lizta friend. ¡°What kind of security has this Laird got? You mentioned thugs.¡±


    ¡°Security before was a local militia, but there were arguments about pay and a bunch of them left. The Laird brought in anyone who could shoot a gun, irrespective of their background. Bandits in all but name! Some of the neighbours have reported being mugged or robbed by them, so that¡¯s mainly why I asked you for your kind assistance in the matter. Rayle and I can usually move around and go to the shops without really attracting any attention, but moving out certainly would.¡±


    ¡°I get it.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°A capable group wouldn¡¯t be a tempting target for the bandits, so your hope is for them not to harass you to stay.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zayle nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t like violence or confrontation but I hate being unsafe or robbed even more! If it is possible to get to the vault where the Laird is keeping the things he takes that his thugs aren¡¯t skimming off, then it may be possible to return sentimental items to my former neighbours if they¡¯re able to get out themselves. They¡¯d probably reward us too if we were to do it, and I¡¯d feel more confident making the attempt with you than if it was just myself and Rayle.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee we¡¯ll go for that, but it¡¯s something to consider if the opportunity presents itself,¡± Jack pointed out seriously. ¡°How were you able to pay your way before if you¡¯re a full-time student?¡±


    ¡°My spirits are very utilitarian and Rayle is quite skilled with druidic magic.¡± Zayle shrugged. ¡°Mainly odd jobs. We¡¯ve volunteered with the Greenwardens before and sometimes we are able to sell byproducts of what we are able to produce which keeps us afloat. We are even able to grow GrainCoin and other AstralCurrencies sometimes which helps keep us in the black, and we¡¯ve learned a bit about trading in the process.¡±


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Might be a good idea to repeat that to Alora,¡± Nika pointed out after stretching herself out more on the sofa. ¡°We have a lot of very fertile garden space and an enthusiastic Eladrie that¡¯ll be all over you, and Rayle too once they recover.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Zayle¡¯s expression drooped at being reminded of Rayle¡¯s condition. If Jack had to guess, the reason for Zayle throwing themselves into chores and jobs was as a coping mechanism to try and forget. It probably wasn¡¯t healthy, but then again, who was he to criticise?


    ¡°What¡¯s the district like?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Please don¡¯t leave anything out. If we¡¯re helping you we need to make sure we do so in the right way so we don¡¯t run into any problems.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of abandoned and ruined properties. It should be easy to hide and lay low if needed.¡± Zayle thought. ¡°Oh yeah, lots of boat travel where bridges have been busted. I usually use my spirits, but with more people I suppose that might be a problem.¡±


    ¡°Boat travel?¡± Jack asked in confusion. ¡°What kind of place is this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s swamp land suited for my species?¡± Zayle asked, sounding confused. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t you need a boat for a place like that? Many islands of buildings amidst the canals, and the best humid environment we can afford to keep us moisturised. It is a large district spread between several factions that may turn into a horrible war, probably the next time the fog builds up.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Jack pondered. ¡°Sounds almost like Venice. I went there once but it was packed with other tourists. A bunch of islands connected by even more bridges with the buildings constantly sinking into the ground. It has a lot of history, but it¡¯s basically just a tourist trap now.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Zayle asked, now even more confused. ¡°I have never heard of this¡­Ven-iss. But yes, several of the buildings sink into the ground by design to create an underground space in certain places. I am pretty sure the vault area has multiple access points with tunnels dug underneath so loot can quickly be taken there and possibly smuggled out. I¡¯ve had watcher spirits follow some of the goons to confirm it.¡±


    ¡°How long does it take for you to normally get to your place when you enter the territory?¡± Nika asked, trying to get the gecko back on track.


    ¡°Just less than half an hour normally, but that is when I utilise my spirits to travel with Rayle, who also helps with their druidic powers.¡±


    ¡°So likely longer.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Do you at least have a map?¡±


    ¡°Uhh¡­¡± Zayle fidgeted around for their commlink, reaching into one of the pockets of their newly-liberated dressing gown from the collection of clothes Jack and Sephy had robbed before bringing it up. ¡°I have the sections of it I frequently use?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯ll be useful.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Best wait for Sephy to wake up before we check it out and map a route.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes the thugs gather or patrol in places, but I just take an alternative path,¡± Zayle added. ¡°Even easier if you find or take a boat, but there is usually the occasional sentry you need to watch out for, though maybe they¡¯ll be more focused on where the other gangs will be coming from.¡±


    ¡°Something to bear in mind,¡± Jack noted. ¡°I¡¯ve seen how quiet Sephy¡¯s drones can be, maybe if she has a few hovering overhead we can avoid any trouble outright. However, from what you¡¯ve described, the militia have a habit of harassing innocent civilians. I¡¯ll tell you now, I won¡¯t stand by and let that happen if they try something like that around me. How strong are they if things go to shit?¡±


    ¡°There were several infrequent patrols between two to five guards last time I was there,¡± Zayle recalled as she filled another teapot and offered everyone drinks, which both Jack and Nika happily took. ¡°Though many times they were drunk or high on something and didn¡¯t really do much.¡±


    ¡°Maybe just keeping up appearances,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°Or just taking an easy job for easy pay before their employer either dies or cuts and runs with what they have. If they don¡¯t live in the community they don¡¯t have any motivation to act like proper guards.¡±


    ¡°They may also get the idea to take it for themselves if they¡¯re able to and the Laird isn¡¯t able to rein them in,¡± Jack speculated. ¡°He seems like a poor leader, though I can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s from malice or just plain stupidity. How did he claim the territory in the first place?¡±


    ¡°Both malice and stupidity, I think.¡± Zayle shrugged. ¡°And he was next in the chain of command when the previous Laird and her chosen successor both apparently died to a Zorn raid. I think he was a clerk or a tax collector or something.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense why he¡¯s not the best overall leader then,¡± Jack replied. ¡°Okay. It sounds like a stealthy approach to your place will work as long as we detect and react to potential encounters quickly to avoid them, which will be very doable if we at the very least have Sephy and Chiyo along for the ride. Based on what you¡¯ve told me, we may be able to go today depending on how the others are feeling. It¡¯s a risk, but the situation over there could be played to our advantage if the militia is looking a certain way and we can sneak in and out right under their noses.¡±


    ¡°I agree.¡± Nika nodded with a grin. ¡°You have a good mind for tactics.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded in thought. ¡°My main concern, however, is for your neighbours who haven¡¯t left yet who may be caught in the storm. Some might be able to get out, but there may also be those who are vulnerable and can¡¯t leave unaided. The vault is optional, and I imagine Sephy would agree with you, Zayle, that we should try and hit it, but that might be a risk too far. We can entertain that idea when we get there, only if things go well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Zayle conceded. ¡°We can only do what we can, but we must be realistic about what we can do. We cannot save everyone over there.¡±


    ¡°We can only do our best,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°Also, I think I¡¯m ready for breakfast now¡­¡±


    Zayle quickly got to their feet, eager to throw herself into another task but Jack shook his head.


    ¡°No Zayle, you¡¯ve already done a lot, so sit down. I¡¯m cooking, you need to take a chill pill. Nika, what do we have in stock?¡±


    Jack admittedly had a limited number of recipes he could cook, but his father had decided he should know basic cooking skills at his age, and had Jack helping him with a few weekend family breakfasts they¡¯d do to give his mother a break. Fortunately, he confirmed that Zayle and Vanya were able to eat the simple meal he had planned as he counted several eggs, some prepared bacon-like equivalent they had that was suitable for nearly every species and the basic staples to make pancakes. He had no idea if it was officially called a Canadian or American breakfast or not, and it didn¡¯t really bother him. All Jack knew was that it was an easy dish to do for multiple people and that he didn¡¯t know many other recipes he could do. It would be the second morning in a row he would be making pancakes, so he resolved to try and find other simple recipes he would be able to learn. He knew he had a cooking class at school next week with Chiyo, so maybe he¡¯d pick something up there or add a cookery book to the house shopping list?


    As the smells of the hearty food wafted throughout the house, the others slowly appeared. Chiyo was first, having already been awake and meditating in the basement, lazily floating upwards and plonking herself on the sofa without too many words, except that the others that were able to were waking up, she was hungry and she couldn¡¯t wait to eat what was cooking!


    Sephy and Alora eventually joined them, with Nika and Zayle clueing them in on what their likely plans would be for recovering Rayle and Zayle¡¯s belongings.


    ¡°I could come along, but....¡± Alora began.


    Nika shook her head and countered, ¡°We¡¯ve already discussed it. You know Clan Bharzum will need medics and I know how serious you are about your healer¡¯s oath. I think a smaller group would be best for remaining undetected anyway, and even if things do get bad, the opposition isn¡¯t going to be anything near the Pallid Pit or the Klown attacks, which Sephy, Jack and Chiyo can handle. As much as I hate to say it, I can¡¯t come myself, but I can help coordinate from here via comms and keep an eye on Dante and Vanya at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Alora nodded and finally agreed. ¡°Shoot me a message when you head out. How long do you expect to be?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a few hours travel from here to my place,¡± Zayle noted. ¡°Though I calculate that by my usual route - I expect it to take longer to get there safely and silently. Plus we need to get my stuff, but I know what I will do for that.¡±


    ¡°So let¡¯s just say a few hours, assuming all goes well.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°How do you plan on getting the stuff out then?¡±


    ¡°Rayle and I managed to bind a powerful earth spirit that is currently residing there as part of our current Lodge, along with a few other more powerful ones.¡± Zayle grinned, looking proud. ¡°It¡¯ll be able to handle getting the stuff out of the district, and I¡¯ll have the other spirits accompanying me until I can use them for something or need to dismiss them once I dispel the Lodge for good, since those ones are too powerful to bind to my astral field. I¡¯ll need to recover as many of the reagents we used in the original construction as possible in order to more quickly rebuild here once we find a suitable space.¡±


    Sephy, how many drones do you have available? Chiyo asked the Skritta, who shrugged.


    ¡°I can bring a few more than I did for the Oracle Run, but I don¡¯t want to take my whole stack. I was thinking of having a few camouflage observer drones hovering above nearby so we can see any danger before it sees us,¡± Sephy reasoned. ¡°I don¡¯t have any capable of shifting stuff, but if you say your earth spirit at your home can do it, that¡¯s on you.¡±


    ¡°And Chiyo, you should be able to detect others lying in wait?¡± Jack asked.


    Yes, unless they purposefully shield themselves as Svaartal did on our way back from the Oracle. However, since we¡¯re not expected, it¡¯s extremely unlikely we¡¯ll run into that problem.


    ¡°Alright, then I guess I won¡¯t need to be too worried if I offer my healing to Clan Bharzum.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll head off as soon as I can then, but I would like it if you kept me updated. I¡¯ve got to say I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re taking being sidelined as well as you are, Nika, it really isn¡¯t like you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m confident they can pull it off and Jack will keep everyone safe.¡± The Kizun shrugged. ¡°Just don¡¯t be too tempted to go for the vault if it¡¯s too great a risk.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll at least take a look and make sure we have a plan.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°From the sounds of it, the Laird¡¯s position is tenuous at best, so if we don¡¯t make the attempt others probably will, but if we do it we make sure we sort out anything else. If not, there¡¯s apparently abandoned properties around that you can satisfy your kleptomania with, Sephy.¡±


    ¡°I take offence to being called that!¡± Sephy replied in mock horror. ¡°I am merely an entrepreneur seeking opportunities!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush to go, though,¡± Alora warned. ¡°I don¡¯t want Vanya waking up and finding barely anyone here before we¡¯ve explained what we¡¯re planning for today.¡±


    She¡¯ll probably be another hour before she wakes. Chiyo informed her, and Alora simply nodded in acknowledgement.


    ¡°We¡¯re not in a rush,¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°I think most of us are still tired, so we¡¯ll go once we¡¯ve eaten and woken up a bit more. Maybe we can get there when it starts to get dark since I know Sephy¡¯s drones will still be able to see anyway?¡±


    ¡°Good plan.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Although¡­Zayle, how does militia activity differ from day to night?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Zayle thought. ¡°The Laird wants more guards patrolling at night, but in practice it doesn¡¯t differ that much. It might actually be better since Rayle and I have seen guards goofing off when they think nobody is watching.¡±


    ¡°Alright, sounds good.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll rest up and make our move in a few hours. Get ready.¡±

 Chapter 64: Misty Mire

    Jack really hated slow-walking people with a passion.


    Even when he was on earth, every time he had to go down a narrow path or pavement, a good 40% of the time there would be someone in front of him walking in the same direction that was slow as hell, and when he¡¯d try and get around them, they were usually walking right in the middle of the path without a care in the world, preventing him from being able to politely overtake without shoving them. Even asking them to move would be seen as rude, so more often than not he had to lag behind until a suitable gap presented itself, ignoring whatever stare he would get in return.


    Here it was worse.


    His companions kept up a good pace. Sephy was only slightly shorter than he was and easily matched his firm strides, and Chiyo floated alongside them, happy that they had taken a slight detour to go to the Lizta tea garden to refresh themselves on their way to Zayle¡¯s home district. Speaking of the gecko, even they were able to keep up with Jack¡¯s strides despite only barely coming up to his waist, though he made sure he wasn¡¯t tiring the group out.


    No, the bottleneck the group had found themselves in had mostly been backed up as far as they could see, and they had been here a while.


    ¡°So Squa¡¯Kaar isn¡¯t actually my individual species,¡± Zayle told Jack, who had tried to make conversation and get to know their new housemate a bit better. ¡°It¡¯s actually Qhels, but we never really identify along those lines. My race was one of several on our cradleworld to come together with other similar intelligent species in the name of planetary peace and unity, and it is all of us that are Squa¡¯Kaar. We are so bound together that it is almost unthinkable to consider myself anything but a Squa¡¯Kaar.¡±


    ¡°My people could probably learn something from the Squa¡¯Kaar then, though I¡¯d be naive to think humans would actually do that.¡± Jack smiled softly. ¡°We¡¯re not even separate species but the best I could probably hope for is continued NATO supremacy and for Russia and China to decline. Otherwise, we¡¯re set up for a third world war.¡±


    ¡°Sounds horrible!¡± Zayle shivered. ¡°What¡¯s the problem with this Russia and China that stops you from making peace with them and uniting as one people?¡±


    ¡°We hate them and they hate us.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°They have mostly oppressive regimes, and many of the people that would speak up against them have either left the country or been punished in some way, often with death. The people that are left either actively support the regime or don¡¯t give a shit.¡±


    Assassinating the enemy leaders would be the most optimal action to take. Chiyo reasoned. Why has your NATO not tried that?


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you about Fidel Castro later.¡± Jack grinned, as there was finally some movement up ahead as the crowd of people started walking again.


    ¡°Well if those countries are as terrible as you make out, I pray that your people can somehow come together and make them better,¡± Zayle commented. ¡°We were fortunate enough to have a unified response when a Demon Lord tried to settle on our world, forcing them to leave for easier targets!¡±


    ¡°Oh, those aren¡¯t the worst places in the world, just the ones that are powerful enough to pose a global threat,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°There¡¯s North Korea, there¡¯s Africa, not to mention the Middle East¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the really crazy place you told me about the other day, right?¡± Sephy asked curiously, ¡°The place with the monsters?¡±


    ¡°No, that was Australia.¡± Jack recalled their late night conversation a few days ago. ¡°And not necessarily monsters, just some dangerous animals and insects that aren¡¯t usually a threat if you know to leave them in peace.¡±


    He was about to say more when Zayle led them to the side along the wall of the district, where things were much quieter.


    ¡°Alright, we have a checkpoint up ahead which opens up into the district proper,¡± Zayle whispered to the group as they came up to a waterlogged road that looked to be flooded on either side. ¡°The Laird doesn¡¯t control this section so we should be ok.¡±


    Sure enough, the squad of ragtag militia let them through quickly enough, even wishing them good luck as they left. Jack suddenly realised that the squad weren¡¯t aligned with the district they were entering, and were just happy to let them leave the district they were charged to protect. He hoped getting back in wouldn¡¯t be a problem for them.


    Jack knew somewhere in the back of his mind that there were subtle differences between swamps and marshes, but it didn¡¯t really matter to him right now. The important thing he knew from a hiking trip in Wales was to watch out for bogland. It could look solid, but if he got caught unawares he could easily fall into one and drown. On Earth, archaeologists were still discovering remnants of the past from the preserving peat: from ancient treasure, to food, and even bodies.


    Lots of bodies.


    Bogs were very dangerous to the unaware, and even though the bog bodies were often mummified, preserved and recovered in an excellent condition, it was still a horrible fate to suffocate to death in black sludge.


    ¡°Zayle, how extensive are the paths in this district?¡± Jack asked nervously, as one of the cobblestones under his feet wobbled slightly.


    ¡°Very!¡± Zayle replied with an equally nervous smile. ¡°Though we can use a boat or a raft further on if we need to, there are several that have been abandoned over the years so we can just take one.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack sighed, happy that the terrain wouldn¡¯t be as dangerous as he thought. ¡°I¡¯m going to call Nika and let her know we¡¯re here. She wants to be patched in in case she and Vanya can help from their end.¡±


    ¡°Bit much, don''t you think?¡± Sephy pointed out.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Jack conceded. ¡°But we promised and it can¡¯t hurt. Besides, I think she really wants to get Vanya involved somehow, you all saw how she was.¡±


    Indeed, the Chuna had looked completely broken when she woke up this morning, slumping down on the sofa next to Jack without a word. But with hot food and company, it appeared that things were getting slowly better, as one tiny moment at a time as Jack could see Vanya begin to open up.


    But there was still a long way to go. At least Vanya was calm when they explained what their plans were to help Zayle out, and she was happy to stay at home with Nika and keep an eye on Dante, who Chiyo had floated downstairs to lay curled up on the sofa. His condition hadn¡¯t really changed much and he hadn¡¯t woken up, but he hadn¡¯t gotten any worse either. Nika would let them know if things got worse, but even if they hadn¡¯t Jack would insist they find a vet to take care of them, since even Alora wasn¡¯t sure what was wrong.


    Sephy had to help him with the commlink, but eventually he was able to call Nika and report in.


    ¡°Hey Nika, just letting you know we¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    ¡°You took a little longer than expected, we were getting worried.¡± Nika sighed with relief. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Massive crowds moving about the last few districts we¡¯ve come through,¡± Sephy added. ¡°Don¡¯t know why.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the panic. The news mentioned that there were hordes of people stocking up on supplies and fleeing their homes,¡± they heard the voice of Vanya quietly speak up. ¡°The area you are in is close to one of the areas that got hit hardest by the Killer Klown¡¯s attack.¡±


    ¡°Sowing chaos,¡± Jack noted, remembering the Killer Klown¡¯s insane message to the entire city.


    That is what he usually does. By this point I would expect him to move his operations to another part of the ring now that everyone is acting this way. Though we are in one of the largest cities on Have Station Bastilla, there are many others, and it would not surprise me if he targeted one of them and allowed the population here to let their terror do his work for him.


    ¡°Yeah I really hope he fucks off for a while,¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°But this shitstorm isn¡¯t going to be doing us any favours. I know we ordered ourselves supplies as soon as we got back, but it wouldn¡¯t surprise me if the delivery companies reneged on the orders due to lack of supply.¡±


    ¡°We have enough food and drink to keep us going for a few more weeks,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°But you¡¯re right, Sephy. I¡¯ll talk to Alora - or maybe if you¡¯re able to, you can bring some stuff back. At least the company fixing the hot tub have come out and said they¡¯ll bump our slot forward to tomorrow, so we can have that as our rest day. They''re probably not expecting any contracts any time soon so they¡¯ll want to get it over and done with so they can spend the money.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s something at least!¡± Jack grinned, before his expression got serious as he remembered why they were here. ¡°Which entrance have we come from Zayle?¡±


    ¡°South West,¡± the Squa¡¯Kaar noted. ¡°I don¡¯t usually take this one but it¡¯s the closest, and if there¡¯s crowds around outside my normal route will take far longer. It¡¯s further away to get to my home though, so be careful on the path.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not going to flood over, is it?¡± Jack asked, noting the minute differences in elevation between the wet mud and the path.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t while it¡¯s still light outside,¡± Zayle replied. ¡°Can get slippery and dangerous during the dark sometimes when one of the solar plates fully encompasses the section which is why I don¡¯t come this way.¡±


    ¡°Do we need to come back this way though?¡± Sephy asked thoughtfully. ¡°Just take one of the other thoroughfares on the way out. It won¡¯t matter then if we get stuck in crowds, we¡¯ll have done what we came here to do, so we can afford to take our time getting back. It¡¯ll suck, but if it¡¯s safe¡­¡±


    Sephy¡¯s right. Chiyo agreed. Let¡¯s not take this way out; any other will do, but we¡¯ll determine that when we need to leave.


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°Keep us posted.¡±


    They continued walking in silence, not seeing anybody else. Jack¡¯s paranoia levels were through the roof, but Zayle confirmed it was simply a long path, and that the area was just huge. Apparently, according to the gecko, locals theorised that the wetland was once several districts, however, some kind of fault had occurred that flooded the area, with the district walls either eroded away or sunk over time. Jack questioned the logic in his mind but had to admit to himself that he knew very little, and that his experience within the Gloom Paths demonstrated that the mysterious construction of Hive Station Bastilla was inherently flawed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about the fog,¡± Zayle finally spoke up after they had been walking for about ten more minutes, as their range of vision started to become more hazy the further they moved ahead. ¡°It never gets too overwhelming around the inhabited areas unless you move too far away, and I can promise it isn¡¯t the heralding of horrible monsters or anything supernatural, though I¡¯ll admit it¡¯s a bit spooky.¡±


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°I have a solution for that.¡± Jack grinned as he pulled out his special shades he got from the Pallid Pit run and put them on, where the settings automatically adjusted themselves to give him perfect vision.


    Sephy, it may be a good idea to release your drones now, assuming we aren¡¯t too far away from our destination. Chiyo reasoned, looking to Zayle to confirm. Even with a small amount of fog, it will still make it impossible to spot them flying above us.


    ¡°We are not too far from the inhabited zone,¡± Zayle confirmed. ¡°I live further away past this territory, but I would prefer us to pass without notice until I am able to get to our home.¡±


    ¡°Nika, you still there?¡± Sephy called into the open comm.


    It took a few moments, but the Kizun eventually replied. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m still here. Something on TV triggered Vanya into having a panic attack so I gave her a sedative. I¡¯m not so good with this kind of stuff, but I¡¯ve already let Alora know.¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± Sephy cursed. ¡°Will she be alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s resting at the moment on the sofa. Dante woke up and moved three steps before collapsing next to her, they¡¯re cuddled up right now. What did you need?¡±


    ¡°Sending drones up now. If you spot something on the feeds, let me know,¡± the Skritta replied as she deployed the bots, deciding it was probably for the best not to ask for details before they were done.


    ¡°Alright, you¡¯ve got a decent top-down view,¡± Nika acknowledged. ¡°There¡¯s an island about half a mile ahead, though the details are a little unclear.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Nika,¡± Jack replied as he looked to the others, feeling the plasma rifle on his sling before pushing it back. ¡°Alright, I guess I¡¯ll lead and you stay close behind me.¡±


    Agreed. Chiyo quickly answered, knowing she was more effective in the back line. We¡¯ll speak up if we detect anything.


    Again in silence they pushed forward. Jack noticed the water level getting dangerously close to the level of the path the closer they got to the island, so as a precaution he told everyone to link hands in case anyone slipped before finally they reached the island which sloped upward, leading to a small hamlet of abandoned-looking shacks. Once Chiyo confirmed there was nobody around, Jack was able to relax and asked Zayle where to go next after allowing the group to have a short break.


    ¡°Ah,¡± the Squa¡¯Kaar muttered as they checked the bridge.


    ¡°What¡¯s ¡®ah¡¯, Zayle?¡± Jack asked as he moved to join them, while Sephy and Chiyo began quickly searching the abandoned shacks for useful loot.


    ¡°The bridge has been destroyed!¡± they told him in a panic as they pointed. Sure enough, the stone arch ahead of them had crumbled in a heap, with jagged boulders sinking into the mud.


    ¡°Ah, crap. Destroyed is the right word, this rock looks like it was blown up with something,¡± Jack mumbled as he knelt down to look. ¡°Probably recent too, this shorn rock looks clean.¡±


    ¡°I had heard the Laird threaten to blow up bridges to stop people leaving without his permission, but I didn¡¯t think he would actually do such a thing¡­¡± Zayle whispered back as they peered over the edge of the bridge. Seeing the other side, Jack knew they weren¡¯t jumping that distance through the fog. ¡°As an Ogar his species are naturally paranoid and protective, but I¡¯ve never seen it this bad!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to have to improvise,¡± Jack told them, remaining calm. ¡°Let¡¯s see what the others have found and let them know what¡¯s up. This shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, the Laird did a thorough job - my earth spirit is too weak to repair the bridge if that was your idea,¡± Zayle nervously pointed out.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t, but good to know.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Honestly I don¡¯t know much about what you can do outside of what I saw this morning, so in hindsight I probably should have asked.¡±


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Zayle asked curiously as Jack slid back down the slope to take a look.


    ¡°Unless the other side of the island is more watery, we¡¯re not taking a boat if there¡¯s even one around, and building a raft will probably take too long.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°However the distance isn¡¯t too far and the job is partially done thanks to the rocks down there. If we get materials from the shacks over there I was thinking we can make a new bridge.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t that be dangerous?¡± Zayle asked.


    ¡°A little,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°But mostly for me. Sephy can fly enough to stay light on her feet, Chiyo can levitate and you¡¯re small enough that it shouldn¡¯t be an issue for you. For me, however, I¡¯ll need to be careful, but on the plus side if the Laird thinks this path is no longer usable it¡¯ll mean they¡¯re less likely to be looking our way.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Sephy asked as she and Chiyo casually joined them. ¡°Shacks have been ransacked, nothing of value.¡±


    ¡°They blew up the bridge,¡± Jack informed them. ¡°We¡¯re going to make another.¡±


    *****


    Are you sure about this? Chiyo asked Jack nervously after she quickly placed the platforms according to Jack¡¯s specifications. Sturdy enough with as wide a surface area as possible, leading up to the rocks in the middle, which the Ilithii had already tentatively stood on to test the sturdiness of the bridge.


    ¡°Yeah. Sephy and Rayle, go one at a time but make it quick,¡± Jack warned, as he picked up a lengthy stick that he was preparing to use to aid his own crossing, but also to help fish one of the others out if he needed to.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Sephy muttered as she dexterously moved across, using her wings to lighten the load, with Zayle following behind once the Skritta had made it to the rocks. Jack could see the platforms sink under the strain of both, and remembering Sephy¡¯s approximate weight when he once boosted her up to a vent during the Oracle run, he wasn¡¯t too confident they could hold him for long. He remembered watching a Japanese gameshow when he was younger that involved contestants running across small platforms along a lake, with some of the platforms being false. Though it wasn¡¯t a perfect match for what was in front of him, he still knew the strategy that usually worked.


    Hyping himself up as he moved back for a runup, Jack sprinted along the solid ground, barely noticing when he crossed the platforms, leaping to the next one before it could fully sink. Slapping against the solid rocks with a smacking sound Jack waited for several moments in silence to make sure nothing bad had heard him before he got up and looked to the others.


    That looked like it hurt, Jack. Chiyo commented with worry. Are you okay?


    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡± Jack shrugged after a moment. His injuries from the previous night were still sore and flared up for a moment, but he was okay. ¡°Let¡¯s do the other side but make sure we have enough for a full bridge in case we need to get back. What will we expect to find on the other side, Zayle?¡±


    ¡°A few homes, a bodega and a local steamed riverfood place called the Mudfish,¡± they confirmed. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the militia sometimes go there, but not often. This island is very out of the way, and if they¡¯ve destroyed the bridge leading out of the area¡­¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s less likely we¡¯ll encounter the militia,¡± Jack finished. ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll risk getting closer and try to find out what¡¯s been going on from one of the businesses. If they¡¯ve blown up a bridge, god knows what else they¡¯ll have done.¡±


    ¡°The Gumbo they make at the Mudfish is very good,¡± Zayle commented. ¡°And I¡¯ve spoken to the family that runs it before, they should be happy to talk to us if we get a bite to eat?¡±


    ¡°We probably shouldn¡¯t be chowing down when we should be alert,¡± Jack cautioned. ¡°We just need to ask some questions then leave.¡±


    ¡°It might be a good idea to build up some rapport by buying some quick food?¡± Sephy queried. ¡°Even if Zayle vouches for these people, just going in and asking questions might be seen as rude and set them against us. If we go in as polite customers and casually ask in a way that doesn¡¯t make them suspicious, then it¡¯s more likely they¡¯ll answer truthfully.¡±


    Good idea, Sephy, and I agree! Chiyo added. If the Laird is resorting to extreme measures to keep residents here, then people will be too afraid to talk. If we butter them up, then we can finesse some answers out of them.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Jack conceded, ¡°but we¡¯ll be careful and take a look first. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The others skipped along the remaining platforms as deftly as they had before, but Jack lost his footing and stacked it towards the end, not having the momentum or space to build up speed from the fallen rocks. He quietly cursed as both of his feet plunged deep in the mud, but was close to the bank of the other side and grunted as he pulled himself out and shook off as much of the sludge as he could.


    ¡°Eww¡­¡± Sephy commented as she took in Jack¡¯s appearance.


    ¡°Oh come off it.¡± Jack irritably sighed, though he allowed a slight smile. ¡°This isn¡¯t the messiest you¡¯ve seen me.¡±


    True. Chiyo shrugged. Shall we keep moving?


    The fog cleared slightly as the cluster of homes came into view, with a blinking neon sign in the distance reading ¡®Mudfish¡¯.


    ¡°It¡¯s very quiet,¡± Zayle observed. ¡°Usually we¡¯d be able to hear people moving around or talking, but this is very unusual for this time. The islands ahead are very close to one another, but it looks like nobody is around, when normally children would be playing and adults would still be moving about.¡±


    ¡°Something¡¯s off then.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Sephy, Chiyo? See anything?¡±


    ¡°Nothing on the drones,¡± Sephy confirmed. ¡°Place is deserted.¡±


    I detect a few lifeforms within the buildings. Chiyo replied after several moments of concentration. Auras show fear.


    ¡°But no militia nearby either,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Let¡¯s quickly check the Mudfish first. Stay quiet, stay frosty.¡±


    They kept low as they carefully continued forward to the settlement, making sure their corners were covered. Seeing that they were close to the Mudfish and the lights were on, Jack suggested Zayle go first as a familiar face, which they did, gently testing the door to find it unlocked.


    ¡°Da, someone¡¯s here!¡± a child¡¯s voice called out in a way that gave Jack the impression that they did that quite often as Zayle quickly waved them in.


    ¡°Ah, greetings, keen,¡± a man¡¯s voice called out from the back as soft footsteps could be heard, before a frog-like creature hopped onto the counter in front of them, before giving the group a curious gaze. ¡°You are not the militia I¡¯ve seen before. Are you new recruits? Ah, I remember you. I was not aware you had joined the Laird¡¯s forces¡­¡± the man cautiously asked.


    ¡°We are not with the militia, Mr Kuanfu.¡± Zayle nervously laughed. ¡°My friends and I have only just arrived. We saw they blew the bridge! Are you selling some of your Gumbo tonight?¡±


    Mr Kuanfu visibly sighed with relief on hearing they were not with the militia, and then quickly peered around them to make sure nobody was around to see.


    ¡°Friends, you shouldn¡¯t be here! The Laird declared a lockdown a few hours ago and he seems to think there¡¯s going to be a takeover attempt tonight, it¡¯s not safe! He blew up the bridge in his paranoia and we can¡¯t leave our homes! What are you even doing outside?¡±


    ¡°We came here to help Zayle move out since they told us it might not be safe,¡± Jack spoke up, causing the small frog-man to turn around to look at him. He had kept his hood up to avoid attention from onlookers but he lowered it out of courtesy. ¡°I see now that might have been a bit of an understatement.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you for making the attempt,¡± Mr Kuanfu agreed. ¡°Things under the Laird have gotten bad, but they¡¯ve gotten much worse since last night. If it wasn¡¯t for the bridge being taken out I would consider fleeing with my family at least for a few days, but we don¡¯t have anywhere to go. Many people already left via the bridge as soon as they got word of the attack, but I¡¯m not sure what happened to them. The Laird has been fuming and rampaging since he found out, trying to catch anyone outside.¡±


    ¡°In that case we won¡¯t intrude further on your hospitality and put you at risk.¡± Jack nodded and began to turn before Mr Kuanfu stopped him.


    ¡°Wait, wait! Have some Gumbo and take a short rest first! I insist!¡± the frog-man protested, pouring several bowls for all of them. Jack gave Chiyo a quick look, who confirmed in return that she didn¡¯t detect any foul play. ¡°Where is your sibling, little Squa¡¯Kaar? When I see one I usually see the other!¡±


    Zayle looked uncomfortable at that so Jack answered for them.


    ¡°Rayle was badly hurt during the latest Killer Klown attack and isn¡¯t with us right now.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I am sorry to hear that, please accept my sympathies.¡± The man bowed his head as Jack took a sip of the gumbo, which had a very rich-tasting liquid that complimented the mix of steamed fish very well. ¡°And yes, I understand your haste to secure your belongings. The Laird has begun ransacking the homes of anyone rumoured to be slain in the attack, and if they hear of your sibling, they will target your house too.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Zayle nodded nervously. ¡°I¡­¡±


    Before Zayle could continue they heard a loud crackling sound, immediately followed by a booming voice echoing from outside. It wasn¡¯t too close to their location, but it was still loud and defined enough to cut through the eerie silence of the misty village, and Jack could see both Zayle and Mr Kuanfu recoil in worry.


    ¡°WHAT ARE YOO DOING IN MAH SWAMP!?!¡±

 Chapter 65: Bad Neighbourhood

    Jack¡¯s eyes went wide as he brought up his plasma rifle and looked out of the window, but he saw that nobody was outside.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Jack,¡± Zayle quickly interjected. ¡°The Laird has a speaker system he tends to use to address the residents.¡±


    The crackling sound started again, and Jack could see the black speaker hooked up to the top of a pole near to the bodega, which looked closed for the afternoon.


    ¡°THAT¡¯S RIGHT! YOO ARE IN MAH SWAMP BECAUSE YOO PAY FOR THE RIGHT TO LIVE ON MAH LAND AND GET MAH PROTECTION!¡± the voice boomed out. ¡±AND YET DO I GET ANY GRATITUDE FROM YOU PEOPLE? NO! I GET PEOPLE COMPLAINING THAT THE RENT KEEPS GETTING HIGHER AND YOO WANT TO LEAVE!¡±


    Do you have to put up with this often? Chiyo asked Zayle and Mr Kuanfu, and both nodded with tired-looking expressions.


    ¡°Fucking hell, I haven¡¯t even seen him and I already want to rob him blind,¡± Sephy muttered to Jack. ¡°Don¡¯t know if he actively deserves to be geeked or not, but it wouldn¡¯t surprise me if he does.¡±


    ¡°WELL YOO DON¡¯T GET TO LEAVE! THE LOCKDOWN CONTINUES UNTIL SECURITY IMPROVES!¡± the voice yelled, before turning into a hateful growl. ¡°AND IF ANYBODY LISTENING THINKS THAT THEY CAN TAKE MAH SWAMP FROM ME, COME AND TRY IT! I¡¯LL FUCKING KILL YOO!¡±


    ¡°Tempting.¡± Jack grinned as the sound cut out, and the atmosphere was silent once again before he then got serious.


    ¡°This Gumbo is lovely, Mr Kuanfu,¡± Jack told the chef. ¡°And I would love to stay and savour it, but we will need to move quickly. I don¡¯t want to put you in danger by being here when the militia rolls up either, but if anything bad happens, you can find the platforms along the left side of the ruined bridge which should support your weight.¡±


    He then turned to his three friends. ¡°As for us, we need to decide if we should proceed or go back. It¡¯s clear things are potentially more dangerous than we thought¡±


    ¡°I would really like to secure our things,¡± Zayle told Jack sternly. ¡°If the Laird seizes it, Rayle and I are left with nothing!¡±


    ¡°Alright, that settles it,¡± Jack acknowledged as he saw Chiyo and Sephy nod in agreement. ¡°We press on. What¡¯s our next step, Zayle?¡±


    ¡°I suggest we go the long way around the town centre and take one of the paths. My home is on one of the outlying islands facing the lake.¡±


    ¡°So taking a boat is possible, assuming the water is deep enough,¡± Jack reasoned, prompting Zayle to nod and confirm the water level was boat-worthy. ¡°Since I have a way of seeing through the fog, we can use it to stay hidden if we need to and bypass any trouble. How big is the militia?¡±


    ¡°I would estimate it to be around 40 individuals right now,¡± Mr Kuanfu spoke up. ¡°A few of my regulars were part of the old guard and let slip there were disputes about pay so a bunch of them deserted, with more and more joining them. Most of the ones now are the new guard that the Laird brought in on the cheap, bunch of psychos, the lot of them.¡±


    ¡°Those are tiny numbers for a district this vast,¡± Sephy perked up, interrupting Jack¡¯s cause for concern. ¡°No, really, they¡¯ll all be split up on patrol, on lookout or taking a break. Plus, we can see them coming. No threat to us. We can either sneak past or get the drop on them.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack nodded before turning to Mr Kuanfu and putting his empty bowl down on the counter. ¡°We weren¡¯t here, you didn¡¯t see us, we didn¡¯t see you. Lock this place down tight and stay safe, this whole situation is a bomb ready to go off.¡±


    ¡°Good luck!¡± the nervous man whispered to them as they exited the front door. They heard a series of bolts and catches being fastened in place, and the neon sign was quickly turned off.


    ¡°Nobody around,¡± Sephy confirmed.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded, looking at Zayle. ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    Invigorated by the strange but delicious Gumbo, the group set off with weapons within easy reach, keeping quiet as they carefully snuck down the gloomy crumbled tarmac path away from the cluster of buildings. The poorly maintained asphalt soon gave way to gravel, then dirt, as they moved from the gloomy row of barely inhabited homes to wet grass, bushes and the occasional tree.


    ¡°Barely any cover,¡± Jack noted. ¡°Nika, you¡¯re still on the comm with us, right? See anything on the drones?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah¡­I¡¯m still with you,¡± the Kizun confirmed. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m just trying to keep things together on my end. I don¡¯t see anything nearby but I¡¯d be careful, you¡¯re exposed.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Jack sighed in relief. ¡°What¡¯s happening on yo-¡±


    Before he could finish, a quick series of loud rumbling noises boomed in the distance, disturbing the silence of the night like a rude awakening.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Sephy asked, before checking her drones. ¡°Drone sensors noting activity in that direction.¡±


    She pointed in a North East direction ahead of them, sort of where they were heading, but their path twisted and curled so much that it was hard to tell if it was directly on their route.


    ¡°You guys alright?¡± Nika asked over comms.


    ¡°We¡¯re okay,¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°Heard some explosions of some kind up ahead but we¡¯ve got nothing else. We¡¯re going to carefully head up since we can¡¯t hear anything else. Will you be alright staying on the drones?¡±


    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m good.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°I just moved pretty badly, Vanya helped me prop myself back up and is making us drinks. She¡¯s calmed down a bit, so I might bring her in to help with drone surveillance to get her involved and distracted.¡±


    ¡°Good idea,¡± Sephy acknowledged. ¡°Let me know if you need to go for anything, otherwise I¡¯ll let you keep primary access to the feed.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±


    As they moved, the fog got thicker and thicker as the path took them across several smaller islands, and closer to where the explosions came from. Everyone was silent as they followed closely behind Jack as they crossed a rickety wooden bridge that Zayle reinforced using their earth spirit as they crossed, before setting foot on a larger island with several ramshackle houses that had no signs of being inhabited.


    ¡°It¡¯s not too much further,¡± the Squa¡¯Kaar whispered. ¡°Just a few more islands, then there¡¯s another path that takes us directly there.¡±


    Excellent! Chiyo nodded. The sooner we get to your home the sooner we can get out of-


    ¡°Guys, Vanya sees movement ahead of you,¡± Nika interrupted over the comms. ¡°Group of five heading your way. Armed.¡±


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Zayle whimpered but Jack quickly placed his hand on their shoulder to calm them down.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move into one of the houses before they get here,¡± Jack whispered to the others.


    That one looks open. Chiyo pointed to one of the homes without a front door and part of the roof caved in. Not hesitating, the group quickly and quietly rushed over and entered, waiting in silence for whoever was coming to show up.


    ¡°If they¡¯re militia, let them pass without alerting them,¡± Jack whispered as he began to hear voices approach. ¡°We don¡¯t want to risk anything being called in, but if it gets bad, take them down quickly and quietly so their friends don¡¯t find out anything about us.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Sephy nodded as she hid in cover on the right side of the doorway with her plasma rifle out, Jack on the left with his. Zayle nodded nervously as they drew on her air and earth spirits, whispering to the rest of the group that they had sent them outside, invisible to those without astral sight until they quickly manifested. Chiyo was next to Jack, sat against the thickest part of the wall with her eyes closed, extending her senses out to listen in on the newcomers.


    As the footsteps drew nearer Jack slowed his breathing, alert and ready to quickly lash out if they were detected, but also listening intently to what was being said.


    ¡°So how long are we sticking around this shithole for, Zybal?¡± one of the trudging figures asked their leader, a scarred, muscle-bound insectoid with too many legs and a maw of long, razor-sharp teeth. ¡°And why are we even here taking orders from this madman? This place could be ours for the taking!¡±


    ¡°No. There¡¯s nothing of value we can use remaining and we don¡¯t have the numbers to take it anyway. Even most of the people are either probably dead or fled, so even if we did take some slaves for sale, we wouldn¡¯t get much and our window of opportunity for the vault is wasted.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have a window though! The boss keeps patrolling around the town square ¡®inspecting the troops¡¯, and every time we sneak a chance to try and find the entrance to the vault we can¡¯t find it! And I bet he¡¯s waiting for a raid or a takeover so he can escape in the chaos with all the loot via a hidden path!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s far too proud to give up - I would have called this place a loss already. The window will come soon. We just need to lure him out when the time comes and either kill him or make sure he ends up killed in the fighting. Then we¡¯ll have all the time we need to search for the vault.¡±


    ¡°Well since that time ain¡¯t now, I¡¯m taking a shit,¡± another called out as Jack heard some footsteps begin to approach them. Out of all the nearby shacks, was this asshole really going to come up to specifically their one?


    Ah, alrighty then. Guess he was going to squat in one of the bushes¡­


    ¡°Grob, what kind of fucking animal are you? It¡¯s about fifteen minutes until we get back to the barracks and you can¡¯t even wait that long? You couldn¡¯t at least do it in one of the houses? Some of the nicer ones might have a working toilet, and we don¡¯t want to see that shit!¡±


    ¡°Hey fuck you! I really need to go and these abandoned houses are scary as fuck! I ain¡¯t going in there unless one of you comes with me!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that ain¡¯t happening. After that earth elemental manifested and tried to assfuck us earlier, I¡¯m staying outside where it¡¯s safe, so hurry your fat arse up!¡±


    Several minutes passed as the group remained hidden in silence, with only the pained gruntings and groans of the nearby militiaman for company, before finally after a long battle they heard the relieved pant of victory that signified that Grob was done.


    ¡°About time!¡± the voice of Zybal growled back. ¡°Let¡¯s go! We¡¯ve got to demolish the bridge up ahead, then we can head back.¡±


    ¡°Finally!¡± they heard one of the others mutter as the enemy group walked off, completely unaware of their presence. Jack held out a hand to keep everyone quiet as they left, and allowed a period of silence to pass for a few minutes before he finally gave the all clear, with Sephy confirming that the group had gone the way they had arrived, dismantling the rickety bridge behind them as they went.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    That was likely what we heard earlier. Chiyo pointed out. The Laird is destroying bridges as a security measure, reducing the avenues of possible attack.


    ¡°But that also means we might be trapped,¡± Sephy added. ¡°Even if we¡¯ll be encountering fewer patrols now that they¡¯ve seceded this zone, travelling is going to be a pain.¡±


    ¡°Unless we build a raft or acquire a boat like Jack suggested earlier?¡± Zayle opined, and Jack grinned in agreement.


    ¡°I like that idea. If we keep heading along the path we were going along that¡¯s fine, especially if they haven¡¯t messed with the bridges we need. But if they have, we can keep an eye out for any boats we can use, as long as they don¡¯t still belong to anyone.¡±


    That¡¯s a good idea, though if I were a paranoid local warlord, I¡¯d anticipate some kind of attack from the fog and have a countermeasure for something like that. Chiyo warned.


    ¡°A raid is much easier to spot than a single small boat,¡± Sephy reasoned. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯d be keeping watch for. With a raid you either have a swarm of small boats or something much bigger - we¡¯d be like a grain of sand in a snowstorm.¡±


    ¡°Some of the canals are big enough that we can use them, provided we¡¯re quiet,¡± Zayle told them. ¡°Fishing boats use them often and they¡¯re almost impossible to spot.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± Jack whispered back as he quietly led the group away from the house, following Zayle¡¯s directions as they continued along the path, which quickly sloped upwards as they climbed up to the top of what seemed to be a raised levee that reached very high in contrast to the level of the water. Perhaps in earlier times this district was significantly more flooded than it was now, or perhaps the weather or seasonal patterns drastically changed the water level and this was just a ¡®dry season¡¯.


    The contrast of natural phenomena on a completely artificial construct was something that always boggled Jack¡¯s mind. Supposedly, Hive Station Bastilla was a god-construct that had existed beyond recorded history, yet many of the things he had seen defied logic. Why was it created with honeycomb-like districts? How did it come to be lost and rediscovered repeatedly over time? Why was it so¡­flawed?


    He didn¡¯t know. Such things were beyond his comprehension.


    What he was able to comprehend in that moment was the view allowed to him by the vista. Pulling his shades up for a moment and looking around, he could see the white fog blanketing the marshland for miles around, with several visible bumps of other islands rising up from the fog in the distance.


    ¡°Not a bad view, if a little creepy,¡± Jack commented.


    ¡°You get used to it after a while.¡± Zayle softly smiled as she nodded her understanding. ¡°Rayle and I did get scared sometimes when we first moved here, but I find myself at peace whenever I just stand and take in the view. Though I know Rayle and I need to leave and there is little good about this place, I will miss the view. The climate is perfect for us too, though that can easily be replicated elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°I get that.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Take in the view while you can, we don¡¯t want to hang around.¡±


    ¡°I know, we¡¯ll be along this elevated path for a while,¡± they simply replied as they led the way.


    Several more minutes passed in eerie silence before Sephy decided to speak up. ¡°So we¡¯re not going to talk about what we heard about the vault, huh?¡±


    ¡°So that militia group knows the vault exists but have no idea how to get to it.¡± Jack shrugged.


    ¡°But my earth and watcher spirits did find out!¡± Zayle grinned excitedly. ¡°Not the entrance to it, but its exact location - that can narrow down the search massively!¡±


    Though it is still a risk, if the Laird and his forces have no idea we are here and they¡¯re so paranoid about an external attack, if we¡¯re stealthy we could possibly get to the vault. Chiyo pointed out. Zayle also told us earlier they have a plan¡­


    ¡°One thing at a time,¡± Jack patiently told them. ¡°And only if we get the opportunity¡­¡±


    Eventually the group reached the end of the end of the large island they were currently on, only for Zayle to curse as she saw the ruined bridge.


    ¡°Well we¡¯re not going that way,¡± Sephy pointed out the obvious. ¡°Boat?¡±


    ¡°Boat.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°We didn¡¯t see one on the way here, though.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s an old fishing hamlet up ahead, hopefully that bridge is still intact.¡± Zayle sighed.


    And hopefully they have something we can use. Chiyo added. Otherwise we¡¯re doubling back.


    Fortunately, the bridge to the hamlet was intact, though perhaps that was because the ¡®bridge¡¯ crossing over was little more than a series of planks propped up against dubious supports. Even if the militia had been ordered to take it down, Jack figured that they probably either couldn¡¯t be bothered on seeing the shoddy construction and kept the explosives, or just couldn¡¯t find it in the first place. Either way, they made sure to be careful as they crossed, with Jack in particular not liking the thin, wobbly bits of wood as they almost gave way under his weight.


    As they approached the houses up ahead they saw no specks of light that would indicate anybody still living in the area, so after Chiyo confirmed the lack of people, Zayle quickly pointed in the direction of where the jetty was. Coming down the slope, Jack was dismayed to see several tiny boats only suitable for one person, and though he had previously gone kayaking with the Scouts, he wasn¡¯t so confident they could all stick together with the low visibility. There were also several boats with motors on the back, though if they used them, stealth went completely out of the window.


    Jack, would you be able to pilot this one?  Chiyo asked, gently pulling on his sleeve and pointing to a longer, pointier boat that reminded Jack of a canoe or a gondola. It was a little larger than what he was looking for and would be clunky to move, but beggars couldn¡¯t be choosers.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll take that one. Where are the oars and how many do we have?


    ¡°We¡¯ve got five, one big one at the back presumably for steering and four for rowing,¡± Sephy counted. ¡°But since the boat is too wide to have one person using two oars, we¡¯ll have to stick to two people rowing and one person steering.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll steer, and the three of you rotate when you need a break,¡± Jack confirmed after thinking about it for a moment. ¡°I think if I row with one of you I¡¯ll end up sending us off course.¡±


    ¡°Hah, I knew I should have come along!¡± they heard Nika chirp up on the comms. ¡°Better get those skinny arms pumping, Sephy!¡±


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m not that weak.¡± Sephy stuck her tongue out at Jack, as Chiyo rolled her eyes and took her spot on one of the central benches, sitting dead centre in order to keep the weight balanced while Sephy and Zayle groaned when they realised that meant they¡¯d be rowing. Making sure all three were seated securely and weren¡¯t going to move about, Jack pushed the boat away from the jetty and quickly got to work aligning themselves in the right direction before they set off.


    ¡°Not too far to go, this is the final stretch,¡± Zayle confirmed about twenty minutes later with a whisper. ¡°We¡¯re about to pass one of the bigger settlements, then it¡¯s a straight line to our island.¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°It¡¯s taken ages to-¡±


    The Skritta immediately fell quiet and placed a finger to her lips to shush the others as a booming voice could be heard through the fog, coming from the settlement to the side.


    ¡°ALL OF YOU! GET OUT AND GET PATROLLING!¡± the booming voice of the Laird called out, and Jack could see a large form waddling through the fog across a larger bridge up ahead, directing orders to his troops. ¡°YOU¡¯RE HERE TO PROTECT MAH SWAMP AND I¡¯VE GOT WORD OF INCOMING ENEMIES, SO I¡¯M ENFORCING MANDATORY OGRETIME FOR YOU SORRY SONS OF BITCHES!¡±


    As the group stayed low and still as the faint current of the water slowly took them along the canal and under the bridge, Jack got a good look at the green-skinned, hulking giant as he growled out in his mad paranoia, and tried his best to control his breathing, not wanting to make any noise.


    The Laird barked out several more orders to the disgruntled militia before he stomped off, grumbling under his breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m sending a drone after him to see where he goes,¡± Sephy whispered as quietly as she could. ¡°Probably a good idea to keep tabs on that nutter.¡±


    Good idea. Chiyo noted. Best to avoid that guy. Megafauna species might be rare outside of the Southern districts, but they¡¯re still very dangerous, even a relatively smaller species like the Ogar. With luck, they¡¯ll pay a visit to wherever the entrance to their vault is.


    ¡°Alright, just be careful,¡± Jack whispered, as they quietly steered the boat, keeping a hand up to indicate to the others that they shouldn¡¯t start rowing just yet until they were well clear of anyone who could hear them and raise the alarm. Only once the silence had settled for several minutes did Jack give the symbol for Chiyo and Zayle to quietly start rowing while Sephy piloted her drones.


    ¡°Well he seemed cheerful!¡± Sephy joked, grinning to the group. ¡°Zayle, seriously. You could have lived with us at any time, why the fuck did you stay here with this crazy asshole? We have an entire district to ourselves!¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t want to be a burden and we¡¯re used to being independent.¡± Zayle sighed. ¡°But I suppose you¡¯re right. We probably could have. We just prefer to handle things ourselves if we think we can.¡±


    ¡°That stubborn attitude reminds me of a certain idiot I know.¡± Sephy grinned as she playfully poked Jack. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, you and Rayle will fit in fine with us once you¡¯re settled in.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s funny you should mention that.¡± Zayle smiled. ¡°We¡¯re here now!¡±


    The island up ahead was small and heavily obscured by fog, but Jack still found a good place on the bank to park the boat and turn it around for departure, though his feet did get muddy again helping the others out onto the dry land.


    ¡°No!¡± Zayle gasped as they quickly ran up the slope, quickly followed by the others, who soon saw the source of Zayle¡¯s despair. The wooden bridge that was the sole path to the island and a smaller building had been demolished, and the sole bungalow on the island had clearly taken a hit. However, the biggest indication that something shady had gone down were the mangled bodies splattered on the wet grass outside. Clearly there had been a fight, and something big had won it.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Jack exclaimed as he levelled his gun as a swirling pile of rocks that began to manifest in the middle of the carnage, rising out of the ground and beginning to tower high above him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay! They¡¯re with me!¡± Zayle spoke up, and Jack couldn¡¯t tell if the gecko was talking to the rest of the group or the earth spirit. ¡°Is the Watcher here?¡±


    Jack had no idea if Zayle got an answer, but soon the Squa¡¯Kaar was staring into space for a few minutes, occasionally nodding or gesturing to something that Jack could not see. Looking at several of the bodies, Jack, Sephy and Chiyo found guns and confirmed that they were adults, likely members of the militia. Jack remembered the group that had come by them had mentioned an earth elemental, so he assumed this was it.


    But were they too late?


    ¡°So they tried to loot our home, but were forced to run, destroying the bridge behind them,¡± Zayle confirmed. ¡°Only a matter of time before they get back here.¡±


    In that case we had better hurry up and pack, sorry Zayle. Chiyo gave her a sympathetic smile. Is there a bathroom by any chance?


    ¡°Unfortunately, it looks like our outhouse got destroyed in the fighting,¡± Zayle shook her head as she pointed at the ruined shed.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just go in a bush or float above the water?¡± Jack asked, immediately regretting the suggestion as Chiyo gave him a look of abject shock at the scandalous suggestion. ¡°What?!¡±


    I am not going to dignify that with a response. Chiyo huffed as she floated over to Zayle.


    ¡°I got that on video,¡± Sephy grinned, whispering to Jack. ¡°I¡¯ll show it to Vanya later, it¡¯ll cheer her up!¡±


    ¡°I should have drinks available,¡± Zayle called out. ¡°Come in out of the cold and we¡¯ll take a break, then get started!¡±


    Entering the home, Jack was a little taken aback at the spartan furnishings, with two small beds at one corner with a single dresser and the remnants of a small fire between the two. A small sofa was opposite with a television, positioned in a way to close off that area in lieu of any ¡®rooms¡¯. In another corner was the kitchen, which was an area with a fridge, wood-fire oven, small table, two stools and little else. A desk and writing implements were in the third corner, presumably a station for homework, while the fourth corner just held several barrels and boxes of unknown contents.


    But curiously enough, most of the room in the shack was taken up by a wide circle with a crisscrossing pattern that Jack now knew to recognise as some kind of arcane sigil, dotted with candles around the perimeter.


    ¡°Yes, I know it¡¯s not the best.¡± Zayle shrugged. ¡°But welcome!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s cozy¡­¡± Jack tried to compliment, seeing that there probably wasn¡¯t that much they needed to shift as Zayle went over to a nearby wood stove and added a log, before lighting it via unknown means. The Squa¡¯Kaar then quickly found a kettle and filled it to boil, before turning around.


    ¡°You¡¯re wondering where the stuff I need is.¡± They smiled. ¡°Well¡­¡±


    They said nothing for a moment as the bare earth of the magic circle began to churn, before a wicker basket rose out of the ground, still half into the dirt.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Sephy began, not understanding, but Chiyo suddenly perked up in realisation, as the basket began to grow and expand, quickly taking up a large portion of the room before finally stopping as it barely scraped the edge of the walls. Looking down, Jack was amazed at how deep it went. There was even a ladder descending from near the top about ten metres down to the ground where there were already several crates and boxes packed tightly against the walls.


    An extra-dimensional space! Chiyo exclaimed. More than enough space to fit everything and more!


    ¡°Including the contents of the Laird¡¯s vault.¡± Zayle grinned.

 Chapter 66: Ogreload

    ¡°Zayle are you sure you need to take the beds too!?¡± Jack grunted half an hour later as Chiyo carefully lowered the second of the two into the pit for him to arrange amidst the other items already there, quickly followed less carefully by Sephy dropping the duvet on his head.


    ¡°Whoops! Sorry!¡± The Skritta apologised between chuckles as Jack scrambled to pull it off, neatly folding it up with the rest of the blankets and thin mattresses which he then tucked underneath the rickety frames, pushing it all as far to the edge of the storage space as possible, next to the fridge.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Jack asked, after he quickly put away a few chairs. ¡°You got any more enchanted fridges you want to stick down here?¡±


    What was amazing to Jack was how well both Zayle and Rayle were prepared, with a very large stash of long-life food, canned and bagged in several crates already in the extra-dimensional storage basket; including several Zayle had pulled out from under the beds. It was clear that the Squa¡¯Kaar had planned and practised well as they quickly changed into a prepared set of clothes that were folded next to their bugout bag. They had slipped on a thick brown coat with an overcape that seemed to change colour slightly depending on what was nearby, and also put on some beaded necklaces and bracelets Jack assumed were magical in some way, followed, strangely, by a newsboy cap.


    ¡°No more fridges, I¡¯m afraid!¡± Zayle joked back as she passed down another pile of clothes. ¡°This is it for all our stuff, though if we have time I would like to harvest or preserve our remaining crops for replanting, especially the GrainCoin! It won¡¯t take long! Then we throw in the candles and kettle, I perform a closing ritual for our Lodge, then we go!¡±


    ¡°Sounds good!¡± Jack sighed as he climbed the ladder. ¡°Any luck on the Laird, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Footage is a little grainy, but he¡¯s either stomping around populated areas or going back to a big building in the centre, which I assume is probably his home.¡±


    ¡°And probably where the entrance to his vault is,¡± Jack concluded. ¡°Nothing on their comms?¡±


    On searching the dead militia members further, Sephy had been positively delighted that there was a working radio that she was able to patch into, enabling them all to listen in to enemy communications, though only the Skritta was on that duty until they finished up business here.


    ¡°Barely any chatter, it¡¯s still quiet, but the Laird is paranoid they¡¯re gonna be attacked soon.¡± Sephy shrugged.


    That means we may be able to lure him out. Chiyo reasoned. Assuming we¡¯re convincing enough and he doesn¡¯t just bunker down instead. Perhaps if we convince him a massive convoy of residents has been spotted trying to break out near where we know he is, it can keep him occupied trying to find and stop them.


    ¡°Yeah, even if we¡¯re able to sneak in, it¡¯s getting out that¡¯s going to be the problem,¡± Sephy pointed out, looking to Jack and remembering when they experienced that same problem with the Prefect¡¯s Lockup.


    ¡°Actually, that part¡¯s the easy bit!¡± Zayle grinned as she came in, placing several boxes down by the lip of the pit. ¡°I¡¯m going to have our big earth spirit tunnel us out and seal the passage behind us! That¡¯s how we planned it out with just the two of us!¡±


    That could work... Chiyo acknowledged, before a quiet squeaking sound chirped up from the stack of boxes.


    ¡°Oh? You guys want to say hello?¡± Zayle asked with an encouraging smile as they gently lifted the cloth cover of the topmost crate.


    Oh no¡­ Chiyo began.


    ¡°Aww!¡± Sephy perked up. ¡°They¡¯re so cute! And they¡¯ve got babies!¡±


    Jack couldn¡¯t help but smile as he peered in and saw two small brown and white furry creatures with six legs, two droopy ears and long, thin snouts ending with a series of whiskers. But most exciting of all was the five or six babies on each of the backs of the little creatures fast asleep, twitching slightly as they were exposed to the open air. If Jack had to give a close approximation to an animal from Earth he would equate them to an opossum or a capybara.


    ¡°Rayle found Thulu here as a baby abandoned by its mother, so we adopted it to help us keep the pests away from our crops. We then offered to adopt Stega from a rancher we know who operates a rescue sanctuary for animals to give Thulu a mate, and you can see the results here! Thulu gave birth about two months ago and we haven¡¯t named the babies yet!¡±


    Did you by any chance inform Alora that you would be bringing animals back? Chiyo asked, unimpressed.


    ¡°I could swear I mentioned it?¡± Zayle nervously smiled apologetically.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just leave them, Chiyo!¡± Sephy argued, and Jack nodded in agreement, placing a reassuring hand on Chiyo¡¯s shoulder.


    I know. The Ilithii sighed. I wasn¡¯t suggesting we abandon them, just that I don¡¯t appreciate the lack of warning. But I suppose it¡¯s alright. You have a responsibility to these creatures, and Screediips feed on pests anyway, leaving crops be. Alora would be more than happy with that.


    ¡°For the record, I¡¯m cool with more animals around as long as they don¡¯t shit in the house!¡± Nika called out over the comm. ¡°Vanya seems to like that idea too, especially the babies! Now you have to get back here alive! I want to see them!¡±


    ¡°Are they alright to leave in there?¡± Jack asked Zayle, pointing at the extra-dimensional space. ¡°They¡¯re not going to run out of air or anything, are they?¡±


    ¡°They shouldn¡¯t do before we¡¯re done.¡± Zayle shrugged. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of space for them, so they should have several days¡¯ worth of breathable atmosphere.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s wrap up here and head back.¡±


    Zayle took a few moments to quickly perform a closing ritual, dismantling the astral construction of the Lodge, before finally nodding sadly, dropping the last few candles into the pit, then speaking the command word and reverting the extra-dimensional space back into the small wicker basket it had been before. Zayle then picked it up, stuffed it in the top of their bag, and after taking a long look and letting out a resigned sigh, finally turned. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    *****


    ¡°So this thing is going to basically follow us underground?¡± Jack asked curiously as he carefully steered the boat down the main canal towards the town centre.


    ¡°Yes. As a Greater earth spirit, I can¡¯t keep its astral form bound to mine like I do with my Lesser one.¡± Zayle sighed sadly. ¡°The Greater was bound to the Lodge, but since that no longer exists they will eventually fade within a few hours. Until that happens, I¡¯ve just told it to follow us without manifesting, but a spirit that large will still attract attention even from the astral realm.¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­makes sense?¡± Jack replied politely, though completely lying his mouth off as he steered the boat quietly down another canal that Zayle had pointed out that was suitable for them to stealthily travel down.


    ¡°Sir, can we take a break? There¡¯s nobody out here and the weather looks bad,¡± a voice called out over the militia comms they were listening to.


    ¡°THE WEATHER? YOU WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE WEATHER?¡± the voice of the Laird roared. ¡°A LITTLE OGRECAST WEATHER IS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT¡¯S COMING! SECTOR 7, REPORT IN, YOU¡¯RE BEHIND SCHEDULE!¡±


    A pause followed with no response before a slurred voice could be faintly heard in the background. ¡°Sechtor 7 rephorthing inn!¡±


    ¡°ARE YOU DRUNK?¡± the Laird snarled back in anger. ¡°MAH SWAMP IS GOING TO BE ATTACKED AND YOU WANT TO GET TO DRINKING? YOU HAD BETTER SHAPE UP AND DO YOUR JOBS OR YOUR CONTRACT WITH ME IS OGRE!¡±


    ¡°We should be able to get up pretty close to the town centre,¡± Zayle whispered. ¡°The Laird had lookouts further away and enemy factions are expected to try a land attack. I suspect once one tries to and the others find out, they¡¯re all going to come here wanting to claim the district.¡±


    Meaning we should be either in or on the way to the vault by then. Chiyo clarified. Or if it doesn¡¯t happen, we should try stirring the pot to get the Laird to move if he doesn¡¯t do it on his own.


    ¡°Guys?¡± Nika called out over the comms. ¡°You might wanna move. There¡¯s a group of kids playing in a park near your position and a militia patrol is heading right towards them!¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Jack gasped in alarm. ¡°We¡¯ve got to hurry!¡±


    Chiyo nodded, using her power to pick up the spare two sets of oars and visibly strained as she added to the momentum Sephy and Zayle were already providing. Hearing shouts in the distance, Jack didn¡¯t care how conspicuous they were being as he leapt off the boat as soon as they had beached it on the closest bit of land they could find. Keeping low to the ground, the group tried to keep as quiet as they could, even as they sped to the sounds of shouting.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± a voice snarled. ¡°Another one! Did you think you could hide from us?¡±


    The muffled sound of a child¡¯s screaming could be heard as they struggled, and Jack quickly gave directions over subvocal comms, moving to a line of hedges as he pointed directions for the others, individually guided by Nika who was watching from the drones.


    ¡°What do you wanna do with them?¡± one of the militiamen asked.


    ¡°Laird wants anyone breaking curfew rounded up and interrogated for suspected treason,¡± another snorted in amusement. Jack recognised it as the voice of Zybal, the militia patrol leader they had hidden from earlier. ¡°I can¡¯t be bothered going all the way back to deal with that. Whatever shall we do with them?¡± he drawled mockingly, as if he knew what was going to happen.


    ¡°That depends,¡± another chuckled. ¡°Do you think these kids can learn to keep a special secret?¡±


    ¡°Hah! You¡¯re a dirty, dirty man Grob!¡± Zybal laughed as to Jack¡¯s disgust, he could hear several noises of agreement. ¡°Get out there with Razii and check for any stragglers, then get back here.¡±


    ¡°How many, Nika?¡± Jack asked in a low growl.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s five or six of them in total, it¡¯s hard to tell. They¡¯ve bunched the kids up and they¡¯ve got four keeping watch. I think there¡¯s two others looking around, but it¡¯s really hard to tell from the tree cover,¡± the Kizun whispered for all of them to hear.


    ¡°Are they separate from one another?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Yep,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°One near you, the other near Sephy and Zayle.¡±


    ¡°Go lethal, keep it quiet and undetected,¡± Jack told the others. ¡°There¡¯s no showing mercy to these guys after hearing them say shit like that.¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Gotcha, we¡¯ve got this one up ahead,¡± Sephy confirmed, before several muffled noises rang out, followed by a slight rumbling over the comm. ¡°He¡¯s down,¡± she confirmed after several seconds. ¡°You¡¯d better hurry and get in close, Jack.¡±


    Jack was prepared, looking ahead at the figure that had just stopped in front of a bush and dropped their trousers, before a wet trickle hit the ground, alleviating Jack¡¯s worst fears as he saw the overweight Grob up ahead. The toad-like being was gleefully humming a tune as he finished his business.


    Jack pounced, forcing his left hand around Grob¡¯s mouth while stabbing his knife into the exposed throat, punching the blade through the front of their neck in an instant. Holding the man down as he flailed about in a panic Jack controlled his breathing, trying to remain calm and quiet as Grob¡¯s lifeblood flowed down his hands.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t have threatened the kids, Grob,¡± Jack whispered regretfully.


    Several tense seconds went by until Grob went completely limp, and Jack allowed for several more just in case they were playing possum, before gently dragging the body behind the hedge he had come from. ¡°He¡¯s down,¡± he called into the comms.


    We¡¯re in position, waiting on you. Chiyo confirmed.


    ¡°Pick your targets, and get ready to take them all out as quickly and quietly as possible. Try and wait for my mark, but if you see them make a move for the kids, do not hesitate,¡± Jack whispered as he crept further up along the bushes.


    ¡°Guns are going to be loud,¡± Nika warned. ¡°Arcane and close range is the way to go.¡±


    ¡°I can get close with the Trickster¡¯s cloak,¡± Sephy confirmed. ¡°I can get a drop on the one closest to me, maybe two.¡±


    I can get two at long range. Chiyo confirmed. I recommend Jack rushes in with his axe as soon as we¡¯ve acted and have them distracted in the moment.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jack agreed, seeing the logic. ¡°Zayle?¡±


    ¡°My air spirit can disrupt the sound in the area, and my Greater earth spirit is underneath them,¡± the Squa¡¯Kaar confirmed. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    ¡°Chiyo calls it,¡± Jack declared. ¡°I¡¯m going to try and get one to move away from the kids towards me before we go. On your mark.¡±


    He kept his eyes on the group with his axe out, as he carefully reached down and picked a pebble off the ground and threw it hard into another bush opposite him, but nearer his location.


    ¡°That you, Grob?¡± one of the militia members called out as they took a few steps towards Jack¡­


    Now! Chiyo exclaimed as several powerful globs of water were pelted towards the militia at high speed, smacking Zybal and one of the other closer militiamen, but missing a third. Sephy was on them quickly, using her wings to propel herself forward, latching on to them and stabbing them repeatedly as they fell down. Jack bolted out of cover as the fourth turned around to see what was happening, burying his axe deep into his neck as Chiyo finished off the second militia man.


    ¡°Hel-¡± Zybal tried to gasp out, as a mound of earth ripped out of the ground and pinned him down. He tried to yell out as soil entered his mouth, flailing wildly as he was pulled into the ground, buried alive by Zayle¡¯s Greater earth spirit.


    ¡°Everyone shush, we¡¯re here to help,¡± Jack whispered to the kids before he turned to his group. ¡°Was that all of them?¡± he asked, before he heard a sudden shuffling sound from behind him.


    ¡°Shit! Stay back!¡± a terrified-looking militiaman called out, having just turned around a side alley. He quickly pulled an insectoid girl to his chest and held his knife against her neck, tears of fright running down the rusty blade. ¡°I don¡¯t want any trouble! I was just chasing after the kids!¡±


    ¡°Let her go!¡± Jack replied sternly, just loud enough for the militiaman to hear as he levelled his photon pistol at him. ¡°Let. Her. Go.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± he called out. ¡°If I do, you''ll kill me!¡±


    I can¡¯t risk getting him from behind. Chiyo warned. And if I try to get in his mind he¡¯ll know.


    ¡°Hey, relax!¡± Sephy tried to smooth out as she walked forward. ¡°We just want the kids safe! Just let her go and we¡¯ll let you run as long as you keep quiet.¡±


    ¡°Stay back!¡± they warned, and Sephy stopped moving. Zayle, for their part, didn¡¯t know what to do and just stayed put.


    Jack, can you make the shot? Chiyo asked, and the human didn¡¯t know if he could. He had made well-placed shots before when his life was in danger, but could he do it and save the child?


    He knew he had to try.


    Jack steeled himself as he waited for the perfect moment¡­


    ¡°SECTOR 5, REPORT! WHAT¡¯S GOING ON? YOU¡¯RE OGREDUE FOR AN UPDATE!¡± the voice of the Laird roared. The militiaman looked to the communication device pinned to his shoulder for just a moment¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± ordered Jack.


    In the space of a microsecond, the militia man tried to hit the button as fast as he could to call for help, Jack tensed as his finger squeezed the trigger, praying that his aim would be true¡­


    Before either could finish their actions, a concussive sonic sniper round completely destroyed the militiaman¡¯s skull, dropping the child unharmed to the ground.


    ¡°Shit! Get to cover!¡± Jack called to the children as he frantically aimed at where the shot had come from, using his body to shield the kids before they all ducked behind a solid brick wall.


    ¡°Holy shit! My drones are having trouble placing them!¡± Sephy called out, before the low buzz of her commlink distracted her. Immediately dismissing the call, she checked the trajectory of the shot, and just as immediately the commlink buzzed again.


    This time she answered it. ¡°What? This isn¡¯t a good¡­HUH!?¡±


    ¡°Talk to me Sephy, where¡¯s the sniper?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Patching the call to youm¡± Sephy called out.


    ¡°Hey Jack! It¡¯s me!¡± Kritch cheerfully called out from the other end.


    ¡°Kritch, this really isn¡¯t a good time!¡± Jack apologised before the Lizta interrupted.


    ¡°No, I mean it¡¯s me! That was a sick shot and you know it!¡± Kritch replied smugly.


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Jack asked, perplexed.


    ¡°I can see you thermally through my scope, I know it¡¯s you that helped those kids,¡± Kritch replied, a little slower for Jack to catch up.


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re here?¡± Jack asked. ¡°...why are you aiming at me?¡±


    ¡°Aiming at you!? I¡¯m not suic-¡±


    ¡°SECTOR 5, WHAT IS YOUR STATUS?¡± the Laird roared from the still body of one of the militiamen. ¡°I SWEAR, YOU SLOBS BETTER NOT HAVE OGREDOSED ON DRUGS AGAIN!¡±


    ¡°Shit!¡± Jack cursed. ¡°One sec. Don¡¯t shoot or I¡¯m gonna be pissed.¡±


    He dashed over to the comms and hit the button.


    ¡°Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me. I ain''t the sharpest tool in the shed¡­¡± Jack began, having quickly noted that he had to answer before his brain then told him that he had no plan for what to actually say before he continued. ¡°Sorry boss, just doing a little band practice, nothing to report!¡±


    His heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°YOUR DATANET REVIEWS MENTIONING YOU AS RELIABLE HELP FOR THE PRICE ARE CLEARLY OGRERATED! GET BACK TO WORK!¡±


    The comm then went dead.


    ¡°How are you so terrible at misdirects yet so successful at the same time?¡± Sephy snorted with laughter. ¡°Anyway, Kritch wants to meet up, says his Grandfather wants to talk.¡±


    ¡°First we get the kids safe,¡± Jack insisted, turning to the oldest looking one who didn¡¯t look completely shook with terror. They were a blue-hued humanoid with strange bumps all over their scalp, who looked up at Jack in a mixture of confusion and terror as the human crouched to get to their level and look directly into their eyes. ¡°Hey, I need to know where the closest one of your homes is. You can¡¯t stay outside, and things are going to get worse, so it was stupid of you to even be out here. We need you off the streets and bunkered down. Zayle, can your earth spirit hide the bodies?¡±


    The child needed some coaxing, but eventually they found a bungalow not too far from the park. After incessantly knocking on the door, the parent was brave enough to peek and see the reason for the disturbance, quickly ushering the children in with a quick word of thanks.


    ¡°Contact the other parents that the kids are okay, otherwise they¡¯ll be looking for them in the streets themselves, and we really don¡¯t want anyone in the crossfire that shouldn¡¯t be there,¡± Jack warned, and the parent nodded before barring the door, leaving the group to quickly and quietly sneak to a set of bushes back at the park, deep in the fog and well out of the way of any prying eyes, and where Kritch was already waiting for them.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the rest of you?¡± Kritch asked as hesaw the four approach. ¡°I don¡¯t see Alora and¡­wait, that¡¯s not Nika...¡±


    ¡°Hello Kritch!¡± Zayle replied with a happy smile.


    ¡°Zayle!?¡± Kritch exclaimed with sudden panic. ¡°W-Why are you here? I mean it¡¯s nice to see you too but-¡±


    ¡°Kritch,¡± Jack interrupted. ¡°What¡¯s going on, why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I could ask you the same thing!¡± Kritch retorted. ¡°You¡¯re not working for the Laird, are you?¡±


    ¡°Hell no!¡± Sephy replied before Jack had a chance.


    ¡°Oh thank the gods!¡± Kritch sighed with relief. ¡°I thought it was unlikely considering your clash with those militia, but I wanted to make sure. You¡¯ve picked a hell of a time to come here! I think-¡±


    He paused to check his comm, holding up a hand to shush them as he quickly spoke to someone talking to him from afar.


    ¡°Yeah I think it¡¯ll be fine, Granddad¡­Yeah I¡¯m speaking vocally since I don¡¯t want to be rude and keep them in the dark¡­Yes I¡¯ll patch you through in just a moment. Out.¡±


    He turned to them quickly. ¡°OK, looks like my grandfather wants to ensure we cooperate. He specifically mentioned Jack and Sephy by name, but he knows Chiyo and Zayle too. You cool to talk to him?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ve met him before, but we¡¯ll need to be quick. The Laird will find out those militia are missing sooner or later,¡± Jack warned.


    ¡°Not a problem, patching him through now!¡± Kritch replied as he held out his arm, which projected a vid-feed hologram of the Lizta Patriarch.


    ¡°Good evening everybody, this is Vetch Ashtail.¡± The elderly Lizta smiled faintly at the group. ¡°Firstly, I must apologise for making contact in an unconventional manner such as this, however, I had no way of knowing you would be operating in the area tonight, and I wish to ensure our mutual cooperation. To that end, may I ask what your intentions are?¡±


    ¡°Sure?¡± Jack asked, a little confused. ¡°We were escorting Zayle to their home in order to safely collect their belongings and move out. We also think there¡­may be an opportunity-¡±


    ¡°The vault,¡± the Lizta answered immediately. ¡°I guessed as much. I believe we can cooperate in this matter, however, we have several objectives we wish to accomplish tonight, and securing certain items within that vault is one of them.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Jack replied neutrally. Were these guys trying to rob the vault too?


    ¡°Please don¡¯t be alarmed,¡± the Lizta hurried to add. ¡°This is a secondary objective for us, and I will be willing to handsomely compensate your group if you would be willing to relinquish those items to us.¡±


    ¡°Then what are your intentions?¡± Jack asked curiously, and the Lizta smiled slyly.


    ¡°There are several warring factions known to each other that will attempt to take the district tonight,¡± they began. ¡°None of these factions will be successful in their attempt, and they will also fight in an abandoned area my Operatives have pointed out. Tonight will also be the day the Laird¡¯s regime collapses, and these other factions no longer become a local threat.¡±


    ¡°You want the district for yourselves?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Yes and no. Any hostiles that survive the end of the night will be wiped out by Clan Ashtail Operatives, but we have no intention of laying claim to this area. As of last night, my Clan has peacefully claimed praxis over several of our smaller neighbouring districts that have fallen to disuse and squalor, which we are in the process of rebuilding. Now, several of the former residents of the Laird¡¯s territory have sought refuge in those territories and have informed us of the situation they fled. Our Operative¡¯s objectives are to guard the civilian residents of that area and offer them the opportunity to live and work in Clan Ashtail territory once the dust has settled.¡±


    ¡°That sounds good, provided you treat them fairly.¡± Jack nodded.


    ¡°Of course we will. However, we have reason to believe that the Laird keeps several prisoners in the underground section where he also keeps his vault.¡± The old man made an annoyed expression at that. ¡°I had planned to attempt a rescue after the fighting, but having received reports on how paranoid the Laird acts, I do not wish to take that risk. I had planned on pulling several of my Operatives away to attempt a rescue, but since you want to target the vault anyway, I wish to ask for your assistance in ensuring their safety. My grandson has told me first hand how good you are at that.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Secure the vault, bust the prisoners out¡­¡±


    ¡°We also want Miss Hawker to slice into the Laird¡¯s communication system and grant us remote access,¡± the Lizta added. ¡°That would be very useful to everyone. And one last thing. The Laird has demonstrated poor, dangerous leadership and is no more than a vicious bandit who has tormented the residents he should be protecting. I sentence him to death. I have given my orders to my Operatives, but if you get the opportunity, kill him. I will be willing to add a bonus if you do.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Jack agreed, needing little persuasion. He didn¡¯t fully trust the guy, but he seemed trustworthy enough, at least for now.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡±

 Chapter 67: Hostile Takeover

    ¡°I¡¯M DETECTING OGREACTIVITY IN SECTOR 8, WHAT¡¯S GOING ON?¡± the voice of the Laird boomed through the comms.


    ¡°Spotted a group nearby sir, they look like residents trying to run away but they¡¯re not responding to our hails,¡± a voice responded professionally. ¡°They¡¯re heading to Sector 9 so maybe if you make an appearance you can scare them into going back home?¡±


    ¡°MUST I DO EVERYTHING!? I¡¯M OGRESTRESSED AS IT IS!¡± The Laird sighed.


    ¡°We¡¯re sorry sir but we can¡¯t get to the island they¡¯re at quickly from here,¡± the voice replied. ¡°I understand if you just want to let this lot go¡­¡±


    ¡°NO! I CAN¡¯T LOSE MORE PEOPLE! THE JAIL IS OGREFILLED AS IT IS! I¡¯M ON MAH WAY! MAINTAIN OGREWATCH!¡±


    Hearing the thudding footsteps, the group stayed low and still as the hulking green figure ran down the street towards Sector 9. Staying silent for several moments, Jack called it into the Lizta.


    ¡°Yep, that got him to shift, nicely done Mr Ashtail!¡± He grinned.


    ¡°Good,¡± Vetch Ashtail replied, sounding satisfied on his end. ¡°The way should be clear for you. My Operatives will call it in if they see anything that might be a problem. We have the first group of outside hostiles heading to that area now, but I can¡¯t guarantee how long they will delay the Laird for.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Moving now,¡± Jack confirmed.


    Are you sure we can trust these people? Chiyo asked. We¡¯ve been betrayed before.


    ¡°I trust Kritch,¡± Sephy pointed out, and Jack nodded in agreement. ¡°And Clan Ashtail helped us out before when they didn¡¯t need to when The Redeemer showed up at the Tea Garden.¡±


    ¡°The Redeemer? Isn¡¯t he an Inquisitor of Siros?¡± Zayle asked in confusion. ¡°Pretty sure I¡¯ve seen him on television before. But yes, I trust Kritch too!¡±


    This was a different Redeemer that was trying to ride off the reputation of the one you¡¯re thinking of, Chiyo confirmed. He is dead now.


    ¡°They might not have told us everything, but if they were aligned with our enemies, they¡¯ve had multiple chances to take us out,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°They¡¯ve served us drinks several times after all, even on the way here. Let¡¯s play this out and see where this goes, but keep your wits about you.¡±


    Very well. Chiyo nodded in agreement, understanding Jack¡¯s logic.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, I don¡¯t see anyone on drones,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Best not waste any time.¡±


    Jack led the way, getting to his feet from where they were hidden behind an abandoned sunken shed on the outskirts of the settlement that surrounded the Laird¡¯s home, a crooked two-storey structure that enveloped a large rotten tree stump surrounded by a moat with a single secured bridge and gate access, with Zayle pointing out that it was built to accommodate the large form of the Laird when he first came to control the area in the first place.


    As they snuck up to the front gate of the property, they heard the sounds of locks and bolts closing from a few of the nearby homes with lights on, but Jack was surprised that many of these homes seemed to be abandoned, a fact that Zayle was quick to agree with when he asked them.


    ¡°Most of the people of the district live closer to the Laird for the security he provides,¡± the Squa¡¯Kaar pointed out. ¡°They¡¯ve either fled or¡­¡±


    ¡°Or they¡¯re being held captive,¡± Nika pointed out over comms as they took cover by the large stone slabs that served as a door to the Laird¡¯s Lair. ¡°The Laird did say the jail was overfilled, so you¡¯d better hurry up and bust them out!¡±


    Do we have a plan for getting in? Chiyo asked nobody in particular, motioning to the chunky locking system that secured the doors firmly closed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know in a moment,¡± Sephy distractedly replied as they sliced into the local network. ¡°Ah hell, this is patchy as hell, I can see why the Lizta wants direct access to the Laird¡¯s System!¡±


    ¡°Sephy, I barely understood technobabble before I got isekai¡¯d.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°English?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s English?¡± Sephy asked before shrugging. ¡°Basically imagine trying to climb a wall with no handholds whatsoever, and that¡¯s what I¡¯m facing with this closed network - there¡¯s no tech around that I can piggyback off to access-¡±


    ¡°Still don¡¯t get it,¡± Jack deadpanned.


    Sephy gave him an unamused look and rolled her eyes. ¡°Now you¡¯re just fucking with me. Basically, I just need to get closer and I should be able to slice into his network. It looks simple from what I can see from here, but it¡¯s hard to reach.¡±


    That still doesn¡¯t get us through the doors, and my powers won¡¯t work on something that heavy. Jack, can you do anything? Chiyo asked with a hopeful expression.


    ¡°Hmmm,¡± Jack considered as he looked at the doors, before Zayle perked up.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need to use the gate! My water spirit could freeze the moat, or maybe my earth spirit can create a land bridge?¡± the Squa¡¯Karr excitedly offered.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jack hesitantly agreed. ¡°How long?¡±


    ¡°It will take a few minutes if we want to be subtle.¡±


    ¡°Do it.¡±


    Jack, Sephy and Chiyo could feel the tension rise as they stood there exposed in silence while Zayle directed their elemental spirits to work in tandem, churning the earth of the moat to rise up as the water spirit hardened it enough to be worked on. Any minute they expected some kind of response, be it from a wandering patrol or the Laird themselves returning to his home.


    But nothing came.


    ¡°Okay, it should be strong enough,¡± Zayle whispered. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry!¡±


    Jack had to fight to keep himself calm as he went last along the thin, impromptu land-bridge, careful not to slip as he fully expected to hear the sound of an angry ogre coming for him.


    ¡°All Operatives, be advised that the Bitter Winds are heading towards Sector 8 now, they¡¯re not getting any resistance as planned until they¡¯re in a spot to trap the Laird,¡±  Vetch Ashtail called out. ¡°Several more groups are on the move and will likely encounter the patrols soon. What¡¯s the status on the system access, Miss Hawker?¡±


    ¡°Still working on it, crossing the moat now,¡± Sephy replied. ¡°Will let you know once I have it. The Laird has a lot of mundane security we need to get past.¡±


    ¡°Understood. We need that system under our control before the alarm gets raised. We don¡¯t want the Laird or his militia knowing they¡¯re under attack just yet. Let the scum thin themselves down and make sure they can¡¯t easily fall back.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get it done,¡± Jack replied, trying to sound confident and cool under the pressure.


    ¡°I am pretty sure the Laird has laid mines in his garden!¡± Zayle whispered. ¡°My earth spirit has detected them in the ground, so please be careful!¡±


    ¡°I should be able to disable them but they might be linked to an alarm,¡± Sephy warned. ¡°I would need to get closer to the house to make sure.¡±


    Perhaps we can make it past without having to turn them off? Chiyo reasoned. Surely he wouldn¡¯t lay them on the main path to his home?


    ¡°He hasn¡¯t,¡± Zayle confirmed. ¡°But it¡¯s still a little far. I could try and get my earth spirit to move them?¡±


    ¡°I think that would set them off,¡± Sephy pointed out before she looked to Jack. ¡°Could you fling me up into the air again? I could fly down and get to the door.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Are your wings still hurt?


    ¡°I should be fine, I¡¯m just going to glide down.¡± Sephy grinned as Jack interlocked his fingers, placing her foot on the platform, before he tossed her upwards without any shenanigans. They both knew the stakes at play here and weren¡¯t going to joke around this time. Gliding down she quickly landed gently at the front gate.


    ¡°Okay, I see the system, but it¡¯s all old-school and manual.¡± The Skritta groaned as she peered through the keyhole. ¡°It¡¯s just a few levers and wires that I can disable, I just need to get through the door! Mechanism is weak, but it¡¯s oversized!¡±


    We might need to force the door open, Chiyo reasoned. I would normally suggest Jack does it, but I can¡¯t levitate him for long, and even if he can make the jump it¡¯s risky.


    ¡°What about you or Zayle?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Could one of you help Sephy out with your abilities?¡±


    I can just levitate above the mines and Zayle is small enough that I can take her with me. Let¡¯s take a look! the Ilithii replied optimistically as she levitated the pair of them across the minefield, with Zayle looking quite nervous as they gazed down at the perilous ground below.


    ¡°Careful where you step!¡± Sephy whispered as they made it to the other side. ¡°See those metal pins over there, Chiyo? Are you able to move them?¡±


    Urgh! Chiyo exclaimed in disgust. I would be able to move it if it wasn¡¯t so filthy! I can see mould and muck in the keyhole that¡¯s fastened it shut! How is a system so shit so effective at the same time?


    ¡°Zayle? Is there anything your spirits can do?¡± Jack asked.


    Wait, yes! Chiyo perked up, thinking of something. Zayle, can you direct your water spirit to completely fill the keyhole and hinges with water, keep it there, then freeze it?


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Zayle confusedly replied. ¡°Why?¡±


    Because when the water freezes, it expands, Chiyo explained. So when you force the water into the lock and freeze it, the pressure should blow it off!


    ¡°She¡¯s right!¡± Jack confirmed from where he was awkwardly sitting on the Laird¡¯s garden wall. ¡°Just make sure you¡¯re out of the way when that happens! If it¡¯s as poorly maintained as you say, then it won¡¯t last long. ¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Zayle nodded, unconvinced, as they gave the orders to their water spirit, allowing it to do its thing while the trio moved further up the path.


    *POP* *POP* *POP*


    The sound of the rusted metal being torn apart wasn¡¯t as loud as Jack thought, but as the large door tumbled backwards it smashed through the paper-thin wall behind with a crash loud enough to wake the dead, as it rattled down the set of stone steps behind it.


    ¡°Well the good news is that we¡¯ve found the secret passage,¡± Sephy quipped.


    ¡°Turn the mines off then get the Lizta what they need!¡± Jack hissed back in a panic as several people up the street leaned out of their windows to take a closer look.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± someone shouted in the distance as Sephy quickly pulled several levers.


    ¡°Mines are off!¡± she called as she dashed over to some nearby computer equipment. Jack barely had time to steel himself as he dashed across the garden to the house, more clearly seeing the results of their handiwork. The secret entrance to the vault had been behind a hidden shelf in the next room, but the Laird clearly hadn¡¯t taken into account the structural integrity of his own home.


    ¡°Alarms disabled!¡± Sephy called back. ¡°I need a minute to get full access to the network!¡±


    ¡°Better make it quick!¡± Jack warned as he looked back down the way they had come. Though the fog obscured much of the street ahead, he could still see residents pointing their way. ¡°Don¡¯t let them get a call out! Last thing we need is the cops coming for us!¡±


    I don¡¯t understand what a ¡®cop¡¯ is, but I can understand the context! Chiyo warned. Hurry up, Sephy!


    ¡°Working on it!¡± Sephy distractedly replied as she hopped into a chair in front of a monitor in the next room. ¡°Why don¡¯t you get your lazy ass over here and help me, Chiyo!?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps we could do something else while Sephy slices in?¡± Zayle nervously interjected. ¡°Maybe clear the rest of the rooms?¡±


    ¡°Alright, but someone keep watch,¡± Jack reluctantly agreed. ¡°And look out for traps. I wouldn¡¯t put it past this crazy asshole to set some in his house if he¡¯s mined his own garden.¡±


    Zayle can keep watch with their spirits and direct some spares to check the ground floor, Chiyo reasoned.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go up, but be prepared to run down if anything goes wrong.¡±


    While splitting the group was normally a poor idea in many cases, the rooms Jack could see were quite spacious, sized for the megafauna Laird, and leaving little opportunity for any potential ambush or trap. Even if there were any more traps lying in wait for any intruders, they were more likely to be downstairs than up, and Zayle¡¯s spirits could just remanifest if hit.


    Well this just looks unhinged, Chiyo pointed out as Jack finally made it up the oversized steps, catching up to the levitating Ilithii as she pointed out the scene around them.


    With the exception of the large, dirty-looking and horrid-smelling bed, with chest of drawers, the upstairs part of the complex had clearly possessed more individual rooms; however, it looked like the walls up here had been completely smashed apart by a hammer, though Jack¡¯s mind immediately travelled to an image of a rampaging ogre running right through them judging by the mess and debris left behind.


    ¡°And recent too,¡± Jack finally pointed out, allowing his mouth to catch up to his mind as he walked to a strange device near one of the windows, and recognised it as one of many oversized telescopes. ¡°I can¡¯t reach that high, where is it pointing?¡±


    One moment. Chiyo floated up and looked through the peephole. This is pointed directly at a cluster of houses that look inhabited, the vision on this thing seems to cut through the fog.


    ¡°Are they all like that? Has the Laird turned this whole floor into an observation deck?¡± Jack asked, and Chiyo took a few quick moments to confirm his suspicions.


    Yes! These telescopes are locked onto different houses on different islands. The Laird must have spent a lot of time aligning these!


    ¡°What do you think the chances are that he¡¯s spotted us or the Lizta?¡± Jack asked the Ilithii, suddenly very paranoid. ¡°Could this be him baiting us into a trap?¡±


    It¡¯s possible but unlikely, Chiyo calmly reasoned. It would have required the Laird to put on a convincing act over their comms and willingly let us into their home. Given what we know of them, I think our cover is intact. Not everything has to go to shit, you know?


    ¡°Things going to shit seems to be my life now.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°But yeah, I thought it was unlikely but I had to make sure. I¡¯m going to let the Lizta know though.¡±


    Sounds good. I can already detect nothing of value here, though perhaps Clan Ashtail will find a use for all these telescopes.


    ¡°Hey, you guys should have remote access now!¡± Sephy called out on the comms as the two of them made it down the stairs. ¡°Hope you can boost the signal on your end since the system here sucks!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Hawker,¡± Vetch Ashtail replied steadily. ¡°We will be running further interference on our end. Have you encountered any prisoners yet?¡±


    ¡°No, we haven¡¯t,¡± Jack replied. ¡°Covered the ground and upper levels. Looks like the Laird has been keeping a close eye on his tenants, but we don¡¯t think it changes much.¡±


    ¡°The ground floor is quite bare,¡± Zayle added. ¡°I think maybe the Laird was ready to flee the moment trouble came knocking.¡±


    ¡°He may still try and make that attempt, so remain cautious,¡± the elderly Lizta pointed out. ¡°However, thanks to our coverage we will let you know if the Laird makes a run for it or if we lose sight of him. Even if he is a fool he is still dangerous, and despite our extensive planning, there is always room for surprise.¡±


    ¡°No plan survives contact with the enemy,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°Unless you found anything important on the ground floor, Zayle, I think we should head downstairs.¡±


    ¡°Bleh, every time we head underground things turn to shit,¡± Sephy playfully groaned as the group made their way down the wet, muddy stairs that were far too soft under their feet. ¡°Maybe this will be the one underground experience that turns out well for us?¡±


    We are literally heading down to a prison and gods know what else, Chiyo amusedly replied. And this rock and soil looks incredibly weak!


    ¡°Hey, a girl can dream.¡± Sephy grinned before she got serious as she led the way. ¡°But no, this will be trapped to shit. Watch your step and keep your eyes open for any tripwires or pressure pads.¡±


    ¡°I see one at the bottom!¡± Zayle pointed with a shaky finger. A line of thin rope, easy enough to see was hidden behind the bottom step. To a large person like the Laird it would not look too conspicuous, however, for smaller species it was simpler to spot.


    ¡°Sephy? Are you able to disable it?¡± Jack asked. ¡°It¡¯s easy to spot, but if we¡¯re bailing multiple prisoners out it becomes much harder to keep them away from it if we need to take them this way. What¡¯s it even connected to?¡±


    ¡°Oh shit¡­¡± Sephy muttered. ¡°I think he¡¯s got explosives down here!¡±


    Are you sure? Chiyo asked. Any explosives going off underground could risk collapsing the entire structure! The Laird hasn¡¯t put up proper supports, and if he wants to get to the vault and escape he won¡¯t be able to if it¡¯s all buried among the rubble!


    ¡°Perhaps his plan is to blow it up on his way out?¡± Zayle nervously suggested. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t put it past him even before tonight. My Greater Earth Spirit can secure the rock around us and let me know where the vulnerable parts are, but it won¡¯t be able to hold it all together if it collapses. It¡¯ll keep us safe, but¡­¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯ll bury the prisoners alive.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Sephy, disable the trap if you can. Chiyo, can you detect lifesigns? If we focus on those that are the furthest away that gives us a smaller area to work with if the worst should happen.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have my water spirit ice the stairs in case the Laird comes back,¡± Zayle shyly replied, much more out of their depth compared to the others. ¡°A trap of our own that we can more easily disarm.¡±


    I detect several signs, but they¡¯re very weak, Chiyo noted. Most are stationary.


    ¡°Any guards?¡± Jack asked.


    Unsure. If there are any, they¡¯re not moving.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack sighed, steeling himself for what was to come. ¡°Let¡¯s free who we can and see what we¡¯re dealing with.¡±


    Three lifesigns ahead on the left, Chiyo pointed out after about a minute of careful advancing down the single path. I think one of them is a child!


    ¡°Sephy? Any traps?¡±


    ¡°Not that I can see. No key, just a manual bolt,¡± the Skritta confirmed.


    ¡°Hey, anyone there?¡± Jack whispered through the thick bars, quickly snapping his head back as a hand reached out to try and grab him.


    ¡°Coward!¡± a weak voice called from within. ¡°You want to lock us up to try and keep us here, but you won¡¯t even feed us? At least give my son some food! He¡¯s going to starve to death!¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not with the Laird!¡± Jack called back. ¡°We¡¯re here to get you out, but it¡¯s dangerous!¡±


    ¡°Mock me all you like! Your petty kingdom is crashing around you!¡±


    Jack grunted with the exertion as he lifted up the heavy, rusted bolt and undid the lock, tearing the door open and catching the frail man he had been trying to talk to. The reptilian man weighed almost nothing, with his entire skeletal structure clearly visible, along with an unnaturally swollen belly that heavily reminded Jack of Oxfam adverts that showed the effects of extreme malnutrition.


    ¡°Woah!¡± Jack reassured the man as he tried to get up and take a swing at him. ¡°Take it easy mate, we¡¯re gonna get you out!¡±


    ¡°P-please!¡± a woman faintly spoke up from within the cell. ¡°Please help my son!¡±


    ¡°Here!¡± Jack propped the man against the wall and hurriedly moved to the boy laying on his mother¡¯s lap, pulling out his canteen and gently allowing a slight trickle of liquid to enter the child¡¯s mouth, pulling away as they began to cough slightly. Nika had insisted on mixing up a homemade concoction of ¡®enhanced¡¯ water for the group based on a few articles she had read earlier during the day, that mainly consisted of adding various hints of fruit juices and natural additives to the water, and it was this that Jack gave to the weakened reptile family, making sure to hold enough back to help out any others in the same situation.


    ¡°Chiyo?¡± Jack asked. ¡°I know lifting people isn¡¯t the easiest for you but¡­¡±


    I can lift them but not for very long! They may be light as a feather, but several at once will strain me!


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll need to secure them somewhere,¡± Jack acknowledged.


    ¡°What about the vault?¡± Sephy asked, as the others all turned to look at her. ¡°Hear me out! Zayle, you said you know where it is right?¡±


    ¡°Directly underneath the centre of the tree stump,¡± they confirmed. ¡°My Lesser Earth Spirit says it¡¯s in the centre of these caverns as well!¡±


    ¡°Well, vaults are normally secure, right?¡± the Skritta asked, and Jack realised what she was getting at.¡±


    ¡°Store them in the vault until we¡¯re done, then Zayle¡¯s Earth Spirit makes a fresh tunnel.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Good idea, Sephy!¡±


    Perhaps we should inform the Ashtails that we have starving people down here? Chiyo politely reminded Jack, who nodded and called it in as they carefully made their way towards the vault, with Sephy methodically clearing any traps.


    ¡°I see,¡± Vetch Ashtail replied calmly after a few moments. ¡°I¡¯ll notify the relief team to prepare some Morning Sun brew to sustain and energise them until we can help them recover. In the meantime, make sure you don¡¯t overfeed the prisoners as that will cause them harm. Also, you should know that the fighting has started. We have successfully directed several of the militia patrols into the line of fire, but as of yet the Laird does not fully comprehend how doomed he is and hasn¡¯t left the front line. Keep us updated.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jack acknowledged as Sephy waved them forward as the tunnel opened up into a larger chamber with several other paths branching out to where Chiyo confirmed there were other cells with occupants.


    But in the middle dominating the room, there was a hollowed out section with metal parts heavily welded together in a mockery of a secure door. Thick and rusted iron bars that were fixed from the floor to the ceiling revealed several metal shelves within, moderately stacked with various crates and cases.


    ¡°Not bad¡­¡± Sephy grinned.


    ¡°I always like an easy payday¡­¡±


    *****


    ¡°Mr Frost, this is Vetch Ashtail. My Operatives have informed me that the Laird is heading your way,¡± the Lizta informed him an hour later as they began going through several of the vault crates, after they had all carefully rescued the prisoners, disarmed the traps and stored everybody in the vault to keep them safe.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Jack replied with a scowl.


    ¡°I¡¯ll deal with him.¡±

 Chapter 68: Ogrecharge

    ¡°WHAT IS THIS¡­¡± the voice of the Laid bellowed through the caverns as the green giant stomped towards the central chamber. ¡°I SMELL¡­WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU!? AND WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOO DOING IN MAH SWAMP?¡±


    ¡°Hi there!¡± Jack casually called out from in front of the vault, as the rescued prisoners could be heard making noises of fear behind him. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. I¡¯m just here to rescue these fine people and steal your shit. It¡¯s over for you.¡±


    ¡°OGRE FOR ME!? IT¡¯S OGRE FOR YOU, BOY!¡± the Laird growled in anger. ¡°YOU WANT TO TAKE MAH TREASURE? MAH PEOPLE?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not your people and this ¡®treasure¡¯ is stolen from them,¡± Jack patiently replied, a mask of calm anger on his face. ¡°And not only that, an unfortunate few have even starved to death and we were lucky to help the rest. Do you even realise the full extent of what you¡¯ve done here? Do you even care?¡±


    ¡°I CARE FOR WHAT IS MINE BOY,¡± the Laird snarled. ¡°ALL OF THIS WAS MINE, AND I INTEND TO KEEP IT ALL!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I figured you¡¯d say something like that,¡± Jack sneered. ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯ve gotta go.¡±


    ¡°GO?¡± the Laird boomed with a laugh. ¡°I THINK YOU OGRESTATE YOUR CHANCES BOY!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t think I do,¡± Jack replied mockingly as he pulled his new axe out to point it at the Laird. ¡°I¡¯m gonna kick your ass!¡±


    The Laird roared and rushed at Jack, who just stood there calmly with his eyebrows raised.


    The moment the giant crossed the centre of the room, they stumbled as Sephy¡¯s tripwires in their path slowed them down and distracted them while Chiyo used her power to help trip him up, sending the Laird to one knee as the earth swirled beneath his feet.


    The Greater Earth Spirit that had been lying in wait had little problem grabbing the limbs of the Laird as he tried to escape the trap, holding him down as Jack casually walked up to him.


    ¡°What? Did you think I¡¯d fight fair?¡± Jack calmly asked. ¡°I¡¯d rather not, I''m afraid. After fighting the Cult of the Destroyer I had to fight the Klowns, with other psychos around and in between. I¡¯m rather tired, to be honest, and after seeing first-hand the abysmal way you¡¯ve been treating these people you¡¯re meant to be responsible for, I don¡¯t really think you¡¯re worth the effort.¡±


    He nodded to Zayle who had hidden in the corner, who gave the order to the Earth Spirit as it slowly dragged the Laird down.


    ¡°DAMN YOU BOY!¡± the Laird yelled in defiance as Jack began walking away back to the vault. ¡°DAMN YO-¡±


    ¡°Ogrecharge,¡± Jack growled, suddenly letting loose with a heavy photon shot that smacked into the Laird¡¯s head. He didn¡¯t know if it had killed him as the Ogar¡¯s head snapped back, but either way the Laird stopped struggling as the Greater Earth Spirit pulled him down and buried him deep into the rock below.


    ¡°Did you catch that, Vetchy?¡± Sephy asked the Lizta over comms. ¡°I¡¯ve already sent the video your way.¡±


    ¡°Yes Miss Hawker, I am satisfied that the Laird is no longer a problem. Please hold your position and guard the prisoners, we will be with you shortly. My Operatives are just wrapping up now.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take long for the Lizta to show up after that. Chiyo noted to the others how impressed she was that they had been able to resolve the situation in the district as quickly and efficiently as they could, and the Ilithii would be surprised indeed if any of the Lizta squads had taken casualties.


    I suspect that Clan Ashtail does more than just run a Tea Garden, she mused, as Jack and Sephy shared a look of mutual understanding, before they were all surprised as Vetch Ashtail appeared in the flesh, flanked by several of the Lizta Operatives. Kritch was by his side carrying a black briefcase, and several more of the rat-like beings were behind them with auto-mules.


    ¡°Well now.¡± Vetch Ashtail smiled as he raised a hand to halt his people. ¡°I think this is the happiest ending we probably could have hoped for. We¡¯ve brought aid for the prisoners, will you allow them to be attended to?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Jack moved to the side to allow the Lizta with auto-mules to move past him into the vault and begin delivering aid.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr Frost.¡± Vetch nodded, then motioned to Kritch. ¡°I have authorised several magical items to be set aside for you in exchange for your assistance tonight, along with certain portions of the vault, and I hope they will serve you well in your¡­adventures.¡±


    Kritch casually walked up to Jack and opened the case, revealing an interior of grey protective padding, in which were five bottles of varying liquids, three broaches and a thin, white walking cane. ¡°So yeah guys, since we¡¯re good with alchemy and stuff, we''ve got a couple of potions for you! They¡¯re all labelled, and I¡¯m sure you can confirm if you want, Chiyo!¡°


    Gaseous Form, Enlarge Size, Protection From Acid, Quick Retreat and Clairvoyance, Chiyo quickly confirmed, seconded by Zayle. Very good!


    ¡°Heh, just don¡¯t be tempted to use the Enlarge Size one in the bedroom, Jack! It doesn¡¯t work like that!¡± Kritch grinned, though his face sobered on seeing the disapproving looks of the others. ¡°Alright, these three broaches are all Broaches of Disguise. Just picture who you want to look like when you pin them on and you¡¯ll look like that. Just don¡¯t try and look like a Dragon or Storm Giant or something stupid like that since it won¡¯t work, and that¡¯s a pretty shitty disguise anyway.¡±


    I think I know what this is... Chiyo replied in awe on picking up the cane.


    ¡°Yeah, we figured you might like it, and we don¡¯t have a use for it.¡± Kritch grinned, before he looked to Zayle. ¡°Oh, also! I requested some of that tea you and Rayle like, Zayle! Blue-Haze Leaf?¡±


    ¡°Oh really?¡± Zayle perked up excitedly. ¡°Thank you, Kritch! You shouldn¡¯t have!¡±


    ¡°Hey it¡¯s no problem!¡± Kritch replied embarrassed as he scratched the back of his head.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°Oh, you can keep the briefcase if you want!¡±


    ¡°Now if that is to your satisfaction¡­¡± Vetch interrupted. ¡°I know we only wanted part of the vault¡¯s contents, however, there are far more people here than I thought there would be. To that end, I would like to make an offer for the entire contents of the vault, as well as anything left in the Laird¡¯s Lair.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Jack replied, a little put off by the change. This was usually the part in films or on TV where things went bad¡­


    ¡°There is no threat being made here, Mr Frost,¡± Vetch quickly pointed out, recoiling slightly. ¡°Nobody here is stupid enough to pick a fight with you. I simply suspect sorting people¡¯s various belongings may be too tedious for you, and this will save some time. Besides, I am optimistic that we can work together again in the future, along with Miss Hawker and possibly the rest of your friends too.¡±


    He had been generous so far, Chiyo advised Jack. Though I can¡¯t help but feel that this was planned.


    ¡°We still have some loot from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup to go through,¡± Sephy reasoned, whispering to Jack. ¡°We don¡¯t need to add to that if we can exchange it for something cool!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be open to that.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°It¡¯s important that the people that suffered under the Laird¡¯s rule are able to build themselves back up. If Zayle has anything they should probably take it from the vault first, though.¡±


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t ask that of you for free.¡± Vetch nodded with a sly smile, as he reached into a pocket, before holding out his hand to present an object that made Chiyo gasp.


    The orange translucent crystal was perfectly rounded, and glistened in the gloomy cavern with warm yellowish light that radiated from within its centre. Gazing at it, Jack felt a sense of calm and peace in his mind that he quickly shook off, remembering where he was.


    ¡°That¡¯s a fancy-looking rock,¡± Sephy pointed out.


    That is a Lifestone! Chiyo told them. Has to be!


    ¡°That is correct, Miss Dhasii.¡± Vetch smiled slyly. ¡°Though this is of a Lesser variety, it is still quite potent and valuable. As it happens, Clan Ashtail acquired it recently and we don¡¯t need it. I think it will serve as an acceptable trade.¡±


    ¡°Everything in the vault we were gonna take for one stone?¡± Sephy asked sceptically but Chiyo excitedly nodded to Jack.


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Jack began, raising a hand to calm his companions down. ¡°Let¡¯s just pretend for a moment that I¡¯ve magically appeared not knowing anything about this universe. What does it do?¡±


    ¡°When this stone is placed in a body of water, it purifies and enchants it with healing energies that instantly remove all dirt and impurities from your body when you bathe in it. Stay in that water, and it will energize and refresh your body, too,¡± Vetch explained clearly for Jack to understand. ¡°However, you can use it to enchant drinking water too. Drinking said water will destroy most known diseases and poisons, but it will also boost your body¡¯s natural healing abilities, allowing for quicker recovery.¡±


    ¡°I can think of an immediate use for that.¡± Jack nodded. He looked to the others, who nodded enthusiastically. ¡°We have a deal.¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Vetch smiled as he handed the warm-to-the-touch crystal to Jack before turning to the rest of his clan. ¡°Now let¡¯s get moving, people!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Sorry we¡¯re late,¡± Jack told Sigrin Bharzum as they were welcomed back to the temporary hospital. ¡°I know we promised to come back and help last night, but we were exhausted and something came up¡­¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°No apologies needed, Jack.¡± The Hoduth nodded in understanding. ¡°We have enough healers to go around, and it¡¯s been a lot easier the more we¡¯ve been able to discharge victims.¡±


    ¡°Well we have something that¡¯ll make it easier!¡± Sephy grinned as she pointed to Jack, who pulled out the Lifestone and showed it to her.


    Peering at the stone with wide eyes but taking care not to physically touch it, Sigrin grinned. ¡°Your team may have just saved us a lot of work, and some victims time and pain. Follow me. Your friend Alora is nearby tending to the Squa¡¯Kaar.¡±


    The group had made a beeline for Clan Bharzum territory as soon as they had wrapped up their business with Clan Ashtail. Zayle didn¡¯t have much they wanted to recover from the vault, noting to the others some herbs they and Rayle had cultivated to help pay their rent that Zayle thought could be used to help brew something to help Dante, once Rayle had recovered themselves. From what Jack understood, while Zayle was a Shaman who was able to focus on communing with spirits, Rayle was a Druid who focused more on nature itself, and would be better suited to help treat a sick animal.


    Either way, he was glad to get to know two of his new friends a little better, even though one of those friends was currently in a coma.


    But perhaps that would change? He took the Lifestone out of his pocket, and knew that it could run out of charge before it would need to be left alone to automatically replenish its magic. Chiyo had clearly been impressed by it though, and it sounded good to Jack, but just how powerful was it really?


    Jack was encouraged to see the corridors mostly bare and quiet, whereas before they had been packed to the brim with medics and victims.


    ¡°Yeah, we have a bunch of victims still with us, but they¡¯ve been seen by the healers and we¡¯ve set them up with accommodations elsewhere,¡± Sigrin told him when he had asked. ¡°There¡¯s a few Clan Medics with them just in case any complications arise, but for the moment we¡¯ve offered them sanctuary until the fallout blows over and they can secure accommodations in the event that they¡¯ve been made homeless.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Jack nodded, before he remembered something Kritch mentioned earlier. ¡°You and your clan aren¡¯t going to bugger yourselves in the process of doing this, are you?¡±


    ¡°I should hope not!¡± Sigrin chuckled before her expression turned serious. ¡°We have funds saved away for emergencies, but that won¡¯t change the fact that our enemies may make a play. Hard times are ahead, so we¡¯ve got to be alert. We¡¯re primarily a trading and mining clan with several holdings around The Ring, mostly this area, but trade has a tendency to dry up when things go to shit. Anyway, here we are¡­¡±


    Sigrin opened a sliding door to reveal Alora dabbing a wet cloth against the forehead of Rayle, who seemed to be breathing normally. Wrapped around their head were several bandages with different types of compresses to reduce the swelling.


    ¡°Hey Alora!¡± Sephy greeted the tired Eladrie. ¡°Sorry we¡¯re late, but by the gods we have a hell of a story for you and the others!¡±


    ¡°Hello everyone!¡± Alora tiredly smiled. ¡°I take it you¡¯ve done what you needed to do at least?¡±


    And more. Chiyo told the Eladrie. We have a Lesser Lifestone.


    ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡± Alora asked as Jack took it out and showed her. She touched it and felt the smooth crystal radiating warmth. Looking up to Sigrin with a wide smile of amazement, she asked one simple question.


    ¡°Do you have a bathtub by any chance?¡±


    *****


    ¡°There we go,¡± Alora spoke softly as she gently dabbed the wet cloth against Rayle¡¯s forehead. ¡°The enchanted water will hopefully energise her and allow her to wake up on her own. If they do, getting them to drink some is the next step so it can better work its magic.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll be happy to see Thulu and Stega again!¡± Zayle added, as the two possum-like critters peeked out from one of their coat pockets.


    ¡°Eek!¡± Alora jumped in shock on seeing them, though Jack was quick to stop her from falling back.


    ¡°Oh yeah, we forgot to tell you about that!¡± Sephy cackled with laughter as Alora looked back at her, thoroughly unamused. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Zayle said they won¡¯t be a pain.¡±


    ¡°I have no doubt they¡¯ll fit right in.¡± Alora sighed, quickly composing herself. ¡°They just surprised me, they¡¯re adorable!¡±


    There¡¯s more of them as well, Chiyo added, not wanting Alora to be caught unaware by the smaller babies. They¡¯ll be beneficial in keeping the place free of insects.


    ¡°That¡¯s good, as long as they don¡¯t mess with the plants.¡± Alora nodded in agreement.


    ¡°What¡­what¡¯s going on¡­¡±


    As one, everyone in the room spun round to look at the occupant of the bed. Rayle was looking at them all with a very confused expression, clutching their head as they cringed in pain.


    ¡°Well gods damn don¡¯t we have a story for you¡­¡± Sephy finally answered.


    *****


    ¡°Thank you all for helping out,¡± Sigrin told them all a few hours later. ¡°That Lifestone has definitely been a game changer. Clan Bharzum never had a use for one before tonight, so I suspect we¡¯ll be in the market for one in the coming months.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, you¡¯ve saved the Sect of Esin much time, we¡¯re stretched out thin as it is due to the scale of the Killer Klown¡¯s attack,¡± the green-robed reptilian Xarak accompanying Sigrin added with a low rumble. ¡°We shall leave you with sufficient nurses to aid and advise your people in caring for the victims, however, this is an excellent opportunity for us to reinforce other sites.¡±


    Jack had met the Sect the previous day while he was helping out the medics. They were apparently a group of volunteers of varying skills that all worshipped Esin, a Goddess of Healing, and were a non-profit organisation that relied on charitable donations to offer healing to whoever needed it, with several notable exceptions. Unfortunately, due to their altruistic stance, they were small in number; hence why Clan Bharzum had to hire many other groups to assist them too.


    ¡°We understand, Dr Kerkeis, and we¡¯re glad you¡¯re able to help as many people as you can. Clan Bharzum have always been proud supporters of the Sect of Esin, and if you require anything you have our contact details. Call us anytime.¡±


    ¡°It is our pleasure, Elder.¡± Dr Kerkeis smiled with a respectful bow. ¡°And as for you kids¡­¡± He turned to them all with a glint in his eye. ¡°As I mentioned earlier to Mr Frost, our Sect offers free courses and online resources in First Aid. It would be our pleasure to teach you. Please book an appointment using our online form if you are interested. The spread of the Healing Arts is always something we aim to foster at the Sect of Esin.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Dr Kerkeis.¡± Alora nodded respectfully as the man took his leave with several of his fellow volunteers. ¡°We will be sure to do that!¡±


    That was a good idea to ask, Jack! Chiyo added after he had left. Learning some basic first aid skills will probably come in handy sooner or later. I think if we book it, we should all sign up!


    ¡°I have a bunch of medic stuff linked to my commlink.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t really need to.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s usually a difference between having a medical journal on you and actually knowing what you need to do,¡± Sigrin added with a shrug. ¡°And in my experience, you don¡¯t get enough time to get to the right page while your friend is bleeding out on the floor.¡±


    ¡°Well I think it will be a good activity for all of us to do together!¡± Alora replied in a tone that would allow for no debate. ¡°And I¡¯m sure Nika would agree too.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s gonna go insane from spending all this time on the shelf,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°But it might be good to get Vanya into doing something with us. Apparently she had a panic attack while we were out.¡±


    ¡°I know, Nika sent me a message.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Vanya will heal and get better, we just need to give her time and whatever she needs when she needs it, even if it¡¯s just you lending an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of healing,¡± Jack spoke up. ¡°Are you sure you want to discharge yourself, Rayle? No offence, but it¡¯s probably a smarter move to stay here and let the nurses keep an eye on you. You¡¯re still pretty badly hurt!¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your concern, Halveer,¡± Rayle politely began ¡°But as a Druid I am able to heal myself now that I am awake, and to do so most efficiently my body must be touching the earth.¡±


    ¡°That could probably be arranged here.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°But if you know what you¡¯re doing and the doctors have cleared it, then just let us know how we can help.¡±


    ¡°A few blankets and shelter from the rain should do it.¡± Rayle smiled. ¡°It¡¯s something I do often, so please don¡¯t worry!¡±


    ¡°Alright, the shuttle is on its way to take you home,¡± Sigrin interrupted after receiving a message on her commlink. ¡°I¡¯ve got to go, we¡¯ll contact you soon once we¡¯re past this mess.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sigrin!¡± Alora smiled as they parted ways.


    *****


    ¡°So, there is more to Clan Ashtail than meets the eye.¡± Nika groaned as she shifted on the sofa to a more comfortable position. ¡°Though I¡¯m pretty sure we knew that anyway when they helped us dodge the Redeemer.¡±


    ¡°Did Kritch really help you out with a sniper rifle?¡± Rayle asked, eyes wide with wonder as they leaned against the wall in exhaustion.


    ¡°And with that, it¡¯s time to get you to bed.¡± Jack grinned as he handed Rayle a stack of blankets, where the gecko would camp out in a sheltered part of the garden next to the house for the night to heal. ¡°You can ask him for the story later. I¡¯m meeting up with him early tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°What for?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°He and I promised to help Kizzarith with something while he¡¯s in his induced coma.¡± Jack shrugged embarrassedly. ¡°Guy stuff. I¡¯m meeting him at the Tea Garden then we¡¯re heading into Red Legion territory, but I don¡¯t plan to make it a long trip.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d watch out for Luvia if you go there,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°She¡¯s pissed she didn¡¯t see you during the party, and I think she had plans for you, Jack. She sent me a few messages asking about you while you guys were out helping Zayle.¡±


    ¡°Tough shit,¡± Sephy opined. ¡°Miss ¡®do what I want because I¡¯m a rich bitch dragon¡¯ can just deal with it, Jack doesn¡¯t owe her a thing.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a flying visit anyway,¡± Jack added, wanting to calm the obviously tense Sephy down. ¡°I¡¯ll be in and out, then I can relax and maybe we can work on that Spider-bot for Industrial Vocation, Nika?¡±


    ¡°Damn right, it¡¯s a hell of a design!¡± The Kizun grinned. ¡°If we had a fabricator then I might be able to make us a few for use in the field or just doing a few menial tasks around the district.¡±


    A fabricator might be a good investment, actually, Chiyo reasoned. Not a super-expensive industrial one or anything, but one that can make some intricate smaller parts, or uncomplicated larger bits?


    ¡°Would we even have the funds for that?¡± Sephy asked the room.


    ¡°We might do, but only just,¡± Alora told them after thinking for a moment. ¡°We¡¯ve locked in the hot tub, and it is true we have a lot of funds we should spend before they either drop in value or drop into nothingness. I was thinking we spend it on long-term supplies, or pay our bills in advance?¡±


    ¡°Rayle and I had a lot of food supplies preserved and packed, which we recovered today,¡± Zayle pointed out. ¡°Plenty to go around, plus we have some crops we can plant. With Rayle¡¯s magic, they will be sure to thrive!¡±


    ¡°We will need more supplies than just food, surely?¡± Jack argued.


    ¡°I¡­have supplies and things at my place we can bring over, when it¡¯s safe to do so,¡± Vanya quietly added from where she was curled up on the sofa.


    ¡°Maybe see what we need and make a decision there?¡± Nika reasoned.


    ¡°I¡¯d need time to find a seller anyway,¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Unless you can think of anything else we might need?¡±


    ¡°Not immediately,¡± Nika slowly replied, thinking. ¡°I know you wanted to clean the district up, Alora, but maybe we can put that on the backburner. At least with a fabricator we can use the debris for it. And that reminds me, there¡¯s another thing I want us to do when we have the time or inclination. It¡¯d be pretty sweet if we could fix up the shuttle!¡±


    How would we even begin with that? Chiyo asked curiously, knowing Nika would have an idea.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking we just take some sheet metal from the local scrapyard and start by welding us a hull, and any other features we might need.¡± The Kizun grinned, positively salivating over the prospect. ¡°We can think about the more complicated bits while we do it, since those will be harder to get anyway.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a good idea, Nika.¡± Alora yawned as she plonked herself on the sofa.


    ¡°But why don¡¯t we start in the morning?¡°

 Chapter 69: Group Yoga

    ¡°And now, bring your chest forward and lift up in Salutation Pose!¡± the instructor on the projector enthusiastically continued, moving her body in a way Jack felt no sane sapient being should ever have to do¡­


    ¡°And hold. 1¡­2¡­3! And exhale!¡±


    All residents of the house, old and new, collectively let out a breath as they completed the pose, with the exception of Rayle who was still too hurt, and Dante who was still asleep next to them. Both of them had recovered significantly during the night, with Rayle using their physical connection to the earth to empower their own recovery process, and they had also found some incense that they had lit near Dante which seemed to make his breathing less laboured.


    ¡°And now lift your hips into an Arch Pose!¡± the instructor cheerfully told them, which was apparently where you planted your hands and feet on the ground, folded yourself up in the middle and kept the rest of your body straight, like making a triangle. Jack grunted in annoyance as he tried to reach forward and touch the ground, barely even scraping it with the tips of his fingers, and only when he bent his knees in a Slav Squat.


    ¡°Jack, are you having trouble making that stretch?¡± Alora asked innocently from next to him as she effortlessly held her perfect pose, turning her head slightly to look at him. ¡°Our dimensions are about the same, you should be able to pull it off¡­¡±


    ¡°If I try to stretch even more I¡¯m gonna headbutt the floor,¡± Jack grumbled.


    ¡®And I¡¯m trying not to fart too!¡¯ He privately thought to himself, though looking around he could see that a few of the others were struggling too. Nika was still quite hurt despite her rest, but she was still stubborn enough to get stuck in and tough it out, which Jack could respect. Zayle was small enough that the exercises were easier on them, though they struggled with several of the balancing acts that required a reasonable level of strength, while Chiyo was just outright cheating, slightly floating off the ground and hoping nobody would notice.


    Even Vanya was doing better than he had expected of the chubby rabbit, though he was glad she had joined them in their exercise. It was Alora who had come up with the idea of getting all those capable into doing a group activity of some kind, and a morning exercise certainly qualified. Though Jack did not know Vanya well, he had noticed that her mood seemed to improve by tiny amounts over time, and he was glad that she had agreed to take part with little persuasion on the part of both Alora and Sephy.


    Speaking of the Skritta, Sephy seemed to be very much within her element, effortlessly folding and contorting her body to match the pose of the instructor, though Jack had to look away as she gave him an erotically good view of her very nice bottom and she bent down low right in front of him, before Chiyo used a little bit of her power to prod her into losing her balance slightly.


    ¡°Hey Nika, looks like Chiyo isn¡¯t doing it properly!¡± Sephy grinned, knowing full well that Chiyo wasn¡¯t actually doing the exercises. ¡°Maybe you should oversee a few private sessions for her!


    ¡°That sounds like an excellent idea!¡± Nika chuckled, also having spotted the cheating.


    How are you so enthusiastic doing this? This is cruel torture! The Ilithii complained. Why do you have to push me? You know I have no talent with this kind of activity!


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly the reason to push you, Chiyo.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°And we¡¯re all doing this together as a team to get better!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re complaining now, Chiyo?¡± Alora questioned. ¡°We¡¯re only just reaching the halfway point!¡±


    Curses!


    ¡°And now, bring yourself into Rebar Pose.¡± The presenter beamed as she moved into what Jack recognised as a plank position. ¡°And hold there, breathing in, and out¡­.¡±


    This was a pose Jack was comfortable with, having alternated it with the many pushups he had been doing since he got here. Since he had recently gotten past 100 pushups in a single sitting now, he had wanted to alternate his morning strength exercises a bit, and so the plank was his go-to when he really didn¡¯t have any better ideas at the time.


    ¡°And now, turn your body facing right, and lift your right-most limbs into the air, stretching them out as far as you can!¡±


    It felt weird but Jack was able to do so, trying his best not to lose his balance. He heard Nika curse as she stacked it, and saw Vanya next to him wobbling heavily, fighting not to fall.


    ¡°You can do it, Vanya!¡± he encouraged her, and the Chuna seemed to fight harder to stay balanced. Finally, mercifully for them all, they received the instruction to return to their previous position, before immediately groaning again when they were told to do the other side.


    Jack allowed his thoughts to wander as they were facing Alora now. They had started today productively, and would have a lot of free time ahead of them. They weren¡¯t lacking for resources, though the unstable local economy didn¡¯t help, but even if things took a turn for the worse it was possible that they could be more self-sufficient if they utilised the home they had more.


    There were a multitude of things they could do to improve their home district, and assuming there weren¡¯t any more attacks they would ideally have the time and freedom to get them done. He agreed with Nika that fixing the shuttle could be a good start, but he personally wouldn¡¯t even know where to start. A fabricator sounded like a fun idea, but he would need to have a talk with Sephy or Nika who could hopefully explain to him in a bit more detail what it actually did. Was it like the sci-fi stories, or was it more like a 3D printer from home?


    Expanding Alora¡¯s garden to accommodate some of the Squa¡¯Kaar¡¯s crops would be an excellent way to ensure their survival too, though Jack didn¡¯t know if the change in environment would kill that possibility or not, so he would have to float some of the more intricate parts of the idea when they next sat down as a group with clearer heads.


    But that wouldn¡¯t be right now. This morning he had promised to meet up with Kritch so they could both head towards Red Legion territory and help out Kizzarith, and it would be good for him to stretch his legs and explore without somebody trying to kill him for a change.


    After that, they needed to collect a few things from Vanya¡¯s place, but from what he understood the Chuna lived in a stable district belonging to one of the Megacorporations on the other side of the city, and had paid rent well in advance using the funds she earned from her journalism, though Jack didn¡¯t know the details, aside from the fact that the school paper wasn¡¯t the only thing she did. Jack made a note to ask her about that later. After all, now that there wasn¡¯t any immediate danger it would be good to actually¡­try to live a little.


    They had no leads to go on for anything personal right now. They knew Malakiel had tried targeting him, but taking out their relay in the Pallid Pit had put a stop to it, at least for now. As for being able to go home, Jack had hoped Mr Sparrel might be able to tap into their Starseeker connections to try and give them a direction, and the others also had various ideas of things that might be able to help.


    It was the one strand of hope Jack had left to hold on to, but it was a long shot. Deep down he knew there was still that part of him that held a death wish, recklessly fighting like hell in whatever dangerous situation he found himself in while he was still alive and kicking, because he would be damned if he just laid down and accepted his inevitable fate without a fight, and he sure as shit wasn¡¯t going to stand by and do nothing in the face of such unnatural evil like the Klowns or the Risen.


    There are those who might call it a saviour or hero complex, but he would consider it a good, worthy death when the time came, and until it did, he would ride it out and keep fighting.


    But there had been good times as well, increasingly so since he arrived.


    He owed Alora and the others so much for the love and friendship they had given him, all bastions of light amidst the darkness. Had it not been for them, he would have completely succumbed to the madness and mental suffering already.


    But right now? He was still able to hold on with the strength they gave him.


    ¡°And now, rest your limbs as we now come into Corpse Pose,¡± the instructor finally announced, and they all sighed as they realised that the torture was now over.


    ¡°At least you¡¯re not cheating with this pose, Chiyo!¡± Sephy quipped, causing everyone to laugh.


    Leave me to my shame! The Ilithii sighed.


    ¡°Well I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do better next time!¡± Alora encouraged her.


    Next time?!?


    ¡°Yes!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°I think this was an excellent group activity, so I think we should do this more often! It¡¯s much better than sitting on the sofa doing nothing.¡±


    No it isn¡¯t!


    ¡°Sorry Chiyo, looks like you¡¯re outvoted!¡± Nika grinned as she sat up and saw the agreeing nods of enough people around the room.


    Oh fine. Chiyo sulked. But I¡¯ll lead a guided meditation tomorrow to calm you all down.


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing you do where you sit down with your eyes closed and do fuck-all for a few hours, right?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°Isn¡¯t that basically sleeping?¡±


    ¡°Good idea, Chiyo!¡± Alora interrupted to head off the argument. ¡°Maybe we can do that tonight since we have school tomorrow?¡±


    Sounds good to me!


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna hit the shower.¡± Jack excused himself as he quickly headed upstairs, a second too late for the others to realise that there were fewer bathrooms than there were people.


    ¡°Hey, Jack, is there room for one more!?¡± he heard Sephy call out as he hurried his pace. He got the sense she was joking just to rile up the others, but honestly that reminded him that he and his four friends would need to have a sit down and work their relationship out. Either way, they were definitely nowhere near that stage.


    Besides, they¡¯d have a hot tub soon. Apparently the workmen were going to come along in the afternoon and get it done in a day. Jack hoped their potential fabricator could be used for basic clothes he could tailor for himself, since he didn¡¯t have any swim shorts.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Unless he got drunk enough to consider skinny dipping¡­


    Jack shook that thought out of his head as he allowed the warm water of the shower to wash away what was left of his morning drowsiness and energise him for the day ahead.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading out!¡± Jack called out once he quickly finished his shower and got changed, taking a bag with a few of his things with him, deciding it would be good to slip out while most everyone else was occupied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to activate your emergency beacon if anything happens!¡± Alora called from somewhere upstairs.


    ¡°I will!¡± Jack replied, before giving the sleeping Dante a few pets and looking to the only person still around. ¡°How is he, Rayle? And how are you, for that matter?¡±


    ¡°I am much better!¡± The Squa¡¯Kaar smiled weakly. ¡°Though I think I will go back outside and lie down on the ground to keep healing. Dante will get better, but they need a lot of rest - they¡¯re still exhausted.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded as he headed to the front door. ¡°I¡¯ll catch up with you all later, bye for now!¡±


    ¡°Bye Jack!¡±


    *****


    ¡°So what kind of tea is this?¡± Jack asked as Kritch brought a pot over to their VIP table at the Tea Garden.


    ¡°Something called ¡®Dragon¡¯s Blood.¡± Kritch grinned as he poured them two small mugs of the red liquid. ¡°It¡¯s rare, but it¡¯s good!¡±


    Jack took a sip, and was taken aback by the sensation of pop-rocks going off in his mouth before his tastebuds were bombarded. ¡°That¡¯s¡­unusual, but I like it.¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± The Lizta grinned. ¡°I know Grandfather already gave you guys a reward for helping out at the marsh but I wanted to thank you myself! We had the situation in hand, but still, you really helped our asses out there!¡±


    ¡°Hey, you helped us too!¡± Jack replied with a smile as he enjoyed the tea, though in his mind he was wary of Clan Ashtail. ¡°Though out of all the surprises I thought we¡¯d run into over there, you guys weren¡¯t it. We were just there to help the Squa¡¯Kaar move out.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I nearly shat myself when I saw you guys - I thought the Laird had hired you on as mercenaries - but when you took on the militia to protect the kids, I knew something else was up.¡± Kritch grinned. ¡°I had no idea Rayle and Zayle lived there, and had I known it was that bad I would have put them in contact with Grandfather. He¡¯s been planning to get tenants for a possible expansion for a little while, and yesterday was too good an opportunity.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s that going?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Pretty well! A few decided to part ways and decline our offer, but Grandfather accounted for that too. We¡¯re settling the ones that accepted next door and they¡¯re pretty happy. Rent is being waived for the first few months to help them get back on their feet, then after that we¡¯ll keep it reasonable. We¡¯ve even got some chefs that owned a diner in the area that Grandfather is helping to relocate to one of the districts we now have that goes along a major street.¡±


    ¡°Your Clan seems like quite the savvy one.¡± Jack slyly smiled, considering now the best time to test the waters. ¡°Considering what you were able to pull off yesterday with the people and resources you had, I¡¯m guessing the Tea Garden business must be quite profitable. After all, those magic items you gave us were quite something¡­.¡±


    Kritch nervously smiled at Jack with wide eyes before the human raised a hand to calm him down.


    ¡°Relax. You and your Clan have been good to us. It¡¯s none of my business what you guys get up to as long as you don¡¯t act against us or other people we like.¡±


    ¡°Heh.¡± Kritch sighed with relief. ¡°Yeah we do a few other things, but Clan Ashtail has a code we stick to. It was why we ended up migrating here in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Jack asked, sensing a story as he poured himself another mug. It was damn good tea!


    ¡°Yeah, my Grandfather was pretty high ranking in his former Clan out in the wilds but realised that not only were they getting too big, but they were fighting amongst themselves in ways he really didn¡¯t like. Basically, the way I was told, he convinced his closest family and friends to come with him and migrated here under a new banner. We took this district when it was unoccupied a few years ago and have settled ever since, doing whatever we could to not just survive, but thrive! And now all that hard work has paid off we¡¯re making the most of it.¡±


    ¡®Yeah.¡¯ Thought Jack to himself as he finished his tea. ¡®Though I hope you guys are more ¡®Thieves Guild¡¯ than ¡®Dark Brotherhood¡¯¡­¡¯


    ¡°Sounds familiar.¡± Jack nodded, then indicated his mug. ¡°This stuff was great, how much do I owe you?¡±


    ¡°On the house! Put your credits away!¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°But I can still leave a tip. I could chill here all day but we should probably get moving. How far is Kizzarith''s place from here?¡±


    *****


    It turned out that the Red Legion territory wasn¡¯t that far away at all, about half an hour away on the north-eastern outskirts of the city. As they walked, Jack noticed that though the street traffic had gotten much quieter, they saw more and more people the closer they got.


    ¡°Yeah, the Red Legion keeps itself out of the way of most of the busier stuff in the city since they keep their activities in-house,¡± Kritch explained when he pointed this out to the Lizta, ¡°but many people like the security of being close by, and some of the neighbouring districts are either direct vassals or are maybe controlled by a Regulator Order. Anyways, that¡¯s them just up ahead.¡±


    Jack looked ahead as Kritch made a quick call. The black walls of the district up ahead were pristinely clean, with many Red Legion banners hanging from the tops. A patrol of red armour-clad troops were guarding the front gate, and looked alert as they approached.


    ¡°State your business!¡± the leader, a haughty-looking reptilian man, shouted at them.


    ¡°We¡¯re expected, our friend is just coming to pick us up!¡± Kritch told them confidently.


    ¡°Who is?¡± the leader snarled, not believing the Lizta.


    ¡°Vaal of the Eladran Dreadnaught Ishkabal,¡± Kritch instantly replied back. ¡°He¡¯s on his way.¡±


    Just as he said that, the leader received a ping on his device.


    ¡°You are verified, remain here and don¡¯t try anything funny,¡± he told them sternly.


    Jack just decided to keep his mouth shut as they waited several minutes until finally a door to the side of the main gate opened, and Vaal came to greet them.


    ¡°Hello there, you two!¡± The Eladra grinned as Plooderoo appeared behind him with a wave. ¡°Captain Barika didn¡¯t need to frisk you, did he?¡±


    ¡°Hey Vaal! No, our reception was fine. I¡¯m pretty sure they¡¯re used to me by now.¡± Kritch grinned. ¡°They didn¡¯t even bother trying to recruit me this time.¡±


    ¡°Hah.¡± Vaal smiled as he waved them both in. ¡°You know you¡¯d be welcome at any time Kritch, we need some good scouts. You too, Jack!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pass.¡± Jack sighed as the door shut behind them and they were out of earshot. ¡°Apart from you guys, I haven¡¯t exactly had the best experience with the Red Legion.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I get that, and it sucks that was your first experience with us.¡± Vaal sighed. ¡°But there is much good to be found within the Red Legion as well. If you¡¯re up for it, I can give you a full tour once you recover Kizzarith¡¯s porn collection.¡±


    ¡°I-¡± Jack began hesitantly but Vaal just laughed.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, it¡¯s obvious he asked you two to help out, but we¡¯d never snitch on him. He is not as subtle as he thinks, but we¡¯ll play along.¡±


    ¡°I knooooow where he keeps it, I¡¯ll help yooooo!¡± Plooderoo rumbled with a chuckle as Vaal led the way.


    ¡°So the Aspirant barracks are about a five-minute walk,¡± the Eladra casually told them as they emerged past the checkpoint, only for Jack to stop as he took in the view.


    The district was clearly quite a large one, as Jack could see the walls disappear into the horizon ahead of him, with a straight structured grid of paths everywhere that he could see. Everything immediately around him reminded him of every stereotype of an army barracks he¡¯d seen on TV from Earth, as various squads either marched or ran in formation around the district perimeter, being barked at by various officers as they passed the boys by.


    ¡°So Jack, welcome to the Red Legion Bastion: Scion of Wyrmwalker,¡± Vaal began, clearly used to being the resident showman. ¡°Named for a Red Legion hero who founded this site many thousands of years ago. We¡¯ve kept some kind of presence here ever since, and right now it¡¯s our primary base of operations on this part of the Ring.¡±


    ¡°What kind of operations?¡± Jack asked as a gap between the various working groups opened and they ducked down a side street.


    Vaal shrugged. ¡°Mostly recruitment and training of fresh volunteers, but occasionally we conduct missions against confirmed threats where we can, though we¡¯re more a feeder station than anything else. However, Aspirants who want or need to can live here and either go to school or help out in other ways until they are of age. It¡¯s usually a good system to get fast-tracked to officer training or specialist roles. I¡¯m personally here as an Eladran representative, so technically I already have officer rank.¡±


    ¡°Sooooo you keep saying.¡± Plooderoo snorted with amusement. ¡°Kizzarith and I are technically specialist representatives, but yooooooou got the stripes!¡±


    ¡°Hah, I was already an officer within the Eladra Fleet and you know it!¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°Can¡¯t really demote me from that without good reason so they let me keep it!¡±


    ¡°Scion of Wyrmwalker is mainly an outpost in an area very far from Red Legion territory,¡± Plooderoo added. ¡°Though it serves as an embassy and refuge for all Red Legion citizenry should it be required. Technically the General-Commander here has broad-authority and can expand and colonise in the name of the Legion as we see fit, but General Opathu has forbidden it.¡±


    ¡°Probably a smart idea.¡± Vaal shrugged. ¡°Other Red Legion Bastions have tried it but have nearly always failed, and our enemies are always looking for us to make a move they can exploit. I¡¯ve heard we do have a city of sorts somewhere else far away on the Ring, but those are just rumours. And I know for a fact that a coalition of several Drow Houses wiped out Wrath of Carrion to the last man, woman and child elsewhere, and that was one of our best Bastions, apparently. The Regulators are free to spread as they, wish of course, and I think General Opathu likes to rely on them to advance our interests.¡±


    ¡°What are they?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°So this one is a little controversial,¡± Vaal admitted with an awkward look. ¡°In simple terms, the Regulator Orders originated in Red Legion controlled space as paramilitary groups that spread themselves out throughout the galaxy to impose their visions of structure and order wherever they go. Trouble is, that varies depending on the Order, and even I¡¯ll admit there are some bad ones roaming around¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the understatement of the fucking decade,¡± Kritch pointed out. ¡°According to my grandfather, The Order of the Whip tried to enslave him long before I was born. He barely escaped with his life!¡±


    ¡°Hey, the Regulators might have originated from Red Legion territory, but they¡¯re not controlled by us! They are their own entities,¡± Vaal hastily retorted. ¡°And there are some that aren¡¯t bad! The Order of the Gale specialises in liberating slaves, after all!¡±


    ¡°Well those guys in particular sound ok at least.¡± Jack had to admit as they headed towards a quad of several tall buildings ahead of them.


    ¡°Well we have a feeeeew Orders here, but most like to fortify a position elsewhere,¡± Plooderoo admitted with a shrug. ¡°The ones we have here are some kind of auxiliaries for the Red Legion in all but name.¡±


    ¡°The normies!¡± Vaal chuckled. ¡°But anyway, here we are!¡±


    The group didn¡¯t say much as Vaal led them to a grav-lift which quickly took them to their apartment. Apparently, Vaal, Plooderoo and Kizzarith all shared one which was the reason why the unlikely trio knew each other so well. Jack had expected the place to be very Spartan and neat and tidy, so he was surprised when he found¡­.a typical teenage space!


    Dominating the room there was a huge, worn sofa with several garments of clothes hung over it, with a small kitchenette to the side that didn¡¯t look very used. A massive screen was hung on the far wall with a gaming console that had enough controllers for guests.


    ¡°Anyway, Kizzarith¡¯s room is over here next to mine¡­¡± Plooderoo led them to the right-hand side of the living room, turning the unlocked door and letting the two of them in.


    ¡°Now I would recommend checking the bedframe,¡± the Ploothe added with a chuckle. ¡°The metal piping is hollow and has a secret compartment at the head.¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Kritch grinned as he checked it. ¡°Just need to deal with a few things on his computer too, pile some clothes and books in the bags and then we should be good.¡±


    ¡°Hey you two¡­¡± Vaal began as they got to work. ¡°Do you want to hang out here a bit before you go off to see Kizzarith and the others still with the Bharzums? Karzen and Bentom were going to meet up with me and Ploo before we were going to see them ourselves, maybe we could all go together?¡±


    Jack considered that. Vaal and Plooderoo had been cool with him so far, despite their faction being less-so. And he did want to try that whole ¡®living normally¡¯ thing¡­


    ¡°Sure!¡± Jack smiled as Kritch nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Sounds good to me!¡±

 Chapter 70: Guy Time

    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Kritch laughed along with the crowd that had formed in Vaal¡¯s apartment.


    ¡°Dooooooo that again, Jack!¡± Plooderoo encouraged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can do any more!¡± Jack chuckled from his spot on the floor.


    ¡°Not even one more?¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°Come on! You can do it!¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack sighed with a guilty smile, mustering his inner power as Vaal held a lit lighter close to his ass. Squeezing one final fart out, the crowd cheered in amazement at seeing the gush of flame.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure he¡¯s not using magic, Vaal?¡± Bentom asked as his armadillo-like teammate clapped with the others, but Vaal emphatically shook his head.


    ¡°Get this guy another beer! He¡¯s earned it!¡± Plooderoo called out to the crowd, and about three cans were enthusiastically passed Jack¡¯s way.


    ¡°Damn, you Deathworlders really are weird!¡± Karzen chucked as she slapped Jack on the shoulder. ¡°You must be a hit with the ladies of your squad!¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say I¡¯ve done that around them before!¡± Jack grinned as he took a swig of one of the cold beers, which was weak, but several served enough of a purpose to settle his nerves.


    ¡°Well, shall we all go now?¡± Vaal asked the crowd, expression now serious. ¡°I checked with the healers and Kizzarith should be coming out of the medical coma today. We can also check on Crill, if he¡¯s still around. I went to see him yesterday and he¡¯s devastated about Arlox.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we stayed with him for a bit. The healers are trying to bring Arlox¡¯s spirit back, but it¡¯s apparently a really rough process.¡± Bentom sighed. ¡°And he¡¯s hardly the only person they¡¯re trying to bring back. Maybe they¡¯ll end up reincarnating him instead?¡±


    ¡°I think Rayle told me about that once over drinks,¡± Kritch whispered conspiratorially. ¡°Like bringing his spirit back but as another person.¡±


    ¡°Rayle told you, eh?¡± Vaal grinned, patting the Lizta on the back as Kritch bowed his head in embarrassment at the resulting chuckles.


    ¡°Regardless, our teammates are having a rough time,¡± Karzen spoke up. ¡°We should go over and support them! Are Nika and Sephy gonna come over, Jack?¡±


    ¡°Nika¡¯s barely been able to move from our sofa, but Sephy might be able to come along.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°We went to help Clan Bharzum yesterday as well as run a few errands. Most of my group needs a rest, to be honest. That¡¯s probably what I¡¯ll do when I get back. We want to support our friends, but we need to recover ourselves as well.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I understand that.¡± Vaal nodded. ¡°Us lot had to help shore up the Scion of Wyrmwalker¡¯s defences until we were able to rebuild. We got hit hard by the Killer Klown, so we¡¯ve been working hard making sure there aren¡¯t any Klowns left lying in wait nearby while the wall gets repaired. We really needed this chance to relax and chill for a bit, though we¡¯ll be expected back this afternoon, but I¡¯ll be damned if we¡¯re not there to cheer up our friends at least, even if we don¡¯t stay for long.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Kizzarith will be unconscious for most of it, but Crill needs people to support him,¡± Plooderoo agreed. ¡°Perhaps we can plan something for when our friends are recovered? Maybe start a crowdfunding campaign to hire Kizzarith a prostitute? One of the really good ones that know their way around an insectoid?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯ll make him feel better!¡± Kritch grinned. ¡°Maybe wait until he¡¯s fully repaired first though! We don¡¯t want to reinjure him when he goes nuts!¡±


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s gonna be a thing!¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°I¡¯d actually thought about taking the team to the Cathedral of Merriment! The school gives us a grant for team-building related activities, and we got a good bonus for winning our last game, so why not go there?¡±


    ¡°So let¡¯s pretend I¡¯m an Outsider who doesn¡¯t know anything.¡± Jack rolled his eyes. ¡°Is that a brothel or something? I¡¯m kinda committed¡­.I think¡­.¡±


    ¡°Hah! Oh, you are in for a treat, my friend!¡± Bentom chucked, patting Jack on the shoulder like a naive child. ¡°Imagine, if you will, a great, holy place of Dilanna, the Goddess of Alcohol and Celebration. A grand temple. Upon paying a voluntary tithe to the church to enter, you are met with rows upon rows of heavy tables and benches, with a lively crowd of fellow, friendly pilgrims set to the backdrop of all sorts of live music. Temple Priests and Priestesses are ready and willing to take your every order of all the rarest ales, wines and spirits you could want, along with an awesome selection of food, too! And the best part¡­.¡±


    She leaned in close to Jack¡¯s ear to stage whisper¡­


    ¡°All of it is free!¡±


    Jack snapped his head around at that with bulging eyes. ¡°Real shit?¡±


    ¡°Real shit!¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°The Cathedral of Merriment runs entirely on church donations and is welcome to all who respect the peace!¡±


    ¡°Where is it?¡± Jack immediately asked excitedly.


    ¡°Hah!¡± The Eladra grinned. ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s not within the city limits. It¡¯s a few days out, but we can get at least part of the way there by public transport. In case you haven¡¯t guessed, it''s a pretty popular destination! But I want to make sure everyone on the team is up and able to go and fully enjoy it first.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Something to look forward to then. It¡¯s just that Alora¡¯s been wanting us to take some time off and let off some steam and that sounded like a good idea.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Glenphyranix is alright for a Greenblood, I guess.¡± Vaal shrugged. ¡°Our people might be enemies, and she can be a little preachy for my tastes, but I can respect the fact that she takes care of you guys. We¡¯ll probably have some tagalongs anyway when we go to the Cathedral, so she and Dhasii can come along too.¡±


    ¡°They cater for animal friends as well,¡± Plooderoo added. ¡°So you can take that critter of yours tooooo!¡±


    ¡°Cool!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°We have new housemates that might want to come, but I understand if you want to keep it to just the team.¡±


    ¡°All are welcome in the Cathedral of Merriment.¡± Karzen grinned. ¡°And the more friends we bring, the merrier it will be!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait until all our friends are back with us first!¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°But until then, let¡¯s all have a beer and go see them!¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah¡­¡± Jack remembered something after he had a deep sip of the can. ¡°Does Luvia live around here? I was told I should probably say hi if she was around.¡±


    ¡°Yeah she lives in the district, but she¡¯s not around right now,¡± Plooderoo replied after quickly downing his entire can. ¡°She looked stressed out when I saw her though¡­.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Vaal added. ¡°She¡¯s been that way since the attack, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be fine¡­¡±


    *****


    ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s not worth much?¡± Sephy exclaimed in horror, as her more magically inclined friends went through some of the special loot she and Jack had stolen from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup the previous weekend.


    I mean it¡¯s not the priceless artefact you were hoping for. Chiyo rolled her eyes. I had my suspicions but I wanted to confirm them first before giving you the bad news.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t like they¡¯re useless.¡± Zayle tried to cheer her up. ¡°Just not as good.¡±


    ¡°I would have thought the black candle with gems would have been sellable?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°But your earth spirit is telling you the gems are fake?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it looks like they¡¯ve been fabricated from glass to look like gems. There is some magic within the candle, though¡­¡±


    This is likely a Ghostlight Candle that a student tried to make cooler, Chiyo concluded. Light the candle, and it provides light only to those who were holding it when it was lit. The flame goes out as soon as a ghost approaches.


    ¡°Gee, a candle that gives mystical night vision or something,¡± Sephy complained. ¡°Might be useful if we have a power outage or something in the same way that literally any other fucking candle would be.¡±


    ¡°That reminds me, we need to add candles to the shopping list since we have more people. Thanks Sephy!¡± Nika added from where she was curled up on the sofa. ¡°But there are occasional contracts out there to explore haunted places, so it might have a use.¡±


    ¡°Or we could sell it,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Because fuck going to haunted places.¡±


    ¡°This gem is also worthless,¡± Zayle added, tapping the teardrop ¡®gem¡¯ that kept changing colours. ¡°Just an enchantment to change colour and look pretty.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we could sell that to a sucker?¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Or give it to Alora to stick somewhere in the house.¡±


    The tome is also mundane, Chiyo added. I think an edgy student must have enchanted it to smoke to try and look cool. It might have something alright in it, but it looks like a diary. Maybe if I get bored I¡¯ll actually try reading this nonsense.


    ¡°These could be useful!¡± Rayle excitedly shook the vials. ¡°These are compressed natural gases that will expand into a cloud of stinky smoke!¡±


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡°Like a smoke bomb?¡± Nika questioned. ¡°Could be useful.¡±


    This, however, definitely is. Chiyo pointed to the green serpent ring. After referencing my books and confirming with Zayle, I believe this is a Ring of Lesser Restoration. I¡¯ll need to work out how many charges it holds a day, but you can use it in an emergency to completely remove the physical effects of fatigue.


    ¡°Awesome!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°More all-nighters for me!¡±


    It will not restore the effect to your mind! Chiyo added. So I wouldn¡¯t rely on it. Having said that, it''s still a decent find.


    ¡°Damn, well I still have my copy of the data, so I can still find something juicy. Imagine what might be in the other Lockups!¡±


    ¡°Not a bad idea for a future Run!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Plus there¡¯s all that stuff you got from Clan Ashtail yesterday.¡±


    The potions and Lesser Lifestone will be very useful. Chiyo nodded thoughtfully. But something about those broaches of disguise doesn¡¯t sit right by me. It¡¯s almost as if those were¡­curated for us in preparation for something.


    ¡°Curated?¡± Nika asked. ¡°For what purpose?


    At that moment they heard a loud chirp throughout the house that signified a visitor ringing the bell at the front gate.


    ¡°That¡¯s them!¡± Alora called out to them from outside.


    ¡°Finally!¡± Sephy grinned.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this hot tub sorted!¡±


    *****


    ¡°So Vaal. Got a question for you,¡± Jack asked as they made their way past another local militia checkpoint to the Clan Bharzum territories.


    ¡°Shoot,¡± the Eladra asked with a grin. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you haven¡¯t spent every waking moment asking them as an Outsider.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up with your people and the Eladrie?¡± Jack asked, causing Vaal to blank out for a moment.


    ¡°Really? Glenphyranix didn¡¯t tell you?¡± he asked with a faint smile.


    ¡°I only know that something bad happened, nothing more.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Sorry if it¡¯s a sore subject.¡±


    ¡°Hah, no!¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°It¡¯s more sore for the Greenbloods than the Eladra. Basically, we broke away pretty decisively many thousands of years ago and abandoned them for better opportunities. The nobles back then reacted pretty badly, then so did we. The Eladrie like to portray themselves as superior to other species, but we humbled them pretty hard back then and they¡¯ve hated us since.¡±


    ¡°How did you do that?¡± Jack asked, curiously.


    ¡°You know that tree of theirs they love so much?¡± Vaal asked.


    ¡°The Mother Tree, right?¡± Jack replied, having heard Alora talk often about it.


    Vaal nodded. ¡°Heh. We nearly burned that fucking thing down before we left!¡±


    ¡°Jesus,¡± Jack cursed. ¡°So that¡¯s basically why your people hate each other. I was wondering how bad it was, and I didn¡¯t want to risk pissing off Alora¡­¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯m fair game, right?¡± Vaal tried to give Jack a serious look and raised his eyebrows before he cracked a smile and stuck his tongue out. ¡°It¡¯s all good, she¡¯s one of your girls and all that, you don¡¯t want to piss her off unnecessarily.¡±


    ¡°You make yourself sound like a real expert on the ladies, eh Vaal?¡± Zook grinned, the bat-like Strallea playfully poking Vaal in the side, before the Eladra put his arm around her.


    ¡°I like to try.¡± He grinned. ¡°Anyway, I think we¡¯re almost there. Shame we couldn¡¯t get your friend to come around and set her up with Kizzarith.¡±


    ¡°Pridra?¡± Zook asked. ¡°Sorry, she sends her condolences, but she¡¯s got to support her family and I don¡¯t think she¡¯s interested in him in that way.¡±


    ¡°A shame,¡± Plooderoo added. ¡°What about you, Nakir? Got any friends that might be interested?¡±


    ¡°None come to mind, Ro¡¯cha,¡±  Klikko replied tenderly as the Kunee shook her head.


    ¡°Just wait until Kizzarith realises you already have pet names for one another!¡± Kritch sniggered, as the rest of them laughed.


    ¡°Speaking of¡­¡± they added as they saw the district gates ahead. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re here!¡±


    Quickly led through the corridors, the group were happy to find Kizzarith awake and waiting for them, apparently not having been conscious for long.


    ¡°Hey buddy!¡± Vaal patted the Anicite on the shoulder, deliberately avoiding the severed limbs and other removed parts. ¡°How have you been?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been good!¡± Kizzarith weakly grinned through the bandages. ¡°I appear to have lost a lot of weight recently.¡±


    Plooderoo let out a strained sound as he moved to the other side of the bed. ¡°Must be that new exercise routine you¡¯ve been doing!¡±


    The three friends laughed awkwardly as Kizzarith¡¯s one-eyed gaze fell on the others. ¡°Oh hey! I have other visitors! Good to see you guys!¡±


    ¡°Hey there!¡± Kritch smiled as he and Jack moved up beside Vaal, with Jack putting the box of belongings down where Kizzarith could easily reach it. ¡°We got you those books and games you wanted.¡± Kritch gave Kizzarith a knowing look and the Anicite smiled slyly.


    ¡°Thanks! I really needed that, it¡¯s gonna get pretty boring here.¡±


    ¡°Have they given you any updates?¡± Vaal asked, his smile dropping.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Kizzarith nodded, also getting serious. ¡°I have options, but none of them really stand out for me. I¡¯ve been given time to think but it hasn¡¯t been easy. I¡¯ve really got to think about my future here.¡±


    ¡°We understand.¡± Vaal smiled reassuringly. ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll think of something. If you need advice, we¡¯re all a call away.¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­thanks,¡± Kizzarith replied weakly as a nurse interjected.


    ¡°He¡¯s been through a lot and needs his rest.¡± The woman gave a pained smile.


    ¡°But I¡¯ve only just gotten up¡­¡± Kizzarith tiredly retorted.


    ¡°That¡¯s the drugs, your body needs to rest without them now,¡± the nurse patiently replied, and everyone agreed with understanding. They had all barely left the room before Kizzarith was once more resting.


    ¡°Damn.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°That¡¯s rough.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, luckily for him, Kizzarith is pumped full of drugs, but Crill isn¡¯t,¡± Vaal pointed out. ¡°He¡¯s wanted to be alone since the attack, but this is the time to overrule that. He needs friends with him now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack agreed. He remembered all the times where Crill had stuck his neck out for him ever since his first day of school, and he¡¯d be damned if he wasn¡¯t going to be there for him.


    It just sucked that he had no idea what he could even say to make things better.


    The nurses led them down several corridors to a quiet corner of the complex, opening a door to a private room where Crill was sat hunched over in a comfortable chair, watching over the still body of Arlox, who had clearly been prepared well and respectfully, as Jack wouldn¡¯t have been able to tell without already knowing that his friend had been killed during the attack.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Crill finally spoke with a horse whisper. ¡°I told you I didn¡¯t need you here,¡± he told Vaal.


    ¡°Yep, you told me,¡± Vaal replied diplomatically. ¡°But you know we had to come eventually.¡±


    ¡°In time, too.¡± Crill nodded as Vaal went over to put his arm around his friend, handing him a drink. ¡°They told me they¡¯re going to try and bring Arlox back soon. I¡¯ve been waiting for them, but it¡¯s been so long already¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡± Vaal patted Crill on the back. ¡°Don¡¯t give up hope. We¡¯ll stick around and cheer him on¡­¡±


    He trailed off as three white-robed figures entered the room with their faces covered by veils to completely obscure their identity. Two of them were plain and had no other accessories to speak of, and looked like assistants to the third who wore a golden chain around their neck with a golden set of scales.


    ¡°It is good that this young man has his friends around him,¡± the one in charge spoke with the voice of a very elderly grandfather. ¡°We came as soon as we heard there were more people here - some say it can help improve the ritual of return. My apologies for the delay being as long as it has been, this ritual is quite complicated.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Crill nodded. ¡°Please¡­¡±


    ¡°Everybody stay back and don¡¯t interfere with whatever happens!¡± the lead figure strictly told them. ¡°Are we ready?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re ready.¡± One of the assistants nodded curtly, and without any fanfare they began the procedure.


    The leader slowly brought out a small vial of golden liquid from his robes with shaking hands, before roughly splashing it over Arlox¡¯s form, whose entire body glowed a slight golden sheen before appearing to partially fade in and out. Along the floor, a symbol that Jack hadn¡¯t noticed before began to glow with that same light as the participants of the ritual began chanting in a strange eldritch tongue that seemed to gnaw at Jack¡¯s very soul, increasing in volume until he put a hand against the wall to steady himself, as he caught Kritch with the other.


    Suddenly, the air crackled with energy, and the ground shook beneath their feet. A blinding flash of light filled the air, and a deafening roar echoed through the room.


    Immediately the body of Arlox jerked up, gasping for air as his body twisted and contorted. Pain was clearly wracking their body as they screamed in horror, echoing all throughout the room. Jack fought the urge to rush to his friend and support him, feeling that something was very, very wrong.


    Arlox¡¯s skin rippled as if insects were trying to burrow their way out of his flesh, his bones cracked and shifted as if being violently rearranged. His eyes bulged as they tried to comprehend what was happening as he flailed about with ever more force. Bringing their voices up to a crescendo the participants ended at the same time with one final word of power that burst forth with a deafening roar. As the ritual ended, one of the two assistants quickly pulled out a stim patch and firmly placed it on the still-writhing Arlox. Holding the aquatic boy down firmly, he quickly stopped squirming until finally his breathing slowed down to something resembling normal. Waiting for several moments to confirm that everything was fine, the leader finally sighed.


    ¡°He is back amongst the living now.¡±


    The group of friends immediately gave sighs of relief, before the leader continued. ¡°There is much resting he must undertake before we can safely wake him up. The stimpatch is just to get him under, but now begins some extensive dream therapy that will take some time.¡±


    ¡°Well at least we know he¡¯s back.¡± Jack sighed, finally getting the courage to join Vaal in trying to comfort their friend. ¡°You¡¯ve been a saint sticking by him, Crill, but you need to take care of yourself now.¡±


    The leader nodded in agreement. ¡°I know this must be hard, but I must insist you all leave him for a while to allow him to recuperate. He must be in harmony with himself before we risk bringing him to consciousness.¡±


    Crill slowly nodded as Jack and Vaal helped him shakily to his feet. It was clear as day he hadn¡¯t moved from that spot for a while, but slowly he shucked off the aches and pains as Plooderoo led him out.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jack told the Leader and his assistants since everybody else was distracted with Crill. The Leader simply nodded.


    ¡°We simply do what we can, Outsider, you are most welcome,¡± they replied diplomatically as they followed the group out of the room, locking the door behind them before quietly moving off.


    ¡°I think those guys were worshippers of Nulios, the God Of Penance,¡± Kritch whispered to Jack the moment they were out of sight.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna have to take your word on that one.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°I¡¯m just glad it looks like Arlox is gonna be alright.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Vaal agreed. ¡°Almost sounds like a reason to celebrate, no? And Crill could do with a pick-me-up. The Cathedral is something we¡¯re totally going to do another day, but maybe you can find us a good spot at Clan Ashtail¡¯s Tea Garden, Kritch?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I can arrange something!¡± Kritch grinned, as Jack smiled faintly to himself.


    It had been hell for the last few days, but today?


    Today was going to be a good day!

 Chapter 71: Sanctuary

    The faint, cool breeze gently whistling through the window began to stir the sleeping figure awake, stiff muscles subconsciously reaching for a blanket that wasn¡¯t there. Slowly, the familiar sounds of home enticed the Stygian to begin the slow process of returning back to the realm of the awoken.


    As she opened her eyes, the first thing Nya noticed was the dark grey, chiselled stone ceiling above her, with several faint lights to illuminate the cavern. She blinked a few times, trying to clear her vision before she realised that she was lying in the Healing Caves.


    She was home.


    Nya tried to get up from the stone slab she had been lying on. Her muscles felt rough and sore as she groaned in pain, before she heard a familiar voice echo from nearby.


    ¡°Nya. How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Rena?¡± the Stygian asked as she redoubled her efforts and got up, closing her eyes as a ripple of pain erupted from her heavily bandaged chest. ¡°I¡¯ve been better¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky to be alive,¡± her friend chided her as the Vulsta moved into view. ¡°You overextended yourself again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think I know that?¡± Nya growled in anger, before she took a deep breath and calmed herself down, rhythmically breathing in and out as she began to feel more alert. ¡°How bad?¡±


    ¡°Grandmaster Ilvella led the efforts to heal your body,¡± Rena calmly informed her. ¡°You won¡¯t be able to return to your other half for a while, but your cover is intact. However, rumours of Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s death have been circulating, and Svaartal claimed your staff. I believe it¡¯s now in the hands of his Drow masters.¡±


    ¡°Shit!¡± Nya cursed as she slammed a fist into the wall in anger, immediately regretting it. ¡°I need to get it back.¡±


    ¡°You need to approach this with a clear mind,¡± Rena slowly explained, and Nya quickly realised that she was right. ¡°From what Grandmaster Ilvella has been led to believe, you picked a fight with Svaartal and lost in single combat. Facing both him and House Mal¡¯Kar would be much worse, especially if you are caught by the Drow¡­¡±


    ¡°I have a ritual I can use to make things easier to get it back,¡± Nya argued before sighing. ¡°But you¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°The Grandmaster is displeased,¡± Rena then added. ¡°He wanted to speak to you the moment you awoke.¡±


    ¡°Of course he does.¡± Nya sighed as she tentatively cast a quick spell to block out the pain. ¡°He doesn¡¯t know what I saw.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Rena asked curiously. ¡°Why would you attack Svaartal in the middle of a defence against the Klowns?¡±


    ¡°I saw the staff, Rena.¡± Nya looked at her friend unblinking. ¡°The one from Grandmaster Ilvella¡¯s memories. I underestimated that bastard Svaartal, but I had to act!¡±


    ¡°By the gods¡­¡± Rena gasped. ¡°No wonder you went after him!¡±


    ¡°Svaarti had the staff.¡± Nya groaned as she tried to stand up, with Rena supporting her. ¡°And Svaartal had the sword. There¡¯s no doubt about it that I found the weapons of our Saviour.¡±


    ¡°We need to get you to the Grandmaster, now,¡± Rena told her in a tone that allowed for no debate. ¡°He questioned me extensively about Svaartal, I don¡¯t know what his plans are.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s take the scenic route.¡± Nya grunted as she began moving. ¡°I can get another staff from my quarters on the way to the Monastery. I can¡¯t walk like this and I need the fresh air. The Healing Caves can only help me so much.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Rena nodded as she supported her friend, walking out of the empty cave into a chiselled corridor that branched off to other similar healing chambers, though from the look of things they were not currently in use. Either a significant amount of time had passed since the Klown attack, or more likely they had remained undetected. They were a few hundred miles from Naganai, after all¡­


    Walking out of the cave entrance and stopping for a moment, Nya took a moment to take in the view as the light of the day warmed her face.


    Deep in the heart of the uncharted wilderness and far from any known civilization, their hidden monastery had flourished over the years. The primarily Stygian community had been blessed with an abundance of natural resources and excellent land for cultivation that had allowed them to thrive in their isolated existence.


    Not to mention its great beauty.


    The centrepiece of their hidden community was the magnificent waterfall that cascaded down from the cliffs above, providing a constant source of freshwater and creating the soothing ambience that dominated the local atmosphere. Both Rena and Nya had spent many a childhood afternoon swimming and fishing in the lake formed underneath, which fed into a winding river that snaked all through the heart of their enclave, providing the vital source of nourishment for the local farmland.


    Grandmaster Ilvella had discovered the location shortly after fleeing the Demonfire War, following the Stygian Awakening with several of his followers, and had been the master of this place since, bringing in many Stygians and other like-minded individuals over the years before moving to more lofty ambitions.


    The valley below was a hub of activity, as groups of monks went about their daily chores, either cleaning, tending to the gardens or fishing along the river. Several more figures nearby sat in quiet, deep meditation at prepared spots along the path downwards to the river below, who the two girls passed without comment, not wishing to disturb them.


    ¡°No doubt we¡¯ll be joining them soon,¡± Nya quipped to Rena. ¡°Though you¡¯ve always been far better at that than I have.¡±


    ¡°I have always known that the way of the monk has been my calling,¡± Rena pointed out. ¡°Ever since Grandmaster Ilvella found and adopted me into the monastery as a child, I knew I wished to follow in his footsteps.¡± The Vulsta then gave Nya a rare smile. ¡°Besides, at least one of us has to keep a clear mind.¡±


    ¡°True.¡± Nya shyly smiled back as they slowly walked down the pristine slopes. ¡°I guess I¡¯ve always been more focused on my sorcery, but I do try.¡±


    ¡°The Grandmaster seeks perfection in all of his students,¡± Rena told her, as she had done many times before. ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°But perfection is impossible, so he seeks to make us the best version of ourselves.¡± Nya finished for her with an uncharacteristic smirk. ¡°Believe it or not, but I have learned a few things here.¡±


    Making it to the bottom of the slope, they passed a monk who was lighting incense at one of the well-maintained shrines, giving them a quick greeting as they made their way to their quarters. Sliding the thin door open to her room, Nya quickly grabbed some warm robes to put over her bare, bandaged skin from a freshly laundered pile one of the monks had left for her.  Then she went to a nearby cupboard that was adorned with ancient patterns that she had recovered while on a mission. Though she could likely select one of the staves from the Monastery armoury, she had kept a few spares for herself. Passing by a gnarled tree branch that had been used by a militant druid that had targeted innocent farmers, and a pale white staff that she had recovered from the vault of a corrupt executive, she eventually settled on a rod of red crystal which hummed with power as she took it from its stand. With a thought she activated the innate power of the staff, witnessing the powerful magic changing the colour to purple, then to blue, then back to red.


    It was far more than just a fancy colour scheme¡­.


    ¡°This will even the odds for next time,¡± Nya grimly whispered.


    ¡°Is that the one you took from the Malificar?¡± Rena asked, sounding worried. ¡°That tried to bind a Nazraji?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Nya nodded grimly. ¡°I can use it for now. It will require me to adapt my style but I think I may be stronger for it. Versatility is Svaartal¡¯s strength. I must match it with my own next time I face him.¡±


    ¡°As you say.¡± Rena nodded, patting the Stygian on the shoulder with a yellow paw. ¡°I imagine you will wish to train with it as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Nya nodded as she steadied her thoughts. ¡°There is so much riding on me to be successful, I have to be ready.¡±


    ¡°Shall we see the Grandmaster now?¡± Rena prompted.


    ¡°No putting it off any more.¡± Nya sighed, composing herself. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The two quickly left their living quarters, pacing purposefully down the dirt path to where it met the main linear path of ancient cobblestone, turning towards the waterfall that overlooked the main monastery complex built into the side of the cliff, an extensive network of chambers that dwarfed their surface territory. Just outside there was a well-treated courtyard that usually served either as a ¡®town square¡¯ or as the Grandmaster¡¯s ¡®classroom¡¯ on good days.


    Right now, however, several of the masters were conducting smaller classes with groups of younger students, either guiding them through weapons training or harnessing their sorcerous power against several targets. Waiting for a gap to appear, the two crossed the courtyard and passed the open gates of the complex.


    Though both had entered the building many times, they could not help but feel the sense of awe and reverence upon entering the huge entryway. All throughout the building, channels of water were flowing freely along the sides of the rooms, and directly in the centre, criss-crossing to eventually flow down to the lake outside, creating a calming and tranquil atmosphere that was perfect for meditation. As the weather outside was clear and warm, the entrance chamber was empty of classes and prayers, allowing the two to slowly make their way to the Grandmaster¡¯s Office, occasionally meeting a junior monk who was cleaning along the way.


    Eventually, they found themselves at a thick set of intricately carved wooden doors depicting scenes from ancient religious texts that predated their community. They reached the heart of the monastery, the personal chambers of the Grandmaster. Nya reached out a hand to knock, but before she could a voice from within called, ¡°Enter Nya. Rena, remain outside.¡±


    As Rena bowed to the voice and turned to guard the chambers from eavesdroppers, Nya tentatively opened the door and respectfully walked in.


    In the centre of the small room, there was a desk, carved from a single slab of blood-red crystal that had already been present when Grandmaster Ilvella first discovered the monastery, and was large enough to accommodate the many books and scrolls that the Grandmaster used in his constant studies. Behind the desk, there was a tall, ornate chair, upholstered in rich red velvet and adorned with silver trim.


    Though many monasteries discouraged a materialistic existence, and insisted that adherents to their Path lived a simple lifestyle, Grandmaster Ilvella did not abide by that philosophy himself, considering it unnatural and unrealistic. He taught that it was only natural to become attached to material possessions, and that many of the greatest powers in the galaxy utilised opulence as a valid tool to command respect in negotiations and shadow work. He did, however, warn his students not to let the lust of desire consume them, and that a perfect balance was to have possessions, but not to let them possess you.


    To the left of the desk was a large bookshelf that Nya knew was filled with ancient tomes and manuscripts that taught rare and forgotten techniques that the Grandmaster had discovered. The shelves were meticulously organised, and the Stygian knew that Grandmaster Ilvella often reread the contents as if trying to sift every last drop of knowledge from their contents.


    On the right side of the room was where the Grandmaster sat in a meditation circle, several scented candles burning brightly all throughout the room. At first glance it would appear that the Grandmaster was relaxed, but Nya knew that behind all the grandfatherly demeanour was a highly potent, sharp and calculating intellect that knew few rivals.


    Nya quietly strode forward, knowing what was expected, before sitting down cross-legged in front of her master and closing her eyes. As her astral form rose out of her body to meet that of her master, her thoughts immediately turned to what had happened that night.


    ¡°Rena has told me much,¡± the venerable Stygian told Nya in a cold tone. ¡°However, I would witness your memories of the event itself, and the context leading up to it.¡±


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    ¡°Yes, Grandmaster.¡± Nya quickly nodded as the astral form of her master reached out and placed a hand on her forehead. She tried not to recoil in pain as Grandmaster Ilvella scoured through her mind and absorbed her memories of the events. Though much had deteriorated, she would hide nothing.


    ¡°I see.¡± Her master finally nodded. ¡°Yes, this confirms Rena¡¯s account, but I wished to clarify several details. The Outsider saved you after you were able to teleport away. You were right to alert me of him the moment you first encountered him. He¡¯s one to watch.¡±


    ¡°He is a good person, Master,¡± Nya added. ¡°We could-¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Ilvella dismissed. ¡°While he is not necessarily our enemy he is dangerous and unpredictable. The Cult of the Destroyer even thought he was their prophesied Hero. Although fortunately it appears that they were mistaken. I must say I was surprised when he was able to see through my Obfuscation, even though Rena informed me of his ability to see her during the attack. Retain your cover and continue to monitor him for now. If you can get closer to him and his friend group without compromising yourself, do so.¡±


    ¡°As you say Grandmaster,¡± Nya bowed. ¡°I already consider them friends anyway.¡±


    ¡°However, the more pressing issue¡­¡± Ilvella continued. ¡°You were right about the staff, it belonged to our Saviour. Seeing the sword too confirms it.¡±


    Nya nodded in acknowledgement, knowing her master was not finished.


    ¡°However, despite that, you were reckless.¡± His voice was cold, but angry. ¡°You are meant to be a symbol for the Stygian people to rally behind, and you were defeated! Publicly! The galaxy despises us! Many of us can¡¯t cope with the freedom we were given, and some even went straight back to the mindless beasts that we were before we were all saved!¡±


    Nya kept her head bowed. She had heard this many times before.


    ¡°We are here to build and secure the existence of our species, Nya, and Devil¡¯s Daughter is vital to that goal. You are to be a hero blessed by a god that will be born to shelter our species, continuing a noble legacy.¡± He bowed his head. ¡°I will not see everything she fought for be for nothing.¡±


    ¡°The Saviour¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ilvella replied sadly. ¡°It was by her hand that your staff was made, binding the fragments of the shattered Demon Core of Azazel, Lord of Torment and our hated creator into an artefact entrusted to my safekeeping, and bestowed upon you, my finest student.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it back.¡± Nya nodded with determination.


    ¡°Yes, you must get it back in time,¡± Ilvella agreed. ¡°But in the right way. If the staff is left for too long in the wrong hands there may be disastrous consequences, but moving too soon may be even worse.¡±


    The Grandmaster paused for a moment, as if considering something.


    ¡°That Nirah that defeated you. I know nothing of them for sure aside from your memories, and they never even hinted at his skill level. I do not blame you for your defeat.¡± He sighed, though Nya suspected he was hiding something from her. ¡°You may go for now. I will call a conclave tonight. Everyone is to attend. I have shown you all many tales of our ¡®Saviour¡¯ over the years. It¡¯s time you all know my full story of what happened that night.¡±


    *****


    Nya had spent her time over the next few hours pondering those words as she completed her homework and recovered her strength. What had changed? Her master had shared many memories of his adventures with the Savior and her retinue, but Nya had always felt like it had been curated, like he placed her on a pedestal and wouldn¡¯t allow any negativity to surround her image.


    She and Rena sat cross-legged among the several hundred or so acolytes in the main courtyard of the monastery, waiting for the Grandmaster to complete his ritual. All Stygians were present, with only a few of the community of other species missing to stand guard with summoned creatures.


    The sharing of memories was an important tradition established by Grandmaster Ilvella, as a way to foster culture and camaraderie with the Stygians he was able to convince to join him, eventually extending it to the rest of his students, though Nya knew it also unofficially served as a security measure. Though every student was present, even the littlest ones were disciplined and silent, and it felt as if the very air itself stilled the moment his Second, Master Merrin, lifted her hand to call for order.


    ¡°Students,¡± Grandmaster Ilvella began, sitting cross-legged and facing them all, flanked by the other masters. ¡°Long have I shared many memories with you, helping to guide your growth into the exceptional individuals you are today. Today, I am going to show you a story I have kept from you until now. Perhaps I should have shown you from the start, however it is a memory that pains me to this very day. Though I have been your master for many years, and shown you much, I haven¡¯t shown you the moment we defeated Azazel, Lord of Torment, and what happened after.¡±


    He took a deep breath.


    ¡°You know her as ¡®The Saviour¡¯ because ultimately, that is who she is to all of us. However, to me, a Firstborn, possibly the first among our kind to achieve both sapience and free will while under the thrall of Azazel through the discipline and willpower I now train you all in, she was the first person to place her trust in me when she had no reason to do so. She was my dearest friend who saved me from being killed immediately on sight by the Red Legion, and ultimately led to me following the Path and helping her defeat Azazel and freeing the rest of our people.¡±


    He paused for a moment as he let his words sink in.


    ¡°Svaarvali was an exceptional woman, strong in both magic and might, but her greatest strength was her kind soul. She always wanted to help  whoever she could and make lives better for everybody. It was only a matter of time before she was chosen as an active Hero by Astara, the Goddess of Justice, undergoing the Rite of Heroism and leading the efforts to eliminate Azazel once and for all.¡±


    Ilvella smiled as he recalled the memory, as a tear ran down his eye.


    ¡°We were successful.¡±


    Extending a hand, the area around Nya shimmered and faded away, as the Grandmaster revealed his memory to his students.


    Accompanied by feelings of deep, primal fear and unease, a cavern of volcanic rock was revealed, softly illuminated by a foul red glow ahead. The air was thick with the putrid stench of decay, and the sounds of tortured cries echoed throughout the foreboding chamber.


    The sound of heavy footsteps approached, as a towering figure emerged from the shadows - a grotesque demonic creature with bulging muscles and twisted bird-like wings. Its three crimson eyes gleamed with malice as its sharp maw gnarled into a wicked smile.


    ¡°Impressive that your impudent Legion made it this far and was able to distract my Core Guardians,¡± the beast growled. ¡°Though that will not save you from me.¡±


    ¡°You think so highly of yourself!¡± a confident voice challenged, and Nya could make out the confident, grinning figure pacing forward without fear. ¡°I have made it through your dungeon and defeated your horrors. This is the end for you, Azazel! The Red Legion has defeated you and your forces!¡±


    The helmetless Nirah was clad in radiant, crimson-scale heavy armour that did little to impede her movements. Many magical effects shimmered around her, and she was ready for battle! With an assured wave of her arms and a cocky grin she summoned her Golden Staff and Spellstriker Sword, one in each hand.


    ¡°My forces are expendable and I already have what I need from this plane of existence,¡± Azazel snarled. ¡°You¡¯re too late.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure my friends and I would love to hear your extensively prepared monologue while your Guardians shit themselves coming to your rescue¡­¡± Svaarvali daringly smiled with dangerously narrowed eyes. ¡°But I think we¡¯d rather shut you up for good.¡±


    Blinking forward in a charge, Svaarvali lunged forward to meet the Demon Lord at close range as Nya saw a younger Grandmaster Ilvella and several others spread out to surround them. Two of the companions went straight for the source of red light, but were suddenly cut off by a mass of black tentacles that quickly ensnared and tore them to pieces.


    ¡°It¡¯s another Core Guardian!¡± one of the companions yelled out, lurching back and stepping onto a pressure plate, sending a flurry of black arrows to cut them down before they even realised the danger. Another tentacle lashed out at Ilvella, but the monk leapt up into the air with a spin, avoiding the attack and countering with a powerful strike infused with magic, blasting the tentacle apart with kinetic force.


    ¡°Boriah!¡± Svaarvali yelled as she levelled the Golden Staff at Azazel¡¯s chest. The cone of cold smashed into the Demon Lord in a devastating strike and sent him stumbling back, before he quickly regained his footing.


    The two combatants circled each other, waiting for the other to make a move. Suddenly, the Demon Lord leapt forward with incredible speed as Svaarvali quickly dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack as she retaliated with a forceful slash of her sword, tearing a gaping slice through one of the wings as the beam of energy continued through and severed another at the base. Roaring in a blind rage, Azazel charged and swung wildly with its claws, smashing into the cavern wall as Svaarvali blinked away just in time before following through with a wicked swipe at the ankle of the Demon Lord.


    Now hobbled, the Demon Lord lashed out with his own magic, sending a fork of chain lightning at Svarvali who cried out as she absorbed the blow, before the bolts of electricity jumped and smashed into two of her nearby companions, striking them dead.


    Roaring in righteous anger, Svaarvali lashed out with a barrage of magical attacks, sending several fireballs smashing into the hulking form, flinging chunks of nearby rock out into the air. Now that the Demon Lord was staggered, Svaarvali¡¯s instincts kicked in as she raised her staff and sword, focusing all of her energy and willpower into a single, devastating spell. A beam of dark ice shot out from the tip of her staff, striking the Demon Lord in their already wounded chest. Azazel howled in agony as the ice solidified into a spear that pinned them in place, as powerful magics drained them of more and more energy¡­


    ¡°Destroy the Core!¡± a voice of one of their companions yelled as the sounds of portals could be heard, bringing more and more enemies into the room.


    They would not survive much longer¡­


    Blinking and dashing forward as fast as she could, Svaarvali slashed out with her sword, striking down any enemy that tried to impede her path towards the dark red light ahead. Imps and gargoyles desperately tried to hold her back as Azazel roared, putting all of his strength into smashing apart the Ice Lance and giving chase. Equally desperate, Svaarvali threw a quick wall of ice behind her that barely stopped the Demon Lord as she made it to the steps of the small ziggurat that housed the Core at the top.


    Using what remained of her energy to get to the top, Svaarvali didn¡¯t hesitate to strike the evil Demon Core with her sword, sending a ripple of energy through the Demon Lord¡¯s minions that caused them to recoil in pain as the final magical protections were ripped apart. Allowing one quick glance behind her, Svaarvali could see that most of her companions were dead, with only a scant few making their last stands below. Cursing herself for the split-second she hesitated, Svaarvali placed her hand on the Demon Core, and began the greatest struggle of her life as she put all of her magical energy into its destruction¡­


    Ilvella snarled as he took a bolt of plasma to the chest, only just managing to twist and twirl his body in time to avoid a mortal blow. He would stay in the fight for as long as he could to give Svaarvali a chance. Seeing his Xarak companion fall from behind him, Ilvella knew he was the last man standing as a spear jabbed out from the side to lance him in the shoulder, just as he grabbed at the shaft to blunt its momentum enough to stay alive.


    But with that blow he was pinned as he saw the claw come for his face.


    ¡®This is a good day to die as a free man¡­¡¯ He thought to himself before the gargoyle suddenly crumbled to dust in front of him. Others followed suit a split second later as a pulse lashed out from where a shattering sound could be heard from the ziggurat as the limp form of the Nirah clattered down the stairs.


    She had done it.


    They had won.


    *****


    ¡°Listen, Ilvella¡­¡± Svaarvali groaned quietly to Ilvalla as he helped her stand up and move to the scattered shards of the core. They were the only two left still alive. All of their friends and companions had fallen in the battle, beyond recovery. ¡°You will need to act quickly and leave Red Legion lands with as many of your freed people as you can the moment you get the opportunity to do so. The minds of the Stygian people are free from Azazel¡¯s influence, though I fear that this has driven many of your people to insanity, and the fighting will continue in many places. This war is not over yet, but I swear in the name of all the gods I will speak on the Stygian¡¯s behalf to the Red Legion and petition that all of you of sound and able mind be supported and rehabilitated into society, but I cannot promise that my word will be enough.¡±


    ¡°Were you able to¡­.¡± Ilvella began before Svaarvali quickly nodded.


    ¡°I was able to smash the essence of Azazel into a million pieces,¡± she confirmed. ¡°However, I fear that Azazel may have been telling the truth, and had contingencies in play.¡±


    ¡°So what do we do?¡± Ilvella asked. ¡°If he is able to somehow return¡­¡±


    Svaarvali said nothing as she raised her staff and quietly started chanting. The shattered pieces of the Demon Core began to float into the air and piece themselves back together as Ilvella began to panic, but he stopped on seeing the pieces form into a staff. Eventually Svaarvali shuddered, and the newly magical staff of dark, demonic obsidian dropped into her hands, before she turned and presented it to Ilvella.


    ¡°Take this when you go and make sure it gets put to good use.¡± The Nirah smiled warmly. ¡°I know you¡¯ll do what¡¯s best.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Ilvella began. ¡°I can¡¯t take this! It¡¯s yours by right! There is no way the Red Legion will let-¡±


    ¡°This is my gift to you, Ilvella,¡± Svaarvali gently interrupted as she placed a hand on Ilvella¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Use it to give your people a future. And speaking of the future, I would love for you to meet my children some day when all of this settles, I¡¯m sure you¡¯d get along famously!¡±


    Svaarvali¡¯s expression grew serious for a moment, as they heard the distant sounds of friendly troops approaching. ¡°I lost a lot of power destroying that Demon Core, and for all I know I may no longer be fit to be Astara¡¯s Hero. It would be good to retire from fighting and settle down in a peaceful Galaxy. I¡¯ve been away from my children for too long¡­¡±


    The scene faded away as the memory ended, with the grim senses of the demonic dungeon once again being replaced by the cool evening air of the night sky above them.


    ¡°That was the last time I saw or spoke to Svaarvali,¡± Grandmaster Ilvella finally spoke up, as the tears flowed. ¡°I did as she asked, and got as many out of Red Legion space as I could, later learning that  those Stygians who had surrendered to the Red Legion were exiled and scattered around the Galaxy, with many unable to cope and returning to a dark nature - the closest thing they have to a connection with Azazel. For years I had hoped I would hear from my friend once again. There were places and codes we used, and I left all the signs I could, but I received no word.¡±


    The Grandmaster sighed as Master Merrin placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Nya was shocked. She had never seen the usually stoic, confident and respected Ilvella reduced to this before.


    ¡°I have always told you that our Saviour sacrificed themselves to defeat Azazel,¡± Ilvella continued after taking several calm breaths. ¡°And that is what Red Legion history would tell you. I do not know what happened, but I believe my friend is dead¡­¡±


    He took more deep breaths to compose himself again.


    ¡°Svaarvali leaves behind a heroic legacy that I can only hope to try and emulate and teach you all.¡±


    Though he was addressing everybody, Nya could see his gaze subtly meet hers.


    ¡°And we shall honour that legacy.¡±

 Chapter 72: Revelations

    Okay everyone, Chiyo began, as all members of the household settled down and sat cross-legged in a circle in the living room. We''re going to try out a guided meditation. It should help with stress and anxiety, and it''s really relaxing! Start by gently breathing deeply through your nose, and then keep repeating this until the guide tells you what to do next¡­


    It was getting late in the evening, and Jack had only returned about an hour ago, having very much lost track of time before he finally made his way back. He had a little trouble finding a path back through the districts despite being able to use a marker on his commlink to pinpoint the location of home. The hot tub, which was slightly larger than Jack had expected, had been mostly finished by the time he arrived. However, due to several employee absences the team leader apologised and promised to finish the last of the plumbing the following afternoon after the group got back from school, which Alora quickly planned out with them. Sephy had swept the area for any possible bugs or electronic tags an undercover enemy could plant, but had fortunately found nothing.


    A few of them looked sceptical as Chiyo put on a guided meditation program with some relaxing music in the background, which to Jack sounded like the most bizarre series of timbres and pitches, unlike anything he had heard. It had the peaceful, slow quality of meditative music from Earth, but it still jarred him somewhat due to its unnatural nature.


    Still, he tried to follow Chiyo¡¯s instructions as the Ilithii floated back to the circle to sit next to Sephy, who already looked like she was having trouble concentrating, though she made the effort for Chiyo¡¯s sake. Next to him, Nika was already controlling and slowing down her breathing along with him, both of them semi-used to the concept of meditation already, and it looked like Alora was doing something more akin to prayer. The twins and Vanya seemed to be able to cope enough as well, all having some kind of magical ability that required some basic kind of mental concentration.


    ¡°Now, bring your attention to your physical form¡­¡± the soothing voice of the instructor gently called out over the background music. ¡°Feel your body pressing into the surface beneath you, and take note of any areas of tension or discomfort¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m well aware of my injuries you dumb bit-¡± Nika grumbled before Chiyo psychically reminded her to be quiet during the meditation.


    ¡°Do not try to change anything with these sensations, merely observe them¡­¡±


    Relax, Sephy¡­ Chiyo quietly told the Skritta, who was slightly fidgeting. Try not to overthink it!


    ¡°Now return your attention to your breathing, noticing all the sensations as you inhale, then gently exhale¡­¡± the voice continued. They did so, though by the sounds some of them were making they were overdoing it.


    ¡°As you continue to breathe, bring yourself mentally to your peaceful place. This could be any location that brings you a sense of tranquillity and relaxation. Now imagine yourself in this place, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells that make it special to you¡­¡±


    Jack¡¯s mind brought forth an image of home. His mother, his father, his brothers, his sister, his grandparents all surrounding him. He was safe, he was with his family. He had his whole life ahead of him¡­


    And it had all been taken away from him.


    Jack squirmed involuntarily as his mind was dragged back to a dark place, his grief threatening to overwhelm him again¡­


    ¡°As you bask in this tranquil scene, allow yourself to let go of your worries and concerns that may be weighing on your mind. Imagine them fading away, leaving you at ease¡­¡±


    All the faces of the people he would never see again stared at him coldly, judgingly. He had committed acts of horror he never thought he would ever have to commit. Even if there was a chance he could return to Earth, could his family even recognise the shell of a person he had become? What would they say?


    ¡°When you are ready, take a deep breath, and as you exhale, slowly open your eyes, and reorient yourself with your surroundings. Carry this sense of calm and relaxation with you into the rest of your day¡­¡±


    As the guided meditation came to an end Jack quickly got to his feet to get a drink.


    ¡°Jack, is everything alright?¡± Alora asked him in alarm.


    ¡°All good,¡± he lied. ¡°My legs are just a bit stiff, and the meditation was a bit hard.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I get what you mean.¡± Sephy used her wings to help her kick up. ¡°I don¡¯t really understand the whole ¡®sit-and-do-nothing¡¯ thing to be honest, it¡¯s like I need to be actually doing something. But hell, I still gave it a go¡­¡±


    Thanks for trying it anyway, Sephy! Chiyo smiled.


    ¡°So what do we do now?¡± Nika asked everyone, as Jack returned with some canned drinks for all of them. ¡°Still got a few hours before we probably need to go to bed."


    ¡°Nothing exhausting, please. Let¡¯s just watch a movie?¡± Alora suggested after a few seconds of nobody contributing anything.


    Perhaps some of our new housemates have a suggestion? Chiyo asked, looking to Vanya and the two Squa¡¯Kaar, who hadn¡¯t been confident enough to suggest anything as the newest additions to the household.


    ¡°I¡¯m only a temporary housemate, I still have my own place.¡± Vanya smiled softly. But maybe WageMage?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good classic to start with!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Have you seen it before, Jack?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say I have, the Temple of Hope didn¡¯t really have movie nights,¡± Jack reminded her with a smile. ¡°What¡¯s it about?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s basically a comedy film about an office worker that uses magic to get ahead and prank her bosses!¡± Vanya told him. ¡°But you really need to watch it!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get some snacks,¡± Alora called, quickly grabbing a few bags of sweets out of one of the cupboards while the others tried to get comfortable on the sofa. It was large enough for all of them¡­just about.


    ¡°We should probably go furniture shopping at some point,¡± Sephy pointed out the obvious problem. ¡°Especially if you¡¯re gonna offer refuge for those that need it, Alora.¡±


    ¡°Damn, well, we are gonna hit a few of the rubbish heaps and scrapyards for materials we can use to fix up the shuttle, and anything else that we could use for home improvements,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°We even got this sofa from one of them, though it was a bitch to drag all the way back here!¡±


    At least we have more people that could help now. Maybe even more depending on who joins us, Chiyo added. Because I remember helping you spend half the day dragging that here, and I swore never to do manual labour ever again!


    ¡°Well, perhaps we can find a better way this time,¡± Alora concluded as she came back with the sweets while everyone sat down and took a few blankets to warm themselves up with. Jack took one of the ends of the sofa so he wouldn¡¯t be squished between two people this time, and Vanya was quick to sit next to him, even putting an arm around him, which he wasn¡¯t opposed to. The thick, warm, brown fur of the Chuna made him feel comfortable, and he subconsciously leaned in and relaxed.


    ¡°Ooof!¡± he grunted as Sephy sat on his lap, pulling the blanket over them and cuddling up to him. Jack reflexively put his other arm around her to keep her in place, lamenting that he could no longer reach for the bag of sweets until Chiyo telepathically sent one his way.


    ¡°Hey Chiyo, could I have one as well?¡± Sephy cheekily asked the Ilithii.


    Sure! Chiyo agreed, sending another sweet floating towards Sephy, before pinging it off her forehead,


    ¡°Ow!¡± Sephy grunted as they started the movie.


    Jack appreciated the humour and plot of the movie, with the hapless office worker using magic to explode her boss¡¯s tea and accidentally making her manager believe his wife was cheating on him, only to later discover that she actually was. He could see why this movie was a favourite with the girls, though he didn¡¯t know if it would be well received on Earth. Though this film was well written and amusing (despite him not understanding much of the humour), he could imagine it being received as too woke back on Earth. When the plot eventually evolved into the protagonist trying desperately to avoid the investigations of the alien equivalent of ¡®HR¡¯, it really ramped up the humour, which had even him chuckling on occasion.


    However, he was more subdued as the others laughed freely at the shenanigans, his mind going back to the horrible experiences he''d had, and his grief from being separated from his family. Yet all around him, like a beacon of hope, was a home full of friends having a good time with him.


    Could he get used to this?


    Yeah. He thought he could.


    *****


    Svaartal snarled as his arms ever so slowly pushed the weighted bar up, feeling the burn in his chest and arms as he repeated the motion, over and over, his heart pounding as he pushed himself to lift more weight than he had ever lifted before with his natural strength. Forcing himself beyond his limits, he felt his muscles straining as his breaths became more and more laboured. He knew he was overdoing it, but he didn¡¯t care. He was determined to become stronger, more focused, more powerful. He had Carrow watching over Svaarti, so this gave him the opportunity to really cut loose.


    Devil¡¯s Daughter would come for him and Svaarti again. He barely won their previous encounter and it took all he had to stand a chance against the raw power of her spells. Next time he would be better. He had heard the words she spoke to his sister, calling Svaarti a thief, though as far as he was concerned, if his mother looted the Golden Staff during the Demonfire War from the Stygians, it was hers by right of conquest. Not that the Devilspawn would care. If Devil¡¯s Daughter was going to target him, Svaartal had no doubt she would attempt to do so through his sister, so he needed to be ready.


    He had been pushing himself harder and harder ever since he first faced Frost to a standstill in that ambush, fully expecting to face him again soon, especially after the Drow of House Mal¡¯Kar recruited him. He had been thoroughly changed by that experience, and he suspected the Outsider was changed by it too. From open hostility towards one another in their first week to caution in the next, it was a strange dance the two of them did.


    But now?


    Something about the Klown attack had changed him even more. For just a moment the two of them had fought side by side for a common cause, and though he did strongly consider it, he didn¡¯t stick with the human. Despite that, however, the words Frost told him certainly stuck with him.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Help me stop them.


    And he did, didn¡¯t he? He stopped to rescue several of the trapped partygoers and had cut them a path to safety, only to then decimate the Klown numbers with his most powerful spells. He had been considered a hero of the battle, alongside Frost himself and the dragon-bitch that officially kicked him out of the Red Legion. In a strange way, it felt¡­gratifying?


    ¡®Though the greatest hero that night may not recover from her sacrifice¡­¡¯ Svaartal thought to himself sadly. ¡®Why, Svaarti?¡¯


    He got up from the bench and slowly slunk over to the tension cable, cranking up the weight as high as he dared. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the handle with both hands and pulled, yanking the cable over his shoulder before releasing, then doing the same exercise over his other shoulder.


    His memories of his fight with Devil¡¯s Daughter came back to him, though he cursed not having a recording so he could better recall. Many of his actions had been instinctual, so much so that he could barely remember what he even did in several instances. He was fortunate that he kept a versatile array of spells prepared and ready for use in any situation, though it was his blade and quick thinking with his illusion and spacial magic that allowed him to slip through the Stygian¡¯s defences.


    But though he focused on the fight, her words still rang out in his mind.


    ¡®Why the hell do you hate my people so much?!¡¯


    Dumb question. The Devilspawn killed his mother, and even after the Demonfire War many of their kind went rabid, committing horrific acts on innocent people, just the same as they did when Azazel, Lord of Torment was still alive.


    But something about the sheer hurt in Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s expression tugged away at the back of his mind, like an itch that wouldn¡¯t go away. Perhaps it was¡­


    He was interrupted by the noise of someone approaching. Letting go of the handle, the cable he was pulling quickly snapped back to ping against the weights as he collapsed to the floor, his body dangerously overheated and his breath coming in ragged gasps. He quickly activated the enchantment of his Riverspray Ring, sending out a cloud of cooling mist that instantly made him feel slightly better.


    ¡°Good evening, Dextra,¡± Svaartal greeted the drow politely as he slinked over to where he had left a towel.


    ¡°Hey,¡± she replied, before something caught her eye and she pointed to his bare back. ¡°What happened there?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Svaartal stiffened at the sensitive question, having an idea what Dextra was referring to.


    ¡°By the gods¡­¡± she muttered. ¡°Your scales are cracked and fucked up, and you¡¯ve got a lot of scars, how?¡±


    ¡°I am aware that my scales need grooming,¡± Svaartal replied tersely, trying to be patient with the inquisitive drow despite the sensitive subject. ¡°However, I did not have anyone to teach me how to do it growing up. If it displeases you I will attempt to rectify the issue¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not my sister, so you can shut up.¡± Dextra snorted. ¡°You¡¯ve got a fuckton of scars too, that can¡¯t be good for you¡­¡±


    ¡°It is not,¡± Svaartal growled in anger before he quickly steadied himself, realising he was talking to a Drow Noble. ¡°My apologies Lady Mal¡¯Kar, what did you wish from me?¡±


    Dextra snorted at the sudden formality, but she paid it no mind as she showed him her commlink. Displayed was a NetTube video from a channel by the name of ¡®DevilLover69¡¯.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Svaartal asked, confused.


    ¡°You might find this kinda funny!¡± She grinned, and played the video, the thumbnail of which displayed a medium-sized, overweight-looking being with pinkish-brown fur, a long cone-like trunk, huge grey bulbous eyes and thin, spindly arms.


    ¡°Ahem, attention everyone! Listen up, for I have a message for all of you! Recently, I have heard rumours that somebody out there has apparently defeated my beloved waifu, Devil¡¯s Daughter, in combat! Let me tell you, that is something that will not go unpunished! I have spent countless hours defending her honour online, but now I have heard the call, and The Supreme Gentleman will step up and avenge her!


    ¡°I¡¯ve been training hard all this time, inspired by the queen herself! I¡¯ve watched all of her fights, and I¡¯ve practised martial arts on my Devil¡¯s Daughter body pillow! So I hope the killer is watching, because I¡¯m ready, and I¡¯m coming for you! And I promise you, when I defeat you, you will wish you had never been born! I¡¯ll see you on the streets, punk!¡±


    ¡°Pretty funny, right?¡± Dextra asked, as Svaartal gave a slight grin.


    ¡°I really hope that¡¯s not a troll!¡± he chuckled.


    ¡°Well if The Supreme Gentleman is legit and if he comes for you, it¡¯ll give the others a good laugh.¡± Dextra giggled. ¡°And¡­um¡­I could try and help you with the scales if you want? The datanet should have some videos and I could do your back if you want?¡±


    Svaartal considered it for a moment, knowing where this would likely end up. He had not been requested by Izadora tonight, who seemed to be particularly busy with House Mal¡¯Kar business, and they had never been anything more than casual, so he had the freedom to do as he wished.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not.¡± The Nirah shrugged, as he followed the bubbly drow to her chambers.


    *****


    ¡°He¡¯s her son,¡± Grandmaster Ilvella told her with a sad look on closing the door to his quarters. ¡°I knew it the moment I saw him, though I couldn¡¯t believe it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Nya exclaimed, having broken protocol and immediately followed her master to talk, with Rena trying to stop her. ¡°Not a chance! There¡¯s no way! They¡¯re nothing alike! He¡¯s evil, he can¡¯t be!¡±


    ¡°I knew Svaarvali for a long time.¡± The Grandmaster sighed, drained from sharing his painful memory. ¡°Even if he didn¡¯t resemble her physically, there were subtle things I saw in just those few moments meeting him that could only have been from one of her line.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain he is not a different relation to the Saviour, Master?¡± Rena asked stoically.


    ¡°I am certain.¡± The Grandmaster nodded, closing his eyes. ¡°But irrespective of how I may feel on the matter, I will not sacrifice everything we have built for sentiment. Our plans do not change.¡±


    ¡°What are your orders, Master?¡± Nya tentatively asked.


    ¡°Do not engage this¡­Svaartal under any circumstances, unless in self-defence, and maintain your civilian cover,¡± he strictly told them both. ¡°He will no doubt expect Devil¡¯s Daughter to retaliate soon if she is able, so we will be patient and wait. I have not seen this Svaarti you are familiar with, but it seems like she may be more receptive than her brother if she is able to recover. If she does, continue to be her friend and get closer to her.¡±


    His gaze then returned to the steely look Nya was used to from her master.


    ¡°However, Devil¡¯s Daughter must be sighted soon, unharmed and doing something good to restore the people¡¯s faith. A few days of inactivity will be expected before you must return, and with luck, we can completely obscure the truth of your defeat as mere rumours.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Head Whisperer Ratai has anything recent, save for the possible signs of the latest Killer Klown attack,¡± Nya reasoned. ¡°And Scholar Volus is still deciphering what was discovered at the Pallid Pit, though Jack and his group have not relinquished the Gloom Cauldron they discovered as far as I am aware, which had ties to the ritual room, and which they¡¯re theorising might have worked as some kind of beacon, though for what I have no idea.¡±


    ¡°I am sure we will find something,¡± Ilvella concluded. ¡°Perhaps you and Rena can discover something in your civilian lives? The Outsider, for one certainly seems to be a good source of trouble. Regardless, you two are dismissed. Heal up and rest early. You have school tomorrow.¡±


    With that, Nya and Rena took their leave.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± Rena began.


    ¡°Impossible,¡± Nya snapped. ¡°I refuse to believe it.¡±


    ¡°Nya¡­¡± Rena gently called to her, understanding the Stygian¡¯s pain.


    ¡°No, Rena,¡± Nya snarled, causing the usually stoic Vulsta to take a step back in shock. This wasn¡¯t like her friend at all. ¡°I should have killed him when I had the chance during our fight, and now I learn he¡¯s related to the Saviour? Her son?!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have another chance in the future,¡± Rena pointed out. ¡°And you can lay the groundwork for that by preparing and training. Taking a loss like that is difficult, but it can be a blessing if you learn from it.¡±


    Nya looked at her friend, conflicted, and Rena was glad that the stone corridor of the monastery was deserted.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Nya sighed as she let go of her anger and returned to her normal self. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ve taken losses before and I¡¯ve come out stronger. I even faced the Killer Klown himself and sent him fleeing, so the problem isn¡¯t necessarily my abilities, but my mind.¡±


    Rena nodded calmly, seeing that Nya was pulling herself up. ¡°And what is your next move?¡±


    ¡°The Grandmaster is right that I need to make a quick reappearance as Devil¡¯s Daughter,¡± Nya began, sounding more like her usual self. ¡°The Cult of the Destroyer would be an obvious target, but the ones at the Pallid Pit were wiped out when my friends decided to go there for some reason, though at least we were able to kill the Stygian masquerading as me and tarnishing our people¡¯s reputation."


    ¡°As a civilian, I am already friends with Svaarti,¡± Nya then reasoned. ¡°And unlike her brother, I can actually believe her being related to the Saviour. I can only hope that she wakes and recovers from her arcane backlash. I did talk to her in astral form, so I have faith.¡±


    ¡°So what will you do now?¡± Rena prompted. The coolly composed Vulsta still expected an answer to her previous question as Nya closed her eyes to think.


    ¡°The Whisperers might have something for me,¡± she decided. ¡°Though there was clearly nothing worthy of Grandmaster Ilvella¡¯s attention, maybe they have something smaller or less reliable I can use to at least be seen by the public.¡±


    ¡°That would be wise,¡± Rena agreed. ¡°You still need to heal.¡±


    The Chamber of Whispers was set on the ground floor of the monastery, hidden away and far from the entrance or anything else. Following the subtly different pattern of dim lights, the two quickly made their way to the hidden underground bunker that served as their resident spy headquarters.


    ¡°BWAH! I knew you¡¯d be up and ready for more work in no time!¡± a jovial voice called out before they had a chance to knock on the doors. ¡°Hello to you too, Rena!¡±


    ¡°My footsteps were silent¡­¡± Rena muttered as they entered the room.


    Upon entering, the first thing that struck Nya¡¯s attention was the sheer number of lights illuminating the chamber, bathing the entire room in powerful brightness and allowing for no shadows to form in heavy contrast to the route they took to get here. Then she focused on the huge table in the middle, with a large map projection of Naganai City, complete with many extensive annotations on several notable districts, and with one of the Whisperers compiling a report on the Pallid Pit.


    The walls of the room were lined with the blue glow of several monitors, either displaying popular all-day news outlets or with investigation boards on notable personages. In one of the side rooms Nya could see one of the monks at a console talking away on a headset, likely tapping into the community¡¯s small network of contacts in the city from the safety of their remote system.


    ¡°Nya!¡± Head Whisperer Ratai grinned as the chubby Stygian waltzed over and gave her a gentle bear hug that still lifted her off her feet. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re back! We¡¯ve got news but it¡¯s not urgent, so you should probably rest¡­¡±


    Ratai gave her a knowing wink.


    ¡°What¡¯s new, Ratai?¡± Nya smiled, used to acting familiar around the man despite his high position.


    ¡°HAH!¡± The Stygian chuckled. ¡°We mostly have reports of the post-klown cleanup, but a few players have already made their moves. Nothing too big, but interestingly I¡¯ve received a reliable rumour that our Outsider friend decided that massacring the klowns wasn¡¯t enough for him and was involved in liberating a thinly populated swamp district."


    ¡°He¡¯s claiming it as territory?¡± Rena asked, suddenly alert. ¡°He may be more of a threat than I had initially warned¡­¡±


    ¡°No, no.¡± Ratai¡¯s grin got wider. ¡°Nobody seems to have claimed the land, but interestingly enough Clan Ashtail seems to have rehomed the vast majority of the population, and they seem to be sincere in allowing them to rebuild and recover in their newly annexed territory.¡±


    ¡°Do you consider Clan Ashtail a threat?¡± Nya asked.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Ratai snorted in amusement. ¡°Vetch Ashtail was the one who all but hinted at the damnable rumour in his last correspondence to me, the smug bastard! His clan plays the game well, but there are many other more nefarious groups that will attempt to take advantage of the chaos. I''m particularly concerned about what Corvin Enterprises will try to do, but if they are planning on making a play, which I am almost positive that they are, then they are being very subtle about it.¡±


    ¡°Anything immediate?¡± Nya asked.


    ¡°That admirer of yours was quick to post a new video!¡± Ratai teased, causing Nya to bury her face in her hands in embarrassment.


    ¡°Don¡¯t remind me.¡± She groaned. ¡°That guy is pure cringe and you need to stop mentioning him to me!¡±


    ¡°Hah! Well I haven¡¯t gotten much within the city itself, but we¡¯ve found a series of accounts online about gangs trying to run protection rackets and establish themselves as local powers. Maybe you can crush a few of the weaker ones to make an appearance as you recover to full strength?¡±


    ¡°Nya will still need some time to recover,¡± Rena cautioned. ¡°But if we approach this like any other mission and I act from the shadows, it will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Excellent, I shall begin my delving and let you know.¡± Ratai smiled. ¡°In the meantime, you kids should go to bed!¡±


    ¡°I wish I didn¡¯t have to.¡± Nya sighed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t exactly have much of a weekend.¡±

 Chapter 73: Back To School

    As the first rays of morning light peeked through the tattered blinds, Jack slowly opened his eyes, groaning slightly as he rolled out of bed on reflex and began his pushups. Lowering himself down and pressing himself up again like it was second nature to him, Jack slowly woke up and took stock. He felt a little more relaxed and well-rested than normal, an unusual but welcome change from the nightmares and poor sleep he had gotten used to. But whether it was his time spent relaxing and watching films with the others the previous night or just sheer exhaustion finally catching up to him, he wasn''t sure.


    Regardless, Jack checked the time, the system of which Sephy had gone through with him a few times. Measurement systems were quite finicky here, but after just over a week of waking up in a similar fashion Jack saw that the numbers looked similar to all the previous nights, and when he stopped a moment to listen, he couldn¡¯t hear anybody else moving about. Even Dante was still asleep, and Jack was pleased to see that the ¡®dog¡¯ was breathing a bit better. Whatever Rayle had done seemed to work, though he¡¯d still search for the nearest vet just in case Dante got this way again.


    Tiptoeing across the room, Jack quickly changed into some exercise clothes and grabbed his towel from where it was dumped on the floor from the previous day. This was a routine he had very rarely ever compromised on ever since he arrived in this realm, and like clockwork Jack tiptoed down the stairs and poured himself a drink of cold tea from the pot, downing it quickly before carefully opening the door to outside. Rayle was still asleep, resting their body on the natural ground to take advantage of their Druidic powers to slowly heal as they slept, but the two opossum-like Screediips, Thulu and Stega poked their heads out nervously to stare at Jack as he crept his way down the long-abandoned ancient road to the district wall. The only sounds were a few small birds fluttering well above him and the soft thuds of his feet dragging themselves to the starting line.


    Pulling out the display for his commlink was always a hassle for Jack every time he tried, but he was getting better, correctly selecting the music app, clicking on the ¡®workout¡¯ tag and hitting ¡®random¡¯ with only a few errors or missclicks. As the heavy bass kicked in, beginning a strange combination of what sounded like a cross between death metal and yodelling, Jack started his warm-up, his legs feeling stiff and barely functional until he got into a rhythm and soon began running without a problem.


    It was about an hour before Jack wound down, seeing that Rayle had gotten up from their spot and left the back door open. So, finishing his workout he lightly jogged over, slipping through and seeing Nika awkwardly make another pot of tea.


    ¡°Wish I could have joined you.¡± The Kizun sighed. ¡°Still sore, but at least I¡¯ll be able to come to school with you guys. No way am I gonna risk getting in detention, so it looks like I¡¯m gonna try and tough it out.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you shouldn¡¯t feel pressured to go if you¡¯re hurt!¡± Jack cautioned. ¡°We know a bunch of people that definitely won¡¯t be able to come in, surely they won¡¯t hand out detentions after a crisis?¡±


    ¡°They have before.¡± Rayle shook their head as they handed Jack a mug of water, which he downed greedily. ¡°Glad I woke up in time - if it wasn¡¯t for that Lifestone of yours I would probably still be in a coma.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, about that.¡± That reminded Jack. ¡°How are you holding up, Rayle?¡±


    ¡°Much better!¡± The Squa¡¯Kaar smiled nervously. ¡°My connection to the earth is much stronger here, so I¡¯ll be fine! I feel bad for those that lack the ability though¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, if it¡¯s all the same with you, Rayle, I prefer sleeping in my room instead of freezing my ass outside.¡± Nika snorted.


    ¡°We always have the Lesser Lifestone?¡± Jack questioned. ¡°Are you able to use that and get better?¡±


    ¡°You have a point.¡± Nika smiled. ¡°But I¡¯ll wait for the others to get up first, they probably need it more.¡±


    ¡°Doubt it.¡± Jack shrugged, ¡°You¡¯re hurt the most, you might as well get patched up - otherwise you¡¯re gonna have me worried all day.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Nika smiled unsurely. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Alora, you go have a shower before you stink up the place!¡±


    ¡°Heh, alright.¡± Jack sighed as he quickly made his way upstairs.


    Once he left, Nika immediately reached into one of her pockets, frantically pulling out her bottle of pills. Quickly taking one, she gave the bottle a shake and sighed when she realised she was getting low. She had been taking pills to throw off her heat cycle more regularly now that Jack was living with them, and times like these when he was either helping her with something or just straight up worried about her really set her off.


    ¡°You should stop fighting it,¡± Rayle pointed out from where they were curled up on the sofa sipping their tea, still wrapped up in the blanket they had taken outside while Nika gave them a look. ¡°It¡¯s not healthy to fight against an important aspect of your nature, why not just give in to it?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Nika sighed before elaborating. ¡°I mean, yeah I¡¯ve thought about it, but I honestly don¡¯t think I¡¯m anywhere near ready for that kind of stuff yet, and I don¡¯t think Jack is either. Besides, it¡¯s not debilitating and the pills usually last a while. It¡¯s just one of those things I¡¯ll need to get used to.¡±


    ¡°Will it have any long-term effects?¡± the Druid asked curiously.


    ¡°Um¡­I don¡¯t think so.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°My people have been using these since before our recorded history, ever since we no longer needed to rapidly spread, and there doesn¡¯t seem to be any kind of built-up resistance over the generations. Buying these is the real problem though. My people are quite spread out amongst known and probably unknown space too, but finding a regular supplier can be a real pain sometimes even on the Ring. I¡¯ll be alright. I usually am...¡±


    *****


    Jack¡¯s body was still glistening with sweat from his run as he entered the bathroom and locked the door. Quickly shucking his clothes off and turning on the water, he waited for it to warm up a little bit before stepping in. As the hot water cascaded down his body he let out a sigh of relief as he washed away the grime, before leaning back against the cubicle wall and allowing a moment of relaxation before he knew he would have to walk into whatever shitshow awaited the group today.


    He was brought back from his thoughts when the shower made a slight stuttering sound, prompting him to quickly turn it off and wrap a towel around him. Walking over to the sink and looking into the old, cracked mirror, he inspected the telltale signs of hair growing above his top lip. He hadn¡¯t really been taught to shave before his arrival, because he hadn¡¯t needed to learn yet, but Jack didn¡¯t really like the idea of starting to grow a moustache or a beard at his age. Reaching into the bag he brought in with him, he pulled out a knife he had been using for this purpose for the last week or so, which he kept reasonably sharpened. Though he didn¡¯t know if there was any shaving cream or anything sold that could help protect his skin and make the process a little quicker and less stress-free, he still proceeded regardless, carefully running the blade up and down¡­


    He quickly looked around as, without warning, the door opened to reveal Vanya, who looked at him in a panic as he nicked his skin with the blade.


    ¡°No!¡± she yelled as she rushed over to him. ¡°What are you doing!¡±


    ¡°Woah, wait! Vanya! Calm down!¡± Jack tried to wave her off in confusion as she grabbed the arm holding the knife, allowing her to take it from him as he just stood there baffled as she cast a quick healing spell on him.


    Wait? Did she think he was¡­


    ¡°Hey.¡± Jack calmly put his hands on Vanya¡¯s trembling arms. ¡°That wasn¡¯t what you thought it was, I¡¯m not checking out just yet.¡±


    ¡®At least never like that, since I¡¯m a fucking coward¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself. ¡°You okay, Vanya?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­I¡¯m sorry, I¡­¡± Vanya began, and had to take a few moments to calm herself down, breathing deeply in and out as a coping mechanism. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jack,¡± she started again. ¡°In the moment I didn¡¯t know what you were doing and I thought the worst.¡±


    ¡°Nah, it¡¯s fine.¡± Jack tried to give her a reassuring smile, knowing that he must have inadvertently triggered something in the rabbit-like girl. ¡°I was just doing guy stuff, didn¡¯t mean to spook you. How did you even get in if I locked the door?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just turned it as normal and it opened - it might be broken.¡± She motioned to the long-cracked mirror. ¡°Just like a bunch of other things, you guys mentioned you needed to do some home repairs.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack sighed, though realistically he didn¡¯t feel bad about it. It was something more normal that he had an aptitude for, as he often helped his father and his brothers around the house with chores on the weekends. ¡°Something might be off with the plumbing or something too, the shower was sputtering a bit towards the end but I wasn¡¯t actually using it for that long.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I think Alora mentioned having the occasional utility problems when guests are over, I¡¯m guessing it might be more problematic now that there¡¯s more people living here for the foreseeable future.¡± Vanya sighed. ¡°I hope there¡¯s enough for me.¡±


    ¡°There should be. If not then maybe Zayle can help with their water spirit?¡± Jack grinned, before suddenly realising something. ¡°Um¡­mind getting off me and letting me get changed first?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Sorry!¡± Vanya panicked as she quickly moved back, freeing the towel around Jack¡¯s waist to fall to the ground¡­


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± The Chuna just about got out with wide eyes, before Jack took the initiative and gently manhandled her out of the room, shutting the door behind him.


    Quickly finishing his shave and getting dressed, Jack waved the embarrassed Vanya in, who had pulled out her small handbag, somehow managing to yank out a fully folded school uniform for the day. Jack guessed it was something similar to the extra-dimensional wicker basket the Squa¡¯Kaar twins had used to store most of their belongings. Heading downstairs, Jack was happy to see that the rest of the household was awake in various states of lucidity. Nika was wide awake and eating breakfast with Alora, who was a little tired but otherwise coping. Chiyo and the Squa¡¯Kaar were sitting on the sofa catching the headlines while Sephy was still looking tired browsing her commlink.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got some more bounties on you, Jack,¡± Sephy cautioned. ¡°But nowhere near as bad as last week, probably not gonna be a problem.¡±


    ¡°Who has he pissed off now?¡± Nika asked curiously.


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s all of us.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Apparently the Ogar clan the Laird belonged to seeks a Weregild for his death. They either weren¡¯t able to put up much or just don¡¯t give a shit and put up a token amount that satisfies their tradition. We¡¯ve also got some anonymous accounts freshly made that are bumping Jack up again¡­¡±


    ¡°Malakiel?¡± Jack asked, worried.


    ¡°Nah. It¡¯s gotta be related to the Klowns. They¡¯ve tagged a bunch of people, all prominent people who are publicly known to have had a hand in fighting off the Klowns. You, Luvia, Svaarti, Devil¡¯s Daughter, and everyone¡¯s favourite asshole Svaartal are up there, but the amounts are spread fairly evenly. Oh hey! Mr Sparrel¡¯s here too! And holy crap, so is Master Kull!¡±


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°How are the Klowns able to post bounties?¡± Zayle asked in confusion as their earth spirit lumbered over and brought over a tray of tea.


    ¡°Because it isn¡¯t them themselves actually doing it,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°It¡¯s all the crazies actually backing them on the datanet that want to see everything burn. The damn simps!¡±


    The Cult of Jingubash is likely involved too, Chiyo added. They are known to exist but they¡¯re treated the same as the Cult of the Destroyer. The Klowns are their public force, but there are many worshippers who hide in the shadows and keep their allegiances well hidden. They¡¯re not believed to be organised in the way cultists of the Destroyer usually are, but they¡¯re still very dangerous.


    ¡°Good to know.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°At least I¡¯m one of many, any bounty hunters I should know about?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± Sephy smiled. ¡°You¡¯re all clear on the public list, but that doesn¡¯t mean hunters aren¡¯t coming after you, or they just haven''t announced it publicly yet.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, when you¡¯re known to have done a public service for the city, people tend to frown on those that want to mess with you.¡± Nika grinned as the conversation ended, with Jack quickly accepting the breakfast Zayle made for him as he watched the news, with Rayle occasionally skipping the more boring stories.


    ¡°...dire news as people are still being recovered from this scene of devastation¡­¡±


    ¡°..The CEO of Corvin Enterprises has threatened to hunt down and expel all ¡®peasants¡¯ from the newly annexed district¡­¡±


    ¡°It is currently unknown what occurred at the Pallid Pit, however Drow involvement in cleansing it is speculated to be the likely cause¡­¡±


    ¡°Red Legion forces have been pushed back from the Taurin Sector, causing many to wonder - Is the Red Legion on the brink of defeat?¡±


    ¡°....it is unknown if this is a possible sign of a new Nascent Demon Lord awakening on Hive Station Bastilla, but local factions are investigating¡­.¡±


    ¡°Local rangers have confirmed a mass-migration of many Zorn tribes heading westward into the unexplored wilderness. The reason for this is unknown¡­¡±


    ¡°We have Breaking News!¡± A cheery avian female suddenly popped up on the screen. She was in a large hall amidst a crowd of journalists with a podium and lectern combo at the end. ¡°I am reporting live from Cocaine Keep, where local warlord Commander Cocaine has called a press conference in light of the apparent death of Devil¡¯s Daughter¡­oh! Looks like he¡¯s about to speak!¡±


    The camera zoomed in on a large biped walking to the podium. With greenish grey skin and several bone plates protecting their maw, the mean-looking, aquatic-looking warrior was wearing a full set of lithe combat armour that hugged his large frame, with an oversized pair of goggles and a plain white bandana.


    ¡°Ooooh yeah!¡± the warrior roared intensely, shutting up the crowd instantly as he posed with bulging muscles for the cameras as his voice echoed throughout the hall. ¡°I¡¯ve heard the news, yeah! I¡¯ve seen the Klowns, yeah! I¡¯ve smelled the chaos, yeah! And I sense the cries of the people for a hero, yeah! SO COMMANDER COCAINE WILL ANSWER! OOOOH YEAH!¡±


    In the view of the cameras, Jack could see the front rows of journalists start to back away, almost as if they were afraid of the volatile warlord doing something crazy.


    Jack couldn¡¯t blame them.


    ¡°Yeah! I know you¡¯re all feeling scared and alone out there, yeah! I know things are bad, yeah!¡± the lunatic continued, with energetic motions towards the stunned crowd. ¡°But let me tell you people something. Commander Cocaine may not be the biggest or strongest there is, but I¡¯ve got heart! I¡¯ve got spirit! And I¡¯ve got lots of cocaine! Ooooh yeah!¡±


    He made several poses with his muscles bulging beneath his armour before he concluded his speech.


    ¡±You know who I am, but just in case you don¡¯t, I am Commander Cocaine, and I am the hero this city needs! Anyone with an active bounty better watch out, because Commander Cocaine is coming! OOOOH YEAH!¡±


    With that he strutted off as several reporters from the front row tried to ask him some questions.


    ¡°Well, we just heard from Commander Cocaine, who has just sworn to be the hero this city needs!¡± the reporter started after regaining their composure. ¡°If you want to aid him, you can join the Cocaine Crusaders at the following¡­¡±


    That¡¯s enough crazy for me right now, Chiyo interrupted as she used her powers to call the remote to her and changed the channel.


    ¡°Heh, check this out!¡± Sephy suddenly cackled. ¡°Svaartal¡¯s got a fat bounty on him, probably from fans of Devil¡¯s Daughter!¡±


    ¡°I hope Devil¡¯s Daughter is okay¡­¡± Alora spoke up sadly, causing Sephy to calm down. ¡°We may be partially responsible for what happened¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Devil¡¯s Daughter made her choice using the information we gave her, we couldn¡¯t have predicted what she would do with it,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°And we¡¯re totally going for that bounty, right? We still owe Svaartal a receipt for coming after Jack last week, it¡¯ll be the perfect time to get him if we all work together to take him down.¡±


    ¡°You forget that he¡¯s aligned himself with a powerful Drow House!¡± Alora chided her. ¡°Who we really want to shake off! As good as we are, we cannot stand against them if we give them greater cause to seek our destruction!¡±


    ¡°They came for us already!¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°How could it be worse? Besides, we can take them!¡±


    ¡°It could be a lot worse!¡± Alora cautioned. ¡°And not only are the Drow Nobles powerful individually, they have a powerful force backing them. There¡¯s a reason why they are a major faction here! You¡¯d risk putting all of us in massive danger!¡±


    ¡°Svaartal has to separate from them at some point,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°What do you think, Jack?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go after him,¡± Jack immediately replied, truthfully. ¡°But if he gives me a good reason to, I''ll face him again. However, if he leaves us alone, we can leave him alone.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s decided.¡± Alora sighed in relief. ¡°We haven¡¯t got too much time before we need to go, so let¡¯s all hurry up and get ready!¡±


    As they all hustled and did what they needed to do, Nika sat down on the sofa already ready, unhappy with the decision on Svaartal. He was a dangerous threat to the group, and after his ambush on them she knew he had to be taken out before he had a chance to come for them again. She had tried to take him out during the Klown attack when everyone else was safe and nobody was looking, without success. But here, there was an opportunity to take him out for good without getting their own hands dirty.


    Logging into one of her proxy accounts, Nika bumped up Svaartal¡¯s bounty some more, making it that much more lucrative¡­.


    ¡®Shouldn¡¯t have tried to kill Jack, asshole.¡¯ She thought to herself with a sly smile.


    *****


    The queues to the school entrance checkpoints were shorter than usual due to the Klown attack, but not depressingly so. Several of the students were talking to each other while they waited in line as they looked up and down the rows in hopes of seeing their friends. To Jack¡¯s mind, many seemed relieved that there weren¡¯t as many victims as they had expected, and the realisation that he played a major part in saving a lot of his fellow students around him during the attack gave him a warm feeling in the back of his mind.


    Unfortunately, said good thoughts evaporated when they got closer to the prefects.


    ¡°Halt!¡± one of the Korrigan prefects ordered the group as they approached. ¡°Due to increased security measures, you will submit to a full pat down. Failure to comply will result in your immediate termination.¡±


    ¡°Heh, as if they could take us.¡± Sephy grinned to the others as she was surprisingly the first to volunteer, though Jack had no doubt the sneaky Skritta had ways of hiding what she didn¡¯t want to be seen.


    ¡°You two, come this way,¡± the head prefect observing their queue told Jack and Alora as they moved separately to be searched.


    ¡°What have you got hidden here?¡± the Prefect narrowed his eyes at Jack as they neared the end of their check. It had been quite thorough, but he hadn¡¯t given the Prefects a hard time because of it. He could understand the need for additional security in light of the Klown attack, but he wished they weren¡¯t so heavy-handed¡­


    ¡°Those are my balls.¡± Jack squirmed away. ¡°Handle with care, or preferably not at all!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, only we get to do that!¡± Sephy grinned as Jack sputtered in shock.


    ¡°You may go,¡± the Prefect told him. ¡°Actually¡­wait a moment.¡±


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Jack asked warily, not wanting to be given any grief by these guys.


    ¡°I¡­¡± the grey-skinned Prefect began before they found their words. ¡°I want to thank you and your friends for what you did at the party, many of my friends and colleagues are still alive because of you.¡±


    ¡°I¡­that¡¯s alright, I just did what I could to help,¡± Jack replied, abruptly taken aback by the words. As bad as the Prefects could be, they were still people.


    As the rest of the group made it past the checkpoint to head to the lifts, Jack groaned internally as he saw several drow waiting for them up ahead. If looks alone could kill, Izadora was certainly trying as she snarled at the human, who grinned defiantly in return while wearing the shades he had picked up from one of the two Drow Nobles that had attacked him during their raid on the Pallid Pit. The two brothers, Soren and Kravel, were nearby dealing with the checkpoint, but Jack could see they had clocked their group¡¯s arrival.


    The huge drow was there too, close to Izadora, and casually leaning against the entry staircase looking bored. Another smaller drow was there who he didn¡¯t immediately recognise. Wasn¡¯t she with Soren when the drow came to pick up Svaarti? She certainly stood out from the crowd; despite the slim, athletic build similar to most of the other Drow, Jack could see several school uniform violations, with the thin, high-collared black leather-like jacket, with interwoven silvery circuitry that appeared functional being the most blatant, and several dyed strands of light purple amongst her naturally white long hair.


    And finally, Svaartal himself. Standing at attention, he was leaning on the staff of Devil¡¯s Daughter, and staring right at him.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s chasing clout with that staff,¡± Nika growled, keeping her hands ready to draw weapons, ignoring the pain of movement as she put on an air of confidence.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try not to escalate this if we can,¡± Alora cautioned.


    ¡°You,¡±  Izadora growled under her breath, and the Eladrie sighed resignedly.


    ¡°Hey there!¡± Jack grinned widely, as he gave the Drow Matriarch a friendly wave while many students stopped to watch the exchange, knowing what had happened the last time. ¡°How was your weekend?¡± he mocked, though he kept up the friendly facade.


    ¡°Better than yours I suspect,¡± she snarled back. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re alive, Outsider.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± The unknown Drow with them perked up, looking baffled, turning around to stare at Izadora, and Jack saw the traces of several neon circuitry designs peek up from the collar of her school uniform. ¡°This is the guy that kicked your ass and got you all worked up, sister? He doesn¡¯t look so tough to me! My mech could totally wreck him, shame the High Matriarch said no!¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t think the foul expression of Izadora could get any worse, but he was almost amused to see that he was quite wrong. Both Svaartal and the huge drow covered their smirks as the Matriarch rounded on who was apparently her sister, even as the unusual Drow waltzed closer to Jack, peering at him with a curious expression. Nika immediately had her shotgun levelled at their head as Chiyo drew in her power, ready to lash out.


    ¡°What?¡± The strange drow rolled her eyes at the girls as she stopped. ¡°I haven¡¯t even done anything yet!¡±


    ¡°Dextra,¡± Izadora snapped with gritted teeth. ¡°Satisfy your foolish curiosity another time.¡±


    ¡°You talk too much for a humiliated Matriarch trying to save face,¡± Sephy chipped in with her ricocheting plasma pistols pointed at the ground, though Jack knew from the angle that she had subtly taken aim at Izadora. ¡°Jack kicked your ass right here, and we took out your special forces at the Pallid Pit!¡±


    ¡°I will make you¡­¡± Izadora snarled, before they were interrupted by a familiar, cool voice.


    ¡°Izadora, what is the reason you are accosting this group of students?¡± Rena called out, as she approached the crowd, and Jack was surprised and glad to see Nya trailing gingerly behind her, staring at Svaartal¡¯s newly acquired staff. ¡°It appears that you are holding up the flow of traffic.¡±


    ¡°I am simply ensuring that they know the rules, Rena,¡± Izadora dismissed. ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°I doubt it,¡± Rena snapped, unamused. ¡°Your duties are done here, I have been instructed to tell you to report to Mr Zhiel¡¯s office immediately before class.¡±


    Izadora grumbled but ultimately complied, while Svaartal and Dextra slinked away. Only the large one remained behind, looking at Rena almost amusedly as she gave orders to the students to disperse, before he finally turned lazily and slunk up the stairs, but not before subtly looking at Jack for just a tiny moment with a thin smirk.


    ¡°I would suggest you all go to your form classes, as there have been several changes in light of the Killer Klown¡¯s attack. I will, however, address you about this incident later,¡± Rena sternly told their group, as Alora gently pulled Jack away, quietly pleading with him not to start any trouble despite the human¡¯s wish to chase after and attack Izadora again, and to give Rena some backtalk.


    ¡°Jack, did you really have to wear those shades you looted from the Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s around their surviving family?¡± The Eladrie sighed disapprovingly as they left the area.


    ¡°Yep!¡± He grinned as they made their way to the lifts.


    ¡°Totally worth it¡­¡±

 Chapter 74: Dragons Desire

    ¡°Due to a temporary reduction in faculty, this form class is to report to Lecture Theatre 823-K.¡± Alora read the sign on the classroom door.


    ¡°Do you think Mrs Shlart got hit?¡± Sephy asked, worried. ¡°I mean, she¡¯s a bit strict, but she¡¯s never been too mean and she¡¯s helped us out before¡­¡±


    It¡¯s possible, Chiyo replied grimly, as a few other members of their form class loitered around as if second guessing the sign in front of them.


    ¡°Everyone!¡± Alora called out to their classmates after casting a quick cantrip, taking responsibility as the Class Representative. ¡°I can confirm the sign is truthful. Lecture Theatre 823-K isn¡¯t far from here and we should still have time before school starts, but if you don¡¯t know where it is, you can follow us!¡±


    ¡°How big is it?¡± Jack asked Chiyo as Alora led the way.


    Room for about three or four classes. Chiyo shrugged. Perhaps they¡¯re short on teachers? Not all of them have Form classes, so usually if there¡¯s an absence one of the other teachers covers it temporarily. Maybe they¡¯re merging some of the classes to cope?


    ¡°Alora!¡± a familiar voice called out as they neared the lecture theatre. ¡°Your class got called here too?¡±


    ¡°Hey, Luvia!¡± Alora greeted the dragon warmly. ¡°How have you been?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been dreadful! We¡¯re still making repairs all over the Scion of Wyrmwalker!¡± She groaned in exaggerated boredom. ¡°And my scales are still growing back! They look awful!¡±


    ¡°Let me see, that¡¯s not so bad¡­¡± Alora humoured Luvia as Jack followed Sephy, who had rolled her eyes at the shenanigans and subtly beckoned him and Nika to follow along to avoid the boredom.


    ¡°Wait, is Jack not with you?¡± he heard Luvia ask Alora as they rounded the corner and got out of sight.


    ¡°And I thought dragons were meant to be perceptive!¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°Perceptive about her own scales and selfish desires maybe.¡± Sephy snorted in amusement. ¡°Sure she pulled through during the Klown¡¯s attack, but holy crap she can be too much sometimes, and after our mostly shitty weekend I could do without that!¡±


    ¡°For the most part I agree with you, though it¡¯s a bit rude on our part. Some time to calm things down even more would be good first.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°How did you even become friends anyway? I¡¯ve noticed Luvia grate on you more than once, Sephy.¡±


    ¡°Heh, yeah I guess it¡¯d appear that way.¡± The Skritta shrugged with a slight grin. ¡°She¡¯s always been more Alora and Chiyo¡¯s friend than mine and Nika¡¯s, but she grew on us. Still a pain in the ass but more good than bad, you ever have friends like that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded with a reminiscing smile. ¡°Dean was our class clown that wouldn¡¯t shut up, but he was still a cool guy regardless, and kept a happy attitude no matter how shitty things got. Really good banter playing games when he wasn¡¯t a pain in the ass. Is that what you mean?¡±


    ¡°Eh, sort of like that but translate it from guy shit to girl shit.¡± Nika shrugged as she peered through the window of a nearby door, before leading them into the lecture theatre they had been directed to.


    It was mostly empty for the moment, but a few students were there who the trio recognised that stopped them second guessing if they were in the right place. The rectangular room had a vast, sloping floor, with each row of seats positioned higher than the row in front, arranged in a horseshoe shape and facing the front, reminding Jack of a cinema from Earth. Jack immediately saw Nya sitting on her own in the middle, seeming content to relax as Rena made her way over to her, somehow having made it before them. Kritch was playing on his commlink nearby behind them, and he even saw Svaartal right at the back looking bored out of his mind as the unusual drow, Dextra, was excitedly talking to him about something he had no interest in.


    ¡°Where are we gonna sit?¡± Sephy asked them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Enough that we could all sit together maybe? Are Vanya and the twins going to end up here too?¡±


    ¡°I think so,¡± Nika recalled. ¡°Rena is Vanya¡¯s Class Representative, And the twins are in Luvia¡¯s form class.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not get seats right at the front,¡± Sephy decided, leading them up to the side opposite where Svaartal was to take a cluster of seats closer to the back, but they stopped as they passed Nya, who looked up shyly at the group.


    ¡°Hey Nya!¡± Jack smiled. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you¡¯re alright! How have you been holding up?¡±


    ¡°Hello Jack!¡± The Stygian girl shyly looked up to him with a faint smile. ¡°I am better now, though I am still quite weak despite the healing by my people.¡±


    She then gave an exhausted sigh, sounding like that single sentence took much of her strength from her, but Nya carried on.


    ¡°So, um, thanks for saving my life. Rena told me what happened when I woke up, and I know I owe you.¡±


    ¡°Hey don¡¯t mention it, I¡¯m sure you¡¯d do the same for me. You don¡¯t owe me a thing.¡±


    ¡°I-¡± Nya began, but was interrupted by Rena.


    ¡°Nya is still recovering,¡± the Vulsta told him sternly, placing a calming hand on Nya¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You should leave her be until she gets better.¡±


    ¡°No need to be bitchy about it, Rena,¡± Nika warned the prefect, who dangerously narrowed her eyes in response. ¡°He has the right to ask about her wellbeing.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Jack interjected, not seeing a reason to pick a fight. ¡°It was nice seeing you, and it¡¯ll be nice to catch up once you¡¯re fully recovered.¡±


    Nya just nodded tiredly with a shy smile as they made their way further up the stairs to the side of the seats. They sat down in a good space that didn¡¯t really have anyone else nearby, potentially allowing their friends to join them if they hurried up before someone else got to them.


    ¡°Damn. I didn¡¯t expect Nya to be conscious,¡± Sephy muttered once they had taken three seats next to each other. ¡°Those weird Stygians that took her must have had some really good healers among them.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I think they helped stabilise Rayle and a few of the other coma patients before they left,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a natural Stygian Sorcery thing they can do to soothe them or something.¡±


    ¡°To be honest I¡¯m still suspicious of those guys,¡± Jack admitted in a whisper. ¡°During the attack, Rena showed up right after I faced Dr Grine, only to leave again soon after without a word. I¡¯m not sure what she was actually doing, but I find the idea of her being at a party to be very unlike her. At least from my impression of her.¡± He shrugged. ¡°Dr Grine had at least one accomplice. Who¡¯s to say he didn¡¯t have more? The way they showed up at the hospital was more than sketchy.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit of a leap, but let¡¯s talk about it with Alora later.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Speaking of, looks like that¡¯s the others coming in now!¡± She hopped up, and waved, catching the attention of Alora who was leading the rest of their friends and classmates. Both of the Squa¡¯Kaar siblings were engaging the sad-looking Vanya, who was upset by the fact that Svaarti wouldn¡¯t be coming to school, while Chiyo was floating alongside Luvia, who was acting heated about something Chiyo was talking about.


    The lecture theatre was really starting to fill up now, as morning announcements were being made, mostly informing students that form classes were being condensed and schedules were being amended to account for the reduction in teachers.


    ¡°Huh, maybe they¡¯re just gonna keep us in here all day,¡± Sephy whispered to Jack. ¡°Maybe they¡¯ll even put on a few films for us to watch? They¡¯ve done it before.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t gonna be like a movie night though,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°They¡¯ll probably be educational, and if they¡¯re dicks, they¡¯ll tell us to take notes and do a report or something afterwards.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind the chance to just sit down for a while to be honest.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Guess we shall have to see. Hey Alora!¡±


    ¡°When did you three run off?¡± Alora scolded as she finally reached them, opting to take a seat at the end of the row, leaving a few empty seats between her and Jack.


    ¡°Are you that annoyed with us, or are you worried I¡¯m gonna infect you with something?¡± Jack joked.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not that annoyed with you!¡± Alora giggled. ¡°I will need to be able to get up and move as our Class Representative, and I intend to say something to the class.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself.¡± Jack shrugged as he figured that Chiyo would fill the seats, before a red-scaled form quickly moved in front of the Ilithii, marching down the row of seats up to him.


    ¡°Hello Luvia.¡± Jack smiled awkwardly, as the dragon made her way up to him. He was happy to sit next to the dragon, though with luck he would still be able to relax in his comfortable seat while whatever the school planned happened.


    ¡°Hi Jack!¡± Luvia smiled nervously as she practically bounded up to him.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± Jack began, unsure of what was happening as Luvia just stood in front of him, shaking a bit for some reason.  ¡°How have you been? I heard you got hurt during the Killer Klown¡¯s attack¡­¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± Luvia replied simply, before tentatively continuing. ¡°It¡¯s a shame I never got to see you at that party, at least before the attack happened. I was quite worried about all of you, you know. I saw all the others to safety, but I never saw you, and when I heard you encountered Dr Grine I feared the worst.¡±


    ¡°Well you don¡¯t need to worry anymore.¡± Jack smiled. ¡°I¡¯m still alive.¡±


    They said nothing for a confusing few seconds before Luvia just sighed.


    ¡°My apologies for this...¡±


    Before Jack could even think, the dragon had reached out and grabbed him by the belt with one claw, forcefully dragging him to her, wrapping her arms around his waist as she pulled him closer. As their lips met, Jack felt an intense heat spreading throughout his body. It was almost overwhelming. Luvia¡¯s lips were soft and warm, and as she kissed him hungrily, he could taste the faintest hint of smoke and fire. Instinctively, Jack¡¯s hands reached around Luvia¡¯s waist to hold on for dear life, struggling to breathe until Luvia finally pulled away, his eyes wide in shock at what had just happened.


    ¡°WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!¡±


    The entire room whooped and cheered as almost immediately all eyes locked on to the bizarre scene, while Jack fought to breathe again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Jack, but I really needed that! You have no idea how hellish my weekend has been and since I didn¡¯t properly see you at the party, I promised myself I¡¯d make that move the next time I saw you!¡± Luvia gave a single, contented sigh.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°Oh by the way, buy yourself something nice!¡± She reached into a pocket and placed a credstick into Jack¡¯s breast pocket before sitting down, looking mightily pleased with herself.


    Jack turned around, noticing that all of the rest of his friends were staring just as wide-eyed as he was. Finally, it was he who spoke first.


    ¡°What the fuck just happened?¡±


    Before any of his friends could even find the words, the last trickle of classmates filed in to try and quickly grab the last remaining seats as their teacher walked in. Chiyo floated past him with a bemused expression as she went to sit next to Nika on the other side.


    ¡°Good morning everyone!¡± the chipper voice of Mr Sparrel loudly announced as the finely dressed, hawk-like avian, briskly walked into the room with his sword swaying at his hip, the interruption cutting through the cheers of their classmates reacting to the surprise dragon attack. ¡°Do hurry up and find yourselves a comfortable seat and settle down, then we¡¯ll get started for today!¡±


    Sephy looked like she was about to draw a gun on the horny dragon as Vanya and the Squa¡¯Kaar filled the seats between Luvia and Alora, however Nika gently, but firmly, gripped the offending hand with the tip of her tail. Before Jack could even formulate the words he was looking for, Mr Sparral energetically clapped his hands as the last of the students found their seats. The Squarri was pacing up and down, though Jack could sense that a lot of it came off as artificial to him. Maybe Mr Sparrel was just putting on a positive face for the sake of his students?


    ¡°So, first of all, I likely teach history to most of you, but for those of you who don¡¯t know who I am, my name is Mr Sparrel and I will be your interim Homeroom Teacher,¡± the avian began. ¡°This latest Klown attack has taken a great toll on many students, members of the faculty and their families, but I am at least glad to see more of you than I expected. I hope our friends not with us today will soon  be able to recover and rejoin us, and that we may all heal from this tragedy.¡±


    The class was solemnly silent at that. Many of them knew full well how lucky they were compared with many of their absent friends.


    ¡°However this next piece of news may soften that blow just a little bit.¡± The avian smiled as he adjusted his spectacles. ¡°Due to the lack of teaching staff and pupils, regular lessons will be suspended until further notice, where they will then be resumed from where you left off. Now, before you all find out what we¡¯ll be doing today, we have some announcements to go through first, followed by the usual morning assembly by the headmaster, who will be conducting it in these lecture theatres. After that, we shall be watching a few educational videos that will cover your usual subjects, since I¡¯m not particularly qualified to teach much else academically other than history, which I shall go through at some point to break up the day.¡±


    Mr Sparrel peered around at his attentive students and grinned.  ¡°I wasn¡¯t joking when I told you all to get comfortable by the way. I¡¯ve pretty much got you here for the entire day, and probably the rest of the week too. Though I am not your usual  Homeroom Teacher, I do take that duty seriously, and so I will periodically call you out individually for a checkup. Incidentally, if any of you have any concerns or anything at all you wish to talk about, please do not hesitate to come to the front and talk to me if you need to.¡±


    Mr Sparrel then looked up to Alora and gave her an acknowledging nod. ¡°And now, if your Class Representatives wish to make any announcements, now is the time to do so.¡±


    Alora gracefully got up and walked down the stairs to the lectern at the bottom.


    ¡°Hello everyone,¡± she began, allowing a slight pause for dramatic effect.


    ¡°We all know that disasters can strike at any time, and unfortunately, we have been affected by one such disaster this previous weekend. I want to offer my deepest sympathies to those who have lost their homes, and let you know that my household is here to support you in any way we can if you need it.


    ¡°I understand that many of you may have already made your own arrangements, and may wish to join one of the many reputable factions across the city for protection. I know that my dear friend and fellow Class Representative, Luviannestixxx, has offered fast applications to join the Red Legion at the Scion of Wyrmwalker, the local Red Legion Headquarters, and to those who wish to join those factions, I wish you the best of luck during this troubling time. However, for those who need shelter and safe haven but do not wish to join a faction within the city, I am willing to offer you a safe place to stay for as long as you need.¡±


    ¡°Though we are primarily a female household, we are not exclusively so, and we will welcome all those of good reputation and intentions. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of my household and we will make the arrangements.¡±


    Alora indicated to their row of seats, and Nika noticeably sat up to draw everybody¡¯s attention. ¡°We also have food, clothing and utilities to help you get back on your feet,¡± Alora added.


    ¡°Finally, I want to remind you that together we can be a strong and resilient community. In order to overcome this challenge, we must come together, and together, we can provide support to our friends in need. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Gotta love Alora¡¯s preachy speeches!¡± Sephy jokingly whispered to Jack, but she still followed the rest of the room who were all politely clapping while Alora made her way back to her seat. Jack gave her a thumbs up as she came up to her row, and she smiled in relief where she had been nervous before.


    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± Jack asked Sephy sincerely. ¡°I really had no idea that would happen.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Sephy whispered back as quietly as she could, nodding with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ve calmed down and Alora saw - if she doesn¡¯t address Luvia¡¯s boundary issues then I sure as hell will. Speaking of Alora, I know we all agreed to let people stay with us and all that, but do we have any idea how many people are gonna take us up on the offer? We might have problems of our own with the water, and Nika reckons we might have imminent power issues. We have the physical space, but more people equals more draw. The local utility merchants we use have usually been pretty solid, but this might change things.¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯ll find a way to handle it, but we may need to be creative,¡± Jack reassured, having previously considered the issue in the back of his mind while Mr Sparrel awaited the simulacrum of the headmaster to conduct the morning assembly. ¡°Zayle has their water spirit, maybe we can do something with that? If not, maybe I can try and make something to collect rainwater?¡±


    ¡°Not sure how Zayle¡¯s abilities work, but it can¡¯t hurt to ask,¡± Sephy whispered back. ¡°I¡¯m more worried about the power. If we want to get a fabricator, even a lesser one, it¡¯s going to take a lot of it, possibly more than we have to spare. I¡¯m surprised we haven¡¯t had a brownout yet, but it¡¯s only a matter of time.¡±


    ¡°How do the utilities normally work?¡± Jack asked, while the other students started whispering amongst themselves as they waited for something to happen. He noticed the warm breath on the back of his neck from Luvia obviously wanting some attention, however he ignored it, at least for the moment, which made Sephy quite happy.


    ¡°It¡¯s usually a combination of the lowest risk sections of the Gloom Paths and the District Walls themselves, mostly the latter,¡± she explained. ¡°The utility companies are able to use divination magic to locate pipes and wires they can fix and use to reroute water and electricity to our district from where they¡¯re pumping it from. Some districts get this stuff by default and don¡¯t have to pay, but since our home was abandoned and sealed for so long we don¡¯t have that privilege, meaning we¡¯ve either gotta pay or find an alternative.¡±


    ¡°What alternatives do we have?¡± Jack asked curiously. ¡°Would solar panels work?¡±


    ¡°They might help, but they¡¯re expensive,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Though it would be possible to use a fabricator to make some¡­¡±


    ¡°Which requires more power,¡± Jack concluded. ¡°Assuming we¡¯re even able to get one.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re rare to find. I haven¡¯t found any on the Dark Market online, but I¡¯m running a program that¡¯ll send me a ping if one shows. We might be able to get it to run if we just don¡¯t use anything else while it runs, but even then it¡¯s pushing it.¡±


    ¡°So we might need to invest in a system of our own.¡± Jack sighed, thinking. ¡°Have you found anything from the info you got last weekend?¡±


    He was of course being vague. Mentioning their little ¡®heist¡¯ on the Prefect¡¯s Lockup in school was probably not a good idea.


    ¡°Yes! I knew you¡¯d want to do it again! I might have found out the sort-of direction where the drone deliveries head to, but not a precise district,¡± Sephy excitedly whispered. ¡°As for the data I¡¯m going through, it¡¯s like a huge puzzle. Some of it is probably usable but I won¡¯t know that until I get a clearer picture of what I¡¯m actually looking at. I think I¡¯m close though.¡±


    ¡°If not, we can always chase a few bounties,¡± Nika added from across Sephy. ¡°Might feel good to be the hunters instead of the hunted for a change. There¡¯s also other kinds of jobs that shouldn¡¯t take too much effort to go for, but they¡¯re not gonna bring in the kind of reward that a Run might.¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Mostly protection jobs.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Like keeping an eye out for a few hours while the client does stuff and calling them if anything happens, that kind of thing. Usually pretty boring.¡±


    ¡°Well maybe we could do with a bit more boring after everything we¡¯ve had to put up with,¡± Jack pointed out, as the simulacrum of the headmaster strolled in¡­


    *****


    ¡°¡­and so, despite this great tragedy, it is important to remember that your education is of the highest imp¡­¡± the Headmaster droned.


    ¡°Jack?¡± Luvia whispered, once Mr Sparrel wasn¡¯t looking their way. Sephy had long fallen asleep and was leaning on his shoulder.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°I apologise for my actions. I didn¡¯t even see you at the party - where I had plans for you, I might add, and I was worried about you during the attack when I heard you were trapped in its depths. I guess I let the buildup get the better of me, and it just happened.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Jack slightly smiled. ¡°I kinda enjoyed it.¡±


    ¡°Did you?¡± Luvia grinned as her scaled leg touched his¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t push it.¡± Jack snorted in amusement. ¡°You¡¯re still in big trouble.¡±


    *****


    ¡°You can wake up now,¡± Jack whispered to Sephy after several hours had passed, and the headmaster had finally, finally shut up and fucked off. It had been fortunate that Mr Sparrel was the only teacher supervising them, so Jack had kept an eye on the Skritta as she slept. Several sighs of relief could be heard from many students all around the room as they realised their torture was over. They had all just endured what felt like an eternity of boredom. As the atmosphere lightened once again, the students began chatting to themselves while Mr Sparrel magically summoned himself a steaming hot drink, then walked over to the console that operated the overhead projector.


    ¡°I thought I was about to join you, Sephy.¡± Nika groaned, rubbing her eyes tiredly.


    ¡°Same,¡± Jack admitted as he stretched his body in his seat. ¡°I swear that guy could put anyone to sleep with his voice. Maybe we should record it and sell it as an insomnia cure?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯ll definitely pay the bills.¡± Sephy giggled as she sat up a bit in her seat. ¡°Though speaking of, maybe I can find us an easier job to do during the week? If we need some self-sustainability, maybe we can order a few crappy solar panels with the pay and set them up?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what we get at the scrap heaps and other dumps first,¡± Nika proposed. ¡°We¡¯re already going there for stuff to put through a fabricator for the shuttle anyway if we get one, though even if we don¡¯t get one yet we can start fiddling around with the components and do things we won¡¯t need the fabricator for. Besides, we¡¯re gonna need some more shit for the house and I¡¯m leery about spending too much right now since we¡¯ll be taking a few different hits to our funds.¡±


    ¡°I take it that IKEA isn¡¯t a thing here?¡± Jack quipped.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve never heard of that, so probably not.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°We can pick up some useful shit for improving the district though, especially if we go further afield where the megacorps dump their stuff and we keep our guard up. Like, if they dump a used industrial power core that¡¯s still got like 0.1% left it¡¯ll be pretty good for us if we can drag it back and hook it up to the mains!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to plan for that trip, but that¡¯s a pretty good idea,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°Let¡¯s stick with the close-range sites for now and we¡¯ll bring it up with the others later.¡±


    ¡°Should we make a list of the things we¡¯ll need to find?¡± Jack asked the Kizun.


    ¡°Honestly? For the safe sites close to us we won¡¯t be the only ones going through them, especially when people are facing desperate times.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°We¡¯re just gonna go and grab anything we can that¡¯s useful and bring it back without getting into a fight - there¡¯s no choosing among beggars. Hopefully we get something we can start some work on.¡±


    Perhaps a trip to the library will also help? Chiyo suggested from where she was sitting on the other side of Nika. I know you guys have your own ideas, but perhaps we all missed something that might also work? There are many books on homesteading¡­


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°I have some ideas in mind, but I only have them from watching YouTube videos, without actually trying them myself. Having a proper guide or set of instructions would be better.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t do everything at once,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°Let¡¯s shelf the books for the long-term and focus on what we can do right now in the short-term. We have enough funds to splash out for premium utilities if we need them, but that¡¯ll quickly bring us back into the red unless we are prepared.¡±


    ¡°Taking up a quick job or two might be a good idea then, once we¡¯ve hit the local dump sites,¡± Sephy added. ¡°Though we can go further afield it¡¯s more dangerous, and taking stuff back will be difficult unless we get a hovercart or something.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we¡¯ll get lucky and find one there,¡± Nika quipped.


    It is more likely that we will need to purchase one, Chiyo pointed out. Though I would at least take a look at the sites further afield to justify the purchase first.


    ¡°As it happens.¡± Luvia turned around from her conversation with Vanya to address the group with a cheeky grin on her face. ¡°The Red Legion may be in need of some 3rd party mercenaries for something.¡±


    ¡°Oh no. We¡¯re not interested in a Run, Luvia,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°We¡¯ve been on two Runs in two weekends and we need a break from that shit.¡±


    ¡°We were looking for easier, low-risk jobs,¡± Jack added diplomatically. ¡°Just for some home improvements and stability without forcing us to break the bank.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing too major.¡± Luvia shrugged. ¡°I can put you in contact with the Captain in question and you can always say no.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll think about it.¡± Nika nodded after a few moments, as Mr Sparrel clapped his hands to shush the chattering students before he began the film.

 Chapter 75: Scavengers

    ¡°Hey Jack?¡± Luvia poked him in the side to get his attention. It had been a few hours, and the entire lecture theatre was mostly silent as they watched an interesting educational video showcasing several different roles aboard a small mining ship crew, and how the lessons they had been taught applied to each specific role. Jack found it interesting to see how it compared and contrasted with science fiction from Earth, but was a little sad at the same time, knowing how rare and expensive starships were.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Jack asked, looking back to the dragon.


    ¡°Mr Sparrel¡¯s calling for you.¡± She motioned up the row to where the spectacled history teacher was beckoning him over with a smile.


    ¡®Oh crap.¡¯ Jack thought to himself. Was he in trouble?


    He got up and carefully sidestepped his way past his friends to where the avian teacher was waiting, before Mr Sparrel wordlessly led him down the stairs and out the door, crossing the deserted corridor to the nearby classroom where he had a comfortable chair at his desk with a two smoking mugs of tea.


    ¡°Sit down Jack. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re not in any trouble.¡± Mr Sparrel smiled as he indicated the second mug of tea. ¡°And I took the liberty of making you a drink.¡±


    Jack nervously sat down and took a small sip. Mr Sparrel had said at the start of the day that he would periodically call people out, though Jack had no idea what that involved. Admittedly he hadn¡¯t been paying the best of attention, having been recovering from the advances of a horned-up red dragon. He said nothing as he waited for Mr Sparrel to do something, nervously drinking his tea. He had no idea why he was feeling guilty. He knew he shouldn¡¯t be, but there was always something about a teacher pulling you aside that had all the alarm bells ringing¡­


    ¡°First of all, it is good to see you again, old chap!¡± the History Teacher chirped. ¡°I know I saw you and your friends at the end of last week, but a lot has happened, far more so for you than everybody else.¡±


    He gave Jack a knowing smile as he casually sipped on his own tea.


    ¡°How have you been?¡± he suddenly asked, looking at Jack with inquisitive eyes. ¡°I remember what you told me when you first joined my class, how you feel like you don¡¯t belong, and I¡¯ve been trying to keep tabs on you ever since. The Temple of Hope has done wonders to begin to introduce you to our¡­society. However, I can only imagine how you¡¯ve been coping since you joined this school.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been¡­alright,¡± Jack lied.


    Mr Sparrel smirked. ¡°It¡¯s alright Jack, I understand why you feel like your burden should be kept secret, but you can be straight with me, unless you do not wish to answer. This isn¡¯t a punishment, I¡¯m checking on your wellbeing as your temporary Homeroom Teacher.¡±


    Making a motion with his hand he summoned another hot mug of steaming liquid that he then telepathically sent gently sliding towards him with a flick of his wrist.


    ¡°Honestly?¡± Jack sighed, defeated. ¡°I don¡¯t even know how the hell I¡¯m even still alive at this point.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that, Jack.¡± Mr Sparrel put a comforting hand on his shoulder. ¡°I can only imagine your pain, however, to my relief I sense that you haven¡¯t given in to despair, and from my past experiences, I find it best to try and hold on to something positive and happy. Happy memories can be a balm to the mind. However, I always preferred something practical I could do in the moment, or close to it. Your circle of friends and your relationships with them are your obvious touchstones, though  I would recommend you find more reasons to keep going. This realm has a lot of good in it as well as bad, and I encourage you to seek it.¡±


    He fixed his spectacles as he allowed a few moments of silence to calm the atmosphere down. ¡°I saw your Deathball game last week, you all played very well! And I could tell you were having fun!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I did,¡± Jack admitted with a nervous smile. ¡°It was much better than I expected it to be - the name originally put me off since I thought they were being literal.¡±


    ¡°I can see why you might think that.¡± Mr Sparrel sighed. ¡°I saw the bounties being placed on you, and I finally coaxed the Greenwardens into telling me the details of what happened. Awful stuff. I swear to you once again that it was never my intention to lead you into trouble, though that does lead me into something else that may help you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that, sir?¡± Jack asked, curiously. His gut told him he could confide in and trust Mr Sparrel, and though he had been wrong before, he was pretty confident he could trust the teacher.


    ¡°I¡¯ve gotten in touch with a Starseeker colleague of mine. A brilliant detective and investigator by the name of Sable Krynn, and I have reason to believe that she has obtained some accounts from and involving previous Outsiders that have arrived on Hive Station Bastilla. She was certainly most interested in meeting you when I hinted that I might know you, though I confirmed nothing out of respect for your privacy. Though, should you wish it, I can set up a meeting. But I would recommend that you converse with your inner circle of friends first, since I doubt she will part with any information for free, especially rare information that could possibly help you return to your plane of existence. If she doesn¡¯t know how to help you outright, I¡¯d be willing to bet she would be able to set you on the right path.¡±


    ¡°Um¡­Right.¡± Jack nodded, thinking. ¡°That sounds¡­encouraging I guess. After meeting the Oracle, I thought that was it and there was no chance of going home, so I¡¯ll take any chance there is at this point, but it wouldn¡¯t be fair to put that on my friends right now after everything we¡¯ve gone through. Would you be alright with us taking our time on that?¡±


    ¡°Certainly, lad!¡± Mr Sparrel grinned. ¡°When you¡¯re ready, and not before. I can only imagine what you must be up to after everything I¡¯ve heard you¡¯ve been up to. Krynn might be a little obsessive, but quite patient. You¡¯d have to be, in her line of work.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Jack sighed as he came to a decision. ¡°We¡¯ve got some other more immediate problems we need to work on first, then hopefully we¡¯ll be in a position where we can make contact.¡±


    ¡°As you say.¡± Mr Sparrel nodded, clearly expecting that kind of answer. ¡°I hope you aren¡¯t planning anything overly dangerous.¡±


    ¡°No, we had planned to take things easy for a while,¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°Nothing big, some light jobs and some home maintenance.¡±


    ¡°Well I wish you the best of luck with that.¡± Mr Sparrel smiled as he sighed in relief. ¡°Some time away from serious danger will be good for your mental state. Now as your teacher, I am required to encourage you to try to tap into our corporate sponsors for part-time jobs, though I sense your attitude towards that may be the same as mine when I was your age - fortune favours the bold, after all.¡± He gave a knowing wink.


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡± Jack nodded, sensing that this meeting was soon to be over. He could see why the others liked Mr Sparrel, and he could admit to himself that he did too.


    ¡°Now, one thing before we go.¡± Mr Sparrel reached to his commlink and sent Jack a message. ¡°I have compiled everything I myself have been able to find on Outsiders. Other planes of existence, species, notable Outsiders of history, that sort of thing, and I¡¯ve now sent that to your commlink. I¡¯ve also marked a few passages I found particularly interesting, though I have no idea if it bears relevance to your particular situation.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡± Jack gratefully nodded again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Now, once you¡¯ve finished your drink you can go back on in and enjoy the film. I also took the liberty of adding a few works to that data package that can help you catch up to your classmates in certain areas your teachers previously noted you are currently deficient in. Not your fault, of course, but if you have the time it will do you much good to catch up, otherwise you will be severely disadvantaged academically.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best, Sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you will.¡± Mr Sparrel smiled as he put his hand on Jack¡¯s shoulder again. "Remember, Jack, we''re here for you. Don''t hesitate to reach out if you need anything."


    ¡°I will, Sir,¡± Jack replied as he finished his drink. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    *****


    ¡°Luvia, what the fuck?¡± Alora asked bluntly as she practically chased after the dragon as they took to the air to quickly get out of the lecture theatre the moment the bell rang. ¡°Your impulsiveness may have been in your nature as a dragon, but that does not excuse the line you just crossed.¡±


    ¡°I already apologised to Jack, Alora.¡± The dragon sighed. ¡°How else am I meant to put myself out there?¡±


    ¡°Not by completely blindsiding him and doing that publicly!¡± Alora almost yelled. ¡°It¡¯s worth a conversation at the very least.¡±


    She quirked her head curiously as Luvia gave her an awkward expression.


    ¡°What¡¯s really going on?¡± Alora asked, sensing that Luvia was holding something back.


    ¡°I¡¯ve received word from Grandfather.¡± Luvia sighed, realising she would have to spill the beans. ¡°Several dragons have died under mysterious circumstances within Red Legion space, and that¡¯s gotten him even more paranoid than usual. He¡¯s made more demands for me to find suitable suitors to begin producing heirs, and he¡¯s threatened to betroth me to an elder blue wyrm over a hundred times my age who has a reputation for killing and torturing his previous wives as a sign of his displeasure.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s horrible!¡± Alora exclaimed. ¡°And I thought my family was terrible!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Luvia sighed. ¡°I cannot deny that I wanted to make my move on Jack like that anyway at the party, but¡­.yes. There was another reason for doing what I did publicly. By being seen to lay claim to a suitor, my grandfather will leave me alone for another decade or two. I was chosen to reside at Scion of Wyrmwalker to stay away from the fighting and ensure my bloodline is secure. At the time I did not wish to leave Red Legion space, but now I do not wish to return. I know I am expected to produce heirs, but I don¡¯t feel anywhere near ready for that even if I wanted to - but I may have no choice soon.¡±


    ¡°How likely is it that your grandfather will follow through on his threat? What will you do if he does?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Luvia sighed, and Alora noted that she was on the verge of tears. ¡°I have so many expectations placed on me, I just don¡¯t know what I could even do if my grandfather orders the legion to take me into custody.¡±


    ¡°You could leave?¡± Alora noted, and Luvia chuckled dryly.


    ¡°That would be a death sentence for me and anyone close to me once the Legion catches up. I was actually hoping that after my display things would die down, and that perhaps I could at the very least pretend to be involved with your group.¡±


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to the others.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°But you should make plans to leave. The Red Legion is far away, and even that message from your grandfather would have taken a long time to reach you. They have little power outside of the Scion of Wyrmwalker.¡±


    ¡°I shall ponder your words.¡± Luvia nodded slowly. ¡°Can you forgive me?¡±


    ¡°It is not me you should seek forgiveness from,¡± Alora sternly told the dragon. ¡°And I would allow some time to pass before you seek it.¡±


    *****


    ¡°Guys this is awesome!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°No homework! We have a totally free evening!¡±


    You do realise this means we will most likely have extra work to do once normal classes resume? Chiyo pointed out to the excitable Skritta, as they hung out by their lockers to unload their textbooks that they now knew they wouldn¡¯t need. Their lunch break had been pushed back due to the length of their assembly, and afterwards they would then go back to watch more educational programs.


    ¡°Sephy has a point, Chiyo,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°We¡¯ve got a lot on our plate, we don¡¯t need any more things to deal with, though there is something else I need to talk to you all about tonight when the five of us are alone. It¡¯s not time sensitive though.¡±


    ¡°Is this from when Mr Sparrel wanted to talk?¡± Alora asked as she approached them, and Jack nodded.


    ¡°Speaking of a lot on our plate, anyone take you up on your offer yet Alora?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°Not yet, but I haven¡¯t checked my messages since, and we¡¯ve been sat in that lecture theatre most of the day.¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°If nobody takes us up on our offer, then I won¡¯t take it personally. In fact, it would be encouraging if they can bounce back from this.¡±


    We¡¯re not the only ones making offers of refuge, Chiyo pointed out. And people will do what works best for them. Crill for example will be staying with Kritch and Clan Ashtail temporarily, and I believe Zook intends to join the Red Legion. That being said, I believe at least five of our classmates are seriously considering our offer right now.


    ¡°Well, they should probably hurry up and make up their minds,¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Offer of sanctuary or not, we¡¯ll be busy tonight.¡±


    ¡°How are we going to go about it?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Go to a few places on our way back to the house or go home first?¡±


    ¡°Definitely home first. I don¡¯t think the Squa¡¯Kaar keep their pocket-magic-carry-thingy on them,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°And it¡¯s better if we go fully armed just in case other scavengers get violent.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°If Dante¡¯s feeling better we can take him with us.¡±


    ¡°Hey guys¡­¡±  The group turned around to see Karzen and Bentom nervously approaching them, or at least as nervous as two armadillo-like aliens could appear to Jack. ¡°You guys serious with the offer of shelter?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Alora quickly answered. ¡°But what about¡­¡±


    ¡°Hah, Dad¡¯s fine.¡± Bentom grinned, waving off the Eladrie¡¯s concerns. ¡°Our original plan wasn¡¯t great. Our lease is almost ending and things are getting chaotic, so we thought we would have to go stay with our grandparents, but having too many people in a tiny retirement studio-flat isn¡¯t great for anybody.


    ¡°Yeah, we were thinking of signing up with the Red Legion like Zook is, but I don¡¯t really know if that kind of life is for me, even though Bentom is more for it.¡± Karzen smiled apologetically to her sister. ¡°If you¡¯ll allow us to live with you, we can contribute and pay our way until everything goes back to normal.¡±


    ¡°Overheard you talking about visiting a few of the scrap sites and stuff too,¡± Bentom added with a shrug. ¡°We¡¯re pretty good with the whole ¡®manual labour¡¯ thing since we work part time at CorvMart stacking shelves for a shit wage. Just let us pick a few things up and we¡¯ll help you out.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Alora agreed, as the two turned and left to go do their thing.


    Well, we have two others confirmed, Chiyo noted. Though I did not expect those two to want to join us over the Red Legion.


    ¡°Yeah, I thought they were pretty stable,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°And I thought they¡¯d head straight for the Red Legion.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯d prefer not to be indentured servants,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Presumably this is only temporary.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, probably just a week or two,¡± Sephy noted. ¡°Might as well use the extra help while we can¡­¡±


    *****


    All in all, seven classmates had taken them up on their offer, including their two Armadillo-like Deathball teammates. Jack didn¡¯t recognise any of the others, save for Obeda - the feathered serpent he had helped bandage immediately following the Klown¡¯s attack on the party - who had stressed that they only required temporary shelter for a few days while they change the location of their permanent lair to a safer section of the Gloom Paths, though Jack suspected from the way that they called him to ask to stay with them, that the nervous wreck needed some company too.


    The other four were three girls of varying species who were not-so-subtly casting glances his way, and one boy who looked like he was about to die of embarrassment at all the female company. From what Jack understood, the attack had left them all homeless, and they would try and find a new place to live as quickly as possible.


    ¡°Shit! Nice place!¡± Karzen complimented as Sephy led the two sisters and one of the other girls down the corridor towards Zayle¡¯s room, where there were plenty of spare bedrooms for each of them.


    Lensa? Vasati? Chiyo addressed the other two girls, floating by the entrance to one of the other corridors. Please allow me to show you to your rooms.


    ¡°Jack, would you be able to show Akkar and Obeda to their rooms?¡± Alora asked, making teas for everybody as Nika took Vanya and the Squa¡¯Kaar to the ¡®armoury¡¯ to get outfitted.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Jack grinned, beckoning the two guys to follow him upstairs. ¡°Come on you two! Us gents need to stick together!¡±


    Left alone, Alora sighed. She knew this would be a difficult time for all of them, and that offering to allow more people to stay with them, even temporarily, brought more problems that they would need to work to fix, but she knew she would never forgive herself if she could provide sanctuary to her classmates who needed help and didn¡¯t. What was a budgeting problem compared to having your life ruined by a devastating tragedy? She had no doubt that she made the right decision.


    Her expression softened as she looked to the side, where on a special spot on the sofa, Dante was now awake and staring at her with bright eyes, twin tails beating the cushions like a drum as they wagged in happiness at seeing her. Curiously, two of the little Screediips had decided that Dante made an excellent bed for them and were perched on top, so the ¡®dog¡¯ didn¡¯t move too much, though Alora could tell he wanted to.


    ¡°You up for a walk?¡± Alora asked with a smile as she gave Dante a few scratches behind the ears.


    *****


    ¡°Alright! Anything else you need to do before we go?¡± Nika asked the assembled crowd. ¡°We¡¯ve ordered fresh bedding for all of you which should be here by the time we get back, and we plan to have a late dinner then as well.¡±


    Jack looked around to see if anyone would hold them up, but was happy to see that everyone was happy with the plan. He and the original housemates had quickly put on their battleskins underneath casual clothes and were all mostly fully armed, though Nika didn¡¯t bother with her gatling laser, and Jack still didn¡¯t have his gauntlet which Clan Bharzum were repairing and improving for him.


    ¡°By the way,¡± Nika added, ¡°this is Dante.¡± She introduced the ¡®dog¡¯ to those who didn¡¯t know by pointing at him, who still looked tired from sleeping all weekend but had made it as clear as they could to the group that he was joining them, though Jack suspected that he might end up carrying them by the end of it.


    ¡°He¡¯s with us, and he¡¯s friendly,¡± Nika finished.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go already!¡± Sephy spoke up. Indeed, they had spent more time at the house than they intended to, and there were several sites they were hoping to hit.


    ¡°I agree.¡± Alora chucked. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s hope this place has something good.¡± Sephy sighed as they made it through the unattended entrance to the fourth dump district of the night, with desolate towering heaps of rusted metal and debris looming over the students like twisted giants, casting gnarled shadows in the faded light of the solar orbital plate far above their heads. The sounds of metal clashing against metal and many desperate scavengers rummaging through piles of scrap rung out in the late afternoon air, and the group realised that this place too would likely be a bust.


    ¡°It¡¯s a much bigger place compared to the others,¡± Jack noted. ¡°Hopefully that means we¡¯ll find something more useful, though at least we¡¯ve got some suitable sheet metal to at least give the shuttle a floor.¡±


    ¡°Now remember, we want to prioritise any kind of batteries and wires,¡± Alora told the group. ¡°Power generation is something we¡¯re going to need, and until we can get some renewable energy sources installed, we shall need to utilise what we can find in the short-term.¡±


    ¡°You heard the lady,¡± Nika called out. ¡°Same as before. Split into 3 groups within close sight of each other, and stick together.¡±


    They all nodded and got to work. Jack and Dante led Rayle, while Bentom and one of the new girls - whose name was Tarli - led the third group over to what looked like a pile of old vehicles that had been flung into a heap.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Jack began, realising he was a bit out of his depth. ¡°Could we siphon fuel from these or something? I don¡¯t actually know how these work.¡±


    ¡°Heh, power cores usually get removed long before they end up here.¡± Bentom grinned. ¡°But your instincts are right. Even if you can¡¯t get an engine out of one of these, there should be some parts we can use.¡±


    ¡°Awesome, would you be able to show me?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Sure!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s alright Jack, these are pretty good!¡± Nika told him when they got back and began packing up the Squa¡¯Kaars dimensional basket.


    ¡°Yeah but I have no idea how any of this alien tech stuff works.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Even on Earth my only experience with handiwork comes from YouTube videos or when I tried to help my dad or my older brothers around the house.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, you¡¯ll learn this stuff over time.¡± The Kizun shrugged. ¡°And I wasn¡¯t kidding, the vehicle parts can be fixed up to be a generator or something. We might even be able to fix or rebuild the shuttle¡¯s engine to work better, though that would mean we wouldn¡¯t be able to use it as our secondary power source for the district while we work on it.¡±


    ¡°Well if you¡¯re sure.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Sephy said that although most of the stuff would be fine going through a fabricator, we¡¯re missing some key things she would prefer we were able to find.¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Not the end of the world though.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Rayle chirped up from where they and Tarli were carrying an engine block to then place in the small pile they had started making by the lip of the dimensional space. ¡°I can bring up water from the ground, and if Zayle uses their water spirit to follow the pipes then we can siphon what we need without having to pay the utility company! Also, Jack?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Rayle?¡±


    ¡°I saw some cargo containers that haven¡¯t been opened, and there¡¯s a plant inside that¡¯s telling me there¡¯s glowing things in there!¡± the druid told him excitedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what?¡± Jack asked, confused. ¡°A random plant just¡­told you this? That something you can actually do or are you just messing with me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not! It told me that there is a low light emitting from a few glass boxes and that¡¯s how it has been able to survive!¡±


    ¡°Sounds like something!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll get the others!


    They all got back together and followed the excitable Rayle to where they were pointing, making their way over to what looked like a few old shipping containers. ¡°The plant is in this one! Can we bring it back?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see Rayle.¡± Alora patiently nodded while the others gave each other serious ¡®WTF¡¯ looks.


    I cannot open these, they are rusted shut. Chiyo shrugged.


    ¡°Shame we didn¡¯t bring the crowbar with us.¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect to be popping anything like this¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack groaned, as he pulled the axe from his back. ¡°I¡¯m guessing shooting this thing will risk damaging whatever¡¯s inside?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so.¡± Alora agreed.


    If you can destroy the latches and hinges in the corners I believe I may be able to start prying it open, Chiyo told him after thinking for a moment. This isn¡¯t vacuum sealed, so we should be able to open it.


    ¡°Alright then, I guess I¡¯m up,¡± Jack muttered as he steeled himself before slamming his axe into each of the hinges, grinning as the Hoduth-forged material easily left deep gouges in the metal. He was glad it was magically honed to stay sharp and durable.


    As Chiyo finally managed to start edging the doors open, he and Nika quickly got a handhold and yanked on the doors as hard as they could, muscles straining with the effort as the doors finally creaked open, revealing a trove of untouched electronic equipment that was overgrown with some kind of ivy, and several glowing green rocks stacked on shelves, or scattered on the floor.


    ¡°This shit better not be radioactive.¡± Were the first words Jack could think to say.

 Chapter 76: Homestead Planning

    It turned out that the rocks were not, in fact, radioactive.


    As far as they knew.


    Powerstones, alternatively called Mana Batteries, were magical in nature, and though they were not commonly used they could be adapted as a decent power source with the right equipment.


    Which they didn¡¯t have.


    ¡°Even with the tech we found in the container, most of it is unusable.¡± Nika sighed as the household sat down that evening to plan their next move. ¡°I can fix something together from one of them, but it won¡¯t be that efficient. Enough to keep the lights on and maybe charge a few commlinks.¡±


    ¡°They had all these¡­Powerstones, but nothing to actually use them with?¡± Jack asked in disbelief.


    ¡°I know, right?¡± Nika chuckled. ¡°Lots of spare parts though, I¡¯m guessing it was a maintenance container that slipped through the net of whatever Megacorp originally owned it.¡±


    ¡°Hey, either way it was a good find,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°And we¡¯re still in a better spot than we were before.¡±


    That¡¯s true, we had set low expectations for this trip, Chiyo conceded. However, the fact remains that though we have enough money to remain mostly stable, more will allow us to become more self-sufficient and better able to support our new charges.


    Alora nodded her head in agreement. ¡°Though the Klown attack was tragic, the chaos is a fertile ground for all kinds of jobs...¡±


    ¡°And Runs,¡± Sephy added.


    ¡°And bounties.¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alora agreed with a sigh, clearly not appreciating the interruption. ¡°But unless it¡¯s worth our while, we should stick with something simple. We¡¯ve earned some downtime, and I want to keep it that way.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose taking up a part-time job at a shop is an option?¡± Jack asked with a raised eyebrow as he brought over a tray of teapots and mugs.


    ¡°Bentom and I do that, but I wouldn¡¯t recommend it even if you could find a position,¡± Karzen cautioned with a chuckle. ¡°It pays like ass, especially if you¡¯re just a student.¡±


    ¡°Why do you do it then?¡± Jack asked, curiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s much safer and we get a workout doing it.¡± Bentom grinned. ¡°We don¡¯t actually do much work, but it keeps dad and the grandparents happy and reasonably worry-free.¡±


    ¡°Have had to fend off shoplifters though,¡± Karzen pointed out. ¡°But the store has a policy that whoever stops them gets all their shit. That actually ends up paying more.¡±


    ¡°It is very difficult to get a steady, part-time job as a student even if we were to try,¡± Alora told Jack with a sad smile. ¡°That¡¯s why the most many students have to hope for is feeding into one of the Megacorporations that sponsor the school.¡±


    ¡°If you would allow me to conduct an interview with you and your group based on what you¡¯ve been up to, you would be entitled to a portion of the profits,¡± Vanya spoke up nervously. ¡°It¡¯s how I make a living.¡±


    ¡°Would you be up for that, Vanya?¡± Alora asked. ¡°We don¡¯t know if Svaarti¡­¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Vanya finished with a sad smile and a nod. ¡°I know she¡¯ll be alright, but if I can be honest with you¡­I need to do this. I need to try and pull myself back together and get things back to normal, and I¡¯ve wanted to get the scoop on you since you got here, Jack, and the stuff you¡¯ve been up to since is definitely noteworthy and people are gonna want to hear about it.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­sure?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Do you want to do it now, or?¡±


    ¡°No. Some time for all of us to prepare would be good before we do this.¡± Vanya nodded with a relieved, but nervous smile. ¡°I haven¡¯t even gotten my stuff from my apartment yet. And it¡¯s not just you I want to interview, all of you as a group should sit down with me and we can all do it together. There¡¯s no rush since I have some material scheduled up, but maybe if you¡¯re given a public platform you can use it to help you out with whatever personal stuff you¡¯re trying to fix?¡±


    Jack made a start at that. He had been pretty tight-lipped about his mission to return home and was about to say something before Vanya raised a hand to stop him.


    ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t know what the specifics are, but I kinda deduced that to be the reason. I am a journalist, after all, but if I can do something to help you I will. You saved my life. Just say the word and I can start inviting my audience to submit their questions and info for you!¡±


    ¡°Very well, Vanya.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Let us know when you¡¯re ready and have questions for us.¡±


    ¡°Our GrainCoin is able to grow in the garden,¡± Rayle added, thinking. ¡°Though mages will pay for that now if you need the funds, it is better to grow and use the seeds for more plants. Do you have a Cryptocurrency mining setup?¡±


    ¡°We actually don¡¯t,¡± Sephy answered, perking up at the idea. ¡°We considered it too much of a drain on power and focused more on self-charging sentries and the odd droid. If we¡¯re able to go fully self-sufficient we could make a start?¡±


    ¡°Is your animal friend able to help with the power issue?¡± Obeda spoke up after some time just listening in, and being quiet. ¡°They seem to possess some kind of affinity with electricity.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I have no idea,¡± Jack unsurely replied as he looked at the ¡®dog¡¯ on the sofa that had promptly fallen asleep again the moment they returned. ¡°I think Dante did something to help during the attack that drained him pretty badly, so I don¡¯t want to risk it.¡±


    ¡°What kind of jobs do you wish to do? And can we help?¡± Zayle asked, with several others nodding their heads.


    ¡°Only in a supporting role if we do anything dangerous or risky,¡± Nika immediately answered. ¡°But honestly, I¡¯m game for anything that pays well and won¡¯t be too complicated. We¡¯ll need to keep an eye out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep going through the cyber data we have.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Finding a spot with loot to ¡®liberate¡¯ would solve so many problems for us. Great fun too!¡±


    I do wish we could find a forgotten tomb, ancient dungeon or a lost city one of these days, Chiyo lamented. They¡¯re definitely out there. I¡¯ve found references in old books and online that look promising, though it would require a lot of time and effort for no guarantee of a payoff. But imagine the forgotten history we could discover!


    ¡°Would we be the only people to potentially know of these places?¡± Jack asked after a moment of silence, when nobody replied to Chiyo. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then we can do the prep and then just go when the time is right.¡±


    ¡°We do get breaks from school every other month,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°I¡¯ve said before, Chiyo, we can turn one of your leads into a holiday - it¡¯s just getting the opportunity that¡¯s the only problem.¡±


    I know, and I understand, it¡¯s just one of those things I¡¯ve always wanted to do. The Ilithii shrugged before turning to Jack to explain. Usually something comes up around that time that scuttles those plans and we go on a Run to pay the bills for the next month or two. Hopefully, if we eliminate the need to pay the bills, that can be a step closer to that goal.


    ¡°Well honestly, exploring somewhere historical sounds much more appealing than going through an abandoned metro network or visiting a district with batshit crazy cultists.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Maybe I can help you with the research when we get the time?¡±


    ¡°Something I can do is make a public page for our group that people can use to contact us specifically, though I¡¯ll need your help for that, Sephy,¡± Nika offered. ¡°Usually we contact clients through a third party for Runs and stuff, but after the Pallid Pit and the Klown attack, there¡¯s gonna be people who will want to seek us out.¡±


    ¡°Make sure you can screen anyone that contacts us.¡± Alora cautioned. ¡°We¡¯ve had clients try to double-cross us before.¡±


    ¡°In the meantime, we can take a look at the bounties,¡± Sephy added. ¡°I know you¡¯re not a fan of wetwork, Alora, but there are ones that request that the target be taken alive.¡±


    ¡°I am not against killing targets that truly deserve it,¡± Alora corrected the Skritta. ¡°The gratitude we received for killing the Skinsaw Slashers is not something I¡¯m ever going to forget. But someone that wants their neighbour dead for making a bit of noise when they leave for work early in the morning? Hell no!¡±


    ¡°Capture-bounties have fewer competitors chasing them, and some of them can pay more, though not all,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Though we don¡¯t go for ones that might involve slavery or other shady shit.¡±


    Usually it¡¯s shoplifters or vandals that have those types of bounties, and they¡¯re not exactly violent, Chiyo told Jack. Simple to chase, but finding them is usually the hard part. Sephy usually slices into the local camera network or we set up a sting. Once we catch them, the client identifies them and usually makes them work the debt off.


    ¡°Yeah, we can go for something better than that.¡± Sephy grinned, looking to Alora with a teasing smirk. ¡°Whipping Tom was apparently active again over the weekend.¡±


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Alora groaned.


    Perhaps a different target, Sephy? Chiyo asked, unamused with the suggestion.


    ¡°Fine, we can always go for the Pooping Bandit?¡± Sephy shrugged with a wide smile as everyone apart from Jack recoiled at that suggestion.


    ¡°NO!¡± they all yelled as Sephy chucked to herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you have some context for that?¡± Jack asked with an amused smile.


    ¡°On that note, I¡¯m going to get an early night.¡± Zayle quickly got up as the others began laughing, with several of the newcomers joining them.


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯d better get our bedding sorted out.¡± Bentom grinned. ¡°Thanks for having us guys, if we find something we can just send it to any one of you, yeah?¡±


    ¡°Yup!¡± Nika grinned, waving the newcomers and the Squa¡¯Kaar goodnight. A few minutes later, Vanya made her excuses and departed for the night too.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say that both of those two bounties, though infamous and worth a lot of credits, aren¡¯t the types we¡¯re comfortable chasing,¡± Alora diplomatically told Jack.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll tell you about them later!¡± Sephy grinned, before shrugging to the rest of the inner circle. ¡°No other decent bounties from what I can immediately see. I¡¯ll run a wider search program overnight and see what we get in the morning.¡±


    Good idea, Chiyo opined.


    ¡°Jack, did you want to tell us about what you and Mr Sparrel were talking about earlier?¡± Alora asked, prompting Jack to nod and pull out his commlink.


    ¡°Yeah, Mr Sparrel told me he had a friend that might be able to help,¡± Jack began, pouring himself a fresh cup of tea. ¡°One of his Starseeker colleagues is apparently some kind of detective that might¡­¡±


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Sephy exclaimed, as she quickly downloaded and checked the data from Jack¡¯s commlink while he had been talking. She quickly looked to the others to explain ¡°He¡¯s talking about Sable Krynn! She wants to meet Jack!¡±


    ¡°Woah!¡± Alora gasped. ¡°That¡­is not what I expected.¡±


    ¡°I take it you know her?¡± Jack asked his friends with a raised eyebrow.


    We don¡¯t know her, but we know of her, Chiyo clarified. She¡¯s a famous Starseeker hero! One of the best private detectives on the Ring!


    ¡°Yeah, she busted a child prostitution ring two months ago! And did a bunch of other cool shit before that!¡± Nika added. ¡°She¡¯s legit.¡±


    If she wishes to meet Jack, it will be because she has something she thinks we want or can use, Chiyo pondered. However, she will not part with this service for free. Money is something she has plenty of, so I think she will ask for information in return, or a service we can provide ourselves.


    ¡°Mr Sparrel told me that there¡¯s no rush,¡± Jack added. ¡°So I¡¯m guessing that we should probably be as prepared as we can be.¡±


    ¡°So we save that for when we¡¯ve recovered both physically and mentally, and we get some more cash flow.¡± Alora nodded.


    ¡°And I get my shield and flamethrower from Clan Bharzum once they¡¯ve fixed it.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Shame I didn¡¯t have those at my old school!¡±


    *****


    I see Mr Sparrel gave you some more reading material! Chiyo smiled as she scooted up next to Jack on the sofa. The others had gone to sleep, but Jack wasn¡¯t tired and had taken the opportunity to start looking at what the history teacher had given him.


    ¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s a little difficult to understand,¡± Jack admitted with an embarrassed shrug. ¡°There¡¯s references to ¡®Devas¡¯, ¡®Jannis¡¯, ¡®Azatas¡¯ and a bunch of other things I¡¯m not familiar with.¡±


    Even I am not familiar with those terms, Chiyo admitted as she adjusted her glasses in thought as she peered over to look for herself.


    ¡°I think Mr Sparrel knew that, he¡¯s added annotations for what I think might be library references.¡± Jack indicated at the page margins. ¡°I¡¯m guessing because he doesn¡¯t know everything about the nature of my arrival he wants me to connect the dots myself.¡±


    Some of these may not be at the school library, Chiyo pointed out. The Etheria Grand Library is where I was going to suggest for our date you still owe me!


    ¡°Hah, I haven¡¯t forgotten!¡± Jack smiled, allowing Chiyo to guide his arm around her while he gave her some raised eyebrows. ¡°But a library as a date idea? You sure?¡±


    Chiyo rolled her eyes. It¡¯s not just a place that deals in texts! It¡¯s massive! It¡¯s several districts controlled by the Curators that also has a vast museum and menagerie! You could spend weeks or months on end within their walls!


    ¡°I¡¯ll take your word for it!¡± Jack chuckled, seeing how passionate Chiyo was about the place. ¡°And if it¡¯s that gigantic, then there¡¯s a good chance it has the answers somewhere inside.¡±


    Assuming we can find them. Chiyo smiled. Even if we narrow it down, it may be like finding a sugar cube in a snowstorm.


    ¡°You guys have weird expressions.¡± Jack grinned, before he decided to change the topic. ¡°By the way, I was meaning to ask - what was up with the Orb you picked up in the Pallid Pit? That cane Clan Ashtail gave you looked interesting as well, but I have no idea what they do.¡±


    I apologise for the way I reacted when I saw the orb, Chiyo began. However, it was potentially dangerous for you if you were to handle it incorrectly.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Jack asked with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Sounds fun, whatever it is!¡±


    Chiyo rolled her eyes. When astral forces collide and react, either naturally or unnaturally, they can create an Essence of whatever Plane the reaction occurred on, though it usually dissipates back into its natural environment over time, not unlike the Water Cycle in Geography. However, travel between Planes can naturally occur, though it is very rare. When it does occur, however, the essence remains in its natural state until it returns to its Home Plane. This particular Essence is from the Elemental Plane of Water, and I¡¯ve been meditating with it to enhance my own natural powers.


    ¡°So that¡¯s what happened when we ambushed the Laird¡¯s Militia,¡± Jack reasoned.


    Yes. I unleashed a volley of kinetic blasts, pulling the water from the swamp for a heavier strike, but I hope to be able to use it in other ways.


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty cool, could anyone else use it?¡±


    The Squa¡¯Kaar, possibly, but they already draw on elemental power in a different way to me. Everyone else is incompatible, though I guess Nika might try and turn it into a bomb.


    ¡°What about the stick?¡±


    It¡¯s a cane, not a stick! Chiyo playfully poked Jack in the side while shaking her head. It is a Focus that will allow me to convert some of my power into casting select spells I would not normally be able to cast, though I would need to expend more energy than a mage normally would.


    ¡°Sounds useful! What spells?¡±


    I don¡¯t know all of them yet, but these are usually built for utility and versatility. I believe this one was created with long-distance travel and exploration in mind, since one of the spells relieves itching and chafing, and another will allow me to create a bubble of breathable air.


    ¡°Well let¡¯s hope we never need to use that particular one.¡± Jack shuddered, imagining the possibilities. ¡°In the meantime, I just have a shield and a flamethrower, and it isn¡¯t even with me right now!¡±


    What about the Ring of Lesser Restoration you and Sephy picked up?


    ¡°We haven¡¯t decided who keeps it yet.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Both of us could use it, but it¡¯s not a game changer, know what I mean?¡±


    I understand, though with it having 3 charges per day, I don¡¯t think it will matter. Chiyo smiled. Your haul unfortunately wasn¡¯t the best.


    ¡°Yeah, Sephy told me.¡± Jack nodded, shaking out the last of the tea in the pot to half-fill both of their mugs. ¡°Haul was still alright, but not as good as she hoped. At least we were able to fully arm our new housemates with the weapons, though she thinks she can find other lockups and goodies in the data she pulled from their server.¡±


    She likely will. Chiyo smiled. A pause lasted for a few moments. Jack, you are aware that the two of us are alone, right?


    ¡°You¡­have a good point!¡± Jack admitted, as he awkwardly put his other hand around Chiyo and brought her in close¡­


    *****


    ¡°Alright! Looks like the workers should be finished with the hot tub by the end of tonight!¡± Alora confirmed over breakfast the next day.


    ¡°Those workers are definitely going slow on purpose!¡± Sephy pointed out between mouthfuls of cereal.


    Most likely to extend their paychecks with their employer before they¡¯re either let go or furloughed, Chiyo reasoned. Can¡¯t say I blame them if they have families to feed.


    ¡°How long does this kind of upheaval normally last?¡± Jack asked as he sipped his tea.


    ¡°It can last a while,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°Things usually cool down over a few months or maybe a year or two after an incident like this as the city rebuilds and moves on, but that¡¯s assuming nothing else makes it worse. Either way, I¡¯m worried about the assholes that are gonna take advantage of the chaos. There¡¯s other nasty things out there that some would argue are worse than the Killer Klown.¡±


    ¡°Then perhaps we can find some jobs that will also allow us to help people,¡± Alora added. ¡°Did your scan get us anything interesting, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± the Skritta began. ¡°The problem is the scan picked up way too many jobs even with your fussy criteria! I need to filter the results some more, but I can do that while we¡¯re at school and hopefully have one we can hit tonight.¡±


    Though if the hot tub gets finished tonight¡­ Chiyo hinted.


    ¡°Fair point.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°There¡¯s no rush for a job today then. I guess we can start on the home improvements until the tub is done, but we better still have enough water to fill it though!¡±


    ¡°It should be okay!¡± Zayle spoke up from the other side of the room. ¡°My water spirit has started filling the barrels like you asked!¡±


    ¡°There should be enough groundwater to fill the barrels this morning without causing major damage to the garden, but I would recommend not doing that often!¡± Rayle cautioned. ¡°It would be better to collect rainwater when it falls, since much of it evaporates before it has a chance to be absorbed into the ground!¡±


    ¡°Yeah I know how to do that.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to use the online marketplaces you use, but surely some plastic sheeting, buckets, poles and stuff won¡¯t be too expensive?¡±


    ¡°I still need to show you how to use it,¡± Sephy answered, ¡°but buying those and having them delivered for when we get back won¡¯t be a problem. I¡¯ll go through it with you on the way to school.¡±


    Collecting rainwater should only be a temporary solution, Chiyo cautioned. If Zayle is able to use their water spirit to follow the flow we get, we may be able to find a method of syphoning more.


    ¡°Then I guess most of us have our tasks for the evening, since Sephy and I will be working on fixing up a Powerstone generator.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Anyone that doesn¡¯t have a job can help anyone that does. Only then do you get to try out the tub!¡±


    The group excitedly chattered amongst themselves as they made their way to school. Though Jack expected the online marketplaces to be similar to Amazon, he was a little surprised that there wasn¡¯t a single dominating webstore that sold everything, but rather there were several different ones that focused on various niche industries that tried to compete with one another. Several sites were even quite slow to access while others were down altogether, with Sephy explaining that hack attacks by rivals and high levels of traffic often caused that to happen. To Jack, it reminded him of when he and a friend of his had dared to browse the deep web back on earth, with many pages taking an age to load, and many others that just looked like scams.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a pain to find these places even if they¡¯re local,¡± Sephy added. ¡°People usually get them from word of mouth or from the public forums like I do.¡±


    ¡°So no search engines?¡± Jack asked, curiously.


    ¡°I know the concept you mean, but the competing networks across areas make it impossible unless the search engine is local, which you can get in the more densely populated areas where networks can come to an agreement. I can run scans through multiple networks, but that can take a while - usually people trade their lists on the various network forums as a simple solution, though information on rarer, more exclusive sites can set you back some credits.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of¡­¡± Jack lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. ¡°Anything good from the lockup data?¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°I¡¯m trying to narrow it down to something local we can use! It¡¯s insane where the school¡¯s ended up sending stuff! I found references to a set of coordinates that are hundreds of miles away, so I did a little check for what¡¯s there and nobody really knows!¡±


    ¡°Why would the school send stuff that far away?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Hell if I know!¡± Sephy shrugged, equally as bewildered. ¡°It probably made sense at the time or something, though from the looks of the accounting records they keep, the school has several financial and logistical programs that do a lot of this stuff automatically. I¡¯m trying to find a staging area they use for sending stuff far away from here, but I haven¡¯t had much luck yet. I know it¡¯s a bit tricky for someone from another realm to comprehend, but what I was able to get and backup was huge!¡±


    ¡°Kinda wish I could help.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°But I don¡¯t know the first thing about computer systems here apart from the one class we had with Nika and Vanya.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve adapted pretty well so far,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Hell, we¡¯ve already gone on two Runs with you and most of our friends think you¡¯re an outright hero for what you did when the Klowns attacked, so picking up a few new basic skills should be a cakewalk for you - especially when the rest of us are keen to teach you!¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Sephy, I hope so.¡± Jack smiled weakly as the group of students passed the district checkpoint and made their way to school.

 Chapter 77: DIY

    ¡°Um¡­hey Svaartal.¡±


    ¡°What is it now, Dextra?¡± the Nirah lazily asked without looking up. It had been a long second day of watching educational videos, and though Svaartal was easily able to absorb the knowledge, he had long since mostly tuned out the monotony of what was being discussed, instead pulling out one of the books he had borrowed from the House Mal¡¯Kars library. He knew many spells and was always seeking more, however, Svaartal had a current interest in the more obscure corners of arcane knowledge.


    And knowledge was power.


    ¡°What? I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± Dextra shrugged from next to him, looking up from where she was playing games on her cybernetics. ¡°What do you want?¡± she asked the speaker.


    Finally, Svaartal sat up politely as he saw the speaker. ¡°Good morning, Lady Bharzum.¡±


    Greta Bharzum gave a polite smile, though was shaking with nerves at Dextra¡¯s harsh greeting.


    ¡°Sorry to disturb you, but I never got the chance to thank you for saving me.¡± The Hoduth looked at him with a shy smile. ¡°Had it not been for you, I would have died or worse.¡±


    ¡°You are welcome, I hope your future parties are less eventful.¡± Svaartal simply nodded to the Hoduth, measuring his reply as he looked Greta in the eyes, trying not to appear rude or confrontational, and hoped that she would now go away and leave him alone.


    ¡°Is Svaarti going to get better?¡± Greta asked, as Dextra stared at her with raised eyebrows. ¡°We wish to hold a memorial service soon and were hoping that you could both join us?¡±


    ¡°Is that where you¡¯re gonna reward him for saving your ass?¡± Dextra asked disinterestedly, as she chucked a sweet into the air to try and catch it in her mouth, though Svaartal slapped it away before she could. Dextra snapped her head to the Nirah to try and say something, but thought better of it and shut up on seeing Svaartal¡¯s expression.


    ¡°I believe Svaarti will recover and get better, though I don¡¯t have a timeframe for her recovery,¡± Svaartal politely answered, turning back to Greta with a bemused expression. ¡°She is being provided the best care House Mal¡¯Kar can provide, and she will physically recover from the spell scarring in time. However, I have no way of knowing if or when she will wake up from her ordeal. The magic she performed that night was like nothing she had ever been able to do before, and I¡¯d be surprised if most groups of mages performing a ritual could replicate what she was able to do.¡±


    ¡°I hope she recovers, she was a hero that night, as were you.¡± Greta smiled shyly. ¡°We wish to pay our respects to all those that fought and fell in the battle, and honour all those that distinguished themselves. May I have your comm-code to inform you of the details when they are arranged?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­sure,¡± Svaartal cautiously replied, fully aware that there were bounty hunters out there targeting him. Making a motion in the air, his commlink pinged Greta¡¯s, and the details were exchanged.


    ¡°And¡­this is also for you,¡± Greta finished, handing Svaartal a sealed envelope before quickly moving away. ¡°Please open it later.¡±


    ¡°That had better be your reward money.¡± Dextra snorted in amusement as they were left alone once again.


    ¡°Probably,¡± Svaartal lied as he felt the contents, sensing no magical triggers for any curses or detection spells, nor any credits. He dismissed it and vowed to read whatever cringe Greta Bharzum had written later, ideally without the Drow finding out.


    ¡°Oh yeah, you found any recruits you want to bring into the fold yet?¡± Dextra casually asked as she threw another sweet into the air, this time successfully catching it in her mouth.


    ¡°No, aside from my sister there is nobody that would be suitable.¡± Svaartal sighed, recalling the instructions Izadora had given all members of her inner circle. Though she had formulated big plans for House Mal¡¯Kar to take advantage of the aftermath of the Killer Klown¡¯s attack, the Drow Matriarch had decided to play it cautious and find out what certain others would do first before she made her move.


    To that end, she had ordered them to headhunt some more talent and build up their forces.


    ¡°Really? None of your old Red Legion buddies want to follow in your footsteps?¡± Dextra asked in disbelief. ¡°I¡¯ve found some decent slicers willing to sign with us if we give them an apartment, a datenet connection and servants bringing them cooked meals.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll be an asset.¡± Svaartal nodded in approval. ¡°However, I had few associates within the Legion, and those that still live aren¡¯t the elite that Izadora wants. Indeed, once I joined your household I cut ties with them.¡±


    ¡°Meh, they can always serve in the ranks.¡± Dextra shrugged. ¡°We¡¯re basically just building up until Vaetrix is able to gather information and forge some deals, so we have time. Once she gets back to us, that¡¯s when we can let loose and have some fun¡­with something! Hope she hurries up so I can give my mech for a spin and kill some fuckos! Otherwise we¡¯ll be interviewing prospects for a while. I think Kravel is having some better luck on the recruitment, not sure what Soren is up to.¡±


    ¡°What do you think we¡¯ll end up doing when the time comes?¡±  Svaartal asked.


    ¡°Who knows?¡± Dextra grinned, as she chucked another sweet into the air. ¡°That¡¯s all part of the fun!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s yer hot tub finished!¡± The reptilian foreman grinned at Alora as his workers began packing up the equipment. ¡°I¡¯ve left the instruction booklet with yer Kizun friend on how to operate it, so it shouldn¡¯t be too hard for you to work.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your work, Mr Kratchit.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Here is your payment, which we¡¯ve rounded up for you!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Miss!¡± Kratchit grinned at the prospect of extra funds. ¡°We¡­um¡­If you have any more work you need done, my boys and I would be happy to get to work for you if you were interested¡­¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have anything immediate, I¡¯m afraid,¡± Alora gently responded with a sympathetic look, knowing that they needed the work. ¡°However, I do envision future projects once everything has stabilised.¡±


    ¡°Aye, you girls have a whole district to yourselves!¡± Kratchet responded with a pained smile, though Alora did not sense any hostility. ¡°Well, if there¡¯s anything me and the boys can do, anything at all!¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Alora smiled as she led them out of the gate.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, at least they have enough pay to supply their families until things calm down.¡± Nika patted the Eladrie on the back once they were alone again.


    ¡°Heh, maybe they can do us a swimming pool next!¡± Sephy grinned.


    We barely have enough water to remain stable as it is, Chiyo warned. And we have new residents staying with us too!


    It was true. Five more students had approached Alora during the day to ask for shelter, which the Eladrie accepted with open arms, immediately ordering the extra bedding and supplies needed. However, their plans to use the hot tub that evening had been scuppered when the kitchen tap started sputtering, only letting out a thin stream of water.


    ¡°Okay, so it¡¯s not a perfect hole¡­¡± Jack sighed as he tried to jimmy the end of a small piece of hose in at the top of one of the barrels, having used a knife and failing to do a perfect circle ¡°...but some of that expanding foam stuff should help. Basically, if we do that to all these barrels we ordered by attaching the hose at the top and linking to the next one, the first one will fill up from the bottom, then it¡¯ll fill the next one when it gets close to overfilling¡­unless I¡¯ve fucked it up somehow. I think it¡¯s pretty solid, but I guess we¡¯ll need to wait for rain to see if it works. I just need to fix the plastic sheeting to try and funnel it all in. Obeda, would you be able to use your powers to hold it down?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the feathered serpent replied simply as they floated up to the roof. Jack quickly clambered up the ladder and used some cable ties to attach the sheeting over the grotty-looking guttering, which he would bring up to Alora at some point once their temporary guests had moved on.


    ¡°Is there anything else I can do that¡¯s useful?¡± Jack asked Alora once he jumped down from the roof and entered the kitchen. She was cooking a large pot of soup for them all, being assisted by Vanya and a few of the newbies while Sephy and Nika had begun to work on a Powerstone Generator, and Chiyo and the Squa¡¯Kaar had gone to follow the pipe system that provided their water.


    ¡°Would you be able to split up the shopping for our new guests and check which rooms are habitable?¡± the Eladrie asked, sounding a little stressed.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Jack nodded, looking at the various parcels of shopping they had ordered that day. ¡°And hey¡­¡±


    Alora turned around.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got this.¡± Jack patted her arm reassuringly. ¡°It¡¯ll be hard, but we¡¯ll be alright.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Alora smiled after a few moments. ¡°Thank you, Jack.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll check those rooms!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Better check for any special needs first though.¡±


    *****


    So you believe that this¡­ranching associate of yours may have work for us? Chiyo asked Rayle, while Zayle communed with their Water Spirit who was determining the direction of the water flow.


    ¡°Yes, the Animal Sanctuary is always looking for volunteers to help with the animals or people to help with rescues!¡± Rayle nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Though the Greenwardens already support and help out on the ranch, there is always more that can be done!¡±


    We¡¯re not looking for voluntary work right now, Chiyo warned. Though I suspect that would be something Jack, Alora and Nika would love to try sometime, we need to earn an income right now.


    ¡°Well, sometimes Bhenn hires people to help him and his crew capture dangerous animals.¡± Rayle shrugged. ¡°And if he hears rumours about animals being mistreated he sends inquisitors to check it out, then mercenaries to rescue the animals and eliminate the captors.¡±


    That could be worth doing, although animals are not usually my thing, Chiyo admitted, as they watched Zayle peer at various different points in the district wall. You should let Alora know about this!


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    ¡°They don¡¯t hire mercenaries often,¡± Rayle cautioned. ¡°Most of the donations go towards the care of the animals already there, but I can ask Bhenn if he has any bigger jobs.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll probably want to meet you if that¡¯s the case,¡± Zayle spoke up after coming out of their trance and walking further along the wall as directed by their spirits. ¡°And if he likes you he might try and persuade you to adopt one of the animals!¡±


    Oh, deep joy¡­ Chiyo deadpanned as Zayle followed the pipe along, before their eyes dipped down towards the ground.


    ¡°It goes underground here,¡± Zayle pointed out. ¡°But my Water Spirit told me there are some blockages in the pipes. They¡¯re working on clearing them now, then I¡¯ll get it to explore and tell me where we can find the pipes again.¡±


    At least removing the blockages will do something. Chiyo shrugged. I don¡¯t think any kind of plumbing maintenance has been done in centuries!


    *****


    ¡°Hey, are there any longer wires than this one in the pile?¡± Nika asked Sephy as she began work on fitting the alternator that would convert the arcane energy of the Powerstone to electrical power they could use, to the voltage regulator that would ensure the energy would remain at a stable level. ¡°I can cut some up and attach them to be the right length, but that¡¯s asking for problems later. Not too long though, otherwise it can catch on something.¡±


    ¡°What about this one?¡± Sephy asked, holding a slightly longer wire after rummaging around in the small pile they had.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯ll do it!¡± Nika grinned, quickly grabbing the wire and carefully soldering it into place.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Sephy started, watching her friend work. ¡°Now that the squeamish ones aren¡¯t around, do you think we could try and get Whipping Tom? Jack and Dante would be perfect for getting him if we set up an ambush!¡±


    ¡°Heh, yeah, I think we could finally get that pervert!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°But Alora¡¯s already said there¡¯s no way she¡¯ll act as a decoy!¡±


    ¡°Do we really need a decoy? Couldn¡¯t we just hide on the rooftops with a few drones and rifles and wait for him to try and spank some rando on the buttocks before jumping down and shooting him in the balls?¡±


    ¡°We could, but that might take too long, assuming Whipping Tom can even be found.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°He¡¯s been reported all over the city, so I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if it was more than one asshole doing it at this point. Definitely better if we use a lure.¡±


    Nika then grinned mischievously. ¡°Besides, I think you might make a better decoy, judging by how often Jack likes to catch a glimpse of your ass when he thinks nobody is looking!¡±


    ¡°WHAT!?¡±


    *****


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Nya snarled in pain as she tried to assume the form of Devil¡¯s Daughter, relinquishing her control as the burning sensation returned.


    ¡°You push yourself too much!¡± Rena scolded her, not unsympathetically. ¡°You are still too weak to get back to work!¡±


    ¡°I have little choice!¡± Nya sighed. ¡°Commander Cocaine is making things worse by going after the wrong people and creating even more chaos! At this rate, another attack by the Killer Klown or someone else will finish Naganai for good!¡±


    ¡°I doubt your appearance alone will solve everything,¡± Rena noted. ¡°And if you reveal yourself before you are ready, you risk making things worse if you are seen to be vulnerable!¡±


    ¡°Damn¡­¡± Nya slumped into a heap on the floor after trying again. ¡°It just feels like everything we have worked for is beginning to crumble¡­¡±


    ¡°It is simply the chaos, which is to be expected,¡± Rena argued. ¡°Head Whisperer Ratai thinks that each of the greater powers are waiting for the others to make the first move before they enact their own schemes. We¡¯ve already noticed House Mal¡¯Kar sending out feelers for new recruits for what we assume is their inner circle. They are planning something, but after the attack on the Pallid Pit we do not yet understand what.¡±


    ¡°The Drow are hardly the greatest of powers in the city itself,¡± Nya added with a shrug. ¡°But they are certainly one of the most problematic factions when it comes to stirring trouble.¡±


    ¡°However, as of this moment, they are not our primary concern,¡± Grandmaster Ilvella spoke up from the door, causing both girls to turn around to look, seeing an anxious-looking Head Whisperer Ratai behind him.


    ¡°Master, what has happened?¡± Rena asked, worried.


    ¡°7 minutes ago, corporate forces on the GenoSys-Dynamix border opened fire on each other when both sides simultaneously received an order from an unknown source to attack the other,¡± the Head Whisperer told them with a frantic whisper. ¡°My informants don¡¯t know who gave the order and both MegaCorps think the other instigated it. A third party almost definitely instigated the fight, and though I have no evidence, I also have no doubt who was behind it¡­¡±


    ¡°Regardless¡­¡± Grandmaster Ilvella spoke grimly.


    ¡°The city is about to tear itself apart.¡±


    *****


    ¡°So we know that the pipes come up about¡­was it here?¡± Rayle pointed to a spot on the interactive city map, which Sephy was manipulating.


    It was there, and Zayle¡¯s Water Spirit informed them that the pipes passed through some larger areas with many pipes, perhaps a cistern? Chiyo added. Perhaps if we were able to find a way down there we could find our extra sources of water? If we were able to syphon more water from the Gloom Paths rather than on the surface, I don¡¯t think we would get any problems from utility companies finding out.


    ¡°Sephy, do you know of any ways down?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Hmmm, nothing nearby I don¡¯t think.¡± The Skritta shook her head apologetically. ¡°I do have a map of possible locations that I hear from Datanet chatter, but if there was a Gloom Paths entrance near us I¡¯d probably know from memory.¡±


    ¡°Zayle, could your Earth Spirit find where the entrances are¡­somehow?¡± Jack asked, slightly embarrassed that he didn¡¯t know enough about what his friends could actually do.


    ¡°Sorry Jack, but Earth Spirits can only move through natural rock and soil, not metal tunnels.¡± Zayle scratched their head awkwardly.


    ¡°Jack might be onto something though.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Could it be possible to magic a survey drone down there and map it out? Maybe there¡¯s treasure too!¡±


    ¡°Possibly,¡± Alora allowed, ¡°but it might be better to offer money for information on any entrances. After all, we need a reliable supply of water much more than we need credits.¡±


    ¡°Sure, I can send out some feelers.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°I can have a few aerial drones on standby during the day, and if we get any potential hits tomorrow, I can just send them in for some aerial shots to verify or we can check them out ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Good idea.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Now, the next thing we need to do is find a job or a bounty to-¡±


    She was suddenly interrupted as they were all suddenly plunged into darkness, as all the lights in the house went out and the interactive map turned off as the power completely went.


    Several screams could be heard all throughout the house, and Jack quickly scrambled to put on his shades to give him night vision.


    ¡°Is everyone alright?¡± Jack called out into the dark house, hoping the screams weren¡¯t anything more than a few girls getting startled and overreacting.


    Alora whispered a few words and summoned a warm light that danced above them. ¡°Chiyo?¡±


    I detect no intrusion, however several of our newer guests are unfamiliar with the house and don¡¯t know what is going on.


    ¡°Pretty sure we don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on either,¡± Sephy pointed out.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to them,¡± Jack volunteered.


    ¡°Same,¡± Nika added, reaching into a pocket and pulling out a microlight as Sephy got up to assist too. Even Dante hopped up to help, using the glowing marks on their body as a guiding beacon.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try and get everybody down here in one place so we can wait this out,¡± Alora suggested. ¡°We knew we were pushing it with the power anyway, so we can divide up some candles.¡±


    ¡°Uh, Alora?¡± Nika called to the Eladrie unsurely. ¡°I don¡¯t see any lights outside. Mind if I go to the wall to check it out?¡±


    I can go, it¡¯s less dangerous for me to levitate and see. You go find the others, Chiyo said.


    It didn¡¯t take too long for the group to find their new housemates and guide them to the living room, where Alora maintained the comfortable lights.


    I do not see lights for a considerable distance all around us, Chiyo warned. This blackout isn¡¯t just affecting us.


    ¡°Could it be another attack?¡± Jack asked, to some frightened whispers from the others.


    ¡°We can find out,¡± Sephy answered. ¡°My commlink still works, one sec.¡±


    The Skritta pressed some buttons on a device on her wrist, before shining a projection onto the far wall, turning up the volume.


    ¡°If you¡¯re just joining us, we have breaking news!¡± the newscaster frantically reported, as behind him there was a top-down view of sheer carnage. It was obvious to Jack that the reporter was in a helicopter or something that was circling the scene. ¡°Forces have engaged in an all-out brawl for territory all around the city! It¡¯s absolute mayhem! Please, if you are out there, stay in your homes and barricade yourselves in¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, it was only a matter of time,¡± Nika grimaced.


    ¡°Damn¡­¡± Vanya gasped in shock at seeing the firefights caught on camera. ¡°Glad I¡¯m staying with you guys¡­¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem to be anything happening near us right now,¡± Sephy confirmed after quickly checking the local online message boards.


    ¡°Do we need to set up some kind of watch or alarm?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°At least two people on the gate at all times until the conflict stops. We¡¯re more remote and we have security, but that might not stop anyone from trying to attack us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go,¡± Nika immediately volunteered. ¡°Jack, you cool coming with me?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Jack nodded, getting up. ¡°I¡¯ll just grab my stuff.¡±


    This will likely mean more people wanting sanctuary, Chiyo noted to Alora as Jack and Nika set about getting ready to take watch.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking.¡± Alora nodded with a smile. ¡°But I am not naive. It¡¯ll be a struggle, but we can do our part as long as we¡¯re smart.¡±


    I know we can, and we will be! Chiyo nodded. But even with our current ¡®population¡¯, it will be difficult. I would suggest we ration our food supplies and stock up from the school cafeteria as much as we can.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Sephy whispered after quickly checking something on her commlink, while being careful not to move her projection too much. ¡°There¡¯s chatter online about how Corvin Enterprises almost tripled their prices the moment the first fights started, how several distribution centres are current battlegrounds, and there are massive riots near competing stores as people are trying to loot what they can!¡±


    ¡°Who needs the Klowns when we are all too willing to destroy ourselves?¡± Alora sighed, closing her eyes with a pained expression.


    But before Chiyo could give her words of comfort, they were all suddenly broken out of their thoughts by a loud gasp coming from the broadcast.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Larrex, but we have to bring you back to the studio!¡± the news anchor interrupted in a panic. ¡°Armed troops have just entered the building and have threatened to kill everybody unless we give them air time! Please, don¡¯t hurt us! It¡¯s all yours! Just look into the camera there!¡±


    A large, tan-skinned, bare-chested figure stomped into view. As they grabbed the camera with a powerful, meaty fist and brought it to their stern face, Jack could see that it was an Ogar, with a beard that almost reminded him of Gerard Butler¡¯s Leonidas.


    Staring into the camera for several silent moments, as if broadcasting his sheet hatred, the Ogar finally spoke once the whimpers in the background quietened down.


    ¡°My King. It has been a long time.¡± He spoke in a calm, rumbling tone. ¡°I have remained in seclusion, and meditation. Thinking. Healing. Preparing. I have heard the cries for salvation, and so I return.¡±


    The camera spun around to take in everybody around the studio. Several armed soldiers in strange medieval-like body armour had secured the hostages.


    ¡°I come back to a sick, broken land!¡± the Ogar suddenly roared angrily. ¡°You sinners DARE to stand in the way of me and my hot wife, and I shall crush you for your defiance!¡±


    He took a deep breath and calmed himself.


    ¡°My King has sent me to purge the foulness from this city. The Devils, The Masters, The Serpents, and The Outsiders too! And I shall redeem them all!¡±


    ¡°And as for the one that calls himself ¡®The Killer Klown¡¯. I know you are watching. Your attempt to murder me has failed! I shall smash your cult to pieces, and drag you screaming from the shadows into the light of my righteous fury! Your reign of sin is ogre!¡±


    The Ogar stopped, and stared into the camera with angry, piercing eyes.


    ¡°This is the word of The Redeemer.¡±

 Chapter 78: Job Market

    ¡°So, why do you believe yourself a worthy candidate for House Mal¡¯Kar?¡± Svaartal asked, very unamusedly, as he stared at the unusual applicant sitting on the opposite end of the table from him. Since no suitable members of the Mal¡¯Kar family wanted to interview whatever new recruits the ranks thought distinguished themselves, it had fallen to him.


    ¡°Broooooooo¡­.¡± the Dresqox began, adjusting his poorly attached fake grey beard. ¡°I think¡­like¡­I¡¯d be a good candidate for getting ¡®mailed a car¡¯ to my house because I fought Klowns and stuff, and I know where all the really lit parties are¡­.¡± The green-skinned being looked very proud of himself as he stared ahead at Svaartal with bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Svaartal sighed, deciding to pretend that the answer made sense and looked to the next question on the list he was given. ¡°So now, I want you to give me an example of a time where you displayed your superiority above others.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­.sure bro!¡± the small being answered as he awkwardly adjusted himself on his oversized chair. Both the two drow guards assigned to Svaartal twitched nervously at the movement, but the Dresqox didn¡¯t reach for either of the two katanas strapped to his back. ¡°Once I smoked this really fat blunt, but it was like a cross-shaped one that had two more kinda poked in the middle, and nobody else in the club had the balls to try it. I did, and it was good shit bro!¡±


    ¡°Killer Kush, I know it¡¯s you. That fake beard is ridiculous.¡± Svaartal sighed again, though carefully and stealthily pointed his wand under the table. ¡°Coming after my bounty was foolish of you.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­bro? You have a bounty on you? Awesome!¡±


    The door to the interview room opened and Kravel stuck his head through. ¡°Izadora demands your presence in the conference room immediately.¡±


    ¡°Woah! Congrats, bro!¡± Killer Kush grinned, as Svaartal stood up.


    ¡°Thank you for your application Mr Kush.¡± The Nirah tried to reply as professionally as he could, though not really understanding himself why he even bothered. ¡°However, I do not think you are the right fit for us. I wish you luck in your future endeavours. Escort him out,¡± he told the guards as he followed after Kravel.


    Walking in, Svaartal noted that Izadora was not there and assumed that she was just being fashionably late.


    However, somebody else was very openly sat in her seat.


    He had met Vaetrix, the eldest sister of the ruling line of the local branch of House Mal¡¯Kar, only once before when he was given a tour of the facility, and from what he understood she came and went as she pleased, often leaving for weeks or months at a time on unknown business. Despite this, Izadora was officially the one placed in charge of House Mal¡¯Kar on the Ring by the ruling High Matrons despite being a younger sister.


    Svaartal knew there was a story there, but there was no way in hell he was going to open those festering wounds any time soon¡­


    Other members of the Mal¡¯Kar family who were not normally present had made an appearance as well. Rizzir was younger than his cousins Soren and Kravel, and he served as the Keeper of the Geneforges, where new Drow were cloned and implanted with memories to ensure their compliance. It had not been unheard of for disobedient slaves to be swiftly processed into pure biomass to facilitate their growth under his observation. His sister Haldra was a stern priestess of Kyotl, the Drow Goddess of Obedience, who oversaw the organisation of slaves and other chattels as the Mistress of Bondage, while another Mal¡¯Kar, Istrovir, served as the Aurator - what seemed to Svaartal was little more than a propaganda or press secretary. Others were present as well, mostly more Drow, though there were those of other species, either already members of the Council recruited before he was or one or two new faces that the leading Mal¡¯Kars had recruited directly.


    Izadora entered the chamber without fanfare, but when she saw the smug-looking Vaetrix sitting in her seat she snarled in rage as she marched to the far end of the table.


    ¡®This won¡¯t end well.¡¯ Svaartal thought to himself with a barely perceptible sigh.


    ¡®Shall I teleport to your side, master?¡¯


    He had forgotten for a moment that Carrow could hear his thoughts.


    ¡®No, I wish for you to remain with my sister for now,¡¯ Svaartal silently communicated back. ¡®I can defend myself and escape if need be, she cannot.¡¯


    ¡®By your command, master.¡¯


    ¡®....How is she?¡¯


    ¡®Her physical condition improves rapidly, however, the manascarring on her spirit remains. I could not tell you when she may recover¡­¡¯


    ¡°Now this should be entertaining¡­¡± Soren purred from next to Svaartal, interrupting the Nirah¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°You sit in my seat, sister,¡± Izadora snarled.


    Vaetrix showed no sign of being scared by her younger sister in the slightest, looking to Izadora with a mocking smile, gazing upon the Drow Matriarch with piercing red eyes. Though Svaartal knew Izadora was in command, Vaetrix looked every part the superior of the two, garbed in a set of intricately woven spiked obsidian plate armour that clung to her body like a second skin.


    ¡°Am I?¡± Vaetrix exclaimed in mock shock. ¡°Oh, my apologies, Iza, it has been such a while since I was last here. I can be quite forgetful at times.¡±


    As Vaetrix got up from her seat to immediately take the one right next to it directly opposite Ull, Svaartal saw Izadora¡¯s teeth grind as she took her place at the head of the table.


    ¡°I hope you¡¯ve picked your side well,¡± Soren casually whispered to Svaartal, as Izadora began laying out some papers.


    ¡°I pledged my loyalty to House Mal¡¯Kar, and I intend to keep my oath,¡± Svaartal replied diplomatically after carefully thinking of a good answer. ¡°Inter-family disputes are not within my purview, though I shall always be grateful to Izadora for recruiting me.¡±


    ¡°A wise answer,¡± Soren chuckled, before Izadora called for quiet and the meeting began.


    *****


    ¡°I really hope this guy can pay us.¡± Nika sighed as the large group of students made their way past yet another militia checkpoint to get to the outskirts of the city.


    I feel it is our best and most reliable option for now until we are able to secure better work. Chiyo argued. Though I am loathe to the idea of working with animals, I cannot argue with Sephy¡¯s point that we may be able to accept animal products as pay. Dairy products especially, since the price of food has shot through the roof.


    ¡°At least we were able to smuggle some food back from the cafeteria.¡± Jack added. ¡°But I can only imagine how much worse it is for other people who don¡¯t have access to that.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re in a better spot than most,¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°But things are only gonna get worse before they get better now that the MegaCorps and powers are making plays.¡±


    Since the various skirmishes had begun, they had picked up 17 more students who accepted Alora¡¯s offer of sanctuary until they could get back on their feet. Though the house was big, they were almost out of rooms, and that was even with several of the students sharing chambers due to being in various kinds of relationships.


    Alora had ordered a few tents just in case they needed to accommodate more in a hurry¡­.


    ¡°This was a good idea, Rayle,¡± Alora told the Squa¡¯Kaar. ¡°Hopefully your rancher friend has some jobs suitable for everybody. Many of our new housemates aren¡¯t combat capable but still want to do what they can!¡±


    ¡°He usually does!¡± Rayle pointed out. ¡°Bhenn is always saying how he needs the help, and though the Greenwardens support his efforts, they can¡¯t always spare the resources!¡±


    ¡°Speaking of the guy, where the hell is he?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told him we¡¯re on the way,¡± Rayle told her nervously. ¡°He just sent a text back telling us to head over to the main house where some of the Greenwardens are, then to help ourselves to some beer from the outside fridge and just wait for him. He¡¯s apparently collecting a few eggs from some of the Spikebeaks.¡±


    Well, that¡¯s a dairy product we can barter for, at least, Chiyo reasoned.


    ¡°Gonna stink up the house though!¡± Sephy pointed out.


    ¡°If they¡¯re anything like the eggs where I¡¯m from, it¡¯s good protein!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°I could always do with more of that!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you push yourself too hard, Jack,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°Are you getting enough sleep? I swear you¡¯re one of the last to go to bed and one of the first to get up!¡±


    ¡°You should have seen what I was like on Earth!¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Teenagers like me had to be practically kicked out of bed to go to school!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see anything wrong with that!¡± Sephy grinned, as they made their way to the cluster of houses with their new housemates following close behind, talking amongst themselves.


    ¡°You the group offering to help?¡± a nearby Greenwarden asked, walking up to intercept them as they strode up to the largest building. ¡°Good, we¡¯ve got some new rescues that need to be integrated and we¡¯ve barely got any wardens to spare¡­¡±


    ¡°Greetings! Yes, we are!¡± Alora smiled as she walked ahead of the others to make introductions and do the necessary talking.


    ¡°Maybe this will be worth it after all¡­¡± Nika turned to the others with a sigh. ¡°I still think going after a bounty is our best bet. Any hits on your job board, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Nah, haven¡¯t had any DMs yet.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Maybe I can try and put a few feelers out with some of the people we know?¡±


    It can¡¯t hurt. Chiyo nodded. Though I doubt there is much appetite for jobs right now when people just want to ensure their survival.


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    ¡°At least here everybody can contribute, rather than just us,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°If it¡¯s safe work everyone in the house can do, that will hopefully keep us afloat through whatever the hell is going on right now.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t last forever, but I never said I wouldn¡¯t take it!¡± Nika smiled, as whatever conversation Alora had with the Greenwarden ended and they were led to a garage which had several sofas and fridges, where they were invited to help themselves to a cold beer each while they waited for the head rancher, observing a small pack of large ant-like beings burrow and surface inside a penned-in blanket of straw.


    Eventually, the rancher they had been told about came to greet them. By then the little creatures in the pen had been thoroughly tired out by greeting the curious visitors, though Rayle, being the resident animal and nature expert, had said it was okay.


    ¡°Good evening everybawdie!¡± the cheerful rancher greeted the group. They were an insectoid being with a wide grin and four bright eyes, four stout legs with a large abdomen in the middle just a few inches off the ground and two arms, one of which was being chewed on by a large bird that aggressively bit and chewed on the chitin, though whether or not they had natural armour that resisted the aggression or the rancher just tolerated the pain was unknown to Jack. ¡°Pleased to meet y¡¯all, I¡¯m Uncle Bhenn, and I appreciate you helping us tonight!¡±


    ¡°Please to meet you too, Bhenn!¡± Alora smiled as she spoke up, though her expression hardened slightly on seeing the attack-bird. ¡°Are you hurt? I can heal you if you want?¡±


    ¡°Ohhh, this spicy fella is just wanting to hug me!¡± The rancher grinned, pulling his arm away and taking a look. ¡°Oooh, that¡¯s gonna be a bleeder!¡±


    ¡°So, we¡¯re all willing and able to help you out¡­¡± Alora began, giving a very serious look to the rest of the group. ¡°I believe Rayle sent you a message earlier¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve got a ton of eggs and stuff for you!¡± Bhenn grinned. ¡°There¡¯s a bunch of stuff you can help with! Let¡¯s see¡­¡±


    The Greenwardens had been quick to remind Bhenn of the various tasks that needed to be done, and they had quickly been paired off. Sephy had been recruited to audit their cybersecurity and make improvements to the webpage to try and make it easier for followers to make donations and purchase some t-shirts, being assisted by one or two of their new housemates who had some experience with technology.


    Chiyo had been relieved when she was asked to help out with the ranch accounts and inventory, a task which she took to with gusto, while the rest had been separated into several groups to go to different parts of the ranch to distribute animal feed, perform maintenance for the various pens and otherwise assist the Greenwardens on duty.


    ¡°So what exactly is an ¡®Akashta¡¯?¡± Jack asked nobody in particular, as he, Nika, Alora and a few others rode in the back of a rickety trailer attached to a rugged-looking ATV, passing through a narrow gate between the districts they were travelling through.


    ¡°Have a look up front and you¡¯ll see them!¡± the Greenwarden driving them called back, and Jack did as directed, seeing a herd of hairless blue quadrupedal creatures the size of tigers, with several tentacles protruding from behind their heads. As several turned around to follow the noise that was approaching them, Jack could see several pairs of yellow glowing eyes, and powerful maws snapping in the air.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing they¡¯re hungry¡­¡± Jack gulped.


    ¡°Yup, got a few feeding troughs along the fences, but I¡¯d keep my distance if I were you until they move,¡± the Greenwarden told them. ¡°They tend to eat tough bark and vegetation, but they¡¯ll defend their territory if they think you¡¯re a threat! We¡¯re waiting on good confirmation for a suitable place in the wild to transport them to, so in the meantime you can throw a few logs over the fence for them, I heard you¡¯re pretty good for that!¡±


    ¡°Yeah I can yeet them over, no problem.¡± Jack nodded.


    ¡°Maybe while you do that, we can fill up the troughs with the mix we brought?¡± Alora asked, and the Greenwarden nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded as the trailer stopped about a hundred metres before the gate. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll get off here and try to keep them distracted with the logs.¡±


    As he disembarked, he pulled a pallet of logs behind him with a grunt, assisted by another greenwarden, while several of the curious herd of Akashta stepped forward. Despite knowing the danger, Jack still cautiously stuck his hand through the fence, ready to pull it back at a moment¡¯s notice, to allow the animals to have a sniff and get used to him. As a single, brave member of the herd approached, he was able to gently stroke the soft, warm flesh of the creature¡¯s muzzle, who after some hesitation, leaned into it, accepting the contact.


    ¡°Woah!¡± the Greenwarden exclaimed as Jack gently stoked one of the tentacles of the creature¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anyone be able to do that!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m being careful!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°But these guys aren¡¯t aggressive, and I¡¯m not gonna give them a reason to get pissed off with me. Who¡¯s a good boy?¡±


    The creature gave a low growl of contentment, as the Greenwarden slowly handed Jack a log, with the rest of the pack cautiously approaching the human. Out of the corner of his eye, Jack could see the others quickly filling the troughs with Dante standing guard, though none of the Akashtas seemed interested in going there.


    ¡°There you go!¡± Jack gently told the first creature as he took the log and placed it at the beast¡¯s feet, trying his best not to do a double-take as a blue maw effortlessly took a chunk out of the hard, thick wood.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there¡¯s more for the rest of you!¡± Jack soothed to the rest of them as he stroked the chins of two more that were poking him with their noses, quickly placing some more logs at their feet. He kept this up as he gave others in the herd some fuss before giving them their own logs to chew on, not even noticing that the others had already finished filling up the troughs and had come back to see what he was doing.


    ¡°Last one!¡± Jack smiled as he laid another log in the middle of the others that had come back for more. ¡°Eat up and enjoy!¡±


    He slowly backed away from the fence and turned around to see his friends staring at him in shocked amazement.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked curiously,


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Akashtas get that close and familiar without attacking before!¡± the Greenwarden driver announced as she disembarked and gave a knowing look to her colleague who had stayed with Jack. ¡°How did you manage that?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Jack began. ¡°I just copied what I¡¯ve seen people from my world do when getting close to dangerous animals for documentaries and stuff. Just being respectful of the animal at all times and trying to see things from their perspective.¡±


    ¡°A simplistic explanation.¡± The Greenwarden that had accompanied him shrugged. ¡°But it¡¯s essentially what he did. Did it without any Druidic powers either, too!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not a druid or whatever.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about that kind of stuff¡­¡±


    ¡°Well regardless, it was very impressive! You¡¯re good with animals!¡± the Greenwarden complimented him. ¡°We¡¯ve got some other tasks to do, so let¡¯s see how well you do with the other animals!¡±


    ************


    ¡°Woah! You guys are back early!¡± Bhenn the rancher greeted them as he was busy wrangling a furry muscular creature with tusks that was floating in the air trying to kick him.


    ¡°All done Bhenn!¡± one of the greenwardens told him as they pointed to Jack. ¡°This guy¡¯s a hell of a prodigy, he pretty much handled the Akashtas on his own while we sorted their feed for the next week!¡±


    ¡°For real?¡± the rancher asked, and the Greenwardens nodded. ¡°Well hey! That¡¯s awesome! If you ever feel like taking on something more dangerous, there¡¯s more eggs in it for you!¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯ll take you up on that!¡± Jack grinned as he saw the cartons of eggs, crates of milk bottles and bundles of wool that had been set aside for them.


    ¡°Awesome! I¡¯ve got some guys having a look at where the critters might be, but we¡¯re gonna need someone to go in there and rescue them animals on short notice when the time comes.¡±


    ¡°We do have to go to school¡­¡± Alora began. ¡°But apart from that, we would be happy to help out on a rescue!¡±


    ¡°Good! I¡¯ll let you know a few hours in advance when it happens, I can¡¯t tell you all about it right now though.¡± Bhenn grinned as he chucked some cans of beer over to them. ¡°Well, in that case maybe y¡¯all can help me out with a few of the smaller critters here while we wait for the other groups to get back? I¡¯ve actually got a few little ones that could do with a good home¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll consider it.¡± Alora smiled politely. ¡°How would you like us to help?¡±


    *****


    ¡°I am afraid that I have not yet found a candidate worthy of bringing to your attention.¡± Svaartal addressed the high council. ¡°Those I interviewed on this council¡¯s behalf were unworthy in some way that I noted in my reports, which are all available for your perusal.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Izadora nodded as Svaartal took his seat again. ¡°Istrovir?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± The smart-casually dressed Aurator stood up with a smile. ¡°I have ensured that all across the city, House Mal¡¯Kar is seen as a stabilising force amidst the current chaos in chat rooms and public message boards. Capitalising on the fall of the Pallid Pit and the defeat of Devil¡¯s Daughter by our Sigilus has paid dividends to that end, and I can only imagine that recruitment is through the roof.¡±


    ¡°I can confirm.¡± The stern-faced Haldra nodded. ¡°We have purchased the contracts of many indentured servants and slaves to facilitate the influx of recruited staff and auxiliaries.¡±


    ¡°That grants us a position of strength over other factions within the city.¡± Izadora nodded. ¡°Then we must seize this opportunity and attack from a position of strength.¡±


    ¡°If I may¡­¡± Kravel interrupted as he stood up with a sadistic smile. ¡°I have a perfect target in mind.¡±


    ¡°Very well, brother.¡± Izadora gestured with a hand to Kravel, in a way that had obviously been rehearsed in advance.


    ¡°I have made contact with a former acquaintance of mine who used to attend school with us.¡± The House Wizard grinned wickedly. ¡°She was considered too wild for the school, but since being expelled has distinguished herself within several bandit gangs. However, she is currently unsatisfied with her lot in life, particularly with a leader who refuses to acknowledge her talents, and seeks a powerful master who will.¡±


    ¡°Then she will likely be a good fit with us.¡± Izadora slyly smiled. ¡°Though I sense you have more to share with us, brother.¡±


    ¡°Indeed I do.¡± Kravel cackled. ¡°She has informed us that many gangs and militia groups plan to meet at a secret location outside of the city this weekend, with the plan to combine forces and take over a weakened portion of the city by force. There will be many there. Tensions will be high, and mistrust is guaranteed. It shall be a perfect target for an attack by House Mal¡¯Kar forces.¡±


    ¡°And I take it this acquaintance is willing to provide the information in exchange for patronage?¡± Soren asked with a bored tone, clearly sick of the theatrics. So was Svaartal and most of the room, clearly shown from the awkwardly shifting bodies in seats.


    ¡°I think it more fitting to have her explain herself!¡± Kravel smirked, clapping his hands together to signal the guards to open the door and allow for a newcomer to enter the room.


    Svaartal¡¯s blood ran cold on seeing who it was.


    Confidently striding in, wearing thick, heavy combat armour walked a hulking reptilian being, a head taller than Svaartal, with bone spikes that had been sharpened to wicked points. Her scales were covered with an assortment of scars, burns and tattoos of questionable quality. A large and powerful plasma rifle was slung on her shoulders, but Svaartal knew that it could be brought to bear at a moment''s notice.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll tell you everything you want to know,¡± she snarled as she roughly grabbed a chair, loudly dragging it behind her, and sat at the table at the closest available space. ¡°And I¡¯ll serve you well. I know how strong you are. But when you attack the fuckers that think they¡¯re better than me, I¡¯m coming with you to make them pay in blood. I have a score to settle, and I¡¯ll work with you, as long as you stay the fuck out of my way.¡±


    ¡°Can you obey orders and work in conjunction with House Mal¡¯Kar forces?¡± Vaetrix asked, with a look of bemused interest at the Balnath.


    ¡°Depends who¡¯s giving them,¡± the newcomer snarled, causing several at the table to bristle at the insubordination. ¡°I refuse to work with idiots.¡±


    ¡°Soren will have operational command,¡± Izadora answered instantly, causing Ull to snap his head around and stare at the Matriarch with an expression that demanded an explanation, though none was given.


    ¡°Who comes with me?¡± Soren lazily asked as he brought out his device to type on.


    ¡°Kravel goes with you,¡± Izadora noted instantly. ¡°Since he is so intimately familiar with our new acquaintance. Aside from that, choose as you like and clear it with me.


    ¡°Dextra dear, perhaps your contraptions could be of use.¡± Soren smiled. ¡°And I feel that our resident Devilbreaker would be an excellent accompaniment.¡±


    ¡°As you wish,¡± Svaartal acknowledged.


    Almost immediately on hearing his voice, the newcomer snapped her head to the Nirah, and her eyes met his before they narrowed. ¡°You¡­¡± the newcomer hissed.


    ¡°Greetings, Braska,¡± Svaartal sneered. ¡°I would have thought that you¡¯d have gotten yourself killed by this point. A pity for everybody that you haven¡¯t had the basic courtesy to expire.¡±


    ¡°Serpent!¡± Braska growled. ¡°I have a score to settle with you and your sister as well¡­¡±


    ¡°Try it.¡± Svaartal snapped. ¡°And I¡¯ll demonstrate what I did to Devil¡¯s Daughter¡­¡±


    ¡°As much as I do love rivalry in the ranks.¡± Soren sighed as he rolled his eyes. ¡°I think we¡¯d better talk strategy, don¡¯t you?¡±

 Chapter 79: Night Watch

    So according to Bhenn, these don¡¯t need too much maintenance, Chiyo noted to the others as they looked over the small tank of Copperbacks that the rancher had somehow managed to persuade them to adopt when they left. It had been a difficult task for Jack and the others to carry the tank back with all of the animal products they had been paid with, but they had managed it eventually.


    The little creatures heavily reminded Jack of tortoises from Earth, being reptilian and possessing thick, shiny metallic shells, though these creatures were smaller and considerably more energetic, happily chasing each other around the tank and tiring themselves out. Bhenn had explained that the long-lived creatures were often poached for their valuable shells, and that he had raised this clutch that the Greenwardens had brought to him following a bandit attack. Bhenn had already given most of the clutch away as pets and animal companions to other people that he deemed trustworthy, and was quite eager to release a bonded pack of three siblings into their group¡¯s care.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, though they will need to be let out from time to time,¡± Alora noted. ¡°They¡¯re herbivores that can subside on grass, and they¡¯ll occasionally shed their shells as they grow, which can be sold or used as magical components.¡±


    Do they do anything else? Chiyo asked, an unamused expression plastered on her face. It will take some time to get used to their auras.


    ¡°Well they won¡¯t be moving around like Dante and the Screediips do,¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get used to it.¡±


    Well at least their minds are not as scattered. Chiyo sighed as she tentatively lowered some grass into the tank, where the three little creatures quickly started chowing down. A simple life of eating and sleeping. How I envy them.


    ¡°Speaking of sleeping, we¡¯ve worked hard today!¡± Nika sighed from the side, stretching her limbs after having slumped several bundles of wool into the corner. ¡°Good thing we got the rooms all sorted before we left since most of us are exhausted.¡±


    ¡°I agree.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Now remember everyone, no showers since we have to ration the water. We¡¯ll aim to leave earlier in the morning to allow anyone who wants a shower to take them at school until we get the supply issue sorted.¡±


    ¡°Better bust out the scented candles then!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°If we¡¯re gonna be on a high-dairy diet for the next week or two thanks to tonight, it¡¯s gonna stink up the place real good!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea.¡± Alora sighed.  ¡°Who¡¯s taking the first watch?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it with Sephy.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Someone¡¯s got to make sure she stays awake for it!¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll take a watch with Dante later.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°You up for that boy?¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed.


    Several hours later, the alarm that Sephy had helped Jack set on his commlink buzzed, signifying the beginning of his shift. Jack groaned as he quickly got out of bed and stretched before he was tempted to ignore it. Dante quickly came over to him and kept quiet as they crept downstairs, careful not to wake up their new housemates. It had been quite an adjustment for the both of them to now be living with so many people, having been used to the general quiet and isolation of the district before, but both of them had adjusted well and done their part.


    Hearing some subtle noises from downstairs, Jack and Dante cautiously approached  the figure sitting on the sofa, who was quietly sniffling as she watched the Copperbacks sleeping in the tank.


    ¡°Hey Vanya,¡± Jack called to her, gently alerting her to his presence.


    ¡°Hey Jack.¡± Vanya smiled softly. ¡°Sorry, did I wake you?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± Jack chuckled as he walked over to her. ¡°Just changing over the shifts. Nika and Sephy are on the tower at the moment keeping watch. What about you?¡±


    He looked at Vanya, trying to look as understanding as he could, though being as socially inept as he was, knew he was completely out of his depth. He had been woken up by the muffled crying from next door late the previous night when Vanya thought nobody was awake to hear, yet instead of knocking on her door as he knew he should have done at the time, he had just privately let Alora know the next morning.


    ¡®I won¡¯t do that again.¡¯ Jack had vowed to himself. ¡®But what the hell could I even do? Alora is the social butterfly, not me!¡¯


    ¡°I just couldn¡¯t sleep,¡± Vanya whispered back as she tightened the sash on her thin purple nightgown while subtly wiping her eyes, believing that Jack hadn¡¯t seen the tears in the darkness. ¡°I thought I¡¯d have a drink and take a walk, but I¡¯m not feeling tired right now¡­¡±


    ¡°I guess you can keep watch with me and Dante if you want¡­¡± Jack shrugged, then gulped.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Vanya had happily perked up a little too quickly in a complete reversal of her previous sadness, as the voluptuous form of the Chuna stood up with a wide smile.


    ¡°Um¡­We might want to take a few blankets if there are any left around,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°It gets pretty cold at night.¡±


    ¡®That and you¡¯re not dressed for it.¡¯ He thought to himself, though Vanya showed no indication of returning to her room for some extra clothes. Then again, he was just in an old t-shirt and shorts and she had thick brown fur, so who was he to judge?


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a blanket here.¡± Vanya grinned as she grabbed one off the sofa. ¡°Shall we go?¡±


    ¡°Thank the gods!¡± Sephy yawned as she used her wings to lazily float to the ground. ¡°I was just about to fall asleep¡­¡±


    ¡°You did, at least five times!¡± Nika snorted as she slid down the ladder. ¡°Oh, hey Vanya. What are you doing here? I thought it was just Jack and Dante after us?¡±


    ¡°Hey Nika! I can¡¯t sleep so I offered to join! I¡¯ve gotta contribute somehow! How was your watch?¡± Vanya smiled.


    Nika looked suspicious, but shrugged. ¡°Spotted two small groups moving past our district in opposing directions, didn¡¯t seem like they paid us any mind so our magical defences are secure. Got a few fires in the distance from the Myrodin Magitechnology workshops to the East, and there¡¯s definitely something big happening to the North around the richer districts¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, bunch of gangs and corps are going at it, but the biggest threats aren¡¯t doing anything right now, so maybe they know something we don¡¯t?¡± Sephy added. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of chatter about what the Redeemer is up to, who the fuck this ¡®King¡¯ is that he kept referring to when he called out fucking everyone on TV, and apparently Commander Cocaine¡¯s been going ham all over the city!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll get the news in the morning,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°But yeah, things are starting to heat up. There¡¯s nothing we can do anyway, just keep your eyes open, and if there¡¯s anything suspicious close by or if anything big happens, call it in. Don¡¯t engage unless you really have to.¡±


    ¡°Will do.¡± Jack nodded, as the two guards made their way back to the house.


    ¡°I wonder how bad it is¡­¡± Vanya began, as she started climbing the ladder.


    ¡°Only one way to find out¡­¡± Jack replied as he moved to climb up after her, but quickly did a double take when he made the tactical error of looking up¡­


    ¡®I¡¯m not going to be able to unsee that!¡¯ Jack thought to himself in that moment. ¡®But I¡¯m not sure I want to!¡¯


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that!¡± Jack whispered to Dante, who grinned before he quickly blinked to the top of the tower. ¡°Damn, wish I could do that¡­¡±


    As he climbed up to the top, Vanya had already sat down, leaning against the back wall facing home with the blanket partly wrapped around her, with Dante on the other side, keeping watch.


    ¡°Come here.¡± Vanya beckoned with a sly smile, patting the ground in front of her.


    ¡°Vanya I can¡¯t¡­¡± Jack began, and the Chuna¡¯s expression fell. ¡°My relationship with the others is already complicated enough as it is even without them being mad at Luvia, and I don¡¯t think it¡¯d be a good idea after...¡±


    ¡°After the attack you mean...¡± Vanya bowed her head, and judging from the sniffling and crying, Jack knew he had cocked up, as Dante quickly padded forward, nudging his muzzle into her face to bat aside her hands covering her face, licking at her cheek until she absentmindedly started stroking his fur.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± Jack tried, closing the distance and sitting next to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Vanya sniffed. ¡°I try, I really do. I know it should be behind me and I try to stay strong, but every time I go to sleep it feels like I¡¯m back there. Even when I¡¯m awake I don¡¯t feel safe.¡±


    ¡°I felt something similar when I first arrived in this world,¡± Jack admitted, before remembering he wasn¡¯t on a planet. ¡°Well, you know what I mean. During those first few days I never left the room they gave me and I was too terrified to talk to anyone that wasn¡¯t High Priestess Cornelia, then slowly, I extended that to Inquisitor Faegleal, Brother Arguinious and the rest of the Church of Astara before they introduced me to Alora.¡±


    Jack tried hard to carefully formulate the words and what he was trying to say in his mind without making things worse. Outside of what he had personally gone through he knew nothing about working through trauma or what to even say to someone who had been attacked in the way Vanya had been. ¡°The point is that I think you¡¯ll heal over time, and having good people around you who care and want to help will make it better.¡±


    ¡°I hope so.¡± Vanya nodded. ¡°I can¡¯t keep going like this, can I still stay up here with you?¡±


    ¡°Sure you can!¡± Jack smiled softly. ¡°No offence, but Dante doesn¡¯t make the best conversation, and maybe you can tell me more about what I¡¯m seeing.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante quietly barked in indignation.


    ¡°Can¡­can we cuddle?¡± The Chuna asked, reaching out to him. ¡°I feel safe here with you, and it is kinda cold¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Jack agreed with a sigh. ¡°You joining us Dante?¡±


    Eventually they were able to find themselves a position where they would be comfortable, with Jack making sure he could keep watch as best as he could with his axe and gun within reach.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡®Hope I¡¯m not going to have dead legs after this!¡¯ Jack thought to himself as Vanya entwined her own thick-furred legs around his and wrapped the blanket around them both. ¡®Though I¡¯ve gotta admit, this is both warm and comfortable!¡¯


    Dante, for his part, looked quite amused as he kept his eyes on Jack¡¯s blind spot. Though their amateur guard posting would probably give any military veteran an aneurysm from its shambolic nature, it was sufficient enough to be able to hear and see your average asshole approaching.


    They sat there in silence as Jack took in the view of the neon-lit streets in the distance, bathed in a vibrant glow from holographic advertisements and billboards that seemed to regularly change, praising and denouncing the same companies in quick succession, and illuminated skyscrapers that occasionally flickered on and off. Vastly different from that of when he had first arrived, it was clear that the night was full of activity.


    Putting on his shades and playing around with the magnification feature allowed him to focus on a literal dumpster fire in the distance, where roughshod gangsters were picking fights with one another, though fortunately they were far off into the distance. On the other side was another large crowd, but these people didn¡¯t seem to be part of any ongoing conflict; instead they were holding up placards and placing their hands to their mouths to chant out slogans that Jack couldn¡¯t make out.


    ¡°You¡¯re not used to this, are you?¡± Vanya asked as she followed his gaze. ¡°Things are likely going to get worse, you know that, right?¡±


    ¡°Not used to it at all,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°And how the hell could it get any worse than this?¡±


    ¡°Clearly you haven¡¯t been on the Ring for long.¡± Vanya sighed as she began playing with his hair. ¡°It can always get worse.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope not.¡± Jack sighed as he gazed out towards the city, where there was a new glow in the distance from where someone had set a large bonfire. They stayed there in silence for a few moments before Jack felt like he should start a new topic.


    ¡°So how did you get into journalism?¡± Jack asked, latching onto one of the few things he really knew about the Chuna. ¡°You¡¯ve spoken about serial killers before, and I know you¡¯ll be asking us some questions at some point - Do you have a podcast or something?¡±


    ¡°Sort of.¡± Vanya giggled. ¡°I do work for the school paper, but that isn¡¯t exactly a paid thing¡­¡±


    ¡°You do it for the experience then?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Like an intern?¡±


    ¡°Yes and no.¡± Jack felt her shrug beside him. ¡°I¡¯ve always had an interest in investigative stuff and following the footsteps of my mum and dad. While experience is great, I also do work on the school paper to build my reputation and following, but the really big reason is building up my sources and connections. I can also tap into them for my podcast and my NetTube channel where I usually cover interesting topics people want to know about that the Corps won¡¯t cover.¡±


    ¡°That probably means you¡¯ve got some interesting stories to tell?¡± Jack teased, and Vanya giggled again.


    ¡°Well, most of it is stuff I¡¯ve managed to piece together rather than the full story,¡± the Chuna began, as even Dante cocked his head with interest. ¡°It started when an anonymous source told me that there may have been something more going on with some local gang activity in my neighbouring district that got put down by the local Militia.¡±


    Vanya allowed a pause, possibly to allow Jack to prompt her or ponder what happened next, before she continued.


    ¡°When I was able to get hold of one of their commlinks that had been smashed in the fighting, I found out that they had been hired by a manager within the corporation that owned the district, and I quickly determined that they just wanted to make themselves look good for a promotion. When I published the information it caused a fuss and the executive was quickly fired, though I now realise I should have taken precautions to protect myself. Luckily for me there wasn¡¯t anybody else working with them to seek revenge, and after that I got some more viewers. It pretty much snowballed from there, and I sell adspace and take the occasional sponsor to make a living from it too!¡±


    ¡°So what kind of stuff are you covering right now?¡± Jack asked, and Vanya sighed.


    ¡°Technically I¡¯m taking a break at the moment. Even if my mind was in a better place, I had been working with Svaarti on a few things, and I was hoping to resume it once she wakes up. I know she was keen on doing an expos¨¦ on the Red Legion since she and her brother left, but I think work on the history of the Klowns would be better considering the current time. What I know I really need to do is write about the latest attack at the party, but it¡¯s been going slow for me. ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised.¡± Jack nodded understandingly.


    ¡°Hasn¡¯t just been my account,¡± Vanya pointed out. ¡°I interviewed Obeda earlier, and after a while I was able to get a full account of his actions that night, including when he witnessed Torvin Bharzum¡¯s last stand. I¡¯ve already done my notes on the Bharzum Triplets accounts and I¡¯m going to try and talk to Luvia tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯ll be talking to us as well,¡± Jack noted.


    ¡°And Svaarti and her brother, though I think I¡¯ll only do that if she wakes up.¡± Vanya shrugged. ¡°And though I want your accounts of what happened, I also wanted to get the scoop on the other things your group got up to since you arrived.¡±


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re not doing anything better right now,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°If you want to get my account and ask questions, you might as well ask them now. I was on my own for most of it.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll do that while I have you to myself!¡± Vanya chucked, and Jack heard the sound of rummaging behind him as the Chuna got out a pad, pen and recording device, presumably from that magic pocket-storage thingy she could do.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Where do you want me to start?¡±


    They lost themselves over the course of several hours as Vanya very methodically asked him detailed questions, which he wouldn¡¯t have thought to ask as he struggled to think about the answers. Weirdly enough, when they had gotten to the end where he had been found by Ivar Bharzum, Vanya then went back in reverse order to try and replay the events, occasionally going back to specific points during the attack. Despite the questioning, Jack still kept his watch. Though the sound of movement approaching came nearby, upon checking it Jack had seen that it was just a wild critter, and hadn¡¯t detected anything else since.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Vanya finally sighed, having no further questions at that point. ¡°That was helpful, and it does confirm a theory of mine that the Klowns are much more cunning and devious than they appear to be in recruiting outside help. It makes me wonder what other dealings go on with the Klowns...¡±


    ¡°Hopefully whatever happens they get their comeuppance.¡± Jack sighed.


    ¡°Yes, they certainly did last time when they attacked Corvin Enterprises and were led right into an ambush.¡± Vanya shrugged. ¡°Like I said, things could always get worse.¡±


    At that point, they were interrupted by a familiar form telekinetically floating up from the ground with highly raised eyebrows.


    What in the name of the gods are you two up to? Chiyo asked unamusedly, as they heard the sound of Alora climbing the ladder.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep so I joined Jack on his watch!¡± Vanya cheerfully replied, as Alora got to the top and saw what was going on. Jack, for his part, just kept quiet.


    Vanya.


    ¡°Yes Chiyo?¡± the Chuna nervously asked.


    Why are you cuddling with my Deathworlder?


    *****


    ¡°Guys!¡± Sephy whispered across the lecture theatre. ¡°I think we¡¯ve got a job!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Nika whispered back slightly quieter, as several of their nearby classmates told them to shush while the movie was playing.


    ¡°Yeah, someone found our DataNet page and emailed us for a local search and rescue job.¡± Sephy grinned gleefully. ¡°Time-sensitive though, we¡¯ll need to haul ass home and load up before we visit the client.¡±


    You know I don¡¯t like it when we go into danger with no information! Chiyo pointed out, having not spoken much since the previous night.


    ¡°Nobody does.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°We could always turn it down, but it¡¯s definitely worth checking. It¡¯s not like we have anything else going on that¡¯s more important.¡±


    ¡°What information do you have?¡± Alora asked, leaning around Jack to look at the others. ¡°We need more details to work with.¡±


    ¡°Hasn¡¯t given us much, says that he might have a location but it¡¯s in a rough area. Wants to meet to discuss details.¡±


    ¡°Meet where?¡± Jack asked, having a suspicious feeling in his gut.


    ¡°Our potential client has an apartment in a quiet zone, and would like for us to meet him there.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Everything else is a potential red flag though.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re new to hiring mercs.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Might mean we can haggle, especially if we point out the lack of info being provided.¡±


    ¡°Reply and accept the meet, but try to phish for some more details,¡± Alora told Sephy after a few seconds to think about it. ¡°This doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯ll accept, we¡¯ll hear what the client has to say then make a decision.¡±


    ¡°Will do!¡± Sephy grinned as she began typing away.


    ¡°Better have a plan for the others to follow while we¡¯re gone,¡± Nika added. ¡°I want the watches doubled if we¡¯re heading out. None of them have joined us for sentry duty since arriving, though we had planned on training them up. At least Vanya technically has some on-the-job experience!¡± She grinned.


    Then she shall have no problems observing all the watches for the evening until we return and are able to resume our duties, Chiyo huffed in response. As for everybody else, have them assist the Squa¡¯Kaar in expanding the garden and set up sleeping space for any additional guests.


    ¡°Yeah, this whole situation is getting a bit nuts,¡± Nika warned. ¡°We¡¯ve officially run out of beds, so anyone that wants to stay with us should bring a bedroll if they have one.


    ¡°At least we have the wool from the ranch that can serve as a mattress, though it won¡¯t be the greatest to sleep on,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Hopefully things will calm down soon so they can go back home, it¡¯s getting pretty wild at the moment.¡±


    At this point, the group had completely lost count of the number of fellow students who needed shelter thanks to the prolonged MegaCorp conflicts, but they were confident they still had the space. The resources, however, were growing thinner much more quickly. They had already accepted offers from several of their guests to repay them for their kindness once they were able to return to their normal lives, but until then they had to tighten their belts.


    ¡°Maybe we can have Obeda register what our guests can do and see if they have any useful skills we can make use of while we¡¯re gone - and if they¡¯re gonna be staying,¡± Jack added. ¡°Having a few cooks would make things easier on us.¡±


    ¡°As long as they can make soup, that¡¯s fine.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Provided we have enough water to work with, of course, it¡¯s the best way to cook for so many people.¡±


    ¡°And power too,¡± Nika added. ¡°I¡¯d place a ban on non-essential use until the food gets made.¡±


    I did suggest that everybody charge their devices here while they can, Chiyo pointed out, gesturing at the extension leads plugged into the walls with smaller cables leading to several of the sat down students.


    ¡°Good call.¡± Nika nodded in approval. ¡°We¡¯ve also got to get them working and pulling their weight, even if it¡¯s just tidying the place up.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want them rummaging through the ruins of my family estate without me present,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°However, if they could help the Squa¡¯Kaar prepare the field for planting crops that would save us a lot of time. Rayle and Zayle know the places I¡¯ve assigned them, so the sooner we get that done, the better.¡±


    We won¡¯t be able to benefit from that right now, but it will be invaluable for next time. Chiyo shrugged.


    ¡°Dare I ask¡­¡± Jack began.


    ¡°How likely is it that there¡¯s gonna be a next time?¡± Sephy finished for him. ¡°The Killer Klown isn¡¯t the only major threat to the city. There¡¯s always the next disaster around the corner¡­¡±


    ¡°So we¡¯d better be prepared for it.¡± Alora sighed.


    Don¡¯t worry too much, Jack. Chiyo tugged on his arm to get his full attention, seeing his hands start to shake slightly. Just as there are threats to the city, there are also those that work to protect it, or at least protect their own interests. Though the second Klown attack was unforeseen, the first was predicted and repelled, as have numerous others over the years.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Nika added. ¡°Once the MegaCorps stop fighting things usually get back to normal.¡±


    ¡°And then we can enjoy ourselves some more.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°We need the reprieve. I just hope the economy bounces back so we don¡¯t have to keep going out on jobs. And I would really like to show Jack some of the good things about living here. I fear that you arrived at the worst possible time.¡±


    Agreed, I would very much like to partake in that hot tub, Chiyo added. And get some peace and quiet around our home once again!


    ¡°But until then, it looks like we¡¯re working tonight.¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°Client got back to me straight away, it looks like a lost family member and he¡¯s getting desperate.¡±


    ¡°Oh crap.¡± Nika sighed.


    Alora nodded. ¡°Well in that case¡­Better get some sleep now while you can!¡±

 Chapter 80: Night Rescue

    ¡°This is the right place?¡± Alora asked, as they made it through the checkpoint with barely any glances from the bored-looking militia, who were barely lit up by the low, vibrant hues of the neon signs behind them.


    ¡°Definitely the place,¡± Sephy whispered from where she was camouflaged using the Trickster¡¯s Coat, having scooted past the guard when Chiyo had distracted them. ¡°Coordinates provided lead straight to the apartment complex up ahead.¡±


    The neighbourhood of Jholix Heights was a place of classical-looking buildings, but with fairly spartan aesthetics outside of the residences themselves, feeling to Jack like a job done to the bare minimum, exuding an aura of functionality over elegance. Regardless, it was considered a reasonably safe and secure district, sporting visible security systems as they quickly walked down the ever-darkening, snaking streets, and Sephy¡¯s searches revealed it as a typical, boring middle-class district mainly inhabited by sole occupants and small families.


    ¡°Hard to believe the client wants to meet at his actual residence.¡± Nika shrugged beneath her disguise. ¡°They¡¯re probably new to this kind of thing.¡±


    ¡°I mean, if he¡¯s desperate to rescue a family member I can¡¯t blame him,¡± Jack pointed out, with an unusually girly voice. ¡°Though I don¡¯t know why that means I need to look like a girl!¡±


    The group had been quick to rush home and gear up as quickly as they could, allowing Karzen and Bentom to be in charge of helping organise and escort the rest of their guests back to their home at a normal pace. They only took a few minutes to quickly squeeze into their battleskins, having practised a few times since the Pallid Pit run, and gear up before they were off.


    Alora had insisted on obscuring their presence when going through corporate districts in order to avoid any unwanted attention from them packing heat, and while she and Sephy had ways to remain unseen, Jack and Nika did not, and Chiyo¡¯s method could be detected on camera, so Alora suggested they use the three Broaches of Disguise to masquerade as an unassuming group of schoolgirls passing through to avoid attention.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s much more believable!¡± Alora giggled. ¡°All we have to do is act like a bunch of annoying ditzies and the militia won¡¯t bother with us outside of the occasional pervy comment. They won¡¯t look too closely at us as a potential threat, which is what we¡¯re looking for.¡±


    Especially when we have bounties placed on us, Chiyo added. And those desperate enough to try and cash them in.


    ¡°Hey, do you think we could disguise Jack like this and go for Whipping Tom?¡± Sephy asked as Dante suddenly blinked next to them, having been following them from the shadows. ¡°I¡¯d love to see his face if he ever tried to spank Jack¡¯s ass!¡±


    ¡°That¡­doesn¡¯t sound like a bad idea,¡± Nika spoke up after several moments.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Jack scoffed. ¡°I barely know how this thing even works, and don¡¯t talk about my ass like that! ¡±


    ¡°Heh, maybe say that after you see how much he¡¯s worth alive!¡± Nika grinned, before her expression got a little more serious. ¡°Main problem is locating the guy.¡±


    ¡°Maybe Vanya could help?¡± Sephy pointed out after a few moments of thought.


    ¡°She did tell me she researches this stuff¡­¡± Jack nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Researches your ass or Whipping Tom?¡± Nika chuckled.


    ¡°Keep your heads in the game, pretty sure I recognise this place from the photo,¡± Alora interrupted. ¡°Send Vanya a text once the meet is over if you have to, Sephy. Right now we need to be focussed on the job.¡±


    ¡°Will do.¡± Sephy nodded. ¡°Our guy is on the 4th floor.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let me do the talking for now,¡± Alora whispered as they entered the main entrance to the foyer.


    The nauseating smell of fresh paint greeted them as they entered, with plain, white walls that gave off a sterile and highly impersonal feel, and grey tiled floor that was completely devoid of any patterns or textures. The lighting was at least functional amid constant brownouts, though it still cast a harsh, white glow throughout the space. Up ahead was a simple, rectangular desk against the far wall, manned by a dour-looking grey-furred mammal receptionist, with six tired-looking eyes in their sockets and a long, spindly tail that idly flicked through the pages of a celebrity gossip magazine.


    Let¡¯s just go to the elevator, Chiyo subtly told them as she walked arm-in-arm with Jack to cover the ¡®tells¡¯ in their walking, with Jack walking like a guy and Chiyo more used to floating.  If we look like we belong here we can just walk on in.


    Alora made a slight subtle noise in her throat in agreement as they purposefully crossed the room. Jack carefully looked out of the corner of his eye to see several monitors behind the desk of the receptionist, with half of them either switched off or with heavy static as the alien at the front desk showed no indication of acknowledging their presence.


    ¡°Old system, the network around here is abysmal,¡± Sephy whispered once they got to the elevators and hit the button. ¡°Impossible for me to play with without directly slicing in, but the hardware is so dated it probably isn¡¯t worth it.¡±


    The elevator pinged and the whole group entered the cramped space, with Dante blinking in between Jack¡¯s legs a split-second before the door closed.


    ¡°Should have gone for the stairs, it¡¯s only four floors,¡± Nika whispered under her breath. ¡°This is a deathtrap.¡±


    I detect no hostile intent, Chiyo reassured.


    ¡°You can be quite paranoid, Nika.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°However our cover is intact and we haven¡¯t detected any issues. We can reveal ourselves when the client lets us in.¡±


    The door pinged open, and Nika let out a breath she hadn¡¯t realised she had been holding as she and Jack quickly exited and confirmed nobody else was around.


    ¡°Apartment 4.89,¡± Sephy whispered.


    ¡°Sign says this way.¡± Jack pointed to the right.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Keep alert and don¡¯t make noise,¡± Alora confirmed as she led the way down the dark, eerily quiet corridor. It had the same monotonous grey and white design as before, and was completely silent apart from the soft tread of their footsteps. To Jack, it seemed like the modern-looking exterior was nothing more than a thin mask to cover the soulless core.


    ¡®Is this where I¡¯m destined to live for the rest of my life if I ever grow up?¡¯ Jack thought to himself. ¡®Seems depressing¡­¡¯


    ¡°This should be the right door¡­¡± Sephy pointed, sounding sceptical as they walked up to the unassuming apartment.


    ¡°Only one way to find out.¡± Alora sighed, reverting to her original appearance. ¡°Nika, cover me.¡±


    The Eladrie knocked on the door three times as instructed, and waited. Ten seconds later, something slowly clicked, and the door opened a crack.


    ¡°Quick, get in!¡± a man¡¯s voice hissed, and Nika took the lead, ready to draw, with the others quickly following and deactivating their disguises as instructed the moment they went in.


    Looking around, the studio apartment was a mess, with dusty piles of clothes, old magazines and other tat littering the ground, as the figure of the client slowly stumbled back towards a large padded chair, groaning with effort as they sat down.


    ¡°My apologies¡­¡± the man hissed again as Jack got a good look at him, as they leaned their walking stick against the wall. ¡°I would offer you all a seat but I only have one spare¡­.¡± He ended with a fit of coughs.


    The old man was some type of bipedal yellow-skinned amphibian with a thick tail that seemed to drag uselessly behind him. They were wearing several layers of mottled-looking clothing of various shades of beige, brown and dark green and wore a strange set of dark glasses over their collection of eyes, almost like a blind man would. However, they were clearly able to see as he gazed intently at Alora.


    ¡°Thank you everybody for coming. I am sorry to call you here on such short notice, but I¡¯m desperate for help.¡± The old man¡¯s voice quivered as he spoke. ¡°My granddaughter went missing two days ago, and corporate security refuses to do anything about it!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s terrible!¡± Alora gasped. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± The old man sobbed. ¡°My Kirra sometimes works late so I didn¡¯t think anything about it on the first day. I got suspicious on the second and checked in with security who said they¡¯d check but never got back to me, and a few hours ago her emergency beacon activated! Security refused to go to the coordinates saying it¡¯s too dangerous, so I looked for some mercenaries. Kirra told me about a heroic Outsider and his friends who saved a lot of innocent people from the forces of the Killer Klown, so I looked you up and saw your page.¡±


    ¡°I see, we may be able to be of assistance...¡± Alora began sympathetically.


    ¡°Please!¡± the old man begged, suddenly getting out of his chair and falling to his knees. ¡°I will pay anything you want! I have credits from my retirement fund! Twenty-thousand credits in Silver Pieces, and whatever old belongings of mine you want! Just bring my granddaughter back to me! I have her picture here!¡±


    ¡°We can do that!¡± Alora quickly told him, getting down on her knees to meet the old man eye to eye. ¡°If you have the location of the emergency beacon and give it to my friend here, we¡¯ll depart immediately!¡± She indicated Sephy, who immediately began pulling some devices out of her bag.


    ¡°Yes! Here!¡± The old man pointed to a device on the table, which Sephy immediately took and began to work on.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± The old man gasped as he clutched at his chest in pain. ¡°I knew you were heroes I could count on! Please save my granddaughter!¡±


    ¡°Got the location.¡± Sephy nodded. ¡°It¡¯s ScrapHaven.¡±


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s doable, but we¡¯ll need to be careful,¡± Nika added, giving Alora a knowing look. ¡°Are we-¡±


    Alora shook her head.


    ¡°In that case we need to get going.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll collect our credits on return.¡±


    ¡°Then I hope to see you again soon!¡± The old man struggled as he got up. ¡°Let me show you the door¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay, we¡¯ll see ourselves out!¡± Alora quickly indicated for the old man to sit down as Jack and Chiyo led them out, with Dante leaving last, having stared curiously at the old man until he was called to heel by the others outside.


    It was not until they reached the elevator again did Alora speak.


    ¡°What do you all think?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised you decided not to haggle or ask for an advance payment for this one,¡± Nika finally responded. ¡°Though two days is two days¡­¡±


    Indeed, I do not like the chances of us recovering his daughter alive and unspoiled, Chiyo pointed out. If she ended up in ScrapHaven, then we need to be prepared for the worst.


    ¡°The guy seemed sincere, either that or he¡¯s a hell of an actor.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°But I¡¯ll admit that I don¡¯t know what red flags I need to look out for aside from the obvious. I do agree that while we should keep our hopes up, reality may be a cruel mistress, but we won¡¯t know until we get there.¡±


    ¡°I dunno, I got a weird vibe from the guy,¡± Sephy whispered after a moment as the elevator reached the bottom floor, though she kept her thoughts to herself as they quickly exited the building past the still unattentive receptionist and left via a different militia checkpoint to the one they entered.


    ¡°What¡¯s up Sephy?¡± Jack asked. ¡°You said you didn¡¯t like it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It just feels like a few things are weird,¡± the Skritta tentatively spoke, as if not sure on the matter. ¡°It¡¯s probably nothing, but I think the client didn¡¯t tell us the whole story, and something about the emergency beacon coming online only a few hours ago feels a bit off to me.¡±


    If the client got into an argument with his granddaughter and she ran off or something and he¡¯s too afraid to admit it, then fine. Chiyo shrugged. The only thing that matters is extracting her, argument or no. The emergency beacon indicates that it would probably be a willing extraction if she¡¯s still alive.


    ¡°Sephy raises a good point about the beacon though,¡± Jack interjected. ¡°Only recently activated.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nika nodded grimly. ¡°I¡¯ll admit that worries me. ScrapHaven is a rough area, so I¡¯d say be careful anyway, but fuck knows what she¡¯s doing there¡­¡±


    ¡°I take it this ScrapHaven is a bad place?¡± Jack asked, knowing full well what the answer would be.


    ¡°It¡¯s a mostly abandoned urban wasteland,¡± Alora began. ¡°The remnants and ruins of industrial areas and residences. Many gangs, cults and other bad guys can be found there, and to date no attempt to tame the anarchy over there has been successful.¡±


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°So the Ring¡¯s equivalent of Detroit or Baltimore?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Jack, different Galaxy, remember?¡± Sephy grinned, flicking the back of his head. ¡°Nobody here gets your weird references! But if you¡¯re asking if ScrapHaven is even more of a shithole than usual? Yeah. Not as bad as the Pallid Pit though, but much bigger. It¡¯s gonna take a while to get there, about three to four hours to get to the outskirts of ScrapHaven, not to mention actually traversing it....¡±


    ¡°Shit¡­¡± Nika cursed. ¡°That means we¡¯re not sleeping tonight, and we have school tomorrow¡­¡±


    At least it is the last day of the week, Chiyo reasoned. But we must focus on one thing at a time. Sephy, is it possible to speed the route up?


    ¡°Might be able to traverse through the GeniSythe territory by coach.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°There¡¯s apparently a route that should cut an hour or two off the journey, assuming it¡¯s actually running. I wouldn¡¯t take anything for granted with the current conflicts happening all around the city though.¡±


    ¡°Will it take too long to at least check?¡± Jack asked. ¡°If it¡¯s not too great a detour we might as well, then we can get what rest we can on the way. Maybe that ring will help?¡±


    ¡°The Ring of Lesser Restoration?¡± Alora asked. ¡°Yes it would, but it only has three charges, which recharge a day after use.¡±


    ¡°We should only use it if we really need to then.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a shame we didn¡¯t pick up any emergency stims, those would come in handy¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to have to suck it up.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°I just hope we¡¯re not too tired before we even get to the danger zone¡­¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s get moving.¡±


    For just over two hours they kept travelling, doing their best not to attract any attention and notifying their friends back home that they likely wouldn¡¯t be back until early morning. Vanya agreed to compile her notes on ¡®Whipping Tom¡¯ for them, and told them that everyone already living at the homestead had pulled together well to accommodate the newcomers, and Obeda, Karzen and Bentom were busy assigning overnight guard shifts as requested.


    The districts they had passed showed many things that Jack had never seen before. One of the first they had entered to get to a major traversal district almost looked inspired by Japanese aesthetics, with towering pagoda-style constructs and sleek, minimalistic designs, like a fusion of old and new. The MegaCorp that apparently ran both it and the neighbouring districts, NeoJoy, were not involved in the current conflicts, instead taking advantage of the situation to organise large parties and events at their gaming and entertainment venues to rake in as many clients as possible, while posting patrols of guards and militia aplenty.


    Though there had been a brief scare with a wagemage on the lookout for illusions and astral signatures, they were able to remain out of his line of sight and merge with the crowd to eventually emerge into the desired traversal district, a large area once composed of several districts, but now a seemingly neutral space with paths and roads criss-crossing each other, with many paths leading to all of the surrounding districts. Fortunately, they were able to cut some more time off when they discovered a small clan of Ogar offering a rickshaw taxi service, with Alora paying one of them to ferry them to one of the districts on the other side. As the giant pedalled the tricycle, they were all very thankful for the rest as Alora checked in with their friends at home.


    Another set of districts on the other side was owned by EdaGro, another MegaCorp that had a fondness for lush gardens, artificial waterfalls and bioengineered plants of many vibrant colours that dominated the landscape as they travelled through, stopping for a break halfway through for a pack of energy drinks to resupply themselves with. Though EdenNet was currently an active participant in the ongoing corporate war, the conflict had not yet reached the districts the group would be travelling through.


    ¡°Coach should be a few districts North of here,¡± Sephy finally spoke up a while later as they bypassed another checkpoint, with the natural landscape giving way to a much more urbanised residential area. They took note of the fewer people that were now out and about, and knew that they would be under much greater scrutiny on the way back.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s...¡± Alora began, but stopped as a young, green, aquatic-looking woman with a large, spiny dorsal fin approached them from the side, where several others in bright green robes had congregated. ¡°Can I help you?¡±


    ¡°You cannot child!¡± The woman smiled as she stopped. ¡°For it is my wish to help you!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, no thank you,¡± Nika added, as she tried to lead the others away from the street preacher.


    ¡°Wait! Are you not suffering from the ongoing chaos in this city?  Do you not want to be able to feed yourselves?¡± the woman hurriedly asked, pulling out a box of nutrient bars and a leaflet. ¡°The Emerald King is most kind and generous, and it is his wish that the people be fed!¡±


    ¡°How much are you asking?¡± Sephy asked with sceptical eyes, looking at the offered food.


    ¡°No money or service is necessary, save for the wish of the Emerald King for his voice to be heard. Tell your friends and family that if they wish for salvation, the Emerald King is there!¡±


    ¡°Um¡­okay! Thank you!¡± Alora smiled, taking the box. ¡°We certainly will! Farewell!¡±


    They moved on in silence for several blocks before Nika spoke up. ¡°That was weird.¡±


    ¡°Weird but useful,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°I recognise this brand of bar, they¡¯re the real thing! Enough to feed most people for a day with the stuff packed into them, but disgusting all the same.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you can dissolve them into a soup or maybe swallow it down with some hot sauce.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°What¡¯s the Emerald King?¡±


    I have no idea, Chiyo told them, sounding rather surprised, as the others nodded in consensus that they also had no idea. Probably a new cult of some kind. At least they seem to be one of the more benign ones at least.


    ¡°Well if they feed more people like that they¡¯ll get converts quickly.¡± Alora smiled as she put the box and leaflet into her bag. ¡°Especially with Corvin Enterprises claiming their food production got hit by the Killer Klown, that being the reason for them raising the prices to extortionate levels.¡±


    As they made their way north to where the coach would hopefully be, the group could see several squads of troops occasionally cross their path, heading East to where the nearest conflict was going on. Alora for her part suggested suitable disguises to make it past without attracting any attention, changing into a group of unattractive middle-aged women to avoid any attention from ¡®the lads¡¯.


    Fortunately for the group, the ¡®coach¡¯ was in operation, though to Jack it was actually an automated tram, with a thin rail carved into the main roads with the occasional grid of wires overhead. Surprisingly it was free of charge to board, though technically only for residents and employees of Synthetika Technologies. Naturally, with no driver or conductor around to stop them, they didn¡¯t give a shit about those details, and simply amended their disguises to appear as low-level employees in uniform, with Dante laying down underneath the seats in order to not be seen. Fortunately it was a quiet time in the evening, and so Sephy didn¡¯t need to join him there, instead sitting on the row of seats in front of Jack and Nika, with Alora and Chiyo.


    Alora, may I please see that leaflet for a moment? Chiyo asked, and the Eladrie handed it over, with the others taking a look as well.


    ¡°¡®Enter the Realm of Transcendence. Embrace the Emerald Path¡­¡¯¡± Nika read the first sentence and snorted. ¡°What is this crap?¡±


    ¡°Well you can always count on the crazies to be unoriginal!¡± Sephy chucked.


    ¡®Seek out our brethren in the hidden corners of the city¡­¡¯ Chiyo read. ¡®...the Emerald King¡¯s favour will only be bestowed upon the worthy¡­¡¯ Yeah. It¡¯s a load of crap.


    ¡°At least we got some free food out of it.¡± Jack shrugged.


    The tram journey only took about twenty minutes to get to the end of the Synthetika Technologies territory, then after walking through several districts belonging to DataHeaven, the group found themselves at the very edge of ¡®civilised¡¯ territory. The district they were in had an abundance of salvaged scrap, likely from their wasteland neighbour, with scrapped-together robots walking about, either on errands or simply left to their own devices. Finding an entrance to ScrapHaven was surprisingly easy, with a heavy guard posting keeping watch. Getting together on a nearby bench to take a quick rest, they planned their next move as Jack handed out energy drinks to everyone.


    ¡°So, the good news is she¡¯s not too deep in. Maybe an hour or two on foot, depending on what¡¯s accessible,¡± Sephy whispered.


    ¡°Either way we¡¯re gonna need to take it slow,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°Let¡¯s make it quiet getting in and out. Stay away from people and stay alert.¡±


    ¡°Shit, you kids wanna go out there?¡± one of the guards asked as they approached. ¡°We ain¡¯t coming after you if there¡¯s trouble¡±


    ¡°We only intend to be a few hours, we¡¯re on a job,¡± Alora confirmed.


    ¡°Have you seen anyone come by here recently?¡± Jack asked them, showing the photo of the girl.


    ¡°Nobody¡¯s come through here in days, not with the current mess,¡± they confirmed. ¡°And not when there¡¯s that crap out there. We¡¯ll still be here though if you come back.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Nika agreed as they walked through the checkpoint. ¡°Everyone check your gear and switch to subvocal comms.¡±


    They all did so with now practised efficiency, unholstering their weapons of choice and checking their loadouts with deadly precision, quickly nodding to each other that they were in the clear.


    ¡°Activated my auto-mapping program,¡± Sephy added. ¡°We¡¯ll be able to find our way back a bit easier. I won¡¯t pull the drones out just yet though, they¡¯re more than likely to reveal our position.¡±


    I¡¯ve cloaked us as best as I can, Chiyo added. We shouldn¡¯t be spotted at long range, but it¡¯s much more likely at shorter distances.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get moving,¡± Alora grimly told them. ¡°Sephy, you have the coordinates so you lead the way. Jack, you go with her. Nika covers our rear. ¡°


    ¡°Alright, it should be this way,¡± Sephy whispered as she led them onward, soon losing sight of the checkpoint and leading them deeper into ScrapHaven.


    Nobody spoke as they carefully crept ever onwards, passing dilapidated factories and crumbling buildings alike that dominated the landscape, casting constant shadows over narrow, dark alleyways from the tiniest glimpses of the glow from the city. Though ScrapHaven was a breeding ground for the worst of the worst, the group surprisingly encountered nothing as they carefully moved as a squad, checking around corners and using the buildings as cover all the way.


    ¡°Up ahead, I reckon it¡¯s the big red warehouse in the distance,¡± Sephy whispered after about an hour and a half had passed. ¡°The beacon is still there though. Hasn¡¯t moved.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this,¡± Nika growled under her breath. ¡°It¡¯s been far too quiet. I haven¡¯t even heard anything sketchy.¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± Jack whispered back. ¡°I don¡¯t see any signs of activity whatsoever, you¡¯d think there would be lights on or something.¡±


    ¡°Chiyo?¡± Alora asked the Ilithii.


    I detect nobody, she confirmed, sounding worried.


    ¡°Harden your souls for what we might find,¡± Alora whispered to them all. ¡°But we have to check. Be ready for anything.¡±


    Jack did his best to try and regulate his breathing, refusing to give in to his creeping dread as he took the lead. His plasma rifle was out, and he knew he could swap to his powerful photon revolver at any time. At that point, he was ready to straight up open fire at anything that moved that wasn¡¯t them, and it made him wonder - How did soldiers in the military back on Earth cope with situations like this?


    Crouching behind what looked like a broken-down car, Jack stopped for a moment to watch and listen for any danger, but only heard a slight gust of wind rustling through nearby debris on the ground.


    ¡°Shall I risk putting a drone or two up?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°But let¡¯s get into full cover before we do.¡±


    ¡°That shop over there.¡± Nika pointed, and they quickly made their way to it, with the Kizun quickly entering first with her shotgun and confirming it was clear. Releasing two of her smallest and hardest-to-spot drones, Sephy spent a few minutes getting a top-down view of the warehouse and the surrounding area.


    ¡°Can¡¯t see inside,¡± Sephy whispered. ¡°And the material is too thick for thermal.¡±


    Are you able to pinpoint all the entrances and exits? Chiyo asked, and Sephy nodded.


    ¡°Keep the drones above us, and let us know if anything moves that isn¡¯t us,¡± Nika whispered, letting out a deep sigh to calm her nerves. ¡°We¡¯ve come too far to turn back now.¡±


    ¡°Agreed. The moment we confirm the target¡¯s status, we leave,¡± Alora told them. ¡°No sticking around for looting or anything. Just take whatever evidence is necessary for the client and we head straight back out.¡±


    They all nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Good.¡± The Eladrie gave an unconvincing smile. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Jack led the way, knowing he couldn¡¯t show his fear as he made his way to the adjacent building to the red warehouse, peering around the corner and looking around for any sign of recent activity, but finding none.


    ¡°Beacon is slightly above us,¡± Sephy shakily whispered to him. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta find stairs.¡±


    ¡°None on the outside,¡± Jack cursed.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to clear the rooms as quickly and as efficiently as we can,¡± Nika told them all. ¡°We¡¯re not leaving any potential hazards behind. I¡¯d suggest we go through the staff door over there rather than the main entrance, it¡¯s too exposed.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Jack nodded and carefully crept his way to the side door and quietly turned the handle, surprised to find it open with little resistance. He gently pushed it and brought his gun up, though cringed as the rusted hinges gave a loud creak that sounded all the worse amidst the silence of the night. He quickly sliced the pie and checked his angle of sight in increments, confirming that the pitch-black corridor was clear. His Shades of Seeing were already on, which was little comfort as the sights of the warehouse office were still eerie to him, with still no sign of having anyone visit in decades if not centuries.


    ¡°Careful how you open the door Jack, maybe switch to your pistol and use your other hand to steady the door,¡± Nika suggested, to which Jack nodded in agreement.


    He cautiously made his way forward, his footsteps muffled by countless layers of dust and the ever-present silence. As they carefully pressed forward, Sephy placed a small device on the wall next to the door before aiming her own plasma rifle up again, using the smartlinked scope to be able to see better. Rooms were quickly cleared as they pushed forward, however, they did not find any stairs going up, which was worrying. Eventually, the end of the corridor opened out into a large, dark and dank space with several long-abandoned containers, and even an old load vehicle of some kind, long dusted over in the corner.


    ¡°Stairs on our left,¡± Jack whispered, seeing the shoddy-looking, rusted metal staircase several metres to the side as he entered. ¡°I can¡¯t see if there¡¯s any on the other side. How far is the beacon, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Our side,¡± the Skritta confirmed. ¡°Should be up there.¡±


    Jack crept up, noting that several of the steps were not secure, and noted as such to the others, who being lighter in weight would be less affected by the potential hazard. At the top there was another door, which Jack immediately opened and confirmed it was clear, not wanting to leave his friends exposed on the stairs longer than necessary.


    They were met by a long corridor, with two doors spaced apart on the right, and one door on the left, right at the end of the corridor.


    ¡°Left,¡± Sephy confirmed without being prompted.


    ¡°Sephy, check the two rooms on the right first,¡± Nika whispered. ¡°Jack, push up a bit. I¡¯ll hold position here and stay alert, we don¡¯t want anything coming behind us.¡±


    Jack moved forward, with Dante walking beside him, looking up at Jack with a worried expression.


    ¡°Clear. Looks like an executive office of some kind,¡± Sephy confirmed, saying the same with the other right-side door.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Alora nodded, looking to the others. ¡°Be careful.¡±


    Carefully, Jack opened the door, prepared for anything, before immediately recoiling in horror, realising he had not been ready for this¡­


    The spacious room was mostly bare, with the exception of an electrical device with a flashing green light on the ground, winking at them, but the centrepiece of this display of horror was the heavily mutilated corpse strung up to the ceiling, limbs splayed wide. Drawn in blood against the back wall was the familiar symbol of the burning skull, gazing down at them with a wicked, mocking grin.


    But the thing that really made Jack¡¯s blood run cold was seeing whose long-dead body it was¡­


    It was the exact same old man that sent them here.


    Suddenly, a loud, piercing whine of an alarm screamed out all around them, causing many in the group to cover their ears.


    ¡°Shit! Ambush!¡± Nika yelled from her position, as she opened fire¡­

 Chapter 81: Ambush

    ¡°It¡¯s a trap!¡± Alora confirmed in a panic. ¡°We¡¯ve got to run!¡±


    ¡°Do you have a way out on your end?!¡± Nika called back in between bursts of gunfire. ¡°We¡¯re dead meat if we try to push out the way we came! They¡¯re good too, we can¡¯t fight them and win!¡±


    There¡¯s more pushing up! Chiyo warned. Life signatures suddenly appeared the moment the alarm went off. We¡¯re surrounded!


    ¡°They¡¯ve just taken out one of the drones!¡± Sephy confirmed as she controlled her breathing, bringing her gun up. ¡°What the hell do we do?¡±


    ¡°We might be surrounded but we can¡¯t stay here either!¡± Jack confirmed as he sprinted out of the room and down the corridor quicker than he ever had before. ¡°Nika! I¡¯m coming to you!¡±


    ¡°Sephy, get your other drone out of range, give us what passive overwatch you can, and get ready to run,¡± Alora told the Skritta, who lept into action. ¡°Jack, Nika, we¡¯re going to need to make a new exit!¡±


    The door we entered should be somewhere directly below around here! Chiyo confirmed, moving to the far wall of the room. Jack can use an Overcharge shot to blow a hole and we can jump down!


    ¡°Got it, but these guys are good!¡± Nika growled as Jack caught up to her, slamming his shoulder on the opposite side of the doorframe and immediately laying down fire on any of the dark, silhouetted forms he could see slipping between cover. ¡°The moment we cut and run they¡¯re gonna move up.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we can use that?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°Lure them up and we give them the slip?¡±


    More are heading your way! Chiyo warned. There¡¯s fewer outside but something is weird, it¡¯s like their auras are beyond terrified!


    ¡°If they¡¯re terrified that gives us the advantage!¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°If we have to break for it, we can go through them!¡±


    ¡°Jack, we need to get to the others,¡± Nika told him. ¡°This corridor is a killing ground!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± Jack growled as he quickly snapped his head back as some scarily accurate plasma bursts nearly hit him. ¡°You go first, I¡¯ll hold them off then follow you!¡±


    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t bother using the rooms on the right, just straight down and in on the left,¡± Nika warned. ¡°One of us will cover you from there!¡±


    ¡°Yep!¡± Jack acknowledged as he turned around to let off another burst of covering fire. ¡°Go now!¡± he whispered to Nika, before he yelled at the unknown hostiles, ¡°COME OUT YOU FUCKING PUSSIES!¡±


    The concealed hostiles below said nothing, and only responded with accurate bursts of plasma fire that pinged off of the door that Jack was hiding behind.


    ¡®Shit, I¡¯m surprised these walls are still standing after that.¡¯ Jack thought to himself as he let out some blind covering fire, seeing Nika reach the end of the corridor¡­


    A quiet ¡®tink¡¯ of something small and metallic rattling on the floor right by his feet immediately drew his attention, and instantly filled Jack with dread as he recognised the grenade for what it was¡­


    ¡®Oh fuck!¡¯


    He acted instantly, without thinking, kicking the grenade back through the doorframe and slamming what was left of the door shut, turning to run just as the explosive detonated. The force of the blast sent a shockwave rippling from the epicentre, ripping the door right off its frame and throwing Jack off his feet, sending him tumbling into the air to smack into one of the walls.


    Jack groaned in pain, disoriented but not defeated as he struggled to push himself up, feeling the dull aches over his body from where his battleskin dispersed the force of the impact.


    ¡°Jack, run!¡± he heard one of the girls yell over comms through the ringing in his ears, forcing himself to move as the adrenaline ran in full force through his body. The sound quickly came back as he got halfway down the corridor, and he heard the loud crashing of movement behind him, knowing instinctively that the enemy was quickly climbing up after him.


    ¡°Jack, duck!¡± Alora yelled from the far end of the corridor as she began casting.


    Jack quickly got low and skidded along the ground, looking up as a ball of white-hot fire shot over him, speeding to the other end of the corridor where he just came from. Glancing out of the corner of his eye as he legged it to the other end of the corridor, he saw the fireball explode in an eruption of righteous fury, slamming into the hulking form on the other side.


    ¡°Nice shot!¡± Jack grinned as he got to the door, following Alora as Dante peeked around the corner and sent a lightning bolt down range for good measure.


    Aim there! Chiyo pointed at a section of the room as he stacked up on Nika and Chiyo, ready to engage what was on the other side.


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± Jack quickly growled as he drew his sidearm and swiftly aimed at where Chiyo was pointing, blasting away the crumbling floor and wall.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t slow your landing, slide down, don¡¯t jump!¡± Sephy called out behind him, as she lobbed a grenade through the door Jack just came from, hearing the rapidly approaching footsteps of their mysterious assailants.


    ¡°Got it!¡± Nika grunted as she sprinted forward and slid down a partially crumbled section that sloped downwards to where the warehouse staff door they used to enter the building used to be, landing with a roll and snapping to cover. Chiyo floated above, ready to lash out with her power at anything that moved.


    We¡¯re clear, hurry up! she called back to the others.


    ¡°Don¡¯t need to tell me twice!¡± Sephy muttered as she and Dante went next, the Skritta using her translucent wings to move out through the hole and into the street beyond as Nika and Chiyo pushed up, while the ¡®Dog¡¯ simply blinked next to her.


    ¡°Alora?¡± Jack called to the Eladrie as she finished casting, shooting a small bead of fire out of her wand to embed itself just above the doorframe, then turning to run and slide down the crumpled section, quickly followed by Jack as they heard an explosion roar out from behind them.


    ¡°Run! Get to the next building!¡± Nika yelled as she sprinted across the street and blew the hinges off the nearest door with two quick blasts with her shotgun, with Chiyo then using her power to rip it off as several shapes could be seen rounding the corner of the warehouse they had just come from.


    Sephy wasted no time in smashing a glass vial on the ground as she and Dante dashed across the road, the compressed purple gas within quickly expanding to form a thick cloud of lilac smoke that aggressively billowed out, creating a smokescreen that gave them cover as they made it to the other side and dashed through the door with Dante. Quickly checking for hostiles and finding nobody, she hurriedly waved them all through as Alora and Jack took up the rear, with the latter quickly snapping around and helping Nika lay down some covering fire through the smoke to keep the assholes chasing them at a distance, and catching up to Alora when she made it to the other side.


    Upon dashing through the door and successfully avoiding enemy fire, Jack found himself entering a crumbling corridor onto a floor littered with rubble and debris, with walls tarnished with peeling wallpaper. Whatever this place was had long been lost to time.


    ¡°I knew something we got from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup would actually be useful!¡± Sephy grinned despite the situation, patting the other vial she had at her hip as Alora moved up past her while she covered their rear.


    ¡°Chiyo? Can you detect anyone ahead?¡± Alora asked as she moved to the front of the group, panting.


    Just one that¡¯s close with a terrified aura moving at speed, Chiyo confirmed. I can''t detect anything else, but the rest must be able to mask themselves. There are several others that I detected around the warehouse too, maybe they¡¯re there to slow us down while their friends catch up?


    ¡°Going through them is the quickest way out unless we want to blast another hole in the wall,¡± Sephy called back as she aimed at the door they had entered from, with Jack doing the same. ¡°Make it quick and we might give the rest the slip. Looks like they¡¯re going around rather than chasing, probably expecting a trap.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Taking point!¡± Nika confirmed, while Alora and Chiyo moved up with her, with Jack, Sephy and Dante carefully following behind, covering their rear.


    Where¡¯s the damn exit!? Chiyo complained as they pushed further down the corridor, dodging various hazards that had been left in the way over the years.


    ¡°There!¡± Alora pointed at a smashed window, seeing a long, thin alleyway on the other side, while from somewhere close by the sound of a door being bashed open could be heard.


    ¡°Run!¡± Nika hissed, as she sprinted for the opening, diving through and dashing to the first bit of cover she could find, taking a few minor cuts in the process. Dante sprinted up past Alora and Chiyo and dove out after her, though while Chiyo easily floated through, Alora winced as she put pressure on her hands, climbing through with some deep cuts from the broken glass.


    ¡°Go Sephy!¡± Jack told the Skritta as he heard movement from behind him, quickly crouching and spinning around to engage whoever had just turned around the corner. ¡°CHEEKI BREEKI MOTHERFUCKERS!¡± he yelled, as whoever was chasing them wisely remained in full cover.


    ¡°I¡¯m through, I¡¯ll cover you!¡± Sephy called back, and Jack turned and sprinted for the hole as the Skritta used her ricocheting pistols to bounce plasma shots around him, while Chiyo tried to move various objects in between him and the assholes chasing them.


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± Jack growled as he clumsily vaulted the window, taking a few hits as he turned around and let loose a heavy blast behind him, barely acknowledging the collapsing ceiling of the corridor he had just dashed down, but knowing that he¡¯d stalled their immediate pursuers, at least for the time being.


    ¡°You alright?¡± Sephy asked him as she used all her strength to help him up. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta move!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Jack grunted as he got to his feet. ¡°Go! I¡¯ll catch up!¡±


    ¡°Ok, stay close!¡± the Skritta warned as she set off, quickly quaffing something out of a vial she took out of a pocket, swiftly followed by Jack. The others were about halfway up the alleyway, with Nika and Dante sprinting up to the end as fast as they could, while Alora and Chiyo were doing their best to follow close behind. Jack knew that the two of them weren¡¯t the most physically capable, and he hoped they wouldn¡¯t gas out before they could escape.


    Got a lifesign heading to intercept us!  Chiyo warned. There may be others that are obscured!


    ¡°Moving up!¡± Jack confirmed as he sprinted ahead, digging deep to move past Sephy, Alora and Chiyo to catch up with Nika, preparing to cover the right corner of the alley to Nika¡¯s left, while Dante did¡­something, casting a ball of lightning behind Sephy that completely blanketed the thin alleyway. As Jack caught up with the Kizun, he could hear several shots ring out from behind them, before the little balls of light were somehow intercepted by little forks of lightning, looking almost like a tesla coil to the human.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Good boy!¡± Jack encouraged Dante as he got to the end. ¡°Where to now?¡±


    Lifesign approaching from the right! Chiyo warned as she caught up. It¡¯s one of the terrified ones!


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Nika swore, as Jack turned to see the incoming enemy come into view¡­


    Standing at an imposing height of well over seven feet tall, was a grotesque fusion of flesh and machine. Whatever creature the hulking figure had been before was now unidentifiable, now encased in a gruesome medley of cybernetic enhancements, the metal and chrome marred with signs of constant wear and tear. Whatever remained of the pale, dead-looking flesh was a jigsaw of decay and agony that barely concealed yet more mechanical parts underneath. What could only have been its face had been completely removed, replaced with a single, tough-looking rusted metal plate that had been crudely bolted in place to protect the cranium. A black sludge, like ancient motor oil, leaked from the bottom of the plate and dribbled down the creature''s neck in a bubbling ooze. Several thin wires, reinforced cables and thick tubes snaked down and around the rest of its body like choking vines, connecting the organic and inorganic with a grizzly synergy.


    One arm of the cybernetic horror had been amputated part of the way down in favour of a massive arm-mounted chainsaw, that Jack had no doubt could rend any obstacle with ease, while the other had been replaced entirely with a mounted twin-barrelled chaingun that spun around with a hateful green light. With each thundering step, it was as if the ground itself trembled beneath the massive weight, sending shockwaves of force that Jack could feel rippling in his toes as the monster showed no signs of being encumbered by the heavy weaponry, which slowly began to spin up¡­


    ¡°Izorinn!¡± Alora cried out, as several chains of light shot out from the end of her wand, wrapping themselves around the monstrosity and pointing the barrel of the chaingun away from the group, though Jack could see that it did little to hinder the movement of this ¡®Cyberzombie¡¯ as with a growling mechanical hum that grew ever louder it let loose a torrent of plasma in a rapid, staccato clicking noise that began churning the ancient concrete road like it was made of sand¡­


    RUN! Chiyo yelled telepathically, and everyone did, dashing across the next street, the stench of ozone filling the air as the cyborg quickly worked to free itself from the magical chains. Jack was first, crossing the street to go down the next alleyway, simply wanting to break the enemy¡¯s line of sight.


    Making sure that everyone was close behind, Jack pointed to a large, rundown building to the left that looked like an old factory with a door slightly ajar, and Alora didn¡¯t hesitate to lead the others there, with Jack quickly following and taking the rear once again, before suddenly, something hard slammed into his right shoulder, knocking him down to the ground in a heavy spin.


    Acting on instinct, Jack used the momentum of the impact to reach for his sidearm, yanking it out of its holster and started blasting, firing blindly at where the sniper round had come from. In the distance, he could just about see a white-haired form duck under cover from the top of a water tower as his left hand grasped for his plasma rifle still on its sling, going akimbo.


    Jack! Get up! He heard Chiyo in his mind as he felt the Ilithii¡¯s telekinetic power quickly bring him to his feet.


    Jack sprinted for the door while Chiyo waved her arms around to summon a large glob of water before launching it out to explode in an eruption of warm, white steam, creating a smokescreen to cover Jack as he got to the building, just as a series of thundering footsteps approached....


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± Jack yelled, pointing his pistol at the ¡®cyberzombie¡¯ as it turned a corner, the heavy shot slamming into the beast hard with a burst of fierce, bright energy, causing it to take a single, solitary step backwards.


    But that was it.


    Jack¡¯s eyes went wide as he saw the monster completely tank the most powerful attack he had at his disposal like it was nothing, before his body caught up with his mind and dashed after the others through the reception area, bursting into a larger, open area, strewn with debris and rusted remnants of forgotten machinery, with the metal carcasses of heavy equipment long dead, twisted and lifeless. Jack cursed as the broken ceramic tiles crunched under his feet, adding a cacophony of sound that he really didn¡¯t want the enemy to hear.


    Quickly, Chiyo brought out her new cane and made some motions with her hands, indicating everyone in the group, before suddenly the sounds of their footsteps completely ceased, and they no longer felt the rough terrain slowing them down.


    ¡°Stay in this building and go right to the end, I think there was a crumbled wall we can get through!¡± Sephy hurriedly told them, sounding very confident.


    ¡°Are you sure Sephy? This place is a damn maze!¡± Nika snarled, as she slowed down and smacked into what remained of a forklift truck, pushing herself off it to go around.


    ¡°Wait! Sephy? Did you take the Clairvoyance potion?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Yep! Guys! Over there!¡± Sephy pointed to the left as they all went through a large archway to a massive assembly line that loomed in the dark like a snaking skeletal frame.


    What are we looking at, Sephy? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°Conveyor belt!¡± Jack realised, following it along, and pointing to a small hole in the far wall that was marked with a long-faded warning label of some kind. ¡°Go through there and we might give them the slip!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯d put the finished product in a loading bay to be shipped off,¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°Or another loading bay to be shipped in. Get in there!¡±


    Nika went first, sliding through, ready to open fire at anything on the other side.


    ¡°Clear!¡± she called back, and Alora and Chiyo quickly followed through the small opening, with Dante hopping through next.


    ¡°Go!¡± Jack told Sephy as they heard the familiar, thundering footsteps behind them. Diving through the hole after her and making it to the other side, he let out a slight sigh of relief that Chiyo¡¯s spell muted the sound they made as several crates of old bottles tinkled slightly with the vibration.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Sephy began, letting the strange senses of the Clairvoyance potion subtly influence her gut feeling on how to proceed. ¡°I don¡¯t think they don¡¯t know we¡¯ve come down here and they¡¯re going to try and focus on the right-hand side of the building where I think there was a fire exit.¡±


    ¡°So we try and get out on the left somewhere.¡± Alora nodded.


    ¡°And stay out of the open. Straight into another building if we can,¡± Jack added as they kept quickly and quietly moving forward, listening out for enemy activity. ¡°They had a sniper on top of an old water tower on the right too, and where there¡¯s one there¡¯s probably more. Plus, Chiyo said there was more than one of those¡­things around. With the weird auras?¡±


    Yes, Chiyo agreed, sounding fearful. That thing was a monstrosity unlike anything I have ever seen or even heard of before, and it couldn¡¯t have possibly been in control of its own actions! It''s like its very spirit was unwillingly shackled to what was left of its body to keep it ¡®alive¡¯ enough to operate! Its soul was screaming! Such a strong, overwhelming presence of constant pain and agony would be near impossible to mask!


    ¡°Got an opening ahead, tight fit though,¡± Nika called back. ¡°This way, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Wait a moment¡­¡± Sephy held up a hand for several moments. ¡°Okay, go now, and I get the feeling there should be another similar hole into the next building. Crawl through there.¡±


    They all did so, scrambling through and low to the ground. It was a tight fit for all of them, but especially for Jack, who took up the rear in a commando crawl, having to slide his rucksack off and gently pull it behind him. He looked around once he was out, and was thankful to see heavy debris around him, old dumpsters and boxes obscuring their presence as he kept crawling forward. With Chiyo¡¯s spell continuing to affect him, as like the others, he was easily able to quickly get through the difficult terrain, scrambling to his feet the moment he got under the wall of the next building.


    Everyone held their breath as they tried to keep as quiet as they possibly could, hearing several different sounds of movement in the distance. Their mysterious enemy was disciplined, but relentless in their search,


    ¡°We might have lost them now, if we keep quiet we can gradually put some distance between us,¡± Alora whispered hopefully.


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Sephy gasped, clearly reacting to the Clairvoyance effect still having a hold on her as she dashed forward down the corridor of what might have once been a waste disposal facility. ¡°No that¡¯s not gonna work, I think we¡¯ve gotta move quickly right now and get somewhere they can¡¯t follow us!¡±


    ¡°Shit, what have they got?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know! Just that they¡¯ve got something that¡¯s gonna be a problem!¡± Sephy panted.


    ¡°Whatever it is, the more distance we make, the less of a problem it¡¯ll be!¡± Jack softly growled back, although he gasped upon hearing a chorus of unnatural, alien noises from somewhere far behind them.


    What was that? Chiyo asked nervously.


    ¡°Fuck, they¡¯re using dogs!¡± Jack told them. ¡°Tracker animals! They can lead them right to us!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got some quick mines that¡¯ll help,¡± Sephy told them, following the gut feelings the Clairvoyance was giving her. ¡°We¡¯ll need to take them and any enemy drones out to escape!¡±


    ¡°Alright, do you know where we need to go?¡± Alora asked the Skritta as Sephy made an abrupt turn to their right, taking them on a shortcut through an old set of offices with a long-decayed wall at one end.


    ¡°I think so, remember that multi-storey car park on the way here?¡± Sephy asked them.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°You said no cars or anything we could use, right?¡±


    That¡¯s correct, Chiyo agreed. But we did say how structurally weak it is¡­


    ¡°So we have to collapse an entire building behind us?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°If we even can.¡± Alora panted as she started to gas out. ¡°It¡¯s a few blocks!¡±


    ¡°We can do it!¡± Jack told them confidently, trying his best to keep morale up. ¡°Got to dig deep Alora, you too Chiyo! We¡¯re doing well so far!¡±


    I can¡¯t believe I regret not doing more sports! the Ilithii whined.


    ¡°I¡¯ll remember that once we escape!¡± Nika told Chiyo with a humourless chuckle.


    Quickly crossing the street the group saw the old car park in the distance, but heard the rapidly approaching barks and growls of whatever beasts were heading their way. And now that their enemy knew the direction they were heading, they were soon discovered once again.


    ¡°Drone!¡± Alora warned, and Jack turned around to see a dark copter floating above them, holding an almost phallic-shaped object on a wire¡­


    Jack stopped for a moment and aimed carefully to shoot at the thing, scoring a hit with his second burst, causing the drone to start spiralling towards the ground, before the bomb it had been carrying exploded.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there!¡± Sephy pointed directly ahead of them, before quickly planting a basic slap-mine on the corner of the closest building they had just turned. Straight down the old road, and they would be there, but the cover was almost non-existent.


    ¡°We¡¯re gonna have to sprint!¡± Nika panted, as Alora and Chiyo especially were at their limit. ¡°Dig deep! Go!¡±


    I¡¯m trying! Chiyo despairingly replied as she began to slow down, before a blast of red energy smacked into her back, dropping her to the ground.


    ¡°NO!¡± Sephy yelled as she immediately stopped and returned fire at where the shot had come from with her plasma rifle.


    ¡°Keep moving!¡± Jack bellowed as the barks of the animals were closer now. ¡°I¡¯ve got her!¡±


    Leave me! Save yourselves! Chiyo painfully told them, but Jack ignored her as he quickly scooped her up, hearing the pants of the animals behind them before Sephy¡¯s mine detonated, taking out the pack leader. He felt another hard impact slam into the ground where he had just been as he ran as fast as he could, attempting to juke the sniper in between Sephy¡¯s suppressing fire, who very quickly became the new target of the sniper¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Shit! Jack, behind you!¡± Nika yelled as something nipped at his heels, before Chiyo was able to recover and use her power to knock it back. A quick glimpse from Jack confirmed that the mangy shape bore similar grotesque cybernetic enhancements to the massive hulking ¡®cyberzombie¡¯ from before, though he did not allow himself a detailed look as he realised that he was being caught up.


    Dante intercepted one of the beasts, but was forced to blink away to Nika and Sephy as several of the pack quickly rounded on the ¡®dog¡¯. Jack was getting closer, but the enemy ¡®hounds¡¯ were quick, and carrying Chiyo took a toll.


    ¡®Wait.¡¯ Jack thought to himself. ¡®Don¡¯t I have something that could help? This crazy shit better fucking work¡­¡¯


    Awkwardly fumbling through a pocket and hoping he had taken the right potion vial he briefly saw on the written label ¡®Quick Retreat¡¯. Downing the swirling, silvery liquid, Jack almost gagged at the taste, dropping the vial as his face contorted with surprise and confusion at the unnatural sensation. Suddenly, the world around him began to blur, as when Jack¡¯s next step barely touched the ground, he was suddenly propelled forwards, darting down the road with the speed of a Bugatti!


    ¡°Ooof!¡± Alora gasped as Jack roughly picked her up as she slowed down, dashing as fast as he could, eyeballs drying as he ran up the ramp past the others.


    ¡°Oh fuck!¡± Jack cursed as he tried to slow down, roughly dropping Alora and Chiyo tumbling to the ground before he smacked hard into a concrete pillar, clipping the edge as he spun around, dazed, but somehow still on his feet for now.


    ¡°Oooooooow!¡± Alora groaned as she writhed in pain on the floor before steadying herself.


    ¡°Get up! We¡¯ve got to kill these beasts while Sephy plants the charges!¡± Nika shouted.


    They weren¡¯t out of this mess yet¡­

 Chapter 82: Fight And Flight

    Jack grunted as he got up and moved into position, wincing in pain as he once again misjudged his new speed and smacked his shoulder hard into the pillar. He was still able to twist around and aim his plasma rifle though, sending a burst of green fire that barely clipped the lead beast as it dashed ever closer towards them, dodging from side to side to avoid the shots in a manner that seemed far too intelligent for a normal animal.


    But it was very clear that these things were far from normal¡­


    In the back of his mind, Jack felt terrible that he had to harm what was once an animal, but he knew it had to be done. Even if they didn¡¯t pose a lethal threat to their group, he had seen the grizzly cybernetic mutilation they had been subjected to. Limbs amputated and replaced with menacing robotics, tubes pumping god knows what chemicals into what remained of the organic creature, and a series of other invasive modifications that forged whatever the animal originally was into a killing machine of pure evil.


    Killing them would be a kind mercy.


    Jack kept firing, peppering the ¡®cyberbeasts¡¯ as the leader made it to the ramp, and was immediately destroyed by a mine Sephy had dropped behind her. Jack lined up a more accurate burst, being able to predict where his target would dodge to now that it was closer, peppering it in the face with several rounds. The beast howled in pain as it continued its relentless charge, but it was moving slower, so Jack switched targets. Dante suddenly ran ahead to the top of the exit ramp and let loose a devastating fork of chain lightning that dropped the bulk of the immediate threat, before yelping and quickly blinking away, just before another sniper shot rang out and melted the ground where he had just been.


    ¡°Pyralis!¡± Alora cried out as she finished her spell, as a snaking beam of fire lanced out of her wand, bending and splitting around her friends, concrete pillars and debris to smack into the pack leaders that were getting closer, causing them to stumble, but not fall. One snarled and bolted straight for the Eladrie and, in a panic, she rushed casting her next spell and fumbled the words¡­


    ¡°Shit!¡± Jack gasped as he tried to put the barking creature down, missing his snapshot as Alora raised her arm on reflex¡­


    Suddenly, the beast stopped and was lifted into the air, before it was suddenly flung against a nearby concrete pillar with a sickening crack, before dropping to the ground, very dead.


    ¡°Thank you Chiyo!¡± Alora panted, trying to calm down as Nika took out another ¡®cyberbeast¡¯ with a blast from her shotgun before another one leapt over the concrete barrier and pinned her down. She had only just brought her shotgun up in a defensive guard, as the beast¡¯s metal maw clamped over it¡­


    ¡®Oh no you don¡¯t!¡¯ Chiyo thought to herself as she summoned her power, seeing that Jack had started to bring his gun around. Don¡¯t risk shooting her Jack! I¡¯ve got this!


    Seeing Jack nod in understanding and return to engaging more of the running creatures, Chiyo launched a powerful ball of water that smacked into the beast with the force of a cannonball, ripping it in half as the water then splashed over the Kizun, who quickly got to her feet.


    With a loud bark, Dante summoned another ball of lightning at the base of the ramp leading to the car park, zapping one of the beasts that got too close, forcing the others to back away temporarily.


    Finishing the casting of another spell, Alora waved her hands out in front of her, creating several blurry figures of people that quickly took the very shoddy appearances of members of the group. With another motion, the decoys then fanned out and took various positions around the car park, drawing enemy aggro.


    ¡°That should buy us some time.¡± Alora panted in exhaustion, as a heavy blast of plasma from the sniper ripped through a decoy of Nika.


    ¡°Sephy? How long?¡± the Kizun called back as she lobbed a grenade at the beasts that had slowed down and held back away from Dante¡¯s lightning trap, getting back into cover as she took a hit from return fire, which was thankfully tanked by her shields.


    ¡°Doing the upper floor, but they¡¯ve got shooters in the opposite building and their sniper really wants to kill me!¡± the Skritta called back in a panic. ¡°I¡¯ve done about half but it¡¯s getting hot up here!¡±


    ¡°So you definitely need to set the rest?¡± Alora called back.


    ¡°All my instincts are telling me yes; If I don¡¯t there¡¯s a greater risk we botch collapsing the building,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°The Clairvoyance potion should still be affecting me, I just need a clear path to the other pillars, then we need to run.¡±


    ¡°Jack, can you help her?¡± Alora asked. ¡°You still have the speed.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°We¡¯re barely holding out!¡±


    ¡°We have to take the risk,¡± Nika retorted. ¡°If we don¡¯t collapse the building and cut them off, we¡¯re straight up dead!¡±


    Jack immediately sprinted for the car ramp that ascended to the next level, where Sephy would be, though immediately cursed as he couldn¡¯t stop his momentum and smacked straight through the concrete wall in a puff of rock dust.


    ¡®Come on!¡¯ Jack angrily thought to himself. ¡®Sephy needs you! Stop fucking around and get your dumb ass moving!¡¯


    Quickly recovering and returning through the hole he¡¯d just created, Jack was much more cautious as he dashed up the ramp, slowing down enough to turn effectively, and feeling the sting in his palms as he grabbed onto objects and railings on his way to better turn himself around to get where he was going.


    He spotted Sephy halfway across the parking lot and sprinted over to her as several blasts of plasma fire tried and failed to hit him. He felt the burn in his legs as he dropped down and skidded along the floor to try and slow himself down, which fortunately worked as he stopped behind the rusted alien car she had hidden behind.


    ¡°Well, fancy seeing you here!¡± Sephy joked.


    ¡°You too! Where do I need to plant the bombs?¡± Jack panted, trying not to panic.


    ¡°That row of support pillars down there if you can.¡± She pointed at a clear section on the opposite end of the ramp he had just come from. ¡°I know there¡¯s no cover, but we need to stick a strong enough bomb at the base of each one, and with luck the whole thing¡¯ll come down. I¡¯ll do this row and move across where I can sneak between cover. You don¡¯t need to press any buttons, just drop them there, but we¡¯ve got to move now!¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll do my best.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Go!¡±


    With the plan in motion, the two dispersed and made their way to the predetermined weak points as quickly as they could. Jack zigzagged to throw off anyone aiming at him as he moved, taking cover behind the concrete pillars to watch out for any signs of movement outside, making several quick snapshots to try and buy the both of them some more time.


    Slapping the last device down at the far end of the car park, Jack was done with his lot of explosives and quickly rushed back, but he could see that Sephy was having trouble further up.


    ¡°Shit! This sniper really doesn¡¯t like me!¡± The Skritta gasped in panic as a heavy blast of plasma took a chunk of concrete out of the pillar she was hiding behind. Palming her final explosive, she prepared to throw it before quickly cursing, diving to the ground as a heavy plasma round then made a hole in the ground. ¡°Can you cover me?¡± she asked Jack as he quickly skidded to a stop next to her, smacking into an old, abandoned car that rocked with the impact.


    ¡°Where are they shooting from?¡± Jack asked as another shot clipped the pillar. Attempting to answer his own question, he peered over the bonnet, scanning the rooftops he could for any sign of movement, spotting a slight movement of pale, white hair before he ducked. ¡°Alright, I know now, she¡¯s underneath an old billboard. How do you want to do this?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s after me, but you¡¯re quicker right now.¡± Sephy reasoned. ¡°Start blasting and they¡¯ll think I¡¯m making a run for it, then I take over blasting, and by the time you¡¯re back I can hold on to you and we make a run for it!¡±


    ¡°Sounds good, let¡¯s go!¡± Jack growled as he immediately snapped out of his cover and let off several controlled bursts with his plasma rifle at the pale, gaunt figure, who shifted slightly from where they were crouched, but hadn¡¯t been taken down.


    ¡°Go now!¡± Sephy ordered as she brought up her own rifle and started laying down suppressing fire of her own as Jack leapt up and sprinted for the far pillar, getting to it within a few seconds before turning and sprinting back. Several bursts of concrete erupted from all around Sephy as the sniper recklessly tried to take her out, before Jack roughly grabbed the Skritta around the waist and started dashing.


    ¡°Are you hit!?¡± Jack panted as another powerful blast zipped above him, with several weaker, more inaccurate plasma shots passing around them.


    ¡°Took some secondary hits, clipped my hip, but I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Sephy winced. ¡°Holy shit, didn¡¯t think they¡¯d do that - I definitely got them better though! That Clairvoyance potion is really something¡­¡±


    ¡°Better than the one I had¡­¡± Jack grunted, as his feet lost traction with the ground as they descended the ramp to the ground floor, and smacked into the outer wall of the building, Jack carefully angling his body so Sephy wouldn¡¯t take the brunt of the impact.


    ¡°Yeah, I kinda agree with you!¡± Sephy groaned as she tried to get to her feet, before stumbling slightly.


    ¡°Almost there,¡± Jack told her as he picked her up. ¡°Ready to detonate?¡±


    ¡°Yep, I can set it off when I want to with a basic command.¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Can¡¯t be jammed at this proximity either, gotta love cybernetics! Well¡­unless you¡¯re whoever the fuck these assholes are¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s work on escaping them first!¡± Jack grunted as he caught up with the others, who looked like they were just barely holding on. Most of Alora¡¯s illusions had been taken down, Nika was currently pinned in front, Chiyo looked exhausted and Dante had taken hits. Jack could see up ahead that most of the gunmen had held their position, as several of the large cyberzombies plodded forwards, winding up their powerful guns for an attack.


    ¡°Guys! Time to pull back!¡± Sephy told everyone, as she and Jack moved up to give Nika some covering fire, allowing the Kizun to stagger back.


    This should give us the boost we need! Chiyo told them as she made a motion with her cane, as all of them felt a sudden surge of energy revitalise them. She then immediately turned and led the way out, quickly followed by Nika, who was staggering slightly as she kept her plasma rifle pointed ahead.


    Alora, with a word of power, waved her arms, summoning a wall of fire between them, while Dante barked and closed their eyes, summoning a shield of electricity around them to block incoming fire.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Get your ass moving Alora, we¡¯re quicker!¡± Sephy told the Eladrie, who nodded and started moving.


    ¡°You too Dante!¡± Jack ordered the ¡®dog¡¯. ¡°Get to the others, we¡¯ll be right behind!¡±


    ¡°Mind carrying me out?¡± Sephy asked Jack with a grin. ¡°If I do a deep slice into the local matrix I might be able to slow the big ones down if I infect their tech, and maybe get some information.¡±


    ¡°As long as you can set off the bombs!¡± Jack answered as he saw Alora and Dante clear the building.


    ¡°Will do.¡± Sephy nodded.


    ¡°Alright, do your thing! Moving now!¡± Jack told her as he started running. Sephy went limp in his arms as he held her tight, realising that she was doing something similar to when they robbed the Prefect¡¯s Lockup, focusing completely on what was happening on local cyber networks at the expense of ¡®meatspace¡¯. He really hoped the Skritta knew what she was doing¡­


    As Jack sprinted out as fast as he could, he felt his legs grow heavier with each step, as pain began to lance up his leg. Hauling ass out of the car park, past a long-abandoned pay booth he could feel himself begin to stagger despite Chiyo¡¯s enchantments, but he still pushed forward as they all heard a slight cough of electrical static from their commlinks as Sephy activated the bombs.


    As one of the ¡®cyberzombies¡¯ thundered through the wall of fire without even flinching, a series of concussive blasts rippled through the carpark, shaking the structure hard. The support pillars crumbled, one by one as they caused a domino effect that reverberated through the ground and first floors, causing the main concrete beams to buckle and crack under the explosive force, causing the debris of higher levels to rain down and collapse onto the lower.


    In just a few seconds, the multi-storey carpark had completely collapsed, forming a large, chaotic barricade that completely blocked off their pursuers.


    ¡°Chiyo! Catch!¡± Jack gasped as he threw the Skritta into the air before he completely lost his balance, and smacked into what would hopefully be the last wall of the night as the effect of his potion of Quick Retreat finally expired.


    Got her! The Ilithii groaned with effort over their mental bond, gently lowering Sephy to the ground.


    "She''s in cyberspace?" Alora asked Jack curiously. "Why?"


    "Something about slowing down the big things and grabbing intel." Jack shrugged, feeling the dull ache in his bones as he got up.


    That''s smart, as long as she doesn''t hurt herself, Chiyo mused. We''ve cut these guys off for now, but they''re very determined to kill us.


    "Yeah, we''ve got to get moving¡­" Nika began, before Sephy lurched up with a cry of pain, clutching her head.


    "Sephy? Are you alright?" Alora asked in a panic, casting a quick healing spell on the Skritta, before moving to the others, making a point of ignoring Jack and Nika trying to wave her off.


    "Slowed them down, but they''ve got some major tech on them that hit me hard. They got the other drone too, but I was able to quickly download the visuals." Sephy groaned.


    "Can we all walk? We should get moving," Jack reminded the others, who nodded, and they began to set off. Jack''s legs were feeling all sorts of cramped up after using the Quick Retreat potion, slowing him down, but the others had all either taken hits that slowed them down as well or were fatigued.


    *****


    Gradually they naturally sped up after several healing spells from Alora and some buffs from Chiyo, using her ''ease-of-travel'' cane to enable the group to climb up and over a long-collapsed ruin to avoid a wandering group of about ten raggedy-looking guys who were probably bandits. Jack noted how several of that group seemed to be looking for something, peering in old dumpsters or taking a quick peek in a few of the old buildings before moving on.


    "How much do you want to bet they were looking for us?" Nika asked.


    We don''t know for sure, Chiyo reasoned. They could also be scavengers. There are many people who are far more worse off and desperate than us, after all.


    "I would still like to avoid other groups if at all possible, especially here," Alora pointed out.


    "How far away are we from where we entered?" Jack asked. "That is where we''re heading, right?"


    "Yeah." Sephy nodded. "Though really fucking carefully. Any sign or sense that it''s an ambush, we fuck off elsewhere. It''s about twenty minutes away, but after seeing these guys I''m not feeling confident."


    "Agreed." Nika nodded. "Though that''ll mean at least four more hours in Scraphaven. It''s a risk, but I''d rather we get into the safer zones."


    "We''ll find out soon enough." Alora sighed. "Once we can get a vantage point overlooking the checkpoint we can take a look.¡±


    Sephy, are you able to contact the others and let them know what happened? Chiyo asked.


    Sephy shook her head. "Sorry, we''re well out of range, but I can write a message to automatically send when we are. Anything in particular you want me to say?"


    "Just that we''re still alive and may be later than expected. We just don''t want them to worry too much or send out a search party," Alora told her.


    "Can do." Sephy shrugged.


    "Coast is clear," Jack informed them. "Shall we?"


    *****


    "Either we''re in the clear¡­ " Nika informed them. "Or they''re very well hidden "


    "That doesn''t fill me with confidence, Nika," Alora told the Kizun. "They completely blindsided us at the warehouse!"


    "Well, there''s fewer places for the bastards to hide," Nika pointed out. "The guards at the checkpoint would have blown up any potential cover close to the entrance. Doesn''t really make sense giving any potential attackers an advantage."


    "But do we go for it?" Jack asked. "We could make a break for it and run for the checkpoint if it''s an ambush."


    "Unless it''s too much to fight through," Sephy pointed out. "I think it''s worth the risk though, we''ve made it so far and we haven''t encountered those assholes again."


    I agree, Chiyo added. It''s highly unlikely that our attackers will have caught up. I think they must have committed everything they had to that ambush.


    "Maybe they can''t risk being spotted by anyone that can call it in to their higher-ups?" Alora mused. "Let''s make our move, but be careful."


    Quickly descending the old stairs, Jack led the way as he peered out from cover, almost desperately looking for any sign that they weren''t alone.


    Nothing.


    Dante cocked their head at Jack in confusion, as if questioning his paranoia.


    Though he had every right to be paranoid right now.


    "Let''s go," he whispered to the others.


    ¡°Eyes and ears open, everyone¡­¡± Alora nervously reminded them all, not that anybody wasn¡¯t giving their surroundings the utmost attention.


    ¡°Come on, guys,¡± Nika muttered as she moved up. ¡°It''s just paranoia getting the better of us. We''ve been through worse than this. All we need to do is get to the checkpoint, then we can go home.¡±


    They cautiously continued, dipping down a dark side-alley, looking for any sign of company in the desolate ruins around them. The sounds of the swirling winds and occasional background noises carrying from far away amplified their sense of unease. More than once Jack had raised his gun at shadows that twisted and danced around them, finding nothing. Every rustle, crunch and crack only set more shivers down their spines as they cautiously approached the security checkpoint.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± one of the guards called out on seeing them. ¡°You kids actually made it back!¡±


    ¡°We did.¡± Alora smiled and battered her eyelids at the two guards. ¡°Though regrettably we did not find much. By any chance did anyone else come through here recently?¡±


    ¡°Through here?¡± One of the guards scoffed. ¡°Not since you asked on your way in.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t had anyone come through here in weeks, not even to scavenge,¡± the other pointed out. ¡°It¡¯s poor pickings out there, we tried to tell you. How was the job?¡±


    ¡°Job was a bust,¡± Nika butted in, not wanting to give the guards more information than was necessary.


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s too bad.¡± The other shrugged. ¡°Anyway, you¡¯re all good to pass. I should probably tell you to scram since it¡¯s past curfew, but there¡¯s nobody to really care and we appreciate the company.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Alora smiled, and led the group through to the other side of the checkpoint to sit down on the same bench they had used just before entering, resting for a moment of refuge from the dangers of the urban wasteland beneath a flickering neon sign of a garage that was closed for the night. Chiyo and Alora slumped back, their tired bodies sinking into the unpolished metal, grateful for the chance to catch their breath, while Sephy sat next to them and immediately began typing stuff on her commlink, while stroking the top of Dante¡¯s head, who was panting heavily. Jack and Nika took the opportunity to shuck their gear off and lean their backs against the district wall, relaxing with the weight now lifted from their shoulders.


    Jack wiped the sweat off his brow and gave a sigh of relief as he gathered his thoughts. That could have gone far worse than it actually did, though it was still pretty bad. Whoever the guys that had ambushed them were, they were professionals, and had flawlessly lured them in.


    Jack wasn¡¯t sure what he was more scared of. The strength of the powerful force they had just managed to escape, or their sheer cunning in their tactics...


    He and his friends had however escaped them for now, and had earned themselves a moment¡¯s rest, though he did not allow himself to fully relax, and kept his eyes peeled for anything wrong.


    Alora reached into her bag and retrieved a flask, passing it around for each of them to take a grateful swig, as the cool liquid rejuvenated their parched throats. Sephy cupped her hands while Chiyo poured to allow Dante a drink too, with the ¡®dog¡¯ taking measured laps of the soothing water.


    ¡°Anyone want an energy bar?¡± Nika asked, quickly throwing one to each of her friends as they all nodded unanimously, each of them clearly desperate as they tore open the packaging and quickly chowed down.


    ¡°So Jack,¡± Sephy asked, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°How does Scraphaven compare to your Deetoilet or Balltymoore?¡±


    ¡°Worse, I suspect.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ve never actually visited Detroit or Baltimore, so everything people said about them might be over-exaggerated. They were once prosperous cities, but over time declined into what they are now when the industries left and the local governments messed up, creating high levels of unemployment.¡±


    ¡°That sounds familiar with the history of Scraphaven,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°Though I believe it was some kind of war that finished it off. In time as the city expands, perhaps it will be completely razed to the ground for something new to take its place...¡±


    ¡°Well, even though it¡¯s unfortunate, the cities on Earth still find some way to endure, and may one day recover with the right guidance. Unlike Scraphaven for instance, I know Detroit at least has a McDonalds, though it¡¯s covered in bulletproof glass.¡±


    Wait, you can buy food there? Chiyo asked. It does not sound so bad¡­


    ¡°How do you get pizza delivered? With a tank?¡± Sephy added, as everyone chuckled.


    The tension gradually dissipated as they sat there, resting. Nobody wanted to be the one to remind the others that they were still far from home.


    ¡°Sorry guys.¡± Alora sighed as she pushed herself up. ¡°We¡¯ve rested enough. It¡¯s time to move.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Nika groaned as she and Jack got to their feet. ¡°Time to go home. At least it should be a safe journey back¡­¡±


    ¡°Safe? Are you high?¡± one of the guards called out to them, causing the group to snap their heads round.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s happened?¡± Alora asked, as Jack sucked in a breath. What now?


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard?¡± The other guard responded. ¡°The MegaCorps are going all out tonight! Shaskasaki and Myrodin Corps accused Corvin Enterprises of sabotaging their critical systems and crippling their joint offensives against Nyteskai, and several others are also accusing them of having instigated many of the conflicts in the first place through false-flag attacks! It¡¯s a full-on battlefield out there!¡±


    ¡°All the other conflicts seem to be coming to a head as well,¡± the first guard added. ¡°The other Megacorps are committing everything they have, and others are stirring shit up as well. Apparently The Redeemer and one of the Regulator Orders have been spotted terrorising some neutral territories, and Commander Cocaine is going apeshit up north¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh come on¡­¡± Alora groaned as she looked out into the city, seeing several buildings on fire in the distance, and now that they listened out, they could hear the sounds of conflict far in the distance.


    Their night of hell was far from over¡­

 Chapter 83: Unsafe Streets

    ¡°No means no!¡± the militia captain snarled at Alora, who had tried to sweet-talk the woman into letting their group through. ¡°No travel is permitted at this time!¡±


    ¡°Gods dammit!¡± Nika cursed. ¡°We don¡¯t work for Corvin Enterprises! We just want to go home!¡±


    ¡°A likely story!¡± the captain spat as she raised her rifle at them, quickly followed by the rest of the guards. ¡°False flags and deception are your bosses¡¯ trademark. Get the fuck out of here before we send them your heads!¡±


    They¡¯re not messing around, we should go, Chiyo warned them.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll find another route.¡±


    ¡°Shit!¡± Sephy snarled after they had retreated a safe distance. ¡°That¡¯s the fifth fucking district that turned us away! How the hell are we meant to get back?¡±


    ¡°Maybe we just need to hole up somewhere until this all ends?¡± Jack suggested.


    Corporate wars can often last days, if not weeks, Chiyo told him. We don¡¯t have that kind of time and it¡¯s not safe here! Any time the MegaCorps go to war, everyone suffers!


    ¡°Not to mention the other assholes on the prowl.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Including the ones behind us.¡±


    ¡°Alright, staying put isn¡¯t an option.¡± Jack shrugged, rolling his eyes. ¡°What¡¯s our next move?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got some neutral territories a few clicks that way.¡± Sephy pointed in the distance, which lacked the signs of battle that had dominated this part of the city. ¡°It¡¯s gonna be a long trip on foot, but it should be safe.¡±


    ¡°We had better get moving then.¡± Alora sighed and started walking. Despite the signs of battle, the streets were deserted at this time of night, with the time still being super early in the morning.


    So, Chiyo began after several minutes of grudging silence. We haven¡¯t really talked about who attacked us tonight.


    "They painted the burning skull in the warehouse," Jack reasoned. "That''s definitely the Cult of the Destroyer, right?"


    Yes, and they would have every reason to seek revenge, Chiyo agreed. But the resources and tactics we saw tonight don''t match what we faced at the Pallid Pit.


    "Another cell, perhaps?" Nika asked. ¡°Or Malakiel?¡±


    "Do you think it''s a false-flag, Chiyo?" Jack asked.


    "I was thinking about that," Sephy added, unsurely. "Nika, can I get a second opinion on something?"


    "Sure¡­" the Kizun agreed in surprise as Sephy caught up to her and showed her something on her commlink. "Ah shit. That''s the sniper? Yeah I think that might be her."


    "What is it?" Alora asked.


    "Nika and I faced a weird cultist when we split up," Sephy told her. "Called herself the Trickster, and she was an undead of some kind, though we don''t know what kind. We had no way of knowing if she had a phylactery or not when we killed her, but it looks like she might have."


    "If you killed her at the Pit then that explains why she was prioritising you," Jack pointed out.


    I''m more worried about who we spoke to in the first place. Chiyo shuddered. It couldn''t have been the old man, he was long dead when we arrived.


    "I''m sorry guys." Sephy sighed in shame. "It''s my fault we took this job¡­"


    "No, Sephy," Alora interrupted. "Whoever or whatever that was fooled all of us. None of us detected anything bad about the guy when we got there, and that terrifies me."


    "That raises the question, Nika pointed out. "Do we go back and poke around?"


    ¡°Are you insane?¡± Alora rounded on the Kizun.


    ¡°Look, I know it¡¯s a risk¡­¡± Nika began. ¡°But we can get some answers...¡±


    ¡°...And get the guy that sent us here,¡± Jack added. ¡°Unless it¡¯s a trap. I think it might be too much of a risk, especially when it¡¯s so out of the way.¡±


    ¡°Actually, if we decide we wanna keep going through these residentials and the districts beyond,  it¡¯s pretty much on the way back,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°I think we should go for it, though at the pace we¡¯re going we¡¯re going to get back home about half an hour before we need to go to school!¡±


    I believe Nika¡¯s proposal has merit, Chiyo pointed out. Provided we are careful and prepare for anything. If we are able to look around we can either eliminate the one that sent us into an ambush, or find out who they were.


    ¡°I agree with Jack, I don¡¯t like it,¡± Alora retorted, but then sighed. ¡°But if the opportunity presents itself, we can at least take a look.¡±


    ¡°Alright, the majority have spoken.¡± Jack nodded his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know what we¡¯ll find, but I do know I trust your judgement even if I disagree.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not chumps, we¡¯ll be careful.¡± Sephy patted him on the shoulder. ¡°But doing nothing and potentially letting an unknown enemy target us again like that is an even bigger risk. We¡¯ve gotta find out more.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of risks, stay alert,¡± Nika told them. ¡°I know we¡¯re all tired, but we can¡¯t afford to drop our guard, especially with corporate forces moving around.¡±


    We should ideally keep an eye on the newsfeeds for where the engagements are happening, Chiyo added. The last thing we want is to be caught in an active combat zone!


    ¡°I¡¯ll do what I can with the local networks,¡± Sephy nervously told them all. ¡°But current and accurate information will be hard to get, especially if they get taken down.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d better pick up the pace and get the hell out of here then.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Is there a safe-zone we can aim for to take a break and get our bearings?¡±


    ¡°I think one of the trade lanes is near the residential areas,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°There might be a caravan stop we can get to and buy some hot food and stimdrinks while we plan our next leg of the journey back?¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± The deathworlder nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    *****


    It was about three hours later, after sticking to the shadows and navigating their way through dark alleyways, that the team found themselves pausing outside of a dilapidated building that stood tall amidst the bleak cityscape. Ducking in to protect themselves from the heavy rain that was now falling, the group checked the map to see how far they were from the trade lane.


    About 12 more blocks, Chiyo calculated.


    ¡°At least we¡¯re almost there, hopefully there¡¯s gonna be a sign or something that points us to a service station.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°What¡¯s the plan from there? Can we even get home in time?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about that,¡± Nika mused. ¡°Maybe we can sneak a ride on one of the trucks? I¡¯m pretty sure the trade lane ends up curving north, but if we get off at the right place then it won¡¯t be too far away. It¡¯s a risk, but I¡¯d much rather save us a trip on foot if possible.¡±


    ¡°But there¡¯s no guarantee a truck would even stop there?¡± Jack pointed out, but trailed off as he saw Sephy¡¯s grin.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t, is there?¡± the Skritta mischievously asked him. ¡°Now, if only we had a cyber-whizz capable of amending manifests and delivery locations¡­¡±


    ¡°You can do that?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Yes, she can!¡± Alora perked up. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea!¡±


    As long as it isn¡¯t another freezer! Chiyo pointed out as they all got up, finished their drinks and kept moving. Remember that Run we went on against Tundra Groceries where we had to hide half the night for all the workers to lock up and go home?


    ¡°And we thought the best place to do that would be the walk-in freezer.¡± Nika snorted with amusement. ¡°While it¡¯s true it was the only hiding place big enough for us to stay hidden, it wasn¡¯t exactly the most comfortable!¡±


    ¡°We got some nice food though!¡± Sephy grinned as they turned onto a dimly-lit street. ¡°Kept us fed for months, though it wasn¡¯t the healthiest!¡±


    No complaints from me! Those sweets were¡­ Chiyo smiled, before her expression turned more serious as she stopped moving.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong Chiyo?¡± Jack asked, as everyone turned to look at her, Dante letting out a soft whine.


    I detect several auras up ahead with hostile intent!


    ¡°Ah crap¡­¡± Sephy whispered to the others as she quickly sliced into the local matrix network. ¡°Got a patrol of Myrodin Corp troops heading this way!¡±


    ¡°How bad is it?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Small squad.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Probably a recon team, this isn¡¯t Myrodin territory.¡±


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s avoid them if we can.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°There¡¯s a CorvMart we passed a few blocks back, they¡¯re probably heading there to claim they encountered Corvins to justify hazard pay to their bosses. They shouldn¡¯t have a reason to bother us.¡±


    They all cut through another alleyway, with Chiyo doing her best to keep note of the patrol¡¯s position.


    They have at least one mage that can perceive astrally, the Ilithii determined as they all took cover against the cold brick walls. They may have spotted our signature.


    ¡°If they spot us we can¡¯t let them call for backup,¡± Nika told them. ¡°We¡¯ll need to take them down as quick as we can.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Alora shook her head. ¡°We should try diplomacy first, they¡¯re not here for us.¡±


    ¡°HEY!¡± they heard a voice snarl out in the background. ¡°We¡¯ve got a potential hostile force moving through this area!¡±


    ¡°Well shit, now they know we¡¯re here!¡± Jack groaned as he pointed at a distant flying object that moved towards them, before hovering at a safe distance in the air. ¡°And that¡¯s some kind of magical drone!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic, let¡¯s see if I can talk us out of this one,¡± Alora calmingly told them as she stepped out of the alley with her hands raised to show she meant no harm...


    I¡¯ll pull you back if anything goes wrong, Chiyo told the Eladrie. No pressure.


    ¡°I¡¯ll back her up,¡± Jack whispered as he moved to the entryway of the alley and maintained cover, ready to lash out and fire if anything hit the fan.


    The Myrodin troopers consisted of about eight armed troopers with magically enhanced cybernetics, with at least three mages in robes ready to cast spells. The leader was a stern, but otherwise unimposing avian who pointed her gun at Alora, a motion that was quickly mimicked by her team.


    ¡°Halt! Stand down and identify yourselves! What is your business in this sector?¡± the leader snarled.


    ¡°We''re just passing through, Lieutenant. We don''t need to have a problem here,¡± Alora calmly told them. ¡°We''ll be out of your way in no time.¡±


    ¡°What are you people doing here?¡± the lieutenant snapped. ¡°Where are the others?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not coming out!¡± Nika shouted from where she was behind Jack in the alley. ¡°We¡¯re just passing through, we¡¯ve got nothing to do with your war. You can kick Corvin Enterprises asses as much as you like for all we care, we have nothing to do with them!¡±


    ¡°Passing through? What a load of crap! Who do you work for?¡± the lieutenant snarled again. ¡°An armed group operating alone at this time of night? State your purpose or face the consequences. This sector is under Myrodin jurisdiction!¡±


    ¡°This district is nowhere near Myrodin territory, and there¡¯s no way your Corp has claimed praxis here!¡± Alora argued. ¡°You have your mission against Corvin Enterprises, and we¡¯re not involved. I propose we simply let each other pass!¡±


    ¡°Just let each other pass?!¡± the lieutenant hissed.  ¡°Absolutely not! I can¡¯t let you pass unless you¡¯re with us or have the proper clearance!¡±


    ¡°Please, we just want to get home!¡± Alora pleaded. ¡°We¡¯re just freelance contractors coming back from a job in Scraphaven and your current war cut off our escape route! If you let us pass peacefully we won¡¯t interfere with your operations!¡±


    ¡°Your words mean nothing!¡± the lieutenant snarled, turning to her soldiers.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡± one of the mages called to who was presumably her boss. ¡°I think we can let them go. Our directive is just recon, we can just call it in¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in charge here!¡± the leader screamed at the mage. ¡°They¡¯re Corvin mercenaries, kill them all!¡±


    Pulling you back Alora! Chiyo warned the Eladrie as a few of the quicker MegaCorp soldiers opened fire, while Jack snapped around the corner and put an accurate burst right into the officer, blasting her down to the ground in a crumpling heap, which caused the Myrodin troops to panic.


    ¡°Holy shit! Put them down!¡± one of the mages cried out as both groups opened fire, with the three Myrodin mages quickly summoning an arcane barrier and some physical cover for their troops as they all dove for cover, with Jack blasting whoever he could with plasma gunfire. He figured that if these Corpo troops could summon a barrier, there would be a limit to the amount of punishment it could take.


    And he could dish out a lot of punishment¡­


    ¡°Overcharge!¡± Jack growled, quickly bringing up his pistol for a heavy shot while the Myrodin troops were still reeling from their officer being downed so quickly and efficiently, as Sephy let loose some ricocheting blasts that bounced off the opposite wall of the alley to arc around and smack into the barrier. His heavy shot missed his target, who was able to dive for cover, but still blasted a massive hole in the ground, causing several of the Myrodin troops to falter, clearly not expecting to be facing formidable opponents...


    ¡°Etherias!¡± Alora cried out as she finished her spell, summoning a translucent spear that emerged out of thin air, before it floated through the air towards the Myrodin soldiers.


    ¡°They¡¯ve got a spiritual weapon!¡± one of the troops reported, shooting at the spear before Jack got low and peeked out of cover again, laying suppressing fire on the speaker, who quickly ducked behind their physical cover as their astral barrier began to falter.


    ¡°Jack, don¡¯t move for a sec¡­¡± Sephy grinned as she let loose a volley of ricocheting plasma shots at the opposite wall which jumped around and slammed into one of the unfortunate troops, downing them as the hail of rounds penetrated the barrier and caught them just as they peeked out of cover. ¡°Heh, gottem!¡±


    ¡°Guys, get ready to pull back!¡± Alora told them as she manipulated her spectral spear to lunge out and impale one of the mages trying to give orders to the rest that were panic firing towards Jack.


    Nika quickly scaled a nearby fire escape before peeking around the corner and chucking a grenade. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t have fucked with us, Corposcum!¡±


    The grenade went off, completely shattering the rest of the barrier and sending one of the soldiers smacking into a wall. Another had clearly been shaken by the impact, while one of the mages was roaring in pain, clutching their face.


    ¡°Fall back! Idiot Lieutenant''s dead and I¡¯m not paid enough for this shit!¡± another one of the mages snarled to the rest, who seemed all too happy to agree. ¡°I¡¯ll make something up! Fuck this!¡±


    That did it, causing the remaining Myrodin soldiers to panic and start to run. Nika quickly sent some rounds after them, but didn¡¯t score any hits, seeming content to allow the corporate forces to scuttle away.


    ¡°Well that wasn¡¯t so hard, I was expecting Myrodin forces to be far more dangerous but-¡± Sephy began to say¡­


    ¡°Command! We¡¯ve encountered Corvin Mercenaries and need backup! High Threat Response Team requested!¡± they heard the same mage scream into their comms as they backed off around a corner¡­


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound good,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta go!¡±


    ¡°Chiyo, drag the bodies over to us first!¡± Alora told the Ilithii. ¡°Grab the guns, grenades and anything else we might need.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll slice into their commlinks, I can listen into their network and sell the access points,¡± Sephy added as Chiyo pulled the bodies over, two of which were groaning in pain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t finish them unless they try anything, they¡¯re not enemies,¡± Alora told them, and all of them nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Well, if Jack didn¡¯t outright take down the leader my grenade sure did!¡± Nika grinned as both she and Jack quickly took the guns and started rummaging through the pockets of the downed Corpo troops. ¡°I think this other dead one was you Alora¡­¡±


    If they had not attacked us, then they would have been fine. Chiyo shrugged as she placed some items into a bag. The leader was a fool, but these others were fools for following them! This was probably just a team of Myrodin¡¯s untested trainees.


    ¡°Shall I leave the comms of the live ones active? Let their friends recover them?¡± Sephy asked, looking to the others.


    ¡°Best that you do.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°They¡¯ll keep the others distracted while we make our escape.¡±


    ¡°We ready?¡± Jack asked. ¡°We should move now!¡±


    *****


    The group sprinted through the maze-like city streets, hearts pounding in their chests as the sounds of ships flying overhead grew louder.


    ¡°There!¡± Jack called to the others. ¡°We can lose them in that alleyway!¡±


    The group dove into the narrow alleyway, their footsteps splashing on the damp pavement as they quickly hid themselves from the road they had come down as a ship floated along with a spotlight, before continuing on past them.


    I believe we have lost them, Chiyo spoke up after several minutes.


    ¡°Never expected Myrodin to be that bothered about chasing us!¡± Nika sighed, controlling her breathing to slow down and calm.


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing.¡± Sephy snorted with amusement. ¡°Apparently the Myrodin troops exaggerated who we were, probably to save face or something. I assume they¡¯ve got a priority list for Corvin targets to aim for, since they¡¯re getting chewed out over it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that means they¡¯re pulling away?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Yup!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°One final sweep then they¡¯re all rushing over to something big!¡±


    ¡°Oh great¡­¡± Jack quipped. ¡°So tonight has the potential to be even worse!¡±


    Don¡¯t jinx it Jack! Chiyo poked him as they sidled further down the alley, navigating past debris and dumpsters, their movements careful and quiet.


    ¡°How far are we from the highway?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Dunno.¡± Nika shook her head. ¡°We know the general direction to head to but the local network is down while Myrodin looks for us.¡±


    ¡°I could climb up and take a look?¡± Jack suggested, pointing to a nearby fire escape that climbed all the way to the roof of one of the buildings.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°But be careful. Any ship comes your way, you head back down.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Jack acknowledged as he scrambled up, being careful not to make too much noise as he quickly made his way to the top, before peeking out over the roof at the sprawling cityscape all around them.


    It really was a mess now that he was closer to the action. He could see the dust rising from several recently demolished buildings, and several flashes of light coming from a district in the distance, with two distinct forces of troops engaging one another.


    As Jack looked out at the devastation, he wondered to himself how such a sprawling city could so easily succumb to such madness. He had often been a fan of sci-fi stories when he was younger, and had many hopes and dreams for what the future could look like. All of them had been positive, something to aspire to¡­


    But never a future where life was so cheap¡­


    ¡°Jack, do you see anything?¡± Nika called, and he quickly swivelled his head to see what they were looking for. Beneath a neon sign in the distance, the buildings that dominated the local space gave way to a wide, crudely-lit road, where Jack could see several land-based vehicles travel in either direction.


    ¡°I see it, we¡¯re heading in the right direction,¡± Jack replied, no longer allowing himself to be distracted. ¡°There¡¯s a purple neon billboard in the distance, the road should be right beneath it.¡±


    Are there signs of the road being used? Chiyo asked urgently. If the MegaCorps are fighting for control of it, that will slow us down¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s alright for now, I still see some light traffic,¡± Jack confirmed.


    ¡°Alright Jack, come on down,¡± Alora ordered. ¡°Sephy says that the local Myrodin troops are moving out to try and reinforce their allies against a major Corvin Enterprises force.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, there¡¯s definitely a hostile takeover attempt happening!¡± the Skritta added as Jack quickly descended the fire escape. ¡°On the plus side, it means that the assholes are gonna be occupied for now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good for now at least.¡± Jack sighed as he made his way down to where Nika was leading them all out of the other side of the alley. ¡°Just a few more blocks to the highway, but I didn¡¯t see anything that could be a service station or something.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve just got to take our milestones one step at a time,¡± Nika told him sympathetically as she patted him on the back. ¡°We¡¯ve never had a job go this bad before, but once we get to the highway that¡¯ll give us an easier time walking along it and hopefully bypassing whatever the MegaCorps are up to.¡±


    How long do we have? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°About 6-7 hours until school,¡± Sephy confirmed. ¡°Hopefully we can cut some time off our trip though, but we¡¯re pretty exhausted!¡±


    ¡°Come on guys!¡± Alora tried to cheer them up. ¡°We can still do this, and when we get to a truck stop we can rest our legs!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s hustle!¡±

 Chapter 84: Shady Stop

    The putrid stench of grease and fuel stung Jack''s nose as they approached the seedy-looking truckstop, and the rest of the group fared little better. Chiyo quickly raised her cane and expended some of her power, and suddenly the air cleared and a cool breeze began to soothe Jack''s nostrils.


    Perhaps not the best reason to use that ability. Chiyo shrugged. But it''s been a long night and a long walk along the highway. Like this place or not, we need to take a break.


    It had indeed been quite the trek. Ever since they had shaken the Myrodin troops and began walking several miles along the highway, they had often needed to take cover as several squadrons of troop ships flew over them at low altitude. Sephy had been curious as to the state of the current conflict, however, she had not been able to access any local networks that could tell her anything.


    "This place looks like a complete shit hole," Nika growled. "I don''t like it."


    "Neither do I," Alora agreed. "However Chiyo is right, we need to take a break."


    "Sephy, how long will it take you to hook us up with a ride?" Jack asked. "If we need to take a break I think we should keep it short."


    "Shouldn''t be long." Sephy grinned. "Some of these trucks are ancient looking and should be easy to slice into, but I''ll need to be in closer proximity to the drivers to check their routes. I can change them to suit our needs, but if I change it too much they''ll know something''s up."


    "Not much we can do about it then." Jack nodded in acceptance. "But stay alert, this place definitely doesn''t look safe."


    "Woof!" Dante barked his agreement.


    The group cautiously made their way across the dimly lit car park, their senses on high alert for any danger. The exterior of the truck stop looked poorly maintained, with old, crumbled brick walls that barely held up the patchwork, leaky tiled roof. Outside of the entrance was the sole working neon sign, which flicked sporadically, casting dull hues of red and green on the churned-up tarmac.


    As they tentatively entered, Jack and Dante leading, they were immediately greeted by the loud rumbling of generators that sputtered and hummed, mixing with the sounds of distant battle coming from all over the city.


    He was glad that Chiyo had cast the air bubble around them all, as the haze of cigar smoke all around them was heavy in the air. Combined with the nasty-looking stains littering the floor and walls, he knew that the Ilithii had made the right call.


    He just hoped they wouldn''t catch any nasty disease just by being nearby¡­


    The low, partially collapsed ceiling gave the entry hall a claustrophobic feel, amplified by the hushed chatter of several patrons from the cheap-looking diner within, dimly lit by a few still flickering emitters surrounding a rusted ceiling fan that looked like it hadn''t worked in decades.


    "Let''s get a table in the corner over there," Alora whispered.


    "Out of the way and with a wall behind us, yep," Nika agreed.


    "I''ll start my thing in a minute once we sit down, just need to get ready," Sephy told them as they made their way over.


    Let''s make this a quick visit, Chiyo suggested, sounding worried as she noted the other Patrons casting leery gazes their way. Dante growled and snapped at a heavily tattooed man who tried to reach out a scarred hand towards Sephy, who pulled it back with a low, nasty chuckle as Nika thumbed the holster for her shotgun.


    Shucking their bags off the group sat at their table, having a good view of the rest of the diner.


    "I''m going to order us a round of drinks," Alora quietly told the rest of them as she got up. "We''ve got to at least try to blend in."


    Alora, have you seen the prices? Chiyo asked. They''re extortionate at best!


    "Maybe," Alora agreed. "But I''d rather not risk causing a scene, and we need the energy boost."


    "Jack, could you go with her?" Nika asked. "Just in case."


    "Of course." Jack nodded as he got to his feet, following the Eladrie.


    ¡°Hey girlie!" a shady-looking avian called over to Alora as they passed by their table of card-playing thugs. "What brings you and your cute friends here tonight? My lads and I were thinking about gettin some company¡­"


    "Fuck off," Jack growled. "Or maybe you want to try sucking your friends off with no teeth?"


    "You hear that lads¡­." The avian turned to them with a cocky smile, before it was immediately wiped from his face as Jack''s gun was quickly drawn and aimed right at his head.


    "I think they heard," Jack bluntly told the group. "You gonna give me a problem?"


    "No¡­" the avian hissed.


    "Good." Jack nodded as he allowed Alora to lead him away.


    "Thanks Jack, but let''s try and avoid a fight for now," Alora whispered as they made it up to the bar, manned by a burly, grumpy-looking reptilian server with ugly tattoos that stared down at them with piggy black eyes.


    "What?" they rudely snarled at Alora as they wiped a grimy rag across the counter.


    "Five soikaffs please." Alora smiled diplomatically.


    "Seven Silver CorvinCoin each," the server growled.


    "Really?" Alora began. "The sign over there says four-"


    "And I said seven," the server growled.


    "Perhaps you didn''t hear the lady¡­" Jack began, before Alora gently placed a hand on his arm to stop him.


    "Very well, my mistake." Alora nodded, handing over a credit chip with the money. "Here".


    The server snatched it from her without a further word, turning around to a stained jug on the counter behind him, and started to pour the mixture into five poorly cleaned mugs, before popping them onto a tray and roughly shoving it towards Jack.


    "Pleasure doing business," Jack sarcastically responded as he took the tray back.


    "Alright, I have some good possible hits," Sephy told them once they sat back down. "But the local network is as bad as you can imagine. I''ll need to do a deep slice, but it might take me some time."


    You want to use the facilities first? Chiyo asked, guessing what Sephy was hinting at. Makes sense to do so while we''re here.


    "Best to go now when you lack bodily functions in cyberspace," Sephy rationalised. "Someone mind coming with me?"


    "Sure." Jack shrugged, having just sat down. "Though I won''t follow you into the ladies¡­" he grinned.


    "Heh, that''s fine. As long as you''re close enough." The Skritta chuckled as she took a quick swig of her soikaff. "Fuck!" She cringed in disgust.


    Jack quickly downed the brown-black sludge and immediately recoiled. "Yeah, that tastes like shit," he grunted as he tried to ignore the metallic tar-like aftertaste at the back of his mouth. "Shall we go?"


    At least it will give us the energy boost we need to keep going. Chiyo cringed as she took a sip. Though I think I prefer Nika¡¯s drink powders.


    ¡°Yeah that would have been a smart idea to take a few.¡± Nika shrugged, embarrassed. ¡°But I didn¡¯t think it would get this bad and I¡¯ve barely been able to get any more due to the sheer demand after the Klown attacks. I figured the energy drinks and cereal bars should have been enough, and we even packed extra!¡±


    ¡°It got us most of the way.¡± Alora sighed, patting Nika on the shoulder. ¡°And this has been far from an ordinary job-night.¡±


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Jack asked Sephy.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go!¡± The Skritta nodded as they both got up and headed towards the bathrooms.


    Heading down the cracked tiles of the main corridor further into the building led Jack to believe that the truckstop had once been more like a roadside service station from home, with space for a few fast food restaurants, coffee stores and maybe a newsagent, but whatever had once inhabited the place during better times had long since fallen into decrepit ruin, with the spaces used to dump various rubbish from the only available establishment. One of the rooms had several generators operating, which was the source of the endless humming throughout the complex, which Jack guessed had something to do with the refuelling process for the vehicles.


    Eventually they found the toilets, covered in peeling paint and graffiti, and Jack could only imagine the stench from years of neglect, silently thanking Chiyo¡¯s air bubble that covered each member of the group.


    ¡°You actually want to use these?¡± Jack asked with raised eyebrows as he leaned on the wall outside. ¡°Can¡¯t you just go into a bush or something?¡±


    ¡°Wish I could.¡± Sephy sighed with a knowing raise of the eyebrows. ¡°Unfortunately, no-can-do.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± Jack realised the problem. ¡°I¡¯ll wait here. Better make it quick.¡±


    The door to the women¡¯s restroom creaked open, revealing a cramped space that was barely illuminated by a single cracked light hanging from the ceiling. Sephy tried her best not to look at the puddles of mysterious liquids scattered in various corners as she tried to find a stall that was still usable, passing two that had long rotted and collapsed on themselves.


    ¡®This was a bad idea¡­¡¯ The Skritta thought to herself. ¡®Says it all about tonight that this is the first place I feel even remotely safe enough to take a shit¡­¡¯


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    The girls all packed tissues and a few small packets of septic gel at all times just in case, for which Sephy was thankful for as she opened the least rundown stall, and almost gagged at the horrible sight within. Sighing in resignation, she resolved herself to get her business over and done with as quickly as possible.


    Silently she cursed herself. She was the reason they took this job and almost got them all killed at ScrapHaven, and they were still all in danger because of her! How could she have been so stupid? There must have been something she could have done to check the client for a double cross! The others have always been smarter than she was, so she knew they would have done something different that wouldn¡¯t have gotten them baited into such a bad trap!


    They all knew the risks with the lifestyle they had been forced into, but if the worst should happen and it was her fault¡­


    Her feelings must have somehow shown, as Jack¡¯s eyes went wide the moment he saw her.


    ¡°Hey, what happened?¡± he asked, placing a comforting hand on Sephy¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± She sniffed. ¡°Just everything catching up to me I guess.¡±


    ¡°Not your fault.¡± Jack reassuringly pulled her into a side hug, looking around to confirm they were alone. ¡°We got into this mess as a group, and as a group we¡¯ll get out of it, but we¡¯ve gotta be quick.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, still got school, we¡¯ve gotta-¡±


    ¡°Not that.¡± Jack shook his head, hands shaking beside his weapons. ¡°I have a really bad feeling about this place right now. Something¡¯s up.¡±


    ¡°I feel the same,¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°I¡¯ll try and be as quick as I can getting us a ride, but this local network will slow me down.¡±


    ¡°Is simply walking the rest of the way not an option?¡± Jack asked with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Comes with greater risk.¡± The Skritta sighed as they started heading back. ¡°Any moment we could get caught up in the Corporate War, and you saw how trigger-happy some of them are. Getting out of the danger zone as quickly as possible is better, even if this place is seedy. At least these assholes haven¡¯t attacked us yet.¡±


    ¡°Yet,¡± Jack emphasised with a quiet whisper as they made it back to the diner. ¡°Stay frosty.¡±


    ¡°What the hell does that even mean?¡± Sephy snorted in amusement as they returned to the others.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Alora whispered to Sephy, who nodded. ¡°Nothing special, just get us a ride.¡±


    ¡°On it, Can I lean on you, Jack?¡± the Skritta asked, unusually seriously for her. ¡°My body is gonna go limp so you need to make it look natural.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jack whispered his agreement, as he took stock of several sets of eyes across the bar looking at them. ¡°Is there any way I can wake you up or something in an emergency?¡±


    ¡°Yup!¡± The Skritta grinned as she leaned against him. ¡°Just keep an open commlink call with me.¡±


    Before Jack could ask any further questions, Sephy closed her eyes and her form went limp, forcing him to quickly put his arm around her to stop her falling over.


    Her perception of time will make it sound all slow and muddled to her, but she has a speech-to-text program that¡¯ll inform her of what is being said. Chiyo smiled as she explained it to Jack. Once she gets the message she will take several seconds to return to us.


    ¡°Unless she¡¯s directly disconnected,¡± Nika whispered. ¡°But I really wouldn¡¯t recommend that unless there¡¯s no other choice. Dumpshock is a bitch to deal with.¡±


    ¡°I remember the last time she had dumpshock.¡± Alora shivered. ¡°A blackout took out the local matrix and she got badly hit by the effects¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope that doesn¡¯t happen here¡­¡± Jack quietly replied as he looked at the comatose Skritta.


    *****


    ¡°So how long does she normally take?¡± Jack asked after about ten minutes. Though the diner had quietened down during the time they had waited as various patrons left and moved about, that did not make Jack feel any better as he could still see the malevolent stares sent their way.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t take too much longer,¡± Nika whispered back unsurely. ¡°And we¡¯ve gotta be ready to move the moment she gets us something.¡±


    Jack, how bad was the bathroom when you and Sephy went? Chiyo asked, a conflicted look on her face. I hate to say it, but we should probably use the facilities while we have the chance.


    ¡°I intend to go too,¡± Alora whispered. ¡°We¡¯ll need to fill up our water as well. I doubt the quality is good but I have purification tablets.


    I can assist with my new abilities, Chiyo added.


    ¡°Alright, but everyone takes their stuff with them,¡± Nika replied in a way that would allow for no debate. ¡°I¡¯m coming with you. Dante can stay here.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°You¡¯ll stay on comms?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡± They all nodded as they quickly set off.


    ¡°Stay with me, Dante,¡± Jack muttered to the ¡®dog¡¯, continuing to discreetly observe the shady patrons of the diner as he kept his hand close to his gun. He hoped he was just being paranoid and that the others would return soon, but despite his efforts to try and calm himself down, the heavy sense of unease was still palpable.


    He had learned to trust his instincts.


    ¡°Nika, talk to me,¡± Jack subtly muttered under his breath, which was still more than enough to be picked up on subvocal comms.


    There was no reply, except for some static.


    ¡°Alora, Chiyo¡­¡± Jack called, again with no response. Sephy had said that the network wasn¡¯t the best. Maybe their comms were simply muted?


    Dante let out a low growl, clearly not liking this either. Jack knew that the ¡®dog¡¯ had good instincts for sensing imminent danger, though this wasn¡¯t as pronounced as when the Klowns attacked Clan Bharzum¡¯s party.


    Again Jack fought with himself for what to do. He looked around at the room, and could see the furtive exchanges of whispered conversations as several of the other patrons snuck glances at them, others looked around nervously, from them, to the other groups, to them again. Finally, he could see one man in a booth covering his mouth, but not subtly enough that he could hide the commlink he was talking into, looking nervous as he subtly kept his eyes on them¡­


    ¡°Sephy,¡± Jack whispered into his commlink as he felt the adrenaline start to swell within him. ¡°We need to go now.¡±


    ¡°Wha?¡± Sephy began a few seconds later as Jack slowly got to his feet, which began to be matched by a few of the other diners, before the sound of a gunshot rang out from outside.


    Jack turned slightly to register the direction of the noise as Dante¡¯s growl increased in volume. Sensing rapid movement out of the corner of his eye, Jack snapped back round in an instant, immediately raised his plasma rifle and opened fire on full-auto, melting a bunch of charred black and green holes into the torso of the diner that had tried to draw their own weapon first. His face gave an expression of shocked surprise, before Jack¡¯s continuous fire dissolved their head. Jack kept firing a storm of plasma fire, maintaining his advantage, forcing the diners to duck into cover, before he booted their table over to provide some for them.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Sephy cursed as she ducked down, still disoriented from coming back into ¡®meatspace¡¯.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to get to the others!¡± Jack told them both, as Dante shot out a bolt of chain lightning that took out the group that had bothered him and Alora.


    ¡°Pin them down!¡± the Barman yelled as he laid suppressing fire with his shotgun. ¡°How long?¡±


    ¡°Almost here!¡± another voice gleefully called out, before he was silenced as Jack, still squeezing the trigger of his plasma rifle, obliterated their moulded, wooden panel holding up their cheap seat and blew the cocky man to pieces.


    ¡°Dante! Go help the others!¡± Jack ordered, quickly ejecting the battery of his plasma rifle and smacking in a new one far quicker than their assailants thought possible, as two were caught out to try and shoot Jack before they were blasted to superheated pieces for their trouble.


    Dante dashed out of the diner while Jack pushed forward, Sephy covering him from the overturned table, sending controlled bursts of plasma fire to avoid the non-combatants who were hunkering down in cover, low to the ground in panic.


    *****


    ¡°Agh! Fucking Ilithii bitch!¡± the cruel-looking avian spat as Chiyo slammed him against the back of the bathroom stall wall, smashing the porcelain of the already run-down toilet and cracking the tiles of the wall behind. She had to dodge and focus her power on a barrier as the man quickly brought up a rapid-fire pistol and sprayed at her, forcing Chiyo to deflect the laser fire to the floor.


    Another man, a Xarak, rushed out of a stall further down to grab at Alora, who desperately tried to fend the reptilian off with flaming hands, scratching at the man¡¯s eyes as he roared in pain. The Eladrie desperately tried to break his grip and put some distance between them as the man¡¯s claws dug into her side. He leered at her with a lecherous smile, before suddenly jerking back in shock as Alora¡¯s knife slid in between his ribs. As he loosened his grip on reflex, Alora shuffled back and intensified the flames of her hands, before shooting it out in an explosion that knocked him back. Quickly, before he could recover, Alora pulled out a small seed she had picked up on her way to school, throwing it at the man as she activated a spell, causing the seed to quickly grow and morph into entangling vines.


    Alora, you alright? Chiyo asked, as they heard Nika shooting from behind them.


    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡± Alora shuddered after her assailant was well and truly secured by her entanglement spell, before the Eladrie then followed through by conjuring a spear of light and mercilessly stabbed him through the head. ¡°Hiding in the damn toilets waiting for us¡­¡±


    Apologies for not detecting their auras in time, I did not see that coming either,  the Ilithii replied. Creeps, yes. But nobody brazen enough to attack us!


    ¡°You two, you good?¡± Nika called from the corridor, where she had already dispatched two others. Another was taking pot shots at her from behind a concrete pillar, so upon checking her shotgun¡¯s energy levels, Nika quickly burst out of cover and purposefully moved in an arc around the pillar, refusing to let up with her suppressing fire until she got the hostile in the leg, causing him to stumble out and get blasted by further shots.


    She checked her corners for any others but found none as her friends emerged from the bathroom. ¡°We¡¯ve got to get to the others!¡±


    Suddenly, they heard several loud barks from further down the corridor where they had come from, as Dante bounded up to them, looking around for any trouble, and being confused on not finding any. Meeting him part way, they could see a smoking body lying on the ground, completely charred and unrecognisable.


    ¡°Woof!¡± The ¡®dog¡¯ barked, ready for orders.


    I believe Jack sent him here to help us, Chiyo mused.


    ¡°We¡¯re okay here, Dante.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s go back and help Jack and Sephy!¡°


    Dashing down the corridor with Nika and Dante leading, they saw several figures rush out of the diner, heading for the front entrance.


    Non-combatants! Chiyo warned them as they heard the ignition for at least one of the trucks outside start up. We should leave them be.


    ¡°Agreed, I¡¯m not shooting civvies even if they are ugly-looking,¡± Nika acknowledged with a shrug, pushing up to the entrance of the diner.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die, fuck off now with the others,¡± Sephy told the nearest group of patrons that was still hiding in cover as she pushed up, doing her best to cover Jack as he moved up and dissuade anyone else from joining the fight.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna fucking kill you little shits!¡± the barman roared in anger as he came at Jack with a cleaver. He was the only active combatant left at this point, the rest had been taken down with swift and brutal efficiency by the human¡¯s liberal use of plasma fire, and anyone that was still alive had no intention of joining the fight and incurring the human¡¯s wrath.


    Shock and awe.


    ¡°Aegis¡± Jack spoke on reflex to summon his shield, but cursed as he remembered it was still with Clan Bharzum getting fixed up. Instead he grabbed a chair in his off-hand, unwilling to try and let a shot off when the barman was caught in between him and a rando that wasn¡¯t involved in the fight. Instead, he calmly went for his axe as the barman charged with a battlecry.


    Until a quick plasma burst cut the barman down, just as Jack thrust forward with the chair, keeping him well out of harm¡¯s way. The barman looked surprised as he fell to the ground, gasping his final breath in confusion at what had happened.


    ¡°Nice shot!¡± Jack grinned, looking at Sephy, who had quickly moved around into prime position while he had the barman focused on him.


    ¡°It certainly was!¡± Alora smiled weakly, making their presence known as the rest of the diner cleared itself of patrons, quickly rushing to their vehicles. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re fine.¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°Wasn¡¯t able to secure a ride before Jack pulled me out though.¡±


    ¡°And we¡¯ve got something or someone incoming,¡± Jack warned.


    ¡°Change of plan then.¡± Nika shrugged, indicating the bodies. ¡°Start looking for keys, and make it quick. We¡¯ll have to drive ourselves.¡±


    Sephy? Chiyo asked the Skritta curiously as she made her way to the bar. What are you doing?


    ¡°What else would I be doing in this scenario?¡± The Skritta snorted in amusement as she pulled out a pouch of some small tools. ¡°This cash register isn¡¯t going to rob itself!¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Alora shrugged, remembering the extortion from earlier. ¡°Carry on then!¡±

 Chapter 85: Joy Ride

    ¡°The one at the end is probably the best one!¡± Sephy hurriedly whispered as the group quickly crept up the row of parked trucks to get to one at the end. ¡°Though we could try and quickly search through the others? We have the keys!¡±


    ¡°Nah.¡± Nika shook her head. ¡°We¡¯ve been taking too long, and we¡¯ve gotta get out of here before more people come. Any idea who the assholes called?¡±


    ¡°Haven¡¯t a clue.¡± Sephy shrugged.


    Most likely, independents seeking our bounties, Chiyo reasoned. Though that would be the best of several bad options.


    ¡°All the more reason to get out of here,¡± Jack pointed out as he led the way to the truck Sephy had indicated for them. ¡°If there¡¯s still other truckers driving off we might be able to blend in and sneak away with them.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the plan.¡± Alora nodded, as they passed the second to last vehicle in the parking lot and finally got a proper look at the vehicle they were going to steal.


    The menacing-looking black behemoth was almost twice as large as the largest truck Jack had ever seen from Earth, with thick, armoured plating along the cabin and chunky, reinforced wheels that were almost taller than Jack. The trailer it was latched on to matched the colour of the cab, with ¡®Wingu Incorporated¡¯ written along the sides in big bold golden lettering, with a simple background of a yellow triangle, two sides of which were stylized to look like wings.


    Wingu should be neutral in the current corporate war. As a logistics and finance company, they thrive on sitting on the fence during these kinds of conflicts, Chiyo told them. However, there are rumours that Corvin Enterprises has a major stake and have designs for a full takeover.


    ¡°Sephy? Can you dislodge the trailer?¡± Nika asked, taking a look at the coupling.


    ¡°Sorry, no.¡± The Skritta shook her head. ¡°At least not quickly enough. There¡¯s interwoven layers of physical and cyber security. It¡¯s pretty much the same for all the trucks, and I¡¯m guessing only the recipient has the unlock protocols.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter right now,¡± Alora pointed out, climbing up to try and look through one of the thick, tinted windows before using the keyfob to unlock the door. ¡°As long as we get moving.¡±


    Jack climbed up after her, helping the rest clamber into the cab too as they heard the deep, rumbling sounds of engine noise getting closer to them....


    Despite the rugged, heavily armoured exterior of the truck, the interior was surprisingly spacious, clearly designed to be comfortable and functional for long hauls, with black plush, velvet seating with integrated systems, operated by a series of deals and switches on each one. Surrounding them on most sides were thick, reinforced glass windows that Jack could see were enhanced with augmented reality overlays that began displaying vital information, like traffic routes and nearby combat zones to avoid.


    At the back was a built-in sleeping pod with privacy curtains that was much cleaner than Jack expected from a truck, with a relatively tidy and made bed with a few porno magazines laying on top that Nika bagged with a shrug, claiming that they could be sold or traded to some of the guys at school. Covered with misshapen foam to act as sound-dampening insulation and grills for heating and air conditioning, Jack was almost surprised that a company in this galaxy would bother investing money into unnecessary comforts for their employees. He had assumed that on a ringworld with no laws, everything would be the basic standard bare minimum to save money. Was ¡®Wingu Incorporated¡¯ providing these luxuries from an ethical perspective, or was there some more cold, calculated reason behind it?


    Adjacent to the sleeping pods was a minimalist but luxury-looking kitchenette with food and drink storage that Chiyo wasted no time in raiding, guzzling down a can of fizzy drink before chucking the empty can in the sink, not immediately seeing a bin.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like there¡¯s an access hatch to the trailer,¡± Alora noted as she checked for any alcoves at the back, while Sephy began quickly checking the various compartments around the cab. Seeing that he was the only one not being productive, Jack joined her in quickly placing various items on the pile, quickly finding two sidearms near the driver seat and a first aid kit in the glove compartment.


    I have an important question to ask, Chiyo suddenly interrupted, a concerned look on her face as if she just realised something. Does anybody know how to drive this thing?


    ¡°Ummmm¡­..¡± Everybody answered.


    ¡°Damn,¡± Alora cursed. ¡°Sephy, are you able to directly interface with the controls?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like it.¡± Sephy apologetically shook her head. ¡°Not without spending a few hours we don¡¯t have to spare.¡±


    ¡°Anyone feel brave enough?¡± Nika shrugged with a grin. ¡°I would, but I¡¯ll admit my feet don¡¯t reach the pedals.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± Jack sighed as the words left his mouth before he could even think, realising he was probably the best choice.


    Have you driven any vehicle where you¡¯re from?¡± Chiyo asked Jack, looking at him with concern.


    ¡°I did some go-karting at a friend¡¯s birthday party when I was younger.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°And I¡¯ve played some Grand Theft Auto. That qualifies me, right?¡±


    ¡°Good enough!¡± Alora smiled, as Nika and Sephy shared his grin.


    ¡°Oh, this is gonna be good!¡± Sephy cackled. ¡°Try not to crash!¡±


    Try not to get us all killed! Chiyo exclaimed.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine!¡± Jack smiled as he sat down in the driver seat, which was situated directly in the middle of the cabin. ¡°What¡¯s the worst that can happen?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be your copilot!¡± Sephy snorted with amusement as she sat next to him. ¡°I can at least go through the HUD and give you directions.¡±


    ¡°We have multiple vehicles coming in,¡± Nika noted, looking out of the window. ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like they¡¯re coming in hot and we still have a few late departures moving out. Try your best to blend in with the ones going out.¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Jack began, looking at the controls. The steering wheel was obviously to turn, and he assumed that there was some kind of brake active to stop the vehicle from moving, where was it? Ah! It was probably the giant winch lever that could be moved up horizontally from the floor to vertically by the dashboard. It looked much bigger than ones from Earth, though this was a larger vehicle¡­.


    ¡°How do I turn on the engine?¡± Jack asked, looking around the dashboard for the ignition, but didn¡¯t find an obvious slot.


    ¡°Hang on,¡± Sephy told him, pressing a button on the key itself, causing a panel to slide open, revealing the keyslot which she then inserted the key into. ¡°There you go!¡± She grinned, as a large button on the console began to glow with soft, golden neon light.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Jack grinned nervously as he tried to calm himself down in anticipation.


    ¡°Several more coming in,¡± Nika warned.


    Likely independent bounty hunter gangs, Chiyo noted. Though I can see a convoy of similarly marked vehicles pulling in as well. We should leave before they discover the carnage.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Jack sighed, preparing himself as he pulled hard on the lever, yanking it from the floor to the dashboard. Feeling something give underneath them, Jack gently pressed the glowing button, and the truck¡¯s engine roared to life, accompanied by many dials, displays and sounds coming online. The deep, rumbling growl of the powerful beast reverberated through the cabin, filling the space with nervous anticipation.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Alora smiled, sensing Jack¡¯s nervousness. ¡°You¡¯ve got this Jack!¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack smiled back at the encouraging words. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡±


    Checking the windows and displays showing the rear, Jack could see several vehicles pulling into the truck stop, with a few individuals now exiting and looking around. Several wore body armour with a uniform, with a symbol of greenish hue that looked like a gauntlet closed into a fist, surrounded by a spiked ring of purple, who quickly stacked up on one another and prepared for orders from a larger-looking commander. It looked like they would escape just in time. Jack did not want to risk a fight here¡­


    Looking ahead, Jack could see a clear path to the exit that joined the highway from where they were. It would be a simple straight line from where they were, and it didn¡¯t look like the scant few lorries that were left were being harassed on their way out. All too easy!


    Giving a cocky smile, Jack pressed his foot on the accelerator¡­


    The truck shuddered violently, the motor chugging heavily alongside the sound of metal screeching against concrete, as the behemoth surged backwards. Jack¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as he tried to brake and reverse the action, before the back of the truck smashed into the front of an expensive-looking APC that had just pulled in, sending sparks dancing into the night sky and sending the APC careening off into other mercenary vehicles that were following it. Their truck continued, flattening a red sports car that had just parked, the prior occupant screaming obscenities as something exploded, causing a massive fireball to blast out; the shockwave of the ruined vehicle violently lifted the back end of the trailer on its continued race backwards, while sending its neighbouring vehicles flying into the air to land in a hail of flaming devastation all over the parking lot. One of which crashed through the roof of the truckstop into what could only be described as a Health and Safety inspector¡¯s fever dream. All of the generator fuel and a litany of other chemicals stored inside exploded in a hail of liquid fire, launching brick and mortar shrapnel everywhere, including into a small squad of troops that had already dismounted their vehicles, leaving them all in various states between perforated to pur¨¦ed. Another truck that had just pulled in was torn in two as the beast smashed through it with the trailer, before slamming into what remained of the faded brick wall of the truck stop diner they had just exited. When the cloud of dust finally faded away, the monstrous truck Jack had just driven for a total of eight seconds had embedded most of itself into the ruins of the completely collapsed truck stop.


    Nobody spoke for several seconds.


    ¡°Oops,¡± Jack finally spoke, having absolutely nothing else he could say at that moment.


    ¡°Jack, I told you to try not to crash!¡± Sephy chuckled, which set the rest of them off until they remembered what had actually just happened.


    Jack! You kept it switched in reverse and in the wrong gear! Chiyo panicked.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Jack frantically looked over the console as the rest of them could hear shouting and movement ahead of them. A flash of light shot out and smacked into the front glass, though didn¡¯t penetrate. It was followed by several more shots, and though they were protected for now, they wouldn¡¯t be forever.


    ¡°Two levers!¡± Nika shouted over the noise. ¡°Either side of the wheel!¡±


    ¡°Is anybody hurt?¡± Alora asked, but on seeing the shakes of heads, she could tell that they were fine-enough for now.


    Jack immediately grabbed both, noting that the one on the left could only lock up or down, while the one on the right had locks at several different degrees. Switching the left to the top and bringing the right down several notches, Jack slammed his foot onto the accelerator and gripped the wheel with white-knuckled determination as the truck mercifully charged out of the wreckage with a cacophony of raw power, battering aside the van that had made the mistake of trying to block their escape like swatting aside a fly.


    Seeing their avenue of escape rapidly closing, Jack increased the gears, causing the behemoth to bellow forwards, smashing another truck to the side in a heap and jolting the cabin as he cut straight through the carpark towards the exit ramp.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Alora finally gasped as they joined the highway.


    ¡°My words exactly!¡± Nika chuckled. ¡°Next time someone else drives!¡±


    ¡°Sorry guys,¡± Jack apologised, turning his head slightly to look at the others. ¡°I didn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°None of us did at the time, not your fault.¡± Sephy looked at him with a weak smile, paraphrasing the words Jack had told her earlier when they were alone.


    Unfortunately, we may have bigger problems to worry about! Chiyo warned. I see vehicles behind us with many angry auras!


    ¡°I take it they don¡¯t have insurance!¡± Alora joked, pulling out her wand and moving to the far window. ¡°We¡¯re going to have a fight on our hands, they¡¯re scrambling into the remaining vehicles to come after us.¡±


    ¡°I have an idea!¡± Nika grinned, jumping up and pulling a lever against one of the walls that had a sign with an arrow pointing upwards with a square on top. Yanking it, a thin, telescopic ladder dropped down from the ceiling as Nika quickly assembled her sniper rifle, pulling the individual pieces out of various pockets in her pack before clambering up the ladder, only slightly peeking her head out.


    ¡°Chiyo and I will take the sides!¡± Alora announced. ¡°Though we won¡¯t open the windows unless we have to. There are some spells we can cast that won¡¯t require a direct line of fire!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay with Jack!¡± Sephy called back. ¡°I can assist from cyberspace!¡±


    Flooring it, Jack quickly accelerated through the gears, forcing the others to hold on tight. In the distance, the highway stretched out before him like a lifeline to freedom, and he was thankful that there didn¡¯t seem to be anybody on the road, at least not directly in the way. A few of the trucks from earlier had the good sense to give way to Jack¡¯s erratic steering, his larger vehicle commanding respect as they veered out of the way and cleared a path forward.


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    ¡°Uh¡­ guys?¡± Nika shouted above the roaring noise of the engine. ¡°We¡¯re on fire!¡±


    ¡°What!?¡± Jack asked in alarm. Sure enough, he looked at the camera feeds giving him a view of the sides of the lorry, and with a start he could see the billowing black smoke coming out of the back. The rear camera was completely busted, and all he could see were the bright orange flames that grew ever more intense with each passing moment.


    On the plus side, we have a smokescreen, Chiyo noted. On the downside, we also have a smoke signal. Oh, and our vehicle is literally on fire! We need to bail as soon as we can!


    ¡°We can¡¯t until we find a way to lose these bounty hunters!¡± Alora pointed out, before she began casting a fire resistance spell on the party.


    ¡°If we kill enough we can dissuade the rest from following,¡± Nika pointed out between shots. ¡°Or we can take out the lead vehicles and slow the rest down?¡±


    ¡°Could we find a less-conventional way to disconnect the trailer?¡± Jack asked. ¡°We could gain some speed without the drag?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea!¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°It could cause a roadblock behind us and it might distract them enough that we can peel away. Nobody¡¯s gonna miss the opportunity to raid it for supplies.¡±


    ¡°Do what you can Sephy!¡± Alora ordered the Skritta. ¡°The rest of us are on defence. Jack, you focus on driving!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± Jack acknowledged as he kept his eyes on the crumbled, deserted road, while the horde of angry drivers got closer and closer¡­.


    ¡°Jack! They¡¯re pulling up alongside us!¡± Alora warned, as she began to cast a beam of bright light to try and dazzle their pursuers.


    They¡¯re trying to board! Chiyo warned in a panic as she tried to tear up the exposed weak points in the crumbled highway, sending rubble flying behind them. Jack heard the squealing of tires and a crushing noise, but he could see that the assholes chasing them were still closing in.


    ¡°Do we have any more grenades?¡± Nika shouted down as Dante whined in fear, not knowing what they could do. ¡°They¡¯re not exactly easy targets!¡±


    ¡°All out!¡± Sephy warned. ¡°And we¡¯ve got fliers inbound!¡±


    ¡°Hold on tight!¡± Jack grinned in spite of their situation. ¡°I¡¯ve got an idea!¡±


    ¡®I¡¯ve always wanted to do this!¡¯ The human boy thought to himself mischievously as an APC pushed forward ahead of the pack. It had been a guilty pleasure of his back on earth whenever he was banned from watching too much anime or wrestling. His parents had often blocked certain channels or streaming services to try and get him to go outside more, and while that had sometimes worked, he had often instead watched some¡­alternative television.


    The first type of show he often watched were strange but popular Japanese gameshows that usually featured contestants trying very hard to win some heavily physical challenges, and often failing in funny, sometimes painful ways.


    The other type was crazy police chases.


    As a younger kid, Jack would often watch with excited glee as suspects desperately tried to escape the cops. Ducking down alleyways, cutting across farmer¡¯s fields, and even bombing it down the motorway into oncoming traffic! Though he had often secretly rooted for the suspect to somehow escape the cops, it had never happened during any of the chases he had seen, thanks to the PIT manoeuvre. The acronym probably stood for something technical, but Jack sure as hell didn¡¯t know what it was!


    All he knew was that it usually wiped a suspect¡¯s vehicle out in epic fashion!


    Jack quickly yanked the steering wheel to the right, suddenly sending the beast of a truck roaring into the APC to smash hard into its side by its back left bumper, sending the large vehicle skidding uncontrollably as it wobbled from side to side to try and regain control, before Jack hit it again on the right side as it lurched past them, this time sending the vehicle spinning uncontrollably until it smashed into the concrete divider wall with the force of a cannonball, sending two bloodied individuals flying through the windshield, landing on the bonnet in a crumpled heap before lifelessly sliding off to collapse on the ground in a gooey pile of gore. One figure in the back seat managed to quickly get out and move away as the vehicle burst into flames, only to get completely wiped out by another group of bounty hunters.


    ¡°Should have worn a seat belt assholes!¡± Jack yelled out behind him, though he noted that only he and Sephy were actually wearing some at the moment, with the others all holding on to something except for poor Dante, who was currently lying down looking fearful by Sephy¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Nice one Jack!¡± Nika called out in approval, before suddenly her tone shifted. ¡°Looks like they¡¯re focusing on the trailer now! They¡¯ve got harpoons!¡±


    ¡°Oh, they want some more huh?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Hold on!¡±


    Feeling more confident with his driving now, he swerved the vehicle from side to side to try and frustrate the attackers, battering the cars that couldn¡¯t swerve away in time¡­


    Jack! That¡¯s not working! Chiyo warned. It¡¯s spreading the fire in the back and we¡¯re slowing down!


    Jack cursed, as he realised she was right, and he desperately fought with the controls to maintain their current speed and direction as the back of the truck fishtailed, skidding uncontrollably with a high-pitched screech of tyres creating sparks along the road.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± he cursed. ¡°We need to lose this fucking trailer!¡±


    ¡°We also need to lose these flyers coming in! Opening window!¡± Alora warned, as she quickly began casting, before pushing her hands out and blasting a fireball that homed in on the largest gunship that she could see approaching. It quickly lurched to the side to avoid a direct blast, but their close formation with several smaller hunter-drones worked against them, as the fireball smashed into one of them to create a shockwave that sent the others spinning uncontrollably. The large gunship rolled to the side on impact, revealing several troops in an open compartment in strange, almost mediaeval-looking green armour, who quickly began shooting with plasma weaponry.


    But as Jack drove the truck under the struggling craft, he spotted their leader among them, and his heart skipped a beat.


    With a long, bushy beard and a bare, hairy chest with countless scars, the Ogar officially known as ¡®The Redeemer¡¯ stared at them with the hatred that only an insane fanatic could muster. He could see some kind of melee weapon strapped to his back, but while one hand securely held him in place on the dropship, the other held a long gun of some kind, with two separate rods between which green energy crackled eagerly.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Nika cursed, ducking down as the shots rattled on the roof. ¡°Chiyo? You got something for this?¡±


    I am not strong enough to pull a gunship out of the sky! Chiyo warned her.


    ¡°Then don¡¯t target the ship!¡± Jack told her. ¡°What about the smaller drones? What do they do?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re similar to mine,¡± Sephy spoke up distractedly, while she kept most of her focus on disconnecting the trailer. ¡°Basic ones could just be following us, but I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if these have weapons or explosives attached..."


    ¡°Look out!¡± Alora suddenly yelled, as a group of the drones up ahead dropped several green glowy-things on the road ahead of them. ¡°They¡¯re dropping mines!¡±


    ¡°For me? You shouldn¡¯t have!¡± Jack muttered sarcastically under his breath as he pulled the truck towards the right to try and dodge, wacking another car pulling up alongside them in the process as the angry truckers chasing them on the road got more confident with the arrival of reinforcements. Chiyo strained in concentration as she was able to halt the momentum of several of the closest mines, before flinging them high, causing them to land on the road behind them, causing several explosions to ring out as the mines found new targets.


    ¡°Outsider!¡± a voice bellowed from the dropship. ¡°You will not escape your redemption! You cause chaos with your very presence, you do not belong, and your death shall redeem you!¡±


    Oh great, Chiyo deadpanned. He¡¯s got a speaker, and I believe those VTOLs hovering behind all of us belong to members of the fucking press...


    ¡°Guys, I¡¯m coming down!¡± Nika warned them as she shut the skylight hatch and slid down the ladder. ¡°It¡¯s getting too hot, literally! The fire¡¯s engulfing most of the fucking trailer and we¡¯re taking hits!¡±


    Charging up his gun, The Redeemer let out a lance of green energy that sparked and slammed into the side of the trailer as Jack jerked the truck around to avoid a hit to the cab¡­


    Suddenly, something in the truck lurched and gave as one of the rear tyres shredded with a loud ¡®bang¡¯. They felt the truck begin to slow down as sparks billowed from where metal scraped against the asphalt of the highway with a horrible screeching, though it barely drowned out the sounds of the heavy gunfire.


    ¡°That¡¯s probably not good!¡± Jack noted with quite the understatement. ¡°Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Nearly there!¡± The Skritta grinned as she apologetically told him. ¡°I¡¯ve also got processes trying to slow down the enemy drones and find us a place we can dump this thing and bail out of here!¡±


    ¡°I can help with the map!¡± Nika confirmed as she bounded over to the seat next to Sephy.


    ¡°Well at least there haven¡¯t been any forks in the road yet, so there¡¯s no chance I¡¯ve gotten us lost.¡± Jack noted as he turned the wheel to avoid some debris on the highway ahead.


    ¡°Outsider!¡± they heard the speaker from the dropship play out. ¡°You will rede-¡±


    ¡°That should shut them up.¡± Sephy snickered to the others, having quickly cut the Redeemer¡¯s feed. ¡°Separation process initiated as well, it should be decoupling now.¡±


    ¡°Like vermin scurrying in the shadows, you think you can elude the judgement of my King?¡± they heard from the speaker, which had been quickly reset.


    ¡°Nobody cares asshole!¡± Jack yelled, which he was surprised to hear repeated back to him from the same speaker, the giggling Sephy clearly up to some mischief! ¡°We already faced a guy that had the same name as you and he was also an irritating wanker!¡±


    ¡°At least if this Redeemer is more focused on talking he isn¡¯t focused on shooting¡­¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°We¡¯re exposed in the open like this!¡±


    ¡°Not for much longer,¡± Nika noted. ¡°Jack, take the right at the fork coming up and we¡¯ll be heading towards a set of tunnels the flyers can¡¯t follow us down.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Jack whispered back, though Sephy had the good sense to mute them after Jack¡¯s outburst.


    Sephy, is there a problem with the separation? Chiyo asked. We¡¯re still being held back!


    ¡°Separation process should be complete,¡± the Skritta noted. ¡°Though it¡¯s usually done at lower speed in a warehouse and stuff.¡±


    ¡°The imposter will be redeemed with his killer!¡± the Redeemer snarled. ¡°But you will be first, Outsider! You DARE to come to our galaxy, where you do not belong, and I shal-¡±


    ¡°Heh, sorry! Couldn¡¯t resist cutting his speaker off again!¡± Sephy chuckled. ¡°This asshole sure loves to run his mouth!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing the trailer needs some encouragement to move?¡± Jack questioned, and Chiyo nodded.


    ¡°Alrighty then! Hold on!¡± Jack grinned like a maniac as swerved across the lands, billowing a spiralling trail of thick smoke as he moved the truck from side to side. Alora held her mouth to try and stop herself from throwing up as Dante whined in discomfort, before finally they heard a loud snapping noise as the back of the cab lurched upwards for a moment before slamming just as abruptly back to the ground. Suddenly, they lurched forward much faster than before, as they could all see the burning, smoking, disconnected trailer behind them spinning out of control, before coming to a stop with a nasty crunch as it blocked the road behind them.


    ¡°Gun it!¡± Nika yelled as Jack quickly flipped through the gears, quickly pelting it out of there as the flyers pulled back from the raging black cloud of smoke.


    ¡°Oh gods!¡± Alora gasped as she quickly made her way to a seat, while Nika grabbed on to Chiyo to pull her to another.


    ¡°Holy shit this is fast!¡± Jack growled in panic as he fought to keep them on the road, Buildings and districts alike zoomed past them as they kept going, soon leaving the cloud of smoke behind.


    ¡°Keep going this way,¡± Nika told him, releasing a breath she didn¡¯t realise she had been holding. ¡°Once we get to the tunnel we¡¯ll be in the clear!¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Jack tensely nodded. ¡°Thank god we-¡±


    Slow down! Chiyo suddenly exclaimed, and Jack instantly hit the brakes, causing everyone to slam forward violently before they saw the reason why.


    ¡°Move bitch!¡± Jack yelled at the slow-moving car right in the middle of the road as everyone shook themselves of the whiplash. ¡°Get out of the way!¡±


    The vehicle didn¡¯t give way for them, and even worse, they heard the familiar, deep roaring sound of The Redeemer¡¯s dropship heading their way.


    You¡¯ll have to go around! Chiyo warned. And there¡¯s other drivers up ahead!


    ¡°Just get to the tunnel as quick as you can!¡± Alora warned, as Jack shuffled several lanes to the side and started speeding off, the gormless old alien that had blocked them not seeming to notice his frustration, or his middle finger.


    ¡°Oh crap, they¡¯re catching up!¡± Sephy warned while Jack drove as quickly as he dared, dodging various cars and other transports, though thankfully several of these had enough sense to get out of the way. Nika quickly scrambled up the ladder again to make her dissatisfaction clear.


    ¡°FUCK OFF!¡± she yelled at The Redeemer¡¯s ship, before opening fire, placing several shots around the cockpit but not penetrating the armour, before quickly sliding down as they returned fire. ¡°Shit!¡±


    ¡°I have fireballs, but fire spells are usually not effective against machines,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°We just need to make it to the tunnel! Then they can¡¯t get us.¡±


    ¡°Crap!¡± Jack cursed as he quickly swerved to the left as a blast of crackling green energy lanced out to churn up the road ahead of them. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s an option! Keep the skylight open, I¡¯m gonna try and take it out!¡±


    ¡°In the name of my King, I will purify you with holy-¡± the Redeemer yelled as the dropship got closer.


    ¡°Overcharge!¡± Jack growled, quickly drawing his dominator and turning around in a smooth motion, letting loose a snapshot that shot out through the skylight, speeding past a wide-eyed Nika while Sephy had to think fast and take the wheel. Completely catching the pilot unawares, the heavy shot slammed into the cockpit with a powerful blast, forcing the craft to pitch forward and zoom down on a collision course with the ground.


    ¡°FUCK!¡± Nika cursed. ¡°I didn¡¯t think that meant right this second! Some warning would have been nice!¡±


    ¡°Sorry!¡± Jack called back as he took the wheel back from the surprised Sephy. ¡°That was the warning! Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good!¡± The Kizun confirmed. ¡°Even better, they¡¯re not! And that¡¯s the tunnel ahead!¡±


    Nice shot! Chiyo confirmed as they saw the dropship smash into the ground. Nobody else chasing us!


    ¡°We¡¯re not out of trouble yet!¡± Alora warned, pointing into the distance.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me!¡± Sephy exclaimed, as she saw movement around the downed craft. The Redeemer was somehow on his feet, staggering to his gun¡­


    ¡°Hold on,¡± Jack warned, grinning as he began speeding up. ¡°I¡¯m gonna nail this cunt!¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Alora asked in a panic.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± Jack nodded as he stared straight ahead. ¡°Trust me.¡±


    The Redeemer growled as he stared at the approaching behemoth with hazy eyes. No! How could his King have forsaken him! Wait¡­he needed to be faithful. He was large enough to be able to stop the speeding beast dead at the cost of his own body! He needed to¡­.he needed to¡­


    Oh shit!


    At the last moment, The Redeemer panicked and jumped to the side just as the behemoth slammed into him, sending his broken body spinning to smash against the tunnel wall with a sickening crack, before his vision went black¡­


    ¡°Got you motherfucker!¡± Jack grinned, though sobered up slightly as he thought he saw the body stir, just as he turned down the path indicated by Sephy.


    Two hours later they finally came to a stop. They hadn¡¯t encountered any more enemies, and had parked the truck in a discreet location that wouldn¡¯t be discovered easily. Sephy was in the process of bricking the software components as the rest of them bagged and collected everything even remotely useful and carryable they could bring with them, before spending some time consoling Dante, who really hadn¡¯t had a good time. Jack was also coming down from the nerve-wracking experience of driving a vehicle for the very first time. At least they had made much better time than they could have anticipated, and were very close to the residential district where they had met their ¡®client¡¯. As they set off, exhausted but determined, Nika couldn¡¯t help but lighten the mood.


    ¡°Next time, I¡¯m driving!¡±

 Chapter 86: Imposter Investigation

    ¡°Too damn quiet,¡± Nika observed as they made it to the front desk of the building.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not picking anything up on cameras either,¡± Sephy noted. ¡°I¡¯ve just fast-forwarded the camera overlooking the corridor from when we came and left, there hasn¡¯t been any movement since.¡±


    I can imagine that most people would either be sleeping or sheltering from the current corpo-war, Chiyo noted. However, if whomever we spoke to hasn¡¯t left the apartment¡­


    ¡°Could they have manipulated the camera feed to cover their exit?¡± Jack asked Sephy, who had to think on that one.


    ¡°Possibly,¡± the Skritta admitted. ¡°We have no idea what we¡¯re dealing with here.¡±


    ¡°And yet, here we are,¡± Alora dryly chuckled. ¡°Stay icy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ¡®stay frosty¡¯, but sure!¡± Jack snorted in amusement as he led the way.


    We take the stairs, Chiyo decided, fully drawn in her power, ready for a fight.


    ¡°Very well.¡± Alora nodded, noting that nobody made a joke about Chiyo actually refusing to take the elevator this time. All of them were on edge, rightfully so. Whoever they had spoken to previously was clearly highly skilled in deception, and they could only speculate on what they would else they were good at¡­


    Quietly ascending the stairs, the group encountered nobody, which was unsurprising at this time in the morning. It was still dark outside, but Nika had informed them that the orbital plate would likely finish its pass soon to give way to the light of the new day. Ideally, they would be out before that happened. It was better to work in the shadows, after all¡­


    ¡°Alright, 4th floor,¡± Jack noted. ¡°Are we all ready?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re ready,¡± Alora acknowledged with a look of determination, a look that was matched by the others. They were as prepared as they could be.


    Jack almost expected to be attacked as they carefully traversed the corridor to the right apartment, looking for any hidden cameras or tripwires, but also expecting attackers to come bursting out of any one of the apartments to the side.


    Still sleeping, Chiyo noted as they approached their final destination. Life signals are normal¡­or are made to appear that way.


    ¡°Sooner we get out of here the better,¡± Nika whispered. ¡°But we need to investigate this.¡±


    They quietened as they reached the door to Apartment 4.89. As before the door was unassuming, and looking at the crack at the bottom of the door indicated that the lights were off.


    No life signs, Chiyo told them, though given how all of them were fooled before, that didn¡¯t necessarily tell them anything useful.


    ¡°How do we do this?¡± Jack whispered to the others, who all had their subvocal comms active. ¡°I can kick the door open and go loud?¡±


    ¡°Keep it quiet for now,¡± Alora decided. ¡°Sephy, would you mind?¡±


    ¡°On it!¡± the Skritta acknowledged as she quietly reached into one of her pockets and pulled out a roll of silk, which she unravelled to reveal a set of several small lockpicking tools. Chiyo moved to the other side of the door to support it with her power, while both Jack and Nika were on high alert for anything that could go wrong.


    Jack concentrated on listening out for any sounds of activity from behind the door. Though it was dark, that didn¡¯t mean it would be safe.


    Far from it.


    He heard nothing from inside the apartment though, and Sephy barely made any noise as she manipulated the lock, fiddling with it carefully before something within gave way with a quiet ¡®click¡¯. Nobody moved for several moments as they waited for something to happen, but nothing did. The corridor was still as eerily quiet as before as Sephy nodded to confirm the door was now unlocked.


    Jack moved forward, holding up a hand to indicate that they should stay back while he drew his Dominator with the other. Pressing up to the door and hearing nothing he squeezed the door handle tight, before slowly opening it, ready to leap away the moment he detected any active danger. The moment the handle was turned all the way, he held a breath as he slowly opened the door a crack¡­


    Only to suddenly stop as he saw a slight glint against the light seeping in from behind, a tiny piece of barely perceptible string or wire, just visible between the gap in the door.


    Carefully he pulled back away from the door, taking care not to move it from its latest position as he paced back to the others, who knew from his expression that he had found something.


    ¡°What are we dealing with?¡± Nika whispered.


    ¡°They¡¯ve got a tripwire behind the door, it might even be attached to it,¡± Jack whispered


    Jack, when you opened that door, something happened in the astral, Chiyo warned. It was like an arcane mask was destroyed when you open the door, I¡¯m detecting an overwhelming amount of residual magic coming from that room!


    ¡°Is it still active?¡± Alora asked.


    I don¡¯t believe so, it¡¯s already showing signs of dissipation, though I would need a closer look.


    ¡°Could you disable the tripwire with your abilities, Chiyo?¡± Nika questioned, quickly going to the door with Jack, who pointed it out to all of them.


    I think so. Chiyo nodded after a few moments. They had a barrier in place that would have stopped me from doing it, but it dissipated when Jack opened the door. I don¡¯t think they expected anyone to spot the trap in time, and if I astrally project I should be able to see what we¡¯re working with. Jack, could you stay on the other side of the door and get ready to help if I need you?


    ¡°Be careful Chiyo!¡± Sephy patted her friend on the back as the Ilithii closed her eyes, Jack returning to his previous position at the door.


    Opening her ¡®third eye¡¯, Chiyo emerged into a darker, gloomier version of the corridor, filled with the residual auras of apathy and despair from the mostly elderly residents living in the building. Turning around she saw her friends, though very different than they would normally look, like the colour and definition was blocked through one of those depressing social media filters.


    Such was the nature of the Ethereal Plane.


    A transitive, multi-levelled realm that bordered the other native planes of this galaxy like mortar to brick, it was like peering into a neighbouring reality, different in more and more alien ways the more layers you strayed from your home realm. It was a place of ever-shifting mists with little hard matter to obstruct those who knew how to traverse it, but it had its dangers. Chiyo had heard many horror stories of what happened to those who strayed too far, losing themselves as disembodied spirits desperate to return to their original bodies, as well as those that could physically travel ¡®The Spaces Between¡¯ encountering¡­bad things that hunted the deeper layers.


    Floating forward, Chiyo quickly but cautiously stuck her head through several of the walls to check the other rooms. While one or two individuals were sleeping, there were a suspicious amount of empty rooms that looked completely vacant of occupants, leading the Ilithii to become suspicious. After all, secure, affordable apartments were in demand thanks to the recent attacks.


    Floating back, she waited until Jack was in position by the door, noting his very unusual presence on the Ethereal Plane, like how some streams of mana focused on him and noticeably changed and how others actively avoided him. An unusual property but not an immediate cause for concern, likely just his status as an Outsider reacting with the natural phenomena of their galaxy. Jack wasn¡¯t magically active as far as they knew, though he had utilised magical items simply enough. It would be something worthy of future testing¡­


    Steeling herself, she floated through the door of apartment 4.89, senses on high alert and ready to lash out with her power, but she was relieved to find nobody home. The residual auras at a glance were unusual, but for the moment Chiyo put that to one side as she saw the trap left behind. The wire was stretched taught, actually bolted to the far wall, and so Chiyo pulled back towards the potent-looking stack of plastic explosives directed towards the wooden front door, designed to smash through it and tear apart whoever was opening it. Moving closer, the first thing she did was ensure that all pins were pushed back into the detonators and stuck there, ensuring that they wouldn¡¯t be yanked out


    Now to disconnect the wires¡­ Chiyo thought to herself, carefully using her power to slowly unravel each and every line, maintaining her focus and discipline as she gently laid the bottommost wires gently on the ground after disconnecting them, knowing that the slightest mistake could trigger the device. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last part of the tripwire was rendered inert, and Chiyo exhaled a silent sigh of relief. Moving back, she tried not to spook the others as she moved through the door and returned to her body.


    I¡¯ve taken out the tripwires, the Ilithii reported. Though I¡¯ll need the seal of approval from Nika and Sephy before I can say the device is disarmed. Also, there is barely anybody living here! Who owns the building?


    ¡°I think it was a private business of some kind,¡± Sephy spoke up, checking her notes. ¡°I made sure to do a search on the company name before we committed to the job and nothing bad came up.¡±


    ¡°Sephy, how do I activate the camera on the commlink?¡± Jack asked frustratedly, trying to manipulate his commlink like he would a smartphone from Earth.


    ¡°Here!¡± Sephy took it and quickly showed him, making sure Jack understood the specific app he needed to click, and how to manipulate the camera. ¡°You¡­want to take a selfie here of all places?¡±


    ¡°Not quite!¡± Jack grinned with a chuckle and stretched his arm through the door, holding the device. ¡°Just getting a better angle on the room, though I can¡¯t see anything.¡±


    ¡°Good idea!¡± Nika grinned as she made her way to the other side of the door. ¡°I guess there¡¯s no putting it off any longer, shall we?¡±


    Jack slowly pushed the door open further, with Nika slipping in the moment she could, Sephy and Alora quickly following.


    ¡°All clear!¡± the Skritta confirmed, as Jack, Chiyo and Dante brought up the rear, with the ¡®dog¡¯ letting out a slight whine. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what I expected really, it¡¯s mostly like we left it, only without the asshole from before.¡±


    ¡°Be careful,¡± Jack warned. ¡°Where there is one trap, there could be more.¡±


    ¡°I agree with the caution, but I reckon we won¡¯t find any more traps,¡± Nika argued. ¡°There¡¯s enough explosives on the door to take the entire floor out! I think whoever set it was hoping to wipe any trace of their being here in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget why we¡¯re here,¡± Alora told them all. ¡°Is there anything that stands out?¡±


    There are astral runes all over the room! Chiyo exclaimed. They¡¯re no longer active and have been that way for a while. Looking at them, I think they were maintained by proximity.


    ¡°So it¡¯s reasonable to assume that the guy we spoke to was the guy who cast them?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Some kind of mage that knows their way around a tripwire?¡±


    ¡°Got folded clothes over here!¡± Sephy called out to where Dante was curiously sniffing and recoiling away from a meticulously neat pile of clothes on the chair that their ¡®client¡¯ had occupied when they were last here. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure this was what they were wearing when we spoke to them.¡±


    Neatly folded? Chiyo questioned. Why do that when they could have just dumped them?


    ¡°Could be a personality quirk?¡± Jack questioned, recalling the many police procedural TV shows he had seen with his family.


    ¡°Something else,¡± Sephy noted, cautiously dipping her finger into something and poking it. ¡°What is this? Some kind of greyish jelly?¡±


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    I would refrain from touching that, Sephy! Chiyo sighed and floated over. What is that? Alora, have you encountered anything like this before?


    Alora walked over while Jack went to look at the explosive with Nika, who was busy making sure it was no longer active, and already had several smaller bags out ready to pack up and take it with them. ¡°I don¡¯t know what this is.¡± The Eladrie sighed, before casting a quick cantrip. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look dangerous, but it has a very faint magical residue that¡¯s slowly degrading.¡±


    ¡°Is that stuff anywhere else?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Maybe it¡¯ll tell us what else they got up to here?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s some greyish muck around the bombs too,¡± Nika noted, pointing it out to the human. ¡°Only trace amounts though.¡±


    I don¡¯t detect anything else in this apartment, aside from on the door handle and on the chair, Chiyo noted. Yet there was nothing in the corridor outside, I would have detected it.


    ¡°Woof!¡± the previously silent Dante barked, padding up and drawing the group¡¯s attention to the bedroom door, which had the telltale sign of slime on the handle, with the walking stick propped against a nearby bookcase.


    ¡°I¡¯ll check for traps!¡± Sephy told the others as she began examining the door much as Jack had done, while the others confirmed that the small kitchenette and bathroom were completely clear. Aside from the trap at the front door and the discarded disguise, there wasn¡¯t much else.


    ¡°Chiyo, do you have an idea on what kind of sigils were in place? ¡° Alora asked while they waited.


    Mostly to do with masking and illusion, Chiyo noted. A lot of preparation went into this deception¡­


    ¡°All clear!¡± Sephy finally told them, opening the door confidently. ¡°What are we looking at, Dante?¡±


    The ¡®dog¡¯ led the way into the room, looking around unsurely, like they were expecting to see something obvious pointing out at them. The bedroom was plain, with a single, well-made bed that clearly hadn¡¯t been slept in for a while, a basic chest of drawers, bookcase and cupboard, and several boring-looking paintings that only an elderly person would consider good taste.


    ¡°No window,¡± Nika noted. ¡°What are we looking at here?¡±


    ¡°Hang on,¡± Jack spoke up, noticing something and moving to take a closer look. ¡°This bookcase was recently moved, the carpet¡¯s all scuffed.¡± He carefully got a good grip on the bookcase and slid it across the carpet to reveal what was behind it.


    It was a vent of some kind, with a latch that remained unlocked, allowing Jack to easily lift up the grill and take a look. Sure enough, there was a lot of the greyish slime, and by the way it was slathered it was clear that whoever or whatever they had spoken to previously had exited this way. When he shined a light through the vent he couldn¡¯t see any monsters, but he did note several solid-looking chunks, the same colour as the slime.


    I¡¯ll take a sample of it, though I have no idea what this means. Chiyo sighed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s find out, I¡¯m gonna send a drone down there.¡± Sephy grinned, pulling one out and setting it to hover and follow the traces of biological material. It zipped through and down, before exiting on the ground floor of the building, following the trails until it arrived at a dead end.


    They likely teleported out, you can tell by the pattern in the dirt, Chiyo noted. We should still take a look there before we head home.


    ¡°Is that us done here then?¡± Sephy questioned. ¡°What do we do? We know the actual owner of the apartment is already dead, so¡­¡±


    ¡°Please tell me you¡¯re not suggesting what I think you are, Sephy.¡± Alora sighed, looking disappointed at the Skritta. ¡°You know how we found him! Tortured, murdered, and strung up to taunt us, and now you want to steal from him!?¡±


    Sephy may be right, Alora, Chiyo interjected. We did take this job for a reason after all, and though nobody here would ever take what happened to the poor man lightly, the living have more need than the dead.


    ¡°We might as well come out of this with something.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°We¡¯ve only got a few guns from the Myrodin troops, and we didn¡¯t exactly get much of a payday from the service station or from the truck we took a joyride in. Sure it¡¯s something, but it doesn¡¯t even begin to justify the night of hell we¡¯ve just been through.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m with Alora on this one,¡± Jack spoke up, realising he¡¯d have to say something. ¡°I¡¯m not that comfortable going through an innocent old man¡¯s stuff that we have no right to. It¡¯s not like this is some ancient treasure horde from a long-forgotten bloodline or something, he could have a surviving family that needs closure and should inherit stuff that might be sentimental to them.¡±


    He sighed, as exhausted and hurt as the rest of them as he tried to form the words. ¡±I don¡¯t mind looting bad guys that do us wrong, but I think this man¡¯s suffered enough indignity.¡±


    ¡°You might be outvoted, but you make a good point.¡± Sephy slowly sighed, as Alora gave Jack a grateful smile and a nod of the head. ¡°We don¡¯t actually know if he had a family, I just assumed it was a load of crap he told us to appeal to our spirits, and it¡¯s not like there¡¯s any sign of anyone else living here. I guess we can do a quick check to confirm¡­¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Sephy.¡± Alora acknowledged, accepting the loss.


    We should make it quick, Chiyo added. We need to get home and change for school.


    ¡°I¡¯m not looking forward to that.¡± Nika groaned. ¡°We¡¯re all burned out, and it¡¯s gonna be even worse for those coming down from stims¡­¡±


    ¡°Look on the bright side!¡± Jack gave the Kizun a tired smile. ¡°At least it¡¯s almost over!¡±


    *****


    The morning light dazzled Jack¡¯s eyes as their home district finally got within sight. He let out a yawn as helped Alora along, who was barely able to stand on her feet, with Sephy on his other side, still standing and using her wings but being guided like a zombie. It had been a long, intensely exhausting night for everybody, and Jack was glad that they didn¡¯t encounter any more hostiles, with Sephy connecting to the local networks to avoid corporate patrols, though that did lead the group on a longer path that did not leave them with much time to get ready for school.


    The sight of home soon put a spring in the steps of all of them as Jack barely even registered the slightly worse-for-wear local shops before they headed up the long, winding path of their gargantuan neighbouring district, passing the sparsely populated shacks of their mostly elderly neighbours before finally making it to the small, secluded gate of District Sector ST976624SA.


    Home.


    ¡°There you are! Thank fuck you¡¯re alright!¡± they heard a familiar voice call out from up top, as they saw Karzen and Bentom standing guard at the top of the tower. ¡°How did the job go? You could have called ahead and we would have cooked you a hot breakfast!¡±


    Alora cursed under her breath as they entered through the gate, not having thought of that. ¡°Job went bad and we¡¯re exhausted!¡± she called back. ¡°How are things here?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re good! Obeda thought it¡¯d be a good idea to have more of us on the walls and at least one person keeping an eye on the local news feeds, and we weren¡¯t gonna argue!¡±


    ¡°Good call,¡± Nika muttered under her breath.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll try and brew some tea for you at least!¡± Karzen grinned. ¡°We don¡¯t need to stand guard anymore, so we may as well stay useful. Have you guys not slept?¡±


    No, there¡¯s been barely any time for us to rest, Chiyo told her. While I don¡¯t ¡®sleep¡¯ like the others do, I can only imagine how exhausted they are. How much time do we have?


    ¡°About ten to fifteen minutes until we need to go.¡± Bentom shrugged.


    Jack sighed at that. Though he knew the local ¡®minutes¡¯ here were nothing like those on Earth, it still didn¡¯t give them much time.


    ¡°Just dump our stuff in the armoury and get ready,¡± Alora told the others, struggling to stay awake. ¡°We can just eat a cereal bar to keep us going until lunch.¡±


    They all quickly dispersed and did just that, stopping by the armoury to quickly shuck their bags off and empty their pockets in various heaps on the ground, before taking Dante¡¯s battleskin off of him and letting him go off to eat and sleep. Chiyo didn¡¯t look too happy about not leaving with a decent meal, but was quickly mollified when Alora promised to buy a few bags of sweets on the way to school if they could, to consume during class if they had the time. Their fellow classmates were all mostly ready and gathering in the living room, so they all quickly headed off to their various rooms to get ready.


    Jack sighed as he brushed his teeth in the bathroom and checked the time. Surely they¡¯d have enough time for a quick shower? He got in the old, cracked bathtub and turned the handle for the water.


    Nothing.


    ¡°Oh come on¡­¡± Jack groaned to himself out of sheer frustration. They had just gone through a night of hell that should have killed them ten times over, and they couldn¡¯t even go to sleep yet. This was his life now. Surely a hot shower was the least he could ask for?


    He almost broke down then and there.


    They only had a minute left until they needed to leave, and he was expecting the others to chastise him for taking too much time. He had decided to just hose himself down in deodorant and hoped he didn¡¯t smell too bad. Maybe at school he¡¯d have the opportunity to use his Deathball team¡¯s showers¡­


    He was somewhat surprised to see almost everyone huddled around the TV. He managed to find a spot where he could see, and his eyes bulged as soon as he saw why. Plastered all over the TV for everyone to see, was a bird¡¯s eye view of their highly destructive joyride from just a few hours ago.


    ¡°...during the chaos, an unknown group of mercenaries hijacked a truck belonging to Wingu Incorporated and initiated a conflict on the YH87 Transway, leading to a massive loss of life. Though the reason for this conflict is unknown, what is known is that the Regulator Order known as the ¡®Order of the Infernal Harmony¡¯ and the former inquisitor of Siros, God of Purity, known as ¡®The Redeemer¡¯ attempted to intercept this group, again for unknown reasons, before the latter was shot down and almost killed in action. When our correspondent on the ground approached ¡®The Redeemer¡¯ for questioning, he had this to say:¡±


    The scene on the TV shifted to the highway, with a backdrop of several destroyed vehicles. The entrance to the tunnel was almost completely blocked off by the burning debris of The Redeemer¡¯s dropship. The Ogar himself looked critically wounded, with many visible lacerations, and several bandages covering the right side of his face. His arm hung uselessly at his side, and his movements were slow and pained.


    Jack subtly grinned to himself, despite everything that had happened. He got this asshole good!


    ¡°My King,¡± The Redeemer growled as he shuffled back and forth, with the cameraman backing away. ¡°Do you dare mock me? Have I not praised your name? Have I not fought those you have deemed unworthy?¡±


    ¡°Good morning¡­¡± the news reporter nervously spoke up, as a diminutive-looking Xarak walked forward, holding a microphone. ¡°We just wanted to get your statement on¡­.¡±


    He didn¡¯t finish his sentence, as The Redeemer roared in rage and shoved the reporter to the side, before striding forward and grabbing the camera, putting his injured face into full view.


    ¡°Make no mistake, My King!¡± The Redeemer yelled. ¡°You will grant me another encounter with the Outsider, and the power to destroy him, or you shall become my enemy. If you do not, I shall march my forces to your verdant palace and tear your perfect kingdom down!¡± He gave a wicked, insane grin at the camera. ¡°So sayeth, The Redeemer!¡±


    ¡°Holy fuck¡­¡± Nika muttered. ¡°This guy¡¯s nuts!¡±


    ¡°In other news,¡± the news anchor continued. ¡°Several instances of rioting and looting have been violently suppressed by warlord and self-proclaimed ¡®hero¡¯, Commander Cocaine, who had the following to say:¡±


    ¡°OHHH YEAH!¡± Commander Cocaine¡¯s excited-looking expression matched that of the female avian reporter he had one of his arms around. ¡°Commander Cocaine and the boys and girls have been busy tonight, yeah!¡±


    ¡°Thank you for joining us, Commander!¡± The reporter next to him smiled. ¡°Do you have any comments on the current chaos in the city?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re totally banging!¡± Vanya purred from where she was sat on the sofa, before being shushed by one of the others.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± the aquatic being yelled. ¡°We¡¯ve seen the looting, yeah! We¡¯ve seen the fighting, yeah! And we¡¯ve seen the dying, yeah! But Commander Cocaine also sees the ones responsible, yeah!¡±


    ¡°And who do you hold responsible Commander?¡± the reporter asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s the MegaCorps, yeah! There¡¯s the cultists, yeah! And then¡­¡± Commander Cocaine looked serious for the very first time. ¡°Then¡­there¡¯s those out there stirring the pot, yeah! Commander Cocaine knows, yeah! SO LET ME TELL THEM ONE MORE TIME!¡± the man suddenly yelled. ¡°I AM COMMANDER COCAINE, AND COMMANDER COCAINE IS COMING FOR YOU! OHHH YEAH!¡±


    ¡°Jesus Christ¡­¡± Jack snorted in amusement. ¡°That dude must have been popping more rocks than Hunter Biden¡­¡±


    ¡°And finally our main story this morning¡­¡± the news anchor concluded. ¡°The current conflicts between several MegaCorporations within the city of Naganai came to a fever pitch last night, with multiple reports coming in that Corvin Enterprises has achieved a decisive victory, after a coalition of organisations launched an attack on their headquarters during the later hours of the evening.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right Oudrie!¡± the co-anchor spoke up. ¡°The Chairman and CEO of Corvin Enterprises, Atticus Corvin has now become the 9th Most Wanted Bounty on Hive Station Bastilla, ascending from his previous position as the 10th¡­.¡±


    ¡°Everyone, we need to go!¡± Alora called out. ¡°We¡¯re going to be late for school!¡±


    ¡°Hang on a sec guys¡­¡± Jack called to his friends as he held out the Ring of Lesser Restoration he and Sephy had looted from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup. ¡°This seems like the perfect opportunity to use this thing. It can keep you going after getting tired, right?¡±


    The physical effects of fatigue, yes, Chiyo informed him. That would be useful to us, however it only holds three charges and there are four of us that would benefit from its use¡­


    Jack looked confused at the Ilithii for a moment, before Chiyo clarified. I would not benefit from this, as I don¡¯t sleep like the rest of you do. I naturally regain my vitality through meditation, calories and reduced activity. I will be fine until we get to class.


    ¡°If you say so¡­¡± Jack nodded, putting the ring on. ¡°So how do I use this? Like a command word or something?¡±


    It shouldn¡¯t require attunement since it¡¯s been in your proximity for a while, but you should know the command phrase instinctively if you wear it, and choose the target of the spell.


    ¡°Huh.¡± Jack shrugged to himself, before pointing at Alora. ¡°Mohlo.¡±


    A faint trace of white light shot out from his hand as Alora perked up. ¡°Gods, that feels better!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, save the other charges for you and Sephy¡­¡± Nika began, before Jack used the ring¡¯s effect on Nika.


    ¡°Too late to argue.¡± Jack grinned, before turning to Sephy.


    ¡°Hey, not me!¡± Sephy shook her head emphatically. ¡°It¡¯s my fault we took this job, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Mohlo.¡± Jack pointed at the Skritta with a resigned smile. ¡°Nice try, but I don¡¯t blame you, and I don¡¯t think anyone else does either. I¡¯m pretty sure all of us could have done something differently at some point, but you can¡¯t beat yourself up over it. We either succeed or fail as a team, and although we all had a bad time, we came through it stronger, if not necessarily richer¡­¡±


    ¡°Well said.¡± Alora smiled at Jack. ¡°I hope you¡¯ve still got enough energy in the tank, because I don¡¯t want us to be late for school!¡±


    ¡°Yep¡­¡± Jack sighed as he started to move¡­

 Chapter 87: Unauthorised Preaching

    ¡°Nearly there¡­¡± Alora whispered to Jack as they approached the entrance to the school district. Several other groups of students were already crowded around the penultimate checkpoint, and the Eladrie sighed internally as she knew the queues to get past the Prefects were only going to get worse¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll be alright.¡± Jack groaned as he took a sip of lukewarm tea from his flask. ¡°I¡¯m super jealous of Dante though, they just flopped on the sofa right in front of us¡­¡±


    ¡°Sadly for us, however, we need to get an education.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°As dubious as that may be¡­¡±


    Something¡¯s happening up ahead! Chiyo interrupted them as they joined the mass of students looking to get into the school. Though there was a bottleneck at the checkpoint, it wasn¡¯t due to the local militia, as there was something else just beyond that. A large crowd of curious students had stopped and gathered around a green-robed figure standing on a makeshift podium. Several others were walking around with boxes, handing out several small objects with leaflets to passersby, who seemed very eager to take them, with one of the green-robed figures casting a quick spell to replenish the contents.


    ¡°We greet you, seekers of knowledge!¡± the figure on the podium called out, his voice carrying a certain allure that made more and more people stop to listen. ¡°Have you ever felt that there could be more to your existence? Have you ever felt that a better reality awaits you, ready to be grasped?¡±


    As they made it past the checkpoint, Jack could see several of the students exchange glances, their curiosity piqued, though he had no doubt the free nutribars they had been given compelled the students to at least hear them out as a basic courtesy.


    ¡°The Emerald King shall lead the way!¡± the speaker cried out, and now that he was closer, Jack could see it was a humanoid being with pale blue translucent skin, with several bright green markings all along their serene-looking face. ¡°No longer will you need to starve in the streets! No longer will you need to cower in your homes! No longer will you need to fear the threats to the city! Join us! Join us and become part of something greater than yourselves, and feast on sustenance and knowledge alike!¡±


    ¡°Sounds like they¡¯ll say anything to get these people interested,¡± Alora noted, as Sephy quickly made the rounds between several different cultists handing out leaflets and food, effortlessly taking several nutrient bars from each without them noticing the Skritta¡¯s light fingers.


    ¡°Speaking of interested¡­¡± Nika noted, nodding towards another disturbance in the crowd, as a squad of Prefects made their way towards them. Jack, being tall enough, noticed the yellow-furred Rena among them as they approached the cultists who were handing out leaflets to several eager students who wanted to learn more about the Emerald King.


    ¡°You are not welcome here. Leave the school premises immediately or you will be terminated,¡± Rena cooly told the assembled cultists, and somehow her voice carried, projecting her authority, and causing many of the assembled students to swiftly move on. ¡°All students are to disperse and be on your way, this unauthorised gathering is now over.¡±


    Several of the students immediately began to leave, not wanting to get involved, however, others remained behind, who did not take kindly to the crackdown, while yet more others simply stayed to watch the fireworks.


    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t they stay?¡± a dissenting voice in the crowd bravely spoke up. ¡°The price of food is too damn high and these people are feeding us!¡±


    ¡°Let them stay! We¡¯re hungry!¡± another voice added.


    ¡°If the Emerald King wants to feed us, then I say he¡¯s welcome!¡± an avian girl in the crowd stood up, yelling at Rena.


    ¡°Yeah! Fuck off prefects!¡± an anonymous voice in the crowd yelled. ¡°Nobody likes you!¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t going to end well¡­¡± Alora murmured to the others.


    ¡°Yep, good thing it isn¡¯t our problem, time to go,¡± Nika warned, just as an object came flying out from the crowd, speeding towards the gathered Prefects. Several of the students gasped, as with a blurry quick movement, Rena caught the water bottle without even turning her gaze away.


    ¡°You all heard me,¡± Rena coolly told the gathered crowd. ¡°Comply, or suffer the consequences.¡±


    ¡°The grace of the Emerald King transcends the limitations of your institution.¡± The cultist speaker held up a hand to signal peace with a sly smile on his face as he signalled to his fellows to leave as told. ¡°You cannot truly suppress His message, but for now we shall depart.¡±


    As the cultists dispersed, the Prefects soon turned their attention to the remaining students, loudly ¡®encouraging¡¯ them to move on.


    ¡°Dammit, I was really hoping to see the Prefects get their asses kicked!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Honestly? Fucking with a free food supply when hyperinflation ramped up the prices? How dumb can you get?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack agreed with a tired grin as they started moving away. ¡°Though there¡¯s definitely something weird about those cultists, I can¡¯t blame people for getting desperate and going for it if they¡¯re hungry. They were pretty creepy when we met them last night, but they didn¡¯t seem particularly dangerous. If I were the Prefects I¡¯d let it slide or at least monitor them to make sure there isn¡¯t any grooming going on¡­¡±


    Guys, watch out! Chiyo tried to warn them, but it was too late.


    ¡°It is not your place to question school policy,¡± the cold voice of Rena interjected as she approached the group. ¡°Only obey it. I would expect the companions of a Class Representative to conduct themselves more appropriately, especially on school grounds.¡±


    ¡°Why are you approaching us, Rena?¡± Alora asked as calmly as she could. ¡°As you¡¯ve ordered, we are clearly dispersing.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your damn business what we think, Rena,¡± Nika added bluntly, thumbing the holster of her shotgun. ¡°If I think you¡¯re an annoying pain in the ass that needs to get a life, I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything you can do to stop me thinking that.¡±


    Rena narrowed her eyes dangerously at the Kizun, who seemed equally pissed off at the Prefect, Nika grinning as she mentally prepared herself for a fight. Sephy subtly moved to flank around behind the Prefect, but judging by the subtle movement of the Vulsta¡¯s ears, Rena knew exactly where the Skritta was.


    ¡°Answer Alora¡¯s question, or leave us alone,¡± Jack growled at Rena, whose face snapped to Jack¡¯s in an instant, and glowered even more as the sleep-deprived human added, ¡°Now. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s crawled up your hairy yellow ass to make you such an insufferable cunt, but I¡¯m getting kinda sick of it. Nika¡¯s right. Get a fucking life.¡±


    Gasps rang out from all around them at Jack¡¯s brutal words, as Rena twitched slightly, before she coldly informed them:


    ¡°I was actually approaching you to ask about your previous encounter with the Cult of the Emerald King, which I overheard you talking about, Frost,¡± the Vulsta told Jack with narrowed eyes. ¡°Though I notice several uniform policy infractions as well. I shall give you an official reprimand for your loose tie, and perhaps your disrespect shall improve later in the day once I give you your written warning¡­¡±


    ¡°We shall fix the tie, Rena.¡± Alora nodded, as she tried to hold a visibly angry Jack back from immediately attacking the Prefect then and there, while Chiyo went to dissuade Nika, with Sephy holding back on her own as she saw there wasn¡¯t going to be a fight, with Rena also giving the Skritta a warning side glance as she quickly left.


    ¡°Oh come on you two!¡± Nika angrily shook Chiyo off the moment Rena got out of sight. ¡°Why play nice and back down? We could have taken that bitch!¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack agreed, the sudden rush of adrenaline waking him up. ¡°Every time she talks to us she has to try and use her ¡®authority¡¯ to give us crap. Dissuading her from ever bothering us again isn¡¯t a bad move. Back on Earth, her harassment would probably get her into trouble.¡±


    Even if I agreed with the logic, we are far too mentally exhausted to make that kind of decision! Chiyo warned. And Rena has not done anything to warrant a physical assault!


    ¡°Apart from being a pain in the ass.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Jack and Nika are right. Every time she talks to us she¡¯s a bitch. If I get the opportunity to dish it back, I¡¯m up for taking it.¡±


    ¡°You all need to calm down right now!¡± Alora sternly told them. ¡°Chiyo¡¯s right! Even with the Ring of Lesser Restoration, the lack of sleep on top of all we had to go through is making us crankier than usual! Sure, Rena can take her position as a Prefect a little too seriously, but that¡¯s not a reason to start a fight!¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± Jack shrugged as he began unsurely, trying his best to understand the wiser of his friends. ¡°But I don¡¯t trust Rena at all. I remember when I encountered her during the Klown attack at the party. I¡¯d just fought Dr Grine and she shows up immediately after, she goes off on her own before I find Nya, and she brought in a bunch of strange Stygians who tried to sneak into the temporary hospital afterwards. I think she may be an enemy, even if Nya¡¯s been trustworthy.¡±


    A good distance away, the eavesdropping Rena stifled her shock on hearing the human¡¯s words. Why did he think of her as an enemy? She did not understand¡­


    *****


    ¡°Finally, we get to sit down and relax!¡± Sephy sighed in relief as they all quickly got to their seats, sitting down next to Jack, with Alora on his other side.


    Well, we should wait until the lights are out and the film begins, Chiyo cautioned. But yes, sitting down and recuperating is what I¡¯ve been looking forward to.


    ¡°No matter what happens, we¡¯re taking it easy tonight,¡± Alora told them in no uncertain terms. ¡°If we get any job offers we can at least look and see if it¡¯s promising, but after last night I don¡¯t even want to think about doing any work. Sit down and watch some movies or something and have an early night.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the others can keep watch and wake us up if there¡¯s anything really bad.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Though after last night¡¯s shitshow, we might be getting some more residents.¡±


    ¡°When do you think the city will calm down and get more ¡®normal¡¯?¡± Jack asked, suppressing a yawn as other students piled in.


    ¡°If last night was the peak, then it¡¯ll usually start winding down for a while,¡± Sephy reassured him. ¡°Then either things will die down outright or they¡¯ll peak back up again if the MegaCorps feel brave enough or create an opportunity they can exploit.¡±


    Unfortunately I suspect the latter, Chiyo pointed out. The news reports mentioned Corvin Enterprises are currently on top, which isn¡¯t a good thing.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°Corvin Enterprises are particularly hated by the other MegaCorps. They won¡¯t be taking this lying down, so expect the fighting to continue.¡±


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°Should we worry about them coming our way or any of our friends getting caught in the crossfire?¡± Jack asked, thinking about Clan Ashtail¡¯s Tea Garden.


    ¡°Hopefully not, but you saw first-hand how bad it can get.¡± Alora gave him a sympathetic smile. ¡°For our part, we¡¯re a good distance away from any important corporate building and they don¡¯t have much interest in taking over our section of the city.¡±


    There¡¯s plenty of territory outside the city if they wish to expand their operations, Chiyo pointed out. And many MegaCorps do. Sometimes there are news reports of migration convoys or ships leaving the city to colonise other parts of the Ring, and there are entire towns out there created or taken over by various MegaCorps for whatever reason. Certain MegaCorps would take over the city if they could, but right now they could never do it successfully or sustainably.


    ¡°Yeah¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°Sometimes MegaCorps can take over a few independent neighbouring districts if they¡¯re desperate enough to expand their city operations without making things hot, but they just as often abandon operations in others if they¡¯re not pulling a profit, which are usually then reclaimed. Most of them don¡¯t usually make it a hostile takeover though, they¡¯re more likely to negotiate with local authorities to take over in return for giving protection and granting Corporate Citizenship to the local residents. Keeping good PR and not expending company resources is key to their profits after all, if it¡¯s a small operation¡­¡±


    ¡°Makes sense I guess.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°But that¡¯s not what we saw last night! Those Myrodin guys that attacked us seemed pretty bloodthirsty¡­ ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d say that most of the time any outright publicly aggressive actions the MegaCorps make are against each other, though there will be times when all bets are off,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°There are several notable exceptions, and those are the ones you normally hear about on the news or making power plays in the cities you need to watch out for. Myrodin are a notorious example, Corvin Enterprises another. High risks, high rewards. And that doesn¡¯t even take into account what happens in the shadows¡­¡±


    ¡°Correct me if I¡¯m wrong¡­¡± Jack began. ¡°But I believe Vanya mentioned that one of the MegaCorps fought the Killer Klown last time they showed up before I arrived?¡±


    Yes, Chiyo noted. That was Corvin Enterprises, though we don¡¯t know the actual details of what happened when the Killer Klown attacked them. There is some footage circling around, but most of what came out of that are wild rumours and Corvin propaganda. What is agreed on is that Corvin Enterprises won that engagement and the Killer Klown wasn¡¯t seen again for two years until¡­well you saw it yourself on TV!


    ¡°The point is¡­¡± Alora concluded before they went further off the original topic. ¡°Our part of the city isn¡¯t one that¡¯s going to be in the direct crosshairs of a corporate war since we shouldn¡¯t have anything they want that they can¡¯t more easily obtain elsewhere, and not many MegaCorps have an interest in messing with the School or the Temple of Hope or the districts they have any influence over. However, that doesn¡¯t mean they won¡¯t try something. Game Theory is very much in play here, and certain MegaCorps have made some unusual moves before...¡±


    ¡°Great.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°But you¡¯re saying the chances are that we should be alright?¡±


    Perhaps a few patrols to demonstrate strength or take out a local store, or maybe a warehouse. Chiyo shrugged. But we should be alright. There are, however, notable exceptions to the rule as far as MegaCorps are concerned¡­


    But before Chiyo could elaborate, Mr Sparrel wandered in.


    ¡°Ah! Good morning everybody!¡± the dapper Squarri called out, causing everybody to hush their conversations. ¡°I hope you all had a safe evening from the unpleasantness going on last night and are sheltered and prepared safe and well! We¡¯ve just got two announcements this morning, but I¡¯ll let one of our Class Representatives speak on that matter.¡±


    Jack quickly looked to Alora, but saw that the Eladrie hadn¡¯t moved, looking worried as her eyes followed Rena, who emotionlessly made her way to the front of the lecture theatre, not looking their way as several of the students whispered to their classmates. Rena ignored it all as she looked to Mr Sparrel for permission to speak, who nodded at the Vulsta with a reassuring smile.


    ¡°Class,¡± she began, her frosty voice projecting all throughout the room. ¡°Following an incident on school property earlier today, I am here to inform you of an important concern some of you may be unaware of.¡±


    Her eyes snapped around to make sure all were paying attention before she continued, though her gaze narrowed as she saw the bored and tired expression of Jack.


    ¡°The Prefect Body recently had an encounter with representatives belonging to the Cult of the Emerald King. These cultists present themselves as purveyors of community and secret knowledge, attempting to use gifts of food to attract an audience. Their presence on school grounds is forbidden, as is interacting with them. They are an insidious influence that seek to take advantage of those they encounter, therefore you are all to demonstrate appropriate caution, and not fall to their influence.¡±


    A few students leaned forward curiously at the words, looking uneasy, while others nodded their agreement at the Prefect¡¯s words. Yet, amidst the nodding heads there were murmurs and whispers of discontent at Rena¡¯s lecture to them.


    Rena continued, her tone resolute. ¡°The Cult of the Emerald King will make promises that will appear tempting, but true enlightenment and prosperity will not come from surrendering yourselves to a danger you may not yet fully comprehend¡­¡±


    ¡°She knows something,¡± Sephy whispered under her breath. Though Rena was impossible to read, there was something that sounded strange to the Skritta in that moment. ¡°Chiyo, can you read her aura?¡±


    I cannot. Chiyo shook her head slightly at Sephy. Rena¡¯s abilities block me from seeing her in the Astral. But I believe you are right. There is something else at play here, not that it¡¯s our problem¡­


    ¡°If anybody knows anything about the Cult of the Emerald King, or has encountered them before¡­¡± Rena concluded. ¡°Please speak to me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah right¡­¡± Jack sarcastically muttered under his breath as Rena stepped back.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Mr Sparrel added, seeing that the more rebellious among the pupils weren¡¯t swayed by Rena¡¯s words. ¡°This¡­Emerald King may seem exciting to the curious, but they are likely taking advantage of the current troubles. I¡¯d stay away from them even if they offer food, though to that point¡­¡±


    Mr Sparrel made a motion with his hand, summoning several plastic bags from his personal Dimensional Rift, placing them on the table before summoning a few more. Undoing the knots at the top revealed them to be completely full of brightly packaged sweets and snacks.


    ¡°The second announcement is that I know several of you may be hungry after the shenanigans of the last few days¡­¡±  Mr Sparrel grinned on seeing the attentive gaze of his students. ¡°...and I had these lying around in my pantry, so I¡¯ll be coming round and passing some snacks along before lunch!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Nika whispered to the others. ¡°About time something good happens to us!¡±


    ¡°Hardly makes up for last night¡¯s shitshow.¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°But I¡¯ll take it!¡±


    *****


    ¡°The Outsider suspects I may be involved in the Killer Klown¡¯s attack on Outpost Khundohr,¡± Rena observed, using their trained senses to confirm that nobody would be able to see or listen to their conversation. The human was asleep, resting on Glenphyranix¡¯s shoulder. She had known he hadn¡¯t slept when she first saw him that morning, though the reason for that did not interest Rena, right up until he mentioned meeting cultists of the Emerald King. Head Whisperer Ratai had received several alarming reports on the previously completely unknown cult suddenly making an appearance in several locations around the city early that morning, and he knew that didn¡¯t mean anything good. An encounter with the cult the previous night could pinpoint where they were located to investigate and stamp out. The Vulsta¡¯s extensive ability allowed her to view the aura of the head cultist, and the extensive masking to obfuscate it really had her concerned.


    ¡°What!? Really? That¡¯s ridiculous!¡± Nya asked, worried. ¡°That¡¯s really not good. I told you, you should try and be friendlier to them, we need to be on good terms with his group! I was hoping after we teleported them to the Pallid Pit we¡¯d ingratiate ourselves with them¡­¡±


    ¡°Maintain your cover,¡± Rena whispered, reminding Nya that she was meant to act much more frail and exhausted than she actually was. ¡°I try to form friendships, but I simply do not know how. Attempting to break up their likely conflict with House Mal¡¯Kar both last week and this did not seem to do it. You know it has always been very difficult for me to understand what others are thinking or how they may be feeling, like everybody else apart from me has been given a script of a play, yet I am still expected to play my part.¡±


    ¡°Rena¡­¡± Nya began, knowing the Vulsta¡¯s pain.


    ¡°I have accepted this Nya. I fear I am destined to always be so despised by our peers. I must simply accept this as my path¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Rena, but please trust me! Jack especially is a good person, he spoke up for me when he had no cause, and he¡¯s been beyond good to me! I would have helped him at the Pit even if the Grandmaster forbade it! You shouldn¡¯t give up!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, but the Outsider is barbaric, undisciplined and reckless. He was fully prepared to attack me with Falos and Hawker earlier. And if Malakiel has shown an interest in them then they are even more of a danger than I initially believed.¡±


    ¡°Malakiel¡¯s interest is no fault of Jack,¡± Nya whispered back, continuing to maintain her subtle spell to keep their conversation private. ¡°And that especially is why we should get closer to him without compromising ourselves, just as Grandmaster Ilvella ordered. If Malakiel makes another move we can better react and get more information. Imagine if we can find out where they are or why they¡¯re targeting Jack!¡±


    ¡°As you say, but I fear that is an impossible aspiration,¡± Rena whispered back as the presenter on the film began to explain some geological formations¡­


    *****


    You got any ideas for what film you want to watch tonight? Chiyo asked Nika. Even the Ilithii had gotten bored with the geological documentary Mr Sparrel had put on, already knowing far too much about gorges from their usual geography lessons.


    ¡°I doubt we could go for anything that isn¡¯t a normie film or series with so many people staying with us.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°I¡¯d normally suggest a sports game, but most of the teams usually go on a hiatus when their corporate owners start going at each other. I¡¯d definitely like to bring Jack into watching ¡®BattleRing¡¯ with me and Sephy when we get another series though! He mentioned watching something similar back where he came from, I think he called it ¡®pro-wrestling¡¯ or something like that?¡±


    Simulated combat-like acting? Chiyo asked. I¡¯d think he¡¯d like that!


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°I was gonna show him some highlights of some matches and see what he thinks. It¡¯s not a bloodsport and it¡¯s more entertainment than actual violence.¡±


    We¡¯ve got to show him more of the classics as well! He¡¯s missed out on so much! Chiyo perked up excitedly. Perhaps ¡®Ballard of the Fae Courts¡¯?


    ¡°True, but don¡¯t forget he¡¯s missing out on whatever he left behind at home. Gotta be careful about what we show him,¡± Nika pointed out, then grinned. ¡°Also, I doubt he¡¯s gonna be a fan of your crappy romance flicks! Trying to get him to act out a few of the scenes?¡±


    Chiyo gave the Kizun a withering look.


    ¡°¡®Intercepter¡¯ would be good.¡± Nika quietly chuckled. ¡°Showing a small group of elite paladins chase down and wipe out some bad guys in epic fashion would be great, especially once he learns that it was based on a true story!¡±


    I doubt much of the action in that actually happened, you know. Chiyo raised her eyebrows. It¡¯s a bit unrealistic, but he definitely likes action flicks!


    ¡°We know a lot of action went down, who¡¯s to say it didn¡¯t go down like that?¡± Nika countered with a shrug. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s more about why they did it and what the consequences of success were. Action or not, it¡¯s a feel-good thriller!¡±


    True, much of what he has experienced as he¡¯s been adjusting has been negative, and from what we know he definitely isn¡¯t used to our lifestyle. Showing him some more positives of life here would be good! I wanted to take him to the Etheria Grand Library, but it sucks we¡¯re stuck in a rut of taking up jobs to make sure we¡¯re more secure in the longer term.


    ¡°Hey, even if we were secure we¡¯d probably be taking jobs anyway,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°All the good places shut down when the MegaCorps come out to play, so we might as well do something to pay our way for when things die down and get normal again. Being secure is one thing, but actually living is another.¡±


    But last night¡­


    ¡°Was the worst job gone bad we¡¯ve ever had to deal with, and I hope we never get something that bad ever again,¡± Nika acknowledged. ¡°But other jobs we¡¯ve taken have been fine. We just need to be more careful. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re committing to a full Run, we just need to keep our ears open for anything, and if it¡¯s quick and easy we can take a look.¡±


    True, Chiyo acknowledged. But honestly? I can¡¯t bear even thinking about jobs right now.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°I don¡¯t want to take on anything for the foreseeable future, but I know we¡¯ll need to at some point. If we do, it¡¯ll have to be for a damn good reason.


    Yes. Chiyo nodded. It was like you said, we need to live. Let¡¯s have some fun tonight, get rested up and get the memory of last night out of our heads before we try for another job.


    ¡°Sounds good to me.¡± Nika sighed as she relaxed back in her seat, happy to doze off. ¡°So what else do you think we can get up to for fun?¡±

 Chapter 88: Game Night

    Jack slowly woke up a few hours later with a slight groan, still feeling tired and stiff all over as he heard the presenter on the video continue to warble on about yet more geological features. To his relief it didn¡¯t seem like anything was happening, and that his fellow students were still in their seats. He had been worried about Mr Sparrel catching him asleep in class, but the avian either hadn¡¯t seen or wasn¡¯t concerned with it.


    Speaking of the video though, why was it sideways?


    He stirred as he felt slender fingers move through his hair, gently massaging his scalp. In a move quite uncharacteristic of the human, he ignored his paranoia and just stayed there, allowing himself to relax and accept the sensation, allowing his guard to drop.


    ¡®Holy shiiiiit!¡¯ He thought to himself as he realised where he was, his eyes widening¡­


    ¡°Sleep well?¡± Alora smiled as she whispered to him, her face looking down with her arm gently holding Jack¡¯s head in place on her lap.


    ¡°I¡¯m still pretty tired.¡± Jack yawned with a smile of his own. ¡°But I really needed that! At least I won¡¯t be dropping dead off my feet until we get back home.¡±


    Alora¡¯s smile warmed slightly more, though Jack didn¡¯t understand why at first. ¡°You might have said it before, but you just called home, ¡®Home¡¯. I don¡¯t think I remember you saying that before, at least subconsciously.¡±


    Jack thought about that for a moment. For so long he considered ¡®home¡¯ to be with his family on Earth, and he hadn¡¯t easily adjusted to the fact that he wouldn¡¯t be living there anymore. When had ¡®home¡¯ in his mind switched places? Was it even a switch?


    The phrase ¡®Home is where the heart is¡¯ resonated around in his mind, and Jack took a moment to ponder its meaning. He felt happy living in their district, and had looked forward to returning the last few days. In the few weeks he had lived there, he had made some fond memories and happy moments.


    But his friends were what made it a true home. They could never replace the family he had lost, but Jack knew that his grief grew ever lighter the more time he spent with them.


    He knew where his heart was, but chuckled in his mind that it was being tugged on by many hands¡­


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack admitted to Alora, sounding content, before he realised something. ¡°You do know I haven¡¯t had a shower yet - there wasn¡¯t any water this morning! How have you coped with the smell?!¡±


    Alora giggled. ¡°We¡¯re all just as bad! Chiyo used her cane to cast a few life-bubbles over us. I don¡¯t think anybody here would forgive us if she didn¡¯t! Though it isn¡¯t exactly the first time we¡¯ve been out all night on a job or even a Run, we don¡¯t usually do anything major on a school night, and even when we do we can usually get a shower before we come here. Last night went so much worse than we could have predicted, but trust me when I say that it¡¯s usually a lot better. Unfortunately a combination of really bad luck and an enemy that really got us bad, but at least Chiyo says she¡¯ll be able to warn us if it happens again with whatever the gooey stuff we got from the apartment was¡­¡±


    ¡°I bet Sephy made a few jokes about that!¡± Jack grinned, though changed the subject on seeing Alora¡¯s disapproval at the implied crudeness. ¡°Question though - why did you even start doing this? These ¡®Runs¡¯, dangerous jobs, that kind of thing?¡±


    Alora sighed sympathetically. ¡°Honestly? The life of a Shadowrunner is the best way for us to survive and be financially secure on the Ring while staying free, and taking a part-time job like Karzen and Bentom have won''t be enough. Since we don¡¯t have any adults or guardians around to support us for various reasons, we need to make our own way in the best way we can.¡±


    ¡°But last night proved just how dangerous it can be,¡± Jack warned. ¡°There¡¯s got to be a better way to survive than this.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve come up with some ideas to save costs and make some money on the side,¡± Alora pointed out, reminding Jack of some of the things they had gotten up to earlier that week. ¡°But sadly, even though we can buy rare crops that can survive and be reseeded, and make certain improvements with just money, other ideas require resources which we simply cannot buy or find easily in our part of the Ring.¡±


    ¡°But you agree that there¡¯s a path to no longer having to put all of us in danger?¡± Jack asked, seriously.


    Alora nodded, which Jack felt more than saw as his head bobbed up and down on the Eladrie¡¯s lap. ¡°I think you have a misconception about it all Jack. Though we all have our reasons for working the shadows, finding a way to make us financially independent was our plan right from the get-go, though I would argue that just living on the Ring puts us in constant danger. Don¡¯t forget that before we offered sanctuary to our classmates we were very secure from the Runs we did, and that¡¯s usually the case for us. One Run every few months more than allows us to live in much comfort without having to do anything else, though if a good opportunity comes by we¡¯ll usually take it up. You might not believe me, but what we usually do is far less risky than what you¡¯ve personally experienced so far.¡±


    ¡°I trust you.¡± Jack smiled back. ¡°And yeah, if that¡¯s the case as you say, then that¡¯s a relief. Maybe next time you guys can pick something less crazy?¡± he added with a grin.


    ¡°No promises,¡± Alora joked. ¡°But the fact remains we¡¯ll need to take further work at some point. The new arrivals are getting settled and contributing well, but I¡¯d rather we were in a better position should the current conflicts get worse.¡±


    ¡°Not tonight though,¡± Jack warned. ¡°I¡¯m way too tired and Chiyo said the Ring of Lesser Restoration has drawbacks.¡±


    ¡°Agreed. Whatever we do, we do it fresh, and tonight is time off.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Though I think Sephy is keeping an eye on things, she still feels bad about last night.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve kept telling her it isn¡¯t her fault.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°We all fell for it hard despite taking every precaution.¡±


    ¡°She just needs time to believe it herself.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°I think we all blame ourselves in some way, so some time off would be good for us. By the way, I know Chiyo and Nika were talking about movies, but I think it might be a fun idea for us to do something we could all get involved in, like the stretching and meditation sessions Chiyo and I headed. Any ideas?¡±


    ¡°Maybe something less physical tonight, but I like the idea,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°Do you guys have football over here? I think if you¡¯ve got things like ¡®Deathball¡¯ then maybe you do, but it¡¯d be good to play a game at the park?¡±


    ¡°Good luck trying to get Chiyo to agree to that!¡± Alora chucked. ¡°But I think it¡¯s a good idea. Nika wanted to do something similar, and I think Sephy wanted to bring out a few board games.¡±


    ¡°Board games can be fun, but the number of people we have might be too much, unless you have ones suitable for 50 people or something?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°I think we might do, actually,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°Sephy picked up a few in the past to keep around the house in case we have visitors. Perhaps she¡¯ll be up for running a game?¡±


    ¡°She totally is!¡± Sephy chuckled from the side, having been eavesdropping the entire time. ¡°You get everybody on the same page and I¡¯ll run it as my ¡®group activity thingy¡¯ since you and Chiyo have already done your things.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fair, thanks Sephy!¡± Alora smiled before looking to Jack. ¡°Game and movie night it is then, hopefully we can get the rest of the house involved, but I do know some of our new residents want to start contributing however they can. I think Karzen and Bentom want to organise a safe foraging expedition to a few districts over, though I¡¯ll want to hear them out before I sign off on it.¡±


    ¡°Hard to believe anyone would want to go out with things being the way they are.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°But if the risks are low and they want to contribute however they can, I can understand.¡°


    ¡°If Vanya goes with them and can shorten the distance with dimensional travel and if they have a good plan then I¡¯ll feel better about it.¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t want to stop them, but after last night I¡¯m leaving nothing to chance.¡±


    ¡°I guess if we can make it to school they should be fine going a few districts closer to home.¡± Jack nodded, before chuckling. ¡°Damn, is this how my mum felt every time I left the house?¡±


    ¡°I know the feeling, but our neighbourhood is usually quiet. I doubt they¡¯ll find anything, but it can¡¯t hurt to check it out!¡±


    ¡°Speaking of,¡± Jack asked, thinking. ¡°What do we need the most right now?¡±


    ¡°Water. Definitely water.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Never thought I¡¯d ever be hoping for rain, but here we are - hopefully that rain-catching setup you put together will work, though it¡¯ll be even easier if we can pirate our own water or fix the pipes.¡±


    ¡°That means going through the Gloom Paths, right?¡± Jack asked. ¡°That didn¡¯t exactly go well for us last time we did that.¡±


    ¡°It will hopefully be better this time, I believe.¡± Alora chucked. ¡°If the utility companies can set things up then so can we, we just need to find a way down and set up other connections to our district. Sephy¡¯s working on finding us a way in, though as you know entrances are usually kept secret.¡±


    ¡°But until then we need to bottle up what we can while we¡¯re here and stay hydrated.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°We have just enough at home to drink and cook with at least. I think Nika mentioned being able to use the team showers during lunch, so there is that at least.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Alora sighed, before chuckling. ¡°We¡¯ll have everything under control eventually. I swear to you that things aren¡¯t always as frantic as this.¡°


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I believe you.¡± Jack chuckled back. ¡°And I¡¯ll do my part to make it better!¡±


    *****


    Wow! Your team¡¯s showers are so much better than the usual ones! Chiyo exclaimed as she examined the pristine bathroom cubicles.


    ¡°Told you!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Our team shares them with a few others but we can easily book a timeslot on short notice and claim it for a ¡®practice session¡¯. You should join us, Chiyo! We¡¯re down a few members!¡±


    ¡°Only temporarily,¡± Nika stressed. ¡°We¡¯re not replacing Kizzarith or Arlox. We just need some reserves!¡±


    ¡°When¡¯s the next game?¡± Jack asked. ¡°I was under the impression we don¡¯t have one for a while¡­¡±


    ¡°The league got suspended for a while due to the troubles, but we have a few free weeks anyway since we played a game recently.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to be a reserve Protector, Chiyo?¡±


    I¡¯ll pass. The Ilithii shook her head emphatically.


    ¡°As will I!¡± Alora spoke up, heading off Jack¡¯s imminent suggestion. ¡°But I am sure you¡¯ll be able to find some volunteers!¡±


    ¡°Technically it¡¯s Vaal¡¯s responsibility as Team Captain to find members,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°But even with Jack on our side, I sure as hell don¡¯t want to be outnumbered, no matter who we end up facing.¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know who we¡¯re facing next?¡± Jack asked, curiously. ¡°Back home league fixtures are usually worked out before it even starts.¡±


    ¡°Usually we find out a week or less before a game,¡± Nika told him. ¡°Part of the whole ¡®surprise¡¯ factor, though the big money leagues get more time to bring extra players in if it¡¯s a larger scale game, but usually that¡¯s counteracted by even worse fields of play, usually some abandoned city or dangerous arena filled with deadly traps and hazards.¡°


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen these ¡®bigger games¡¯ yet,¡± Jack pointed out.


    ¡°Yeah, I showed you some games similar to ours to teach you how it worked.¡± Nika shrugged as she walked into one of the shower cubicles, closing the door behind her. ¡°But we can enjoy some of the bigger ones at some point when we get live broadcasts back.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good!¡± Jack grinned as he went into his own cubicle, locked it then began hastily getting undressed for the shower. God he needed this! They all did!


    He closed his eyes and enjoyed the soothing stream hitting his head and trickling down, relaxing his tense and aching muscles. In that moment, the burden that was the previous night slowly began to fade away with the water, and he sighed, contentedly allowing himself to relax.


    Of course, that moment was shaken when Sephy began to sing, to the groans and laughter from his friends, who told the Skritta to shut up.


    ¡°What?¡± Sephy cackled from the stall opposite his. ¡°I¡¯m just lightening the mood!¡±


    All of them began to feel much better, laughing as they all shared the moment of fun.


    *****


    ¡°Stop worrying! They¡¯ll be fine!¡± Nika chuckled, her pointy ears twitching as Jack and Alora were both pacing back and forth in their living room, with a freshly awake and alert Dante following one or the other as they moved. They had picked up several more temporary guests that evening, but they had prepared well for it, quickly putting together bundles of blankets for them, and encouraging them to go help the group currently out scavenging.


    ¡°I know, but I can¡¯t help it!¡± Alora pouted. ¡°I know it¡¯s safe and I signed off on it, but I still feel the responsibility gnawing at my mind!¡±


    ¡°After last night I¡¯m surprised the rest of you guys are so calm,¡± Jack added. ¡°I know that you apparently haven¡¯t had any nights out go anywhere nearly as badly as last night, but with things out there being as turbulent as they are I would have thought everyone would want to get here as quick as possible and bunker down for the night until things calm down.¡±


    ¡°I get what you mean.¡± Nika nodded with a sympathetic look. ¡°We¡¯re pretty much doing that once it gets dark. I know some riots and protests like to organise and start before nightfall, but we¡¯re away from the hot areas. Relax! You¡¯re being irrational!¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t feel irrational in his worries, but he also knew that the locals probably knew what they were talking about.


    Perhaps instead you can worry about what film you want to watch when everyone gets back? Chiyo suggested, the Ilithii floating up and down in the air while munching on some kind of candy bar.


    ¡°Yeah! We haven¡¯t seen a good horror film in a while!¡± Nika grinned, seeing Chiyo¡¯s face droop slightly at the prospect. ¡°What was that one you told me and Sephy about the other day, Jack?¡±


    ¡°Which one?¡± Jack asked, not remembering. ¡°Was it Halloween? The one with the sneaky gigachad slasher that went on a rampage?¡±


    ¡°Not that one, but that sounded fun too!¡± The Kizun shrugged.


    ¡°Oh, I know the one you mean!¡± Sephy smiled, lowering her voice to a growl. ¡°Would you like to play a game? You must remove the dildo out of your ass before the time runs out!¡±


    ¡°I forgot I told you about that one!¡± Jack joined the others in laughing at the Skritta¡¯s impression of Jigsaw. ¡°My mum got so mad when she caught my brothers showing me that, I don¡¯t know how we survived! I can¡¯t remember which one it was we saw though.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna veto the torture-porn,¡± Alora firmly told them. ¡°Especially considering some of the foul acts the Klowns committed during the attack is still fresh in many minds.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! That wasn¡¯t the one I meant!¡± Nika pointed out.


    ¡°Paranormal Activity?¡± Jack asked, curiously. ¡°The one with the demon doing scary stuff while the family was asleep?¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Nika perked up with excitement. ¡°We¡¯ve got a few ghost films like that we can watch, then Sephy can run her game?¡±


    Better pick quickly! Chiyo warned. I can sense the others returning, and all seems well. I don¡¯t know about you, but after yesterday I think we¡¯d better claim our places on the sofa, don¡¯t you?


    *****


    ¡°Welcome rulers, to the land of¡­¡± Sephy began, standing in the middle of the circle of cross-legged players, and assuming her role as game master, or ¡®Sephy, Goddess of this Game, now stop arguing!¡¯. ¡°Hmmm. I dunno, what do you want to call the land?¡±


    ¡°Mars?¡± Jack suggested from his spot with a shrug.


    ¡°Yeah! Mars! Thanks Jack!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°You have all been assigned numbers and been seated in numerical turn order! I¡¯ve already given you the rundown of the rules, but I¡¯ll walk you through it as you play like the benevolent goddess I am, while my faithful servant, Dante the¡­erm¡­Deliverer of Cards, helps me!¡±


    Jack chucked under his breath. The rules of ¡®Empire of Legends¡¯ were pretty complicated, so from experience he knew that at least the first few rounds would go by very slowly as players got used to the system.


    ¡°As you all know!¡± Sephy continued. ¡°You all start as nothing more than little, weak, pathetic tribal leaders, but as the game progresses, you will obtain land, resources and technology. However! Competition is fierce, and you may find that the best and easiest way to grow will be via invading your neighbour! Or of course, diplomacy, trade and other wonderful options, but invading is the only cool choice!¡±


    The mischievous Skritta gave a wink, clearly enjoying her role.


    ¡°Now! I¡¯ve given all of you some resource, action and population cards to start off with, please look at them now!¡± Sephy grinned. Jack did so, and saw that he had a few ¡®foods¡¯, but also a mix of different types of ¡®forest¡¯ and ¡®mines¡¯, which looked like a crap hand, as they had poor synergy, and he lacked other cards Sephy had shown him. However, looking at his population gave him an idea. He didn¡¯t have any kind of spellcasters, but he did have some ¡®action¡¯ cards he could probably use to spend the forest cards early in the game for certain developments. He¡¯d have to confirm with Sephy when it was his turn. Looking to either side of him, he could see that both of his neighbours were looking confident. To his left was Bizh, the blue avian he had helped treat the wounds of after the Klown attack, who was temporarily staying with them for safety while their mother took some overtime at Myrodin Corp to stay safe. He had been delighted to see that they had recovered well since the attack, though not that they seemed to have a good hand.


    Hessia, who was on his right, was a bubbly sort. She was a shorter insectoid being, with slightly iridescent green chitin, six eyes and long, spindly arms that easily reached to the ground, allowing her to walk like a gorilla. She and a few of her friends apparently had a passion for tailoring, and the seamstress had told him the previous day that they can help contribute by sewing and fitting several of the clothes from the Prefect¡¯s Lockup for him, and fixing more bedding, using the alien ¡®wool¡¯ they had picked up from the animal ranch the other day. He was interested in getting some better-fitting clothes, though they had been too focused on getting ready for a job at the time. It would be good to get to know them better over the course of the game¡­


    ¡°Okay!¡± Sephy then spoke up, having given them time to check their hands. ¡°Now I have some victory cards I¡¯m going to go around the circle with. I¡¯m gonna show each of you two, and you pick one! No revealing what your victory card is to other players until we have a winner! I¡¯m also going to throw some counters on the ground as I do that, and once a player reaches one with a tile, something interesting is gonna happen!¡± The Skritta grinned again.


    ¡®A big motivation to expand.¡¯ Jack noted to himself as he checked the cards in his hand and tried to work out what his first moves would be. An ¡®exploration¡¯ Action Card would be an ideal first step to give him a land tile and start snaking towards one of the tokens. But would that be wise when his two neighbours could attack him¡­


    ¡°Hey Jack!¡± Sephy grinned as she made her way towards him, drawing two ¡®victory¡¯ cards from the deck, then smiling widely. ¡°Oh, this first one might be a good one to chase¡­¡± She teased, showing him a card that read ¡®Stockpile 60 Food Cards¡¯.


    ¡°And the other one?¡± Jack prompted, knowing that something was up.


    ¡°Oh this?¡± Sephy asked with raised eyebrows, slowly revealing the card. ¡°Oh no, I don¡¯t think you don¡¯t want this one¡­¡±


    ¡®Eliminate all other players¡¯.


    ¡°Give it here!¡± Jack instantly chuckled, snatching the card out of the Skritta¡¯s hand.


    *****


    ¡°What!? Why would you do that?¡± Rayle exclaimed, as Jack played an action card to burn down their forest and significantly destroy their resource production. ¡°I could have allied with you! Now I can¡¯t maintain my upkeep! I¡¯m out of the game!¡±


    Jack grinned as others looked worried towards him. He saw Thulu scamper towards the druid, confirming his suspicions that they had likely been cheating, which was why he had carefully hidden his attack card from sight. ¡°The British Empire expands ever further!¡± He exclaimed, happy to embrace the role-play Sephy had insisted on. ¡°Your resources will fuel my war engine! You and your vassals are still on my team though!¡±


    ¡°Jack, you do know that you can use diplomacy and trade cards, right?¡± Alora reminded him from where she was sat opposite him with a large number of other players, having peacefully combined their empires together to form a federation, and claiming almost half of the floor.


    ¡°Hah!¡± he answered, playfully sticking his tongue out at the Eladrie. ¡°I have yet to meet any people worthy of dialogue with the British Empire!¡±


    ¡°Do you end your turn, Jack?¡± Sephy asked with a grin. ¡°Or do you have anything else you can do?¡±


    ¡°I use a bonus action to pillage some territory-¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t take an offensive action against another player with your current setup¡­¡± Sephy began.


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m using it on my own recently acquired territory on the border between my empire and Nika¡¯s!¡± He cackled as he saw the shocked and confused looks several of the others were giving one another.


    You would cripple your own production? Chiyo asked him confusedly, having snaked her magiocracy towards several of the counters in the centre of the map.


    ¡°I cripple the production of those tiles for four rounds, but claim a percentage of the resources, the rest get destroyed,¡± Jack pointed out with a sly smile, as Sephy walked to the spot and removed all tokens, throwing several to Jack and pocketing the rest. ¡°I then play two cards face down, ready for instant activation when the time comes, and I end my turn.¡±


    ¡°Yep!¡± Sephy grinned on seeing them. ¡°That¡¯s doable! Nika, you¡¯re up!¡±


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Nika cursed, ¡°I was about to attack you!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you really need those resources, huh?¡± Jack grinned. ¡°How many civil unrest points do you have right now?¡±


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± The Kizun cursed. ¡°I play a trade card, offering Jack 10 gold cards for-¡±


    ¡°Nope!¡± Jack gave a shit-eating grin.


    ¡°Oh come on!¡± Nika growled in annoyance. ¡°That¡¯s the best trade offer you¡¯re gonna get! Fine! I¡¯m attacking Chiyo!¡±


    Are you sure? The Ilithii asked with a sly smile, activating one of her ¡®instants¡¯. I use my instant ¡®Holy War Declaration¡¯.


    ¡°That¡¯s a very powerful card! What does that do?¡± Sephy asked with a grin, knowing full well herself, but wanting Chiyo to explain it herself.


    It enables me at any time to force a temporary military alliance with three powers, and name a target of a Holy War! Chiyo smiled. This has the potential to expand over time if other players enter the war, or dissolve if we cannot maintain the upkeep. I form an alliance with Nika and Alora to declare war on Jack!


    ¡°You¡¯ve activated my trap card!¡± Jack bellowed. ¡°Assassination! I negate Chiyo¡¯s attempt at an alliance!¡±


    ¡°I counter with ¡®Divine Intervention!¡¯¡± Alora spoke up. ¡°The gods themselves want your barbarian horde defeated, Jack!¡±


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s my country you¡¯re talking about!¡± Jack chuckled.


    ¡°Resolves!¡± Sephy called out. ¡°There is now a Holy War declared against the ¡®Breetish Empire¡¯. Any joiners?¡±


    Many heads nodded in agreement. ¡°Wow! Alright, Chiyo, you¡¯re up!¡±


    I spend all of my research points plus what bonus magic points I earn from the alliance for a Blightfire Ritual! Chiyo announced. Targeting Jack!


    ¡°That¡¯s your win condition if it hits!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Well done Chiyo!¡±


    ¡°I activate ¡®Miscast!¡¯ Jack called out, shaking with excitement as adrenaline ran through him.


    ¡°That¡¯s uncounterable!¡± Sephy smiled excitedly. ¡°Time to roll a dice and see what happens!¡±


    The Skritta rolled, and everyone held their breath in anticipation, before roaring in laughter when the face showed a skull.


    ¡°The Blightfire Ritual becomes more powerful and obliterates all of Mars, all the realms, and all players!¡± Sephy cackled. ¡°Game over!¡±


    ¡°God, that was fun!¡± Jack exclaimed.


    ¡°That lasted much longer than expected!¡± Alora yawned from exhaustion. ¡°That was amazing, Sephy! What shall we do next?¡±

 Chapter 89: Strange Sports

    ¡°What are you up to, Nika?¡± Jack asked the Kizun quietly as he gave up his seat on the sofa to get himself a drink and stretch his legs. He was still exhausted from not sleeping the previous day, but he resolved to hold on and go to sleep when everybody else did. He was surprised to see the pink-furred kangaroo cat-girl hanging back, still watching the film, which was apparently some kind of romantic musical the mostly female audience voted on. ¡°Not too salty about the game?¡±


    ¡°Hah! Not at all!¡± The Kizun grinned, sliding a cold beer over to him across the kitchen counter and getting herself one. ¡°Razing your own territory was a brilliant move I didn¡¯t see coming! It denied me the ability to raid it myself and my upkeep was starting to bite me. I had plans to go after Chiyo anyway since I figured she was near her win-condition, but you were the greater threat.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a batshit insane game but I¡¯m glad we made it work!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°And I used to think playing Monopoly with my chickenshit aunts and uncles at Christmas was crazy! At least this was the good kind of insanity!¡±


    ¡°Sephy¡¯ll be happy to hear you say that.¡± The Kizun nodded with a small smile. ¡°But to answer your question, I¡¯m just¡­thinking.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack agreed with a sigh after a long pause. ¡°Last night?¡±


    ¡°Partly.¡± Nika nodded again. ¡°What scares me the most is that we did almost everything right and we still nearly died out there. If Sephy was right about the Trickster being present at the ambush itself, and I don¡¯t see any reason why she wouldn¡¯t be, then it¡¯s clear the Cult of the Destroyer sought revenge and brought in some of their more powerful assets to do it, which is highly unusual.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Jack asked, taking a sip of his beer. ¡°I would have thought that wanting revenge against a group that took out their leadership at the Pallid Pit was standard for death cultists.¡±


    ¡°Not that,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°You saw at the Pit, those Cultists of the Destroyer were normally pretty weak and pathetic, but these guys were highly trained and had the kit to almost kill us. Had it not been for the potions and us going all out we would have died there. We¡¯ve pissed off something big!¡±


    ¡°Malakiel?¡± Jack asked. ¡°It would explain the robotics and cyber-shit.¡±


    ¡°Possibly,¡± Nika noted. ¡°Though Devil¡¯s Daughter said their relay was taken out and they wouldn¡¯t be able to operate here for now. At least we didn¡¯t get the ¡®assuming manual avatar control¡¯ crap this time¡­¡±


    ¡°I think for me, the most disturbing thing was who sent us there in the first place,¡± Jack whispered after taking another deep sip. ¡°We were fully convinced and played for fools by someone looking exactly like that poor man. It was deliberate, and that¡¯s terrifying.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± The Kizun nodded in agreement, a look of worry to match Jack¡¯s. ¡°I asked around, none of the others here knows what we could have encountered. The only thing we can hope for is that Chiyo can detect them using that goo we recovered, but that¡¯s a long shot.¡±


    ¡°Well at least the rest of the night went well¡­¡± Jack replied, voice dripping with sarcasm.


    ¡°Fucking corps,¡± Nika agreed with a snort. ¡°Like we told you before, most are benign, but a foul few are not. All they need to do is stir the pot and the city goes to shit while they jostle for power. Had they not been fucking around we wouldn¡¯t have had to dip through the shit parts of town just to get home, and now that nutjob The Redeemer is after you.¡±


    ¡°He was after me anyway, all that¡¯s changed is he¡¯s more pissed off than he was before. At least I got a scenic tour of the city!¡± Jack quipped with a cheeky smile, causing Nika to lighten up and chuckle slightly. ¡°And a joyride on a murder-truck!¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should get you a few lessons before you try that again!¡± The Kizun grinned, playfully poking him in the side.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack sighed, as a particularly cheery, happy-clappy song came on and killed the mood.


    ¡°Gods that sounds cringe, let¡¯s take this outside.¡± Nika indicated the kitchen door, and grabbed a few more beers from the fridge with her tail, noting they were running low.


    ¡°You know, it¡¯s funny,¡± Jack said after a few moments of sitting on the grass. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure both of us promised Alora to try and not talk about this kind of stuff.


    ¡°Hah, yeah,¡± Nika agreed with a laugh. ¡°You can trust Alora to be the team mother¡­¡±


    That reminded Jack of something, and he was happy to try and steer the conversation elsewhere. ¡°Speaking of¡­¡± he began. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve ever mentioned how you ended up living here, it¡¯s hard to believe we¡¯ve only actually known each other for a few weeks!¡±


    ¡°I know what you mean,¡± Nika nodded with a grin. ¡°That day when you and Alora walked in on me and Sephy having a pillow fight feels like a lifetime ago! But don¡¯t forget that we¡¯ve been through a lot together despite the time, and that fire forges deep friendships pretty quickly. It¡¯s kind of how we all originally came together to be honest. Sephy and I became friends trying to survive in the city until a couple of years ago when Alora brought us all together for a job.¡±


    ¡°Something dangerous? Why am I not surprised?¡± Jack snorted in amusement.


    ¡°Hah! Sephy and I were definitely surprised back then when the seemingly prim and proper class representative wanted us to help her and Chiyo rob one of the Megacorps!¡± Nika grinned, shaking with excitement at being the one to tell Jack the story. ¡°We were classmates then too but we didn¡¯t know each other that well, but when the job went really well and we all saw how well we worked together, Alora had already invited us to live with them and we became true friends since! Sephy still thinks it was also partly because both of us were handy at fixing things, but neither of us complained and we moved straight in!¡±


    ¡°Why did Alora even want to rob them?¡± Jack asked curiously. ¡°Isn¡¯t Sephy normally the one to propose jobs?¡±


    ¡°Sephy likes the excitement and riches from getting up to this kind of stuff, but all of us have our reasons.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure Alora wanted access to some historical records concerning her family, but the archivist in charge tried to coerce sexual favours from her and refused her access unless she went with it. Needless to say that didn¡¯t happen and they ended up getting heavily punished for it when we robbed them clean.¡±


    ¡°As for me though, sure I have kin on the Ring, but they¡¯re remote and I haven¡¯t spoken to them in years.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°There¡¯s nothing there for me. As far as I¡¯m concerned, my family¡¯s here.¡±


    Jack could see in her body language that it was a sore subject for the Kizun, so he didn¡¯t pry any further. He knew that Alora was an exile and Sephy was an orphan, so the lack of parents or guardians should have tipped him off. Was this normal on the Ring?


    ¡°Oh, stop looking so awkward!¡± Nika playfully pushed him. ¡°You were bound to ask me some personal questions at some point, right? Best to be direct with these kinds of things!¡±


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s alright if you don¡¯t want to talk about it¡­¡±


    ¡°My clan ran a ranch in a very rural part of the ring. I grew up there as part of a big family and while some of the adults tried, my older siblings and cousins were often recruited into parenting us.¡± Nika sighed, staring ahead into the night sky. ¡°One day I saw the opportunity to hitch a ride on a shuttle to the city to live a better life and took it. Ghosted the lot of them and never looked back, haven¡¯t heard anything since, and I¡¯m cool with it.¡±


    ¡°Damn, I¡¯m sorry to hear you had to put up with that,¡± Jack replied sympathetically, not really knowing what else he could say to that.


    ¡°It¡¯s all good.¡± The Kizun shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°It¡¯s in the past and it led me on the path to learn to fight and get an education. As far as I¡¯m concerned, I became the best version of myself by leaving. Besides! Someone has to keep you lot alive!¡±


    She grinned as she playfully poked him in the side, only for Jack to playfully poke back, tickling her. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s on now!¡± the Kizun exclaimed as she dove at Jack, knocking him over with a laugh as she tried to pin him.


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t!¡± Jack grinned back as he managed to get two fingers under the Kizun¡¯s armpit, causing her to squirm away, allowing him to reverse the pin with him on top, though with a yelp felt Nika¡¯s tail wrap around his legs, holding them together as the tip went to work on his stomach.


    ¡°No!¡± Jack laughed as the Kizun wrapped her legs around his waist, making it difficult for him to dislodge himself as Nika tried in vain to hold his arms, rolling them both along the grass as they both jockeyed for dominance. ¡°You¡¯re not winning!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Nika gasped as they finally stopped, with the Kizun on top. ¡°Yes I am!¡± She looked down to Jack, excitement plastered on her face, until she saw his head turned with a look of horror.


    ¡°Oh? Don¡¯t mind us!¡± Sephy grinned, taking a video with her commlink as a few other pairs of eyes looked on. ¡°The film¡¯s over! Want to pick another or shall we all join you instead? It looks like you¡¯re having fun!¡±


    *****.


    Everyone did both, as it turned out. One of the residents had gotten the idea to stay outside and show the next movie, some kind of adventure film that reminded Jack of the Indiana Jones trilogy, on a projector against one of the district walls, with a set of portable speakers Sephy brought from her ¡®loot room¡¯. Everybody had clustered into various groups, sitting or lying down on the grass as they watched. Jack, Nika, Sephy, Alora and Chiyo were sat next to the projector, far enough away from the others to not be overheard, while Dante happily padded between the various groups, revelling in the attention everyone gave him.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like we¡¯ve received any proper job requests, but if we get bored we can always check them out. Some of these just look like basic good deeds.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°At least our DataNet page is gaining some traction, I suppose!¡±


    ¡°What kind of jobs?¡± Jack asked, curiously.


    ¡°Latest updates haven¡¯t come through. We had a few troll messages and some idiots thinking we were customer support  but¡­¡± Sephy began, thumbing through the messages. ¡°One man wants us to deliver flowers to a waitress at a pizza shop, a woman wants us to remove graffiti from a wall near her shop¡­¡±


    ¡°Crap jobs no self-respecting group of our ability would want to take,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Nowhere near worth the time and resources needed to do them.¡±


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡°Yeah, those sound boring, but at least they sound safer than going into the shitty parts of the city.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Maybe some of the others will do them? Every little bit helps, right? And if they can give us five-star reviews or whatever it could lead to better jobs?¡±


    That¡¯s not a bad idea, Jack, Chiyo pointed out. But I wouldn¡¯t recommend it in the current hostile climate. I suspect we will have more luck contacting the people we know to see if they have anything suited for our group.


    ¡°There is no rush,¡± Alora cautioned. ¡°We are sitting here, enjoying a movie, and I have no intention of changing that in the slightest. We still need to properly rest from last night!¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°Another one we got about an hour ago is an old lady who needs help moving a fridge. I almost feel bad about that one. At least most of these look ¡®cut-and-pasted¡¯ so there¡¯s probably some more local groups that can help her. Or just ask a neighbour for help.¡±


    Well, if the jobs won¡¯t come to us we can always make plans of our own, Chiyo reasoned. The current conflicts create opportunity¡­


    ¡°You want us to go on a Run, Chiyo?¡± Sephy asked with an excited grin. ¡°Yes! Yes, yes, yes!¡±


    That is not what I said, Sephy! Chiyo gave the Skritta a mock-unamused look. A potential heist at most. Maybe, but only if we don¡¯t get any jobs or if the opportunity is too good to ignore. If there¡¯s a warehouse or set of offices that have either been abandoned or changed hands due to a takeover, there may be a window of opportunity for us.


    ¡°Keep an eye on the news then,¡± Alora nodded in agreement with Chiyo. ¡°Though I¡¯d prefer a job where we don¡¯t have to do as much legwork.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of, we¡¯ve just had one new one come through with the latest update,¡± Sephy told them as she read the message. ¡°Good evening, my wife and I are an older couple that read in the local news about a young, heroic Outsider that fought well against the Klowns during their recent attack and we wish to meet him! I would like to watch with your beautiful companions over a few drinks while the Outsider and my wife¡­ what?¡­ eww¡­ EWWWWWWW!¡±


    ¡°By the gods, Sephy!¡± Alora gasped on catching a glimpse. ¡°Can you please add a filter so we don¡¯t get any more requests like THAT?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not turn it down out of hand!¡± Nika laughed, holding back tears as she took a look. ¡°How much are the frisky couple offering?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m suddenly much more open to the idea of a ¡®Shadowrun¡¯ or any other similarly dangerous tasks,¡± Jack quipped on seeing the picture the elderly couple of multi-tentacled squid-like beings had sent them. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯d make a very good prostitute.¡±


    Perhaps Sephy can have a few DataNet scans running overnight? Chiyo suggested, to which Sephy nodded as she immediately began typing.


    ¡°Sure, just let me know what keywords you want to add and I¡¯ll take a look.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°But apart from that, what are we doing tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna set up a Deathball game in one of the nearby fields and invite any of our friends that want to come.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Since you, Chiyo and Alora have all come up with things for us to do, it¡¯s up to me and Jack to step up!¡±


    Sports, Nika? Chiyo asked, unamused.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Jack asked. ¡°You were happy to do Alora¡¯s yoga thingy!¡±


    ¡°Yoga? You mean the Ri¡¯Gael?¡± Alora asked Jack, who nodded to confirm upon being reminded, remembering from when they did it that it was a cultural thing for the Eladrie people.


    ¡°Relax!¡± Nika told them all. ¡°I¡¯m gonna tone it down for the wimps! It¡¯s not like we¡¯re gonna run our own version of Hell Ring!¡±


    ¡°Hell Ring?¡± Jack asked, unamused with his eyebrows raised. ¡°Really? Deathball is one thing but you also have a sport called¡­Hell Ring? Why am I not surprised!?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not get into that right now.¡± Alora gave a pained smile, turning to Jack. ¡°Sorry Jack, but you¡¯re going to have to trust me here. Hell Ring isn¡¯t exactly a sport in the way Deathball is, and believe me when I say it really isn¡¯t a pleasant subject.¡±


    ¡°Sorry Alora, you¡¯re right.¡± Nika nodded apologetically. ¡°Maybe instead you can show us a few of your human sports, Jack? There might be some overlap in how to play them, but it could be fun!¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Jack grinned, though at the back of his mind only got more curious about ¡®Hell Ring¡¯. Probably some kind of bloodsport, and a bad one considering even the locals seemed to find it abhorrent. ¡°Football is easy enough to grasp since it¡¯s just moving a ball using only your feet, though I never really supported a team back home and I don¡¯t know anything about the ¡®offside¡¯ rule. It¡¯s probably the safest one I can think of, the rest involve bats, sticks or charging into each other like maniacs!¡±


    ¡°Ooooh! I like the sound of those!¡± Nika perked up. ¡°Tell us about the ones with bats!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think!¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°There¡¯s a few ones that involve having a ball thrown at you at speed, and you use the bat to hit the ball as far away as you can. What happens next depends on the game but it usually involves a lot of running. The team that bats has to run a distance, the team that throws has to stop them somehow.¡±


    That sounds quite anticlimactic, Chiyo pointed out, trying not to sound too interested in the human sports, and failing. Do they not use the bats in combat at all?


    ¡°Afraid not.¡± Jack grinned, before remembering something. ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll like ice hockey! We didn¡¯t really have it in my country but I¡¯m pretty sure they got into a lot of fights!¡±


    ¡°Why ice?¡± Sephy asked, having been prompted by the talk of ice hockey to grab another ice-cold soda out of the cooler they had brought with them. The Skritta was looking as confused as the rest of the girls, wondering what the ¡®ice¡¯ aspect of the sport could be.


    ¡°So normal hockey has two teams with sticks that have to use them to whack a ball into the opponent¡¯s goal,¡± Jack explained as simply as he could. ¡°Now replace the floor with slippery ice, give the players shoes with blades on the bottom they use to slide across said ice, and encourage the players to get into fights with the other team whenever possible, and you basically have ice hockey.¡±


    ¡°Cool!¡± Nika exclaimed, eyes wide. ¡°I have so got to try that shit!¡±


    ¡°We have some other violent games as well, however they¡¯re not exactly mainstream or considered traditional ¡®sports¡¯, but they are part of the history of my country and I¡¯ve always wanted to try them ever since I first heard of them!¡± Jack smiled on seeing Nika¡¯s enthusiasm, and was eager to tell her. ¡°The Atherstone Ball Game¡¯s been going on for centuries, and is basically an all-out melee, fighting for a ball where there aren¡¯t any rules except for not being allowed to kill anyone, and then there¡¯s a really insane one called ¡®Cheese-Rolling¡¯....¡±


    I¡¯m sorry, did you say ¡®Cheese-Rolling¡¯? Chiyo asked curiously, unsure if she heard Jack correctly.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re just joking!¡± Alora scoffed, but Jack shook his head emphatically.


    ¡°Nope! It¡¯s a real thing!¡± he cackled, more than happy to give the girls a taste of craziness from Earth after everything he¡¯d seen here. ¡°A bunch of people get to the top of a really steep hill, then a big wheel of cheese is rolled down, and everyone races downhill to either catch it or be the first one to cross the finishing line at the bottom of the hill.¡±


    He held out his hand to the girls at a steep angle to represent the hill he saw on TV, and burst out laughing when he saw their shocked faces.


    That¡¯s dangerous! Chiyo proclaimed. All for a wheel of cheese!? How many people died?


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure nobody died at either of them from what I recall.¡± Jack smirked. ¡°Though you get a lot of injuries and you have a bunch of medics on standby! I think I saw on the news that a woman won one of the races while she was unconscious and only found out when she woke up in hospital!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised she woke up at all¡­¡± Alora gasped.


    ¡°Well, there are volunteers to catch anyone struggling.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°And that¡¯s just my country! There are others as well, like the ¡®Bull Run¡¯ in Spain where a bunch of angry bulls are let loose to chase people through city streets!


    What¡¯s a Bull? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Jack thought for a moment, then pointed at Dante. ¡°Imagine an animal several times the size of Dante, but much more muscular and with two sharp horns. You weren¡¯t with us when we went to feed some of the animals at the Animal Sanctuary but they were about the size of the biggest ones there.


    ¡°Oh crap!¡± Sephy gasped with amusement. ¡°I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s a recipe for disaster¡­¡±


    ¡°Yup!¡± Jack nodded. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure people have actually died during this one, usually getting gored by the horns¡­¡±


    ¡°And to think you were acting like a fish out of water!¡± Nika grinned, borrowing an expression Jack had used a few times before. ¡°Deep down you humans are just like us!¡±


    ¡°Hah, maybe,¡± Jack admitted with a nod. ¡°I guess that¡¯s partly why I finally just went with the whole ¡®Deathball¡¯ thing. It¡¯s dangerous, but it gave me a hell of a rush when we did it!¡±


    Are you sure it¡¯s not because you ended up getting handsy with Luvia? Chiyo teased all of them with a mischievous smile, as several awkward looks were exchanged.


    ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t realise we¡¯d be facing Luvia when I signed up!¡± Jack snorted in amusement.


    ¡°Yeah, if you¡¯re so worried about Jack getting manhandled, maybe you should join the team and cover his ass!¡± Nika smirked.


    No way! I¡¯m not joining your team! Chiyo shook her head vehemently.


    Suddenly, Sephy¡¯s commlink started chirping, and she checked the name of the caller with a confused look. Quickly, the Skritta excused herself to slip back into the house in order to answer it without being overheard by everyone else.


    Five minutes later, Sephy came back, with a conflicted look on her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Nika asked, as the Skritta sat down.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a possible job, with a time limit of a few days¡­¡± Sephy didn¡¯t look too happy about that for some reason, which set them all on edge


    ¡°Okay.¡± Alora nodded, unsure what was wrong. ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing.¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°It was Tagrilla that called me.¡±


    That was the slicer that sold us out to House Mal¡¯Kar during the Pallid Pit Run, right? Chiyo asked to confirm, and Sephy nodded.


    ¡°Fuck that!¡± Jack exclaimed, and Nika nodded her head in agreement. ¡°The timing of this¡­¡±


    ¡°I know, I know!¡± Sephy held up her hands placatingly. ¡°And normally I¡¯d tell him to fuck off...¡±


    What did he tell you? Chiyo asked, curiously.


    ¡°He says he knows we¡¯ve been looking for leads on fabricators, and he knows the location of three Lesser ones. He gave me enough evidence to prove he¡¯s not lying.¡±


    ¡°What!?¡± Nika gasped. ¡°Shit, I¡¯d normally say no to working with this guy ever again, but the opportunity to get ourselves a fabricator is too good to ignore!¡±


    ¡°This sounds like another trap in the making,¡± Jack warned. ¡°He¡¯s betrayed us before, and after last night?!¡±


    ¡°What is he asking in return for the information, Sephy?¡± Alora asked slowly, holding a hand out to calm everyone down.


    ¡°He wants at least one fabricator for himself, and is willing to directly work with us to a mutually beneficial goal,¡± Sephy replied. ¡°However he wants us to run another job first to ¡®build trust¡¯ and ¡®perform a public service¡¯. Time limit of a few days.¡±


    ¡°Is he just saying that to get us to do the first job for him?¡± Nika asked. ¡°Then he can just ghost us, right?¡±


    ¡°Even if he does, I think this might be worth it, even though we know you dislike wetwork, Alora,¡± Sephy retorted. ¡°He wants us to raid another slicer that¡¯s been running a scamming operation, apparently they¡¯ve been targeting elderly victims that have family members involved in the latest conflicts. Most of these families are probably alive and well realistically, but in the heat of the moment the victims don¡¯t know that. The main slicer confirmed to be part of the operation has got a bounty on him, wanted dead. The Church of Tyrus in particular wants their scamming records and is willing to pay a bonus for that, so even if Tagrilla is just using us we can still get a payday. Don¡¯t forget that I have a lot of dirt on Tagrilla, and I think this time he may be giving it to us straight. However, obviously I¡¯ve been wrong before, so¡­¡±


    ¡°I trust you,¡± Jack spoke up, ¡°Even if I don¡¯t trust this asshole.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Alora added. ¡°We will need to work out the details, but I don¡¯t want to do that right now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack grinned, ¡°The night is still young!¡±

 Chapter 90: Feetball

    ¡°Feeling better this morning?¡± Alora asked Jack as he grumbled his way downstairs, having slept much longer than he normally would have, catching up on his lack of sleep from the previous day.


    ¡°Much better!¡± Jack agreed with a sigh as he plonked himself on the sofa, accepting a hot drink from the Eladrie. ¡°Thanks! I really needed that!¡±


    I¡¯m surprised you were able to stay awake for as long as you did after all we went through travelling through a warzone, Chiyo added, taking a seat next to Nika who was looking at something on her commlink. Even if you took a nap during class yesterday, it can¡¯t have given you much!


    ¡°It didn¡¯t, but it gave me enough.¡± Jack shrugged, taking a sip of the soothing warm tea. ¡°Honestly, my people can go without sleep for longer in worse conditions, and I probably could have kept going if I really needed to, but I¡¯m glad I didn¡¯t. I just wanted to stay up long enough to not mess up my sleeping pattern, and I should be back to normal after tonight.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no rush,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°It¡¯s the weekend, and though the two of us usually work out first thing, it¡¯s not unreasonable to have a lie-in and skip it given the circumstances. Skipping it every day, however¡­¡± She indicated Alora and Chiyo at that with a bemused expression.


    I don¡¯t do sports. Chiyo gave the Kizun a grumpy look as Nika smirked. Anybody telling me I need to ¡®better myself¡¯ and ¡®get on the grind¡¯ is getting yeeted into the air!


    ¡°I do try, but I lack the talent for sports,¡± Alora added, much more diplomatically. ¡°I¡¯m much better with the Ri¡¯Gael of my people and other similar activities.¡±


    ¡°I think Nika¡¯s right¡­¡± Jack began, trying not to wince as Chiyo¡¯s expression soured, but carrying on. ¡°We saw how bad things could get, and if we¡¯re going to be taking more jobs, especially from people that have turned on us before, at least putting some training in might mean the difference between life and death!¡±


    ¡°Well, good thing there¡¯s plenty of chances for you all to practise today!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve just sent a message to our mutual friends inviting them to meet up with us if it¡¯s safe to do so. There¡¯s a field close by that¡¯s been left fallow for a while now we can play some games at, and you¡¯re not allowed to say no, Chiyo!¡±


    Oh, really now?


    ¡°It¡¯s only fair,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°We all did your meditation session and I¡¯m looking forward to the next one! Depending on the sports Nika picks, you might end up having a good time too! It¡¯s not like it¡¯s Master Kull running it after all¡­¡±


    Stop sounding so reasonable so I can¡¯t be mad at you! Chiyo grumped.


    As the light of the morning began to filter in through the windows, more people began to wake up and join them. The scavengers from the previous night had managed to find and fix up another sofa, this one red with floral patterns that didn¡¯t really fit well with the pale greyish decor of the living room, but at least Hessia and her other insectoid seamstress friends had promised to dye it something more suitable once they got what they needed. In the meantime, several of their fellow students were piled on, adding to the mass as more of them woke up with increasing frequency, the cacophony of voices and laughter lulling even the laziest of them to haul ass and wake up.


    ¡°So what time are we going?¡± Sephy asked with a yawn as she chugged down the mug of now lukewarm tea she had been given on stirring from her room.


    ¡°We¡¯ll head there in about an hour.¡± Nika checked the time on her commlink. ¡°Everyone should be up by then, one way or another.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Alora questioned, munching on a homemade cereal bar that looked more like a piece of flapjack. ¡°That might still be somewhat early for some¡­¡±


    ¡°Nah, they shouldn¡¯t be burning this much daylight!¡± The Kizun grinned. ¡°If all of us are up after having the first proper rest after we fought our way through the city, they shouldn¡¯t have any excuse! Besides, we¡¯ve got stuff we need to do later, and if we¡¯re all agreed on hearing Tagrilla out, I want to do that and start work on the fabricator. Sooner we get that the better!¡±


    We would still require a lot of power for it, Chiyo warned. Sorting out our utility problem would also be ideal while we have the free time to work on that.


    ¡°Yeah, I want my showers back,¡± Jack agreed as he came back with another pot of tea. ¡°Not to mention we¡¯re running low on bottled water too.¡±


    ¡°Maybe make that the last pot for now,¡± Alora told him as he poured fresh mugs for everybody. ¡°We need reserves in case the utilities get cut.¡±


    Do we have any homework that needs to be done? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°None from this week since we¡¯ve been watching films all the time, I think we¡¯re all caught up,¡± Nika pointed out, before remembering something. ¡°Actually, it depends on when we next have ¡®Industrial Vocation¡¯. Jack and I were working on a drone design. We¡¯ve done most of it but we think it can be improved.¡±


    ¡°Would the fabricator help with that?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Its main function would be to create sheets of material from what is given to it. Metal, fabric or glass for example. Working out shapes would be more complicated, and small, finicky bits will need specific blueprints.¡±


    ¡°I can download some basic ones from the DataNet,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Stuff like wires and connectors are easy enough, I can¡¯t imagine you¡¯ll be expected to do anything too fancy for homework.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°But Mr Bazil was pretty impressed with it. I was thinking we could improve on the design and use it in the field when scoping out buildings. Jack came up with the eight-legged system based on a creature from his homeworld!¡±


    ¡°That good, huh?¡± The Skritta asked. ¡°We don¡¯t have the fabricator yet, but I¡¯ll have a search running for drone parts while we¡¯re out anyway. I¡¯m down a few quadcopters anyway, and those are a pain in the ass to properly replace!¡±


    ¡°At least you can just copy the software you use,¡± Alora pointed out.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Took me over half a year to get it right but it was worth it! Eyes in the sky is such a game changer, but there¡¯s always something I can do to make them better! Gotta get the right balance, not to mention getting the base chassis in the first place.¡±


    ¡°What kind of improvements did you want to make?¡± Jack asked out of curiosity, though admittedly he also liked seeing the Skritta so passionate about something she really liked doing.


    ¡°Stealthing, shielding, armour and functionality mostly. I don¡¯t like it when my babies get shot down or hijacked! They¡¯re expensive to replace!¡± Sephy chuckled. ¡°But a fabricator opens up a lot of possibilities.¡±


    Not to mention the improvements that can be made around the house! Chiyo noted.


    ¡°And that monstrosity of a shuttle we haven¡¯t dared to move since we landed it!¡± Nika added. ¡°The engine is the priority, but I¡¯d feel much safer welding a proper hull onto the thing, and from there we can make us a proper transport to get around the city! Yesterday wouldn¡¯t have gone nearly as badly if we had one!¡±


    ¡°So we really need it,¡± Jack noted. ¡°Or at least it opens things up to being much better here, assuming we get the power to run the thing.¡±


    ¡°So we¡¯re taking the job,¡± Alora noted with a sad smile. ¡°But we¡¯re not going to rush this right now, they said there¡¯s time. We¡¯re going to be as mentally and physically prepared as we can be.¡±


    ¡°Plus we want to have some fun this weekend,¡± Nika noted. ¡°Both Vaal and Kritch have gotten back to us, they say they¡¯re all in. They have free time before they¡¯re needed in the evenings to guard their respective territories. They don¡¯t think the current conflicts will hit them, but a show of strength and stability will be needed during the nights.¡±


    ¡°Cool, looks like we¡¯re gonna get some good games going!¡± Sephy smirked, watching Chiyo¡¯s expression falter at the prospect.¡±


    Perhaps there will be too many people playing¡­ The Ilithii began.


    ¡°No Chiyo, you¡¯re not getting out of this!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°You need the exercise most of all, and Alora¡¯s already said she¡¯s doing it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only fair.¡± The Eladrie nodded in agreement. ¡°Sorry Chiyo, give it a go!¡±


    Fine. I¡¯ll try, but I won¡¯t promise anything else. Chiyo bowed her head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry so much!¡± Sephy playfully shook Chiyo out of her grump. ¡°Sure it can get a little wild at times, but once you start taking a few bumps you get used to it!¡±


    That¡¯s not helping in the slightest, Sephy. Chiyo shook her head as she poured a large amount of sweetener into her mug.


    ¡°Oh, stop complaining!¡±


    ******


    The clouds of the late morning cast long shadows across the abandoned field Nika had led them to, a sea of ragged, untamed grass and wildflowers that rustled against the warm breeze. Despite this, they were able to find a decently flat stretch of land to serve as a pitch next to a long-rusted clump of metal that was once some kind of tractor, like a relic of better times.


    ¡°This field has not been tilled in years,¡± Rayle noted. ¡°It is likely that the farmer who once cultivated this land has departed this realm of existence. I sense many animals that have since made this place their home.¡±


    ¡°Possible abandoned building nearby that might have some loot, you say?¡± Sephy grinned with wide eyes. ¡°Sounds worthy of a look!¡±


    ¡°Sephy, really?¡± Alora sighed, making her disapproval shown.


    ¡°What? We already have some ¡®old-guy shit¡¯ we need to process, might as well add to the pile, right?¡± The covetous Skritta shrugged.


    The distant hum of chatter and laughter grew louder as the rest of the students began to converge onto the field of play. Jack looked at them all, noting the various sizes and shapes of the different people, almost as diverse as their personalities and interests. Though he knew Chiyo was rather reluctant to get involved in the ¡®sporty¡¯ side of things, the human noted that while some of their new residents were clearly athletically inclined, others were noticeably less comfortable, though still willing to get involved. Their other friends had joined them, with Vaal and Plooderoo bringing some other Red Legion aspirants along with them, including the newly signed up Zook, who was proudly wearing her red sash for all to see. Likewise, Kritch and a few Lizta from Clan Ashtail had tagged along, with a depressed-looking Crill trailing behind, though to Jack, the Squarri looked much healthier and better than the last time he had seen him.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    ¡°Alright everyone! Let¡¯s get this party started!¡± Nika yelled out, clambering up the skeleton of the tractor to make sure everybody could see her. Most of them immediately shut up, with a few whispered conversations here and there, which didn¡¯t bother the Kizun. ¡°So, not all of you are great at sports and we¡¯re here to try and have a good time, so no rough play and no being salty!¡± She gave her best stern stare to nail the point home, though doubted that it would be a problem.


    ¡°Anyway, we¡¯re all of mixed ability, so to make things fun we¡¯re going to have two captains who are gonna take turns to pick their players!¡±


    ¡°What game are we playing?¡± Vaal asked. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell us!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, I didn¡¯t!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°You¡¯re gonna have to guess! Alora! Chiyo! Step forward, you¡¯re gonna be our captains!¡±


    What? Why? Chiyo asked, having hung around the back of the crowd.


    ¡°Because I say so, now get your ass over here and pick, not me though, I¡¯m the referee!¡± The Kizun smirked as Chiyo did not look particularly amused in the slightest.


    ¡°You want to pick first?¡± Alora offered the Ilithii with an amused smile.


    Jack, get over here! Chiyo waved the human over.


    ¡°Sephy, you¡¯re up!¡± Alora then immediately followed.


    Eventually, the teams were suitably divided, with Vanya being the last pick to go over to Alora.


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re all done now!¡± Alora smiled at her team. ¡°Let¡¯s do our best and have fun!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not done yet!¡± Nika grinned with devious intent. ¡°Captains, swap places! Then take your positions at either end of the pitch! Put down a few coats or bags to make the goal!¡±


    What!? Chiyo exclaimed.


    ¡°That¡¯s so evil!¡± Sephy chuckled, as everybody else roared with laughter, while Alora and Chiyo walked over to their ¡®real¡¯ teams.


    ¡°I am glad we¡¯re still on the same team Nakiri!¡± Plooderoo gushed to Klikko, the spider-like Kunee purring back. ¡°I am too Ro¡¯cha!¡±


    ¡°BLEEEEEEEGH!¡± Kritch called out, mocking them by pretending to vomit, which was quickly followed by several of the other lads, including Jack. ¡°BLEEEEEEEGH! YUCK!¡±


    ¡°Yooooou just lack the maturity to be nurturing to a loved one!¡± the hulking Ploothe called back with a sly grin. ¡°Tell meeee, when are you going to make your moooooove?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Kritch yelled back. ¡°We don¡¯t talk about that shit!¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s possible to be nurturing and loving without being a total cringelord!¡± Rayle spoke up.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you two only been dating for, like, a week?¡± Zayle added nonchalantly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take the far side of the pitch,¡± Alora called out to her team, as Jack, Karzen and Bentom joined the Eladrie as some of the ¡®experts¡¯ Chiyo had tried to recruit early, with Alora being allowed to recruit the Squa¡¯Kaar clutchmates in return. Kritch was on their team as well, but was still occupied by the shenanigans behind them.


    ¡°Now we¡¯re away, any idea what sport it¡¯s going to be?¡± Alora asked. ¡°I know Nika promised to tone it down!¡±


    ¡°No idea, I assumed she¡¯d run some variation of Deathball.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Though I did tell her about a few last night¡­.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Everyone get to your teams!¡± Nika called out. ¡°The game we¡¯re going to play is one our resident Outsider told me about last night. It¡¯s called¡­Feetball!¡±


    ¡°Football!¡± Jack yelled back. ¡°It¡¯s called Football!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I said! It¡¯s called Football!¡± Nika grinned, smoothly covering her mistake. ¡°It¡¯s like Deathball, but you can only move the ball with your feet or foot-equivalent and you can¡¯t use your hands except for Keepers. Does everyone understand the rules?¡±


    ¡°Wait, that¡¯s it?¡± Kritch asked.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re also not allowed to kill or seriously hurt anyone.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Apart from that, I¡¯ll let things slide! I mean come on, we¡¯re just trying to have fun, it¡¯s not competitive or anything! Anyway, you¡¯d better hurry up and get ready, I¡¯m about to throw the first ball in!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s going to be Keeper?¡± Alora asked her team.


    ¡°I volunteer,¡± the morose-sounding Obeda offered, the feathered serpent unsurely twisted above the ground. ¡°Unfortunately I lack the feet to play efficiently, but I have my natural sorcery, wings and a tail.¡±


    ¡°Good enough!¡± The Eladrie nodded, nervous with anticipation as Nika finished inflating a ball, the Kizun grinning with glee as she saw the anxious looks of the players.


    ¡°Are we all ready?¡± Nika called out, looking for a majority of nods, before continuing. ¡°Alright everyone! 3¡­2¡­1¡­GO!¡±


    Nika gave the ball a solid kick, sending it soaring into the air. Jack dashed forward and jumped up to try and head the ball, but a sudden gust of wind suddenly shifted the ball in Vaal¡¯s direction who had the same idea, heading the ball towards Plooderoo. A slight shimmer told Jack that the wind wasn¡¯t natural, and soon he saw the culprit as  Zayle summoned their Earth Spirit and pointed at the human.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s against the rules!¡± Jack snorted as he began to run, only to be tripped up as the plants beneath his feet moved to slow him down, with Rayle giggling at his misfortune.


    ¡°Blame Vaal, he put us up to it!¡± the Squa¡¯Kaar called back.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± Jack muttered to himself. ¡°So much for holding back!¡±


    The field erupted into action as the sea of teenagers began to move, rushing over to the ball, forcing Plooderoo to pass the ball. However, the form of Vaal shimmered, the illusion being replaced by Kritch, the Lizta gladly accepting the pass before rushing forward, with Jack following him and ready to help ride the momentum.


    ¡°Turnaround is fair play!¡± Alora called out to those who were confused, revealing that she cast the light spell to trick them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me ban the use of magical abilities!¡± Nika shouted out, trying her best not to laugh, as next to her Dante looked on with amusement, tongue lolling out of his mouth in a wide, doggy grin. ¡°Anyway, one ball is fine but we have a lot of people! Have some more!¡±


    The game flowed quickly and unpredictably, but filled with excitement at every turn. Even Chiyo had to admit that once she got involved it felt quite fun, though she would never admit it. The first goal was scored by Vaal, who was just about able to outrun Jack, aided by Zayle¡¯s air spirit as he masterfully manoeuvred the ball through a crowd of defenders, passing the ball back and forth with Crill and Sephy, before a swift kick sent the ball hurtling past Obeda before they could react. An uproar of cheering erupted from Chiyo¡¯s team, invigorating their spirits as Alora gave her own team words of encouragement.


    Soon enough, Jack was able to equalise as the rookies on his team found their footing and were able to pass the ball between themselves until the human slipped through the gap, successfully baiting Klikko into diving to the left, before easily sending the ball to the right with an accurate scoop with the side of his foot.


    ¡°What¡¯s that Chiyo?¡± Jack called out, sticking his tongue out. ¡°Did you think we¡¯d let you win?¡±


    This game isn¡¯t over yet! the Ilithii vowed as she saw the opportunity to go for a ball, and in a manner that was very out of character for her, began using her feet to sprint for the nearest ball, stumbling and panting but eventually passing the ball to Rayle before stopping to catch her breath. A noise of amusement made her turn around to see Jack still staring at her.


    No! Chiyo stubbornly told him. You¡¯re not going to trick me into enjoying this!


    ¡°Are you sure? It seems like you¡¯re having fun!¡± Jack grinned, as Zayle¡¯s Earth Spirit scored a goal, making the score 2-1, and causing Jack¡¯s expression to falter slightly. ¡°But you won¡¯t be tricking me into throwing this game! You¡¯re right, this isn¡¯t over yet!¡±


    As morning turned to afternoon, the game continued unabated. The score ebbed and flowed to the point where Jack couldn¡¯t even tell who was winning, but he was happy to see several of the less-confident players on both teams doing their best to sneak goals past the other. It didn¡¯t look like anyone was shirking their role too much, and the human could see that irrespective of their skills, each player tried their best.


    Eventually however, the game began to lose its momentum as the players got tired, with Nika eventually calling the match and announcing Chiyo¡¯s team as the winners, though it hardly mattered. Most of the players were exhausted.


    ¡°That was a well-fought game!¡± Alora called out, graceful in defeat. ¡°Though I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be attempting this in a more professional setting. I don¡¯t envy you Deathball players at all!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not for everyone, Greenblood.¡± Vaal shrugged. ¡°But today¡¯s game was still fun and you all gave it a shot, so I can respect that.¡±


    Thanks, Chiyo replied dryly, noting the awkwardness between the Eladra and Eladrie. But I can¡¯t see myself doing this often. This was a one-off.


    ¡°I thought it was quite fun.¡± Rayle shrugged, as both the Squa¡¯Kaar was grinning with a post-match high. ¡°We did better than expected.¡±


    ¡°That you did.¡± Vaal grinned, the Eladra clearly having something on his mind as several other members of the Deathball team approached. ¡°The both of you played really well, even getting one over on Jack, and as it happens we have two empty slots on our Deathball team we need to fill with reserves...¡±


    ¡°You want us to join your team?¡± Zayle asked, surprised. ¡°No offence, but have you seen the size of us? We saw some of your game against Luviannestixxx, it looked fun but we¡¯d surely get destroyed!¡±


    ¡°It would depend on how you are utilised.¡± Karzen shrugged. ¡°Kritch isn¡¯t physically imposing but he¡¯s quick on his feet.¡±


    ¡°Gee, thanks Karzen.¡± Kritch rolled his eyes at the perceived emasculation.


    ¡°Heh!¡± The armadillo grinned. ¡°But it¡¯s not like we¡¯d have you as a Charger or in the front line. Since anything goes with Deathball, that means you can use your full range of powers to your advantage, working with the team as a Protector or as a Warder.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Vaal smiled confidently. ¡°Kritch really thought you¡¯d be a good fit¡­¡±


    ¡°I did!?¡± Kritch began to question, before Bentom quickly and quietly covered the Lizta¡¯s mouth with her hand to shut him up.


    ¡°...and after this game the rest of us can see why! So, what do you say?¡±


    ¡°One moment please¡­¡± Zayle began, before quickly discussing it with Rayle in a series of rapid whispers, which Jack couldn¡¯t make out, but they did send a glance to Kritch¡¯s way at least once..


    ¡°Sure!¡± Rayle answered for them. ¡°Though we¡¯ve never played before!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry We¡¯ll get some practice in during the week!¡± The Eladra grinned. ¡°It¡¯s what we did with Jack and we ended up winning! Just train up on your own the best you can - we won¡¯t have another game for a while, but I don¡¯t see Kizzarith and Arlox being back for a while.¡±


    ¡°Wait, Kizzarith was a Charger, wasn¡¯t he?¡± Jack asked, confused. ¡°Who¡¯s going to take his spot while he recovers?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve thought of that.¡± Vaal snorted in amusement. ¡°Sephy would be good in that spot, and Zayle can be a Warder, those spirits of theirs can cause a lot of havoc in the centre. I think Rayle would be better as a Protector with their Druidic abilities.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good, though not all of us are familiar with everything they can do,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Guess we better get our practice in¡­¡±


    ¡°So what are we gonna do now?¡± Sephy asked the others as they started making their way back home. ¡°We¡¯ve still got time to do stuff and everyone is tired out. We can find out if there¡¯s an abandoned farmhouse to go with the abandoned field and look for some abandoned loot?¡±


    ¡°Another time, perhaps.¡± Alora shook her head. ¡°Besides, if we¡¯re set on taking on a job to get a fabricator, we should aim to get it done this weekend.¡±


    Tagrilla wants us to take out another slicer, right? Chiyo questioned. Some kind of scammer?


    ¡°Yep, they¡¯re based in a set of residential districts out of the way of the current corporate conflicts.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Local council authority with a neighbourhood militia. I want to say milk run, but I also don¡¯t want to jinx it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I sliced into their local DataNet,¡± Sephy added. ¡°There¡¯s a bunch of complaints on the local forums around a specific building with shouting and stuff. I¡¯ll bet that¡¯s the place where they¡¯re located, data draw is immense, I don¡¯t know who else it could be.¡±


    ¡°If we know it¡¯s probably there before Tagrilla confirms it then we can pick the best time to attack,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Avoid civilians while making sure the slicer¡¯s occupied, sneak up to the entry points, then quickly breach and go in loud. Shock and awe should completely catch them off guard if they don¡¯t know we¡¯re coming.¡±


    ¡°Smart,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°Quicker we clear the less time they have to react.¡±


    ¡°In that case, Sephy can let Tagrilla know we¡¯re good for a raid,¡± Alora told them. ¡°Take it easy for the rest of the day, tonight is game time!¡±

 Chapter 91: DO NOT REDEEM!

    As late afternoon descended upon the city, and the flow of people hurried about to finish their tasks for the day before night fell, the sight of Vireo Heights came into view, a unique fusion of old-industrial charm and neon architecture. Several of the quaint homes reminded Jack of the earliest 20th century on Earth, with spotless picket fences and small, verdant gardens lining the main road, though he knew it was likely just for show as they were dwarfed by larger apartment buildings. Chrome and glass surfaces reflected the bright, coloured lights of various neon signs and holographic billboards, giving the district an almost dazzling glow.


    The entrance to the district was lightly guarded by a few professional-looking militiamen and women dressed in nondescript, low-key uniforms who took no notice of them. The focus of the neighbourhood security appeared to be enforcement robots, who looked poised to strike with a single command from any of the militia. Looking around, Jack could see several small automatons on wheels quickly zipping between the strides of passersby with a quiet, high-pitched whine, maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the area like roombas on crack, mulching rubbish and promptly speeding over to various collection and charging points when they were full.


    Who owns this district? Chiyo asked as the group calmly and casually walked slowly down the main road, taking in the sights of the well-maintained little town.


    ¡°Officially it''s independent,¡± Sephy muttered back as they spotted the local park and saw a bench they could all sit at. ¡°Though they have several favourable contracts with Veridian Dynamics, probably due to a small minority of employees that live here. I checked on the way here that it¡¯s led by a local Sheriff, who¡¯s retired from the corp as well, he also brought some people with him who maintain the local robots, advise him and overall strengthen the area.¡±


    ¡°The silent hand of corporate power,¡± Nika muttered.


    ¡°That may be, but this place likely has the positive reputation it has for a reason,¡± Alora added. ¡°This cluster of districts is all under one authority, we just need to find the Twingi Building.¡±


    ¡°Working on it, accessing the local DataNet now,¡± Sephy told them. ¡°I suspect Tagrilla and his associates were able to piece together the location through the ShadowNet by following the access points the scammers used. Clever. I can see why the target picked this area, there¡¯s a massive Digital Canopy over us so we¡¯re going to have to make sure we¡¯re under cover when we raid the building.


    ¡°Digital Canopy?¡± Jack asked, not really understanding much of Sephy¡¯s technobabble, but figured he might as well try to learn something.


    ¡°Basically a layer of microdrones above us,¡± Nika answered before the Skritta had a chance. ¡°It¡¯s a digital mesh that can also project holograms, lighting up the sky when it¡¯s night, or more usually being sold for corporate adverts. But most relevant to us is that it¡¯s a bunch of security cameras right above us that filters the local datanet.¡±


    ¡°If it filters it, how is our scammer pulling this kind of stuff off?¡± Jack asked, curiously. ¡°Are the locals just not bothered then?¡±


    That¡¯s a very good question, Chiyo noted, before Sephy quickly took over with her area of expertise.


    ¡°Even if there wasn¡¯t any interest from local authorities in stopping the slicers from doing their thing, which I doubt in this case as Vireo Heights seems to pride itself on its reputation, it would be easier for other slicers to locate them, since junk code from the filter would naturally appear in the slicers own,¡± the Skritta reasoned. ¡°But it hasn¡¯t in this case, instead it gives the slicer protection from external Net attack.¡±


    Logically, that would mean that they have an alternative access to the DataNet, Chiyo concluded. Perhaps a cable under the ground or they overlap another network?


    ¡°Perhaps it will be more apparent when we get the location?¡± Alora gently prompted the Skritta.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± Sephy rolled her eyes at the nagging. ¡°I can multitask, you know? It¡¯s two districts over, same jurisdiction but not the nicest according to local chatter.¡±


    ¡°Oh great, another shithole,¡± Nika deadpanned. ¡°Maybe next time we can find a job somewhere nicer, like Indigo Beach or the Kalthis Slopes?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll keep an eye out.¡± Alora chuckled. ¡°Come on, we¡¯ve got to case the area.¡±


    *****


    The target building was a two-story structure right next to the imposing district wall, modest in comparison to the quaint residences they had passed on the way. The dark, quiet alleyway tucked away out of notice led to an area that was very much not like the rest of the otherwise decent-looking district. It reminded Jack of the small, unnoticed, dirty space behind the fridge or dishwasher in an otherwise pristine-looking kitchen, with this area being rife with loud noises from the arguing residents of the dumpy-looking flats and barely any sign of life outside.


    Despite the size of the target building, it still had hints of its covert significance, with no visible signage and only a few tinted windows adorning the upper floor of what Jack suspected was an office building of some kind, though clearly built for practicality and discretion rather than the aesthetic appeal he had come to expect from the rest of the district.


    At the front of the building was a large reinforced door illuminated by a bright light, as well as a chunky-looking security camera. It was the obvious entry point, but also the most heavily guarded and likely to immediately trigger an alarm.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to have to at least cover that, otherwise it¡¯s an easy escape route for them,¡± Nika noted. ¡°Unless you can disable the camera and the alarm, so we can get in undetected, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Maybe, but even if I do that activity will raise suspicion if they¡¯re actively monitoring their system,¡± Sephy noted as she piloted her drone around. ¡°If we go loud I think Jack should be able to get the door open, but I have no way of telling what they have on the other side.¡±


    ¡°See if you can find us another access point,¡± Alora told the Skritta, who nodded.


    ¡°Could we get something through those vents over there?¡± Jack asked, pointing to a small dark dot he could see on the side of the building while giving Dante a rub behind the ears with his other hand.


    Well spotted! Chiyo noted as Sephy zoomed in. It looks too small for someone to traverse through, but could you get a drone through there, Sephy?


    ¡°That¡¯s risky, but possible.¡± The Skritta nodded. ¡°But if I send it in there and they have sensors or even just good hearing, it¡¯s gonna alert them that we¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Best to maintain the element of surprise and stay quiet until the last possible moment,¡± Jack suggested. ¡°But the moment they know we¡¯re here, go loud and cause them to panic before they can think. One of my teachers from back home used to be a policewoman, and she said that a powerful voice yelling at criminals can startle and disorient them, making it easier to take them down. And I would know - she yelled at me in music class often enough!¡±


    Your police are like a militia right? How does one change careers to become a music teacher? Chiyo asked curiously.


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll have to tell you about the police from Earth when we get back,¡± Jack began with a grin. ¡°But Mrs Harris retired from the police and retrained to be a teacher because I guess she wanted to leave a legacy. My mum played the flute in the same orchestra as her so it made class awkward when I showed up. I think Mrs Harris played the trombone for a few decades and she could sing, but I never really had much of a talent for music, even though I got a few grades playing the trumpet, so that¡¯s why she gave me a bit of a rough time, but I still respected her. She was harsh but had some wild stories of her copper days!¡±


    ¡°Give it a go if you want.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°We normally just make it clear that they need to drop their weapons and surrender, and if they don¡¯t, we shoot them.¡±


    This slicer is wanted dead, correct? Chiyo asked, and the Kizun nodded. Do we just blast him if we see him?


    ¡°Ideally, if they give us the excuse, yes.¡± Nika shrugged, ignoring Alora¡¯s look of disapproval. ¡°But keep them identifiable. The others they work with might be worth something too, but I would gather them up alive first before we make the call.¡±


    ¡°Even if they¡¯re worth dead, some organisations may pay us more if they can be allowed to render judgement, even if it¡¯s death,¡± Alora noted.


    ¡°That might be a bit of a longshot, Alora,¡± Sephy warned. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, we need to be in and out before the local militia show up, and that this guy is wanted dead for a reason.¡±


    ¡°Our enemies wanted Jack dead for a reason too¡­.¡± Alora replied with a sigh, before relenting with a shrug. ¡°But I know what this guy has done, and I know it¡¯s probably necessary. If they surrender and cooperate, I¡¯m presenting that as an option. An execution of a defenceless, surrendering enemy is far different than killing someone in self-defence, after all.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Sephy patted the Eladrie on the shoulder. ¡°But we¡¯ve seen the list of things this guy¡¯s done. Targeting the elderly and other vulnerable like he has means consequences.¡±


    ¡°I think with the lack of a justice system like we would have on Earth, all we can do is try to use our own best judgement,¡± Jack stated, remembering when he had executed Kralk on their way back from the Oracle Run. ¡°Let¡¯s worry about that when we actually hit the place. Do we have another entry point?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a look.¡± Sephy nodded, bringing the drone up high and getting a good angle on the back of the building. ¡°I don¡¯t think the walls themselves are that strong, but we¡¯ve got a few windows and a back door that looks less guarded.¡±


    ¡°What about the roof?¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Maybe we can get in through there if we can somehow land on it from the wall.¡±


    ¡°Not a bad idea, save one main snag,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Getting onto the district wall would alert the militia who control the access points, and even if we were to climb it, we would likely be spotted by the locals. If we have an unguarded way up it might be a good way out if things get hairy with the locals.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope that doesn¡¯t happen.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°If there aren¡¯t any ladders then the back door is probably the best point of entry.¡±


    We¡¯ll still need to cover the front, Chiyo pointed out. I wouldn¡¯t recommend a loud breach though.


    ¡°If opening the door is a risk¡­¡± Jack thought aloud. ¡°Then instead of breaching, could we lock it closed somehow?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, maybe.¡± The Skritta pondered the idea. ¡°Tagrilla said that he and his fellow slicers who hate this guy would be more than willing to run some interference to keep the one we¡¯re hunting occupied. If I¡¯m careful, I may be able to jam it locked and stop anyone from getting out without the manual lever, though they won¡¯t be in a rush if they don¡¯t know there¡¯s a reason to get out quick.¡±


    ¡°What about magical security? Robotic guards?¡± Nika asked.


    I detect just a few overlaying stealth and anti-scrying wards, Chiyo told them. Makes sense, too much would ironically have the opposite intended effect.


    ¡°Power draw is above average but isn¡¯t too high,¡± Sephy told them. ¡°So that means it¡¯s unlikely they have any active, but that doesn¡¯t mean they can¡¯t switch them on if they feel there¡¯s a problem.¡±


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Boot up sequence will still take some time, if we go loud and we¡¯re quick we can take them out before they become a danger.¡± Nika shrugged.


    ¡°How do we take people alive?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Do we have handcuffs or zipties or something?¡±


    ¡°Uh, do you mean something like manacles?¡± Alora asked. ¡°No we don¡¯t, just knock them unconscious if you can, or use a stimpatch. There¡¯s no time to tie anyone up.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Jack deadpanned, before he considered something, taking out one of his knives, checking the shape and deeming it acceptable before he began tying it onto the barrel of his plasma rifle with a few shoddy constrictor knots he¡¯d sort-of learned with the Scouts. He had by now gained much experience in the art of a close-quarter battle, and though his axe had been of excellent use to him, he knew that not having enough room to swing would work against him. The others looked curiously at his improvised bayonet, but didn¡¯t comment.


    ¡°Alright, if nobody else has any last-minute questions, it looks like we have a plan.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Jack and I will take point going in. We need to be quick, quiet and methodical, but if we have to go loud, take them all out as quickly as you can.¡±


    ¡°Calling Tagrilla now, let¡¯s find a hiding spot to wait,¡± Sephy whispered, as they all felt the anticipation start to weigh on them.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Alora nodded, seeing more than a few disapproving glances being sent their way, with the locals being spooked by their loitering.


    *****


    ¡°NO MADAM, YOU DON''T HAVE TO DO THAT!¡± They heard the voice yell on the other end. They had wondered what kind of ¡®interference¡¯ their slicer client had in mind, and they certainly didn¡¯t disappoint as one of Tagrilla¡¯s hacker associates, a female, was successfully posing as a vulnerable old woman, not only confirming that they were in the building, but that they were fully distracted. Apparently several other associates were also contacting them posing as potential victims, holding up several of their associates in the building, pulling off the same scam. "NO YOU FUCKING BLOODY BITCH! FUCK TO YOU!"


    ¡°Well, if there¡¯s a time to move, the time is now,¡± Nika told them. ¡°Once Sephy confirms the main door is locked, stack up behind me and Jack, and we¡¯ll wait until Sephy picks the lock before we advance. We¡¯ll be on subvocal comms, but try to stick to silent hand signals if you can once we¡¯re inside. You can never be too sure with code slicers.¡±


    Sephy made a snort of amusement at that, as the rest of them nodded. Jack sighed in anticipation, trying to keep himself calm and focused as they quietly power walked towards their entry point, coming out of the dark alley they had been positioned at, and stuck to the shadows of the district wall as they approached.


    As they got close to the back of the building, Alora cast a quick, quiet spell that dimmed the main light outside, getting behind Jack as they all made sure to remain outside the view of the one battered-looking camera outside, making it past its field of view before stacking up on the door, ready to move. Sephy leaned against the wall, deep slicing into the local network and quickly tracking the controls for the gate, noting a much more simplistic network for the building than she expected. Realising that the enemy slicers were likely working off a closed-shell system, Sephy easily placed a digital marker on the door and forced it under her control. Having quickly checked before and seeing no immediate network reaction, she easily slipped back out into realspace, and confirmed to the others that the main door had been remotely taken care of. She began to quietly move towards the back door to bypass it, though immediately stopped as the door suddenly swung open.


    With a deep sigh of someone under a lot of stress, a man in loose, baggy clothing staggered out, lighting some kind of cigar or drug. With grey, rocky skin and a bulbous elongated head, they stopped abruptly with comically-large bulging purple eyes, before something invisible appeared to smack them in the head, preventing them from calling out. Following through with her quick reaction, Chiyo telekinetically grabbed them, sending them flying to smack hard into the district wall, before they crumpled to the ground, smoking stick still smouldering beside them.


    Nika had quickly spun around, shotgun up to look inside for any others, but saw nobody, Jack backing her up a split second later. They all waited in silence for several seconds, but heard nothing else. They were still in the clear for now.


    ¡°Good job,¡± Nika whispered to the Ilithii with a thumbs up, before motioning forwards with her hand.


    The Kizun then entered the building, quickly covering the immediate room on her left with the door already open, with Alora assisting as they scanned for possible threats, before checking the small utility room and confirming no hostile presence. Jack moved past them with Sephy, carefully covering the main corridor ahead, ready to unload as he ¡®sliced the pie¡¯, scanning for threats at incremental angles while Chiyo and Dante stayed back, ready to support. They could hear the loud noises coming from the scammers, who seemed to be above them, and they were glad to have the noise to cover their activities.


    As Nika moved up to join them, she motioned for Jack to hold position and cover the main corridor to the right with Alora, while the rest of them worked on the rooms on the left. Judging from where the back door was located there were fewer rooms to the left of them, so it made sense to clear those first.


    Sephy took the first room on the right with Dante, while Chiyo and Nika kept their focus towards the other uncleared rooms. Pressing her ear to the closed door and hearing nothing, she tightly gripped the doorknob before slowly turning, releasing the door off the catch and gently pushing. The lights were off, and she quickly confirmed that what looked like a manager¡¯s office was clear.


    Moving up, there were two more doors at the end of the corridor. Taking the left, Nika quickly realised that it was a communal bathroom, with Chiyo confirming the same on the right. No hostiles so far.


    Having cleared their left, they pulled back to Alora and Jack, Nika nodded to the both of them as they pushed forward down the corridor towards the right-hand side of the building, hearing muffled voices from a larger room on the left. Chiyo moved up and concentrated for a moment, before holding up three fingers, indicating that many life signs in the room. Alora held up a hand to get their attention, and indicated that she had something for it, but Jack raised a hand to stop them, indicating the two rooms on their immediate right with a questioning shrug.


    Nika nodded, motioning for Chiyo to stay with Alora, Sephy to cover the corridor ahead with Dante, then pointing to Jack to check the first door while she took the second. Quietly breathing deeply, Jack put his ear to the door. He could hear something, and motioned as much to Chiyo, who concentrated for a moment to indicate one person, while pointing to Nika¡¯s door to indicate zero, which was quickly confirmed by the Kizun opening the door to a janitor storage room.


    Jack thought for a moment, then in a daring moment, rapped on the door twice with two of his fingers, softly enough to not be overheard by whoever was in the other room, but enough to alert the occupant. Jack heard a muffled voice call out something indistinct, but heard no movement. He waited a few seconds, and rapped again in the same way, and once more ignored whatever was said back to him. Waiting once more for a few seconds and knocking again had the desired effect, as he heard the sounds of slow movement approaching. As the door opened with a tired-sounding ¡°what the fu-¡±, he pounced, quickly tackling the small alien to the ground and covering their mouth so they couldn¡¯t call out, and catching them in a rear-naked choke. The furry-looking alien¡¯s four eyes gazed out in panic before the wild flailing stopped and they lay still, unconscious. While he was conflicted on what to do next, Nika quickly moved over and stuck a patch of something onto the creature¡¯s forehead, which initially reminded Jack of a plaster or band-aid, before he realised that it was the stimpatch that would keep them sleeping. Oh yeah, he had some of those¡­


    He gave Nika an apologetic look, who just shrugged and gave him a thumbs up, before indicating that he should cover the corridor ahead with Sephy, while Dante stayed at the door with the three unknown lifesigns. He¡¯d temporarily forgotten, but it worked out fine. Either that or Nika hadn¡¯t realised he''d forgotten.


    Chiyo and Nika stacked up on either side of the door, ready to act, while Alora began casting. Dante was at her feet, tensing up, before Alora nodded at Chiyo to open the door, revealing some kind of break room. The Ilithii did so quickly and silently, barely attracting the attention of the three people chatting within before Alora pointed her wand and whispered ¡®Slaivin!¡¯.


    A shimmering bolt of grey dust shot out, silently detonating in the middle of the three as Nika and Dante quickly started moving. One of the three smacked their head on their table as the sleep spell took full hold, while the other two swayed with sudden exhaustion. The one facing them made a move to shout out, before Dante blinked right up to them and clamped their jaws around their arm, unleashing a fierce jolt of electricity that sent them crashing to the floor as if they were hit with a taser. As the last woman spun around in surprise, Nika quickly vaulted the table, sprinted along it and dropped the woman with a powerful flying kick.


    Jack and Sephy were tense as they heard the sounds of stifled combat behind them, but they kept their guns raised and ready to engage. When the brief sounds of struggling stopped, everyone was silent, keeping their ears open for any kind of reaction nearby, but getting no response. The voices from upstairs became slightly more animated, but there were no sounds of movement, so they assumed that it was still part of the scam and that they didn¡¯t need to go loud.


    Pushing up, they got to the last corridor going across, before it continued to two rooms either side at the end of the building. Peering around the corners, they confirmed the stairs to the next floor were on the right, while on the left there was a foyer area with a set of thick, reinforced doors that they recognised as the front entrance.


    While the others covered the stairs, Jack, Sephy and Chiyo moved up to check the rooms, with the Ilithii confirming one lifesign to their left. The door was slightly ajar, so Jack carefully went in, spotting the clueless guard sitting at their security console watching something on a screen. They were taken completely by surprise as Jack grabbed them in another chokehold, before Sephy quickly put them to sleep by slapping another stimpatch on them, then quickly checking the security console for anything useful, though only finding a few pictures of the outside, with the rest either being dead, or reconfigured for them to watch TV.


    Moving over to Chiyo, who confirmed no lifesigns, they quietly opened the door only to find a strange sight. A long, thick cable snaking down from a hole in the ceiling, and falling beneath a wide hole in the floor with a ladder.


    We have a ladder going down into a tunnel network, possibly even the Gloom Paths, Chiyo telepathically informed the others. I think this is how the scammers are able to run their operation if this cable extends to another district.


    ¡®Best not to let anyone up.¡¯ Jack thought with a shrug, as he quietly grabbed the top of the ladder, wiggling it slightly to confirm it wasn¡¯t fastened, before carefully pulling it up. It was longer than he thought, so Sephy did her best to help him as he laid it on the ground, half poking into the corridor.


    Okay¡­that hopefully solves it, Chiyo confirmed, before informing the others.


    ¡°NO MADAM! DO NOT REDEEM! NOOOOOOOO! NOOOOOOOO! NO BITCH NOOOOOOO! MA¡¯AM ARE YOU BLOODY STUPID!?¡± They suddenly heard a voice bellow from upstairs, and Alora quickly motioned at them that they needed to hurry up. Jack and Nika took the lead as they swiftly made it up the stairs, checking their corners as they made it up the stairs. Confirming that the long, fat cable continued up, they quickly cleared the immediate rooms nearby which didn¡¯t seem to be in active use, serving as some kind of storage room for electronics.


    Two lifesigns on the left side, one on the right, Chiyo informed them. Got several up ahead, I think it¡¯s the main room.


    Sure enough, the long cable snaked along the corridor until it entered a smashed hole at the end of the room. Sephy quickly checked the room on the right while Jack and Dante kept watch up ahead, seeing several bunks, including one sleeping occupant, though how they were able to sleep through the mess even with the earplugs was a mystery to Sephy as she quietly slapped on a stimpatch to aid in their naptime.


    Alora was ready with her wand as she, Chiyo and Nika got ready, opening the door to another bunkroom to deal with the two occupants, only to see that both were fully awake and alert, instantly spotting the infiltrators¡­


    Alora quickly cast a quick stunbolt that smashed into the first one, before the other one, an insectoid, yelled out, ¡°INTRUDERS! HELP!¡± a split second before Chiyo¡¯s psychic blast sent them smacking into the far wall with a loud crash.


    ¡°Woah! What the fuck was that?¡± they heard a yell from the far room. ¡°Hey assholes? What the fuck¡¯s going on out there!?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going loud, get ready,¡± Nika whispered to them as she pulled out a stun grenade and caught up to Jack, who had already moved to the far door, ready for a fight.


    ¡°GUYS! WE¡¯VE GOT AN INTRUSION IN THE BUILDING!¡± another voice called out from inside the room, as the others caught up and stacked up on the door. Nika motioned for them to get ready to rush in as she activated the grenade, quickly opening the door a crack and chucking it in before slamming the door shut and holding it tight.


    Barely three seconds later, there was an almighty roar and a blazing flash of light that flickered through the cracks in the door, before they all rushed in.


    ¡°GET ON THE GROUND! GET ON THE FUCKING GROUND NOW!¡± Jack yelled at the top of his lungs, menacingly running to the left and clobbering the closest guy he could see to emphasise the point. ¡°ALLAHU AKBAAAAAR!¡±


    Encouraged by Jack, the others soon began to yell threats of their own, with Dante aggressively barking loudly at the leader. The panicked scammers quickly complied after Nika and Sephy opened fire on the first idiot to try and run, and immediately fell to the ground in surrender.


    ¡°HANDS ON YOUR HEAD!¡± Jack yelled out, more than happy to accept his role as the object of terror for these scumbags. ¡°INTERLOCK YOUR FINGERS OR WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU HAVE! NOW! OR WE¡¯LL SHOOT YOU!¡±


    ¡°Sephy, check their systems,¡± Alora told the Skritta as she began magically tying down several more captives so they couldn¡¯t move. ¡°Make sure they haven¡¯t set off an alarm!¡±


    ¡°All good!¡± the Skritta confirmed, manually inputting the command on one of the consoles to check. ¡°One tried to get an emergency ping off their commlink, but I had my jamming field up.¡±


    ¡°Good thinking!¡± the Eladrie complimented as she covered the rest of the compliant scammers, while Jack and Nika quickly disarmed them of all devices and weapons, throwing them into a pile on the ground near the entrance.


    I detect no further lifesigns, Chiyo confirmed. Magical protections were only on the outside of the building, not the inside.


    ¡°Good.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°In that case, can you bring the rest of those bastards in here before they wake up? Jack, go with her, quicker the better.¡±


    ¡°On it,¡± Jack confirmed as he rushed after the Ilithii, confirming that his friends had their captives well handled.


    ¡°So.¡± Alora turned to the scammers with a look of cold fury. ¡°What shall we do with you?¡±

 Chapter 92: Scammer Payback

    The aftermath of their raid was a scene of tense control, as the group were keeping their captives in a vast room, covered in spider-webbing wires, linked to gleaming holographic displays, sprawling server racks, and intricate-looking cyberware interfaces. The room pulsed with a soft green hue, projecting from various monitors that displayed streams of constantly changing data.


    It had been about ten minutes since the group had taken control of the ¡®nerve centre¡¯, and both Jack and Chiyo had made several quick trips to drag all the unconscious guards into the same room, with Chiyo leaving a sensor in the room leading downwards just in case, though it didn¡¯t appear as if anyone was planning on coming up any time soon.


    ¡°Nobody moves unless we tell you! Stay down!¡± Jack warned with a growl, levelling his plasma rifle at the captives. ¡°Or I¡¯ll banish you to the Shadow Realm!¡±


    ¡°W¡­we have credits!¡± one of the scammers squawked. ¡°Just let us go and we¡¯ll pay you!¡±


    ¡°We know full well that you have credits,¡± Alora coldly informed them as she pointed her wand at the speaker to shut them up. ¡°That¡¯s why our slicer is going through your systems right now.¡±


    ¡°No! You can¡¯t!¡± the lead slicer yelled, launching himself to his feet, before Nika¡¯s bo-staff flicked out and smacked him hard in the side of the head, sending them clattering to the ground. The insectoid¡¯s blue skin bruised brown as they stared at the Kizun with bulging almond-shaped golden eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky I didn¡¯t enable the kinetic modules, Viel,¡± Nika snarled. ¡°Otherwise it would have killed you instantly. Not that would be our problem considering you¡¯re worth a lot dead. I¡¯d honestly start praying to your gods if I were you.¡±


    At least three of the group were on the captives at all times, while Sephy sliced in the moment the building and all occupants were secure and accounted for. Occasionally, one of them would be sent on a quick errand by Sephy to check some physical information or flick a switch that would make things easier. Turning his head to look at the Skritta sitting in one of the chairs, Jack could see their face twist and grimace as they worked to dismantle all immediate scamming programs in active operation, and bring the system under her control.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante suddenly barked loudly, scaring several of the prone scammers as one tried to make a move for a button under one of the desks.


    ¡®Damn¡¯ Jack thought to himself. He needed to pay attention. He couldn¡¯t allow himself to get distracted!


    I would suggest that you don¡¯t make things even worse for yourselves than they already are, Chiyo warned the captives.


    Nika let out a quiet, deep breath, keeping an eye on the captives as she switched to subvocal comms and made sure none of the slicers could see. ¡°Alora, we need to work out our play here. We¡¯ve got too many captives between us and they¡¯re getting bold.¡±


    ¡°Sephy needs to take control of the systems first and put a stop to it,¡± Alora replied back in kind. ¡°And we need a better idea of what we¡¯re dealing with before we contact Tagrilla, though he¡¯s sending us messages requesting an update.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to need to start scanning them for bounties.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Reckon we have a few wanted dead, but it¡¯s best to keep them compliant for now. Church of Tyrus has an interest in this group, so the sooner we let those guys know, the sooner they get here.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t we need to confirm what our guy wants out of this first?¡± Jack asked, not taking his eyes off the scammers. Viel especially was looking frantically for any kind of escape, finding none.


    Tagrilla¡¯s primary objective was to stop the operation from continuing, Chiyo reasoned. Though he was unspecific about anything else prior to the operation, I believe it would be prudent to talk to him and not take too many liberties, not least of all because of why we took this job in the first place.


    ¡°Yeah, he has other slicer friends working with him, we want to make a good impression. Reputation is good,¡± Nika acknowledged, as she gazed at their captives. ¡°Though what we need to do may be bad¡­¡±


    ¡°Owww!¡± Sephy groaned as she sliced out of the system, taking several breaths as Chiyo quickly moved to support her. ¡°Sorry guys, this is a complicated system, but I have control of the operation now.¡±


    ¡°You alright?¡± Jack asked, worried. The Skritta was panting, giving several deep breaths before responding.


    ¡°There¡¯s other stuff here as well, I think they¡¯re up to other things.¡± She looked to Alora, who nodded with understanding.


    ¡°Take a break for now, we need to make a few calls and you know Tagrilla best," Alora ordered. ¡°Plus we need to confirm the identity of the other scanners and check if we have any active bounties.¡±


    ¡°Alora¡­¡± Sephy held out a hand to stop her as she kept gasping in air, recovering from whatever ordeal she just had to deal with. ¡°I was able to get their full transaction history for the scams and access to their accounts, that¡¯s why I took so long. Though they¡¯ve taken bits out, there¡¯s still most of the funds still in there. I can reverse the transactions, splitting what¡¯s left in the account between the victims as a proportionate percentage of what was received.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great, Sephy!¡± Alora exclaimed.


    ¡°No!¡± Viel roared. ¡°That¡¯s our money! We earned it! Fuck you!¡±


    Fuck you too, Chiyo coldly told the scammer as she lifted him up with her power, and began crushing his bulbous head before sending them flying to smack against the wall next to Jack.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t earn shit,¡± Jack growled, kicking Viel in the stomach. ¡°You scammed vulnerable people out of their money during a time of crisis. That¡¯s fucking disgusting.¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± Viel snarled. ¡°If they¡¯re retarded enough to fall for it, that¡¯s on them. Things are shit for everyone, we¡¯ve gotta do what we can to survive!¡±


    ¡°You have considerable supplies stocked in your kitchen area, you reside in a desirable district, and code slicers are in demand by almost everybody,¡± Alora noted. ¡°You made your choices.¡±


    ¡°Guys¡­¡± Sephy called to the group aloud. ¡°Can I do it please? I think we should while we can, but it will mean that we can¡¯t take the funds for ourselves¡­¡±


    ¡°NO!¡± one of the scammers yelled, rushing to their feet as Jack nodded their agreement. ¡°NO! NO BITCH NO!¡±


    A thunderously loud smack echoed throughout the room as Nika smacked her staff full force into the stomach of the offender, dropping the dark-skinned Korrigan as quickly as they had stood up.


    ¡°Anyone else?¡± the Kizun snarled as the remaining scammers thought better of trying to resist. ¡°Do it Sephy, one click of a button and we can do a lot of good.¡±


    I agree. We can find a better payday than this. Chiyo nodded, as Alora gave Sephy a nod of agreement, proud of the unanimous decision.


    ¡°Done,¡± Sephy acknowledged with a relieved grin, savouring the looks of absolute horror from the scammers as all of their funds were returned to their victims.


    ¡°Fine! You¡¯ve bankrupted us! Congratu-fucking-lations,¡± Viel snarled, almond-shaped eyes narrowing as he looked at the group in hatred. ¡°Now fuck off and leave us alone!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Alora scowled, summoning several vines to hold the lead scammer down. ¡°I think we¡¯re just getting started. Sephy, let¡¯s make the call, everyone else keep our captives pacified, and blast any that try anything funny!¡± She finished with a dark look to the cowering scammers.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Jack acknowledged, placing himself in the way of the primary exit as Alora and Sephy left the room, while he, Chiyo, Nika and Dante remained on guard, acutely aware of the need to maintain dominance and control over the captives, ever desperate to find a way to escape...


    ¡°Finally, took you long enough.¡± The excitable voice of Tagrilla picked up almost as soon as they called. ¡°Give me a sitrep.¡±


    ¡°Operation dismantled, as requested,¡± Sephy told the Lizta. ¡°They won¡¯t be able to scam anyone anymore, their scripts and lists are all deleted and funds were returned.¡±


    The Skritta looked to Alora at that last addition with a tense look. They had agreed that they¡¯d need to tell the truth about the funds instead of making up a story, and that it would be best to just tell them unprompted and await whatever reaction would come.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Tagrilla answered after several good seconds. ¡°I was hoping to collect a cut myself, but my associates are satisfied with that outcome. What is the status of Viel? Is he dead yet?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, all are alive for now,¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°What do you want us to do with them?¡±


    ¡°Execute Viel when you have the opportunity. At least half of those assholes are wanted dead, but perhaps I have a solution that won¡¯t require a massacre.¡± Tagrilla sighed, thinking carefully before continuing after conversing with some of their fellow slicers.


    ¡°We will need to make a few enquiries on our end, but if you¡¯re not going to execute them we may be able to pass them onto a third party,¡± their client finally continued. ¡°Slicers are in high demand and several factions would be willing to take them and make them an offer they can¡¯t refuse. That way the scammers will stay out of trouble and we can still ensure a payout for ourselves, split halfway for our groups. We know an independent contractor that can take them off your hands.¡±


    ¡°Wait, are you proposing selling them into slavery?!¡± Alora asked incredulously.


    ¡°That may be the fate of some of them, perhaps,¡± Tagrilla retorted nonchalantly. ¡°It¡¯s more likely that they¡¯ll be encouraged to take up employment with a MegaCorp or something. If you don¡¯t like it, either execute them for the bounty or hand them in live.¡±


    ¡°Very well, contact your guy, but we don¡¯t want this taking too long,¡± Alora responded after considering for a moment.


    ¡°Neither do I, try and find a place for them to land in the meantime.¡± Tagrilla sighed on the other end of the call. ¡°I understand Vireo Heights has a Digital Canopy, but you are next to a district wall that borders a mostly undeveloped settlement - do the scammers have a way to access the other side?¡±


    ¡°They have a tunnel,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°And an industrial cable running down, but we haven¡¯t checked it out yet.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Get one of your team to do so while I speak to our guy. Was there anything else?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got electronic equipment here¡­¡± Alora began.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need or want it, we have what we need. Take it if you want, but I suggest you format the shit out of it. Whatever you don¡¯t take should be incinerated.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Alora acknowledged. ¡°We¡¯ll contact you again once we have your drop point.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to slice back in and start checking for any paydata,¡± Sephy told Alora the moment the call ended. ¡°It¡¯ll take a while, but I¡¯ll start with the stuff they really want to hide, I reckon they¡¯re doing worse than just scamming people.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll keep everyone here while you do that, we¡¯ll need to further secure the hostages.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Jack was right about the manacles, much easier than magical solutions.¡±


    ¡°Want to grab a few plants to do your vine-rope trick?¡± Sephy asked, to a nod from the Eladrie. ¡°Who¡¯s going down the tunnel?¡±


    ¡°Nika or Jack, possibly with Dante,¡± Alora instantly replied. ¡°We tell them over subvocal and keep the captives in the dark until we¡¯re ready to transport them.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Sephy acknowledged as they headed back, though not before quickly heading back to the dorms and picking up a few potted plants.


    ¡°Everything alright?¡± Jack asked as he quickly checked that it was them returning.


    ¡°All good.¡± Alora smiled, holding up the potted plants bundled in her arms while Sephy immediately sat back in the chair and sliced into the system again. ¡°We¡¯re going to better secure the captives. Chiyo, could you place these?¡±


    Good idea, Chiyo acknowledged, lifting the plants with her powers and hovering them over the nervous captives, with the closest ones recoiling away, looking at the pots like they were about to explode.


    ¡°All of you turn around, face the far wall!¡± Nika ordered, pointing her shotgun at the closest one that looked like they wanted to try something.


    They all did so, as Alora began chanting, growing the plants as Chiyo held them in place. The moment the vines touched the ground, Jack and Nika immediately began to hogtie the closest captives, working as quickly as they could to make the bindings as secure as possible even as the vines kept growing.


    Just as they were finishing with the last captives, there was a sudden gasping sound from behind them as Sephy jerked upright in the chair.


    Jack immediately finished the binding for the last captive and growled in their ear. ¡°What did you do to her?¡±


    ¡°Please! I was only brought in to work as a closer for the scam and frontal security, I have no idea what else Viel and the top guys were up to,¡± the gold-furred creature told him, whiskered trunk quivering with fear.


    ¡°If you¡¯re lying to me¡­¡± Jack began, but immediately stopped as he saw Sephy fall out of the chair, a look of absolute revolution and disgust on her face.


    Sephy, what¡¯s wrong? Are you hurt? Chiyo exclaimed in panic as she immediately dropped the plants and rushed over to the distressed Skritta.


    Sephy said nothing, quickly getting to her feet as if possessed. Ignoring Chiyo, she looked around with grim purpose, then immediately dashed forward on spotting Viel, drawing a knife from her belt.


    ¡°Woah! Sephy!¡± Jack called out, but it was too late.


    Roughly tackling the screaming insectoid, Sephy jammed her knife into the neck of Viel, stabbing again and again and again in rage, yelling with every blow.


    ¡°YOU. DON¡¯T. DO. THAT. TO. KIDS. YOU. MOTHER. FUCKER!¡± The Skritta yelled, as Jack suddenly had to fight to keep the captives on the ground, who were terrified and desperate to get away.


    ¡°Sephy, what the hell?!¡± Nika called out, using her staff to non-lethally bash any captive that tried to get up.


    ¡°Chiyo, stay with the captives,¡± Alora told the Ilithii, who nodded in understanding, using her power to press the closest ones to the ground.


    ¡°Sephy¡­¡± Alora began, as she placed a hand on the Skritta¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Sephy¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me a speech Alora,¡± Sephy whispered with a hoarse voice, turning her head ever so slightly to show the tears running down her face as she kept stabbing. ¡°Just don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Sephy¡­¡± Alora whispered back in a reassuring tone. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve found, and nobody¡¯s blaming you, it¡¯s alright. But you can stop now, he¡¯s gone.¡±


    Sephy stopped, looking for a moment at her blade before dropping it clattering to the floor with a sigh. ¡°I need a break. Viel¡¯s personal files are accounted for. Shouldn¡¯t take too long to go through the rest and copy over the paydata, including the stuff for the Church of Tyrus.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Alora agreed, making sure to switch to subvocal comms. ¡°Once everyone¡¯s calmed down, I¡¯ll ask Jack if he¡¯s up for checking out the tunnel - Nika¡¯s a bit more experienced with managing the captives. If I make a show of him leaving then the captives might think help is on the way and not try anything stupid.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Sephy nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll drag the body out and take a breather¡­¡±


    Ten minutes later, the captives had mostly calmed down enough through reassurances that they would not be harmed if they behaved, and would be killed if they acted out of line. Sephy had returned and sliced back in, noting the ¡®evidence¡¯ she had found among Viel¡¯s files and intended to notify the organisations that put the kill bounty out on the dead slicer.


    ¡°Check out the tunnel?¡± Jack asked curiously, once Alora pulled him to the side and explained the situation. ¡°Can¡¯t we meet this guy in the courtyard outside?¡±


    ¡°Local security won¡¯t allow any unknown fliers to land, and taking them through the streets is way too risky.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°This is the best way to do this quickly and quietly, but we need to see where that cable goes. Tagrilla thinks it will surface in a more favourable area nearby, and if it does then we can have their guy meet us there and we can hand the captives off.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound sketchy at all,¡± Jack sarcastically quipped. ¡°But I get it. Once they¡¯re out we have free reign here.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Can you do it? You can take Dante with you¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°But Dante should stay here and help with the captives, I¡¯ll do this solo and stay on the line with you.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Do what you need to do to get ready, but the quicker we get these captives moved the better.¡±


    ¡°Will do,¡± Jack acknowledged, before Alora suddenly remembered something, reaching into one of her pockets and pulling out a small object, keeping it hidden from view of the captives.


    ¡°You mentioned this last time we were dealing with underground stuff.¡± Alora grinned, as Jack looked at the stick of coloured chalk. ¡°Keep talking to us on the line even if we don¡¯t respond so we know you¡¯re okay.¡±


    Jack sighed as he descended the stairs, taking a few sips of water as he did so. He knew this was risky, but during the almost half-hour they had been holding up the hostages there had been no movement detected by the devices they had left there. With luck, this meant that there would be no surprises waiting for him, though on the flip-side, it could also indicate a cunning enemy.


    Cursing that he didn¡¯t have his shield or flamethrower, Jack quietly picked up the ladder and set it down securely, shining his light down the roughly dug hole where the thick cable dangled down like an ominous tentacle. While he couldn¡¯t see any imminent threats, he could see the light shining off a damp puddle of something at the bottom, an occasional drip interrupting the beak silence.


    Steeling himself, he quickly descended and jumped down into cover by several long-rusted and ruined pipes, checking his angles for any contacts, and once again finding nothing in the straight corridor he found himself in. Noting that the cable snaked along one direction of the corridor, he quickly dipped in the other direction to check that it was safe, with the t-junction at the end having some kind of shoddy barricade blocking the left, while what looked like an ¡®intended¡¯ hole sunk deeper with cables and pipes following it down. Taking a look, Jack could see that it went deep, and there was no threat, though the unnatural, deep grinding that he could hear made him anxious.


    Confirming that the rear was safe, Jack pressed onwards, as the pipes and cables running along the floor of the tunnel suddenly and abruptly gave way to damp earth and cobblestone, with moss and intermittent patches of luminescent fungi casting a soft glow, creating dancing shadows that moved with every step he took. Though there was a soft breeze from an unknown source, the air was damp, and carried a musty scent that made Jack scrunch up his nose in discomfort.


    Something knocked against his foot as he slowly advanced, listening out for any possible sign of enemy contact. Leaping back fearing the worst, he pointed his torch down to the ground, not recognising the bright yellow and brown object at first, before realising it was some kind of stuffed animal or child¡¯s toy.


    Immediately recalling what happened with Sephy and deducing what she found, Jack growled in anger as he moved quicker down the corridor, fully prepared to kill anything or anyone he encountered. But nothing came. He checked the floor and could see it was dusty, with no recent footprints to be seen. Had the scammers been down here since laying the cable? Though some of them were hired as guards, they weren¡¯t exactly imposing, so perhaps they avoided this area? Maybe the stuffed toy could have been dropped there a long time ago?


    After what felt like several hours but was only a few minutes, Jack finally saw a ladder built into the wall straight ahead that was lit with a low, green light. Carefully checking, Jack found he was at another T-junction, with both left and right corridors twisting and snaking away. He remained there for several moments, listening for anything, and once again hearing nothing.


    ¡°Hey everyone, I¡¯ve found a ladder heading back up,¡± Jack called into his commlink. ¡°It¡¯s a straight route down the corridor, and I¡¯ve checked our rear. I¡¯ve marked things in chalk with a few arrows and I¡¯m going to check it out. Nothing I can hear on either end of the corridor and I can¡¯t see any signs of recent activity. Everything good over there? How¡¯s Sephy?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine, she¡¯s compiling the paydata and we¡¯re almost done on the technical side,¡± Nika spoke up. ¡°Captives are compliant, can¡¯t wait to get rid of them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll check things here then make the call,¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°Once we¡¯re set, I¡¯ll meet you at the tunnel entrance.¡±


    ¡°See you soon!¡± Nika chuckled, before the line went silent.


    Emerging from the confines of the tunnel, Jack pulled himself up into some kind of concrete building, surrounded by dust, mould and little else. Following the cable, Jack realised he was in some kind of power building as he emerged into a larger room with several large twisted metal monstrosities in rows ahead, with the cable ending with some kind of complicated-looking device plugged into one of the structures.


    Deciding not to mess with it, he looked around, doubling back and finding a thick, metal door which theoretically needed a key, but was easy enough for him to force open.


    The street he emerged on bore the marks of neglect, with weeds pushing through the cracks along the ground, with many stains along the walls of the ramshackle-looking buildings. He could see the small signs of life within the buildings, with a few faces being seen through the windows peering out, clearly paranoid about the MegaCorps starting trouble, but just as quickly went back to what they were doing. This was perfect, they had their exit.


    Jack made the call.


    ***********


    ¡°Nobody move,¡± Alora told the captives as the dark, crumpled-looking dropship carefully landed in the street, about ten minutes later. The group was holding the captives in the power building, who were making extra sure at this moment that nothing bad happened. ¡°Jack, would you be able to be the ¡®face¡¯ here and meet the guy? If anything bad happens you have the best chance of surviving it. Dante, go with him!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± The dog barked as he followed Jack, high on alert for anything to go awry as a landing ramp began to descend, revealing three figures.


    Walking down, Jack could see that two of them were just guards for the third - a shiny green alien with bulging muscles, wearing nothing but a thin beige t-shirt and black trousers. As he approached Jack, he looked at the human emotionlessly from behind a large, thick pair of sunglasses, before wiping a bead of sweat off their bald head and pulling out a large cigar, lighting it and taking a smoke.


    ¡°That¡¯s far enough,¡± Jack called out, as Dante let out a low growl at the man that did not subside. Something about the bald man gave the ¡®dog¡¯ a bad vibe, so Jack took control and held him back. ¡°I don¡¯t like it either, but I don¡¯t want to kill them,¡± he whispered to the dog.


    The man did not immediately comply with Jack¡¯s order, taking a few steps forward before casually taking another drag of his cigar. ¡°Yew gowt captives?¡± he asked with a slow, bored-sounding drawl.


    ¡°We do,¡± Jack acknowledged, listening to the other¡¯s talking in his ear. ¡°As soon as Tagrilla confirms the payment is ready to be received, they¡¯re all yours.¡±


    ¡°How many?¡± they drawled, as the guard next to him fiddled on a datapad.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got 23 Bad Hombres for you,¡± Jack confirmed after Alora finished counting and began to bring them out. ¡°As Tagrilla informed you, here they are. Pay up, and they¡¯re yours.¡±


    Staring at Jack, he quickly did so, taking the pad from his guard and providing biometrics.


    ¡°Confirmed, payment received,¡± Alora announced, with the boss snorting in slight amusement as he spotted the Eladrie. ¡°They¡¯re all yours.¡±


    Several more individuals dressed like the guards got out and quickly ushered in the anxious-looking captives. Nobody said anything as the boss dismissively turned his head away from Jack and returned up the ramp before the shuttle flew away.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry back and bag what we can,¡± Alora told them with a long sigh. ¡°I¡¯m going to call Obeda and see if he can get some people over here to ferry this stuff back!


    *****


    The shuttle rumbled as fifteen minutes later it began to land. Nobody said anything, with the only sounds being the boss taking calm drags of his cigar. He was only about a quarter of the way through before the ramp descended, and he calmly walked down towards his eager buyer and her escort.


    ¡°Kobrah, always a pleasure,¡± Izadora Mal¡¯Kar greeted dryly. ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me about House Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s newest recruits?

 Chapter 93: Slave Raid

    ¡°Gods damn these dating apps!¡± A sneering voice broke the silence in the dropship, breaking Svaartal out of his meditation as a datapad was sent clattering along the dark metal floor. ¡°I would have thought flying over the city would find me at least some suitable matches.¡±


    ¡°No luck, brother?¡± Soren snickered as he looked at Kravel with a mocking smile. ¡°Just keep at it. I¡¯m sure Cecily Corvin herself is waiting for your swipe!¡±


    ¡°Fuck you,¡± the necromancer snarled, as he snapped his fingers for one of the Mal¡¯Kar soldiers to hand his datapad back to him. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault Izadora banned me from claiming the slaves!¡±


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s totally your fault!¡± Dextra grinned from where she lounged on top of her mech, a hulking brute of purplish metal that Svaartal hadn¡¯t yet seen in action, locked in a drop pod ready for deployment. ¡°Pretty sure ¡®Chief Queef¡¯ told you to stop going through them so quickly!¡±


    ¡°They either displeased me, or I required them for a greater purpose,¡± Kravel snarled as several of the troops hid their expressions. ¡°It is my right as a superior being to do as I wish with them.¡±


    ¡°What ¡®Greater Purpose¡¯ could there have been when our dear sister lost her favourite bed warmer?¡± Soren chuckled, before giving a quick side-glance to Svaartal. ¡°Well, her former favourite before our Nirah friend joined us.¡±


    ¡°She still has that bedwarmer, I just infected them with a few strains of my experimental necrovirus when I got bored.¡± Kravel shrugged. ¡°Much more useful as a Ghast in my opinion!¡±


    The Drow in the shuttle chuckled at that, while Svaartal gave a polite smile at the morbid humour before returning to his meditations.


    After Izadora received an entire collective of code slicers earlier that evening and ensured they would be settled, they had received their notifications from Braska¡¯s contacts that the gathering of the gangs was going to take place tonight, and that their mission to crush it and seize captives was now active. A large fleet of dropships was prepared and dispatched with troops to lie in wait for for perfect moment to strike, and though Svaartal had raised a concern that the main leadership of the raid was situated in one ship, Soren was unphased. The drow reasoned that it would be better to coordinate with his confidants in person before entering battle, in case anything changed the plan.


    ¡°Well, you have the opportunity to satisfy yourself tonight,¡± Soren mused. ¡°There are more gangs arriving than expected, so once we attack, this raid is going to grant us quite the haul. There may even be someone there willing to bed you!¡±


    ¡°Fuck you, Soren!¡± Kravel snarled, as several of the soldiers couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore and chuckled among themselves. ¡°When do we attack? We waste time here!¡±


    ¡°We wait until all of our prey are gathered before we strike,¡± Soren calmly replied. ¡°As we previously discussed, we have several allies on-site that have already agreed to join us, and they will inform us when it is the best time to attack, though we are monitoring from above to confirm that remains the case. Once the time is right, we quickly land with superior troops, demand surrender, and kill anyone who refuses. Until then, we wait.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for hours,¡± Kravel complained. ¡°I want to kill something.¡±


    It was true that they were hovering in formation, completely obfuscated from anything the various gangs below could feasibly use to detect them, but Svaartal was still weary. Observing the monitors, he could see that a formidable horde of lifesigns was below, and he hoped that Soren¡¯s confidence was not misplaced.


    ¡®This anticipation is insufferable.¡¯ The voice of Carrow echoed in his mind as his familiar shifted on his shoulder. ¡®We are as prepared as we can be, and many of these would-be conquerors will die anyway.¡¯


    ¡®A mere demonstration of power during a time of high conflict. House Mal¡¯Kar wants a flawless strike to send a message to the other local factions.¡¯ Svaartal shrugged. ¡®I am surprised they have not gotten more involved in the active conflicts, but I am not complaining.¡¯


    ¡®They gather power and assess threats,¡¯ Carrow stated. ¡®But our patrons are too passive. Power has little use if not used to its fullest potential, and the time to act should be now while the city recovers.¡¯


    ¡®There is not much we can do about that,¡¯ Svaartal pointed out to Carrow. ¡®We receive the orders, but do not give them.¡¯


    ¡®Yet¡­¡¯ Carrow slyly replied in his mind as Svaartal sensed movement from behind him.


    ¡°So!¡± Dextra grinned as slumped down beside him, completely bored of the waiting. ¡°You¡¯ve got history with our newest enforcer! I wanna hear the details!¡±


    ¡°Recruiting Braska was a mistake,¡± Svaartal told the drow more sharply than intended. ¡°I have no doubt that she¡¯ll be much more trouble than she¡¯s worth.¡±


    At least Braska wasn¡¯t on the ship with them. She was placed in the vanguard as a test of her abilities, along with several other drow ¡®purestrains¡¯ who had been given an opportunity to distinguish themselves.


    ¡°Her accolades are quite impressive,¡±  Dextra pointed out. ¡°Highly formidable in combat, lacks direction to channel her impulses, but we can fix that. It¡¯s not surprising Kravel recruited her; I first thought he was just bringing her in to get his dick wet, but Izadora agrees that Braska would be a good fit with us. She won¡¯t be in command, but she will be deployed appropriately. It¡¯s a gamble for sure, but so was recruiting you, and that seems to have paid off. Svaarti too in a way, even though she¡¯s both your dependent and a civilian mage.¡±


    ¡°How is she?¡± Svaartal asked, and Dextra rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Still the same as the other thousand or so times you¡¯ve asked me,¡± the drow pointed out. ¡°I can check remotely and nothing¡¯s changed. Room still sealed, droids are still monitoring.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Dextra.¡± Svaartal sighed.


    ¡°No problem!¡± The odd drow grinned. ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered my question, though. What¡¯s your history with Braska?¡±


    ¡°We went to school together, and we didn¡¯t get along then either.¡± The Nirah shrugged. ¡°She was a notorious bully, getting so bad that she even managed to get herself expelled.¡±


    ¡°The school actually did something competent? It got that bad?¡± Dextra scoffed. ¡°That doesn¡¯t explain why you reacted in the particular way you did.¡±


    ¡°You saw her scars, right?¡±


    ¡°I sure did! She had a bunch of them! Did you see that really nasty, ugly-looking burn all along the side of her face? She looked fucked!¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Svaartal deadpanned. ¡°She got that one from me.¡±


    ¡°Ready up!¡± Soren called out. ¡°The time to lash out at this filth is almost upon us!¡±


    With cheers of sadistic glee, everyone got to their positions.


    ¡°You all know your roles,¡± Soren continued with a voice of showmanship. ¡°You have all been grown, bred and trained for this glorious purpose! To dominate all lesser species undeserving of the freedom they crave! The weak must submit to the strong, and there is no force stronger than House Mal¡¯Kar! Wrath and Ruin!¡±


    ¡°Wrath and Ruin!¡± The troops yelled back.


    ¡®Let us stick to the former, master,¡¯ Carrow quipped. ¡®Though we have been instructed to support as needed, I suspect we shall have our fill of combat all the same. I find the chaos of battle to be one of opportunity after all, anything can happen, including to that Berzerker they¡¯ve hired on, no?¡¯


    ¡®We shall see,¡¯ Svaartal acknowledged the idea as he slithered up to Soren and his elite guard.


    ¡°Ready?¡± the drow noble asked Svaartal with an amused look. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to keep you informed on where you are needed, however, I want you to start by getting to our insiders and then assist them in getting as many of them to safety as you can. They have been instructed to get themselves out the moment we reveal ourselves, but there¡¯s always some that find it hard to follow basic instructions. As much as I¡¯m up for those retards to simply perish and no longer be an issue, appearances must be made that working for House Mal¡¯Kar comes with rewards.¡±


    ¡°I will do my best.¡± Svaartal nodded, summoning his jetpack that Dextra had finally fixed after his fight with the human.


    ¡°Move into position and reveal yourselves,¡± Soren then called to the pilots of the dropships, and Svaartal gripped the nearest railing as the ship shuddered with movement. The drow then calmly walked towards the command terminal, where a communications technician was already working to patch him into the loudspeaker system. Quickly passing the smug noble a microphone, they politely signalled that he could speak.


    ¡°Attention lowborn scum,¡± Soren purred. ¡°This district and all current occupants are now at the mercy of House Mal¡¯Kar. Throw down your weapons, submit yourself to your betters, and you shall be permitted your lives. If not, you will die, and your very souls will serve us!¡±


    ¡°Make landfall,¡± Soren then immediately ordered the pilots once the mechs had dropped from their pods, as the troops once more cheered in anticipation.


    The moment they felt the ship touch down and the ramp descend, officers immediately began barking orders for the soldiers to form up, while Svaartal prepared to take flight. Their informants giving them current information were marked with an astral signature he could spot, so in theory, friendly fire would not be an issue, though he knew that the inherent cruelty of the drow would no doubt cause a few ¡®accidents¡¯.


    As they spilled out quickly to the sound of gunfire, Svaartal cast a quick invisibility spell on himself that would enable him to take to the skies without being shot by the very aggressive-sounding gangers.


    Ahead of him he saw Braska standing tall, staring out with a wicked grin, uncaring as several rapid-fire shots pinged off her heavy armour, while several drow in the vanguard hurriedly set down devices that rapidly expanded into cover. Shrugging her shoulders to release the tension, she waited for some kind of confirmation from one of the drow officers, before reaching into one of her pouches, pulling out what looked like several inhalers. Bringing them up to her mouth, Braska clenched down on them, releasing several hazy puffs of colourful smoke that the Balnath greedily huffed up. She then roared in agony, or perhaps ecstasy, as the cocktail of drugs quickly took hold, shivering with the high, and eyes turning a deep shade of crimson. With a glazed look of pure malice, she brought up her powerful battle rifle and charged straight into the enemy gunfire!


    Braska seemed to be completely unphased as she took shots from the closest gangsters, eagerly returning fire with her unstable heavy plasma rifle, obliterating anyone she could see as the now terrified gangsters dashed to cover. The Balnath caught one that wasn¡¯t quick enough and bit down, sinking her sharp, rotting teeth into the shoulder of the Korrigan, before tearing out the flesh with a cackle of ecstasy.


    ¡®With luck, that brute¡¯s idiocy will solve itself,¡¯ Carrow opined, seeing Braska charge further in, well ahead of the methodically advancing drow lines. ¡®Master, there are only a few astral signatures remaining in the crowd, what will we do?¡¯


    ¡°We shall not put ourselves in any unnecessary risk,¡± Svaartal replied aloud as he activated his jetpack and brought it into a low hover, only a few metres off the ground. ¡°Nor shall I waste my good spells when the drow wish to take these morons alive. Find me the signatures close to the front lines and we¡¯ll clear a path for them to get out, there¡¯s no glory or accolades for us here.¡±


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°As you say, master,¡± Carrow acknowledged. ¡°One of the wretches is close by, how do you intend to get her out of this alive?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to get her out.¡± Svaartal dryly chuckled as he began quickly casting an activation spell, pointing with a wand in the general direction of his target - one of several squat, emaciated-looking green things with tall ears. As the ball of yellow fog approached, it detonated, sending several of the small, cowardly-looking gangers dropping to the ground, unconscious.


    ¡°I see,¡± Carrow noted in amusement. ¡°If they¡¯re unable to do anything, House Mal¡¯Kar soldiers will simply collect them rather than kill them. But such a weak spell will not work against stronger opponents.¡±


    ¡°Normally I wouldn¡¯t even bother learning that spell.¡± The Nirah chuckled. ¡°But I had this wand lying around gathering dust before tonight, I was trying to sell it before House Mal¡¯Kar gave us a place to live. Only a few charges left, I¡¯d say we¡¯d better put them to good use, no? Where next?¡±


    ¡°There is a group trying to escape together,¡± Carrow pointed out, indicating a cluster that was making their way to a gap in the Drow lines, deliberately left open to better herd their enemies. ¡°But there is also someone else of interest opening fire on their fellow gangers, and they¡¯re putting up a good fight.¡±


    ¡°I see them,¡± Svaartal noted as he hovered around to the clustered group and shot several more sleeping spells their way, before dropping the now-useless wand to the ground, having expended all charges and not willing to bother trying to salvage what shoddy materials were left. ¡°They¡¯re not exactly trying to be subtle¡­¡±


    Standing in the middle of a host of dead bodies like an avatar of slaughter, the cackling figure was bipedal and pale-grey skinned, with blue markings along their body that could have been natural for their species or tribal tattoos, the same colour as the bundle of faded blue dreadlocks that draped off the ground behind them as they advanced forward, seemingly uncaring as she let loose with a hailfire of rounds from her twin rapid-fire plasma sprayers. Wearing a loose patchwork of leathers with a half-metal faceplate, they did not appear particularly capable of taking hits.


    ¡°That¡¯s definitely one of Braska¡¯s associates,¡± Svaartal noted, and was just about to turn away to allow them to be killed when Soren cut in the call.


    ¡°Marking a priority objective for you, Svaartal,¡± The drow noble purred into the comm. ¡°Izadora wants this one in particular alive.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Svaartal acknowledged, silently cursing that the figure was indeed the VIP in question.


    Zipping over, he grabbed the cable from his jetpack and began activating certain runes that would hone the wire on his target, quickly sending it snaking out to wrap itself around their waist before he lifted off, getting them away from the battle.


    For her part, the VIP began cursing and screaming, and Svaartal found himself suddenly dipping to the side, warned by Carrow as the crazy bitch he had tied up started shooting his way.


    ¡°I¡¯m an ally you fucking idiot. I¡¯ve got orders to keep you alive!¡± Svaartal snarled, before getting to the front lines of the fight and severing the connection with a press of a button, causing the nutcase to roughly clash to their ground.


    Still alive. Soren said nothing about concussions¡­


    ¡°Delivered, but they¡¯ll need a medic,¡± the Nirah noted to Soren, who was still listening in.


    ¡°That should be it. Make yourself useful where you can, though you may be interested to know that a gang of Stygians were spotted nearby,¡± Soren teased, sending the Nirah the location on his HUD. ¡°Do try to leave some fun for the rest of us!¡±


    ¡°Much obliged!¡± Svaartal hissed back in anticipation, as he honed in on the familiar reddish-pink-skinned Devilspawn. He could see that the battle against the disorganised rabble of gangs would be over quickly, as the disciplined drow easily steamrolled forward, stopping only to take many prisoners from the cowardly dredges that surrendered.


    ¡°Boriah!¡± Svaartal snarled, announcing his presence to the gibbering Devilspawn below him by lashing out with a vicious cone of cold, blasting the Stygian gang with polar force, instantly killing the leader in the centre of the radius, and easily dropping many of the others, who collapsed to the ground clutching their rapidly-blackening hands and faces as the cold burned them.


    ¡°Filthy demons!¡± Svaartal snarled as he landed, summoning his sword, eager to take them up close and personal.


    ¡°The Bastards of Azazel will return to him!¡± the closest Stygian snarled as they used their innate sorcerous powers to fling a bolt of fire at the Nirah, who easily parried it with his sword.


    ¡°How right you are,¡± Svaartal quipped as he rushed forward quicker than the Stygian could react to and skewered the fool through the stomach. ¡°Greet him in the void with the rest of your filthy kind!¡±


    He pulled back and swung his sword diagonally, sending an arc of arcane energy flying at another Stygian in the midst of casting another spell. Svaartal gave his sword a flourish as he then summoned the staff of Devil¡¯s Daughter into his other hand, and relished in the enraged shouts of the Devilspawn as they recognised it, and as a result, him.


    ¡°He¡¯s the one!¡± one cried.


    ¡°He killed Devil¡¯s Daughter!¡± yelled another in rage,


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Svaartal grinned. ¡°But tonight, I¡¯ll settle for you! You won¡¯t be committing horrors in the name of your dead creator anymore!¡±


    ¡°Get the staff!¡±


    ¡°You shall have it!¡± Svaartal snarled, using the power of the staff to empower a spell he had created just for this purpose, as he summoned a ring of icy mist all around him, forcing the Stygians who had surrounded him back, with one falling to the ground in pain.


    He then slammed the base of the staff into the ground, causing parts of the earth to melt and churn as he held the Sygians that remained in place.


    ¡°Azazel is dead,¡± Svaartal sneered at the struggling Stygians. ¡°The galaxy is far better off without your Demon Lord in it.¡±


    ¡°He will come back to us!¡± a Devilspawn sneered back at him. ¡°We are his chosen people, and through us, he endures! A new era of torment comes for you all!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Svaartal mocked. ¡°Whatever shall I do about that?¡±


    A few well-placed strikes with his sword, and it was over. The battle was all but over now, and Svaartal allowed himself to stand there and catch his breath.


    ¡°A glorious display of our power, everyone!¡± Soren purred over open comms. ¡°Mop this rabble up and prepare the useless wastes of flesh for transport. Inner circle, to me.¡±


    Svaartal sighed, releasing the tension within him as he allowed the drow troops around him to take control of the last pockets of desperate resistance as the various angry, terrified or confused gangers flailed about wildly, futilely trying to escape or fight back. Slithering along the gore-spattered grass, he did his best to ignore the sounds of whips lashing out, forcing the surviving dregs to their knees or into organised formations for processing, heading up to a raised section where he saw Soren standing proudly, where several of the gang leaders had apparently been conversing before the attack.


    Now, several of those leaders were on their knees, bound and secured, while the limp, dead forms of those leaders who did not surrender were being dragged and thrown into a pile by a small squad of soldiers under the gleeful gaze of Kravel. Svaartal knew that despite a high casualty rate, House Mal¡¯Kar would be well fueled from this conflict.


    Approaching the collection of nobles and other members of the inner circle, the Nirah was disappointed to see that Braska had survived the conflict, though with horrible-looking injuries that she just seemed to shrug off, likely too drugged up to care right now. Sat down on the grass talking to her was the crazy, blue-haired VIP he had unceremoniously dropped from a high height behind friendly lines, who suddenly noticed him approaching.


    ¡°There he is!¡± she cried out, pointing at Svaartal. ¡°That¡¯s the bastard that attacked me!¡±


    ¡°Serpent!¡± Braska yelled as she snapped around. ¡°What did you do to Yixx?¡±


    ¡°My master saved her life, retard,¡± Carrow snarked before Svaartal had a chance to respond. ¡°That idiot would be dead had it not been for him, though I fail to see why we went through the effort.¡±


    Several of the drow officers chuckled at the familiar¡¯s sass, to Braska¡¯s vivid displeasure. Dextra laughed the hardest, overhearing the conversation as she disembarked her mech and joined her family.


    ¡°She is alive, is she not?¡± Soren chuckled in amusement. ¡°That was a condition of yours that I deem satisfied in full. She will be treated by our healers and then evaluated by our recruiters, but I believe they will agree with your wishes that she join you as an Enforcer.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Braska snarled. ¡°What about my other condition?¡±


    ¡°Your former leader that kicked you out is still alive, captured and ready to meet you.¡± Kravel grinned wickedly as he approached, indicating they follow him. ¡°Along with a little bonus our soldiers found!¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Soren asked, shrugging. ¡°This should be good. Shall we see the show?¡± He indicated to the rest of the inner circle to follow. Svaartal, not having any choice in the matter, followed, dreading what might follow.


    ¡°You fucking bitch!¡± he heard a man up ahead roar out as he struggled with his restraints. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you for this Braska! I swear it!¡±


    ¡°Henk!¡± Braska greeted her former leader with false, menacing cheerfulness. ¡°So good to see you again! Fancy seeing you in a place like this!¡±


    ¡°You told them we¡¯d be here! After everything I¡¯ve done for you!¡± Henk yelled. Coming within range, Svaartal could see that they were a dark-grey-skinned species with a single eye, and thick mutton-chops of a coarse, wiry black. ¡°I took you in when nobody else would, and this is how you repay me?¡±


    ¡°You kicked me out, Henk.¡± Braska shrugged. ¡°I deserved more and you wouldn¡¯t budge.¡±


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d go form your own gang!¡± Henk spat. ¡°Or go join the Cult of the Destroyer like your father did! You grew more and more wild and rabid, and the rest of us saw a way out that would work for all of us! We could have had a better life! You had to go for the rest to thrive!¡±


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry,¡± Kravel sneered with a mocking laugh. ¡°The lives of your former followers will have meaning the moment their compliance collars clamp shut.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d sooner die! Slaver scum!¡± Henk growled at the necromancer.


    ¡°Spoiler alert!¡± Dextra snorted in amusement, causing the withering gaze of Henk to briefly acknowledge her presence.


    ¡°First things first.¡± Kravel smirked. ¡°Bring them out!¡± he called out to the soldiers.


    ¡®Oh no¡­¡¯ Svaartal thought to himself in horror, as the laughing drow soldiers pushed forward three figures from the crowd, black bags over their heads. One was a woman, and the Nirah was sickened to see the roving hands of the soldiers as she was eventually shoved to the front.


    The other two were too small to be anything but children.


    ¡°Oh Henk¡­¡± Soren sighed with raised eyebrows as the figures were brought out and forced to their knees, bags yanked back to show their faces to the gathered crowd. ¡°You weren¡¯t stupid enough to bring your family with you, were you?! Were you honestly this serious about carving yourselves a position of power?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± the broken leader cried. ¡°No! Not in front of my family! Please Braska, I beg of you! If the time we worked together means anything to you, grant me this one mercy!¡±


    The expression on Braska¡¯s face calmed for a moment, as the Balnath closed her eyes and nodded. ¡°As you wish, Henk.¡±


    ¡°I¡­.thank you¡­¡± Henk nodded, shivering as he accepted his fate.


    ¡°Tell me Henk¡­¡± Braska then asked, keeping her tone neutral. ¡°Do you like to¡­dance?¡± A thin whisper of a smirk was all that betrayed her intent.


    ¡°NO!¡± Svaartal yelled, quickly rushing forward as he realised what Braska had planned.


    But it was too late.


    Braska quickly raised her gun and spun with practised ease, as three shots rang out within the space of two seconds, followed after a brief moment, by the three bodies of Henk¡¯s family hitting the ground.


    Henk said nothing, as his face glazed over, the shock being too much as Braska cackled in evil glee, drinking in the man¡¯s despair for the briefest of moments, before a powerful crossbow bolt zipped past and slammed straight through Henk¡¯s forehead, Svaartal swiftly putting the man out of his misery with a clean mercy kill.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you for that!¡± Braska roared at the Nirah, as Svaartal swiftly dismissed his crossbow and summoned the staff of Devil¡¯s Daughter, pointing it straight at the drugged-up Balnath, runes blazing along the shaft with a hateful glow of crimson hellfire. His sword shimmered in his other hand, glowing bright enough to cause the closest drow to recoil away from him.


    ¡°Not unless I kill you first,¡± Svaartal snarled at the now-cautious brute. ¡°You won¡¯t survive me this time, Braska.¡±


    ¡°I knew he was no good!¡± Yixx grunted as she pointed her guns his way, before Carrow bowled into her, quickly using his power to immobilise her.


    ¡°You really should learn to watch your surroundings,¡± his familiar quipped, before he turned to see the new threat.


    ¡°Stand down! Now!¡± Kravel bellowed in anger as he raised a wand to Svaartal. ¡°You forget your place! I told Izadora you weren¡¯t worth bringing in!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even try it, Kravel!¡± Dextra told her brother as she raised her pistol at him. ¡°And yes he was worth bringing in, you said so yourself. You¡¯re just being a jealous cunt again.¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Soren lazily raised his voice. ¡°All of you lower your weapons. The day is won, calm your rage! Braska, dear. Children are very valuable when taken intact, do you realise how much money the ultra-rich are willing to pay for the company and pleasure of young, unspoiled flesh? Svaartal was correct to reprimand you, and this mind for strategy is the reason why he is part of our inner circle. I expect you to try and express better judgement in future. I am highly impressed with your abilities, you simply need¡­direction.¡±


    ¡°Point taken,¡± Braska grunted as she holstered her weapon. ¡°I was promised revenge, and I guess I got it. Just keep me away from the serpent, gear me up, and I¡¯ll kill whoever the fuck you want.¡±


    ¡°Good girl,¡± Soren purred, before suddenly their comms screeched to life.


    ¡°All House Mal¡¯Kar forces return to base immediately!¡± the voice of Izadora Mal¡¯Kar frantically called out over the public line. ¡°We¡¯re under attack, currently identifying hostiles!¡±


    ¡°You heard her!¡± Kravel called out to everybody after several moments of silent confusion. ¡°Finish up here and head back! Execute any slave that tries to delay us!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Dextra asked, completely baffled. ¡°Who the hell¡¯s crazy enough to attack us? Corvin Enterprises? Red Legion? Killer Klown?¡±


    They soon received the answer as the comms burst to life again, picking up the sounds of whoops and hollers.


    ¡°OH YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHH!¡± a loud voice bellowed out. ¡°COMMANDER COCAINE IS COMING!"

 Chapter 94: Commander Cocaine

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t care what Izadora says.¡± Soren rolled his eyes at his brother after having quickly given orders to his troops. ¡°We¡¯re not going to just abandon our gains here. We¡¯ll just order the ships to return on full burn once they¡¯re done here. How many of us can you portal to the compound?¡±


    ¡°A portal of that distance? I can hold it for a minute at best once created, and it¡¯ll take a few minutes to cast as well,¡± Kravel grudgingly admitted.


    ¡°That shall be enough to get us and our best troops over there much quicker.¡± Soren nodded. ¡°Begin the ritual and call us the moment it¡¯s completed.¡±


    ¡°I can assist you,¡± Svaartal offered, but Kravel scoffed and shook his head.


    ¡°No, focus on buffing us and our bodyguards; We¡¯ll need to repel the attack with heavy force. Perhaps you can redeem yourself that way,¡± the House Wizard snapped at him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him.¡± Soren patted him on the shoulder. ¡°He¡¯ll come around, certainly his new acquisitions will keep him busy." He then turned around to speak to one of the other Mal''Kar officers, a thin, lanky male in a brown hood, twin chakrams within easy reach at his waist. "Jizziel, you''re in command when we''re gone. I expect you to finish here promptly and return home to reinforce our troops from the skies. Do that, and I shall sponsor your ascension to the Inner Circle."


    "Consider it done, Soren." The cocky acolyte grinned, fingering a religious symbol of one of the drow gods around his neck. "By Yochashi''s grace, these scum will not delay us."


    "See that they don''t," Soren sternly told the officer.


    "Alright, my mechs are all here," Dextra called out as the last of the hulking metal monsters lined up in formation.


    "Good. Start casting," Soren ordered Svaartal, and the Nirah did so, conjuring some minor shield and divination spells on their strike force, prioritising the officers, though making sure Braska and Yixx weren''t affected, only casting a complex enough arcane mark to act as a placebo.


    "Kravel is nearly done, whatever happens, rush in and do not block the portal," Soren ordered the troops. "We shall get as many as we can though before the spell dissipates, using our mech troops as mobile cover. Be prepared to immediately engage hostile forces and eliminate them! Wrath and Ruin!"


    "Wrath and Ruin!" the troops roared back, raring to go.


    Svaartal didn''t join in the battle cry. He had never even heard of anybody openly attacking House Mal''Kar before. How bad would this get? Would he have to get to Svaarti and flee?


    "Move! Now!" Kravel yelled out, and as one the drow forces rushed forward. Svaartal slinked up Dextra''s mech and held on as she followed the vanguard. One moment, Svaartal felt a cool breeze on his face, and the next he was battered by rain, drowned out by the roaring sound of gunfire.


    They emerged into the main courtyard of the House Mal''Kar complex to a scene of chaos. Immediately, the acrid stench of ozone and melted flesh assailed their nostrils, and Svaartal could see drow soldiers on the battlements, desperately holding back a tide of¡­something.


    ¡°They¡¯ve taken the outer bastion! Reinforce the walls while I find out what¡¯s going on!¡± Soren ordered all of them, as he dashed off to find someone in charge.


    Not being told anything more detailed than that, Svaartal blinked up to the wall and got into cover, summoning his crossbow as he saw a drow across from him take a plasma bolt to the face, ripping her skull in two as she was instantly taken down. Many, many more shots disappeared as they smacked into the magical barrier that covered the Mal¡¯Kar compound, but as it weakened, more and more shots were getting through.


    Svaartal summoned a small hand mirror using his dimensional rift and carefully held it out to take a look at their attackers. It did not look good. The mob of gangers that had been whipped up into a frenzy by Commander Cocaine was vast and clearly ready for action, as several brawls broke out among the crowd and white powder was liberally thrown into the air. As for the Commander himself, however, Svaartal couldn¡¯t spot them, though he thought he could see a few distinct figures in the crowd that were out of range of his spells.


    ¡°Target the officers or anyone that looks like they¡¯re in charge, and this mob of inferiors will run like the dregs they are!¡± Kravel snarled out at the remaining troops. ¡°Guard me while I raise these failed excuses for drow!¡±


    ¡°Alright boyz!¡± a voice yelled out from the back of the mob, and Svaartal turned his mirror to spot the speaker, a huge, hulking green brute carrying some kind of gigantic club. He waited a moment for silence from the crowd, and upon obviously not getting it, bellowed ¡°Oi! Da lot of ya, shaddup! HashBash iz talkin! We got some word-smithz ''ere to roast dese puny defendaz! Giv em a cheer!¡±


    The crowd immediately roared and turned around, even as the freshly rallied drow unloaded on the mob below them. Svaartal didn¡¯t even think to try and shoot HashBash with his sniper rifle, partly knowing that it would expose him, but also partly because he couldn¡¯t quite believe what he was seeing.


    On a rooftop in the opposing district, several ¡®Cocaine Crusaders¡¯ held out some torches as two individuals Svaartal couldn¡¯t make out too well stepped into the light. They seemed to be wearing some kind of pink accessories, and looked to be grey, furry mammalians of some kind.


    ¡°Yo! Listen!¡± one of them yelled out.


    ¡°Whazzup drow pussies? You¡¯re the Master Race? The Cocaine Crusaders will fuck up your space!¡± the other rapped, and Svaartal felt a buzz of energy over the area. He had heard of magically enchanted music, but he had rarely seen it in action. Though the crappy lyrics of the bardic mockery had no effect on him, he could see a few of the drow shake their heads, clearly demoralised.


    ¡°OOOOOOH!¡± the crowd cheered, as the rappers continued.


    ¡°The Cocaine Crusaders are the kings of the street! We¡¯re gonna wreck your shit and hand you defeat!¡±


    The crowd jeered again and started returning fire at the drow on the walls, who took more casualties as the soldiers were affected by the bardic performance.


    ¡°This ugly ass fortress smells like Zorn saliva! Oh, wait, that¡¯s Izadora¡¯s va-¡±


    ¡°Kill them!¡± Izadora yelled in rage as she marched out onto the battlefield, Soren hurrying after her, with a squad of soldiers having been quickly brought together. ¡°Artillery, take aim at that building! Blast it to the ground!¡±


    Several crews on the secondary walls shook themselves out of their stupor as they worked to obey their mistress, before the air was filled with an ear-splitting cacophony of high-pitched whines as the Mal¡¯Kar Void Cannons ripped into the building the rappers had been performing on, who wisely stopped their performance and ran for their lives, even as the drugged up mob intensified their attack.


    The magical barrier, strong as it was, began to show more dire signs of strain. Arcane sigils, acting as the barrier''s anchors, started to flicker and wane. The pulsating rhythm of the shield grew more erratic, matching the wild intensity of the gangers'' onslaught, before suddenly, with a sound like breaking glass, the barrier shattered into millions of ethereal fragments. An eerie silence, lasting no more than a heartbeat, blanketed the battlefield, before their attackers gave a triumphant and deafening roar.


    ¡°Alrighty y¡¯all!¡± Svaartal spotted an avian with the shiniest white feathers he had ever seen yell out to the excited mob. ¡°To be the boss, you gotta beat the boss, so seek and destroy! First one to get in there and take out the Matriarch gets a lifetime supply of cocaine! WOOOOOOOO!¡±


    ¡°WOOOOOO!¡± the crowd echoed back as they surged forward.


    ¡°This does not bode well, master,¡± Carrow told him, stating the obvious.


    ¡°The compound still has a sizable force - they¡¯re likely mustering now, but they¡¯re being slow about it. We''ve just got to stall our attackers for now while our Patrons get their shit together!¡± Svaartal reasoned, before, without warning, a series of loud booms rocked the wall, causing the Nirah to stagger as massive chunks of metal and chrome were blown apart, sending plumes of dust and debris into the sky.


    Coughing through the dust, he looked around. The explosions had created a massive breach in the wall, large enough for two mechs to march through side by side. Through the smoke and haze, crazed gangers poured into the compound, their war cries signalling the compound''s imminent doom.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± Svaartal groaned as he straightened up. ¡°Cover me while I cast!¡±


    Carrow did so, flying high and cast a spell of his own, summoning several orbs of flame that slowly orbited around him, an effect that was copied onto Svaartal due to their familiar bond. The Nirah recognised the spell, and knew that he could send the fiery missiles towards a target at will. A weak spell, but still useful.


    ¡®Naszhevah!¡¯ Svaartal growled, quickly breaking cover to point his wand at the mob below, shooting out a ball of greyish-brown mist that detonated and quickly expanded, causing many of the gangsters to scream in agony as the horrific wilting gas ripped the moisture from anything it touched.


    Though he had cast one of his most powerful spells and had bought the defenders some time, Svaartal groaned as he saw it dissipate as quickly as it had arrived, confirming the presence of enemy wizards, as the mob simply climbed over the bodies his spell had left behind.


    Suddenly, a wall of darkness shot out in front of him, heavily obscuring his vision as the same wall extended all along the primary wall. He could still perceive well enough through his natural darkvision, but he could barely make out anything distinct.


    ¡°Gunners to the walls!¡± Izadora snarled, as Svaartal realised the Drow had better darksight than he did. ¡°You can see through the cover, use it and thin their ranks!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve got wizards employing countermagic!¡± Svaartal yelled out, as the Matriarch used her dark clerical powers to summon shadowy tentacles from the ground to lash out at the attackers


    ¡°Damn! They¡¯re disrupting my undead!¡± Kravel snarled. ¡°Still, they can¡¯t counter everything!¡±


    ¡°No, they can¡¯t,¡± Svaartal agreed, as he summoned the staff of Devil¡¯s Daughter, channelling hellfire to scorch the ground in front of the breach. He couldn¡¯t see how effective it was, but as long as he could sort-of see the ground, he had a target.


    ¡°WE¡¯RE ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN! YEAH!¡± he heard the loud, booming voice of Commander Cocaine from somewhere beyond, which was met by more cheers from the crowd. Still, they were able to hold the breach, as Svaartal saw several of the drow mechs unload into the bottleneck, stalling the attack, with Soren organising disciplined firing lines that held back the screaming horde.


    ¡°To the breach! We shall massacre this filth!¡± he heard a voice cry out. It was one of the house females but not Izadora. Peering through the smoke, Svaartal spotted Vaetrix and Ull leading several heavily armoured veteran drow to the front lines. ¡°Prepare to counterattack!¡±


    ¡°This is much more like it,¡± Carrow quipped to Svaartal, noting that both of the senior drow were ready for battle in the finest drow-forged heavy plate armour. ¡°Ready, master?¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± the Nirah replied with a determined nod, before blinking down to ground level as Vaetrix gave orders to nearby officers while more squads piled into the courtyard, before Izadora conjured a platform of solid shadowstuff to stand on and address the troops.


    ¡°The ignorant and the blind have dared to trespass on our sacred domain!¡± The Matriarch snarled ¡°They seek to challenge the might of the drow, of House Mal¡¯Kar! They think to try to desecrate our halls, and to question the superiority of our race!¡±


    Izadora¡¯s voice, dripping with scorn, echoed over the chaotic sounds of the mob outside, obviously enhanced by the drow¡¯s magic. The atmosphere grew heavy, charged with the raw power of anticipation. ¡°Are we not the Master Race that is destined to rule the galaxy? Do they not fear our power? Their foolish audacity stems from their ignorance! They know not the depths of our cunning, the strength of our resolve, or the potency of our vengeance!¡±


    The drow and their allies gripped their weapons tighter, rearing for the order to charge out and bring retribution to Commander Cocaine.


    ¡°They may have numbers, but we possess the skill, the strategy, and the power to see our will be done! All shall remember the fury of House Mal¡¯Kar, and all shall whisper our name in fear for generations to come! Charge! Leave none alive!¡±


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    As Izadora¡¯s words cascaded like thunder across the compound, a deafening roar erupted from the throats of thousands of drow, their voices melding into a singular battle cry that promised doom to any who dared oppose them, as the gates opened, and the soldiers rushed out to bring the fight to the mob outside.


    Recognising Dextra¡¯s mech by the custom parts, Svaartal blinked up to behind the cockpit to avoid getting caught up in the charge of the bipedal drow, taking the opportunity to rest behind some mobile cover.


    ¡°Credit where it¡¯s due, Izadora can make an effective speech.¡± Dextra sighed, knowing it was Svaartal who had just hitched a ride without turning in her seat. ¡°Though she still didn¡¯t see this coming. Stay on my back and cover my blind spots!¡±


    ¡°Of course she didn¡¯t see it coming, our attackers are high on cocaine!¡± Svaartal snorted in amusement as Dextra piloted her mech through the breach. ¡°And copy that!¡±


    ¡°Target officers and enemy mages,¡± Vaetrix called out to the troops, as she led the spearhead, clashing with the mob that was determined to bring them down. ¡°They¡¯re the ones organising these scum, but I want the leader for myself!¡±


    ¡°Better her than me,¡± Dextra quipped as she spun up her mech¡¯s Arc Spitter. ¡°My mech¡¯s hooked up to less-lethal weaponry from the raid and I can¡¯t exactly change it like a new set of clothes!¡±


    ¡°As long as they¡¯re out of the fight, I suspect it won¡¯t matter,¡± Svaartal pointed out, as he could see Kravel in the distance engage a group of Cocaine Crusaders that attempted to surround the House Wizard, before they quickly summoned the spectre of a dark skull that shot out and exploded in between them, blasting the attackers with waves of negative energy, while the necromancer used his black flames to incinerate any left standing. Elsewhere on the battlefield, he spotted Soren engaging a trio of witches, lashing out at one that had begun casting with his whip, taking a massive chunk of her jaw off before she collapsed to the ground, drowning in her own blood.


    ¡°They¡¯re either super brave or super stupid, I don¡¯t think they¡¯re gonna break that easily,¡± Dextra retorted as she spun up her Force Maul in her mech¡¯s other fist and lashed out with a horizontal swipe, sending several fleeing gangers to smack into the district wall, motivating the rest to scatter and flee. ¡°Look there!¡±


    Svaartal looked towards where Dextra had indicated with a nod of the mech¡¯s head, spotting Vaetrix engaging a particularly dense portion of the mob, flanked by Ull. Despite facing two of House Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s most powerful combatants, the mob kept on coming, spurred on by the bright white avian spokesman, who appeared to be spurring on the gangers with some kind of clerical power. Ull stepped forward and did¡­something that Svaartal could not identify, that instantly caused most of the mob to immediately flee, with the exception of the avian, who resisted the effect and quickly pulled some white powder out of his pale robe, burying his face and giving it a good sniff before mockingly strutting up to the two drow.


    ¡°WE¡¯RE IN TOWN FOR A PARTY BITCH! WOOOOOOO!¡± the avian bellowed, before Vaetrix stepped forward, her spiked black plate armour and billowing midnight cloak taking on a strikingly dark purple hue as she channelled an aura of Graviton power, lifting up the white bird by his neck, causing them to choke pathetically for a moment, before they were telekinetically pulled forward to impale himself on the drow¡¯s now glowing indigo blade.


    But she wasn¡¯t done.


    Muttering some words under her breath, Vaetrix then raised her offhand and clenched it into a fist as she channelled the power of a black hole, manipulating the local gravity to pull the panicking mob of screaming attackers to her. Flourishing her blade in a practised stance, she began slicing, chopping and decimating all of the unfortunates caught in the maelstrom of graviton power, until none stood before her. Quickly making a motion with her arms, Vaetrix¡¯s aura of indigo light shifted to a blazing, burning neon orange as she led her troops out of sight.


    ¡°Well damn,¡± Dextra commented. ¡°Guess we¡¯d better catch up! My scanners are showing the mob blanketing at least a radius of five districts out, it¡¯s huge!¡±


    ¡°You had better get moving then.¡± Svaartal shrugged in jest, getting comfortable from his position on Dextra¡¯s mech, with Carrow perched on his shoulder. ¡°You should really install a chair for this thing.¡±


    ¡°An ejector seat maybe¡­¡± the drow scoffed.


    *****


    ¡°There he is! Straight ahead!¡± Carrow informed his master from the skies, as they emerged into a wide open field with little cover.


    ¡°STEP INTO THE DANGER ZONE! YEAH!¡± Commander Cocaine yelled, as the drow forces converged on his position from multiple angles, setting up portable cover as firing lines immediately engaged them. Much of the mob had been encouraged to redirect themselves away from House Mal¡¯Kar to cause trouble elsewhere in the city, though Izadora had given explicit orders to eliminate Commander Cocaine, his top officers and any foolish enough to stand in their way.


    Credit where credit was due, Commander Cocaine had given them hell, setting up an effective fighting retreat, to the point where the question was raised to allow the Cocaine Crusaders to flee the area, but was denied by the majority. They had taken losses, but the loss of face could not be tolerated when there were powerful rivals making plays in the city.


    Commander Cocaine looked every bit ready for battle, the hulking aquatic warrior in highly durable, high-tech power armour, without a helmet, instead donning his usual pair of oversized goggles and a bandanna. At his side he held what looked like a heavy-duty halberd, and a massive long-gun attached to his armour with brackets for support.


    ¡°Charge! Bring him down! Make him suffer!¡± Izadora yelled, as the drow troops surged forward, though Svaartal could see signs of protest here and there, most notably from Ull and Vaetrix, though Dextra had no such reservations.


    Suddenly, the booming voice of HashBash could be heard over the chaos.


    ¡°Thought ya haz us, did ya?¡± the brute taunted. ¡°Thought we wuz runnin? Come out boyz! Hit ''em hard, Hit ''em fast and give ''em plenty of Dakka!¡±


    Suddenly from the walls of the district behind the retreating mob, several squads of outfitted gangers revealed themselves and set up firing lines, quickly unloading into the charging drow.


    ¡°Damn, we¡¯re committed now!¡± Dextra lamented. ¡°All mech units! Advance carefully and give our troops some cover! Deploy nanowalls!¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± Svaartal grumbled under his breath as he rapidly cast several protection spells in quick succession to cover them both from the ¡®dakka¡¯, as Commander Cocaine suddenly charged forward and leapt high in the air, before slamming into the closest mech and knocking it down, finishing it with a powerful strike from his halberd.


    ¡°That¡¯s not good!¡± Dextra gasped in panic. ¡°I¡¯ve gotta engage him, can you try and thin out the shooters closest to us? Dropships are nearly back, and I¡¯ve marked their targets!¡±


    ¡°On it.¡± Svaartal sighed, knowing better than to argue as he quickly cast an invisibility spell on himself, summoned his jetpack, and took to the skies, shooting towards the roof of the closest building before anyone had any idea he was on his way. He looked back towards the main battle as the mob suddenly lurched forward again, inspired by their leader as the lines clashed, invigorated by a second wind.


    Svaartal got higher and higher, as he saw Commander Cocaine make his stand against House Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s forces. He didn¡¯t see a way out for the crazy drugged-up warrior, though he did respect them for having the balls to attack the drow that were now circling around the aquatic leader. He saw Braska at the forefront advancing towards the kill, waiting for the right opportunity to-


    ¡°YEAH!¡±


    Commander Cocaine suddenly yelled out, sending Braska and the nearby drow flying back violently into their comrades with a blast of unrelenting telekinetic force! What was that? Their intel reports did not suggest that Commander Cocaine was a mage, it was like he just¡­shouted.


    Reinvigorated by the stand of their Commander, more of his loyal troops rallied to protect him, even as Svaartal saw Vaetrix advancing his way.


    ¡°You will suffer for trespassing in our territory, fool!¡± Vaetrix snarled as drow troops parted to allow their Mistress to lead from the front.


    ¡°YOU CAN¡¯T TAKE ME BITCH! BECAUSE I¡¯M WILD! YEAH!¡± Commander Cocaine retorted, as he laid down a spread of heavy fire with his turbocharged plasma sprayer, forcing Vaetrix to summon a glowing wall of heat that absorbed the impacts, but prevented anyone from advancing.


    ¡°Master! Look out!¡± Carrow warned, and the Nirah quickly ducked from a blue ray of arcane power sent his way, though curiously, it didn¡¯t appear to have been shot from the ground¡­.


    ¡°So¡­we meet at last, Svaartal,¡± a voice snarled in the sky. Svaartal expended his magical senses to get a rough idea of where the attacker was, turning around to where he thought they were. ¡°Did you really think you could escape punishment for your crimes?¡±


    Svaartal thought for a moment. The voice was male and a little nasally, and he did think he recognised it from somewhere, but who was it? One of the Red Legion aspirants that wanted to work for him? Surely not¡­


    ¡°It is clear you have the advantage,¡± Svaartal replied, as he silently directed Carrow to flank the mystery man. ¡°For I haven¡¯t a clue who you are.¡±


    ¡°But you will, Serpent!¡± the voice snarled, before several magic missiles were shot his way.


    Location found.


    ¡°Skaalp!¡± Svaartal yelled, sending a disruptor knife flying out towards the source of the magic missiles, and was rewarded with a high-pitched yelp of pain as the form of his invisible attacker was revealed. It was a medium-sized, overweight-looking being with pinkish-brown fur, a long cone-like trunk, huge grey bulbous eyes and thin, spindly arms, not looking too different from the last time Svaartal had seen them, though now wearing a set of poorly fitted black robes, a dark staff with a few minor enchantments, and an intricate wooden mask, shaped into that of a Devilspawn¡¯s face.


    ¡°HAH!¡± Svaartal snorted in amusement. ¡°I know who you are now, I saw your video! Am I supposed to call you ¡®DevilLover69¡¯ or ¡®The Supreme Gentleman¡¯¡±?


    ¡°My name is unimportant!¡± The mage snarled. ¡°You defeated Devil¡¯s Daughter, and honour demands that you die for it! I told you I¡¯d see you on the streets punk, but I¡¯ll settle for the skies!¡±


    ¡°You think you can do better than she did?¡± Svaartal deadpanned to the terrified-looking fan. ¡°Flee. I don¡¯t have the time for you.¡±


    ¡°Never! I trained for you!¡± the mage yelled through his fear as he quickly cast a spell, shooting out a dazzling array of flashing, coloured lights from his hands in an attempt to temporarily blind the Nirah, who was able to shield his eyes from the attempt. The mage, who looked like he was struggling from staying in the air, moved back as he began drawing on his power for another spell, casting a flaming sphere that he shot out towards the Nirah, before it exploded in a fireball, causing Svaartal to quickly summon a shield that absorbed the worst of it, though it sent him spinning through the air.


    Quickly righting himself, Svaartal could see the enemy mage fly after him as quickly as possible, perceiving an opening. Swiftly thrusting his hands forward, the Nirah placed an invisible Wall of Force right in front of him, which the mage smashed into like a bug on a windshield, before he then fell from the sky and slammed down on one of the rooftops overlooking the battle. Several gangsters who were firing down on the battlefield immediately noticed the development and moved to support ¡®DevilLover69¡¯.


    "Terralika!" Svaartal growled, pointing his wand down on the roof, blasting a green globe of acid which detonated and showered the unfortunate gangers in a corrosive torrent, though their shielding mostly held up.


    ¡°Shoot ¡®im outta da sky, boyz!¡± one of the gangers yelled in warning, before Svartal cast a fireball that blew the gangers apart, even blasting several off the building to crash onto the battlefield below. Seeing that there were still some left alive, Svaartal deactivated his jetpack to fall to the ground, using his Ring of Featherfall to land safely, before summoning the staff of Devil¡¯s Daughter as Carrow comfortably landed on his shoulder. Using the power of the staff to split-cast a Scorching Ray, he dispatched the remaining gangers, leaving only the mage who had just enough fight left to cast a basic elemental shield.


    ¡°For someone that¡¯s never been in combat before, you¡¯ve done surprisingly well,¡± Svaartal complimented the mage, despite the situation. ¡°If it¡¯s any consolation for you, she¡¯s probably still alive. I took the staff, but I cannot confirm if I took her life. Now get out of here.¡±


    ¡°No! Fuck you!¡± The mage shakily pulled themselves to their feet. ¡°Devil¡¯s Daughter fought to try and make this city a better place! I¡¯ve come to pick up the torch even if it kills me! All the time people mock me for following her and spreading the word, but the Emerald King showed me the way! I CAN stand up to evil, just like she did! Myranzi!¡±


    ¡°Shri¡¯ak!¡± Svaartal retorted, having been ready for it, obliterating the misguided mage.


    He sighed in relief as he saw the fleet of drow ships arriving and opening fire on the enemy positions, causing the squads to break and run away. He slithered to the edge of the rooftop, looking for anything else he needed to do, but saw nothing, except the battle ending.


    He had known that Commander Cocaine had ordered a general retreat, and despite the tenacity of the drow counterattack, he had managed to preserve the bulk of his forces as the drow focused on him. Despite that, however, Commander Cocaine and his elite troops had managed to hold their ground as he saw Vaetrix and Ull engaged in fierce combat with the man, who grinned widely at seeing that his troops had made it out.


    ¡°I¡¯M TOO HOT TO HANDLE! YEAH!¡± Commander Cocaine yelled, as an explosion detonated at his feet, blasting his drow adversaries away, before he turned around and ran away at high speed.


    ¡°Catch him! I want him dead!¡± Izadora yelled, but it was not to be, as Svaartal sat on the edge of the building and observed the madness below.


    Svaartal was amused to see the form of Braska be attended to by drow medics, the Balnath having been completely rekt by Commander Cocaine. He swore he could even hear her groans of pain all the way from the roof he was on! It almost brought a damn tear to his eye, until his mind went back to what Braska had done earlier that night¡­


    *****


    ¡°Overall things went well, but Kravel¡¯s probably gonna bitch to Izadora about what happened with Braska, as you technically did interfere with her revenge, so it has jeopardised the deal she made with us,¡± Dextra told Svaartal as they lounged in the Mal¡¯Kar armoury, staying out of the way while drow troops busied themselves with dealing with repairs, wounded and newly captured slaves. ¡°Why did you even get so heated up?¡±


    ¡°Why? She gunned down the fucking children!¡± Svaartal snarled. ¡°They weren¡¯t combatants! They were captured civilians!¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Dextra shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°We lose a little bit of cash on selling them to a rich pervert, but it¡¯s not like we can¡¯t afford the loss even if we just took a massive attack. We¡¯re still coming out of this with a decent payoff, and Braska¡¯s proven herself as a wrecking ball! You think a couple of shitty ganger kids of no consequence stand up in worth to a powerful juggernaut like Braska? Relax!¡±


    Svaartal just stood there in silence, carefully regulating his breathing, and not dignifying what Dextra was saying with a response. Even if he did, he knew it wouldn¡¯t end well for him.


    ¡°Aww come on, you haven¡¯t gone soft on us, have you?¡± Dextra asked teasingly, wrapping both of her arms around the Nirah. ¡°Sure, I get that you¡®re a bit of a perfectionist and achieve the best results you can, but you don¡¯t exactly need to worry about any reprisal from the Inner Circle, so don¡¯t worry! Maybe you should come relax with me instead¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Svaartal began. ¡°No, I need to clear my mind, and Izadora has requested my presence tonight, once her¡­arrangements have been settled.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I guess she¡¯ll probably run you ragged.¡± Dextra chuckled. ¡°Come on, you can stay with me for a bit, we can have some fun before-¡±


    Both Svaartal and Dextra suddenly snapped their heads around in shock as the door they were leaning next to opened, and the figure standing in the doorway looked at them with a very confused expression, leaning on their staff for support.


    ¡°Svaartal?¡± Svaarti asked, eyes wide in shock as she staggered into the room. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Where am I?¡±

 Chapter 95: Activity Day

    ¡°Morning,¡± Nika greeted Jack as they both quietly snuck outside for morning exercises. ¡°I don¡¯t know about you, but I¡¯m keeping it light after last night. Calling everyone over and hauling all that electrical shit back before the crazies came out to play was a lot more effort than I could have predicted. Sooner we get the damn fabricator the sooner we won¡¯t need to walk everywhere!¡±


    ¡°But the utilities are still gonna be a problem even if we get the thing, right?¡± Jack asked, and the Kizun nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Yep, all we need to do is we work out where our main lines run and do a cable hook to syphon some power from an office building or something so hopefully nobody notices, at least until we become completely self-sufficient. With luck it¡¯ll be the same place as the water pipes¡­¡±


    ¡°How do these utility companies even work here?¡± Jack asked. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine they¡¯d want to install measuring equipment at random places underground.¡±


    ¡°Is that how it¡¯s done where you¡¯re from?¡± Nika asked as she and Jack began stretching.


    ¡°Kind of, but usually attached to the houses and with less danger.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°How does it happen here then?¡±


    ¡°They provide the juice and give you a monthly allowance of it depending on what you pay. Once the cap gets reached, they can cut you off from where they are. Even worse, it¡¯s based on what they send rather than what you receive. The Ring being as flawed as it is means it¡¯s not very efficient, especially in the cities. In the country it¡¯s much easier if the locals know what they¡¯re doing, but here it basically means we can syphon enough for ourselves as long as we don¡¯t get too greedy and probably never get caught.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°I still think the first thing we should fabricate is some solar panels just in case though.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good, it¡¯d be great not to have to be so paranoid about watching TV.¡± Jack chuckled as began to jog on the spot, before he suddenly stopped, seeing something out of the corner of his eye. He turned around and saw Sephy jogging around the perimeter, who didn¡¯t see them as she kept running.


    ¡°Damn, that¡¯s not like her,¡± Nika commented worryingly. ¡°She¡¯s probably plugged into some music, let¡¯s go check on her.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take much effort to catch up to the Skritta, though it was only when Nika overtook her did Sephy realise they were there.


    ¡°Oh hey guys! Am I making you look bad being up this early?¡± Sephy smiled, tired from the exertion.


    ¡°Not at all!¡± Nika retorted. ¡°It¡¯s just weird seeing you exercising is all. Sure I¡¯ve seen you up at this time before, but that¡¯s only when you¡¯re pulling all-nighters! Didn¡¯t you say you had scans running and didn¡¯t need to do anything for the moment?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I was tired, but I really couldn¡¯t sleep that well.¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°Last night was a bit much. I just needed to clear my head in meat-space for a bit.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised,¡± Jack said as they continued jogging alongside her. ¡°I can only imagine what you found on their system that made you want to kill Viel.¡±


    ¡°No, you couldn¡¯t.¡± The Skritta shuddered. ¡°Or at least I hope you can¡¯t. Viel was marked for death for a damn good reason, and I confirmed he did everything accused of and more.¡±


    ¡°At least he got justice.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Or at least what passes for it here.¡±


    ¡°Is it better where you¡¯re from?¡± Nika asked. ¡°Catching assholes like Viel?¡±


    ¡°Yes and no.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Many get caught in honey trap operations or from being reported to the authorities in some way. However, rich criminals have a bad habit of getting away with their crimes, usually by corruption in the system.¡±


    ¡°Huh, guess it doesn¡¯t sound that much better where you¡¯re from then.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°At least we still did a good job stopping his group from scamming people.¡±


    ¡°An okayish payday for one raid too,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Even though it got split with Tagrilla¡¯s people - and we picked up some good hardware, although I want to fully format and purge all the electronics before we do anything with them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be worried if you didn¡¯t,¡± Jack agreed, as he slowed down his pace to allow his friends to keep up with him as they passed the remains of the shuttle they had parked by the district wall. ¡°So when do we get to go for the fabricator? And how do we even get it?¡±


    ¡°Tagrilla¡¯s gonna confirm the location with us when he says there¡¯s a window of opportunity to grab it, and he¡¯s told us to be ready to head out on short notice, which we pretty much are,¡± Nika told them. ¡°Plan is to hook the fabricators up to some cargo drones, one of which we keep for ourselves, and ride out of the complex with our fabricator.¡±


    ¡°Wait a second - ride out of the complex?¡± Jack asked, eyebrows raised. ¡°Seriously, what? You said it¡¯s a drone, right?¡±


    ¡°Cargo drones can be pretty big,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°We¡¯d probably need to attach ourselves with climbing rigs or something, which we have. I can plot us a course that¡¯ll take us somewhere safe, so at least we don¡¯t need to try and pilot the thing, just hold on.¡±


    ¡°How reassuring,¡± Jack deadpanned. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t take Dante for this job then, unless some of us extract a different way? I remember how scared he was when we brought the shuttle here and when we went on that joyride the other day.¡±


    ¡°Since we don¡¯t have a location yet we can¡¯t do too much preplanning, except pack the gear we¡¯re probably going to need, but I agree.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°But yeah, he might be better suited sitting this one out and standing guard here while we¡¯re away. It¡¯s probably going to happen sometime during the night so we¡¯ll be traversing the streets again, but at least if Tagrilla and his crew are assisting us then we should be alright.¡±


    ¡°The same Tagrilla that betrayed us in the past,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°It¡¯s something we need to do, but it¡¯s still sketchy.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Sephy acknowledged, before suddenly turning her head back towards the house. ¡°You hear that? I think someone else is up?¡±


    ¡°Heh, getting tired already?¡± Nika chuckled, before she heard it too. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s check it out before they wake everyone up!¡±


    Still full of energy, the three of them walked back to the living room, spotting Vanya chatting excitedly with someone on her comlink, closely observed by a curious Chiyo, before the Ilithiii noticed them and moved to intercept the trio.


    Svaarti¡¯s awake, the Ilithii told them with a relieved smile. Given the circumstances, it might be best to leave them to it. She¡¯s mostly fine, though she¡¯s really confused. Apparently, House Mal¡¯Kar got attacked last night by Commander Cocaine!


    ¡°Hah!¡± Jack smirked. ¡°What a chad! Glad Svaarti¡¯s alright too!¡±


    ¡°That means Clan Bharzum will probably want to hold their ceremony to honour those that fought against the Klowns soon,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°There¡¯s no way they were going to do it without her, she saved a hell of a lot of people during the attack!¡±


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯ll have fixed your gauntlet, Jack?¡± Sephy added excitedly. ¡°They said they were going to try and improve it too!¡±


    It¡¯s unlikely they¡¯ll invite everybody to their compound at the crack of dawn on short notice, Chiyo pointed out in amusement. Probably tomorrow afternoon once they confirm with Svaarti if she¡¯s able to make it. They¡¯ll want to invite news reporters too - Hoduth Clans take honour seriously, but they¡¯ll still take the opportunity to advance their reputation and interests.


    ¡°Will that be a problem?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Considering we ended up on the news for our joyride the other day? Not to mention everyone that wants to kill us?¡±


    ¡°While we did appear in the headlines, us messing around on the motorway wasn¡¯t the most notable thing to happen that night, so I wouldn¡¯t be too worried. And Clan Bharzum will go overboard with security this time,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°They can¡¯t take the chance not to, even though not many of our enemies would risk trying something at an event like that.¡±


    ¡°Oh no,¡± Sephy disagreed. ¡°There are definitely enough crazies after us that it¡¯s possible!¡±


    Possible,but unlikely, Chiyo allowed. We won¡¯t be the only ones there. House Mal¡¯Kar and the Red Legion will bring their own formidable entourages to keep the rest in check, and several of the local groups with an interest in proceedings will also want to keep their people safe.


    ¡°So we shouldn¡¯t need to worry about anyone coming to kill us specifically, more the attending factions trying to kill each other if someone throws a bad enough insult.¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°Speaking of¡­¡± Jack segwayed. ¡°What about Dr Grine? Any news on him?¡±


    Nothing, Chiyo confirmed. He¡¯s probably gone to ground now that it¡¯s publicly known he¡¯s worked with the Klowns. It¡¯s easy to hide on the Ring if you really want to, even if you don¡¯t have some power to disguise yourself.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Could Grine have been-¡±


    No. Chiyo smiled patiently, knowing what Sephy was thinking. I don¡¯t think it could have been Dr Grine who tricked us and sent us to Scraphaven. Whoever that was, they were highly skilled in the arcane and in trap-building, whereas Grine is a scientist and a mutant.


    ¡°He did have a mage associate¡­¡± Jack began, before a small noise from the living room alerted them that a few more people had woken up. Alora was quick to walk up to them, rubbing her eyes as Dante padded along dutifully.


    I would have been able to tell if there was more than one individual, Chiyo reasoned. But though it could have been your mysterious mage, that doesn¡¯t explain the residue left behind.


    ¡°Just as it could have been one of the numerous other psychos on the Ring.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°We can¡¯t know for sure, but we have that grey goo to hold on to. It¡¯s the only lead we have on whoever that was.¡±


    ¡°Morning Alora! Hey Dante!¡± Jack greeted as she reached them. ¡°What are we getting up to today?¡±


    ¡°Not much. I want to keep it light and have a somewhat lazy day today.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°We have stuff to sort through and we¡¯re on call for a heist. With luck that¡¯ll be tonight or in the early hours of the morning so we can get our fabricator set up. I was hoping today we could gather some scrap and raw materials and pile them up, maybe start going through a few of the other buildings while I¡¯m here to supervise. They may be ancestral structures of my House, but a significant portion of it is beyond repair, and won¡¯t serve anybody by continuing to rot. The rest at least might be preservable in some form.¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be respectful, Alora.¡± Sephy nodded, knowing how important the area was to the Eladrie. ¡°If just the five of us go through it, we can task the others with adding to the pile from scavenge runs or sort out what we already have.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Alora nodded in agreement, before snorting in sudden amusement. ¡°I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re all up this early! What¡¯s wrong with us!¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like we¡¯re the only ones either,¡± Jack noted as he saw a group of their new housemates jogging along the perimeter of the district, just like he and Nika liked to do. ¡°I think we¡¯ve inspired a few of them!¡±


    Speaking of¡­ Chiyo slyly replied. Jack, have you thought about what activity you want to run?


    ¡°Uhhh¡­.¡± Jack began. He really hadn¡¯t thought too hard about what he wanted to run for the group, originally thinking about football before Nika ¡®borrowed¡¯ the idea. He did have a few things he could try¡­


    Suddenly, he was hit with a spark of inspiration as he saw people jogging around the district, past several piles of wood that were just laying there, giving him an idea.


    ¡°My ¡®official¡¯ activity can be tonight, but until then¡­¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Have any of you heard of Parkour?¡±


    *****


    ¡°So¡­¡± Jack nervously began as a bunch of alien students were all staring at him in excitement. ¡°Parkour is the French martial art of running away, and is also sometimes known as ¡®free running¡¯, and basically focuses on getting from one point to another in the most efficient way possible, and overcoming physical obstacles in the way!¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you¡¯ve made a mess of the garden!¡± Alora chuckled in amusement, joined by the rest of the group that were now looking at Jack¡¯s obstacle course with a fresh perspective.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that bad!¡± Jack snorted in amusement. ¡°They all represent obstacles that you might face if you were doing it in the streets! You just need to get past them! Vault, jump and climb your way to the end of the course as quick as you can! I haven¡¯t made it too risky or anything, and obviously I¡¯m working with what I¡¯ve got, but if you¡¯re not feeling confident¡­¡±


    How do we get past that!? Chiyo asked, as she pointed to several large, thick planks of wood that Jack had attached between several poles to act as an impromptu fence next to the district wall, which Jack had set up as the most difficult obstacle, though he¡¯d be there to catch anyone that botched trying to get past it.


    ¡°How indeed?¡± Jack asked mischievously, giving them all a wide grin. ¡°Part of the fun is working out how to get past an obstacle, kind of like a puzzle!¡±


    In that case¡­ Chiyo shrugged, simply levitating over the fence, making a show of going up and down as several of the spectating students jokingly booed.


    ¡°Technically that counts.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°But that won¡¯t help you every time! It¡¯s good to try and find different solutions to a problem so you can pick the best one in a given situation.¡±


    ¡°This something you actually did back on Earth or is it just something cool you¡¯ve wanted to try?¡± Sephy asked Jack with a cheeky wink.


    ¡°Hah! A lot of us guys got into it during our lunch breaks at school,¡± Jack replied truthfully. ¡°The internet loves it and it¡¯s cool to do, so we were always competing with each other until whenever the teachers yelled at us to stop. I wasn¡¯t the best though, there were some kids who did gymnastics so they were naturally better at it. At most I could do a few vaults and jumps but that was about it, I wasn¡¯t going to try the flippy shit and injure myself. I just thought since a lot of people want to get their exercise in we could spice it up a bit! I have something planned for tonight when it gets dark too!¡±


    ¡°And you still have something planned for tonight?¡± Alora clarified. ¡°Alright, well I guess we can look forward to that too! Who wants to go first?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try!¡± Sephy grinned as she stepped up to the starting point, before looking curiously at the stones in front of her. ¡°Uhh Jack, how is this an obstacle?¡±


    ¡°Try jumping from one to the other like skipping stones!¡± Jack grinned.


    Sephy shrugged, then did so, effortlessly jumping from one rock to the other while using her wings to keep her balance.


    ¡°Very good!¡± Jack praised, ¡°though that was just the first obstacle - you¡¯re not going to quit, are you?¡±


    ¡°Hell no!¡± Sephy scoffed, before briefly considering the next obstacle - a low, horizontal broomstick that was raised off the ground by a few poles. Quickly leaping over it without much effort, she jogged to the next one.


    ¡°What the fuck?¡± the Skritta asked Jack, as she found a ladder held up horizontally in the air with enough poles that it held his weight, though he was still crossing his fingers that there wouldn¡¯t be any botches. ¡°How the hell did you set all this up in thirty minutes anyway?¡±


    ¡°Did it with the Scouts a few times,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°Setting stuff like this up is pretty much second nature to me at this point.¡±


    Sephy shrugged, jumped up high to grab onto the improvised ¡®monkey bars¡¯, then used her wings to propel herself on top of them to walk across in a move that completely took Jack by surprise before the human was quick to join the roaring applause of everyone watching.


    ¡°Jack, that one might be too harsh for the others,¡± the Skritta pointed out as she carefully dropped to the other side.


    ¡°Actually you were meant to use your arms to climb underneath it!¡± Jack pointed out to raucous laughter from everybody else.


    ¡°Thought you said I¡¯ve gotta work this out myself?¡± Sephy grinned as she practised using the monkey bars as intended, clearly having fun.


    ¡°I did say that, yes¡­¡± Jack snorted, not having expected the Skritta to pay that much attention to him as she made it to several different sized barriers with gaps and space to go over and under, though the Skritta simply used her wings to use all of them as stepping stones, before rushing to the final larger one that she tried to leap, before clipping the top and tumbling to the ground, with Jack catching her in time.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack smirked. ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡±


    *****


    ¡°A bit naff, but it¡¯s a bit of fun.¡± Jack grinned as more and more people decided to join the queue of wannabe freerunners. ¡°I¡¯m surprised I haven¡¯t seen it yet here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s definitely a thing,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Several species and cultures practise some form of advanced ground traversal, including the Kizun. I guess you don¡¯t see it as much because it¡¯s something military or security forces would train in, rather than something you do for fun. Still good practice to do, though maybe once we get the fabricator set up you can make some better obstacles.¡±


    ¡°Or we could find a good place outside to practise!¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°It¡¯ll be good to be able to hang out in the city again, I should show you a few of the pieces I have around, assuming they¡¯re still there!¡±


    ¡°Pieces?¡± Jack questioned.


    ¡°Her graffiti, it¡¯s actually really good!¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve done one Sephy, what are you planning?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet, it¡¯s gotta fit the location.¡± The Skritta shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to do a piece at Corvin Enterprises or Myrodin territory for the street cred, but honestly I might go for somewhere hit hard by one of the recent conflicts. Kinda like a tribute piece or something?¡±


    That could be a good idea, as long as you don¡¯t piss anyone off, Chiyo pointed out.


    ¡°Only if they deserve it.¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°No Mom-and-Pop shops, but I¡¯d do a CorvMart if I could.¡±


    ¡°Careful if you do!¡± Nika warned. ¡°Last thing you want is for Corvin Enterprises to catch you and make you a contestant on ¡®Hell Ring¡¯ or one of their other fucked-up gameshows!¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Sephy rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not suicidal! I¡¯d just try and go for one of their billboards in the neutral districts¡±¡±


    ¡°Sounds fun!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°I suck at art, but I can always keep a lookout!¡±


    ¡°Speaking of,¡± Nika interrupted, turning serious. ¡°We need to work out what we need to prepare for our heist. No idea on location, so we should have this stuff out and ready to chuck into a bag.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll normally be taking a lot already,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Datataps, tag erasers, scanners, that kind of thing. But most important of all is we use burner commlinks and either wipe or destroy them afterwards. Maybe ditch another one nearby just in case we need to contact the others as part of a fallback plan.¡±


    A little pricey, but good practice, Chiyo acknowledged. Don¡¯t want anyone to link us to the scene. I would also say we pack emergency food and stimms just in case we¡¯re caught in a bad spot. At least this time we can afford to be trapped for a day if the worst should happen while the battle lines shift.


    ¡°Extra bags,¡± Jack added, grinning at Sephy. ¡°We kinda forgot those last time and had to improvise!¡±


    ¡°Heh, at least it worked out!¡± The Skritta grinned back. Don¡¯t worry, we have some that can be unfurled if needed. Extra loot is always good, especially if we¡¯re stealing from a corp!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s always true! On that note - your rigs should be on top of whatever stealth clothing you¡¯re wearing,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°Make sure they can hold your body weight and whatever stuff you¡¯re carrying too. You¡¯ll all have plenty of carabiners and spare cables to attach you to our escape route, so just make sure you¡¯re able to move and get there if we need to run!¡±


    ¡°So we need to prepare what we can while trying to keep the load light.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°I guess we should mostly take things we can afford to leave behind in a pinch and make sure we eat well before we go there.


    ¡°Great.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Then let¡¯s narrow down what we¡¯ll need¡­¡±


    *****


    ¡°Good evening everyone.¡± Jack grinned as he shined a torch right up against his face. It was evening now, and after relaxing most of the day, and having received a VIP invitation from Clan Bharzum for the next day, many of the students were now lazily sitting around the firepit they had recently added next to one of the allotments set aside for crops. The fire crackled with lowly burning embers, sending a few sparks into the dark night sky.


    Jack allowed a moment to silently pass as he gave a theatrical sinister chuckle at seeing the confused faces. ¡°A tradition from my world with people our age is telling scary stories at night, and that is what we shall be doing. Try not to get scared¡­¡± He ended with another menacing chuckle, happy to see that at least a few others around the circle looked taken by the atmosphere.


    ¡°There was once a boy who lived in a small town surrounded by thick woods, and children often dared to play by the edge of the forest. But there was one rule everyone knew: never venture too deep, especially when the fog rolled in. Legends spoke of the Slenderman, a faceless, abnormally tall man with long, tentacle-like arms, who was said to lurk in the heart of the woods, waiting for unsuspecting children.¡±


    Several of the faces around the camp grew nervous as Jack told the story, which he simply recalled as best as he could from various creepypastas he had seen online. However, it seemed to do the trick for his captivated audience¡­


    ¡°One evening, after a day of playing hide and seek, the boy and his friends noticed one of them was missing. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the ground, and a thick fog began to blanket the forest. Panicked, they called out for their friend, but there was no response. Bravely, or perhaps foolishly driven by concern for their friend, they ventured into the enveloping fog. Their calls for their lost friend echoed through the trees. Hours seemed to pass as they searched, but the more they walked, the deeper the fog became, and the more disoriented they felt.


    ¡°Suddenly, the boy stumbled upon a drawing on the ground. It was a circle made of twigs with a cross in its centre, a known symbol connected to the Slenderman. Nearby, pinned to a tree, was a crudely drawn picture of a faceless figure with numerous arms. The boy''s heart raced, as he knew, right at that moment, that the legends were real.¡±


    He ended that sentence by lowering his voice into a low growl, building up the suspense.


    ¡°Panicking, they decided to head back. But as they tried to retrace their steps, they realised the path they had taken was gone, replaced by an endless, fog-covered maze. The only sound was the crunch of their footsteps and their own shaky breaths¡­¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t any of them have a commlink?¡± Sephy asked, confused. ¡°Just use the map setting to retrace your steps or something?¡±


    ¡°Rule of horror, Sephy!¡± Nika snorted in amusement.


    ¡°Then,¡± Jack continued. ¡°A faint rustle echoed from the trees behind them. Turning around, they saw a glimpse of an impossibly tall, faceless silhouette lurking in the fog. The Slenderman. The children ran, their breaths ragged, hearts pounding in their chests. Every so often, they''d see the looming figure of Slenderman just beyond their vision, sometimes appearing ahead of them, as if he could teleport at will. Eventually, somehow, the children were able to escape the woods, and ran all the way home. Escaped¡­or allowed to leave?


    ¡°Their friend was never found, despite many search attempts. Eventually the boy grew up and moved away, leaving the bad memories behind. But every year, on the anniversary of their friend¡¯s disappearance, he would find a drawing on his doorstep, no matter where he went. It was a circle made of twigs, with a cross in its centre, like an eye, always watching.


    ¡°The Slenderman never forgets¡­¡± Jack finally ended his story, enunciating his words to sound as dramatic as possible.


    Once a collective sigh had escaped the mouths of everyone around them, the students gave an enthusiastic round of applause at the story, and there were even several volunteers to go next. It was a fun several hours as Jack learned about various monsters and legends that he wouldn¡¯t have thought would be possible, until he, Alora, Sephy, Chiyo and Nika all received the same message on their commlinks.


    It was time to get to work.

 Chapter 96: Over The Wall

    ¡°Your target is straight ahead,¡± the nasal voice of Tagrilla whispered into their commlinks. ¡°Shaskasaki Cybertronics have a distribution centre outside of their main territory, and as such are in the process of shifting resources to focus on their counterattack against Corvin Enterprises. While their local guard presence has diminished due to transfers or desertion, their technology is still in play, so be careful. We shall do our best to monitor their activities from our end while we keep the cargo drones out of the area of operation. Just locate the fabricators and mark them. Once that¡¯s done, you¡¯ll need to open the roof access and latch the cables, then fly out with your one. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Nika answered as professionally as she could. ¡°How do you propose we get in?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me, that¡¯s your job. Call me when you¡¯re ready for pickup,¡± the slicer nonchalantly replied, before he cut the comms, leaving the group hanging.


    ¡°What a twat, does he expect us to just know everything?¡± Jack grunted in annoyance as they approached the complex up ahead.


    The brightly lit front gate of the district was imposing, standing tall and constructed from thick, reinforced metal plating. Its design seemed to incorporate both aesthetics and functionality, with the prominent logo of Shaskasaki being a dark, neon blue background with a radiant silver sword, modified with cyber designs. Though there were only two nervous-looking guards and a security drone on duty outside that they could see, they were reinforced by several cameras and turrets, and Sephy could also detect barrier controls and alarms within easy reach.


    ¡°We¡¯re not going through there," Nika noted. ¡°Not many guards, but they look twitchy as hell. Looks like they got the shit shifts tonight, so maybe we can bribe them to fuck off for a while, but I reckon that¡¯s way too risky with so many eyes on them.¡±


    ¡°I agree, Sephy, can you send a drone up?¡± Alora asked the Skritta, looking around to make sure they were alone. ¡°I know we¡¯ve already got a rough topography but I want to see what we¡¯re working with.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a shot but I don¡¯t have an unlimited supply of these!¡± Sephy warned before grinning. ¡°Let¡¯s find a spot to hide out and see!¡±


    The group casually walked down a street that overlooked the district in question. The group could see a squat, flat building that overcast the district wall, though that was all. According to Tagrilla, the exclusive footage he had obtained was from a former employee who had gotten fired recently, who had a habit of recording videos while working for their small NetTube channel. Clearly Tagrilla had seen some potential in that security breach, and had contacted the fired employee to get a look at their unedited, unreleased material in exchange for some money, drugs, and the contact details of a CorvMart store manager who needed a replacement to work the graveyard shift after their previous worker got shot.


    It is likely that they¡¯ll have some kind of masking from overhead sight, Chiyo cautioned. The overhead display we have is old and out of date.


    ¡°If they have it, I¡¯ll be able to detect it.¡± Sephy nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll need to see what kind of rating they have before I attempt to bypass it, but if it¡¯s too tricky any attempts might trigger an alarm.¡±


    ¡°Would this ¡®masking¡¯ cover beyond the district, or just what is within the walls?¡± Jack asked, having an idea. ¡°Because if it¡¯s the latter, then we can just look at what¡¯s just outside their borders and work out the best entry point from there, maybe even find a vantage point?¡±


    ¡°Good idea, Jack,¡± Alora acknowledged. ¡°Let¡¯s see what we get first.¡±


    As the drone casually hovered in the sky, Sephy frowned as the picture of the district itself became blurry and blocky, preventing them from properly understanding what they were seeing.


    ¡°Well this sucks,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°They¡¯ve updated their security rating and I can¡¯t get past it remotely from here. Expensive for a company to do, but maybe they don¡¯t want Corvin Enterprises coming to say ¡®hi¡¯ before they¡¯ve pulled key resources out.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we can take a look around the district the old-fashioned way?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Also, some of these buildings along the edge might be climbable, and if one of us can get to the top of the district wall we could climb in?¡±


    ¡°Not a bad plan.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°It¡¯ll look suspicious if we all go together and get picked up by the cameras, so we should split up and go in opposite directions to case the area. If we find anything, call it out on comms.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with Jack along the left,¡± Alora decided. ¡°You three go together around the other side and see what you can find.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going with Jack, eh?¡± Sephy teased with a smirk. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything we wouldn¡¯t do!¡±


    ¡°No promises!¡± Alora stuck her tongue out at the Skritta as she and Jack began walking away, looking for anything that they could use to get in.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Alora quietly told Jack as they rounded the corner. ¡°Usually there¡¯s a bit more pre-planning involved, but we have time. I think you¡¯re probably right and we¡¯ll be going over the wall, but if we can find a maintenance hatch like you and Sephy did with the Prefect¡¯s Lockup that might be better.¡±


    ¡°As long as Sephy makes sure the defences don¡¯t reactivate on the way out.¡± Jack chuckled.


    ¡°That would not be good, especially if we botch this,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°But we should be fine. I would expect the guards to rely on whoever is at the front to maintain a presence and not be bothered about what happens inside, so hopefully it¡¯ll be easier once we get to the other side. It¡¯s unlikely we¡¯ll find any side doors or other conventional entrances here outside of the main door, though.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then we might be better off coming in from as close to the rear of the complex as we can,¡° Jack reasoned. ¡°There will probably be fewer people moving around.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯ll be a good place to start. With luck, the fabricators will be nearby too and we can make this quick.¡± Alora nodded as they turned into a deserted residential street. There were a few lights on from residents who were clearly awake, though Jack noted with some concern that many of the windows were boarded up. Taking a closer look, he could see that several of the windows had metal shutters clamped down shut. It was apparent that shit was expected to go down.


    ¡°These guys don¡¯t seem to care too much about the outside of their complex,¡± Jack noted as he pointed to a shady corner of the district wall, which was covered by a smattering of graffiti marks that slung various anti-corporation messages against Shaskasaki.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t look new,¡± Alora noted. ¡°There¡¯s even some moss growing underneath. If I was the local Shaskasaki district manager I¡¯d try to at least make a display of paying someone to have that cleared to ingratiate themselves with the locals.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that either the manager is incompetent and lazy, or Shaskasaki doesn¡¯t have the resources to deal with low-priority stuff?¡±


    ¡°A mix of both I suspect.¡± Alora shrugged as she hastened her pace, keeping an eye out for any cameras that could pick them up. ¡°But most likely the former, it¡¯s an easy fix and it¡¯s probably been there a while.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully they¡¯re this lax with their security too.¡± Jack smirked. ¡°Even if there¡¯s pressure to be on high alert tonight, there could still be some things that they¡¯ve missed that we can take advantage of. Faulty lights, cameras on the fritz, that kind of thing.¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t know until we¡¯re there.¡± The Eladrie sighed, feeling the anticipation building. This wasn¡¯t the first time she and her friends had conducted a heist like this, but any time they did it was normally planned heavily and they made sure to go for weaker targets with softer reputations. This one was more advanced than they were used to, but considering what they had all been through since Jack had joined them, she was still confident they could handle it.


    ¡°By the way,¡± Alora continued casually as Jack noted what was once an entrance to the Shaskasaki district that had been long sealed off. ¡°I have everything I need to conduct the ritual that will sever the magical ties my family has placed on me. I would like to conduct it once we have taken care of business and have the time.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Jack simply replied, not sure what to say. Ever since Alora had told them she was some kind of royalty of the Eladrie people, and the kind of influence certain family members tried to wield over her, she had not mentioned it, simply acting normal, like nothing had happened. ¡°I know we all agreed that we¡¯d stand with you for that, and we still will, but will you be alright?¡±


    Alora simply chuckled dryly. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ve been in exile for a large part of my life and I think they expected me to have died already. Honestly, that may have been the reason for the bond in the first place, though when it activated when we¡­well you know, it may have just been such a new sensation for them that they reacted out of instinct. They won¡¯t know about you or any of the others or how far I have come, but either way they are still clearly a parasite that needs to be removed from play. I¡¯d just rather not add to our problems until we¡¯ve moved past them, it¡¯s not an immediate concern.¡±


    ¡°If you say so,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°What will you do after?¡±


    ¡°Aside from enjoying my newly found freedom?¡± Alora quipped. ¡°Expect a response from my family, stay in school and try to keep us all alive!¡±


    ¡°I like that last one.¡± Jack grinned as they walked down a twisting alleyway that echoed with an eerie silence, only punctuated by the occasional noise of a nearby bird or distant gunshots. The streetlights around them were either flickering or completely dark, likely due to power shortages or deliberate shutdowns as a result of the ongoing war. Jack almost regretted not bringing Dante along, as the ¡®dog¡¯ was very good at detecting threats, but the others had agreed that it would be better if they sat this one out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think these buildings are going to help us get over the wall,¡± Alora lamented. ¡°I hope the others found something, I know there were some residences leaned up against it, so I¡¯m holding hope for those.¡±


    ¡°As long as we can get someone up to the wall and we have a rope long enough, we should still be alright,¡± Jack added. ¡°Might mean I¡¯ll have to pull some of you up though.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully we¡¯ll find something better.¡± Alora nodded before she called the others. ¡°Hey guys, have you found anything?¡±


    ¡°We found a ladder!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Just abandoned on the grass by a rubbish heap! Nowhere near enough to climb the district wall but it could be useful! We haven¡¯t found anything else too great but there¡¯s a building up ahead near the rear that overlooks the district, so we were going to check it out.¡±


    ¡°Excellent, Jack and I were thinking that the rear of the complex would be the best place to make entry,¡± Alora told them. ¡°There¡¯s evidence of neglect and mismanagement around the perimeter, so with luck it will be the same once we get inside.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re gonna want to get a move on getting in as well.¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°We spotted a group of gangers looking for trouble. They didn¡¯t see us, but I think things might be going down.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve got boarded-up windows and other defences set up around here as well,¡± Jack added, noting a balcony that had sandbags piled up to provide better cover. ¡°The locals are expecting something - we¡¯re still tuned in to live updates, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°Though Tagrilla has promised to keep an eye on things, I¡¯ve also got Vanya to check the local feeds and call us in an emergency if they report something coming our way.¡±


    ¡°Chiyo¡¯s pointed out that it could work in our favour,¡± Sephy added. ¡°If this means the guards are at the front and too preoccupied with keeping a mob from breaking in, it means fewer people to worry about anyone already in there.¡±


    ¡°But it could also mean that Shaskasaki calls for reinforcements,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°And they¡¯re temporarily aligning themselves with Myrodin against Corvin Enterprises - it¡¯ll be even worse if they show up.¡±


    ¡°Then we make sure we have a good escape route if we need to run,¡± Jack told them. ¡°But we could always work that out when we get to the top of the wall. Presumably we can just walk along it, right?¡±


    ¡°Depends, they could have defences,¡± Sephy reminded him. ¡°So we¡¯ll have to see what we¡¯re dealing with when we get up there.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s meet up at the back and see if we can climb on one of the buildings,¡± Alora ordered. ¡°Call out if you see anything, but we can¡¯t see any maintenance hatches that we can use.¡±


    ¡°None here either, it looks like it¡¯s one way in and out, unless they have a Gloom Paths entrance,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°I agree that over the wall is the only way to go, there¡¯s a tallish white building Sephy picked up on her drone that looks promising, see you there?¡±


    ¡°On our way!¡± Alora confirmed, as she and Jack picked up the pace.


    ¡°A ladder is a good find!¡± Jack mentioned to Alora, feeling the need to fill the silence as the anticipation got to him. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that he would ever be taking part in a robbery like this. On Earth, he would usually hear about how dumb criminals who tried to rob businesses would easily get caught, and he had seen many a YouTube video of them getting trapped in the store, falling through a ceiling or otherwise getting humiliated before either getting arrested or getting shot trying to escape. Videos which he and many others would laugh their asses at.


    However, this was no laughing matter. There was no denying that their group was skilled, and he had helped Sephy rob a place before, but robbing confiscated property was far, far different than breaking into a MegaCorp facility and making it out with anything. The stakes were higher, and the security at these places would not hesitate to shoot to kill. They would all have to be careful. Any slip-up could be deadly for them.


    ¡°Definitely,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°There are some portable ladders we¡¯ve used before when we know we¡¯re going to need them, but even the foldable ones are cumbersome to carry around. Unfortunately, we didn¡¯t know we might need one tonight.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I think we¡¯d all be much more comfortable if we were able to know more information in advance.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°We assumed that if Tagrilla knew where the fabricators were he¡¯d tell us a lot more than simply ¡®go and fetch¡¯. Have your jobs always been like this?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes.¡± Alora sympathetically patted Jack on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s impossible to predict and prepare for everything, but we do the best with what we have. Don¡¯t worry, the anticipation gets to us all, but once we get going for real I think you¡¯ll feel better.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re probably right. It¡¯s hard to believe I¡¯m actually starting to get used to this kind of stuff.¡± Jack shrugged nervously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let Sephy hear you say that!¡± The Eladrie chuckled. ¡°She¡¯ll probably think you¡¯ll end up enjoying it as much as she does!¡±


    They carried on in silence, keeping an eye out for any local security. At several junctions along the streets, makeshift barricades had been set up - a combination of old furniture, vehicles and debris, with a few even having local militia guarding them, armed with a mix of crude-looking weapons that didn¡¯t look too impressive, but the two of them simply avoided them, not wanting to draw attention to themselves. Here and there Jack could see the occasional remnants of a more peaceful past that gave him hope for the deadly, chaotic city. Things like a closed playground, swings swaying gently in the wind and a mural of Astara on a building wall depicting unity and hope, now partially defaced, which he took a few moments to wipe with his sleeve before moving on.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°There they are,¡± Jack whispered as he spotted the white building up ahead, with three figures well hidden in the shadows that waved them over. Looking up, he could see that the building backed right up to the district wall, and more importantly, that there was some kind of external staircase, like a fire escape, that led right up to the building rooftop.


    ¡°Looks like this is our best option.¡± Nika grinned, pointing up and voicing the obvious. ¡°We ready to get this underway?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go up and take a quick break first,¡± Alora decided. ¡°Eat, drink, whatever you need to do. Once we start climbing the wall it¡¯s game time.¡±


    Jack, could you please carry the ladder? Chiyo asked. It¡¯s much heavier than it looks!


    ¡°No problem!¡± Jack chuckled as he picked the hefty thing up and began following the others up the stairs. ¡°Who the hell just leaves a ladder lying about? You said it was a rubbish tip, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, maybe a worker had to abandon it or something, you¡¯d be surprised!¡± Nika snorted with amusement. ¡°And no Sephy, we¡¯re not taking the ladder back with us.¡±


    ¡°Awww,¡± Sephy jokingly complained.


    ¡°But, if we can take it with us and use it for the heist we will,¡± Alora noted with a playful smirk at the Skritta. ¡°Just don¡¯t get too attached.¡±


    Eventually making it to the top of the stairs, the group made it to the roof of the building that matched the weathered appearance of the rest of the sorry-looking residential district, with random debris from years of neglect, though several discarded beer bottles and a random garden chair suggested that this place did see some use by the locals as a hangout spot before factions within the city decided to go to war. Quickly taking the chance to rest, they snacked and drank water as needed, before stretching their muscles and preparing themselves for the heist.


    ¡°Alright, are we all good?¡± Nika asked, looking around at the others who all nodded, eager to get this over with. ¡°First, let¡¯s see how high we can get with the ladder.¡±


    Unfurling the ladder and holding it steady at an angle, Jack was dismayed to see that it did not reach all the way to the top, missing it by several metres.


    ¡°Damn,¡± Alora cursed. ¡°It¡¯s not enough.¡±


    If I climb the ladder, I could levitate the rest of the way, Chiyo told the others. However, I wouldn¡¯t be able to pull you up.


    ¡°Maybe you don¡¯t have to,¡± Jack slowly replied, expression becoming more confident as an idea formed in his mind. ¡°Could you carry some rope with you?¡±


    I could. I¡¯m not very good with knots but I could try, and you could climb it?


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I was thinking.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°If I tie a knot to the top of the ladder and you carry it with you when you float to the top of the wall, you could wrap it around something sturdy and throw it down. If the ladder is made to be vertical by pulling the rope to support it rather than at an angle we gain some height-¡±


    ¡°And if you pull the ladder up some more we can more easily climb up!¡± Nika exclaimed, realising Jack¡¯s plan. ¡°Assuming it can be held in place securely! Let¡¯s do it!¡±


    ¡°Last person might have a harder time getting up if we want to recover the ladder and rope,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°I¡¯m lighter, so I could do it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll work something out.¡± Jack shrugged, more confident now that he was in his element as he unclipped the climbing rope attached to his belt and checked the length, relieved to see that it was more than long enough for what he had planned. Silently thanking ¡®Skip¡¯, his Scout Leader, for patiently drilling him through knot practice as he tested the ladder to make sure it wasn¡¯t going to break apart, Jack tied a bowline knot around the top of the ladder, making the loop secure as he made sure it wouldn¡¯t come undone under pressure. Handing Chiyo the rest of the rope, he lifted the ladder up against the wall at the steepest angle he could as the Ilithii ascended, while he held the ladder steady and tried his best to be subtle in appreciating the Psion¡¯s bottom as she shakily made her way to the top, eventually floating up and onto the wall.


    Okay, I can loop this around one of the ramparts, Chiyo confirmed, before throwing the slack down.


    ¡°Alright, now if I pull the ladder vertically we can see what we¡¯re working with.¡± Jack told the others as Sephy brought the garden chair over to stand on. He looped the rope through several rungs of the ladder to try and keep it taut as Nika stepped up.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯d better test it next.¡± The Kizun grinned at him. ¡°If it¡¯s alright, then help Alora up.¡±


    Nika then grinned as she used the chair to springboard herself onto Jack¡¯s shoulders, playfully ticking his face with her tail before jumping up and grabbing the ladder, easily scaling the wall and joining Chiyo at the top. Alora soon followed as Jack boosted her up, trying not to be too shaken as the slender Eladrie¡¯s touch brushed him as delicately as possible, though Sephy still rolled her eyes at him.


    ¡°You¡¯d better go next if you can,¡± the Skritta told him. ¡°Even if you drop the ladder I can climb the rope.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded as he took a shaky runup, leaping and grabbing the ladder, which groaned hard under the strain. Not wanting to stick around and find out if it would be a problem, Jack ascended the ladder as quickly as he could, getting to the top and getting a hand on the rampart as he heard the girls straining as they held the rope.


    By the gods how are you so heavy? Chiyo panted as the three girls at the top relaxed their hold of the rope to recover from holding the weight of the human, despite wrapping the rope around a rampart for support.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Deathworlder thing.¡± Jack shrugged, not being a scientist, as Sephy quickly clambered up, and Jack delicately pulled the rope and ladder up behind them, careful not to make any noise, before turning around and seeing what they would be dealing with¡­


    ¡°Well, this is probably gonna suck,¡± the human finally sighed.


    The most dominating sight from their elevated vantage atop the wall was the sea of crates and containers below, arranged in rows around the central building, a sprawling expanse that looked like a modern-day labyrinth. They varied in size from small wooden boxes to massive metal containers, while the various markings and colours on them hinted at the diverse contents within. Many of these were stacked on top of each other, forming towering columns that cast long, dark shadows under the gleam of the blinking overhead lights. This illumination varied greatly, creating pockets of well-lit areas amidst the gloomy darkness. The group quickly pointed out the slowly rotating surveillance cameras that were mounted on tall poles to oversee the maze, though their quality was suspect.


    It¡¯s larger than expected, Chiyo noted. And it¡¯s not even packed to capacity.


    ¡°It¡¯s large and dense, but that can work to our advantage. We should be able to sneak in close to where we need to be,¡± Sephy pointed out.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not get complacent, it¡¯s not like this place is abandoned,¡± Nika noted, pointing with her finger. ¡°Let¡¯s observe for a bit.¡±


    Sure enough, scattered around the vast landscape were workers on the job. Even from this distance, their bright blue hi-viz jackets gleamed, almost like fireflies in the night, and though they moved with a sense of purpose in marking and loading the containers, they lacked any urgency despite Shaskasaki wanting to move key assets, indicative of a wage-slave working a routine graveyard shift. Jack could see some operating various logistics vehicles near the front that resembled forklifts in function, loading up a lorry with various pallets of equipment, while a foreman could be heard yelling orders while checking their dataslate for details, clearly micromanaging their sullen-looking team.


    Alora pointed out what looked like a guard who was making the rounds, who kept a hand on their pistol, walking around with a torch but looking relatively at ease for the moment. It was likely that they were checking in with the front gate or someone else monitoring external activity for any news, but for now there was nothing that gave them cause for concern. Despite this, the sparse number of employees operating around the rest of the building was minimal, reinforcing their belief that the complex was running with a skeleton crew.


    At the centre of the district stood a colossal warehouse structure, with several sets of enormous sliding doors on the ground floor that were partially open, presumably to allow for more transports to be parked and stocked. Occasionally a worker could be seen entering or exiting, which granted the group a fleeting glimpse of the interior, which looked to be rows upon rows of shelves for smaller items, and an intricate conveyor system. At the top of the building, however, was a wide hatch that was partially open, with clear space to expand further. Clearly this was to allow for flying transports or drones to be able to traverse without disturbing the ground traffic. However, adjacent to the central warehouse and dotted along the perimeter of the district were several unassuming smaller structures; several were presumably refuelling stations for the vehicles, others were less clear in their purpose.


    So what is our plan? Chiyo asked the others after several minutes of observation.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing our first step is that we¡¯re going to need to get access to the inventory system somehow and use it to work out where the fabricators are?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°That will massively narrow down the search,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°However, we still need to find out where the system is and how we can access it.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t risk bringing the drone in close until I get a better idea of what security measures they have,¡± Sephy told them. ¡°I hate to say it, but we¡¯ll need to sneak around on foot, maybe start going through a few of the outer buildings and see if we can find a terminal.¡±


    The back buildings beneath us are the best place to start then, Chiyo reasoned. I¡¯ve not seen anyone come in or out of them, and with luck they¡¯ll have something we can use.


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Nika agreed as she looked at the nods of everybody around them, happy with the plan. ¡°We¡¯re probably gonna need a spotter to guide us and keep us out of trouble until we gain access to the cameras. Alora, you¡¯re probably the best pick for that, then once we have cameras and access to the system we can reconvene here where it¡¯s safe and see if we can find what we¡¯re looking for.¡±


    ¡°We can use the ladder to climb down onto one of the stacks of crates, as long as we¡¯re quiet and it won¡¯t be seen by the guards,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Though before we go I¡¯m going to tie the rope a bit better so we have our escape route ready. Abseiling down the wall is much easier than climbing up, after all.¡±


    ¡°Agreed, I¡¯ll take ropeburn over gunshots any day.¡± Alora smirked. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a good place for the ladder.¡± Jack pointed a few minutes later, as the group snuck along the top of the wall, looking for an ideal place to climb down. It was a staggered set of large containers stacked on top of each other that looked easy enough to descend, with a particularly tall stack perfectly placed in the way of any idle gazes from the workers, that also cast a deep enough shadow. Though if they had to run, they had marked the spot they climbed up the wall with chalk so they wouldn¡¯t miss it while being chased.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll stay up here and try to follow you from the walls,¡± Alora whispered after casting a few blessings. ¡°Our commlink network is secure, right Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Yep, it¡¯s the bare minimum for burners.¡± The Skritta shrugged. ¡°Low-vocal, not sub-vocal, but should be within range and I¡¯ve slaved them all to mine which is hidden as well as I can. I¡¯ll be able to tell if there¡¯s a problem and send a subtle warning in that case.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go.¡± Nika nodded as she tugged on a second climbing rope to check that it was secure. ¡°It¡¯s currently clear, so I¡¯ll go first.¡±


    ¡°Good luck!¡± Alora whispered to them as they descended, wrapping the rope around the route they were taking down to make sure they could get up again.


    Alright, the closest building is back towards our left, Chiyo told them. Let¡¯s see what¡¯s there.


    As Jack, Nika, Sephy and Chiyo crept along the outer wall, they kept silent, staying hyper-alert for anything to appear in the darkness. The metal containers did little to put them at ease, as even the softest of noises echoed unpredictably in the still air. The distant hum of machinery, the occasional shout of a worker, or the beep of a reversing forklift kept them focused as they moved, quickly reaching their intended destination without anything happening.


    No cameras and no lifesigns, Chiyo informed them, as Jack moved up to check the door, finding it stiff but openable, realising that it had probably been locked as it gave way with a muffled noise. They all stayed there in silence for a few moments to confirm nothing was amiss, before quickly entering the structure.


    ¡°Shitty lock,¡± Nika noted. ¡°I doubt picking it would have gone any better.¡±


    ¡°This looks like some kind of janitor¡¯s office,¡± Jack told them as they softly closed the door behind them, leaving it slightly ajar. ¡°And that nobody¡¯s been home for some time.¡±


    The already small shack felt even more cramped due to the amount of clutter that had been allowed to accumulate on the floor. The walls, once painted the Shaskasaki shade of neon blue, showed signs of water damage, with patches of paint peeling away to reveal the crumbling grey plaster underneath. Flicking the lightswitch didn¡¯t work either, so Chiyo did something with her power to create a warm, blue glow that was just enough to be able to make things out.


    Most of the clutter was various cleaning supplies, many of which looked to have leaked or spilt over time, which explained the unpleasant smell. A battered desk sat against the wall with a thin layer of dust with several papers, next to a crumpled filing cabinet and nothing else, save for a dilapidated broom that stood propped up against the wall.


    ¡°Check the drawers,¡± Sephy told them. ¡°Janitors may be looked down on, but often they know more about their work¡¯s layout than anyone else. A map of the facility or notes about maintenance hatches are always useful.¡±


    ¡°Shame they don¡¯t have a terminal.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°But if we can find something to go on I¡¯m all for it. Jack, could you check the pockets of those old overalls there?¡±


    Jack did so, quickly rummaging through the pockets, quickly checking and discarding a few crumpled up store receipts, candy bar wrappers and a pen, dried out from long lack of use with chew marks along the cap. The name tag for whoever this belonged to was long worn out, with the janitor¡¯s name, picture and employee code barely legible. Finding nothing else useful, Jack checked a small notebook in the breast pocket, but only found mostly illegible scribbles, a few notes about which sectors to clean, and a few doodles of alien penises.


    ¡°Got nothing.¡± He reported. ¡°I think whoever worked here is long gone.¡±


    I have a calendar here, Chiyo reported, reaching up to touch it for a closer look. Hasn¡¯t been updated in a while¡­oh! There¡¯s something else, I think this might be some kind of map!


    The paper that Chiyo showed them was a slightly yellowed, dog-eared folded-up sheet that appeared to have been torn from an office notepad. At first glance it appeared cluttered and illegible, with a bunch of annotations, scribbles and yet more drawn penises of dubious artistic design, but all of them recognised the crude circle signifying the complex, with the square within closer to the top of the circle signifying the main building. All across the page with various lines and arrows were numerous notes in a mess of unusual symbols and shorthand that made little to no sense to any of them. However, on inspecting it further, Jack could make out various splotches that almost looked like landmarks to him, possibly signifying the smaller buildings around them, but just as likely stains from spilled cleaning products.


    ¡°I mean¡­it¡¯s something.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°This star symbol shows up a lot, so once we get some context we can know what it means.¡±


    We¡¯ve got a few question marks too, Chiyo added. Perhaps more sections that don¡¯t see much traffic?


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t rely on this too much,¡± Nika warned. ¡°It¡¯s out of date, but it gives us something.¡±


    ¡°What about anywhere that could have a terminal for Sephy to use?¡± Jack asked, reminding them of their gameplan.


    This symbol here could indicate a power station, Chiyo began indicating on the map. Assuming we¡¯re here, it¡¯s not too far away. If there¡¯s not a terminal here we might be able to find out where there is one from there.


    ¡°Hey, Alora?¡± Nika called the Eladrie over the comm. ¡°We found an old janitor map that might indicate a power room of some kind somewhere back towards our right along the wall. Have you got eyes on it?¡±


    ¡°One moment,¡± Alora called back. ¡°I have eyes on something, but it¡¯s not a building - it looks more like an electrical panel up against the wall. I do have some cables moving across the walls, but it¡¯s difficult to keep track of them, especially with the containers. If it¡¯s not up against the wall it¡¯s probably underneath the asphalt, makes sense to keep it out of the way.¡±


    ¡°Can you see any buildings nearby that might have any exposed cabling?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Or any air-conditioning or something like that?¡±


    ¡°Nothing obvious.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°I will say that I think most of the cabling moves further to the right along the wall. Logically that might indicate that there¡¯s more draw from there, but whether that¡¯s used by the nearby buildings or if it snakes around to power the security huts closer to the front isn¡¯t something I¡¯m able to determine. I can see that the first building to the right of the panel may have people in it since it¡¯s got lights on, but the next one likely doesn¡¯t.


    ¡°Logically there¡¯s gonna be power from other spots, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if there were other electrical panels like that one closer to the front of the complex as a redundancy,¡± Sephy reasoned, encouraged by Chiyo who quickly found and pointed at more symbols closer to the front of the map. ¡°We can check out the other buildings, maybe get a better angle on what¡¯s going on in the building with people, but I¡¯d say it¡¯s more likely they have power.¡±


    ¡°So looks like we¡¯re gonna backtrack your way then carry on to the panel,¡± Nika confirmed. Anything of interest to the left of the panel?¡±


    ¡°One building, smaller than the one you¡¯re in,¡± Alora informed them. ¡°No sign of activity, could be a maintenance shed or something like that.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll check it out, thanks Alora.¡± The Kizun grinned. ¡°Any change in activity?¡±


    ¡°None, same as before,¡± the Eladrie confirmed. ¡°I¡¯ll let you know if anything changes. I can¡¯t see any patrols near you either, so you¡¯re good to backtrack.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do that,¡± Nika ordered. ¡°There¡¯s nothing more for us here.¡±

 Chapter 97: Through The Stacks

    Jack felt much more at ease making the return trip to their entry point than when they left. Though part of that may have been the sense of reassurance he felt knowing that this area was less patrolled, he did also recognise that his nerves naturally calmed themselves over time. The anticipation was no longer a problem now that they were actually doing this. He wasn¡¯t complacent by any means, but he felt much more confident that he and his friends could do this. Everyone had their part to play, and he wasn¡¯t about to chicken out.


    Passing the set of crates they had climbed down on, they gave an acknowledging wave to Alora on the wall, who they could just about see behind the ramparts as the Eladrie did the same with them, before they continued moving, sticking to the wall where they could.


    ¡°Alright, the building is just ahead of you,¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°Just on the other side of those crates, are you okay getting through or do you need to go around?¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯ve got a gap,¡± Jack confirmed, pointing to the edge of the wall where the curve allowed for them to squeeze through in single file, with the human leading.


    It¡¯s a bit of a tight fit, Chiyo grumbled as she gratefully took Jack¡¯s hand, helping her shuffle out on the other side.


    ¡°That¡¯s what he said!¡± Sephy mischievously chucked back. ¡°Anyway, we¡¯re here. Totally looks like a maintenance shed. Still better check it out though.¡±


    ¡°At least it¡¯s not exposed.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like it has a lock either from what I can see.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll check it out,¡± Nika whispered, sneaking up to softly lean against the door, before slowly turning the handle and carefully pushing with her shoulder, making sure the door didn¡¯t creak. Almost immediately she was hit with an oily stench as she confirmed that this was indeed just a storage room for maintenance and cleaning supplies. Looking around, the Kizun saw several lockers and shelving units that contained various spare extension cords, cables and various crappy-looking tools for basic repairs, but noted a set of stepladders and scaffolding components leaning against one of the walls that might come in handy. Thinking for a moment, she quickly grabbed a good handful of spare batteries from one of the boxes and a pair of welding goggles in good nick, pulling them around her neck like a necklace so they wouldn¡¯t get in the way.


    ¡°Ladders and stuff if we need them,¡± she whispered to the others when she returned. ¡°We¡¯ll be coming back this way once we have system access, so we can take them if we know we¡¯re gonna need them.¡±


    Very well, we¡¯d better move to the next building, Chiyo prompted them. Alora said there was possibly activity there.


    ¡°In that case we¡¯ll need to see how bad it is and sneak past somehow.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Alora doesn¡¯t have an angle, so it¡¯ll be preferable to know what¡¯s there without exposing ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Guys, you¡¯ve got a patrol making the rounds,¡± Alora suddenly spoke up over comms. ¡°Can you hide?¡±


    ¡°Back to the gap,¡± Jack told them. ¡°We can wait there until they pass.¡±


    They quickly scrambled back to where they came, not making any noise as they could just faintly hear voices approaching. Alora had given them plenty of time to hide, so the two guards were none the wiser as they passed by.


    ¡°Poor sods in the breakroom look exhausted,¡± one of them noted to the other. ¡°We¡¯re all being worked to the fucking bone, it¡¯s only a matter of time before Fotonato marches up and threatens them to get back to work, that asshole sure loves to be energetic whenever she¡¯s not busy jerking off in her office.¡±


    ¡°Well, it is crunch time,¡± the other one pointed out. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta get everything sorted here before Corvin Enterprises decides to show up.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m sticking around for that.¡± The first one shuddered. ¡°I¡¯ll do what I can to provide for my folks, but I¡¯ve heard too many stories.¡±


    ¡°Well there is a reason why we¡¯re working with Myrodin for now.¡± The second one shrugged as they passed by the group. ¡°Besides, look on the bright side, maybe you and I can get promoted to the Ronin Initiative once things have settled. It¡¯s much better than this shit at least¡­.¡±


    Alright, we¡¯re clear, Chiyo told them as the voices faded away. They have no idea.


    ¡°They do raise a good point though,¡± Nika told them. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t stick around too long, and if this place gets attacked, be prepared to drop everything and run.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope that doesn¡¯t happen,¡± Jack whispered back as he helped the others out of their hiding spot. ¡°Alora, are we good to keep going?¡±


    ¡°All good,¡± she confirmed from her overwatch position. ¡°Had another worker going into the next building while you were hiding, so I¡¯d keep your distance. There¡¯s a good shady spot about a third of the way between the wall and the main building that¡¯d be a good place to cross without being seen. I¡¯ll guide you there.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good. We¡¯ll try to get eyes on that building, maybe there¡¯s a window we can look through,¡± Nika acknowledged before turning to the others. ¡°Let¡¯s go, stay close.¡±


    ¡°Watch out for the cameras,¡± Sephy warned as she peeked around a stack of containers to see two on a swivel, high up on a pole. ¡°Alora couldn¡¯t have seen them from her position.¡±


    Can you loop the feed from here? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°Too risky to directly interface from here.¡± The Skritta shook her head. ¡°I¡¯d need to be closer to wherever the current camera nexus is to give myself remote access and make sure I don¡¯t trip any alarms.¡±


    ¡°Can we just time our movements to avoid being seen?¡± Jack asked. ¡°There are two cameras, what range of vision would they have?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s actually something I can figure out, gimmie a sec,¡± Sephy whispered, closing her eyes for a moment before quickly opening them. ¡°Okay, they each have about a third of a circle, which gives us a gap of one-sixth to work with on either side.¡±


    ¡°With the cameras that high up, we just need to move to the pole and time it so we won¡¯t be seen,¡± Jack reasoned, and gave a sigh of relief when the Skritta nodded.


    Perhaps there is a better route we can take? Chiyo asked. If we open one of the containers, we may be able to just walk through.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good point,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°Though the containers only open from the outside without using tools, and that kind of damage is easily spotted.¡±


    ¡°Then we find a container on this side that we can go through and leave it unlocked,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Then once we go around the other side, we unlock a crate on the other end to make ourselves a shortcut that we can use for the return trip. There aren¡¯t any avenues near here to easily get to the crates with a forklift, so if we need to we can use less-conventional means to get through any containers in between. That gives us a path to the other side, since that damage won¡¯t be spotted until they move the crates.¡±


    That¡¯s a really smart plan! Chiyo nodded at Jack with an almost proud-looking smile.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s find a good crate to unlock, but don¡¯t take too long,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°The less time we spend out in the open like this, the better.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep a lookout,¡± Sephy volunteered, and pointed towards the corner of the row of containers they just passed with the magenta coloured emblem of Myrodin Magitechnology. ¡°That one over there is probably a good one, it¡¯s in the shadows and it¡¯s not gonna be moved any time soon!¡±


    ¡°Alright, Jack, could you help me with this?¡± Nika asked as they both snuck up to the container, while Chiyo doubled back to help keep a lookout.


    ¡°You should be clear from what I can see,¡± Alora whispered over the comm. ¡°I can¡¯t see any incoming patrols, but if I wasn¡¯t able to spot the cameras¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all good, you¡¯ve just got a stack in the way. We¡¯ve got this,¡± Nika whispered back as she and Jack slowly and carefully released the bolts on the red container and peered inside, happy to see that it wasn¡¯t full. And that they could squeeze past. ¡°Alora, if you see where we are, could you try and find us a container on the other side we can use to get through?¡±


    ¡°Already done, there¡¯s a blue one on the other side,¡± the Eladrie whispered back. ¡°I¡¯ll use my laser pointer to show you once you get there.¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Nika whispered as she, Jack and Chiyo reconvened with Sephy.


    ¡°Alright, nothing around, and I have a pattern,¡± the Skritta told them. ¡°But it does mean we¡¯re gonna have to sprint to the cameras as quietly as we can, then do the same again and quickly turn to the right before they catch us. Only got a window of a few seconds for each sprint.¡±


    I¡¯ll do my best, Chiyo told them.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this, Chiyo.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Sephy, give us a countdown.¡±


    ¡°Alright. 3¡­2¡­1¡­now!¡±


    Keeping as silent as they could, all four of them dashed to the pole with the cameras. It wasn¡¯t a long distance, but all of them nervously waited a moment before Sephy confirmed they were in the clear.


    ¡°Now we head over there and quickly turn,¡± the Skritta warned, pointing to another path out and curved around to the other side of the stacks. ¡°3¡­2¡­1¡­go!¡±


    They dashed again, Jack and Nika in the lead with the Kizun using her tail to make a tight turn, Sephy close behind, while Chiyo was caught by a quick-thinking Jack as she used her power to accelerate quickly around the corner.


    Sorry Jack, I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you! Chiyo told the boy, who just grinned and shrugged, unbothered about the slight bruise. Fuck doing that again!


    ¡°Well done, I think you¡¯re in the clear,¡± Alora whispered over comms. ¡°There¡¯s a blue container slightly ahead of you, do you see where I¡¯m pointing?¡±


    ¡°We see it Alora, thanks!¡± Sephy noted, indicating the small dot of purple light that shone ahead, which quickly turned itself off with the confirmation.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get this open and see if we fit,¡± Jack muttered under his breath as he and Nika made their way to the blue container and undid the bolts, checking the inside that was mostly stuffed with boxes of electronics, but still allowed enough of a gap to squeeze through. ¡°How are we going to get through to the other containers?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got cutting tools to get us started, and Chiyo has something that can help,¡± Nika told him. ¡°It can take a little while and it¡¯s obvious to anyone that looks, so we can¡¯t do it on the outside, but by the time they find it we¡¯ll be long gone. While it¡¯s usually best to not leave any trace of our presence, that isn¡¯t always feasible. Besides, if they''re pulling out of this place they¡¯re not gonna care too much, and that¡¯s if they even get everything out before they have to cut and run.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I guess we can deal with the shortcut on the way back unless things go to shit,¡± Jack acknowledged, before looking ahead, back towards the wall. ¡°I think that¡¯s our electrical box over there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a look,¡± Sephy nodded as she and Chiyo led the way, with Jack and Nika following closely.


    I detect life signs nearby, Chiyo informed them. Only three, I think it¡¯s the building with the lights on.


    ¡°Then once we get close we¡¯ll need to work out how to best sneak past.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Sephy, got anything for us?¡±


    ¡°Yup!¡± The Skritta grinned as she closed the electrical panel. ¡°They labelled this stuff well enough that I¡¯ve been able to tune my HUD to their unique electrical signature by cross referencing the voltage to-¡±


    Sephy, Chiyo deadpanned, prompting the Skritta to explain the technobabble.


    ¡°I can highlight where the wires are now and can better work out where the important places are, even if the wires can¡¯t be physically seen due to stuff in the way.¡± Sephy rolled her eyes.


    Better. The Ilithii smirked.


    ¡°We should be able to hug the wall again and make our way over,¡± Jack whispered to the others.


    ¡°Yep, there looks like a way round right up to the building,¡± Alora reported on the comm. ¡°Careful not to expose yourself. So far so good.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Jack acknowledged as he led the way, crouching low and pressing forward, keeping alert for any signs of movement. ¡°I think it¡¯s up ahead, I see some light.¡±


    Be careful! Chiyo warned. Life signs are close by!


    ¡°I see it,¡± Jack whispered back. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re coming up to the building, there¡¯s a window up ahead but it looks kinda dirty, I doubt they¡¯d be able to see us from there.¡±


    ¡°Do you reckon we can sneak past?¡± Nika asked him.


    ¡°Dunno,¡± Jack whispered back. ¡°It backs up to the wall so we can¡¯t go around, but we could try sneaking around the front if the people inside don¡¯t see us. I can take a look through the window and see what¡¯s up with them?¡±


    ¡°No, leave that to me!¡± Sephy spoke up, moving towards the front. ¡°I have active camouflage - if I can watch you taking a shower without you noticing, I can get a closer look here!¡±


    ¡°Wait what-¡± Jack asked, before he saw the playful look on the Skritta¡¯s face, indicating that she was only joking about the peeping.


    Probably.


    Do it, but still be careful, Chiyo warned. If not we can double back, grab a few of the ladders and climb onto the building provided we stay low and quiet.


    ¡°Not a problem.¡± Sephy snorted in amusement as she activated her camouflage, her purple form shimmering to reflect the dark wall behind her.


    Sneaking up to the building, Sephy peered through the grimy window of the shack, which she quickly identified as a dismal staff break room of some kind that spoke of minimal corporate investment for the weary workers within. While it was lit, it was only by a few flickering fluorescent tubes overhead that wouldn¡¯t have felt out of place in a horror film, which only made the single-room building feel even more tired and worn out.


    A couple of mismatched tables stood in the centre, scratched and stained from long use, with several hard plastic chairs scattered around the floor, some missing legs. The rest of the room was bare, save for a worn-out kitchenette against the far wall, complete with a battered, broken microwave and a dirty-looking drinks machine that left a permanent puddle on the ground resembling muddy water rather than a refreshing brew. Sephy didn¡¯t want to know what the insides of the loudly-humming fridge looked like¡­


    A handful of employees sat around the gloomy breakroom, acting the very picture of exhaustion. Two reptilian Xarak leaned against a table in muted conversation, looking like they were barely holding on, while another insectoid being sat in a corner fast asleep, their head resting on folded arms. Though their uniforms were different, they all showed signs of smudges and scuffs from a long day at work. Hearing a noise in the distance and peeking around the side of the building, the Skritta moved back as she saw a group approaching, what looked like a tripedal, slender, pale-green-skinned manager with a large nose and a lot of cyberware flanked by two security guards. Not wanting to risk detection from unknown cyberware, Sephy returned to the group and convinced them to give this new group space.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°And just what do you three think you¡¯re doing here?¡± a shrill voice bellowed, slamming the door open. ¡°Did I give you permission to take a break? Nobody rests until your work is done! Was I not clear?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Fotonato,¡± a tired voice groaned with the shuffling of feet. ¡°We¡¯ve been working for hours and we¡¯re exhausted. I can barely move any more!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear excuses!¡± Fotonato screeched. ¡°You are here to do a job, not laze about all day and collect a payment you have not earned! I should have your wages docked for time theft! Get out there right now, and if you¡¯re lucky I¡¯ll forget about your misconduct and you can keep your jobs!¡±


    The sounds of groans and moans could be heard from within the hut as the guards went in and pulled the workers to their feet.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Fotonato spoke up again, anger evident in their voice. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that your performance evaluations are coming up. If your flesh is weak and you are found lacking, then perhaps cybernetic replacements are in order. As your area manager, I am all too willing to activate that clause in your employment contract if you do not perform to an acceptable standard¡­¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Fotonato, we were just about to return to our stations,¡± another voice added.


    ¡°Ensure that you do!¡± the manager growled, clenching her mechanical fist and causing a mechanical blade to spring out. ¡°If you don¡¯t¡­¡±


    The three employees hurriedly turned the lights off as they rushed out of the break room, followed closely by the guards and the furious manager in tow. The group remained still for several moments before finally releasing the breaths that they had been holding.


    ¡°Wow, what a cunt,¡± Nika finally spoke up. ¡°Now I really want to ruin her night.¡±


    I¡¯d heard that Shaskasaki likes to force cyber on their employees if they can, though they publicly deny it, Chiyo added.


    ¡°Well regardless, it seems like our immediate problem solved itself.¡± Jack smirked, indicating the lack of lights in the building.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, let¡¯s move up.¡± Sephy nodded as she kept low and snuck around the building, confirming no security cameras and gesturing for them to follow her. ¡°Keep hugging the wall, the next building won¡¯t be far and I can see a lot of electrical activity, hopefully something we can actually use!¡±


    Crouching down and slowly moving around the faded beige building, the group easily passed the entrance and made it to the other side, though Jack briefly stopped and turned around, having spotted something out of the corner of his eye, and quickly getting an idea.


    ¡°Jack, what are you doing?¡± Nika asked. ¡°There won¡¯t be anything of value in there!¡±


    ¡°I know, give me a sec. Trust me,¡± Jack whispered back as he nipped back, opened the door for a moment and quickly grabbed something before returning. Returning to hug the wall and getting behind another container, the girls all looked curiously at what Jack had taken.


    High visibility jackets? Chiyo asked, confused.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°But these might come in handy if we have to walk around where there¡¯s lots of people and we can¡¯t sneak around. We can hide in plain sight! I used to watch this rooftopping Youtuber who snuck into water parks and climbed tall buildings overnight, and sometimes he¡¯d use a hi-viz to either not get noticed or even bluff his way past the workers.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I don¡¯t know. We¡¯re too young to be workers and apart from that bitch manager all the workers we¡¯ve seen so far are male, the broaches of disguise might help a little but people will know it¡¯s an illusion if they look hard enough,¡± Nika replied with scepticism.


    ¡°At a distance it could work if it looks like we¡¯re working, some of these guys have their hoods up for warmth too,¡± Sephy pointed out.


    And if we¡¯re challenged up close it might give them enough doubt to not immediately call for help if we tell them we¡¯re temporary hires, Chiyo reasoned. It¡¯s a good call, though it¡¯s risky.


    ¡°It¡¯s an option if we need it.¡± Nika nodded, now convinced. ¡°Especially if the fabricators are in a hot spot and we can¡¯t sneak them out undetected. Take one each, and I take it you grabbed one for Alora too, Jack?¡±


    Jack nodded with a smirk as he handed them out.


    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s get a move on,¡± the Kizun continued, leading them further around the wall. ¡°Don¡¯t forget we only have this opening because things might go to shit at any moment. Doing good so far, let¡¯s keep it up and do this clean.¡±


    ¡°Building up ahead, and it¡¯s drawing power,¡± Sephy whispered as they squeezed past another shipping container. ¡°Finally! It better have something I can use¡­¡±


    ¡°Guys, cargo drones incoming,¡± Alora warned over comms. ¡±Stay down!¡±


    The night, which until now has been a quiet tapestry of the distant shouts of workers and the occasional growl of machinery, was suddenly drowned out by a low rumble, which soon rose to a roaring cacophony. Looking up, Jack could see the hazy pale glow of pulse engines above them, intertwined with a rhythmic flickering series of LED lights indicating their obvious operational status. Hovering for a brief moment in a line, they slowly moved forward in a uniform fashion towards the entrance of the warehouse complex, and as they moved away from them, Jack could see them begin to shoot out cables, before just as quickly jerking them back, magnetically yanking several cargo containers up with them.


    The drones didn¡¯t linger at all, swiftly departing as quickly as they had arrived. Within the space of a few minutes, all cargo drones were loaded up, and with an unseen signal the convoy hovered up and away.


    ¡°Holy crap,¡± Jack whispered, releasing the breath he hadn¡¯t realised he¡¯d been holding. ¡°That¡¯s how we¡¯re getting out?¡±


    I doubt Tagrilla has cargo drones that big, Chiyo cautioned. But yes. We may need to disguise our escape. It wouldn¡¯t be out of the realm of possibility for third-party services to be contracted to speed things along.


    ¡°I¡¯d need to look at the inventory report and see if that¡¯s the case.¡± Sephy nodded. ¡°But if not, I¡¯ll need to try and make it look like it is, at least enough to not get us blasted out of the sky. It might give us an opportunity to sneak some other loot out of here¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not get too greedy,¡± Nika warned. ¡°We need to focus on our objective. Chiyo, is there anyone in the building ahead?¡±


    No, The Ilithii confirmed. Any cameras?


    ¡°None that I can see,¡± Jack confirmed as he moved up to the solid, reinforced door that bore the words ¡®Authorised Personnel Only¡¯, but groaned slightly as he saw the keypad attached to it.


    ¡°Hmm, I should be able to get through that.¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Especially when workers have grubby fingers and make it obvious which buttons they¡¯ve been pressing! I just need to work out the code order, one sec¡­and done!¡±


    ¡°Nice!¡± Jack grinned as he helped the Skritta with the heavy door, pushing it open just enough to let them all slip through, where they were all immediately hit by an unnatural warmth. Rows of humming electrical equipment created a consistent background noise, while Sephy made a contemplative noise under her breath as she tried to work out what they were working with. A small collection of server units lined the walls, each meticulously labelled with the codes for different sections of the complex, while several battery units were hooked up in the corner to serve as a backup power system.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope we get what we need,¡± Nika finally spoke up as Sephy slipped into cyberspace to connect with what was there.


    With luck, Sephy can snake her way into the local network and we won¡¯t need to go to the security buildings, Chiyo reasoned with cautious optimism.


    ¡°Dammit, sorry Chiyo,¡± Sephy finally sighed as she just as quickly woke back up into ¡®meatspace¡¯. ¡°It¡¯s not looking great. I can¡¯t access the camera system from here, I¡¯m gonna need to get to a security terminal for a proximity slice and give myself full security access.¡±


    Can¡¯t you fly a drone there? Chiyo asked, but Sephy emphatically shook her head.


    ¡°No way, they¡¯ll pick it up. We need to get an IFF for that, which we¡¯ll need anyway for our escape.¡±


    ¡°I take it that means we¡¯ll need to get closer to the front of the complex to one of the security buildings?¡± Jack asked, and the others nodded. ¡°How long would it take? Could you do it from the top of the wall?¡±


    ¡°A minute, maybe two,¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°And no, I need to be pretty close to it.¡±


    ¡°Did you get that, Alora?¡± Jack asked into the comm.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard. Security stations are at the front, but the good news is that you¡¯re already halfway there. You¡¯ll be more and more exposed the closer you get, there¡¯s workers all over the place stacking the containers from the main building.¡±


    ¡°Then we disguise ourselves as workers with the hi-viz jackets,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Carry some crap somewhere close to where Sephy needs to be and stall long enough for her to do her thing. If we try and stealth it and get spotted then they¡¯ll raise the alarm, but if we hide in plain sight among a bunch of workers that¡¯s less likely to happen.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll need to slip into cyberspace to be able to pull this off,¡± Sephy warned. ¡°As long as you can keep that hidden from prying eyes it¡¯s doable.¡±


    Perhaps a distraction to occupy their attention? Chiyo reasoned. Not something that will raise the alarm, mind. I¡¯ll think of something when we get there.


    ¡°Alright, but you and Sephy will need to help carry something, at least until we get into position.¡± Nika nodded with a determined grin. ¡°Alora, how are we looking, what kind of stuff are the workers up to?¡±


    ¡°Nothing that indicates trouble on the way,¡± the Eladrie reported. ¡°The workers are mainly packing up a fresh set of cargo containers for transport, maybe you guys can get a pallet of something from the inside and go to the container closest to the security building? There¡¯s also a truck that recently came by to drop off some new stuff which is being unpacked, probably with stuff too valuable to leave behind from local retailers.¡±


    ¡°Why are they packing up fresh containers?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Couldn¡¯t the cargo drones just start going through the stacks we just came from?¡±


    If I had to guess, there¡¯s probably a lot of loose and fragile stuff in the main building that needs to be packed securely, Chiyo reasoned. It¡¯s likely they¡¯re prioritising the most important stock for retrieval first as a way of cutting their losses if Corvin Enterprises or Commander Cocaine show up.


    ¡°Expecting a MegaCorp like Shaskasaki to be logically carrying out instructions through several layers of bureaucracy and managerial layers is way too unrealistic,¡± Sephy snorted in amusement. ¡°Some pencil pusher hundreds of miles away but somehow still responsible for their operation probably wants it done in a specific way.¡±


    ¡°I guess it makes sense when you put it like that,¡± Jack reasoned, having remembered the grumblings his father had vocalised about his ¡®stupid twat¡¯ superior when he was much younger.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get our disguises as good as we can get,¡± Nika told them. ¡°Alora, we still want to avoid contact as much as we can, but if you can guide us to a pallet of stuff we can get this over and done with.¡±


    ¡°Copy that,¡± Alora whispered on the comm. ¡°Looks like there¡¯s a new truck coming in, so you should have a good shot once it comes in. I think I can just about see some pallets on the right side of the main building, just inside so you don¡¯t need to hang around.¡±


    ¡°Alright, thanks Alora,¡± Nika acknowledged as they all checked one another to make sure their disguises were up to snuff.


    ¡°Okay, I see a bunch of workers heading towards the truck that¡¯s just pulled in, you¡¯d better go now!¡± Alora warned.


    How are you holding up, Jack? Chiyo asked him as he and Nika stayed in front, following Alora¡¯s subtle guidance with her laser pointer. I know you¡¯re not as used to this as we are, but you seem to have adapted well! So far so good?


    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Jack whispered back with a grin, hoping his nervousness wasn¡¯t showing too much to the perceptive Ilithii. ¡°We¡¯ve got this, though I¡¯m looking forward to it being over - we¡¯ve had the hot tub for a week and haven¡¯t had the chance to use it yet!¡±


    ¡°Gotta get the water situation sorted first,¡± Nika chuckled under her breath. ¡°But I agree!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a pallet up ahead,¡± Sephy whispered as they rounded the corner of container stacks to see the large central building in front of them. They wasted no time, subtly confirming that the coast was clear and walking straight across the asphalt to the nearest open entrance. ¡°In and out, we don¡¯t want to hang around.¡±


    The expanse of the warehouse was staggering, like the beating heart of the whole district¡¯s operation. Rows of overhead lights flooded the space in a bright, uniform white light, though the sheer height of the warehouse did still give the area an almost cavernous feel. Along the many, many aisles were towering metal shelves that stretched from floor to ceiling, and as Jack took a casual glance he could see long, alphanumeric codes along the stacks of pallets and goods, giving no immediate context for what they actually were.


    Boxed electronics, good enough, Chiyo pointed at one of the closest pallets, tied up with plastic cables. Now how do we move this?


    ¡°We need an¡­um¡­.thing¡­.¡± Sephy spoke up, looking around. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you call it, something to put it on.¡±


    ¡°You mean like a pump truck?¡± Nika asked, surprising the others at knowing what the name of the tool was. ¡°What?¡± The Kizun shrugged, pointing to one of the wheeled devices propped up against one of the shelves which Jack quickly went for. ¡°Grew up on a ranch, remember? I had to do this shit from time to time when traders came by.¡±


    Do you know how it works then? Chiyo asked, as Jack wheeled the device over, and slid the four forks of the device through special holes on the end of the pallet.


    ¡°You¡¯re meant to do something that lifts the forks up, right?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Yep, push that button there and pump the handle up and down.¡± Nika nodded, as Jack did so, lifting the heavy pallet off the ground. ¡°See, nothing to it!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not too hard to move, but we might be able to sell it better if we pretend it¡¯s heavy and needs 4 people to move,¡± Jack told them, and everyone nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Alright Alora, we¡¯re coming out again,¡± Sephy whispered into the comm as they quietly and carefully pulled the pallet out of the warehouse building and down the sloped asphalt. They could see a few workers flitting about, but most of them were focused on the truck parked far to the left of them. Even at this distance they could hear the screeching of Fotonato barking orders to her workers.


    ¡°Okay, there¡¯s some guards on duty, but there¡¯s a green container ahead that should be close enough to the security station for Sephy to start her slice,¡± Alora told them. ¡°Some workers walking around, but they hopefully won¡¯t pay any attention to you.¡±


    ¡°I see the container you mean, Alora,¡± Jack whispered back as, internally, he cringed at the noises the pump truck was making as it clattered along the floor. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡±


    The moment we get those container doors open, Sephy, get in there and do your thing, we¡¯re counting on you!


    ¡°I know, Chiyo. You don¡¯t need to tell me.¡± Sephy rolled her eyes under her hood. ¡°I¡¯ll do as much as I can in the meantime, try to give me some warning if you need to bring me out so I don¡¯t get dumpshock!¡±


    ¡°Will do,¡± Jack whispered as they approached the container, before both he and Nika quickly undid the bolts and quickly opened the doors, allowing them to obscure their presence from wandering gazes.


    ¡°Oh good, I¡¯m in range and there¡¯s room.¡± Sephy grinned as she scooted past the two of them to sit on a box. ¡°Shame they don¡¯t build these for comfort!¡±


    ¡°Just close your eyes and think of the hot tub!¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°Slicing now!¡± Sephy nodded before her body went limp.


    Alright, let¡¯s look busy, Chiyo ¡®muttered¡¯. Lifesigns all around us.


    Jack slipped a knife out of his pocket and began to cut at a few of the plastic bindings, taking a few of the boxes out one by one and handing them to Nika, who slowly stacked them in gaps between the larger crates.


    ¡°Guys, watch out!¡± Alora suddenly called over comms, but it was too late.


    ¡°Hey! Who¡¯s back there? What are you doing there?¡± someone yelled, and immediately Jack, Nika and Chiyo snapped around in attention. ¡°Fotonato wants whoever¡¯s free at the truck!¡±


    ¡°Crap...¡± Nika whispered to her two conscious friends, thumbing the gun at her hip. ¡°Get ready¡­¡±


    ¡°Fotonato just told us to prep this one,¡± Jack spoke up, putting on a gruffer tone to try and bluff the security guard. ¡°Wants us to hurry up and stuff it to the brim, you know how they¡¯re like¡­¡± He crossed his fingers as they waited in silence.


    ¡°Hah, yeah I hear you bro.¡± The guard chucked, though Jack could tell they were getting closer. ¡°Don¡¯t worry though, we haven¡¯t received word of Corvin Enterprises making a move yet, and there¡¯s talk of a new line of Ronin being deployed, so hopefully we should be fine.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Jack grunted in response, willing the guy to go away. ¡°Still don¡¯t wanna piss off the boss though.¡±


    ¡°Too right!¡± The guard chucked again as they walked up to the open hatch, revealing a squat brown-skinned biped with a bulbous nose and bald head. ¡°Wait, what the f-¡±


    Chiyo wasted no time as she used her telekinetic power to yank the guard forward before Jack brutally clotheslined him, pinning him to the ground to stop him from yelling out while Nika slapped a stimpatch on their thick neck, which quickly knocked them out.


    ¡°Well it was bound to happen eventually,¡± Nika joked, before looking serious. ¡°That was good Jack. Well done.¡±


    ¡°Will he be alright?¡± Jack asked, knowing that the man had done nothing wrong. ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    We can stuff him in here, not that we have much choice, Chiyo told him. Since stimpatches are normally used by medical practitioners he¡¯ll be safe enough until he wakes up, by which point we¡¯ll be long gone from here, or he¡¯ll be discovered by Shaskasaki workers wherever this is headed.


    ¡°Guys, are you okay?¡± Alora asked over the comm in a panic. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t spot him before he heard you!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all good¡­¡± Nika began, before a loud crackling noise suddenly spat out, as all at once, the group realised that someone was trying to call the guard!


    ¡°Hey, Zharch? What¡¯s going on? You jerking off again or something?¡±


    Without thinking, Jack lunged for the device. ¡°All good,¡± he replied, trying his best to mimic the voice of the guard. ¡°I must have accidentally poked the button with my boner! I¡¯m going on patrol for a while!¡±


    All they got as a reply was raucous laughter on the other end before they hung up.


    Nice save! Chiyo exclaimed, as Sephy groaned awake.


    ¡°Holy shit, what did I miss?¡± the Skritta asked, confused as she spotted the limp guard. ¡°I¡¯ve got my backdoor to their security network and I¡¯ve piggybacked into their main system.¡±


    ¡°Then we head back to Alora, ASAP,¡± Nika ordered. ¡°Right after we clear this up. Jack and Sephy, hide our sleeping friend while Chiyo and I speed this up.¡±

 Chapter 98: Skyhook

    Everyone had quickly and quietly returned to the top of the wall where they had entered before Sephy safely slipped into the local matrix and began digging.


    ¡°Still nothing changing down there.¡± Alora sighed after several minutes of silent observation, looking down at the busy workers at the front of the complex


    ¡°It¡¯s almost like you want something to happen!¡± Jack pointed out, causing the Eladrie to chuckle.


    ¡°Hey I¡¯m glad things are going well for a change, I¡¯m just expecting them not to at any moment!¡± Alora smiled, giving the unconscious Sephy a glance. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, these guys are pulling out for a reason!¡±


    ¡°Corvin Enterprises.¡± Nika nodded grimly. ¡°Worst of the worst.¡±


    With luck, the hard part is over, Chiyo told them. Depending on where the fabricators are we may need to move them into position, but now that Sephy has system access it should be smoother from here.


    ¡°So we wait for Sephy to work out where the fabricators are located, then we gather them up and go,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Tagrilla better play his part well after giving us nothing to work with.¡±


    ¡°Urgh¡­¡± Sephy groaned as she slipped back into ¡®meatspace¡¯. ¡°Why can¡¯t things be easy?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Alora asked the Skritta, quickly getting a bottle of water as Sephy rubbed her head in pain.


    ¡°I have access to cameras and I have their inventory list,¡± Sephy confirmed as she took a sip with some painkillers.


    But? Chiyo prompted.


    ¡°Someone else is already in the matrix,¡± Sephy explained. ¡°Or they were - it wasn¡¯t Tagrilla, I know that much. Don¡¯t fully know what they¡¯ve been up to, but they¡¯ve been fudging the inventory system and messing with the orders. I almost ran into some Black ICE when I tried to search for the index.¡±


    ¡°Shit. We¡¯ve got company...¡± Nika cursed, scowling as she looked around for anyone else who wasn¡¯t meant to be there, but saw nobody.


    ¡°So what do we do now?¡± Jack asked. ¡°If we can¡¯t use the inventory system how do we find the fabricators we need?¡±


    The site manager would surely have been sent a backup! Chiyo exclaimed. I believe it¡¯s standard procedure in case of a system glitch!


    ¡°Alright, how would we get access to that?¡± Alora asked. ¡°Try and lure the manager into an ambush and grab their dataslate?¡±


    ¡°Nah, if they have an office they¡¯d have a private terminal,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°If the manager is out there being an insufferable cunt then her office is free.¡±


    ¡°I did get a floorplan,¡± Sephy confirmed. ¡°Manager¡¯s office is in the central building overlooking the shelves. There¡¯s some kind of office section towards the back, I checked the security cameras and there¡¯s nobody there right now.¡±


    ¡°Kinda worrying that you have security access but not inventory,¡± Jack pointed out, sounding worried. ¡°Do you have a route to get us up there?¡±


    ¡°There is a lift, but it has a lot of active security measures I can¡¯t disable without setting off alarms¡­¡± Sephy began.


    Oh no¡­ Chiyo began, realising what was coming.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Sorry Chiyo, we¡¯re taking the stairs!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Alright, the cameras are looped and I¡¯ve already deleted any trace of our presence, but there are blind spots,¡± Sephy whispered to the group as they entered the central building through the back. ¡°So be careful and try to look natural!¡±


    Now that the Skritta had control of the cameras, it had been trivially easy to avoid the patrols of guards and simply walk to the middle of the complex without fear of a security response. They all agreed to proceed with the heist despite learning that something else was going on, but they now knew they were on a timer, without knowing the time, or the consequences.


    ¡°I thought you were mad when you all did it the first time, but the high visibility jackets were definitely a good idea to speed things up, the workers haven¡¯t given any of us a second glance!¡± Alora enthused, keeping her voice low as they passed a group of workers loading a pallet, who didn¡¯t even glance their way as a forklift brought another pallet down from a higher shelf.


    It won¡¯t work all the time. We shouldn¡¯t rely on it! Chiyo warned. We need to stay away from management and security.


    ¡°I see the stairs on the right,¡± Jack told them as he led the way, casually walking across the floor and quickly dashing up a few steps when nobody was looking, keeping a lookout behind him as the others quickly joined him.


    ¡°Hey!¡± a deep, male voice called out as Chiyo turned the corner, her hi-viz momentarily fanning behind her for just a moment too long. ¡°Come here right now! You¡¯re meant to be working!


    Shit! Sorry! Move up a floor and we can ambush or hide, it¡¯s a manager! Chiyo warned.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Alora whispered as they moved up a floor, emerging into what looked like an open-plan locker section.


    He¡¯s still coming! Chiyo warned.


    ¡°Alright, get ready to pile on him,¡± Nika warned, as they heard the droning voice of the manager get closer as they climbed the stairs.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t get here right now I will alert security and make sure your paychecks are null and voi-AAARGH!¡± The manager snarled as he got within range of Chiyo who yanked him around to meet her four friends, who quickly dogpiled him and slapped on a stimpatch to knock him out.


    The manager¡¯s comm cracked to life with Fotonato. ¡°Nishii? Status report!¡±


    ¡°Jack? Male voice needed, please,¡± Alora prompted him as he picked up the comm, doing his best to imitate the sub-manager.


    ¡°Nothing to report, comm on the fritz,¡± Jack replied, cringing as he used a casual expression from Earth.


    ¡°Fine. Continue with your rounds,¡± Fotonato ordered, before hanging up.


    Oh thank goodness. Chiyo sighed, as she used her power to pick the manager up and stuff him into a locker.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like anyone else wants to follow,¡± Jack noted, peeking back down the stairs they had just come from. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    ¡°This is the top floor,¡± Sephy whispered as they climbed up, moving as quietly as possible to not attract attention. Though the lights were on as they passed several cleared-out offices and meeting rooms, they didn¡¯t see any workers or any more guards as they wasted no time getting to the top, finally emerging to a long corridor that looked spotless, like it was rarely travelled. At the end was a solitary door that had the nameplate ¡®Fotonato¡¯ in bright blue lettering¡­.


    *****


    ¡°Holy shit¡­¡± Sephy gasped as she checked the terminal. ¡°That¡¯s why there¡¯s someone else in the system¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, Sephy?¡± Alora asked with concern. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°It looks like Fotonato or someone else with her credentials might have been selling system access or something... They¡¯ve tried to cover it up by deleting the records and fudging the inventory to make it look like a slicer attack, but I should be able to dig it back up.¡±


    ¡°Who did they sell it to? Corvin Enterprises?¡± Nika asked, but Sephy shook her head as she copied some details over and shared them with the rest.


    ¡°Hmm, I don¡¯t think so,¡± the Skritta rationalised as she looked through the messages. ¡°Damn, I think they could have sold it to someone from Myrodin. ¡®Senior Sorcerer Acclethix¡¯ sure sounds like a Myrodin name. It looks like they¡¯ve been communicating more officially on the open channels as far as coordinating against Corvin Enterprises is concerned.¡±


    Myrodin are currently allied with Shaskasaki against Corvin Enterprises, but they may have another play in mind. But why would Fotonato fudge the inventory? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°Personal gain,¡± Jack realised, and the others looked at him quizzically. ¡°I don¡¯t think this is some massive 4D chess conspiracy between MegaCorps. I think these guys are seeing this whole withdrawal as an opportunity! Could they be purposefully losing inventory to fence it on the side?¡±


    ¡°Holy shit, I think you might be right!¡± Sephy exclaimed as she amended her search to look for certain keywords. ¡°Yes! It¡¯s not system access being sold here. While most of these cargo shipments are heading to Shaskasaki territory, some of these cargo drones are taking unofficial off-record shipments to a Myrodin site elsewhere, that¡¯s why she¡¯s fudged the inventory records!¡±


    And it¡¯s not unfair to assume that ¡®Senior Sorcerer Acclethix¡¯ runs that Myrodin site and has enough autonomy to do as they see fit with the unregistered cargo! Chiyo added. They can sell it off at their leisure for mutual profit.


    ¡°And that must be why Fotonato¡¯s down there giving orders and working her staff to exhaustion!¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°The more shipments sent, the more she gains.¡±


    ¡°So¡­do we do anything with this information?¡± Nika asked them all. ¡°It¡¯s interesting, but we¡¯re here for the fabricators, not to worry about an embezzlement scheme, unless you think we can make a play here.¡±


    ¡°Could you redirect the shipments somewhere else?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Have them sent home so we can sell the goods instead?¡±


    ¡°Ha!¡± Sephy snorted in barely contained laughter. ¡°I really wish we could, but if we sent it home it¡¯d be obvious from the records that it was us that did it!¡±


    ¡°Okay, then we don¡¯t need to send the shipments home, maybe elsewhere where they won¡¯t suffer any fallout?¡± Jack suggested.


    ¡°What did you have in mind?¡± Nika asked curiously.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t we send the shipments somewhere where it can do some good for people?¡± Jack asked. ¡°The city is coming off a major disaster right now, so perhaps we can mark it as a donation to a charitable cause?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s so evil!¡± Sephy cackled ¡°That could totally work!¡±


    So where do we send it? Chiyo asked. The Temple of Hope? Clan Bharzum wouldn¡¯t risk accepting it, but there are also the Greenwardens and Sect of Esin that could.


    ¡°I think the best obvious choice is the Temple of Hope,¡± Alora opined. ¡°They have the logistics to make the best use out of whatever is sent their way.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure¡­¡± Sephy nodded slightly less enthusiastically at that prospect. ¡°When do you want me to start redirecting them?¡±


    ¡°If you know where the three fabricators we need are, we can do it right now,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°All we need to do at this point is get the fabricators and wheel them to an open space for pickup. We¡¯ve got the IFF now, so just contact Tagrilla with it and he¡¯ll send his cargo drones in to pick them up, and us along with them. He had better come through for us¡­¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re in this building close to one another,¡± Sephy told them. ¡°We won¡¯t even need a forklift for them, they¡¯re still here on a bottom shelf.¡±


    Makes sense for a key asset. Chiyo nodded. Though clearly not key enough for them to prioritise it for shipping. It makes sense if they already have in-house fabricators at other sites.


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯ll rig this place to blow just to deny it to Corvin,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°Though if that¡¯s the plan they haven¡¯t received the word yet.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope we¡¯re long gone when they do,¡± Jack noted. ¡°So if you know where the fabricators are, where¡¯s the extraction point?¡±


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Closest would be left side of the building,¡± Sephy answered. ¡°Unless we open the roof? Less open and exposed, and it gives us the quickest way out, but if they¡¯re not expecting it then that can attract attention.¡±


    ¡°Left side I think,¡± Alora proposed after thinking for a moment, as the others nodded in agreement. ¡°However, opening the roof could still serve as a distraction if we need it.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Sephy nodded, quickly typing away on the terminal before then immediately turning around, and opening one of the metal drawers on the desk, rummaging around for a few moments to grab a few loose credit chips before looking back up at the rest of the group. ¡°Also, we¡¯re in a distribution centre and we have empty bags and pockets. I¡¯ll be damned if I¡¯m not spending at least a few seconds to check for random loot!¡±


    ¡°Good point.¡± Jack shrugged, as he moved over to help.


    *****


    ¡°There¡¯s some expensive food in the crates nearby, over there just opposite of our prize,¡± Sephy whispered to the group, pointing to the adjacent shelves ahead.


    ¡°Where are the fabricators?¡± Jack asked, causing the girls to jerk in a brief panic, believing the fabricators were missing before he asked. ¡°Are those them? They¡¯re pretty big!¡±


    That¡¯s them, and yes. Heavy too!  Chiyo nodded, looking at where Jack was pointing. We¡¯re going to need one of those pump trucks for each!


    The large metallic cubes were made of an iridescent, dark matte alloy that seemed to reflect colours differently in the light, like the surface of an oil puddle. The edges were smooth, giving it a mostly sleek, aerodynamic appearance, with the exception of various hatches, ports and vents, though fortunately Jack could see enough sturdy-looking handles welded onto the thing that he knew they could all safely attach themselves to it, though whether the drone could handle it would be another story. Strips of neon-blue LED lights ran along the edges, currently turned off, and focused at an inactive touch panel interface.


    ¡°Alright, shall we make the call to Tagrilla?¡± Nika asked, and everyone nodded in agreement.


    ¡°This asshole better be quick¡­¡± Sephy muttered as she called the slicer, who picked up on the first ring. ¡°Hey Tagrilla we¡¯ve got the fabricators, we just need to move into position then you can pick us up!¡±


    ¡°Holy shit you people like to cut it close!¡± Tagrilla shouted in a panic. ¡°Sending drones to you now, ETA three minutes! Shaskasaki are sending out a High Threat Response team, so you need to be ready to go or you need to run!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? What¡¯s going on?¡± Alora asked in a panic emergency. ¡°Everything is still quiet here.¡±


    ¡°Well it won¡¯t be for much longer!¡± Tagrilla retorted in a panic. ¡°The DataNet is abuzz with reports of a single high-speed object moving from Corvin territory heading your way, and you know damn well what that means!¡±


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Nika cursed in a panic. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta move!¡±


    ¡°Wait what? They¡¯re shooting a missile?¡± Jack asked, only to see the Kizun emphatically shake her head without elaboration.


    ¡°Change of plans,¡± Alora ordered. ¡°Sephy, get the roof open now! We¡¯ve got to make enough space for a pickup, Jack can you pull the fabricators out without the pallet thingy?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try!¡± Jack confirmed, as he yanked on the fabricator as hard as he could, causing it to budge slightly, the wooden pallet underneath scraping the floor with the strain, though drowned out by the sound of the roof hatch opening. ¡°It¡¯ll be easier to push, where do you want them?¡±


    ¡°In the middle, there!¡± Alora pointed to the central crossroads of the warehouse, right in the middle of the warehouse directly below the open sky of the still-opening hatch. ¡°Who has the tracking devices?! They need to be latched into position!¡±


    ¡°Stuff your bags!¡± Sephy told them as Chiyo helped her rip the panel off one of the opposite crates, quickly using their bags to scoop up anything they could before tipping the crate to spill on the ground, allowing them to quickly pack them to the brim.


    ¡°For fucks sake both of you! No time! Everyone, help Jack!¡± Nika yelled, as she added her strength to Jack¡¯s and fully pulled out one of the fabricators before moving onto the next one, while Sephy and Chiyo quickly saw sense and helped Alora, who was struggling with the third.


    Line them up in a row and push them as one! Chiyo suggested as they just about managed to shove them all into position. Pushing is easier than pulling!


    ¡°You know that from practice, Chiyo?¡± Sephy cheekily quipped, causing the group to laugh out loud as they strained with all their might, no longer concerned about remaining quiet.


    ¡°Damn, this isn¡¯t working!¡± Alora cried out in despair.


    ¡°Yes it will!¡± Jack retorted. ¡°On three! 1¡­2¡­3!¡±


    Pushing as one, the three fabricators shifted, and quickly gave way to momentum as they charged forward like a battering ram, shoving the fabricators forward until they got to the crossroads. In the distance they heard the surprised yells and shouts of workers in the background, asking who was opening the hatches.


    ¡°Get the trackers on and latch yourselves!¡± Alora ordered, as Nika quickly snapped one set into place, while Sephy rapidly followed and moved to help Jack with his.


    ¡°How long do we have?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°ETA thirty seconds!¡± Tagrilla called back. ¡°Latch yourself onto the one you want!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still time!¡± Jack grinned as he turned around into a full sprint while the others attached themselves securely to their chosen fabricator with their climbing rigs. ¡°Who has empty bags? Get them ready!¡±


    ¡°OH COME THE FUCK ON!¡± Nika exclaimed in sheer, maddening disbelief, while Sephy laughed in amazement as Jack quickly reached the nearest set of crates and tipped them over, causing the contents to spill out, before Jack quickly scooped some up in his arms and ran back.


    Get yourself latched on Jack! Chiyo yelled telepathically as she used her power to pull some more boxes and plastic wrapped objects to them while Jack attached himself next to the unamused Ilithii. Telekinesis! Remember!? I can do it from here!!!


    ¡°Point taken!¡± Jack grinned as he opened his bag for Chiyo to hastily fill, though she did make sure to jokingly clatter him over the head with one of the boxes before sending it to Alora¡¯s bag.


    ¡°You all on? Good!¡± Tagrilla confirmed in a panic as they heard the familiar rumble of a repulsor jet overhead. ¡°I¡¯ll get you out and away first then your slicer can take over the controls! Hold on!¡±


    The four trackers on each corner of the fabricator beeped with a flash of yellow light, and for the briefest of moments Jack considered the very terrifying prospect of being at Tagrilla¡¯s mercy, before a faint cord that gleamed a yellow light shot out and connected the tracker to the cargo drone overhead, before they were forcefully and abruptly yanked up high into the sky at a rapid speed.


    ¡°FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!¡± Jack yelled without thinking as within the space of a second they cleared the scarily-narrow gap of the still-opening hatch. The warehouse floor and the chaos of the workers running about shouting below quickly shrank away as the wind whistled in his popping ears, while Jack held onto the fabricator as tight as he could in sheer terror, raw adrenaline flooding through him, before just as quickly they stopped, dangling in the air, now fully attached to the cargo drone. Daring to look up, he saw the others were no better, and as he gasped for the breath he didn¡¯t realise he had been holding, the small, tiny rational part of his brain that was still working right now was glad that they hadn¡¯t brought Dante for this heist. Looking past Alora¡¯s shuddering head, he could see that two other cargo drones had also picked up their quarry, though without the traumatised passengers.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­.throw up¡­.¡± Nika managed to gasp. ¡°Can¡¯t¡­leave¡­evidence¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea, let¡¯s move you over the nearest shithole!¡± Tagrilla cheerfully chirped into the comm, sounding mightily pleased with himself as they slowly hovered away from the distribution centre below, making sure they didn¡¯t look too suspicious from anyone else looking up from the ground.


    ¡°Bluuuuurgh!¡± Chiyo lurched from beside him, the Ilithii making a rare physical noise as the predictable brown stream soon followed. Alora did the same the moment she regained consciousness, and although Sephy tried to fight it, she soon threw up a little, but was just about able to hold the rest of it together along with Jack and Nika, who were both on the cusp.


    ¡°Fuck that,¡± Jack groaned. ¡°I¡¯m not doing that shit again¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to send these three drones away from the area and take the scenic route,¡± Tagrilla warned. ¡°You can take control of yours at any time, but considering the situation, I¡¯d make it look natural for now until you¡¯re away proper. After that, I suggest we don¡¯t contact each other for a while and lay low. Pleasure doing business!¡± He then hung up the call.


    ¡°Sephy¡­¡± Alora gasped. ¡°Do you still have¡­their security system?¡±


    ¡°Oh shit, yes!¡± Sephy briefly perked up as she quickly remembered what they had just left.


    ¡°Set off the alarm!¡± Alora ordered, fighting to speak with all of her strength. ¡°Give the workers a chance to run! She''ll slaughter them if they¡¯re in her way!¡±


    ¡°Already done!'''' Sephy called, and they could hear the screeching siren in the distance, though Jack swore he could just about hear the shrill cry of Fotonato too as he saw the ant-like workers scatter into the night with nobody sticking around. Clearly they were all smart enough to have no company loyalty whatsoever, though Jack frowned as he also saw something in the distance, almost like a pink, sparking contrail that quickly drew closer to the distribution centre.


    ¡°What the hell is that?¡± Jack muttered to himself, but as he looked around he could see the girls were too exhausted to answer. Slowly, the cargo drone left the madness behind, and Sephy eventually took control of the one carrying them and directed it home, avoiding the fleet of Shaskasaki ships that were moving to intercept whatever was heading to their distribution centre. Nobody said anything, aside from confirming the rest were alive, until Jack looked up and noticed that one of the loose boxes had managed to stay on the fabricator, despite their insane escape. Taking a look at the label, Jack couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at ¡®Admiral Derrish¡¯s Delectable Microwave Pizza¡¯.


    ¡°Anybody hungry?¡± he asked, to faint chuckles from the group as they headed home.


    *****


    ¡°Who activated the alarms?¡± Fotonato snapped, screaming at the workers who were running past the guards and away to safety. ¡°The only threat here is me if you don¡¯t get back to work! Do you hear me?!¡±


    Whether the workers heard or not, they didn¡¯t care as they ran for their lives.


    ¡°Nishii? Where are you?¡± the manager snarled before a few of the guards rushed up to her in a panic. ¡°What is it now?¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, we need to get you out of here!¡± the head guard breathlessly. ¡°We¡¯ve got incoming hostiles! High Threat Response is already on their way but we need to clear the area! Now!¡±


    ¡°This had better be accurate, Captain!¡± Fotonato cursed, lamenting the cutoff of her side hustle with Acclethix. Still, she had made enough to live comfortably¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s Keter Level! Our Ronin are on their way!¡± the Captain began, as dropships suddenly appeared above them bearing the Shaskasaki symbol.


    ¡°It appears that your concerns are unfounded, Captain,¡± Fotonato huffed.


    ¡°Oh fuck this, I¡¯m not paid enough for this shit!¡± The Captain sighed as his nerves took over, causing him to flee with the rest. Only a few guards stayed behind as various shapes began to quickly jump from the dropships to land gracefully on the ground. Clad in advanced, dull-silver cyberskeletons adorned with intricate neon-blue accents, the imposing Ronin immediately put Fotonato at ease as they began to form up, before suddenly one of the dropships was blasted out of the sky, a huge chunk of it blown apart by an explosion of purple light. All around them the sound of high-pitched cackling could be heard as a small form highlighted by pink sparks zipped past in the sky above them, pointing something down at the troops on the ground, before blasting another ball of purple towards a group of Ronin, detonating in an explosion of red sparks and fireflies that churned the asphalt they were standing on, causing Fotonato to stumble and fall.


    The Ronin did not stand idle, quickly scattering across the complex and engaging the flying figure with ranged weapons, who summoned a magical shield of light in the shape of a blossoming flower that seemed to easily block their shots, before they quickly countered with magical attacks that seemed to chase and home after whoever was targeted. Using the opportunity, the figure began casting a more complicated spell, summoning several glowing pink portals, which several heavily armoured Corvin troops rushed out of and charged into battle.


    Fotonato gasped as she slowly staggered to her feet. If the Ronin, the elite response units, were having difficulty against the horror that Corvin Enterprises had sent, then she had to get out of there! Though she dreaded the prospect of facing the Shogunate Council for her actions, she did not want to die either! Picking herself up and putting one foot in front of the other, she ran stumbling as fast as she could, making her way out of the district and rushing past the nearest block of buildings as she heard the cackling overhead echoing throughout the deserted streets.


    Fotonato kept on running. Whether their Shaskasaki High Threat Response Team had done their jobs, or they had not, it no longer mattered to Fotonato as she dashed as far and as fast as her cyberrised legs could take her. Corvin Enterprises could have the damned district for all she cared.


    She was taken completely by surprise when the stun spell smacked into her back, paralysing her as she slammed into the ground, completely locked in place. That same cackle returned as her assailant drew closer, and Fotonato was just about able to see movement in the corner of her eye as the figure flew down to land from her broomstick, dismissing it in a puff of neon pink heart-shaped sparkles, before she casually walked towards Fotonato, her high-heels softly clacking on the cobblestones.


    ¡°Nu¡­n¡­¡­noooo!¡± Fotonato was barely able to get out through several forced exhales of breath, desperate to beg for mercy as she knew exactly who this was. Never in her contingency plans did they ever account for Corvin Enterprises sending her.


    Fotonato trembled in fear as the figure moved out of view, humming a pop song as she skipped over towards her downed prey and began rummaging through her pockets. Fotonato felt the slender fingers identify her credit chip in her pocket, before ignoring it and leaving it in place, quickly doing the same with her commlink and data drives, before stopping as they found a small but thick, debit card-shaped object with neon blue patterns dancing around the surface, hidden in a jacket pocket.


    ¡°Ah, there you are, thought you could hide from me? Fufu!¡± The deceptively cute, playful tone of the teenage girl filled Fotonato with dread as they muttered to the object they were after. ¡°You¡¯d better stay nice and safe with me!¡±


    ¡°P¡­.Pla¡­.Pleash¡­.¡± Fotonato managed to gasp out.


    ¡°Oh? Did you want to say something?¡± the soft voice mocked as Fotonato was effortlessly turned onto her back with surprising strength, allowing the doomed manager to gaze upon the figure properly. Wearing a tiara, purple cocktail dress and white stockings, Fotonato had always assumed the figure to be an Eladrie, but up close saw that this didn¡¯t seem to be the case. The well-groomed hair of the girl was more blond, the fair skin was nowhere near pale enough, and that wicked grin had no place on the mouth of any Eladrie she had ever met. ¡°Hello!¡± The girl cheerfully smiled, waving enthusiastically with an open hand at the figure frozen to the ground.


    ¡°Pleash¡­¡± Fotonato gasped out again as the spell began to ever so slowly begin to subside. ¡°Pleash don¡¯t kill¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±  The figure made a pantomime gesture of thinking.


    ¡°That depends. I wouldn¡¯t normally bother with something as boooooring as this. But about an hour ago when I was doing my hair, I cast a divination spell when I had nothing better to do, and I learned that there might be someone¡­interesting around here!¡± The figure giggled coyly. ¡°For some reason I wasn¡¯t able to work out any of the details, but that¡¯s neither here nor there! Whoever or whatever they are, I can¡¯t seem to find them! Foooo¡­¡± She ended with a pouty face.


    ¡°Wh¡­What?¡± Fotonato asked, completely confused.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t happen to know of anyone¡­interesting? Would you?¡± the girl asked, though her face dropped on seeing the hints of confusion through Fotonato¡¯s terror. ¡°Ah, it figures.¡± She shrugged as she mused to herself. ¡°I must have botched the spell. Haven¡¯t done that in a while!¡± she cheerfully told herself.


    Fotonato said nothing. Paralysis spell or not, she was frozen with terror.


    ¡°Welp! Better not let anyone know about that!¡± The figure shrugged with a happy tone, as she extended an arm, and summoned a comically large warhammer, with a heart-shaped pommel that glowed a neon pink. ¡°Bye Bye!¡± The figure cheerfully waved, before slamming the hammer down on the head of Fotonato with a giggle.


    Dismissing her hammer after shaking most of the blood off, the girl cheerfully pivoted like a ballet dancer, and began skipping back down the dark street, humming a song without a care.

 Chapter 99: Ceremony

    ¡°Wow, there¡¯s a lot of people!¡± Jack exclaimed as they came up to the massive crowd that was forming at the entrance to Clan Bharzum¡¯s territory. ¡°I thought you said they were being selective with their guests?¡±


    ¡°They are!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Other factions in the city are being represented, and I can only imagine the screening they¡¯re getting! That¡¯s a sizable troop of Red Legion over there, I think the local General-Commander might be here!¡±


    That would make sense, many of the aspirants helped in the defence during the attack, and Luvia has one of the highest places of honour alongside Jack, Svaartal, Svaarti and Sigrin, Chiyo reasoned. Technically Devil¡¯s Daughter has a place of high honour too, but she is not expected to show up. Clan Bharzum does apparently have plans to reward her for her efforts though, so maybe they¡¯ll keep it in escrow.


    It was the early afternoon, and the group had taken it easy on finally getting back from their successful heist. They hadn¡¯t said much during the rest of their trip back, with most of the group still feeling nauseous after their rapid ascent. Sephy had sent their newly bestowed cargo drone on a roundabout route to shake any surveillance before setting it on an autopilot course for home, setting the drone to land safely on the grass.


    They hadn¡¯t properly gone through their loot yet, though they did have enough sense to restock their fridge with the perishable food and throw a tarp over their new fabricator until they could find a home for it, which was probably going to be one of the ¡®garage-like¡¯ rooms at the end of the main building, which was easily accessible from the inside and outside and would serve well as a general ¡®workshop¡¯ area. After that, they heated up the microwave pizza and ate a slice each before deciding they weren¡¯t really that hungry, and instead went to bed, but not before giving Dante some pets, the ¡®dog¡¯ having stayed up waiting for them to return. They were more than happy to finish off the pizza when they woke up, however, and took it easy before they left in good time to walk to the ceremony in the early afternoon.


    Jack could tell that the plaza they were approaching was usually a bustling hub of travel and activity, but for now it had been transformed into a vast sea of mourners as citizens and leaders alike paid their respects to those who had fallen, surrounded by various paparazzi looking for a winning shot.


    It also wasn¡¯t just the Red Legion being represented, as a few other delegations were making their presence known with distinctive banners and insignias: The undead Crypt¡¯s with their blue spray-painted symbols and rough-and-tumble attire to honour their members that had fallen to the Klowns stood in contrast to various corporate figures and their bodyguards. Looking ahead, Jack was dismayed to see what he remembered as House Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s symbol proudly displayed, with several drow troops haughtily shoving a path through the crowd. To the left, Jack could also see several robed Stygians waiting patiently at the side of the road.


    Hover drones flitted about them, capturing the scene from every angle, their dissonant buzzes and whirrs almost drawing out the sombre, ambient music coming from Clan Bharzum¡¯s complex.


    ¡°Quite a display,¡± Jack heard a familiar voice from the side, and they quickly turned around to see who had crept up on him.


    ¡°Hello Mr Ashtail!¡± Jack spun to greet Lizta, the rest of his group quickly turning to acknowledge him before turning back to their conversations. ¡°Hey Kritch!¡±


    ¡°Oh come now Jack, no need to be so formal with me!¡± Vetch Ashtail patted Jack on the back with a warm grandfatherly smile. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again.¡±


    ¡°Even better to see the security here!¡± Kritch joked, to a playful look of disapproval from his grandfather.


    Clan Bharzum¡¯s security was omnipresent. High-tech defence systems, both overt and covert, kept a vigilant eye over the busy crowd. Automated turrets, cloaked in stealth mode, lay ready to act at the slightest hint of violent disruption. Hoduth mech troopers, their outfits a blend of tactical armour and cyber enhancements, patrolled every entrance and key point, communicating silently through neural links, ensuring a seamless security net over the entire event.


    ¡°Gentlebeings, may I have your attention please?¡± A voice that Jack recognised as Ivar Bharzum called out over a loudspeaker. ¡°All invited guests of honour and their approved escorts taking active part in the ceremony, please make your way to the Western gate. All other invited faction dignitaries, to the East gate, and everyone else, including reporters, please remain here at the Central Gate. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°I guess we¡¯re at the Western Gate.¡± Jack shrugged.


    ¡°Us too,¡± Vetch confirmed. ¡°Kritch has a place of honour too for actively saving lives.¡±


    ¡°Awesome.¡± Jack smiled politely, as he and the others slowly made their way to the Western gate, though in the back of his mind, he was paranoid something bad would happen. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with.¡±


    *****


    Escorted through the caverns by the Clan Bharzum guards who were more than happy to see them, the grand hall they had all been led to was an architectural masterpiece of massive golden chandeliers dangling from the ceiling, illuminating the room in a warm, soft glow. Tall columns, intricately carved from fine stone, stood like sentinels, guarding the long history of the building. The hall''s floor was a vast expanse of polished obsidian, reflecting the lights above in a shimmering dance.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got some time, but all the guests that will be receiving honours have seats on the stage at the end,¡± the Sergeant informed them. ¡°Everyone else that was at the party sits at the front, and their escorts can fill up from there.¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Nika told them as they left.


    Rather exclusionary that they¡¯re only having those that were able to distinguish themselves during the battle on the stage. Chiyo expressed her displeasure. There are those that still helped that should be up there.


    ¡°The stage only seats a specific number of people,¡± Alora told them. ¡°I understand that everyone involved in the attack will be compensated, so perhaps that¡¯s why they¡¯ve been directed at the front, in order for them to still receive honours.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll leave you here,¡± Vetch told them, as his small group of Lizta acknowledged the guard that was ferrying them to their seats. ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, I¡¯m proud of all of you. Feel free to stop by our territory and have some free drinks and snacks on me after this is all over!¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Vetch!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°I think they plan to feed us after the ceremony, but I¡¯m always up for double portions when the cost of living sucks.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, Jack Frost?¡± A Hoduth guard asked him nervously, and he nodded. ¡°Along with other guests of honour, please follow me and we¡¯ll get you assigned to your allocated seats once everyone else has entered the hall!¡±


    As they walked up to a special alcove along the side of the stage they had been directed to, the hall slowly began to come alive when a huge set of metal hatches groaned open, and various groups of guests were meticulously escorted to their sections. The soft murmurs of the various guests grew louder and more animated as attendees greeted one another, and soon the pitter-patter of feet gave way to a clattering of shoes on the stone floor as the hall quickly began filling up.


    Reporters that had been approved by Clan Bharzum were permitted to set up their strange-looking cameras and microphones in specific spots as directed by the Hoduth guards, strategically dotted around the hall in places where they would not be in the way. They engaged in hushed discussions with their crews, adjusting the angles of their cameras and readying themselves to capture every moment of the memorial ceremony. Drone cameras floated above, their quiet hum blending into the background noise, their lenses zeroing in on the various notable attendees, and Jack had to quickly check his gun to make sure it could be brought to bear at a moment¡¯s notice. He really didn¡¯t want this to go badly, and his paranoia wasn¡¯t helped by many guests pointing at him, and several drones hovered around him in an orbit of discomfort as he walked up the stairs onto the stage.


    However, as many of the guests sat down, and he and the others were separated from one another as they were escorted to their own seats in full view of the crowd, there was still an air of anticipation, and certain guests of honour had yet to arrive. Apparently they wanted to make an entrance, which would good for the cameras.


    Though for some of the guests that followed, ¡®honour¡¯ was not a word Jack would use¡­


    ¡°Representing the Red Legion, General-Commander Opathu!¡± a herald called out, as a particularly beefy-looking reptilian warrior strode into the room, expecting all eyes to be on him. He had a harsh but stoic look to him in his resplendent red armour, but he wasn¡¯t the one Jack was focused on¡­


    ¡°Kull,¡± he heard Nika growl from behind him.


    It was true. Master Kull was flanking the General-Commander on one side, with a white-scaled Nirah he hadn¡¯t seen before on the other, looking very different to the two Nirah he already knew. Several elite troops in red armour were close behind for a threatening visage. For his part, Kull was staring straight ahead with a humoured expression.


    ¡°Hey Jack!¡± Luvia bounded up to them excitedly, looking very beautiful with her polished crimson scales, manicured hair and black dress. ¡°Hello everyone, how have you all been?¡±


    ¡°Hey Luvia.¡± Sephy grinned mischievously as she quickly sidled up alongside Jack, blocking the dragon as the Skritta brought her arm around the human, pulling him in tight for a side-hug. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you!¡±


    ¡°Umm..hi Luvia!¡± Jack nervously greeted the dragon, who was unable to get close to him, though not for lack of trying, his voice fighting not to go up an octave as Sephy pressed herself into him. ¡°You look nice!¡±


    ¡°Thanks Jack!¡± Luvia smiled, as Sephy practically squeezed him in jealousy. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ll be sitting next to me on stage! We must catch up later¡­¡±


    ¡°Representing House Mal¡¯Kar of the Drow Concordance!¡± The herald bellowed again. ¡°Matriarch Izadora Mal¡¯Kar!¡±


    Presenting an aura of nobility and power, the drow of House Mal¡¯Kar marched forward, not acknowledging the crowd until they reached their seats, where one of the Drow, a female in black spiked plate with a large sword gave the Red Legion contingent a smile that radiated mockery.


    Who else are we expecting? Chiyo asked the gathered ¡®Honour List¡¯.


    ¡°I know Corvin Enterprises wanted to send a representative, but were denied.¡± Luvia shrugged. ¡°They were allowed to send reporters, however.¡±


    ¡°Commander Cocaine also got denied.¡± Kritch chuckled. ¡°Damn shame, they really humiliated the Drow the other night! That was so funny! I¡¯d love to see them go for Round 2!¡±


    ¡°I know a few unknown individuals tried to get in,¡± a new voice called out, as Sigrin Bharzum walked up to them. ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s taken a while to get through, but everything should be fine now. Ivar thinks it¡¯s from those Emerald King lot¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Alora gasped. ¡°You don¡¯t think¡­¡±


    ¡°They were turned away at the door, and if they return we¡¯ll open fire.¡± Sigrin nodded. ¡°We¡¯re not taking any chances. I¡¯m warning you as a courtesy, because I fully expect this to be safe. We¡¯ve pulled out all stops for this, Gloom Paths are clear and Security Level is Black. Anyone that shouldn¡¯t be here gets killed on sight.¡±


    ¡°Damn,¡± Jack mumbled.


    ¡°Anyway, I think most of us are here, the two Nirah siblings are on their way and we have a few more honourees yet to arrive. In practice this won¡¯t take too long, we¡¯ll be rewarding and compensating you properly behind closed doors, but this is a matter of honour for us, and most of all to remember those that cannot be with us today.¡±


    Sigrin then smiled as she saw more people arrive. ¡°But fortunately, that number is much smaller than it could have been, thanks to all of you.¡±


    ¡°Everyone is accounted for now, we¡¯re just getting the last group sorted,¡± one of the guards told Sigrin as a new group of people joined them.


    Including someone Jack really didn¡¯t expect to see.


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± the human exclaimed, as the others in his group gave similar expressions of shock.


    ¡°Whoa!¡± Killer Kush calmly groaned as was gently guided by one of the guards to where he was meant to be. ¡°Oh, hey Jack!¡± He nonchalantly waved at Jack, who was staring at him flabbergasted.


    ¡°Killer Kush, how are you alive? I saw you die! Again!¡± Jack asked without thinking, as Kush just looked at him like he wasn¡¯t quite there. ¡°I even closed your eyes and said some words for you!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡°It was very moving!¡± Jack sighed, before putting out his hand in respect. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re still around.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Jack.¡± Killer Kush nodded, clasping Jack¡¯s arm in his for a handshake, in a rare moment of lucidity. ¡°I¡­kinda remember now. Clan Bharzum was able to recover me and bring me back. I have, like, a thingy that can usually help preserve me after something bad, and I have a contract with CorvWagon that lets their healers know when I¡¯ve been downed, but it has limited reach. Fucking sucks I couldn¡¯t take down Dr Grine, they told me he got away. I got some good hits on him at least!¡±


    ¡°You did what you could, and he¡¯s much tougher than he looks.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°I know he has a bounty, but I wouldn¡¯t even know where to start looking. There¡¯s a lot of powerful people on the hunt though, you could probably get in on that if you wanted.¡±


    ¡°Heh, maybe bro. Bounty work ain¡¯t paying much right now, so I¡¯m up for anything.¡± Kush shrugged, looking up at Jack with a desperate gaze. ¡°I haven¡¯t even lit a blunt for, like, 2 hours!¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Jack began. ¡°Why not put your skills into helping the city fix itself? There¡¯s people that need help and could give you a kickback? You could work for a higher cause or-¡±


    ¡°Higher cause?¡± Killer Kush¡¯s expression got serious for a moment as he stared at Jack. ¡°Jack. This is very very important. How ¡®High¡¯ are we talking exactly?¡±


    ¡°How high?¡± Jack asked, groaning internally as he realised what the stoned frog meant. ¡°That¡¯s¡­that¡¯s up to you I guess...¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­I¡¯m gonna do a few lines of coke and think about it. Thanks Jack!¡± Kush grinned as a guard gently guided the Dresquox back into place.


    ¡°Last group,¡± the guards called before looking to Sigrin. ¡°Nearly ready, Elder Torvuld will bring you up when it¡¯s time. Good luck!¡±


    ¡°Thanks, you too!¡± The Provisional Elder smiled, before noticing who was arriving. ¡°Ah! Svaartal, good to see you, and Svaarti, I was glad to hear of your recent recovery!¡±


    Everyone snapped their heads around at that, as Sigrin marched over to greet the two Nirah slinking over to them, warmly greeting the two with open arms. Svaartal was clearly feeling as exposed as Jack was, looking around on high alert for any threats, while supporting his frail sister who was clearly quite tired from the exertion, but who still smiled.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a bit worse for wear but I¡¯m strong enough for this,¡± Svaarti nervously told them all as she leaned on her staff, before looking around. ¡°Is Vanya here?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s among the crowd.¡± Alora smiled warmly at the Nirah. ¡°There will be time to meet up afterwards I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Certainly will, there¡¯s gonna be a reception afterwards away from the media,¡± Sigrin pointed out, patting Svaarti on the shoulder.


    Suddenly, some music played over the sound system in the hall, causing conversations to begin to die out, as an older Hoduth in resplendent armour walked up to them, flanked by several guards. ¡°Greetings friends, if you would follow me, the ceremony is about to begin¡­¡±


    *****


    As the solemn music reached a crescendo, all eyes turned to the raised platform where Elder Torvuld stood to address the crowd. Though age had etched harsh, deep lines onto their face, the Elder''s posture remained taut, and their eyes remained sharp. Their voice was deep and resonant as they spoke.


    "Greetings, Gentlebeings. Today, we stand united, not merely in the face of adversity facing our home, but to come together, and honour those who gave their lives in order for our city to keep on going. When the Klowns came in force, it was not noble titles, riches or territory that defined us during that vicious attack, but the actions we took to look true evil in the eye, and face it!¡±


    The hall was now silent as the Elder spoke, the music having faded away, not even the clicks of the drones or cameras interrupting the hallowed scene. "As we commemorate this moment," the Elder continued, "I want to acknowledge those who exemplified courage. Those whose bravery illuminated the darkest moments. Our heroes, who you all see behind me, and at the front of the hall."


    The Elder allowed a moment of silence to allow that moment to sink in.


    ¡°While everyone I have honoured have tales of bravery to tell, six heroes in particular risked their lives at the greatest of peril, five of whom you see before me.¡± He motioned to Jack, Luvia, Sigrin, Svaarti and Svaartal. ¡°The sixth, Devil¡¯s Daughter, operates under a veil of obfuscation, however we honour her for her efforts nonetheless.¡±


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°First, I honour my Granddaughter, Sigrin. When my son, Elder Torvin Bharzum fell in the battle to buy our guests time to escape, it was Sigrin that took charge of the defence until help could arrive. She demonstrated leadership and courage during that time, and it is my honour to elevate her to full Elder.¡±


    Sigrin subtly released a gasp of breath she didn¡¯t realise she had been holding at that. A bonafide Elder? She didn¡¯t know whether to be happy at the honour, or sad at feeling old!


    ¡°I now honour Luviannestixxx, proud dragon of the Red Legion who scorched the Klowns in their infiltration tunnels, and took to the skies to rain fire on our foes! Svaarti, who almost at the cost of her life cast a mighty barrier to repel the Klowns and protect the wounded, before casting a portal to allow them to escape. Devil¡¯s Daughter who struck out at the Klowns from the shadows and disrupted their offensive. Svaartal, who carved his way through scores of Klowns in order to rescue those that were captured, including my Granddaughter Greta, before slaying as many Klowns as could in defence of Outpost Khundohr.¡±


    ¡°And Jack Frost. Fighting alone through the tunnels, he was able to rescue many people from the Klown horde and reach the security nexus, turning the tide of the battle by manually overriding our disabled active defences. He then confronted the true mastermind behind the attack, Dr Reyazz Grine, almost slaying him, and obtained valuable intelligence we would otherwise not have acquired. For the bravery these five heroes have demonstrated, I grant the highest honour I can, with the entire Ring as my witness¡­.¡±


    ¡°I name you all Blood-kin of Clan Bharzum.¡±


    There were several whispers within the crowd at that, and Jack must have visibly looked slightly confused, because Elder Torvuld subtly raised his hand to put him at ease for now. Jack would need to ask what that was about later.


    The Elder returned to the centre of the platform, looking out at the sea of faces once more. "May we always remember the sacrifices made, and may we move forward with the knowledge that together, we can overcome any adversity that may challenge us. Honour those that fell in the face of evil, and carry their spirits with you always. Thank you."


    As the applause thundered throughout the hall, there was a palpable sense of unity, at least for a brief moment. In a way it gave Jack hope that things could get better, and that societies could come together, even if it was bound by mutual hatred of the Klowns that attacked their city indiscriminately. As the cameras of drones and reporters clicked and Jack looked at the various beings below who were applauding them all, one suddenly stood out. An ordinary average-looking Squarri was staring right at him from the crowd. Light brown feathers, conservative clothes, no distinguishing features. Jack didn¡¯t know what it was about the person that unnerved him so, but his gut told him it was not good. The being stared at him for several moments in interest, before giving him an unmistakable cruel smile and a slight tilt of his head, acknowledging him before in the next moment they were gone. It was like Jack had simply lost focus of them for a brief moment, only for them to vanish.


    Try as he might, he couldn¡¯t find them again in the crowd. Was he imagining this? Was he seeing things? Was he being paranoid?


    ¡°Sigrin,¡± Jack whispered to the Hoduth next to him. ¡°Got a bad feeling about someone in the crowd. Might be nothing though, a Squarri looking a little weird at me in the section over there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call it in, we¡¯re done here so I¡¯ll tell the guards to keep a lookout.¡± The Elder confirmed, not even questioning it. ¡°Everyone coming to the reception has been fully screened, and guard presence is high.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Jack whispered back, as the crowds began to disperse¡­


    *****


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Svaartal asked his sister as they entered a new room with refreshments the guards had guided them all to. ¡°Do you need to sit down?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m well enough,¡± Svaarti weakly hissed back. ¡°I promised Vanya I¡¯d meet up with her afterwards and help her with an episode of her podcast!¡±


    ¡°I should probably try and convince you that resting would be better, but I know that probably won¡¯t work.¡± Svaartal chuckled. ¡°Just don¡¯t try and teleport anyone else back with you when you come home. We still have enough wards to destroy anyone that teleports in uninvited. Commander Cocaine¡¯s forces learned that the hard way.¡±


    ¡°Oh, good,¡± Svaarti sighed with relief as she looked around, spotting Nya on her own holding a drink. ¡°I¡¯m going to mingle for a bit and see who else is here.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, have fun!¡± Svaartal smiled, before turning back to talk to Soren.


    As the Nirah slithered up to Nya, the Stygian jumped slightly at the movement, before relaxing slightly on seeing who it was. ¡°Svaarti, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re awake, how are you feeling?¡± Nya tentatively asked.


    ¡°I was going to ask you the same question!¡± Svaarti smiled. ¡°I am better, thank you. I¡¯ve missed out on a lot and I can barely remember what happened! How have you been?¡±


    ¡°I woke up a few days after the attack.¡± Nya smiled warmly as she slowly sipped her wine. ¡°My tribe came to collect me after assisting Clan Bharzum in the recovery efforts. Under their care I was able to wake up and heal my physical injuries, but my astral strands will take longer to repair.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that,¡± Svaartai told the Stygian, sympathetically placing a hand on Nya¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I have a similar problem, but my time in a coma actually went a long way to help heal mine. I¡¯ve found in the past that spending time meditating at a powerful enough ley line convergence point can help.¡±


    ¡°Ley lines?¡± Nya asked, perking up at the idea. ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware of such points around Naganai that aren¡¯t claimed or heavily contested?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Svaarti nodded enthusiastically. ¡°House Mal¡¯Kar is on a very good place and I have my own Meditation Chamber that¡¯s helped, but before, Svaartal and I used to use a spot on the edge of the Ghostlight Forest to the south of the city.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Nya asked, surprised, and secretly very excited at the idea. Even Grandmaster Ilvella didn¡¯t know of many good spots when he originally searched for a location to call home. ¡°Forgive me for prying but¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course! I¡¯ll give you my new commcode and let you know!¡± Svaarti beamed. ¡°But¡­you are also welcome at the House Mal¡¯Kar compound as my guest. I am allowed to do that, but it might not be¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite alright, I like discovering secrets!¡± Nya smirked, as she felt a familiar presence approach from behind.¡±


    ¡°Nya! There you are!¡± Grandmaster Ilvella exclaimed with a grandfatherly tone. ¡°Ah! And you must be Svaarti! Nya¡¯s told me much about you!¡±


    ¡°She has?¡± Svaarti asked, slightly confused, as Nya respectfully moved to the side, allowing the Grandmaster to speak to the Nirah, though nervous and unsure of what he was planning.


    ¡°Indeed!¡± Ilvella smiled kindly. ¡°A fellow practitioner of the arcane arts, and a most capable one so I¡¯ve heard! A pleasure to meet you dear!¡± He smiled as he shook her hand. ¡°What you did that night was nothing short of outstanding work, even with a powerful artefact like that Golden Staff of yours! I¡¯ll admit I am curious how a young lady your age came to possess such a relic?¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Svaarti smiled politely. ¡°According to my brother, my staff belonged to our late mother. I don¡¯t have any memories of her, but I am honoured to wield it in her name and hope to do her proud!¡±


    ¡°I am sorry to hear of her loss, and that you cannot remember her.¡± Ilvella bowed his head. ¡°But I am sure she would be proud of the brave young woman her daughter has become.¡±


    ¡°That is very kind.¡± Svaarti smiled. ¡°All I know is that she died in the Demonfire War. My brother has more memories of her than I do. He is my elder by many years, though we are in the same year in school. Nirah are a very long-lived species after all, so it makes sense.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Ilvella nodded respectfully. ¡°Ah! Don¡¯t let me take up any more of your time, I can see your companions over there looking concerned.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Svaarti looked around to see Soren and Svaartal looking her way, but as she turned to politely bid her farewells to the Stygians, she could see that both of them had already departed. Shrugging, she went to browse the foods Clan Bharzum had on offer, and was happy to talk to those that wanted to speak to one of the ¡®heroes¡¯ of the Klown attack who saw her as more approachable, before Svaartal eventually reunited with her.


    ¡°Careful not to let your new fame go to your head!¡± Svaartal teased.


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Svaarti giggled before looking worried towards the entrance of the room, as the Red Legion contingent entered. ¡°Oh no, you don¡¯t think we¡¯ll have problems with them, do you?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry, dear.¡± Soren purred from behind her as he gently patted her shoulder and drew close. ¡°This is Neutral Ground, and Clan Bharzum have made it clear what happens to those that break it¡­¡±


    ¡°Besides, the Red Legion is no match for our power,¡± Izadora added, a little too loudly.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± a voice from the Red Legion contingent growled, as General-Commander Opathu strode over in a picture of calm rage, followed by his entourage. ¡°Would this be the same mighty House Mal¡¯Kar that faltered against Commander Cocaine?¡±


    ¡°We sent him running,¡± Kravel snarled, as the Nirah officer to the side of General Opathu subtly moved to mark his approach. ¡°I wonder what could have caused him to so foolishly target us?¡±


    ¡°He no doubt saw weakness and moved to exploit it,¡± Luviannestixxx growled. ¡°When you recruit the discardings of others you can expect nothing to show for it.¡±


    ¡°Hardly,¡± Ull sneered. ¡°House Mal¡¯Kar has brought out their true strength.¡±


    ¡°Ull!¡± Izadora warned her brother to show restraint, but Ull ignored her.


    ¡°There is only one Master Race,¡± Ull chuckled menacingly, staring down the Red Legion officers. ¡°Your time is almost done, but the Drow will always reign supreme!¡±


    ¡°And those of other species that fight with you?¡± Ull snapped around to stare at the pale Nirah Colonel with the magical glave, who stared back, unblinking with a sly, amused smile. Unlike his two compatriots, this new individual was completely at ease, and did not show any visible signs of anger. ¡°Was a drow present on that stage receiving honours, or did my eyesight deceive me?¡±


    ¡°The Klowns did not attack us because even the Killer Klown can recognise a greater threat,¡± Vaetrix jeered. ¡°Had they tried, I would have slain the Killer Klown myself.¡±


    ¡°A bold claim from blueblood filth.¡± Kull chuckled, summoning his hammer to rest his chin on. ¡°I am a veteran of hundreds of battles fought in the name of the legion. I fought in the Zharakizan campaign, and no matter how many drow tried to prove themselves superior, they all died the same way. Screaming in pain as I ripped them apart! Oh yes Captain, how they screamed!¡± The mighty juggernaut taunted, before his gaze turned looking dangerously at all of them. The moment Kull¡¯s gaze looked towards him, Svaartal summoned the Staff of Devil¡¯s Daughter to point right at his face, causing the guards to shout out.


    ¡°Our business remains unconcluded, Kull,¡± the Nirah hissed. ¡°House Mal¡¯Kar offers a mighty sum for the head of Vashiel, significantly more if he is brought to me alive. Now I am Blood-Kin, Clan Bharzum are also now on the hunt for my father, but I have no intention of allowing anyone else the chance of getting him. I¡¯m not hiding or running. I will find him, and I shall kill him, along with all that aid him!¡±


    ¡°Brave of you for what you did, boy.¡± Kull chuckled grimly. ¡°But it won¡¯t end the way you think...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Elder Sigrin snapped at all of them. ¡°I won¡¯t have you arguing over the Truffled Fungal Appetisers. Don¡¯t you know there are enough for everybody?¡±


    A long silence took the room, before finally General-Commander Opathu allowed himself a slight chuckle.


    ¡°Are you sure, Lady Bharzum?¡± He rumbled with amusement. ¡°They are most delectable.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Vaetrix retorted with a false smile of civility. ¡°We must order some for our House.¡±


    ¡°We shall arrange something,¡± Sigrin allowed, and the guards guided the two feuding parties away from one another.


    In the corner of the room, Grandmaster Ilvella furrowed his brows. The conversation with Svaarti had been nothing short of a delight, and only his iron-clad discipline had kept him from losing his composure. It reminded him of those first days of meeting Svaarvali, and Svaarti was every part her daughter.


    But her son? By the gods her son¡­


    That he had inherited his mother¡¯s skill was without question. But his father? Ilvella had met Vashiel only a few times before and had found him to have been a good man, a loving husband, and a doting father.


    Just what was going on here?


    *****


    After that tense standoff, the reception had been a mostly dull affair, with the exception of Dante and Carrow barking and cawing at one another until they were forcefully separated by their respective masters and kept that way. Apart from that, Jack and his friends ate some strange food and hobnobbed with a few influential figures, though they naturally stayed away from Master Kull and the Drow, with at least one member of the group staying with Jack to ensure he didn¡¯t shoot any of them ¡®by accident¡¯. It was a short affair, and they had all committed to leaving in good time with their friends to enjoy the rest of the day, but first, they had to pick up their rewards and compensation. Out of their group, Jack was the only one who hadn¡¯t gotten his rewards yet, as he had a special order that Ivar was claiming from the vault. However, considering who was currently receiving their rewards, he didn¡¯t mind the wait¡­


    ¡°Alright Mr Kush, I think you¡¯ll like this¡­¡± The bemused guard chuckled as with great reverence he handed Killer Kush what looked like a pair of submachine-guns.


    ¡°Broooooooo!¡± Killer Kush grinned. ¡°What do they do?¡±


    ¡°They¡­um¡­.shoot plasma rounds like any other SMG. These ones are efficient enough to shoot more rounds before overheating at the cost of accuracy,¡± the guard told him. ¡°Very reliable and well forged by Clan Bharzum, we hope you put them to good use. We also have this¡­¡±


    The guard pulled out a small briefcase and turned it around before opening it to give Killer Kush a look. Jack couldn¡¯t see what was in it from his angle, but the bright green glow from within gave Killer Kush the happiest look he had ever seen.


    ¡°Holy shit! Let¡¯s goooooooooooo!¡± The Dresqox celebrated.


    ¡°YOU!¡± A voice yelled, as from the Red Legion contingent, Jack saw a familiar, angry reptilian marching up. He had not seen Master Kull since the end of the previous week when he got suspended from teaching, and certainly did not expect to see him here as he made a beeline for Killer Kush. ¡°I KNOW YOU WERE THE ONE TO TAKE A SHIT IN MY OFFICE!¡±


    The Dresqox lazily turned around with the wide, calm smile of a true pothead and gave Master Kull a casual look up and down as the crowd turned to see the commotion.


    ¡°Suck my balls motherfucker!¡± Killer Kush grinned wide at the hulking brute.


    Kull roared, summoning his hammer, as with a flurry Killer Kush drew his twin blades.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Sigrin Bharzum yelled at the top of her voice. ¡°This is Neutral Ground! Does the Red Legion refuse to honour its word?¡±


    ¡°Our word is our bond,¡± Kull growled as he stomped off, while Killer Kush sheathed his blades and lit a spliff like nothing had happened.


    ¡°Alright, thanks for coming Mr Kush, safe travels!¡± Sigrin chucked as she somewhat abruptly led the Dresqox out the door.


    ¡°Jack, you want to come with me?¡± Ivar called from the door. ¡°Got you all set up, but I figured since you¡¯re not from around here I could explain stuff for you.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Jack shrugged, before leading the group to follow him. They didn¡¯t go far, only heading down the end of the corridor before Ivar ushered him into a side room, allowing Alora, Nika, Sephy, Chiyo and Dante to enter with him.


    ¡°Alright Jack.¡± Ivar grinned. ¡°Clan Bharzum officially thanks you for doing all you could to help fight back against the Klowns, save innocent lives, and for your attempts to catch the bastard that made sure it could happen. Clan Bharzum has officially called a Blood Hunt on Dr Grine, so as a matter of honour we will be hunting him or assisting anyone else for as long as it takes until he is confirmed to be permanently dead.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack nodded, before remembering something. ¡°That reminds me¡­¡±


    ¡°What is ¡®Blood-Kin¡¯?¡± Ivar grinned. ¡°Elder Torvuld asked me to fill you in. You are basically honorary and honourable members of the Clan, with all the benefits that entails. Any help the Clan can reasonably provide, the Clan will give, no matter where you are, as long as we¡¯re around. It¡¯s up to you if you accept it, we don¡¯t expect anything of you in return. Any direct descendants you have will be afforded the same honour.¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Jack began, not knowing what to say.


    ¡°Heh, don¡¯t mention it! You wouldn¡¯t believe the things my little cousins in your class were saying when the news came down! Anyways, first things first, since we know you guys do mercenary work, part of our reward for you guys is giving you some decent body armour you can use in the field. Alora¡¯s already given me your sizes and fighting styles so we¡¯re gonna send that to you once put together.¡±


    ¡°Cool!¡± Sephy exclaimed. ¡°Saves just wearing a battleskin to a firefight!¡±


    ¡°Quite.¡± Ivar nodded, looking a little worried at that point. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ve got a few other things for you, Jack. Come have a look, we¡¯ve fixed your gauntlet-bracer things.¡±


    ¡°Awesome!¡± Jack said in relief. ¡°Been feeling a little exposed without my shield!¡±


    ¡°And the flamethrower too I¡¯ll bet!¡± Ivar grinned. ¡°And if you think that¡¯s good, just wait and see what else you¡¯re getting!¡±


    You¡¯ve added additional functions? Chiyo asked with curiosity. Like what?


    ¡°Sort of. I took the liberty of providing a manual!¡± Ivar smirked. ¡°It¡¯ll come to you naturally as you attune to it, but our Runforgers basically decided it¡¯d be easier to rebuild these from scratch, copy over the previous enchantments you had and make them better than just fixing up your old ones. As you¡¯ve noticed, the single gauntlet you had before now comes as a pair so you can use either hand for what you want to do. And since you¡¯re Blood-Kin, you have everything we could possibly add. As far as unarmed combat goes these can extend over your striking digits to pack an extra punch!¡±


    ¡°Like brass-knuckles?¡± Jack asked, and Ivar shrugged, not knowing what those were.


    ¡°Probably. Also if you¡¯re unarmed and you need to go lethal, it can also give you a punch-dagger, hidden-blade or just a knife depending on what you want. Like I said, the Clan Runecrafters gave you everything, so hopefully you won¡¯t end up with a cooking knife or whatever by accident.¡± Ivar grinned.


    ¡°Now that leads me onto the best bit - these gauntlets can help you out with handiwork jobs, sorta like guiding you about what a problem might be and how you can fix it. It¡¯s not gonna give you a degree in astrophysics or whatever, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find a use for it. Plus, since you¡¯re Blood-Kin, you have access to our equipment and tools which you can summon once you know what you need for a job. Nothing you ¡®pull¡¯ will stick around for long, since the Clan Matrons get pissy when you lose stuff, but it¡¯ll let you keep what you need for as long as you actually need it!¡±


    ¡°Great, sounds like I¡¯m gonna be drafted for all the household chores!¡± Jack sighed.


    Sounds like it! Chiyo grinned, patting him on the shoulder.


    ¡°Our Runeforgers also added some other features as well, but you can read the manual for those!¡± Ivar shrugged. ¡°I highly recommend the Grapple! We also have this!¡±


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Nika exclaimed, as Ivar plonked a plasma rifle on the table.


    ¡°Hot off the forges, we got you a long gun too!¡± Ivar chuckled. ¡°We customised it for your build as well, not many other species could effectively handle a weapon like this! Efficient, accurate burst-fire and shoots heavier rounds for increased damage and penetration. Also it has an attached grenade launcher!¡±


    ¡°WAIT, WHAT THE SHIT!?!?¡± Jack exclaimed with a look of amazement.


    ¡°Yup, again, it¡¯s in the manual with what it¡¯s compatible with.¡± Ivar chuckled, pleased to see the enthusiasm. ¡°Apart from that, we¡¯re giving you some money, some food, some stocks and shares in various Clan Bharzum holdings, which are being managed by one of our brokers¡­ and this.¡±


    He opened his palm reverently. ¡°On behalf of Clan Bharzum, I gift you the Ring of the Berserker.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, I¡¯m honoured,¡± Jack told Ivar truthfully, choosing to wear it on his right hand, surprised to find it comfortable on his ring finger, and easy to put on and take off provided he wanted to, likely having some kind of magic involved. He felt some kind of strange feeling of satisfaction from the ring as he kept it on, like it somehow accepted him as its wearer.


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect for you. It¡¯ll passively give you some resistances to magical attacks, plus boost your natural abilities in combat, especially when you get into a deep rage state,¡± Ivar told him. ¡°Aside from that we don¡¯t know much about it, other than it¡¯s not cursed and it¡¯s a potent artefact that¡¯ll work well with you. Again, the rest of what we know is in the manual, including basic history and such, but I hope it gives you the edge if you ever encounter that bastard Grine again. Anyway, that¡¯s it for what we have for you, though you and any companions you wish to bring are welcome to our feasts at any time! We¡¯ll stay in touch!¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Ivar.¡± Jack smiled with gratitude as he shook the man¡¯s hand.


    ¡°No problem! You be good! And I hope that food lasts to keep your household fed until things get back to normal!¡± Ivar told him as they departed.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s head home!¡± Alora announced to the others. ¡°Svaarti¡¯s visiting too, temporarily. Time to relax, unwind, and then we have a long-awaited interview!¡±


    How bad could it be? Asked Chiyo.

 Chapter 100: Q&A Special

    ¡°Alright everyone.¡± Vanya grinned nervously. ¡°No backing out now, I¡¯ve announced the live broadcast on MyFace and everyone¡¯s going insane over it!¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Jack sighed nervously. Being in front of a large crowd earlier that day didn¡¯t feel as nerve-wracking, despite the fact that he had been paraded on stage in front of live cameras and lots of people in the crowd. Here, though he was comfortable sitting on the sofa at home, he was still worried with anticipation about being the centre of attention.


    ¡°We¡¯ve already got some donations coming in and we haven¡¯t even started yet!¡± Svaarti chirped up.


    ¡°How do those work?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Are they like Twitch streams from where I come from?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t know.¡± Vanya shrugged in response. ¡°Usually it appears in the chat and we get a notification so we can shout out the person who donated, is that what you mean?¡±


    ¡°That should be alright then.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Sometimes where I¡¯m from people can send in video or audio clips, but most of them usually end up being bait-and-switch troll donations that either post gore, gay porn or blast the n-word repeatedly at high volume-¡±


    ¡°The what word now?¡± Sephy asked him, confused.


    ¡°What? Oh, it¡¯s a pretty bad word where I¡¯m from that¡¯ll get you banned if it¡¯s said on livestream, even if the streamer themselves isn¡¯t at fault.¡±


    ¡°....Can you tell me what the word is?¡± Sephy asked with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Jack sighed.


    ¡°Is it like a magical curse or something? What is it? Tell me! Tell me! Tellmetellmetellme!¡±


    ¡°NOOOOOOO!¡± Jack yelled with a chuckle, throwing a cushion at the Skritta¡¯s head.


    ¡°Well, while we have the capability for people to send in clips, that¡¯s not really the focus of our news podcast.¡± Vanya chuckled as she copied and pasted her announcement to her other social media accounts. ¡°There are channels solely dedicated to playing whatever is sent to them, but people follow us because of the unbiased news reports of local city issues. Naganai News Network is pretty good for announcing breaking news and various headlines for the really big stories, but they tend to gloss over everything else, so we¡¯ve built up a niche audience over time. I¡¯m hoping by interviewing you we can bring in some more regular viewers!¡±


    ¡°Well, while I¡¯m a bit nervous about that, I should be fine as long as your viewers aren¡¯t able to find out where we live so we don¡¯t end up getting swatted.¡± Jack sighed.


    Getting what? Chiyo asked. I¡¯m not familiar with that term¡­


    ¡°Ah, I guess you wouldn¡¯t get that here since there aren¡¯t any cops.¡± Jack realised. ¡°Basically where I¡¯m from, some streamers that get doxxed can get the police called on them by viewers who can show up on the live stream itself, though some of the worst in the USA can get an armed squad sent to their home to breach and clear-¡±


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Nika exclaimed. ¡°That sounds hilarious!¡±


    ¡°Um¡­.¡± Jack began. ¡°It¡¯s widely considered to be really, really bad¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, obviously it sucks for whoever gets targeted.¡± The Kizun shrugged. ¡°But imagine how many assassination jobs we can do just by calling an armed response unit to go after them!¡±


    ¡°Well that won¡¯t happen here,¡± Vanya told them adamantly. ¡°I¡¯ve spent most of my time since coming here heavily encrypting my setup. Nobody¡¯s gonna find us, and I¡¯ll be alerted if they even try!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s probably for the best,¡± Alora diplomatically acknowledged. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll brew a teapot for us all, get snacks sorted then we can sit down where you want us.¡± Alora smiled at Vanya.


    ¡°Cool!¡± The Chuna clapped her hands together in excited anticipation. ¡°I¡¯m gonna recruit a few more people to help with production and make sure we get as many people as we can tuning in, then Svaarti and I will make sure the cameras are all sorted and we¡¯re all sat where we need to be!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Are we all ready? We¡¯re ready to go live soon, and we¡¯ve already got a ton of listeners in the chat! Hey Svaarti, could you pull it up?¡± Vanya asked.


    ¡°I think this is a new record!¡± Svaarti excitedly reported. ¡°More and more people are tuning in for this! Everyone¡¯s curious about Jack, lots of people from school are spreading the word on social media!¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll switch us to the intro screen now!¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°Gotta find that sweet spot between getting as many people as we can and not causing anyone to bail due to delays. You all set up over there, Svaarti?¡±


    ¡°Yep!¡± the Nirah happily replied. ¡°Sending some viewer questions to your screen now. I know you already have some introductory ones, but there¡¯s so many! I¡¯m doing my best to curate them for you!¡±


    ¡°Awesome! Right, let¡¯s all get into position! Jack, you¡¯re next to me!¡± Vanya smiled flirtatiously as she put her arm around him and pulled him in close. ¡°Alright? Everyone ready? We¡¯re going live in 3¡­2¡­1!¡±


    An introductory video begins playing and the live chat goes wild. Vanya¡¯s musical intro reminded him of punk music from Earth, which formed an unusual but effective harmony with various pictures and videos taken by Vanya in the past, before he saw Vanya¡¯s laptop show the live feed of the Chuna front and centre, with Jack and Alora either side of her.


    ¡°Hello everyone! Welcome to this long overdue episode of ¡®City Talk¡¯! I am your host Vanya, alongside my co-host Svaarti, say hi!¡±


    ¡°Hi everyone!¡± Svaarti waved, as the stream briefly cut off to the Nirah¡¯s camera, which also featured Chiyo, before cutting back to Vanya¡¯s camera.


    ¡°And we have special guests tonight! Making his podcast debut, he is the subject of wild rumours and the catalyst of crazy shit! Please welcome on my right, Jack Frost!¡±


    ¡°Hey guys!¡± Jack waved at the camera as confidently as he could.


    ¡°Also, on my left we have my good friend Alora Glenphyranix! Eladrie of high standing at school, she¡¯s a Class Representative and member of the Student Council! And now we¡¯re going to meet the other members of their group,¡± Vanya announced, before the camera moved back to Svaarti and Chiyo.


    ¡°Next to Svaarti we have Chiyo Dhasii, an Ilithii that possesses the usual innate psionic power of her species! Since she does not communicate verbally, Svaarti shall be vocalising what she says for the purpose of the podcast!¡± Vanya informed the viewers, before the third camera showed Nika, Sephy and Dante sitting together, with Dante immediately getting a huge positive reaction from the chat.


    ¡°And here we have two Deathball enthusiasts!¡± Vanya exclaimed. ¡°Nika Falos, Kizun of immense prowess and dedicated martial artist, and Sephy Hawker, cunning slicer and purveyor of mischief!¡± Vanya allowed a pause to follow, teasing the chat who were posting remarks on how cute Dante was. ¡°And finally we have Dante! He¡¯s a good boy!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked happily.


    ¡°And now we¡¯re all introduced, it¡¯s time to begin¡­right after I introduce today¡¯s sponsor! Battle: Mythic Darkness!¡±


    ¡®Are you fucking kidding me?¡¯ Jack thought to himself.


    ¡°Battle: Mythic Darkness is one of the most ambitious mobile RPGs of all time and it¡¯s available on all commlink devices!¡± Vanya told the audience, in what was obviously forced enthusiasm. ¡°With over 9000 champions to choose from, you can customise your unique team in any way you want, as you battle your way to face Demon Lords, Heroes and even Gods themselves! However! My personal favourite mode is the PvP arena, where I like to battle others for unique loot! And if you join right now, you can unlock the new epic-level champion, Cecily, who is based off the famous ¡®Slaughtergal¡¯ of Corvin Enterprises herself! Use the link on my profile to sign up with 500 Power Gems, 1000 Light Sapphires, and an XP boost! That¡¯s Battle: Mythic Darkness!¡±


    Vanya paused for a moment to sip her tea, and allow the chat to mock the advertised game as being rather shit, but acknowledging the Chuna¡¯s need to make money. ¡°Anyway!¡± Vanya continued after a moment. ¡°We¡¯ll be taking on some viewer questions in a moment, but first, to inform everyone watching who might not know, why don¡¯t you tell us a little about yourself, Jack?¡± She prompted.


    ¡°Well,¡± Jack began. ¡°I was born on my home planet, not knowing anything about other species or magic, or the craziness that happens here, until one night I went to sleep on my homeworld and somehow woke up in the Pallid Pit!¡±


    ¡°You heard that right, chat!¡± Vanya emphasised, allowing Jack a brief respite. ¡°Jack is an Outsider who came here under some of the worst circumstances imaginable!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°I fought the Cult of the Destroyer until I was rescued by High Priestess Cornelia and several Paladins of the Church of Astara, who took me in and helped me with the initial adjustment at the Temple of Hope. I met Alora there, was invited here, and that¡¯s where our adventures started!¡± Jack concluded.


    ¡°And you¡¯ve been through quite a lot since!¡± Vanya noted. ¡°Some of it I already know about, others less so, but maybe we¡¯ll learn more tonight! Svaarti, have you got a question for our guests?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got lots coming in!¡± The Nirah grinned. ¡°We¡¯re getting a few repeats so we can start with one of those while I send the rest to you. Jack, how old are you?¡±


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s hard to convert it to the local time here.¡± Jack shrugged, happy to start with an easy question. ¡°Back on Earth I would have just turned 15 years old. Since my friends here are in the same class as me, they¡¯d be around the same age in Human years.¡±


    ¡°Yep! He¡¯s my age, too!¡± Vanya grinned, chuckling as she saw the inevitable lewd comments shipping them together. ¡°Here¡¯s another hot question Jack, what are your thoughts on Hive Station Bastilla?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fucking crazy.¡± Jack began with a sigh. ¡°The existence of magic and monsters is one thing, but the complete lack of law and order, and all the crazy psychos out there is even worse. I¡¯ve barely scratched the surface of this place. I¡¯m just trying my best to survive, but I¡¯m damn grateful for the friends I¡¯ve made that help me. From what I hear of the city and places outside of it, it sounds like one hell of an adventure!¡±


    ¡°And speaking of the friends that help you, we in turn are grateful for how you help us as well, as the recent Clan Bharzum ceremony has demonstrated.¡± Vanya nodded with a smile. ¡°That leads on well to our next question, and this one is an important one for all of you! How have you all bonded as friends so quickly? A few of our viewers have their doubts.¡±


    ¡°I get that.¡± Nika nodded, happy to answer. ¡°But there is an expression the Red Legion uses that applies here. ¡®The strongest bonds are forged by the fires of hell.¡¯ Sure, we were more curious about him when we started, but it was the weekend when we left the city for a job where things changed. We fought together, bled together and almost died together. Nothing ties people together more than a common cause like that.¡±


    Well said, Chiyo added, with Svaarti translating for the viewers. It helps that his situation has some similarities to ours when we came together.


    ¡°What about you, Jack?¡± Vanya asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit, a lot of it was me just going with the flow.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve been through hell and I¡¯m always fighting to keep myself together. I came here with nothing, and without the friends I¡¯ve made and the team I¡¯ve joined, I¡¯d probably be dead. Nika¡¯s right, nothing like bringing people together like mutual survival, and it helps that we have a lot in common with each other. That we became fast friends is only natural, and I¡¯m glad there¡¯s something good about coming here.¡±


    The girls all gave each other conflicted looks at that, and Vanya hastily moved on to the next question, going for a more lighthearted one. ¡°Okay, you mentioned before that some drugs here sound similar to drugs from your world, so we¡¯ve got to get to the bottom of this!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, hearing about Killer Kush and Commander Cocaine was really weird for me.¡± Jack laughed. ¡°Both weed and cocaine are derived from plants on my world, with cocaine going through a bunch of processes to refine it. Pretty sure that¡¯s how most of the drugs work on Earth, though some may be synthesised somehow. I don¡¯t really know how they work - we had a bunch of school assemblies to scare us off, but that¡¯s about it. I¡¯ve never taken drugs either.¡±


    ¡°That settles it! It¡¯s different here!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Kush is the same or at least similar, but Cocaine here is an alchemical mixture, including stuff mined out of the ground. It¡¯s probably your Mmnetic translator associating the effects of the drugs here with what you know about from your world.¡±


    ¡°Fascinating!¡± Vanya grinned, taking a look at the questions her chat was sending here, focusing on one that all her viewers were focusing on. ¡°Why do you hate it here Jack?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jack asked with a sigh. ¡°I was taken away from everything I know and love, and the security and peace of my home. As I¡¯ve said before I¡¯m grateful for the friends I¡¯ve made here and much of this place is truly fascinating, but since coming here I¡¯ve been targeted by psychos, fought people trying to kill me and seen things nobody my age should ever see. I can¡¯t help but hate a lot of things right now. Everything about what passes for society here feels abhorrent to me, and if I can I¡¯m gonna try and make things better until something kills me. At least it¡¯ll mean my death means something.¡±


    ¡°They say that time makes for an effective medicine, but are you in therapy for your trauma?¡± Svaarti asked unprompted, reading from the chat.


    ¡°No.¡± Jack shook his head vehemently. ¡°I don¡¯t need that shit. It won¡¯t change anything. Men from where I¡¯m from have had to deal with bad shit for centuries without therapy ever being a thing. Sure, I thought about eating a bullet to end it all when I first arrived, but not anymore, so I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°Okaaaay!¡± Vanya spoke up, as Jack cringed at accidentally revealing too many of his thoughts. His mask was slipping. ¡°We¡¯re gonna calm down from that with a few adverts and a few drinks! Stick around and we¡¯ll be right back after a short break!¡±


    Vanya held up a hand to signal for the others to wait, before confirming that ads were indeed playing.


    ¡°Jack¡­¡± Alora finally spoke as his friends looked to him in horror.


    ¡°Sorry about that.¡± Jack sighed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be, we got a lot of the bad questions out of the way so we¡¯ll have mostly good ones going forward.¡± Vanya shrugged. ¡°Let¡¯s take a few minutes to chill out and refresh our drinks, then we¡¯ll go into some more questions¡­¡±


    After some time to calm down, they watched the last ad play out, ready to continue.


    ¡°OH YEAH! COMMANDER COCAINE UP IN HERE SELLING THE THICC STICKS! YEAH! LOTS OF MEAT AND PROTEIN?! YEAH! GO TO THE GYM?! YEAH! WANNA GET STRONG?! YEAH! GOT A SMALL DICK? SNAP IT UP WITH A THICC STICK!¡±


    ¡°And we¡¯re back!¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°We¡¯re all good and raring to keep going with a really interesting question! Are you guys ever gonna go for the Top 10 bounties?¡±


    ¡°Maybe!¡± Jack joked, now feeling much better after having some stiff alcohol. ¡°I think I only know of 2 or 3 of them. The Killer Klown is one, Malakiel is another¡­wasn¡¯t there one that was on the news when we got back from our¡­erm¡­late night tour of the city?¡± Jack asked, not wanting to go into too many details about their night of hell.


    ¡°Atticus Corvin,¡± Vanya clarified. ¡°The Rogue Master is the head of Corvin Enterprises and Number 9 on the list.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Who¡¯s Number 1?¡±


    The Number 1 spot has traditionally gone to an entity known only as ¡®The Great Devourer¡¯, Chiyo informed them, with Svaarti translating the context. Scholars have found that all throughout the ancient history of the Ring, there is a recurring theme. An overpowering force that awakens from an unknown place to cause widespread destruction every few Decamillennia. Who or what this entity is, is unknown. However since it is hellbent on destroying all life, you could say that there¡¯s a general interest in seeing it permanently killed. A lot of the bounty does go towards funding researchers who are able to make discoveries, no matter how small, as it is seen as part of a puzzle.


    ¡°That chat reckons you could kick its ass, Jack!¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°What do you say?¡±


    ¡°If it shows up when I¡¯m around, I¡¯ll put its arse back to sleep!¡± Jack chuckled.


    ¡°Speaking of strange forces beyond our comprehension!¡± The Chuna continued. ¡°What are your thoughts on the Emerald King?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I don''t know.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Have they actually done anything bad yet other than piss off the school prefects?¡±


    The cameras of the stream picked up the others shaking their heads.


    ¡°Well, I have a bad feeling about them so I¡¯ll keep my distance. It reminds me a lot of the King in Yellow or the Scarlet King from Earth.¡±


    I have never heard of those before, what are they? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°Cosmic horrors beyond comprehension with evil intentions on my world and humanity.¡±


    But you told us that gods and magic don¡¯t exist on your world?


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing, they don¡¯t. Both the King in Yellow and the Scarlet King are completely fictional, so I have no idea what this Emerald King is meant to be.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°My advice, if it looks and sounds bad, it probably is.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough!¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°Well let¡¯s give you a break and ask the others a saucy question! What one thing about Jack do you find the most attractive?¡±


    ¡°His kind heart and willingness to help others,¡± Alora spoke up after a while with a smile.


    His mind and love for knowledge that almost rivals mine! Chiyo added.


    ¡°His preparedness and pragmatism in keeping us all alive.¡± Nika shrugged.


    ¡°His huge c-¡±


    ¡°SEPHY!¡± Everyone shut the Skritta up with raucous laughter.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Sephy smirked. ¡°But I guess humans have enough common traits with all our species that he ticks a bunch of boxes, I guess that¡¯s why we¡¯re as attracted to one another as we are.¡±


    ¡°Well here¡¯s a follow-up question!¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°What were your first impressions of Jack?¡±


    A broken soul, Chiyo began. Though I am pleased to say that I think it¡¯s on the mend.


    ¡°Same,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°It was good that I met him.¡±


    ¡°Sephy and I thought he was pretty cool!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Gave us the fright of our life when we found out he¡¯d be staying with us!¡±


    ¡°How about now?¡± The Chuna asked with a smile.


    ¡°Things have moved really quickly but I¡¯m not complaining!¡± Sephy smirked, while the others nodded their agreement. ¡°He¡¯s a full-on member of the team now! Can be a bit broody, closed-off and paranoid at times though!¡±


    ¡°Moving on from that!¡± Vanya began. ¡°How did you all end up living together?¡±


    ¡°This district historically belonged to my family,¡± Alora recalled as she sipped on her wine. ¡°I claimed it when I first moved here and I was initially on my own, and as we all became friends, it was only natural they moved in! This place is huge!¡±


    And spooky when you¡¯re on your own! Chiyo added. You were mortified when I took the basement! You were convinced this place was haunted!


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you brought me and Sephy in when you did!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°And why you splashed the budget on security turrets after our first Run!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna butt in with another question!¡± Vanya chucked to herself. ¡°And it¡¯s an important one that¡¯s being spammed in chat: ¡®Hello, I have a question for the girls. It''s come to be known that you four are all romantically involved with Mr Frost to some degree but have emphatically rejected the term "harem". How would you describe your romantic situation?¡¯¡±


    ¡°Oh for fucks sake¡­¡± Sephy groaned. ¡°We¡¯re not calling it a fucking harem!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d describe it more as a¡­situationship we all share with no real strings attached.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t think there are any other members of our species our age around, though I haven¡¯t bothered looking, so we might as well be happy in our own way, right?¡°


    ¡°If there¡¯s no strings attached can I join?¡± Vanya grinned, giving a lewd expression to the camera that made the chat go wild.


    No, Chiyo told her.


    ¡°Well, maybe you¡¯ll change your mind as your own ¡®not-harems¡¯ establish themselves!¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°A question for Chiyo from one of the viewers who goes to school: ¡®Which of the school boys did you have a crush on before you met Jack?¡¯¡±


    At that the Ilithii¡¯s face fell, but held her hand up to hold the others back. It was Svaartal, She finally admitted. But he was a different person then. When I arrived here and first attended the school we bonded quickly, and the time he defeated a notorious bully and almost killed her was when I felt strong feelings towards him. However, soon after we drifted apart. I don¡¯t know why but he changed dramatically. Jack very much reminds me of the person Svaartal used to be.


    Svaarti, sadly, did not share all of those details for the audience. She knew what happened, and it was not a pleasant memory.


    ¡°Ah, sorry Chiyo, I didn¡¯t know,¡± Vanya apologised. ¡°Alright, a few questions surrounding Sephy! Where did your last name come from?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my family name, true.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°I just ended up picking the name for myself. Kinda rolls off the tongue you know?¡±


    ¡°And Jack, how would you describe Sephy¡¯s wings?¡± Vanya asked.


    ¡°Well, in Earth terms they remind me of a butterfly, except these can retract,¡± Jack answered honestly. ¡°A little translucent like an insect too.¡±


    ¡°Can you decorate them, Sephy?¡± The Chuna continued.


    ¡°Yep!¡± The Skritta grinned. ¡°Used to put stickers on them when I was really young but it fucked with my balance. They naturally regenerate too, fortunately, so that plus the accidents I had trying to fly never became a problem. I¡¯ve thought about enhancing them with nanites or cyber though!¡±


    ¡°You got any more questions for us, Svaarti?¡± Vanya asked.


    ¡°I do but I¡¯m trying to sort through all these puns!¡± the Nirah complained.


    ¡°You hear that, viewers?¡± Vanya joked. ¡°If you sent puns in instead of questions, you should feel bad! Ok here¡¯s a few rapid-fire questions for Jack then we¡¯re going to go to another break! First, what is a ¡®Deathworlder¡¯ as you¡¯ve described yourself?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Jack began, having made up the term initially in a failed attempt to ward off trouble. ¡°Deathworlds are dangerous planets that are extremely inhospitable to non-native lifeforms. High gravity, dangerous diseases, nasty weather, that kind of stuff. Deathworlders are the inhabitants of such planets.¡±


    ¡°Are Nirah deathworlders by that classification then?¡± Svaarti asked curiously. ¡°Our home planet has what you described, along with vicious manastorms.¡±


    ¡°Probably then.¡± Jack shrugged with a grin. ¡°The only two I¡¯ve encountered certainly seem formidable enough.¡±


    ¡°Next question - How many beds have you broken?¡± Vanya asked.


    Jack spat out his tea.


    ¡°There haven¡¯t been any incidents since I began living with them.¡± Vanya coyly smiled to her audience while Jack was clearing his lungs. ¡°I sleep next door to him after all. There is still time though, he can break mine at any time!¡±


    The Chuna cackled as her chat went wild.


    ¡°Alright, since Jack¡¯s currently out of action, here¡¯s a question for Nika!¡±


    ¡°Shoot!¡± Nike shrugged.


    ¡°Why are you so angry?¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± The Kizun chuckled. ¡°My species tends to feel emotions to a much stronger degree when compared to others. Anger is just part of all of that. We learn to manage them in productive ways, which for me is sports and being able to rationalise it away. Though for some of my more¡­primal emotions I have some medication I can take to alleviate the effects if I don¡¯t have a way to vent them.¡±


    ¡°Alright! And a quick question for Chiyo before we go on a break and make sure Jack doesn¡¯t choke to death! Why do you use glasses when cybernetics can help correct your vision?¡±


    Cybernetics and other ¡®wetware¡¯ can mess with my essence, the Ilithii explained. So I don¡¯t have any cybernetics whatsoever in order for me to be able to use my powers freely without any complications!


    ¡°And the look suits you too!¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°Anyway! Time for another break!¡±


    ¡°You alright Jack?¡± Sephy asked the human. ¡°Vanya, you¡¯ve gotta give us some warning before you lay your lewd questions on us!¡±


    ¡°Oh, lighten up!¡± Vanya chuckled. ¡°How are we doing Svaarti?¡±


    ¡°All good!¡± The Nirah smiled. ¡°I won¡¯t tell you how well we¡¯re doing since I want it to be a surprise!¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡± Vanya sighed. ¡°Have some drinks and relax. We¡¯ll make this the last segment, then we¡¯ll just react to some funny videos the viewers send us to close things off.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Jack nodded as he took a good swig of alcohol. The hard questions about his arrival had gotten to him a bit, but things had gotten better, and the prospect of just having some harmless fun was a good one.


    He just sat there and rested his eyes for a moment, before sneaking a look at the chat. He was heartened to see the many messages of support, and thanks for his efforts against the Klowns.


    ¡°Hey everyone! We¡¯re back!¡± Vanya waved to the camera. ¡°We¡¯ve had a bunch more questions and we¡¯ll answer all of them, and we¡¯ll start by bringing in the quietest member of our panel. How are you doing Dante?¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± The ¡®dog¡¯ barked happily.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a few questions asking why you guys keep a non-sapient animal with you?¡± Vanya asked.


    ¡°Dante¡¯s our pet, our friend, and they really wanted to come with us!¡± Alora smiled, reaching over to give the ¡®dog¡¯ some fuss. ¡°And we¡¯re happy to have him!¡±


    ¡°Does he know any tricks?¡±


    ¡°He understands us well enough, and I¡¯ve been teaching him fetch and recall.¡± Jack smiled. ¡°Some of the smarter dogs on my world work as herders, guardians or support animals. Dante¡¯s done all that and more!¡±


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°You do know my viewers are going to want to see some videos of him in action, right?¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°Though that moves on nicely to another question I¡¯ve been sent by someone who knows of our recent work with the Rescue Ranch. Reckon you¡¯ll go back?¡±


    ¡°Definitely!¡± Alora smiled as Chiyo groaned. ¡°It was great fun last time and we got some well-needed supplies for the district. Bhenn said he or the local Greenwardens might even call on us for some jobs at some point!


    ¡°Well if you get rewarded with more animals I won¡¯t be complaining!¡± Vanya smiled. ¡°The copperbacks we brought back with us are doing well!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re pretty much yours at this point, Vanya.¡± Nika smirked.


    ¡°I like relaxing and just watching them,¡± the Chuna admitted. ¡°It helps me whenever I can¡¯t sleep.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve just seen a random question for me,¡± Svaarti spoke up with a confused expression. ¡°No, my people do not possess legs in the same way, though as we evolved as arcane beings, we have the potential to modify ourselves magically with few side-effects should we so choose and if we have the coin.¡±


    ¡°I guess a few of our new viewers curious about Jack are unfamiliar with your species, Svaarti!¡± Vanya shrugged. ¡°Got a few more quick-fire questions now, and I¡¯ll read this one as it was written: ¡®Yo, why yo'' name is ¡°Frost¡± when yoos warm-blooded?¡¯¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a surname.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°No relation to any powers I might have.¡±


    ¡°I definitely want to see if you can do magic!¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°In more ways than one¡­¡± She licked her lips. ¡°Next question: ¡®Hey Jack, has your world ever heard of a door? You seem to bust through a wall every chance you get!¡¯¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Jack rolled his eyes, ¡°If the situation calls for it and I need to get somewhere I don¡¯t care about any damn doors! It¡¯s everyone else''s fault for making the walls too thin!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s helpful having a human wrecking-ball on the team!¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°What Earthrealm deity gave you your super strength and speed, Jack? And what are the deities over there called?¡± Vanya then asked, not skipping a beat.


    ¡°None did, I guess it¡¯s just natural for my species.¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°And for my culture we just have one god, and they don¡¯t want to be referred to by name, just ''God¡¯. Though if they exist, they¡¯re not like gods from here.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the gender balance where you¡¯re from, considering you have, like, 8:1 females to males in your society¡¯s courtship, including Vanya,¡± Vanya read out with a grin. ¡°What? That¡¯s totally how they framed the question!¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that. It¡¯s an even split of males to females for my species.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°And we¡¯re normally monogamous. I guess I¡¯m a special case!¡±


    ¡°If you say so!¡± Vanya rolled her eyes. ¡°Now we¡¯ve got some questions about your latest work! A few of our eagle-eyed viewers saw you guys on TV recently!¡±


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Alora sighed, knowing where this was going.


    ¡°So first of all, we¡¯ve got to know - do you have a team name?¡± the Chuna asked with a bemused expression.


    ¡°Fast Unexpected Crazy Killers!¡± Sephy grinned.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Alora sighed.


    ¡°Shadowrunning Hi-tech Infiltrating Terminators!¡± Nika suggested.


    ¡°No...¡± Alora sighed again.


    ¡°Crazy Raiding Assassin Punishers?¡± Jack suggested.


    ¡°No! We don¡¯t have a name for this very reason!¡± Alora sighed. ¡°And those acronyms are just bad!¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, here¡¯s a big question - Why didn¡¯t you keep the truck you stole?¡±


    ¡°I-¡± Alora gasped, but Nika shrugged and answered, ¡°The road network wouldn¡¯t allow for it and we were trying to lose our pursuers. In the thicker parts of the city we travel through, the best type of travel you might hope for is a small personal vehicle or maybe a rideable animal, and only for the widest of roads. Most of the time it¡¯s all on foot, so no fucking way are we getting a huge-ass truck to where we are.¡±


    ¡°I get it, though it would look cool parked on the grass.¡± Vanya chuckled. ¡°Now Alora, a rumour among the Greenwardens says you¡¯ve been gifted the seed of an Elder tree! Is this true, and where will you plant it?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t confirm or deny these rumours.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°But if I did possess such a seed, I will know the place to plant it when I see it. Like an indication of fate.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Vanya nodded. ¡°Next question: It is all but confirmed at this point that you had a confrontation with Red Legion aspirants a few weeks ago that didn¡¯t end well, yet you have friends that are part of the Red Legion. What¡¯s up with that?¡±


    ¡°Just like in any organisation, you get extremists.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°It gave us no pleasure to eliminate those that came after us, but we had to defend ourselves. It is our hope that the Red Legion can curtail their more problematic elements. Though we personally do not wish to join the Red Legion, we understand and respect the choice of others to do so, or those born into it. The vision of order that the Legion has is an inherently noble one.¡±


    ¡°Last question for the group before I go back to Jack. We¡¯ve heard your first impressions on Jack, but what about each other?¡±


    ¡°I always thought Alora was a dogooder that couldn¡¯t do wrong until we went Shadowrunning together.¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°Yeah, never thought we¡¯d end up friends.¡± Sephy agreed.


    Scared when I first met her, though her inner fire was always there. Chiyo pointed out.


    ¡°Alora was honest and good with me from the beginning and was the first person to really help me start climbing out of a pit of despair,¡± Jack honestly answered, earning a smile from the Eladrie. ¡°I¡¯m still climbing, but she set me on the path.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡± Vanya asked.


    I thought Nika was bad news at first, Chiyo admitted. But Alora was right about her and Sephy from the beginning, and I¡¯m glad to be wrong!


    ¡°She challenges me to do better!¡± Jack nodded. ¡°But I thought the short Kizun looked damn cute and adorable when I first-OW!¡± He shut up when Nika¡¯s tail jokingly swatted his head.


    ¡°Nika¡¯s a great shot-caller, and I knew she only played at being gruff and grumpy.¡± Alora playfully grinned.


    ¡°My first friend after getting kicked out of the Temple of Hope. I¡¯m damn grateful for her,¡± Sephy spoke up, far more seriously than usual.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s got to keep you out of trouble!¡± Nika laughed. ¡°I thought you were fun to be around and that stopped me from carrying on solo.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re mischievous but not malicious.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°And Nika¡¯s right!¡±


    You¡¯re a pain in the arse! Chiyo told the Skritta in no uncertain terms. But you¡¯re damn great too!


    ¡°You really cheered me up when I first got here,¡± Jack admitted to Sephy. ¡°And everytime I¡¯m with you, you cheer me up even more! You¡¯re really one of a kind!¡±


    Sephy¡¯s face went through many motions as she didn¡¯t know what to say to that, before quickly moving on to Chiyo.


    ¡°I knew you were a big nerd the moment I first saw you!¡± The Skritta grinned. ¡°At least you¡¯re not a boring one!¡±


    ¡°You overthink every damn thing you can!¡± Nika laughed. ¡°I have no idea how you even pull that off!¡±


    ¡°Chiyo understood me well when we first met, though we had trouble communicating at first!¡± Jack smiled. ¡°Thanks for being patient with me.¡±


    The Ilithii nodded with a smile before she looked to Alora. ¡°Words cannot describe how grateful I am for you, Chiyo.¡± The Eladrie smiled. ¡°Those first days were tough, but I¡¯m grateful you found me.¡±


    ¡°Last questions are for Jack!¡± Vanya asked. ¡°Some of these are a little personal, so don¡¯t answer what you¡¯re uncomfortable with. That said, the chat is asking if you have family?¡±


    ¡°Back on Earth, yes.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°I have a mother, father, and a grandma that¡¯s still alive. I¡¯m the youngest of my siblings, with one older sister and a bunch of older brothers and cousins who kept pushing me to do better. I¡­sorry. I don¡¯t want to talk about them right now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all good.¡± Vanya nodded respectfully. ¡°Do you have any favourite music, book or food you miss from back home?¡±


    ¡°I listened to a variety of stuff.¡± Jack recalled. ¡°From dubstep to death metal, though none of that normie shit. I never really had a favourite¡­actually that¡¯s a lie. Alestorm. Pirate Metal is the fucking best!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not getting any results for that,¡± Svaarti announced after a few searches.


    ¡°As for books, I¡¯ve read Harry Potter, and I¡¯ve read The Hobbit. Lord of the Rings is a difficult read though, and I swear Phillip Pullman has the UK education system by the balls since his books kept making it onto the required reading list.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve gone through a lot. David Gemmell, Anthony Horowitz and R. A. Salvatore are probably my favourites.¡±


    ¡°Foodwise, I really miss Fish and Chips, it¡¯s so nice! If we can ever get fish here I might be able to recreate it, though I need to pin down something I had in the school cafeteria similar to potato. Yorkshire puddings I could probably do here, Bangers and mash too. Not sure if I can recreate my grandma¡¯s Shepherd¡¯s Pie though.¡±


    ¡°Sounds nice!¡± Alora told him.


    ¡°They are!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Some people from other countries around Earth say my country¡¯s food isn¡¯t nice, but they¡¯re mostly butthurt Europeans still salty about Brexit, or other countries around the world butthurt about getting colonised by us. We don¡¯t really listen to them anyway.¡± Jack shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take your word for it!¡± Vanya told him, before reading another question. ¡°Okay, an anonymous classmate who was present during the Klown attack wants to know what your current status is with Svaartal.¡±


    ¡°Really? Who sent that one?¡± Nika asked, while Svaarti looked sad at the question. ¡°Still an enemy, though fortunately for him we have worse to worry about right now.¡±


    ¡°Jack?¡± Vanya asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Svaarti¡¯s right about him though, he and I are very similar, though often at odds. He has a lot of hatred for the Stygians, and though I don¡¯t agree with it, I can fully understand it.¡°


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Svaarti asked.


    ¡°In my country back on Earth, there is a religious group not native to my country, who have only recently been a thing in the last two and a bit decades with mass immigration,¡± Jack steadily began, picking his words with care. ¡°There are elements of this group, Islam, that are hostile to natives like myself, committing terrorist attacks, forming rape-gangs targeting native children, that sort of thing. I like to try and be tolerant to a point and I know that judging an entire group for the actions of a few is wrong. Despite that, however, I know full well that if my mother or any one of my loved ones were hurt or worse by them, I¡¯d be calling for their fucking blood.¡±


    He paused at that, and then sighed deeply, looking at his trembling hands that he fought to compose. ¡°That¡¯s why I understand. Svaartal¡¯s just like me.¡±


    ¡°I hope things get better.¡± Svaarti sympathetically smiled. ¡°I know that the Bharzum triplets want that to happen, I believe Loretta floated the idea of both of you joining them for a fivesome!"


    Jack spat out his tea¡­.again.


    ¡°And that¡¯s pretty much it!¡± Vanya nodded, as Jack quickly recomposed himself while the others all roared with laughter. ¡°Unless there¡¯s anything else you really miss, Jack. TV shows or movies perhaps?¡±


    ¡°I stopped watching Doctor Who after Matt Smith left, though House of the Dragon looked alright. MCU is shit now. Star Wars is shit now. John Wick is fucking awesome though. I¡¯ll miss that, and anything else Keanu Reeves does. He¡¯s a cool guy. Henry Cavill too, he was great in The Witcher and playing Superman despite the shitty writers¡­.OH FUCK! GOD FUCKING DAMNIT!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Everyone asked Jack in alarm.


    ¡°HENRY CAVILL WAS WORKING ON A LIVE-ACTION 40K SERIES! I¡¯M GOING TO MISS ALL OF THAT! FUCK! SHIT! BOLLOCKS!¡±


    After several minutes of calming down, Vanya wisely decided to wind down the broadcast, bringing up some videos for the panel to react to, as well as give their thoughts on current events. Overall it was a fun stream, and everyone had fun after that.


    ¡°Aaaaaaaaand that¡¯s all we have time for tonight!¡± Vanya finished, with a beaming smile. ¡°Thank you very much Jack, Alora, Chiyo, Nika, Sephy and of course Dante for joining me and Svaarti! Maybe we¡¯ll see you again on the show sometime! I see we¡¯ve got a lot of new people in the chat joining the ¡®City Talk Crew¡¯, so if you want to catch the next broadcast, don¡¯t forget to follow me on social media, and if you can¡¯t wait, you can view my vlogs on NetTube, and news reportings on my website! Links in the description and posted in the chat! Thank you all for watching, and until next time - Stay safe!¡±


    Vanya clicked a few buttons and waited for a few moments to confirm the broadcast was over before she slumped back with a sigh of exhaustion, her happy smile not going anywhere. Jack was very glad to see the Chuna like this - he hadn¡¯t seen her this happy since before the Klown attack, and knew that Vanya had needed this.


    ¡°That has got to be the most successful podcast we¡¯ve ever done!¡± Vanya grinned, emotions going through her mind. ¡°Holy shit! We¡¯ve had so many donations and new subscribers already! Wow, I have a lot of planning to do, but just¡­wow! Thank you so much everyone! Jack, I could kiss you right now! I probably will when I get the chance!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves!¡± Alora chuckled. ¡°But I¡¯m glad things are getting better for you Vanya, and you too, Svaarti!¡±


    ¡°They are, aren¡¯t they!¡± Vanya exclaimed, ¡°Gods, I¡¯ve been feeling like shit ever since that attack, and while the memories still haunt me, they sure as hell don¡¯t feel as bad right now! Damn, I need to take a walk and get some fresh air! There¡¯s so much I need to do!¡±


    ¡°Put the kettle on while you¡¯re at it!¡± Alora called after her as the Chuna got up with shaking legs. ¡°How are you feeling, Svaarti - you¡¯ve only just woken up, you¡¯ve been a hell of a trooper!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m managing,¡± Svaarti tiredly nodded with a weak smile. ¡°Though that Lesser Life Stone of yours has been helping me immensely tonight, I¡¯ll need to get some rest soon. I¡¯ll teleport back home once we¡¯ve wrapped up here.¡±


    ¡°About that.¡± Alora smiled, trying to be gentle and tactfully broach the subject. ¡°I¡¯m sure you know that House Mal¡¯Kar has a dubious reputation, and we¡¯re all worried about you. You¡¯re always invited to come live with us if you don¡¯t feel safe. I know you¡¯ve never wanted to leave your brother in the past, but things have now obviously changed. If you ever need help, don¡¯t be afraid to call us or visit at any time.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Alora.¡± Svaarti nodded. ¡°But I¡¯m fine, really. Things are really getting better for us!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°But we¡¯re always here if you need us.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Svaarti smiled. ¡°I understand your concerns, but House Mal¡¯Kar has treated us well so far. Much better than I could have hoped with the Red Legion, and of course if there¡¯s anything I can do, I am always happy to help my friends!¡±


    ¡°About that.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°I think it¡¯s time. There is a minor curse placed upon me by my family that I want removed. Would you be willing to sit in on the ritual?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± The Nirah smiled.


    Only a few minutes later, the circle of arcane-inclined had taken their seats as indicated by Alora. Chiyo, Vanya and Svaarti were casually sat next to each other, while Obeda and several others had all been called, more than willing to assist in the ritual, though confused as to why they were required.


    ¡°I wish to make a statement to my family by doing this.¡± The Eladie sadly smiled. ¡°Make no mistake, this shall likely be seen as a declaration of hostile intent by them, and I am fine with that, no matter the consequences. I will lead and conduct the ritual myself, so no repercussions will reach you. If you want to back out now, then feel free to do so with no shame.¡±


    Nobody did. Chiyo even looked a little insulted


    ¡°Very well. Thank you.¡± Alora smiled, as she began casting.


    I can detect the presence of the curse, it¡¯s like a faint dark cloud on your aura. It¡¯s very subtle, but it¡¯s there, Chiyo informed Alora a few minutes later, as the Ilithii illuminated it for everyone else in the ritual circle to see as Alora kept chanting her prayer. Channel your intentions, and focus on the curse breaking, shattering like glass.


    The prayer of Alora grew louder in volume, turning to a full crescendo as the Eladrie focused her will into one single word.


    ¡°Rasherno!¡±


    Jack couldn¡¯t say for sure if he felt anything, except maybe a slight draft of wind, but he could see Alora suddenly relax as the curse was broken.


    ¡°And that is that.¡± The Eladrie sighed as she stood, placing a hand against a wall to support herself. ¡°My family now knows for sure of my defiance. There will be a response to my taking a stand, but I don¡¯t know what that will be.¡±


    ¡°The die is cast.¡± Jack nodded in understanding, using the appropriate metaphor as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, the others looking on, not sure what to say. ¡°You¡¯ve crossed the Rubicon. But just like Caesar, you haven¡¯t crossed it alone. I¡¯m with you.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re all with you.¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°Thanks everyone.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°I think we¡¯re done here for tonight.¡±


    ¡°Last round of drinks before we turn in for the night?¡± Sephy grinned, leading everyone out. Jack was the last to go, leading Alora away, before the door suddenly slammed closed. Vines from the nearby plants snaked around to bar the way.


    ¡°Actually, you and I are not quite done yet.¡± Alora shyly smiled as he turned around to face her. ¡°Now that my curse has finally been removed, we have some unfinished business from the party. And I believe I have some catching up to do¡­¡±


    *****


    The midnight sky was a murky blend of purples and greys, an oppressive canvas that seemed to seal off this forsaken corner of Hive Station Bastilla from any semblance of warmth or light. This long-abandoned coastal town, once a bustling hub of fishermen and seafarers, now stood desolate and eerily silent, no civilization to be seen for hundreds of miles. The only sound to be heard was the subtle rippling of waves against the stony beach, like a mournful whimper that echoed the town''s long-forgotten past.


    From afar, the ruinous structures of the ancient community appeared as mere shadows, long worn and dilapidated by the ravages of time and saltwater, with broken windows that bore the twisted faces of unspeakable horrors, old rusted anchors, and the skeletons of long-abandoned boats scattered along the shoreline, as if they were desperate to flee but were trapped by an unseen force. A place of horror, and a place of dark deeds¡­


    Out of the mists of the nearby forests, they slowly arrived, a bone-chilling wind gathering in their wake. Many of the larger figures wore dark robes or nondescript rags to hide their true form, and almost all wore hoods that concealed their faces. Their identities did not matter, for the pale white masks they wore with the burning skull of The Destroyer left no doubt as to who they were.


    Long forgetting their mortal name, or anything else of their life before she came into The Destroyer¡¯s embrace, The Trickster strode forward with purpose towards the beach, flanked by her force of Cyberzombies, Dread Beasts and Silencers. They had taken barely any casualties during their ambush of the Outsider, and were raring for another opportunity to cause mayhem. However, her bestowed forces came with conditions, and she was here to answer for failing one of them.


    Looking around, The Trickster saw nothing, and that concerned her. Quickly unholstering a blaster, she spun it around, scanning the area for any sign of their contact, but seeing nothing. Unholstering her other blaster she walked several paces along the beach, twirling the guns with instinctive ease, before something in the corner of her eye caught her attention, and she levelled both guns at the fully robed form sitting calmly on a large rock that had mysteriously not been there before.


    ¡°Getting twitchy?¡± the figure asked, in a calm, hoarse whisper that sounded¡­strange. The Trickster couldn¡¯t place it.


    ¡°Getting impatient,¡± The Trickster retorted. ¡°Why am I here?¡±


    ¡°To answer for your failure,¡± the mysterious figure retorted. ¡°The Outsider poses a danger, and he is a more resourceful threat than even I anticipated¡­¡±


    ¡°Kack¡­.¡± A noise echoed in the distance.


    ¡°He and his companions barely managed to escape me,¡± The Trickster snapped. ¡°They will not do so again. Either I destroy them, or they destroy me. They know about my phylactery now, and I don¡¯t fear Eternal Entropy.¡±


    The Trickster tried to look directly at the figure, but for whatever reason, natural inclinations or supernatural power, she found that even her undead gaze could not focus on their visage.


    ¡°Kack¡­.Kack¡­¡± The noise sounded again, coming closer.


    ¡°Enjoy your games, just get it done,¡± the figure cautioned. ¡°The Outsider cannot be allowed to live. Those that live outside of the tapestry of prophecy are cursed to disrupt it. I was there when he was paraded by Clan Bharzum for his recent efforts, he even may have seen me, somehow.¡±


    ¡°Kack¡­Kack¡­Kack¡­¡± The noise carried close on the wind, as new figures approached the gathered cultists.


    ¡°I guarantee success,¡± The Trickster cackled as a hulking figure emerged from the newly gathered. The grotesque, rat-like monster with matted, oily black fur was a tower of thick, scarred muscle and gruesomely effective cybernetics that sneered down at The Trickster with glowing crimson cyber-optics.


    ¡°Greetings, Skitterdeath. I knew you couldn¡¯t resist a challenge.¡± The Trickster smirked.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the meat for the slaughter? Kack¡­¡± Skitterdeath snapped with their bolted razor-sharp maw.


    ¡°The Outsider, Jack Frost, who is responsible for the destruction of our gathering at the Pallid Pit,¡± The Trickster informed them. ¡°I know you¡¯ve heard of them. They have since distinguished themselves in other ways. I plan an ambush from where they have no choice but to stand and fight.¡±


    ¡°Kack! They had better be worth my time!¡± Skitterdeath spat. ¡°I want the Killer Klown or the best Corvin has! Not some boy! Kack! Too long have I been denied a foe worthy of Skitterdeath!¡±


    ¡°Turn the Outsider into crimson mist,¡± the seated figure ordered, subtly raising a sleeve and channelling their psionic power. ¡°He cannot be allowed to live. Grant him the eternal gift of nothingness, and The Destroyer himself shall smile upon your work!¡±


    The power of the figure ignited a strange euphoria in Skitterdeath he had not felt in ages.


    ¡°Kack! Then I seal my promise! It shall be done! KACK! KACK! KACKACKACKACK!¡± They yelled into the night sky, as their twin gatling blasters spooled up and lit the night sky up with the green glow of plasma fire.


    Jack Frost wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.


    The figure waited patiently for the cultists to leave. Almost an hour after the last sounds left them, they began to chuckle, the sound echoing across the waves in an unnatural warble. He had not found the Outsider particularly impressive when they met face-to-face, but they were clearly resourceful enough to avoid the tripwire bomb he left behind. He reached into his robes, and used his telekinetic power to levitate a black device which switched on and stared at him with an unblinking red optical light.


    ¡°QUERY: REQUESTING SITUATION UPDATE,¡± the robotic voice of Malakiel snarled.


    ¡°The Outsider survived the attack, and the Cult of the Destroyer will try again,¡± the figure calmly reported. ¡°Though there are genuine threats that could destabilise your plans that have yet to be answered.¡±


    ¡°CALCULATING¡­.QUERY: REQUESTING DATA ON ENEMY PROGRAMMER: KILLER KLOWN.¡±


    ¡°Their recent attack was devastating and unexpected,¡± the figure reported. ¡°They had assistance from a third party. Ironically, it was the Outsider who discovered Dr Reyazz Grine as one of the conspirators, though I could not locate them myself.¡±


    ¡°OBJECTIVE UPDATED: GATHER DATA ON UNKNOWN PROCESS. POSSIBLE OUTSIDER THREAT DETECTED.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± The figure nodded. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°CALCULATING¡­QUERY: REQUESTING DATA ON NAGANAI FACTIONAL CONFLICT.¡±


    ¡°Corvin Enterprises stands in the most favourable position, though that may change based on the current issues the city faces. Both Myrodin and Shaskasaki remain in an alliance of convenience against them. Other factions are staying out of it for now and are focusing their efforts on rebuilding after the Killer Klown attack.¡±


    ¡°CALCULATING¡­.QUERY: REQUESTING DATA ON ENEMY PROGRAMMER: ATTICUS CORVIN.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what the Rogue Master¡¯s plans are,¡± the figure stated truthfully. ¡°Corvin Enterprises are definitely making a greater play of some kind, but I don¡¯t know for sure what it is, and they¡¯ve been spreading multiple false rumours. Infiltrating them is too risky, they have ways of detecting it even I can¡¯t fool.¡±


    ¡°CALCULATING¡­.PROJECTED ZORN MIGRATION INDICATES PROBABILITY OF ENEMY PROGRAMMER ACTIVITY. REFORMATTING GROUND ASSETS. REASSESS ONCE ENEMY PROGRAM RESOLVES¡±


    ¡°As you wish.¡± The figure nodded again. ¡°Corvin Enterprises defeated the Killer Klown last time, after all. If Blighttooth is reawakening, it is likely they¡¯ll target Corvin Enterprises as the greatest threat to their plans.¡±


    ¡°CALCULATING¡­.QUERY: REQUESTING DATA ON UNKNOWN PROGRAMMER: EMERALD KING.¡±


    ¡°Their preachers just showed up at once around several places of the city,¡± the figure explained. ¡°And it¡¯s highly concerning. I ripped into one of their minds and found nothing prior, like it had already been wiped. They have food and supplies that residents need, and are quickly gaining ground.¡±


    ¡°CALCULATING¡­PROBABILITY OF OUTSIDER INFLUENCE: 93.4%.¡± Malakiel snarled in hatred. ¡°PRIMARY OBJECTIVE UPDATED: GATHER DATA ON SUSPECTED OUTSIDER PROCESS AND TERMINATE ALL OUTSIDERS.¡±


    ¡°Very well, they won¡¯t see me coming,¡± the figure confirmed. ¡°Though there is still the question of that second presence. The one that showed Dubakuu the Spawn of Nekdon, that not even you knew about. Have you worked out who or what they were?¡±


    Malakiel did not respond.


    ¡°And may I ask why Outsiders always take precedence in your calculations?


    ¡°DATA¡­¡­¡­¡­..UNAVAILABLE.¡± Malakiel responded in a very uncharacteristically hesitant way that disturbed the obfuscated figure to no end.


    ¡°Very well. I beg your pardon.¡± The figure nodded as they moved to put the device away.


    ¡°LAMETH.¡± Malakiel suddenly spoke up, and the figure, Lameth, dutifully stopped. ¡°POSSIBILITY OF PRIMARY THREAT ACTIVITY¡­.72.7%. ASSET LOSS, UNACCEPTABLE.¡±


    ¡°I shall be appropriately cautious.¡± Lameth nodded, as the connection ended.


    Staring out towards the crashing waves, Lameth shuddered ever so slightly. Turbulent times were ahead, but like always, they would weather the storm. As his form shifted back into its true appearance, his robes fell to the side alongside the dripping grey ichor of his transformation, falling to be washed away by the waves. Floating with potent telekinetic power, his large serpentine, tentacled form lazily moved forward, malevolent eyes gleaming like moonlight before diving deep, and embracing the balm of the sea depths.


    *****


    Author Q&A


    Well damn! 100 Chapters! I¡¯m very happy that there are many readers still following along with the story, and I hope you stick with me as our characters become more powerful and grow together! Dropoff in viewers is to be expected when I only post a chapter a week, and especially when I cover subjects and use language that will drop me in various site algorithms. However that doesn¡¯t bother me, as this is my vision and I will not compromise on my setting. I have also seen some constructive feedback on my writing style, and shall apply what I agree with where valid to the best of my ability. I¡¯d like to thank all my beta readers for helping me keep the grammar on point and things making sense, which has massively helped with improving Galactic High, and every one of you amazing people who support me by enjoying the series! Now for the Q&A, and I will address a few raised points too!


    Q: Are you NetNarrator?


    A: Yes! I have not taken any steps to obscure this fact, but I keep seeing comments both on Reddit and my youtube channel from people surprised at this! I have technically been writing much longer than I¡¯ve been NetNarrator, starting with me writing Urban Fantasy in the World of Darkness setting for NaNoWriMo in my early uni days. I still have my drafts for those too, so I may look to publish if I can fix them.


    Q: What gave you the idea to do this?


    A: I had the urge to try a new series after listening to a bunch of podcasts on Shadowrun, and being unable to find a story that came close to it. Shadowrun is the main inspiration for my setting, along with Pathfinder, D&D and Starfinder. Also, I wanted to pioneer something new within the HFY genre after narrating a lot of stories with recycled tropes. I attempted to do this with Descent of the Demon Lords by taking inspiration from XCOM, which wasn¡¯t that popula, but I tried another set of ideas with Galactic High, and it seems to be working so far, especially when I take steps to avoid a lot of tropes, while adhering to certain others.


    Q: This is a unique setting!


    A: Yep! When I knew I wanted to head more towards a Shadowrun-style setting (While allowing for good ol¡¯ D&D style adventure!) I decided to have a state of relative anarchy with a lot of unexplored frontier, where might makes right. While there are factions wanting to try and impose order, most of them on Hive Station Bastilla can only do so on a small or local scale, and are often toppled if they¡¯re not careful. Even the MegaCorps have limited territory! On a galactic scale, while stellar empires exist in the great beyond, they can just as easily be destroyed by a foreign power or other catastrophe. There is no Galactic Council or other overruling body whatsoever, and even the mighty can be felled by those cunning enough. The concept of Vice is alien to the inhabitants of Hive Station Bastilla aside from a few religions that might influence an individual¡¯s actions, with no laws on drugs, prostitution and the like. Due to the lack of law and order, the galaxy is rife with evil, and psychos that are able to act with a degree of impunity. However, there are also those that work to stop them, not by the compulsion of any law, but by moral decency, and the desire to try and do good in a galaxy that doesn¡¯t care either way. It is a harsh, lawless, dangerous place to live, but one of opportunity, and maybe, just maybe¡­the hope of building something better!


    Q: Can I make a spin-off story?


    A: Sure! Sexy Space Babes is a great example of a massive fan community with a bunch of spinoffs and I see no reason why it can¡¯t work with Galactic High. The universe of Galactic High is vast, has been around for untold eons and is just as crazy in other Hive Stations or worlds. It won¡¯t likely be canon to the main story however¡­


    Q: Could there be a crossover with another HFY series?


    A: This is a tricky answer, since there don¡¯t seem to be any other humans around apart from Jack. As NetNarrator I have the privilege of speaking to and getting to know many authors here, so who knows? However I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a similar enough setting to make it work, though if it does happen our Shadowrunners can easily be brought in as mercenaries, though they are teenagers lacking any kind of formal military training. However as far as other crossovers go, I highly recommend We Need a Job for a Deathworlder for an example of this done right!


    Q: This looks like a great tabletop setting for my game!


    A: Oh yes! People say this a lot, so go for it! Same points above apply here, and I hope your GM can adapt it well to the game you play. I¡¯d love to hear your tabletop tales!


    Q: Will there be pancakes?


    A: I have no immediate plans to do so, however I will not outright say ¡®no¡¯. The age/maturity of the main characters does not allow for it right now, despite how cocky certain characters act (like many of us did in school, I¡¯m sure!). If it makes sense to write something like that later in the story, then I¡¯ll give it my best attempt (though as NetNarrator I have developed some mental scars just reading the sex scenes of others!). I have no intention of forcing such a scene through for quick likes on my story, though lewd stuff can happen, has already happened too, and wild stuff may still happen around the characters, even if they¡¯re not doing that kind of stuff themselves! There is a danger here of Jack being labelled as a typical clueless isekai protagonist, however I reject these labels at this stage due to the in-story timeframe, and that Jack as a character has suffered much trauma. He knows he can go for that stuff, but he isn¡¯t ready.


    Q: Will you publish?


    A: Almost definitely yes, at some point. The beginning up to the aftermath of the party is a tentative arc to go for a Book 1, however I am not in a rush to do so. I will also not be taking any exclusivity deal, and I may also publish my earlier works that aren¡¯t on the internet. My initial plan was to focus on a trilogy, however since we¡¯re barely 25% through what I first planned for Book 1, the plan will change.


    Q: How do translators work?


    A: The in-universe answer is a blend of technology, magic and psionics. The real reason is because I didn¡¯t want to be bogged down too much by the logistics of multiple languages in the opening introductory chapters of the setting when I wanted to focus on other things. However I did have a plotline with Jack and Chiyo having some earlier communication issues, which showed the Mmnetic Translators not being completely infallible¡­.


    Q: How do humans measure up to the rest of the galaxy?


    A: How has Jack measured up so far?


    Q: What¡¯s up with Svaartal?


    A: Not telling, but reading all of your comments is great fun! :P


    Q: There¡¯s a lot of bad guys coming after Jack! How will you manage all that?


    A: There¡¯s a lot of bad guys coming after Jack that you, the reader, know are coming! There are others too. As for how I will manage it¡­wait and see :)


    Q: What¡¯s up with the weird NPCs?


    A: While I have a roadmap of where I want the story to go, a lot of what is written is improvisation that I¡¯m able to work on well. Killer Kush and Commander Cocaine came about when I needed them, and I have so much fun writing them. Also I like to make sure certain characters are memorable, even if they¡¯re not around for long, and some of them I¡¯m borderline shitposting with, most notably with a certain villainous Ogre! It¡¯s important to remember that I, the writer, am having fun too!


    Q: Do you have stories of the ethereal plane?


    A: The ethereal plane is a realm between realms. There are many mysteries and unimaginable horrors lost within, and there are tales in every culture in every corner of the omniverse of those who one day go missing without a trace¡­you tell me :)


    Q: What¡¯s Rena¡¯s issue? Autism?


    A: In human terms, yes, Rena is on the spectrum. I kept this fact obscured for a while on purpose for people to ponder on for a while for you to work out on your own. I used many of my own experiences being on the spectrum as the basis for what Rena goes through.


    Q: What¡¯s up with the monsters in the north? Spawn of Nekdon, Klowns or otherwise?


    A: The further away the city you get the more likely you are to face hostile forces. Though the group did their due-diligence and identified the likely threats of Zorn tribes, Risen from Nightwhisper Manor, and possible Klown forces separated far from the main horde they deemed them threats they could handle, with the Spawn of Nekdon being an unknown until our Shadowrunners found it! Many rumours can reach civilization from hermits, pilgrims and travellers through these uninhabited regions, and as we saw above, some of these rumours may have some weight behind them¡­


    Q: How does Chiyo communicate via technology such as communicators? Do the devices detect telepathy?


    A: Text message or text-to-speech usually, or listening to what the others say. Her familiarity with others also allows her to send telepathic messages, as per similar spells in D&D and Pathfinder. Don¡¯t think about it too much!


    Q: How are the group bonding so quickly? It¡¯s unrealistic!


    A: A mix of trauma bonding, mutual survival and being peers of a young age. When you¡¯re surviving in a hostile environment where life is cheap, you learn to latch yourself onto allies you can trust. The in-story timeline is short but the characters have been through a lot together during that time, so I say it works. I will be moving the in-story timeline forward a bit more over the next few chapters, so this will allow for greater character development in more overt ways than the subtleties we¡¯ve seen so far.


    Q: Why do the girls fancy Jack so quickly?


    A: Many young and dumb characters, and Jack began the story as a curiosity. The degrees to which the girls fall for Jack varies as well, and things may change over time. And anyone that says they never had mad crushes at that age is a damn liar!


    Q: Are there things in the story we should paying special attention to?


    A: Yep. Lots. You guys tend to pick up on some strange or incorrect things, and ignore things I¡¯ve been more overt with! It¡¯s great fun to see! And in the spirit of fun, I will give you a hint! Chapter 27 is a huge chapter. You didn¡¯t think I forgot about those plot points did you? :)

 Chapter 101: Prefect Dilligence

    ¡°Morning everyone!¡± Jack greeted the gathering students once he came down from his shower, having ensured he¡¯d get his in before the others. ¡°Any news?¡±


    ¡°Hey Jack! Doesn¡¯t look like it.¡± Alora turned around and smiled at him. ¡°For once!¡±


    We¡¯re getting some feel-good headlines covering the rebuilding efforts. Chiyo waved him over. Including more footage of the memorial service Clan Bharzum held.


    ¡°About time things started looking up!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Now we¡¯re stable living, we can work on some proper homestead improvements with the fabricator!¡±


    ¡°Gotta get enough initial power to get it running first!¡± Sephy warned. ¡°Then we gotta build ALL the solar panels! I got my hands on a template we can use that shouldn¡¯t be too complicated. Not the most efficient, but easy to make and set up, it¡¯s mostly just clipping things together.¡±


    Utilities will still need some overall budgeting, especially water, Chiyo cautioned. But everyone¡¯s got their hands on various water containers, so they can fill up when we get to school. But as far as initial energy goes, we have the powerstones and the engine from the cargo drone.


    ¡°The solar panels won¡¯t be able to cover the fabricator on their own, but it¡¯ll still make things much easier,¡± Nika added. ¡°I believe you wanted to get a cryptomining rig setup at some point, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Yup!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Gonna need a lot of work though!¡±


    ¡°If we can agree that we at least need solar panels first, maybe we should sit down tonight and plan what we prioritise with the fabricator with the resources we have,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Whatever secures our basics first before we go for the more complicated stuff. Also, we need to plan room assignments for this stuff, assuming we still have space.¡±


    ¡°Good idea, Jack.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°The solar panels will take some time as it is. I guess improving rainwater collection would help with the water until we can syphon it from the grid.¡±


    ¡°You can use the fabricator for things other than home improvements, too!¡± A voice called out, as Hessia, one of the insectoid seamstress enthusiasts, spoke up. ¡°You¡¯ve got a lot of cloth and fabric just sitting there - I could fix your curtains or get you some new clothes suitable for your build, Jack.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind taking you up on that offer.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°But I can live with hand-me-downs and charity bins for now while we get the homestead set up.¡±


    Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t mind us all sitting down tonight and making these kind of plans. Chiyo sighed. With what we¡¯ve recently been up to and with what Clan Bharzum gave us, we shouldn¡¯t need to take up any dangerous jobs for a while.


    ¡°I agree.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°It¡¯ll be good to cool things down, but I don¡¯t want us to lose our edge. We¡¯ll need income at some point, and we¡¯ve got some new toys to play with!¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind seeing the animals at the sanctuary again and doing some work there.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°But maybe once we¡¯re ready, we can talk to Mr Sparrel about that investigator that might be able to help me, if you guys are up for it.¡±


    ¡°Sable Krynn,¡± Sephy reminded him. ¡°And I¡¯m definitely in! I¡¯ve always wanted to meet her!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll all join you, Jack.¡± Alora chuckled lightly. ¡°But though I understand you wish to try and return to your home realm, there are many positive things about living here that you have not had the opportunity to experience! Once the city has returned to normal, we must show you them!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta see some of our sports!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Even wilder than deathball!¡±


    Some of the food courts specialise in exotic delicacies! Chiyo added.


    ¡°And we¡¯re totally going to the Cathedral of Merriment when we can!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°I know Vaal told you about it! He¡¯s promised we can go with the team budget when Arlox and Kizzarith can make the trip!¡±


    ¡°It sounds so good I¡¯m just wondering how it can inevitably go to shit.¡± Jack chuckled dryly.


    ¡°There¡¯s plenty of good to be found here,¡± Alora reiterated. ¡°You might learn more if you go to therapy like High Priestess Cornelia tried to set up for you. She knows you lied the last time she asked about it.¡±


    ¡°Nah.¡± Jack shook his head and rolled his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t need that crap. It¡¯s not going to solve anything.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡± Alora nodded, disappointedly. ¡°Though that does remind me - the Sect of Esin offered free first aid training and encouraged us to give it a try. It could be fun as well as useful!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m up for that.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°God knows I¡¯ve been shot, stabbed and burned enough times to have a reason to learn it. I know a tiny bit from my time with the Scouts but I keep worrying about remembering the wrong instructions and making things worse. And that doesn¡¯t even take into account other species¡­¡±


    ¡°Then when we get back I¡¯ll book us a group lesson.¡± Alora smiled at the nods from all around, as the rest of their residents came down to join them, indicating that they could head to school soon. ¡°Basic healing is a good skill for anyone to know, especially with what we do. This will be a great time to recuperate from the last few weeks and relax some more!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Oh great, prefects right on point again.¡± Nika groaned as the sight of their school pyramid appeared on the horizon. They were earlier than usual in order to take advantage of the facilities, but already there were queues forming due to the heightened security.


    Most likely due to the Emerald King cultists, Chiyo reasoned. There are videos of them showing up everywhere; it¡¯s got a lot of people worried, despite their apparently benign nature.


    ¡°Benign my ass.¡± Sephy snorted. ¡°They¡¯re up to something.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re right,¡± Jack added. ¡°There are religions and cults on my world too, and the ones that try and recruit this aggressively are usually the worst. Some have ended really badly¡­¡±


    A prefect drone hovered close to the group before staring at them with its camera.


    "Discussions about unauthorised groups are prohibited on school premises.¡± It beeped aggressively. ¡°This will be reported."


    ¡°Are you fucking serious?¡± Nika growled. ¡°We¡¯re not even allowed to talk about it?¡±


    ¡°Just what we need at the start of the week¡­¡± Alora sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll bring it up with the School Council. I understand they¡¯re just being cautious, but this is excessive.¡±


    The students inched closer to the front of the queue, being careful not to bring up spicy topics around the patrolling security bots as they scanned the students for any unauthorised individuals or suspicious contraband.


    ¡°Well, Killer Kush won¡¯t be coming back here.¡± Jack chuckled under his breath at seeing the new measures. ¡°Though at least if he does, it won¡¯t be to come after me. That Gandalf disguise of his was something else¡­¡±


    Looks like we¡¯ve got a lot more prefects on duty than usual, Chiyo noted. Rena¡¯s up there too, we¡¯d better lay low for now.


    ¡°You do know I have a grenade launcher I have yet to try out, right?¡± Jack joked, earning several chuckles from the others. ¡°Are the drow around?¡±


    Unfortunately not. Chiyo shook her head in amusement.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re joking, but best not to clue them in on what they don¡¯t know you have,¡± Nika noted. ¡°Just in case.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded more seriously, knowing she was right as Rena noticed their arrival, the Vulsta narrowing her eyes at Jack before being called to another group of students.


    ¡°They do know about my flamethrower though¡­¡± Jack muttered under his breath, with only Sephy overhearing, giggling next to him.


    "Please present all magical, electronic and cybernetic devices for inspection." A prefect droned as they got closer. ¡°Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.¡±


    ¡°You, hand those glasses over for inspection!¡± A prefect called over to Chiyo. ¡°We¡¯ll inspect and return them once cleared.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Another prefect called, pointing at Sephy. ¡°My scanner detects unauthorised software, please step aside for manual inspection!¡±


    ¡°Your weapons need to go on the conveyer belt!¡± Another pointed at Nika.


    ¡°Sorry Glenphyranix, please submit yourself to arcana analysis!¡± Another called Alora over.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯m good then,¡± Jack called out sarcastically as he moved to simply walk past.


    ¡°Frost,¡± the expected ice-cold voice of Rena called out. ¡°Come here.¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Jack asked, irritated. ¡°Need to inspect my balls?¡±


    ¡°Your weapons and magical equipment will suffice.¡± Rena narrowed her eyes, as she waved some kind of handheld scanner around him.


    ¡°You can scan them, but you¡¯re not keeping them,¡± Jack allowed, moving his arms slightly away from his blaster. ¡°Just get this over with.¡±


    ¡°That is acceptable, provided you act within the school¡¯s rules and regulations.¡± Rena nodded, as she waved the scanner around him. There was an uncomfortable silence for several minutes as neither said anything to the other, before Rena finally spoke.


    ¡°I wish to know of your first encounter with the Cult of the Emerald King. You met one of their first street preachers several days ago. What area was this in, and what were you doing there?¡±


    ¡°None of your business,¡± Jack retorted, not willing to tell Rena anything about their job gone bad. ¡°My friends and I were simply out for a walk.¡±


    ¡°I fail to see what you gain from withholding information from me,¡± Rena asked, with a hint of¡­confusion? ¡°I wish to stop this cult¡¯s influence from infecting this school by targeting vulnerable students. By pinpointing its origin point, I can aid the efforts to prevent its spread.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Jack thought, split between denying the annoying Vulsta out of spite, and recognising the genuine concern. He thought back to his conversation earlier, before deciding to cooperate. ¡°Alright, we encountered them in the area around where EdaGro and EdenNet have a border to the north. There were a few of them and a woman handed us a leaflet and a box of nutri-bars. She was pretty insistent.¡±


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡°Do you still have the leaflet, or one of the nutri-bars?¡± Rena asked. ¡°May I have it, if you do?¡±


    Jack shrugged, looking through his blazer pockets before digging up one of the nutri-bars he had packed and forgotten about the moment Mr Sparrel had bought them snacks, distrustfully handing it over to the Vulsta. ¡°Enjoy.¡±


    ¡°While the school considers this contraband, I am willing to overlook this particular violation of the rules. Your cooperation is appreciated, Frost.¡±


    ¡°Can I go now?¡± The human asked, deadpan.


    ¡°You may.¡± Rena nodded, and Jack wasted no time in joining his friends on the other side.


    Rena looked at the strange barebones packaging with green tint and sighed in relief that Frost was cooperative this time. The nutri-bar would need to be analysed, but narrowing the initial spread of the cult would be key to investigating it. Still, it was still a shame that she and Frost were not on good terms, though perhaps things would improve¡­


    The group finally made it up the magical elevators to their level and made it down the mostly quiet hallways to their lockers, before Nika spoke up. ¡°I can¡¯t believe they¡¯ve taken these security measures this far over just some dumb cult.¡±


    Perhaps they¡¯ve done something we don¡¯t know about? Chiyo theorised.


    ¡°Maybe, but it would have shown up on the news or maybe I would have heard of it on the Ghostnet.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Either way we¡¯re probably going to get an assembly on it by our out-of-touch headmaster. I really hope we¡¯re watching the films again!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if that¡¯ll be the case, though I do know the homeroom classes are merged again this week,¡± Alora told them. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they try and get whatever lessons they can back to normal.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind another history lesson.¡± Jack grinned before suddenly having a thought. ¡°Would Mr Sparrel know about Malakiel and some of the other weirder stuff we¡¯ve encountered? Maybe we could ask him? ¡®Know thy enemy¡¯ and all that?¡±


    A lot of that kind of information is usually kept secret, and only gets shared if there¡¯s an existential threat, Chiyo pointed out. For example, Malakiel is considered a high-level threat but not a particularly dire one like the Killer Klown is. There¡¯s more interest in buying and selling information to adventurers seeking their bounty than by sharing information in mutual defence.


    ¡°Sparrel would probably tell us what he knows.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Though I don¡¯t think much is confirmed about Malakiel, aside from their bizarre plots and schemes that put the gods¡¯ fear into people. All that¡¯s known for sure is that they¡¯re hostile. You saw it yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded, thinking. ¡°We took out his relay with Devil¡¯s Daughter, but they have other ways of targeting us.¡±


    We shall need to be careful and on alert, Chiyo agreed. Though I dare say we should be better prepared if we do anything dangerous. We¡¯ve been too reckless lately, even if the fabricator is a fine reward.


    ¡°We¡¯ll get some training in then.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°A Milk Run or two, maybe play temporary auxiliary for a militia or go out monster hunting?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on the job board.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Though it is mostly a bunch of trivial missions and requests for help with the rebuilding efforts. I think Karzen and Bentom wanted to recruit a few of the others to actually do a few of those, they felt bad for that old woman who needed help moving a fridge and ended up doing it themselves!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good thing!¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°Though I¡¯d be worried if they took something they couldn¡¯t handle, we had problems like that when we started. I¡¯ll have a word with them later.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind volunteering to help out the clean-up efforts, if that¡¯s what they¡¯ve been doing,¡± Jack spoke up. ¡°Especially with the Temple of Hope and what they¡¯ve been up to.¡±


    ¡°Meh.¡± Sephy shrugged at that idea, though the rest were interested. ¡°Though I guess we¡¯ll need stuff to do while the fabricator does its thing.¡±


    ¡°We can start planning now.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°If we¡¯re still in the lecture theatre we can sit down and relax while we do it too!¡±


    ¡°Good point,¡± Alora conceded. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    *****


    ¡°I¡¯ve got no more announcements, but I must say, I am so glad to see more of you alive and well!¡± Mr Sparrel chirped up, smiling at the students. ¡°As the headmaster made apparent to you all, he expects regular class to resume at the beginning of next week, where lessons shall be doubled up to make up for lost teaching time for the following two weeks!¡±


    ¡°Oh that is gonna fucking suck¡­¡± Sephy whispered.


    ¡°Do they mean what I think they mean?¡± Jack whispered back.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nika groaned. ¡°Double the lessons for two weeks, and I bet they¡¯ll cut the breaks as well.¡±


    At least we have money and supplies to last us a few months, Chiyo added. But you¡¯re barely going to have time to sleep!


    ¡°Then we get the house chores we need done, done,¡± Alora whispered back. ¡°The Squa¡¯Kaar are on top of food production, we just need to get our utilities sorted, then we can prepare for two weeks of hard school.¡±


    ¡°At least it won¡¯t involve us getting shot.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°But damn, that¡¯s messed up! Do we get weekends?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we get weekends,¡±  Sephy noted. ¡°And yeah, it¡¯s super rough when they do this. But we always party hard when it¡¯s over!¡±


    Any student still unable to make it will still have to go to remedial lessons, though depending on how many there are this is usually extended over a much longer period of time and is less intense, Chiyo added. But with the entire school body this is a kneejerk ¡®course correction¡¯. It¡¯s brutal, but the corporate sponsors expect deadlines to be met.


    ¡°If it¡¯s any consolation, I doubt the double school will be literal,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°You think the teachers want to be here longer than they need to? They might just give us extra homework instead.¡±


    ¡°Oh, wow that¡¯s sooo much better!¡± Sephy snorted with sarcasm.


    ¡°Better get your rest in now while you can then!¡± Nika grinned, as Mr Sparrel played around with the video they¡¯d be watching.


    *****


    Okay, it says here that we should ensure there¡¯s enough space for the output, Chiyo told the others as she read the fabricator instructions. Do we know how big the parts for the solar panel are going to be?


    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine it¡¯ll be huge based on what we¡¯re putting in,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Though, should we put a mattress or a sheet down so it doesn¡¯t immediately smash on the ground or something?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get some of the spare fabric.¡± Nika chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re right. Knowing our luck I wouldn¡¯t put it past the fabricator to shit it out like diarrhoea!¡±


    ¡°Nika!¡± Alora sighed at the crudeness. ¡°We should also keep the room clear until we get an idea of the size of what we¡¯re making. Perhaps get some good shelving in here and get a production line going?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what we¡¯re working with first before we hit up space-IKEA,¡± Jack suggested.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Sephy exclaimed, clapping her hands together in glee. ¡°The schematic is installed and it¡¯s detected the required raw materials. Can I hit the button?¡±


    ¡°Go for it!¡± Alora nodded enthusiastically. ¡°But we¡¯ll need to monitor the energy drain before we set up a queue.¡±


    ¡°Starting now!¡± Sephy prodded the button, causing the fabricator to let out a loud beeping noise to signify the start of something, before quickly settling into a high-pitched whine that was much quieter than Jack had anticipated, muted by the casing. Quickly checking, he could see and was glad that Dante wasn¡¯t negatively affected by any possible high pitches he couldn¡¯t perceive himself.


    It''s fascinating watching the material being layered. I''ve read about these things, but seeing one in action is something else, Chiyo observed, as she looked through a glass viewport.


    ¡°A bit slow though.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Though I imagine something more defined like this takes time.¡±


    Given the intricacies of a solar panel - cells, wiring and protective layering - it¡¯s quite impressive that this should only take a few hours instead of days, Chiyo pointed out. I only hope we have enough power to sustain it, though simpler, less complex projects should be easier and shorter.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to get the power issue sorted first, but once we do we can get so much done!¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°But we need to make sure the wiring is stable and it¡¯s all connected well. We¡¯re going to need you for that Chiyo since we can¡¯t exactly touch the live wires!¡±


    ¡°Then once we¡¯ve done that, we can see how much power we get from one panel,¡± Jack added. ¡°Then crunch some numbers and work out how many we¡¯ll need overall.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll still be a lot,¡± Alora cautioned. ¡°That¡¯s not to mention the raw materials we¡¯ll eventually need for it.¡±


    ¡°So we get as many supply runs to the scrapyards as we can get away with,¡± Nika proposed. ¡°We¡¯re going to need the raw materials eventually. Once we¡¯re confident in using this thing we can leave it to go and make the bigger stuff when we¡¯re at school.¡±


    It doesn¡¯t change the fact that utilities are still going to be a problem, Chiyo pointed out. We have a path to becoming self sufficient with basic utilities, but we would still need a lot of solar panels, and water collection still isn¡¯t the most reliable, even if we get the best rain collection system we can, and that¡¯s far into the future. If, however, we¡¯re able to improve what we get from the grid¡­


    ¡°Easier said than done, Chiyo,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking everywhere for how we might access the Gloom Paths, and I haven¡¯t found anything reliable we can use yet. I¡¯m thinking of just trying to get access to the utility companies themselves, but it¡¯s locked tight.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll do what we can for now with the information we have.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Rayle says there might be heavy rain in a few days, so with luck it¡¯ll fill the hot tub up at least.¡±


    ¡°About time we get to use that damn thing!¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°And though we¡¯ve got credits and supplies from Clan Bharzum, they won¡¯t last forever,¡± Alora warned. ¡°That¡¯s not to say we haven¡¯t done well, but aside from the fabricator we only got a bunch of microwave meals from the Shaskasaki Heist, and we were lucky to get a few weapons, junk and old people stuff from our night of hell last week. Money is going to be an issue again in another month or two, so after the next few weeks are over and things get back to normal¡­we should consider another Run.¡±


    ¡°YES!¡± Sephy grinned.


    ¡°But, that won¡¯t be for a while, and only if we need to.¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°Though two of the weeks are going to be double school, we have a lot of downtime! Let¡¯s make sure we use it wisely, and even more importantly make sure we enjoy it! Places are going to be opening up again, and I want us all to go to the waterpark!¡±


    That would be great! Chiyo exclaimed. Plus, Jack still owes me a date!


    ¡°I haven¡¯t taken him out either!¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°Nor me!¡± Alora chucked.


    ¡°Neither have I!¡± Another familiar voice called from the living room. ¡°And Luvia wants to dig her claws into him too!¡±


    ¡°Dammit Vanya! It¡¯s complicated enough as it is!¡± Sephy called back, while Jack held his head in his hands out of sheer embarrassment.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m changing the subject,¡± Jack finally told the girls the moment he had recovered enough. ¡°With enough Solar panels we¡¯ll be able to run this thing more often. What do we use this for next?¡±


    ¡°Probably the shuttle,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°I was hoping to cannibalise what¡¯s left of it and use the cargo drone¡¯s engine and power source as a much safer and more stable propulsion system. The scrap metal can be repurposed here for a chassis at least.¡±


    ¡°The crappy system currently on the shuttle can be used as a power source for our district until it dies out,¡± Sephy reasoned. ¡°We saw first-hand how dangerous it can get.¡±


    ¡°Could that hook system from the cargo drone be used on a shuttle?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Like, getting bags of loot out, or if we need to extract ourselves?¡±


    ¡°They could!¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Good idea, though we¡¯ll need to mess around with the potency of those things. Nothing says ¡®botched run¡¯ more than leaving vomit behind as DNA evidence.¡±


    Making the shuttle comfortable would not be a priority but still very welcome! Chiyo added. Seats or mattresses, and good storage space for anything we take with us.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to fine-tune it to be easy to pilot,¡± Sephy added. ¡°And make sure it¡¯s stealthed up as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll keep it as a side project,¡± Alora noted. ¡°Keeping the homestead running is also important. I would propose we set up a good food pantry that¡¯ll help us keep food edible for longer.¡±


    ¡°We can also beef up our security,¡± Nika noted. ¡°Especially when we get enough power we won¡¯t need to worry about our draw. Motion sensors, cameras, more turrets. Hell, we could probably fix up the weapons we¡¯ve got and distribute them since we don¡¯t need to worry about spare parts.


    Don¡¯t forget that much of this place is rundown, Chiyo added. No offence, Alora, but it would be great to have some proper furniture and fix stuff up. Part of the reason why our utilities are so inefficient is because of the old piping and wiring, after all.


    ¡°Of course we can always use the fabricator to make some money on the side if we need it,¡± Sephy added. ¡°Though that can take time away from home projects. I still want to get my crypto setup going!¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait!¡± Alora grinned, looking back at the fabricator. ¡°Though let¡¯s not get too ahead of ourselves. This thing isn¡¯t even 1% done yet!¡±

 Chapter 102: Roofing DIY

    ¡°How¡¯s it going up there, Jack?¡± Alora called up to the human. ¡°Do you need to take a break?¡±


    ¡°I should be okay,¡± Jack nervously called back. ¡°The sooner I get done the sooner I can come back down, you would have thought I¡¯d be used to heights by now!¡±


    I¡¯ll catch you if you fall! Chiyo told him. But try not to!


    ¡°What about you, Sephy? Nika?¡± Alora asked the two as they worked together, struggling to line up one of the solar panels with the brackets they had just fabricated to securely attach it to the roof of their home.


    ¡°We¡¯re doing alright,¡± Sephy told them with a grin from the lip of the roof, knowing she could use her wings to hover to the ground if she slipped. ¡°I was right about the guttering Alora, it¡¯s a mess, and that¡¯s just the parts we can see!¡±


    ¡°I can probably do something to help clear this bit up at least,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Though I don¡¯t know how yet, these new gauntlets are really weird¡­¡±


    ¡°That ¡®toolsense¡¯ thingy they do is dead useful though!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Speaking of, Jack, we¡¯ve got this one into position, mind screwing it in place?¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Jack nodded, as he hovered his hand over the aligned brackets. ¡°Artifex¡±


    A faint yellow glow emanated from Jack¡¯s palm as his mind was flooded with sudden knowledge about what he¡¯d need. An impact driver, and enough rivets of appropriate thickness to latch it on, though he also knew that he would need more rails to keep the line of panels going, special hooks that could easily slide between their roof tiles to keep things in place, and yet more connectors.


    In other words, the exact same information he had received the previous four times they¡¯d done this.


    However, he was able to resummon the impact driver and rivets he¡¯d been using to attach everything together without damaging the roof, so that was handy. While he could try keeping his tools close at hand, the moment he put them down they seemingly disappeared. A quick call to Clan Bharzum confirmed that things would get less stingy over time as the gauntlets attuned to Jack, with it only having been less than a week since he¡¯d put his new gauntlets back on upon receiving them.


    Are you ready for another panel? Chiyo asked them. We¡¯ve just got two left!


    ¡°Sure! Send it up!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Nearly done!¡±


    ¡°Would you say there¡¯s room for more rows of panels from where you are?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Sure are!¡± The Kizun nodded. ¡°Three rows on either side of just this roof, but I¡¯d be worried about it weighing too much and collapsing, we are still living in a ruin after all!¡±


    ¡°Fair enough. We have the walls, though unless we stand the panels on top of them it¡¯s going to be less efficient,¡± Alora noted. ¡°However, some energy is still better than none. We would need rails long enough to go from the top to the bottom since I don¡¯t think we can just bolt it to the wall.¡±


    ¡°I can get one of my drones to do the measurements,¡± Sephy added, while Jack put the finishing touches on the current installation, making sure it was securely attached. ¡°But wouldn¡¯t something that big and long be a pain to fabricate? It¡¯d surely take ages and collapse under its own weight!¡±


    ¡°Could you build it in increments?¡± Jack asked. ¡°And give it some kind of clip-on function that can let us put it together when we¡¯re ready?¡±


    Like the pieces of a puzzle, Chiyo mused. Yes! That could work!


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to work on the design for that then,¡± Nika mused. ¡°Unless we find something on the DataNet for it. I guess for now we can work on another roof on the other side of the house, though I¡¯d want to check the structural integrity first.¡±


    ¡°We could get some workers that know what they¡¯re doing to check it,¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°It¡¯s something I was tempted to do when I first rediscovered this place but there just hasn¡¯t been any need so far.¡±


    ¡°Yeah we have enough of a budget to keep us afloat for about two months if we just carry on as we are,¡± Sephy added. ¡°But there are some good investments that we can go for. Fabricating stuff out of scrap is great and all, but we¡¯re still gonna need funds for certain things.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Jack noted as he moved onto the next solar panel Nika and Sephy now had into position. ¡°At least with the fabricator it means we¡¯re spending less money overall.¡± He then grinned. ¡°I take it you had something in mind you wanted to buy?¡±


    ¡°Yep!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Okay, hear me out. The guttering sucks, and Jack said he can deal with this stuff at the top right? But it obviously hasn¡¯t been cleaned in a really long time, so there¡¯s probably worse inside. But while researching for our water problem I found a specialised drone that can actually cling onto the inside of pipes and move around, mapping it out, mulching any obstacles that shouldn¡¯t be there and cleaning the pipes. There¡¯s even a more advanced model that can even maintain and repair them! If we get one it might be able to help with our water collection!¡±


    That¡¯s a really good idea, Sephy! Chiyo grinned, before her expression dropped. I can imagine it would be expensive, however.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little pricey, but we can afford it,¡± Sephy noted. ¡°It¡¯s up to you if you think it¡¯s worth having.¡±


    ¡°Could it work on our water pipes?¡± Alora asked, thinking. ¡°We¡¯ve theorised that water is such a problem because of long term damage.¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°It would only work on minor damage though, it¡¯s not designed to replace anything. It might still help until we can get down there though. At the very least the mapping feature can help work out where things are.¡±


    ¡°Might be worth doing, Alora,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°This place used to be your family¡¯s estate that housed a bunch of people, there¡¯s got to be a lot of pipes we can tap into.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Add it to the shopping list, our basic needs for now are sorted but if we can have that thing running while we¡¯re at school, that¡¯ll be great.¡±


    Perhaps we should make a list of other major purchases we might need to improve things? Chiyo asked. Getting builders and workers to check everything is already on there, what else?


    ¡°Better security is always good,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°More cameras, motion sensors and autoturrets for example...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you always say!¡± Alora noted. ¡°They were some of the first things we bought when we all started living together!¡±


    ¡°True, but more would bring a greater peace of mind,¡± Nika noted. ¡°Just because we haven¡¯t been attacked yet doesn¡¯t mean it can¡¯t happen, despite our best efforts. We¡¯ve done our best to keep our location secret from people we don¡¯t trust, but there¡¯s always ways for enemies to find out.¡±


    ¡°Not to mention all the crap that¡¯s been going on in the city!¡± Sephy noted. ¡°MegaCorps, Cultists, and a guy on an obscene amount of cocaine! While we should be out of the way of all of that, it could spill into our area at any time!¡±


    ¡°Point taken.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Speaking of which, we¡¯re going to have to be careful with overnight guard duty when we¡¯ve got double school.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll put a rota together.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Many of our new residents are more used to it by now but I¡¯ll still try and spread them out with those that are more experienced.¡±


    ¡°I guess I can save charges on my Ring of Lesser Restoration for whoever¡¯s up,¡± Jack noted.


    We can also purchase some nicer furnishings and appliances, Chiyo added. What wasn¡¯t here when we first moved in was looted from scrap heaps, thrifted or ¡®acquired¡¯ during Shadow Work.  I know bedding is a problem, and though the others haven¡¯t complained, I know it¡¯s not the best for them. Also, I¡¯m sending up the last panel now! Chiyo noted as she lifted the final solar panel to be gently collected by the three workers on the roof, who began dragging it over to the edge of the roof.


    ¡°Pretty sure we can make beds with the fabricator, and it¡¯ll accept a bunch of different materials for that,¡± Sephy noted as she and Nika angled it into position. ¡°But mattresses and blankets, yes. I¡¯m pretty sure you might be able to buy the latter in bulk at a militia surplus store, though speaking of materials, we¡¯ll need to buy certain higher quality components we can¡¯t scavenge at some point.¡±


    ¡°That might be another thing to prioritise,¡± Jack noted. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed things have been getting colder recently, is winter coming?¡±


    ¡°If we were on a planet it would be much easier to predict.¡± Alora noted. ¡°But here it¡¯s more random. We can predict weather to a degree, like the recent heavy rainfall but other stuff just comes and goes on a whim. I have turned the heating on recently so I suspect we¡¯re due for some miserable weather. At least we¡¯ll be in school for most of it.¡±


    ¡°Same here, and I usually have heaters. You¡¯re usually pretty warm though, maybe I can come over with my blankets and shack up with you for a bit!¡± Sephy grinned, as Jack nervously coughed from embarrassment.


    ¡°Hah! Maybe I¡¯ll join you too!¡± Nika chucked, as Jack almost let go of the drill.


    ¡°If it gets too bad we¡¯ll all have a sleepover in the living room with heaters and blankets, and you can cuddle up with who you want!¡± Alora chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll personally cuddle up to my hot water bottle, no offence Jack!¡±


    ¡°None taken!¡± Jack laughed back, as he finished bolting the panel into place, doing the final checks and tweaks, before the row of panels they had spent the last few days fabricating non-stop was complete.


    It¡¯s a bit late to turn them on to see if they work, Chiyo quipped. But at least we should be able to leave them now for the time being.


    ¡°I¡¯ll run a program to monitor what we get.¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Though since after tomorrow and the weekend we¡¯re going to be in a lot of ass pain at school, I reckon any more panels the fabricator shits out can just be leaned against the ruins or against the wall. Hook them up to the mains and keep them coming! Once we get the time we can work out what we want to do with them.¡±


    ¡°We will still need the materials for that,¡± Alora noted. ¡°Our scavenger runs can only do so much, even though Karzen and Bentom have been absolute saints with those.¡±


    ¡°What if we advertise locally that we¡¯re buying certain types of scrap?¡± Jack asked. ¡°And we buy what we need from anyone willing to bring it to us. There¡¯s some desperate people out there who have lost their jobs and wouldn¡¯t mind doing that to tide themselves over. As long as we¡¯re fair in dealing with them and they don¡¯t ask too many questions it could work. Some local councils where I¡¯m from do it to essentially pay the homeless to keep the streets clean. It¡¯s basically a win-win for them.¡±


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Doing something like that might be bringing too many people to our doorstep,¡± Nika noted. ¡°If we can do that without compromising our security, I¡¯m for it.¡±


    ¡°Though we could get ourselves a cart or a wheelbarrow?¡± Jack suggested. ¡°To help getting more stuff on our scavenger runs at least?¡±


    ¡°Yup, that¡¯s a good idea! Added that to the list!¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Unless we can fabricate it in good time of course.¡±


    ¡°Might even be able to do it the old fashioned way.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Especially when one of us has some new DIY powers!¡±


    ¡°Just give me some wheels and a few planks of wood and I can probably make a wagon of some kind.¡± Jack shrugged with a grin. ¡°I think we¡¯re low on glass more than anything else.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s hard to find, unless you want to go scrounging around the city for smashed bottles for the really low quality stuff.¡± Sephy acknowledged. ¡°And it¡¯s not like there¡¯s even much sand to be found to try and make it by scratch. That said, sand is a risk if it clogs it up.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve still done well so far,¡± Alora told them. ¡°So good job everyone!¡±


    A shame about the hot tub though, Chiyo lamented. Even though we had no way of knowing the Klown attack was going to happen, it turned out to be a poor purchase. Still, I had hoped that the latest rainfall would fill it up.


    ¡°Well, it did fill up about half of the way,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°But there¡¯s no denying that using it to fill our water tank was the best move. That reminds me, we need to keep our water filters up to date, especially if we plan to unclog the pipes.¡±


    ¡°While those can be fabricated, I would rather have a guarantee of success,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°They are cheap though, we can go on a shopping trip after school tomorrow and pick some up. I want to get our tasks done as soon as possible so we can enjoy the weekend!¡±


    We¡¯ll need a full list of things to do and buy before the end of school tomorrow then, Chiyo stated. And preferably another list of things to do before we have to experience four weeks of school in only two.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll talk to everyone living here about what they want, then try to prioritise what we improve.¡± Alora nodded.


    ¡°First thing¡¯s first¡­¡± Jack mentioned, looking at the guttering and picturing in his mind what he wanted to accomplish. ¡°Artifex¡±


    As seconds passed as a list of possible solutions ran through his mind, courtesy of the ¡®toolsense¡¯ enchantment of his gauntlets, before the quick and fun solution won out.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯d clear the area if I were you.¡± He told the others as he grinned, holding out the leaf blower. ¡°This¡¯ll do it!¡±


    ¡°Try and get it all on the grass if you can!¡± Alora called up as she backed away. ¡°One of the Squa¡¯Kaar can use their powers to have it fertilise the earth.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Jack chuckled as he began at the edge of the roof, looking at the clogged-up gutter, ready to blast it with air. ¡°No promises!¡±


    *****


    ¡°...so I must warn you, that although the current city-wide conflict involving our local megacorps, warlords and factions has begun to seemingly deescalate, there is a good chance of it flaring up once again at any time,¡± Mr Sparrel warned at the end of school the next day. ¡°I would advise you all to still remain stocked up on supplies, and to remain safe. And as for my personal advice if the worst should happen, the Temple of Hope always grants sanctuary to those that need it, and remains publicly neutral in all conflicts, though if you have any closer options I would advise you take it, rather than risk any unnecessary travel. Any questions? Ah, Dextra!¡±


    ¡°Where do you think the conflict is gonna flare up again?¡± The strange drow asked from her seat at the back with a grin.


    ¡°Well I certainly hope it doesn¡¯t flare up with your family, Dextra, especially with that attack last weekend.¡± Mr Sparrel politely chuckled. ¡°And I am sure your House have their own predictions, but you asked for my opinion, no?¡± The Squarri raised an eyebrow, tittering again. ¡°The more¡­tempestuous groups within the city will likely spark something. This Commander Cocaine fellow has proven to be quite wild and unpredictable. The Grand Cabal of High Wizards leading Myrodin Magitechnology are also quite prideful, and will no doubt attempt some kind of retaliation effort against Corvin Enterprises, likely by courting other groups with a grudge against them, which is to say pretty much all of them. Therefore, I would advise you stay away from where those groups are located, and you should be safe, at least until the conflict sparks once more.¡±


    ¡°At least that means there should be confirmed safe areas,¡± Nika whispered to the others. ¡°Looks like our shopping trip is a go!¡±


    ¡°And for our final announcement for the day!¡± Mr Sparrel chirped with a sigh. ¡°As I warned you earlier this week, I can confirm that the school shall run an extended education program for the following two weeks, and by the decree of the headmaster will include mandatory remedial lessons during next weekend.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be fucking kidding me,¡± Sephy growled, as the room collectively groaned at that. ¡°The gods damned weekend as well?¡±


    ¡°Probably to give us time to survive and sleep during the week,¡± Alora reasoned with a grimace. ¡°They¡¯ll probably give us an amended schedule on the first day.¡±


    ¡°How kind of them,¡± Jack sarcastically replied. ¡°Guess that means we won¡¯t be enjoying this weekend either since we won¡¯t have the next one to give us a break.¡±


    I¡¯m afraid so, Chiyo confirmed. Even with the school apparently giving us more time to eat and rest overnight, there won¡¯t be enough time to fully recover.


    ¡°Jesus Christ¡­¡± Jack cursed. ¡°Well, we have food, probably enough water for drinking and cooking at least. Could we rely on the Deathball team showers to stay clean?¡±


    ¡±Not all the time.¡± Nika shook her head. ¡°And we¡¯ll get in trouble if we¡¯re seen to be overusing them or abusing the system.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, I know,¡± Mr Sparrel spoke up, raising his hands to acknowledge the groans and complaining from the students. ¡°It is unfortunate, but it is for your benefit!¡± He called out, though the students could see that he clearly didn¡¯t believe it himself. ¡°Once these two weeks are done you¡¯ll be caught up to where you need to be, and then things will go back to normal. Most of my fellow teachers and your fellow students should be physically able to learn by then, though in the latter case assistant drones shall be used to cater to those in intensive care or otherwise incapable of movement. More information, including your temporary timetable for this adjustment period shall be provided to you at the start of next week, and I urge you to make whatever preparations you can, while you can. Class dismissed!¡±


    Alora sighed sadly as they all got up. ¡°This sucks. I know we all saw this situation was definitely coming, but I was still hoping for us to be able to enjoy this weekend for once without any kind of work or disaster.¡±


    ¡°It could be worse, at least we¡¯re not getting shot at this time.¡± Jack patted the Eladrie on the shoulder, though still disappointed at the situation. ¡°Besides, we should still be good for a few weeks afterwards, right? Maybe think about what you want us to do when it¡¯s all over?¡±


    I know what we¡¯re doing, Chiyo informed him with a playful unimpressed look. You still owe me a date! I haven¡¯t forgotten! I¡¯m going to keep reminding you!


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we all have various¡­ah¡­plans for showing Jack our favourite places in the city,¡± Alora chuckled at seeing Jack¡¯s embarrassment. ¡°Normally after something like this we¡¯d invite our friends over, but I¡¯m thinking that we could all do with a good time, and quite frankly our place is a bit of a mess.¡±


    ¡°Oooh! What are you thinking Alora?¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°I know Vaal wants to get a bunch of us to the Temple of Merriment when Kizzarith and Arlox are able to enjoy the trip, but we could always check it out earlier if that¡¯s what you want?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°I have no intention of interfering with Vaal¡¯s plans. I think we should end the last day of school hell with the Aquaplex. Paying for an all-access pass until the next day for our group would be expensive, but after everything we¡¯ve been through, we deserve it!¡±


    ¡°Oh hell yeah!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°That¡¯s gonna be so good!¡±


    That would be quite expensive, Alora, Chiyo warned. Are you sure?


    ¡°I¡¯m sure, we need this.¡± The Eladrie nodded. ¡°It doesn¡¯t change the fact that we¡¯ll be on the lookout for a Run afterwards. At least it¡¯ll hopefully be a proper one where we can prepare well in advance. Thanks to Clan Bharzum and the stuff we¡¯ve looted from recent jobs, we¡¯re not so desperate that we need to take on an immediate job that can go bad like last week, but either way our funds won¡¯t last forever.¡±


    ¡°Only difference is our deadline for taking up some kind of work,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°I think doing something fun that¡¯ll make us feel better is a good idea, though I have no idea what I¡¯m in for. Didn¡¯t you guys say that one Run can usually give you enough funds for several months?¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°If the job is good. We¡¯ve worked around complications before, but we can usually get something that lasts us ages before we need to take on another job!¡±


    ¡°Will that be the case with the amount of people currently living with us?¡± Jack asked, thinking about their food supply.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be too bad, though you could start charging rent, Alora?¡± Nika suggested with a shrug. ¡°I know you once said in the past that you hoped to restore the other buildings and bring your family¡¯s estate to its former glory to maybe turn the place into an inn or something?¡±


    ¡°Our estate. Technically mine, but it''s your home too. My family no longer has any claim to it as long as I call it home,¡± Alora sharply pointed out, before calming down and holding up a hand in apology. ¡°Sorry, but no I don¡¯t plan on charging rent any time soon. In theory I know saying that makes me look like a fool, but in practice, everybody has pitched in and done their part in their own way. I don¡¯t plan on taking advantage of them when they¡¯ve been displaced from their homes or need our support, they¡¯ve been through enough.¡±


    ¡°Well if you¡¯re not charging them rent the least they can do is help carry the shopping!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s get a move on!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Oh wow, this place is much bigger than I expected!¡± Jack whistled, mightily impressed by the large warehouse-like Militia Surplus store. Outside the front were several mannequins of varying alien builds wearing uniforms, holding weapons, or in other positions best suited to advertise their products. ¡°Oh! And they have tents here too!¡± He exclaimed, as Dante looked up at him curiously.


    Um¡­Jack? Chiyo asked, confused by the human¡¯s enthusiasm. Are you okay? You¡¯re acting differently than you usually do on a shopping trip?


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Jack grinned as he looked at the front displays. ¡°Oh my god there¡¯s so much here! And those patches look cool!¡±


    ¡°Holy shit we¡¯ve finally found a shop he likes!¡± Sephy laughed. ¡°Well, I suppose we did go to a gun store the weekend we met him but we couldn¡¯t buy anything there, so that doesn¡¯t count!¡±


    You went to a gun store for your first date? Chiyo asked the Skritta, smirking with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Hey, that doesn¡¯t count since we ended up going on a job!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve got somewhere better to take him now that I¡¯ve thought about it, it''s a better idea than a library of all places!¡±


    Lies!


    ¡°Alright everyone!¡± Alora called out. ¡°We''ve got a lot to get and I¡¯d rather get this done so we can try and relax this weekend, so I think we should all split up. If you find what we need for our district, let us know where it is on the comm so we don¡¯t need to spend all evening searching! Apart from that, it¡¯s up to you if you want to buy anything for yourselves, but warm clothes are advised.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s on the list, Alora?¡± Vanya asked, bouncing on the balls of her feet.


    ¡°More than anything else we need blankets, sleeping mats, and anything else that''ll make our nights more tolerable,¡± the Eladrie began. ¡°But if you can find some reasonably priced supplements or energy boosters of some kind that can help us make it through the day, that¡¯ll be great too.


    ¡°Drugs?¡± Sephy asked, earning a playful shove from Nika.


    ¡°Afraid not.¡± Alora chuckled. ¡°Just whatever we need to survive for the next two weeks in relative comfort that we can¡¯t fabricate.¡±


    ¡°Do you reckon they do a discount on bulk purchases?¡± Jack asked as he looked on in amazement of the stock they had.


    ¡°We shall see! I¡¯ll have to speak to the staff up front to see if we can work something out.¡± The Eladrie shrugged, liking the idea. ¡°I know we have enough people to help take stuff back, but if we can get free delivery thrown in that would be preferable.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good, let¡¯s split up!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°We sort-of know what we want, but there¡¯s so much here it can¡¯t hurt to browse.¡±


    ¡°Alright! The hiking poles look cool! See you guys in a bit!¡± Jack excitedly told them as he quickly marched off in the direction of said poles, followed by almost all of the males living with them.


    I think we¡¯ve broken him, he shouldn¡¯t be this happy! Chiyo joked as she floated after him.


    ¡°Won¡¯t he be able to summon hiking poles with those new gauntlets of his?¡± Sephy asked as the others chuckled among themselves. ¡°I¡¯ve heard Hoduth sometimes have ¡®Walking Axes¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know, he probably can.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Personally I¡¯m just glad to see him happy for once, even if it¡¯s over something silly.¡±


    ¡°Maybe this somehow reminds him of where he came from?¡± Vanya opined from where she and Hessia had been eying up some of the clothes, whispering between themselves.


    ¡°I agree.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Let him have his fun. He deserves it.¡±

 Chapter 103: Weekend Prep Work

    So, you used to visit places like this? Chiyo asked Jack curiously as he quickly moved down each aisle, occasionally picking up various products to feel and test before placing them back.


    ¡°Used to do it with the Scouts before we went on a trip.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°I had a Camping Store close by which I liked to visit, though I¡¯d usually only end up with a few new pairs of hiking socks. I already had my own gear that I kept in good condition, but I still liked to have an excuse to check the new stuff out. This place is much bigger though.¡±


    So this was a hobby of yours? The Ilithii asked.


    ¡°Sort of.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°I started when I was really young, so much of it is second nature to me. Usually you can find some good durable clothes at those kinds of places, and if there¡¯s a chance we¡¯ll be out in the city at Stupid ¡®O¡¯Clock in the morning or even out in the wilderness again, I want to be prepared.¡±


    You sound a lot like Nika. Chiyo chuckled. But you¡¯re not wrong. I believe Nika is looking for some premium drink powders and energy bars now that we have the funds - she¡¯s still annoyed at herself for not bringing enough when we went on that bad job.


    ¡°She still brought more than she expected we would actually need,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°It was terrible luck and a well-planned ambush that led to things getting as bad as they did, but we still made it out on the other side.¡±


    That may be true, but you know what she¡¯s like, Chiyo pointed out. I still expect she¡¯ll recruit us into helping her make the homemade stuff.


    ¡°Well, if we¡¯re gonna end up using them I¡¯m fine with it.¡± Jack shrugged, before his eyes widened at what was down another, quieter aisle. Rolls of different coloured fabrics, clear pipes and other materials were stocked along one side, with a display case of knives and tools at each end. ¡°Could we use some of that stuff with the fabricator?¡± Jack asked curiously, pointing at the materials. ¡°I¡¯ve sometimes seen stuff like that at bigger camping shops, but I¡¯ve never bothered with them before.¡±


    We certainly can! Chiyo nodded. Militia groups usually use those materials to set up temporary checkpoints or relief stations. I can imagine this store has a good supply for the current chaos, but we wouldn¡¯t need to buy nearly as much if we can shape it as we need. I¡¯ll let Alora know.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Jack grinned as he turned to look at the cabinet of knives and tools. ¡°These look pretty cool! I wouldn¡¯t mind a kni-WHOA!¡±


    Jack stumbled back as a dagger appeared in his hand. Double edged with a simple pattern down the blade, it ended at a crossguard with the intricate symbol of Clan Bharzum on the pommel, and the grip was made of a comfortable yet firm blue material.


    ¡°Ah,¡± He simply said as he dismissed the dagger. ¡°I forgot I could do that now.¡±


    Perhaps you can test the limits of it over the weekend? Chiyo suggested. You¡¯ve been able to summon a few things with those.


    ¡°Only small things I can hold in my hand.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Tools and other stuff Clan Bharzum has in magical storage. No ladders unfortunately, but I¡¯ve checked it works with a rope and grappling hook. The manual suggests that I have unique ¡®trigger words¡¯ for summoning specific things I might need like I already do with my shield, flamethrower and ¡®toolsense¡¯, but I¡¯m still working down the list. I guess it means I won¡¯t need to buy a better penknife at least.¡±


    I suspect Nika would tell you that most of those knives on display aren¡¯t worth buying anyway. Chiyo laughed. They¡¯re just there to look flashy.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack smirked. ¡°Let¡¯s hope the socks are better.¡±


    *****


    ¡°A paper map of the city?¡± Sephy questioned Nika. ¡°I keep them updated as much as I can on our commlinks!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but what happens if we get hit by an EMP?¡± The Kizun retorted. ¡°You can¡¯t be reliant on tech all the time, Sephy!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but any commlink I use in the field I make sure is shielded from EMP!¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Any one of yours I slave to mine I make sure it can reboot after a while too! And Chiyo and Alora both have magical means of navigation!¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Nika shrugged as she returned the map to the stand.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Sephy added, patting her friend on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s different if we go into the wilderness. It¡¯s not like I have anywhere to sync unless I have my drones on a scouting pattern. Maybe we¡¯ll have to go out of the city for our next Run?¡±


    ¡°I suppose I can pick one up then when I actually know where we¡¯re going.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°And yeah, I wouldn¡¯t mind going out of the city for our next run after the stuff we¡¯ve had to deal with recently, but we¡¯ll know more once we see what¡¯s available. If there¡¯s nothing good we¡¯ll just go for another heist or do some bounty work.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, though we know that¡¯s risky with all the chaos going on,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Unless we get a unique opportunity like when we got the fabricator.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± The Kizun nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on one thing at a time.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve got some decent filters, and these water purification tablets are going to be useful.¡± Sephy grabbed a few packets off the shelf. ¡°But our Lesser Lifestone is good for anything at home.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Alora wants to chuck that in the hot tub when we can finally fill it up!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°At least we¡¯re better for power now, so I want to start preserving some of our food. I¡¯ll be recruiting you guys to help me make some granola bars in the oven.¡±


    ¡°Do you think we could persuade Alora to let us get a freeze dryer or a canning machine?¡± Sephy asked thoughtfully. ¡°I know you do your best to get the good MREs, but you keep complaining how hard they are to get. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve had MRE pizza in so long¡­¡±


    ¡°Gods, I wish we could!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Just imagine making homemade MREs! They¡¯re outside our budget though, we¡¯re already spending a decent amount here and on your pipe-drone. Next thing on the list should be security and more renovation.¡±


    ¡°Hey, if it means more Runs I¡¯m all for it!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Something to look forward to after two weeks of double school!¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°I¡¯m really not looking forward to that.¡±


    ¡°Nobody is,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°But I think we¡¯re better off than most.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong.¡± Nika chuckled. ¡°Speaking of, we¡¯re done here. I did spot some plastic barrels we could use for more water storage¡­¡±


    *****


    ¡°That was more expensive than I thought it would be,¡± Alora noted as the large group of students made their way back home, the neon-lit streets now bathed in a dim glow as the solar plate above them began to orbit into place to signify the beginning of the night-cycle. Though the Eladrie had managed to negotiate a bulk purchase deal with the militia surplus store, everybody was still laden with bags of their own individual purchases, but mostly brimming with satisfaction at the prospect of better bedding. A single medium-sized drone marked with the store¡¯s logo flew overhead, transporting the mats, bedding and materials to some dedicated coordinates that Sephy had already masked from prying eyes.


    ¡°We might have gone a bit overboard.¡± Nika chuckled, as she hauled her pack of carefully selected MREs, drink powders and energy bars.


    Just a bit? Chiyo asked. Any Run we do should only take a weekend unless we do it during a Semester Break, do we even need this much?


    ¡°Next Semester Break is in two months. We¡¯ll use them eventually.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Plus these are some new flavours I haven¡¯t tried before!¡±


    ¡°New flavours?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°They¡¯d better not be like those vegan ones with artificial carbs! Those were horrible!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll find out!¡± The Kizun grinned back.


    ¡°Well, at least we have our essentials.¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°We¡¯re all geared up for a Run, though between that, the bedding and the home improvement materials, I¡¯m almost surprised we still have enough funds to last us over a month!¡±


    It¡¯s all good. Chiyo patted the Eladrie on the shoulder. That means once we get these two weeks done we¡¯ll still have time to relax and chill out!


    ¡°So not much different from usual then.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°We¡¯ll be fully recovered by the time it¡¯s next Run weekend. You cool with that, Jack?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I should be alright.¡± The human sighed. ¡°I could do with a break from getting shot at, but I know I¡¯ve still got to earn my keep, and this is the only well-paying work I can really do.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re adjusting pretty well,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°And I know we¡¯ve run into a string of bad luck recently, but you¡¯re well suited for this kind of life. Honestly? I got the impression when we went for the fabricator that you might even like it a little bit.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t deny that,¡± Jack agreed with a smirk. ¡°It was risky but a hell of a rush. It¡¯s when we get in over our heads that I have issues.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t usually happen,¡± Alora clarified. ¡°Though I would argue we¡¯ve gotten better because of what we¡¯ve been through.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack began, before Rayle hurried up to speak to Alora.


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°What is it, Rayle?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°We¡¯ve just had an idea!¡± The Squa¡¯Kaar said excitedly. ¡°Wyzill Lake is near here, could we make a detour and visit the lake?


    ¡°Why?¡± Alora asked, confused. ¡°Just want to visit and enjoy some nature?¡±


    ¡°Partly yes, but Zayle wants to use it to summon a water spirit to follow us!¡± The druid excitedly told them. ¡°We might as well pay it a visit while we¡¯re nearby!¡±


    That would help fill up our supply! Chiyo realised. That¡¯s a good idea!


    ¡°It¡¯s not too far.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Might as well.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Alora agreed. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    *****


    ¡°This is really nice.¡± Jack sighed with a smile as he looked out across the still surface of the lake, while many of the others were sat down on the grass to take a rest, and Dante was busy running around having fun. ¡°I¡¯m really surprised that places like this can exist in the middle of the city. I know there¡¯s greenery around, but a lot of that is mostly abandoned land that¡¯s been left to nature, though I¡¯ve seen other natural parks and gardens around. I guess I¡¯m just surprised places like these are so¡­untarnished. Not that I¡¯m complaining.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve met the Greenwardens before.¡± Rayle smiled as they extended a hand over a well-trodden section of dirt pathway, causing a small bloom of wildflowers to sprout out of the dirt. ¡°I know you¡¯ve met Uncle Bhenn, and Alora says you¡¯ve met some other local Greenwarden Circles. Though every Greenwarden has a sworn duty to revere and cultivate nature where they can, different Circles do this in different ways. Some Circles within the city create and maintain parks and public places like Wyzill Lake here, while others serve nature differently. Not everybody has to be a powerful badass warrior to do their part in protecting nature, even simply volunteering your spare time to pick up litter after work still serves the cause.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that¡¯s how this place exists?¡± Jack asked curiously. ¡°I like the sound of that. I guess the cynic within me expects places like this to be used as a waste dumping ground or get taken over.¡±


    ¡°Even the most pacifist of Greenwardens have ways of discouraging that kind of behaviour.¡± Rayle smiled. ¡°I believe the local Greenwardens here live and work in the nearby districts, and are happy to provide water for their neighbours and have somewhere nice to walk around. Traditionally, Greenwardens are neutral in all conflicts and don¡¯t maintain territory a MegaCorp considers worth taking anyway, so parks in the city are usually safe from all except the most depraved among us.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I can¡¯t imagine the Killer Klown or the Cult of the Destroyer caring too much about neutrality.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°But everything else? Nature, urbanisation and technology coexisting in such a way is encouraging to see. Gives me a bit of hope.¡±


    ¡°Balance can be found in the strangest of places.¡± Rayle agreed. ¡°For all that people may talk about the wonders of magic and technology, their jobs and aspirations, timeless places like this will always endure.¡±


    ¡°I hope so.¡± Jack nodded respectfully. ¡°Damn, it seems like the Greenwardens are pretty widespread. How did they even come about?¡±


    ¡°Simply those that revered nature in their own way coming together in mutual interest.¡± Rayle shrugged. ¡°Oral tradition would have you believe that there was once a great conclave of druids, shamans and others of similar backgrounds that banded together to defeat a great destructive threat, and afterwards spread their seeds among the universe with a promise to protect their chosen aspect of nature to the best of their abilities. It might be true, but it predates currently known history.¡±


    ¡°Well it sounds like a simple enough mission statement to stick by.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°And I haven¡¯t met any bad Greenwardens yet, so they¡¯re probably doing something right.¡±


    ¡°The organisation could be better,¡± Rayle admitted, as the druid began using their orisons on other patches of over-trodden path. ¡°While small local neighbouring Circles often communicate with each other for mutual assistance or are overseen by a greater Enclave - many, many others are hidden out in the wilds, far away from any civilization. All revere the Green, but how they do this varies.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we have such groups on Earth, but they¡¯re a bit different.¡± Jack recalled. ¡°Some animal charities do some very good work, while others try to protect and restore the environment. There was one that raised over 20 million to replant trees which was pretty wild.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like a worthy cause.¡± Rayle perked up at that idea. ¡°And you accomplish this without the use of magic?¡±


    ¡°Pretty much!¡± Jack grinned, before his expression fell. ¡°Then we unfortunately have other charities and pressure groups that resort to extremism and pissing normal people off, which completely harms the causes they claim to stand for.¡±


    ¡°I know the kind, though they are thankfully rare, or at least stay to themselves.¡± Rayle nodded. ¡°Sadly there will always be those who resort to cruel methods to accomplish their goals. If they cannot be persuaded to amend their ways and no peaceful resolution can be found, they are usually targeted by force. I have not heard of any such groups local to us, however. Most Circles we know of are peaceful, though I don¡¯t know if Zayle and I will join one ourselves when we graduate.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Jack asked curiously, but gently, not wanting to offend the Squa¡¯Kaar on a subject he was unfamiliar with. ¡°Honestly, with the pair of you having nature-related abilities and being as good as you¡¯ve been working in the garden, I''m a little surprised you aren¡¯t with them already. I saw your setup when we went with Zayle to pick up your stuff.¡±


    ¡°Zayle and I want to graduate first.¡± Rayle shrugged. ¡°But honestly, we¡¯re undecided on what to do. So much has happened in our lives, especially recently. We definitely want to stick together, but fate has not given us any path we particularly want to travel.¡±


    ¡°Could you make your own Circle?¡± Jack asked. ¡°How does that even work?¡±


    ¡°Anyone that reveres nature can do it.¡± The druid smiled. ¡°Maybe that is the path Zayle and I will travel, but a Circle must have a purpose in serving the Great Cycle, and we do not know what that purpose would be yet. It would be rather lonely with just the two of us after all.¡±


    ¡°I suppose it would.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°Would Kritch be up for it?¡±


    It was a little mean to tease Rayle like that, Jack supposed. But seeing the Squa¡¯Kaar suddenly jerk up at that idea was too funny. Feeling bad, he gently patted the gecko on the back.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re rested!¡± Alora announced to the group. ¡°It¡¯s getting late. Zayle, could you do your thing? Dante! Come here boy!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Well, our solar panels are adding to our grid, but not as much as we¡¯d hoped,¡± Sephy announced after running some numbers on her terminal. ¡°We have had some clouds that haven¡¯t helped, but we¡¯re going to need a lot more panels to even start breaking even with the fabricator, and that¡¯s not even accounting for where we need to place them.¡±


    ¡°But we are making progress, right?¡± Alora asked the Skritta.


    ¡°Yeah we are,¡± Sephy confirmed. ¡°It¡¯s going to take a long time, but it¡¯s doable.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± The Eladrie sighed. ¡°If only we could do the same for the water.¡±


    ¡°About that.¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°My pipe-drone arrived, once it¡¯s fully charged up I¡¯ll give it a few test runs down our guttering system before we unscrew one of the sinks and send it through!¡±


    ¡°At least if you¡¯re able to clean the pipes the amount of water we get should increase, right?¡± Jack asked, and the girls nodded.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know exactly how much we¡¯re losing to substandard plumbing, but if we can increase it to at least making sure we can all have a shower, I will consider it a success.¡± Nika smirked. ¡°Also, since we¡¯re spending so much time at the school we have the opportunity to fill up our tanks even more since we¡¯re not using water here. Just in case your drone blows up the pipes, Sephy.¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t! It has a bunch of good reviews!¡± The Skritta shook her head, though didn¡¯t look completely confident at that.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine, Sephy.¡± Jack reassuringly patted her on the shoulder. ¡°Maybe you can show me how it works?¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Sephy perked up at the idea.


    ¡°Speaking of our water supply, Zayle did a very good job in maintaining their Water Spirit until they got here,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°Though with no direct connection to a water source aside from itself they used up a considerable amount of energy. It¡¯s not something we should rely on in future, but I¡¯m glad they felt that they were up to the task.¡±


    I know we have tasks to focus on this weekend, Chiyo pointed out. But it¡¯s still the weekend. We deserve to have some fun!


    ¡°Movie night?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Movie night,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°If we had enough water for the hot tub and enough room for all of our guests I¡¯d say do it outside, but since it¡¯s been cold recently¡­¡±


    ¡°Indoor movie night? Sure.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°We have enough blankets to keep it cosy with some hot drinks and snacks as well!¡±


    Living the dream! Chiyo smirked.


    ¡°We¡¯re still not adding your shitty romance movies to the list, Chiyo!¡± Nika playfully shoved the Ilithii.


    Fine by me! I¡¯ll just watch it alone with Jack! Chiyo slyly smirked, shoving back.


    Jack said nothing, happy to see the girls having fun. He hoped that they¡¯d all be able to enjoy the weekend in between their preparations, in spite of the shadow of the next two weeks looming over them like an ominous spectre.


    *****


    ¡°Almost time,¡± Nika told Jack, as together they began to see the faint glow of their home star begin to illuminate the horizon, as the solar plate orbiting above them slowly finished passing by. Both of them volunteered to stand guard, allowing everyone else to get fully rested and ready for their two weeks of hell.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Weekend flew by, but at least we did what we needed to do.¡±


    ¡°We have,¡± The Kizun confirmed. ¡°Now we just need to endure what comes these next two weeks.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve said this has happened before,¡± Jack noted. ¡°How bad are we talking?¡±


    ¡°Not as bad as this.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°And it¡¯s going to be harsh. Sephy¡¯s probably going to go mad by the end of it all!¡±


    ¡°I doubt she¡¯ll be alone.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Even when I¡¯m still keen on learning about an alien civilization, I¡¯m certainly not happy about spending so much time locked in a room. I feel even worse seeing the rest of you suffering this bullshit.¡±


    ¡°At least we have something to look forward to at the end,¡± Nika pointed out.


    ¡°Some kind of waterpark, right?¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Yeah. Something to look forward to.¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡± The Kizun gave a long, deep sigh. ¡°Well, no putting it off any more.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack signed, indicating the ladder down. ¡°Ladies first.¡±


    When they made it to the living room, they saw almost everybody else, having been woken up early by Chiyo and Alora. The school had made it clear that all students were expected to arrive two hours earlier than usual to account for the temporary schedule, and everyone was feeling the burn. It was a scene of utter despair as students desperately fought to keep themselves awake while they forced what breakfast they could down their gullets.


    ¡°Fuck this¡­¡± Sephy groaned as she slumped back on the sofa. ¡°I¡¯m going to buy up all the holy water I can and shoot that fucking headmaster. Just because he¡¯s undead and doesn¡¯t need sleep doesn¡¯t mean he gets to do this to us!¡±


    Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to give up! Chiyo tried to encourage the Skritta, but it was no use.


    ¡°Give up? I didn¡¯t volunteer for this in the first place!¡± Sephy exclaimed. ¡°What¡¯s the point in showing us educational videos for two weeks if they¡¯re just going to extend our lessons anyway?¡±


    ¡°We all feel the same way, Sephy,¡± Alora consoled. ¡°I¡¯ve done the calculations. We have enough time to get a good night¡¯s sleep each day at least.¡±


    ¡°Is that meant to make me feel better?¡± The Skritta snapped back irritably. ¡°My mind can¡¯t cope with the sheer boredom!¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s not going to be all bad,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Not all the teachers are active so we¡¯re going to get bigger classes, plus they¡¯re going to be just as bored. They¡¯ll go easy on us!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯d damn well better!¡± Sephy grumbled.


    ¡°Well, we can¡¯t put this off any longer.¡± Alora sighed to everybody as she slung her bag over her shoulder.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with.¡±

 Chapter 104: Double School

    ¡°Good morning class!¡± Mrs Shlart called out with a commanding presence, as the Vivren surveyed the sleepy faces of her class, her gaze sweeping across the room at the many students still rubbing their eyes and yawning. Despite having been out of action for two weeks to heal the worst of her injuries from the Killer Klown¡¯s attack, and though one of her arms was still held in a sling, she had not lost her enthusiasm for starting the day with her usual warm discipline.


    ¡°Good morning Mrs Shlart,¡± the class groaned back.


    ¡°Well, I must say it¡¯s good to see you all again, despite some of you having to join us remotely,¡± their form teacher began, indicating several droids floating in place where several of their classmates normally sat. ¡°I know we have a busy two weeks ahead of us, so let¡¯s get right to it!¡±


    She paused briefly as her piercing voice cut through the morning haze, allowing the students to fully awaken and settle into their seats, now paying attention.


    ¡°Firstly, we have your temporary timetables for the following two weeks that my assistant droids are now handing out to each of you. They have been created to allow all of you the minimum amount of sleep you require during each day cycle, though if any homework is set during this time you will still be expected to do it, under penalty of DETENTION!¡±


    Many in the class groaned or sobbed to some degree as they discovered what the next two weeks would look like. Jack himself internally groaned as he saw what he would have to deal with. Their morning today heavily reflected how his first full week of school started, and would begin with a school assembly immediately after form class, followed by a large block of Art Class, followed by Chemistry, then a quick break for lunch¡­if there was enough time for one. Jack shared some worried glances with his friends, but knew better than to protest.


    ¡°Now¡­.¡± Mrs Shlart began. ¡°I know many of you have had difficult experiences, and these next two weeks shall be challenging, however, it is the Headmaster¡¯s wish that we all move on from the recent troubles and get back to a sense of normalcy as quickly as possible. That being said, when we leave this room to attend the Headmaster¡¯s assembly, I want to remind you all that despite these challenging times, your punctuality in attending class - and the respect you show your teachers and other staff - is non-negotiable. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes Mrs Shlart.¡± The class all nodded as one.


    ¡°Good.¡± The teacher nodded. ¡°We have a few minutes before our class is due to make our way to the great hall, so you may talk amongst yourselves while I speak to a few individuals. Jack? May you please come to the front so I may speak to you?¡±


    ¡°Yes Miss.¡± He nodded out of reflex, wondering to himself if he was in trouble as he slowly put one foot in front of the other.


    ¡°Hello Jack, please sit.¡± Mrs Shlart smiled, indicating a chair to the side of the desk. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re not in trouble. As your Form Tutor I simply wanted to catch up with you and make sure you are coping at school as a new student. I understand Mr Sparrel has been taking over my duties as your temporary Form Tutor, has everything gone well with him?¡±


    ¡°Yes Miss,¡± Jack dutifully reported. ¡°I had already met him as my new History Teacher and he took all of us aside for a private chat when he needed.¡±


    ¡°That is good to hear.¡± Mrs Shlart nodded. ¡°I understand this must be quite the adjustment for you, especially with everything that has been going on.¡±


    No shit. Jack thought to himself, but he didn¡¯t dare say that aloud. ¡°It¡¯s been more difficult than expected due to the attack, and these next two weeks will be hard, but my people are normally good at adapting to their circumstances.¡±


    ¡°That is good to hear, and I am pleased to see that you are contributing well to extra-curricular activities in the form of one of our Deathball teams. However, it is too early to report on your academic performance, but once I have obtained detailed reports from my colleagues we can sit down and discuss your progress. I have, however, received negative feedback from Master Kull on your attitude and behaviour during his class.¡±


    ¡°I-¡± Jack began, but bit back his angry retort.


    ¡°I understand that Master Kull¡¯s teaching methods can be¡­challenging. However, they have been known to bring out effective results,¡± Mrs Shlart countered. ¡°Though you are an Outsider to our realm of existence, it is expected that you behave in a respectful manner and do your best to learn. One day when you graduate, you shall need to think about your future, and what you learn today could define who you become years from now.¡±


    ¡°I¡­I shall try my best.¡± Jack finally nodded, doing his best to keep his face neutral and remain calm and diplomatic about the whole situation.


    ¡°I have not had negative feedback from the other Physical Education teachers, and droid tracking indicates that your performance is above average, so I hope this improves.¡± Mrs Shlart nodded, and actually gave him a little smile. ¡°I also see that you have quickly made friends with many of your fellow students, which is encouraging to see. I hope this trend continues and that you may grow to be a positive influence on them, especially Miss Hawker. I¡¯ll speak to you again once I get a better idea of your grades.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss.¡± Jack nodded respectfully as he returned to his seat, while Mrs Shlart called up Svaartal.


    Our lessons look to be in the same order as usual, only longer, Chiyo noted as Jack took his seat again. Though extra days at the weekend are filled with remedial lessons, presumably trimmed from the rest of the days to allow us time to rest, they are still unforgiving.


    ¡°Yeah, and we have an assembly today,¡± Nika noted with a sigh. ¡°There¡¯s never a time limit on them so they¡¯re starting off strong with this shit.¡±


    ¡°Though they claim to have allowed us the minimum time requirement for sleep, that doesn¡¯t account for time needed to do homework and get home,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°Though the end of next week looks like it lets up a bit, and we don¡¯t have to worry about doing homework for the week after until we¡¯ve used the weekend to recover, so the plan to book an all-inclusive night at the Aquaplex should be a go.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s the booking looking for that, Alora?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°We can¡¯t be the only ones having the same idea after this crap gets done.¡±


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not a problem,¡± Alora noted. ¡°I think most people in the city are more focused on recovery than going out to have fun, so if we book it, it¡¯s probably just going to be us.¡±


    ¡°We can tell our friends and let them come along, right?¡± Jack asked.


    Alora nodded. ¡°That was the idea all along. And once word spreads we¡¯re probably going to get other tag-alongs, which is fine. The Aquaplex is keen to get business returning so they¡¯ll welcome us with open arms. The rest of the weekend we can recover, get homework done, and try and have some fun. We can also start looking for our next Run around that time, but not before!¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯re all cool with that.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on surviving these next two weeks for the time being.¡±


    For the next few minutes the group compared their timetables, noting who shared slots with who, with Jack happy to confirm that there would be familiar faces at each of his classes. He wondered what things were looking like for his friends in other Form Classes.


    Still. At least he wasn¡¯t being shot at.


    ¡°Alright Class,¡± Mrs Shlart spoke up, causing the room to go silent. ¡°It¡¯s time to head to the assembly. I expect you all to maintain the decorum that represents our school. Please ensure that your uniforms are neat and tidy, and that your behaviour is exemplary. Anybody that misbehaves will find themselves in DETENTION!¡±


    Nobody dared talk or grumble as the students marched down the corridor in an orderly fashion, monitored by the teachers and led by the prefects. Descending several flights of stairs and being directed to their section, Jack¡¯s class filed into the main hall. The moment they were no longer being monitored, they couldn¡¯t help but exchange knowing glances and suppressed whispers as they mentally prepared themselves for the utter snoozefest that would soon be upon them.


    Mrs Shlart led the way as she pointed, indicating the rows of seats they would occupy, and Jack was thankful to Chiyo that the Ilithii had worked out the optimal place in the line for the five of them to be, in order to remain unnoticed by the teachers when sat down. In the distance, Jack saw Luvia sitting down ahead of them with her Form Class, while behind them, they could see Vanya and the rest of her class led in by Mr Sparrel, and directed by Rena.


    ¡°Get what rest you need while you can, we¡¯re going to be here a while,¡± Nika sighed.


    ¡°They could at least make the chairs more comfortable,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Also, the Headmaster got some bounties placed on him, could we-¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Alora interrupted the joking Skritta. ¡°We¡¯re not going to add our credits to the Headmaster¡¯s bounty.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we could try and cash it in?¡± Jack grinned, causing the Eladrie to groan in exasperation. ¡°How much is it worth, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Jack! You¡¯re not helping!¡± Alora sternly told him, while the nearby students within earshot began laughing, trying their best to hide it as the prefects snapped their fingers, or made other motions of disapproval, while more classes began filing in, quickly filling up the seats and allowing the group to easily blend in amidst a sea of bored students.


    We should be in the clear now, Chiyo informed them once most of them had all settled. They were just waiting for the younger students at the front of the hall to be seated  before the Headmaster began his speech. I really hope the double schedule doesn¡¯t apply to his assemblies.


    ¡°He gave them when we were in the lecture theatre,¡± Nika noted. ¡°I should damn well hope not, otherwise we might have a riot on our hands.¡±


    ¡°Shame I didn¡¯t pack a drone to mark targets.¡± Sephy smirked. ¡°It¡¯d be the best time to cash that bounty!¡±


    You do know he¡¯s a lich that uses simulacrums to do these school assemblies, right? Chiyo rolled her eyes. I can almost guarantee the real Headmaster is most likely in his office doing paperwork, completely unaware of any complaints against him. Even if you were to find his true form, he would simply reform with his phylactery within a day. He¡¯s extraordinarily powerful.


    ¡°A girl can dream.¡± Sephy sighed, as the last of the students filed in. When everyone was sat down, the simulacrum of the Headmaster promptly blinked up to the stage and walked up to his podium. ¡°Good day Students, and faculty alike¡­.¡±


    As the Headmaster began his opening address, the students couldn¡¯t help but begin to slouch a little more in their seats, as any hope that the school assembly would be short died quickly. Well accustomed to the rambling thoroughness of the Headmaster, Jack listened to them touch briefly on the recent troubles, before somehow linking it to various topics that were completely irrelevant, and completely boring. As much as he enjoyed learning about alien cultures, he had his limits. The Headmaster having a one-sided debate about whether academic performance was linked to an economic downturn caused by a disagreement between two banks over a hundred years ago was not something the human particularly cared about.


    Retreating into his mind, Jack began to daydream as Sephy leaned her head against his shoulder, having already retreated into subspace to allow her body to rest while her mind played video games. Trying to relax, his mind couldn¡¯t help but be brought back to the hell their group had gone through, and the following weeks they had spent trying to navigate the aftermath. However, there was hope - once they made it through the next two weeks, things would be better. A waterpark sounded great, and he knew that there would be a trip to this¡­Temple of Merriment place once all their friends could attend. Maybe Alora was right, and there were plenty of good things to enjoy in this strange realm¡­


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    And speaking of enjoyment, he had somehow ended up with many alien girls interested in him, though he had no idea how to navigate that minefield. Deep down he knew he wasn¡¯t ready to take that kind of thing to the next level, despite the hints from some of the girls that it would be okay. It just didn¡¯t feel right to him while he was adjusting to this new realm with new people, and he needed to get his mind in the right place. That being said, it was made much more complicated by the likes of Vanya and Luvia displaying interest, and he really didn¡¯t know what to do with that. He didn¡¯t outright want to tell them ¡®no¡¯, but he also didn¡¯t want to say ¡®yes¡¯ either. He was happy to be friends with all of them, and was happy to accept their ¡®situationship¡¯ as it currently was, which most of them seemed to accept and feel the same way.


    However, he had promised individual dates in his immediate future, with each one promising to tip over the house of cards¡­


    The prospect of dropping out of school to become a hermit monk was a tempting one!


    Then again, the highly imaginative thoughts of multiple alien girls made for a much better daydream, so his mind keenly began to explore every single scenario his teenage mind could think of as the Headmaster went on and on and on¡­


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the headmaster wrapped up his droning address, and the students all across the hall released their collective sounds of relief as the assembly finally came to an end.


    ¡°Five hours¡­how could he keep going for five hours¡­¡± Sephy groaned as she slumped up beside him., rubbing her tired eyes.


    There have been longer, Chiyo pointed out. Doesn¡¯t make it any less painful though.


    ¡°We¡¯ve still got lessons for the day. Jack, Sephy, I think you¡¯re in Art Class with me,¡± Nika pointed out, the two nodding in confirmation.


    ¡°And Chiyo is with me in Planar Runes.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°See you at lunch?¡±


    ¡°See you then,¡± Nika confirmed as they went their separate ways, moving on to their first lessons of the day. Making their way through the rest of the dispersing students, the buzz of conversations returning all around them as the various teachers that had chaperoned them went off to their classrooms. ¡°Alright, hopefully this won¡¯t be too bad. Art is kinda pointless, but Mx Cxilla is usually alright. Glad to hear they survived the attack, apparently they¡¯ve been babysitting half of the freshman form classes for the last two weeks.¡±


    ¡°Well, hopefully it won¡¯t be too bad.¡± Jack shrugged, as they headed to class.


    ¡°Good morning students!¡± Mx Cxilla cheerfully spoke up as they surveyed the class. ¡°I am so glad to see you all survived the attack, though it saddens me to know many of you have suffered recent hardships, especially those of you who cannot make it in person.¡± They indicated several drones each representing a bedridden student, the toadstool-like alien smiling sadly. ¡°It is for that reason that today, I want you all to tap into the power of art as a means of healing, as well as self-expression. I am giving you the freedom as you see fit to paint a scene that represents your most vivid memory of the recent disaster, whether it was a challenging experience, or a moment of warmth and hope.¡±


    The fungal being sighed sadly as they looked at the students. ¡°I have no desire to punish or overpush you when you have already gone through so much, so if something is too painful for you, you do not have to paint it if you do not wish. However, art has a unique way of helping us process complex emotions in ways words often struggle to express, so all I ask is that you try and take your chance to share your story.¡±


    Several of the students looked to each other with uncertainty , nervous at the prospect, before Mx Cxilla reassured them, ¡°There is no correct or incorrect path to approach this task, and you may choose whatever medium you wish to best convey your emotions. Please, begin when you are ready.¡±


    Slowly and uncertainty, the students got up out of their seats to retrieve art supplies from the various trays and shelves dotted around the art room. Jack, being the new student, didn¡¯t know what he could use, but Mx Cxilla quickly sensed his confusion and showed him where the traditional paints and brushes similar to ones used on Earth were located. With a medium-sized canvas and a series of paints on his desk, Jack stared at it for a while, trying to focus on a particular memory to focus on. What was his most vivid memory? What would he paint?


    ¡°Wow Sephy, this looks excellent!¡± Mx Cxilla praised the Skritta two hours later, as they made their way around the class to check up on her students. ¡°What experience does this represent?¡±


    ¡°This represents my friends and I holding the line against the Klowns!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°We kicked their asses that night!¡±


    ¡°And I can see that the heroic poses you¡¯ve chosen to place your friends in represents the bravery and courage of all those who did their best in facing their attackers,¡± The teacher noted. ¡°An excellent showcase of hope in the face of despair!¡±


    ¡°And Nika, let¡¯s have a look at what you¡¯ve painted.¡± Mx Cxilla smiled as they moved on to the Kizun. ¡°What does this show?¡±


    ¡°The chaos we¡¯ve had to deal with since.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°There was a time when my friends and I got put in a rough spot on the night the latest CorpoWar started. I¡¯ve tried to capture the mood.¡±


    ¡°I can see that.¡± The teacher nodded nervously. ¡°I see some horrific monsters, and I recognise this symbol for Myrodin. Are these creatures Haemonculi constructs? I wasn¡¯t aware that the Myrodin Pyramid had fielded them yet.¡±


    ¡°They haven¡¯t,¡± Nika clarified. ¡°These were unrelated to the conflict, but still a problem for us. We got away though, so it didn¡¯t turn into anything serious.¡±


    ¡°And what does this signify for you?¡± The teacher asked.


    ¡°That there¡¯s always going to be problems to face, I guess.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Good thing I¡¯ve got backup to deal with it.¡±


    ¡°Resolve in the face of adversity.¡± Mx Cxilla nodded wisely. ¡°An excellent trait to have! Now let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve painted Jack, this looks very interesting¡­oh¡­this looks very grim.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°That night was a living nightmare, and I was right in the middle of it. I took out a lot of enemies, and this painting captures all the ones I remember.¡±


    ¡°What about this one? He looks strange, but he¡¯s standing¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not much of a painter,¡± Jack acknowledged. ¡°But Dr Grine was the one that got away from me despite my best efforts.¡±


    ¡°A scene of destruction, I can understand why such a memory would be vivid for you.¡± Mx Cxilla told him. ¡°Such a challenging experience, as I know you must have had many of since arriving here.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°And many more to come, I suspect, though I¡¯m coping better and training every day to face them.¡±


    ¡°That is encouraging, and though your technique could be better, this is an excellent way to express yourself.¡± The fungal being told him. ¡°And I hope that you are able to put this horror behind you and begin to heal. Aside from that, I think you have done very well!¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Jack nodded, as the teacher moved on.


    ¡°Alright, I take it back.¡± Nika sighed the moment they were out of earshot another hour later. Their various ¡®works¡¯ had been hung up in a special room to return to during their remedial timeslot during the weekend to put the finishing touches on. ¡°Art Class isn¡¯t completely pointless.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit that was pretty good,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°I still suck donkey balls at art, but at least Mx Cxilla is cool to us, focuses on the positives and tries to encourage us. My previous Art Teacher just had a go at me for being shit whenever she could. I dropped that subject the moment I was allowed to, but I guess it¡¯s fun to give it a go for three hours even when I completely lack the talent for painting. I couldn¡¯t really think of anything else to do, though I tried to stick some 40K influences in it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s ¡®40K¡¯?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°SciFi from my world.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°We had a bunch of interpretations of what the distant future would look like, and 40K is one of the wilder ones. I can always tell you about it later when we have time, but I can talk for hours about that!¡±


    ¡°Chemistry next!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°You¡¯re with me, Jack, we¡¯re meeting with Chiyo and Vanya.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in a different slot for that.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m stuck with Maths now, but at least Alora and I can get that over with earlier in the week.¡±


    ¡°Unless Mr Szarite decides to torture you with enough tests to mentally scar you for the rest of time!¡± Sephy grinned jokingly.


    ¡°Thanks for that thought,¡± Nika deadpanned. ¡°See you later!¡±


    ¡°Alright class! We¡¯re making bombs!¡± Lt Xcratho grinned, the badger-like teacher pointing at a heavily simplified diagram on the board. ¡°Get yourselves into groups of three and pray to your gods you don¡¯t end up destroying my classroom!¡±


    ¡°Sweet!¡± Sephy grinned as she, Jack and Chiyo formed their group as requested. Vanya looked disappointed at being left out, but quickly formed a group with Svaarti and Crill.


    ¡°Now, there are several different types of explosive devices we¡¯re going to make!¡± The teacher grinned excitedly as she pointed to a cross section of what Jack suspected was a grenade. ¡°And many of them follow a similar principle, igniting either by a chemical reaction or the application of heat. This first one involves a composition of metal powder and metal oxide. Can anybody tell me what this could be?¡± She grinned expectantly, looking over the class.


    Nobody said anything for several moments as the students racked their brains for what it could be. Jack was beginning to recall his rudimentary knowledge from Earth about what it could be, but Chiyo beat him to the answer.


    Is this¡­Thermite? The Ilithii asked unsurely, as Jack recognised it as the correct response.


    ¡°Very good!¡± Lt Xcratho clapped. ¡°Now, somebody else can answer. What¡¯s so special about Thermite?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really hot,¡± Jack spoke up. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it melt through metal!¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± The teacher grinned. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if you would be able to answer that as an Outsider, Jack, so well done! Yes, Thermite is a pyrotechnic composition that undergoes an exothermic process when ignited, creating a burst of heat and high temperature in a small area. I did try to trick you all by talking about bombs and explosives, since Thermite doesn¡¯t really explode unless you add a few specialties I¡¯m not going to trust you all with!¡± She cackled. ¡°However in a military context, it¡¯s great for cracking your way through enemy artillery or for emergency destruction of enemy equipment if you know what you¡¯re doing! It¡¯s a cheap, reliable anti-material bit of kit that can be made in different ways. Today, I¡¯m going to teach you the most common ones as you try them out yourselves on old bits of tank I requisitioned, and make your own Thermite Charges! Allow me to demonstrate¡­¡±


    I suspect Lt Xcratho may have been utilising us for a side hustle, Chiyo noted once they were done with that class. She seemed very keen on moving to the practical stage and began moving our Thermite Charges into a crate.


    ¡°She¡¯s definitely selling them off. Wonder who¡¯s buying?¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t mind, Thermite doesn¡¯t seem too hard to make. We could even use it.¡±


    ¡°For the civilian stuff, I hope,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Though my new ¡®Toolsense¡¯ should be able to do that for us if we need to weld anything.


    ¡°Oh come on!¡± Sephy rolled her eyes. ¡°Thermite could probably break through locks or loosen metal grates or something!¡±


    I¡¯m just surprised you seem to be learning something. Chiyo retorted in amusement. I believe we have lunch now, I¡¯m so hungry!


    ¡°I think it might be cut short due to the assembly.¡± Sephy sighed as she checked her timetable. ¡°And we all have Sports Class afterwards.¡±


    Curses! Chiyo swore.


    *****


    ¡°Thank fuck Kull isn¡¯t here.¡± Kritch sighed as the boys changed into their P.E kit. ¡°I heard a rumour he¡¯s been reinstated, but I guess he¡¯s doing something else. I mean, this class has more than one Physical teacher, so maybe he¡¯s just delegating to the others since he¡¯s the Head of the Department.¡±


    ¡°I hope he isn¡¯t here, but if he is, I¡¯m better prepared,¡± Jack responded, as he felt the twin gauntlets on his wrists, which soon seemed to fade away as he willed them to blend in with their surroundings. It did take a little bit of energy to get them to do that, and though it wasn¡¯t a bother for the human, he did vow to wear longer-sleeved t-shirts in future, just in case.


    When they made it to the sports hall, they were surprised when one of the teachers simply shrugged and pointed to a box of sports equipment in the corner, simply allowing the students to do their own thing under the supervision of a few droids. Apparently, when Master Kull wasn¡¯t around to play ¡®Dictator¡¯, the teachers could be chill and reasonable, though Jack still narrowed his eyes at two of them that assisted Kull¡¯s ¡®Gauntlet¡¯ the last time.


    In the end, Jack joined many of the students in playing a fun game that he would call a mix between badminton and volleyball, as a huge net was brought out for two teams with rackets to work together to keep three lightweight balls in the air, and trying to get it to hit the ground on the opposing team¡¯s side. Many, however, were content to take it easy and relax, getting braver when they saw the teachers simply chatting and taking notes, with Chiyo comfortably using her powers to cheat, until Nika sent one of the balls straight at her head to throw her off course. Still, they had managed to tire themselves out by the time they returned to the changing rooms, happy to have had a reasonable Sports lesson for a change, though still thoroughly tired from the day¡¯s events. They would normally be comfortable at home by now having dinner...


    Cyber class was last, and though Jack was happy to learn more about working alien technology, even he was feeling the effects of fatigue as he tried his best to follow the instructions set out before him, but sadly faltering in the face of such unfamiliarity.


    It felt like a blessing when they were finally allowed to leave and go home for the day, though they knew they barely had enough time to sleep before they would be making the same journey back the next morning. And the next, and the next¡­


    They would be doing this for the next two weeks.

 Chapter 105: Know Your Megacorps

    ¡°Very good!¡± Mr Bazil enthusiastically clapped his paws together as he watched the spider-robot Jack and Nika had made move around and perform basic functions, walking around and turning with well-honed control. ¡°An excellent and novel design! I¡¯m very impressed!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sir.¡± Nika gracefully accepted the praise as the rest of the class gave them polite applause from around the circle they had formed around them.


    ¡°It almost seems remiss of me to ask my next question, but it is related to your homework!¡± The Industrial Vocation teacher grinned. ¡°What what were the limitations you faced, and how do you think you could optimise your robot further? Jack, you answer!¡±


    ¡°Um..well¡­¡± Jack began, ¡°Although it was hard to do, we were able to get our robot to climb walls to a degree.¡± he nervously demonstrated to the class as he directed it to climb partway up the classroom wall by the whiteboard. ¡°The creature from my world we based this on uses specialised hairs to be able to cling onto walls, and though we did our best to try and replicate that, it was very finicky and complicated to do. We were able to sharpen barbs to a point which seems to work on some surfaces, but on smoother or denser surfaces it becomes a problem.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Mr Bazil prompted them with a smile, encouraging him to continue.


    ¡°Well, most spiders are really tiny and lightweight so it¡¯s much easier for them than a robot.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡° They have multiple tiny hairs that make use of subtle bumps and cracks in a wall, and they hold themselves up this way, I think.¡±


    ¡°So you are saying the natural weight of the bot, and your limited ability to replicate these ¡®tiny hairs¡¯ were your main limitations?¡± Mr Bazil asked, and the two nodded. ¡°I see. Much of engineering is about optimisation and finding creative solutions to problems we face, so to that end, and for extra credit¡­¡± The teacher rubbed his hands together in glee. ¡°What possible solution could you have for such a problem?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Nika began, ¡°Possibly a magical solution. I know there are spells that can enable a person to climb up walls, so enchanting it could work?¡±


    ¡°Ah, magitech.¡± Mr Bazil shrugged. ¡°Myrodin Magitechnology would love that idea. However, production and cost would be a limiting factor. Jack? What about you?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Jack thought to himself, as the reassuring grin from Mr Bazil helped to calm his nerves and allow him to think logically. Mr Bazil mentioned cost, and that stuck with him. Something simple and cheap, that could enable the bot to stick. Duct tape, super glue? No, those were permanent solutions. He thought of DIY YouTube videos he saw using those materials, but dismissed them from his thoughts, until suddenly, he recalled a random prank video. A group of lads having a chat, until one of them planted a plunger on the bald head of another¡­


    ¡°Suckers!¡± Jack suddenly exclaimed excitedly. ¡°Something that uses suction! That would work on smoother surfaces!¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Mr Bazil exclaimed. ¡°A cheap and easy fix! Well done, this is some of the best work I¡¯ve seen and you¡¯ve demonstrated an excellent aptitude for problem-solving, so you¡¯re getting some House Points for that!¡± He chirped as the bell rang.


    ¡°See class, that¡¯s what I mean!¡± He continued, as the class began packing up. ¡°Always optimising, always improving! It can be a bane sometimes, but this is an excellent example of why we must keep moving things forward! And that links to your homework!¡±


    Several groans came from the students as they waited to be dismissed, pulling out their Homework Diaries to take notes.


    ¡°Yes I know, I don¡¯t want to give you homework considering the circumstances, but the school curriculum demands it! Don¡¯t worry! The deadline is for the lesson after next, so you have about a month to do it, but I want you all to theorise on any and all ways you can improve or tweak your bots, along with adaptable roles it may be able to form. I want you to think about materials, situations, weight, electronics, cost reduction, that sort of thing! I¡¯ll expect several pages of reports, and I want you to dig deep and think hard! Good luck! Class dismissed!¡±


    ¡°Not bad!¡± Nika grinned as they left for biology. ¡°Mr Bazil is usually pretty liberal with his praise, but I¡¯ll still take it when I can, especially with this shitty week.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take my wins where I can get them.¡± Jack nodded in agreement. ¡°Shame the fabricator can¡¯t deal with finicky things, but Sephy did mention some specialised 3D Printers that can work with smaller components.¡±


    ¡°Urgh, more specialised equipment.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Normally I¡¯d agree with you, they¡¯re great for fixing up weapons and they¡¯re not uncommon. It¡¯s already on our Shopping List of Rapid Poverty, but I can¡¯t bear thinking about buying one right now.¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Jack patted her on the shoulder. ¡°But hey, at least we did something awesome - more interesting than the maintenance droids and industrial robots the others were making.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong!¡± The Kizun grinned, though mentally braced herself as the both of them lined up for Biology class.


    *****


    ¡°Well, the recent spats between the various MegaCorporations of the city have been an amazing opportunity to learn more about Corporate Culture!¡± Miss Heline beamed with an enthusiasm shared by absolutely nobody in their ¡®Galactic Citizenship¡¯ class. ¡°While there are many MegaCorps located all across the Ring, there are a handful with a local presence to us that have been¡­especially bold recently. And today it is these companies that we shall focus on as a case study!¡±


    Jack¡¯s attention had been drawn at that. He had remembered the utter cringe that had been the ¡®Guide to Being a Model Employee¡¯ several weeks ago that had basically confirmed in his mind that he wouldn¡¯t make a very good WageSlave, and the introduction by his happy-clappy teacher today helped rationalise in his mind why going on incredibly dangerous missions for money and resources might not be such a terrible idea after all. Right now, however, he knew it would probably be wise to have a greater understanding of the powers that be, even though he had no intentions of joining them.


    ¡°Now, who can name one of our local MegaCorps?¡± Miss Heline asked, looking on with patronising glee as she looked among her sleep-deprived class. ¡°Luviannestixxx?¡±


    Luvia huffed as she raised her head. ¡°Nyteskai?¡±


    ¡°Very good!¡± Miss Heline chirped in her overly-happy singsong voice. ¡°Yes! Nyteskai Synergies are one of our local MegaCorporations that have a presence in Naganai, and one of our school sponsors! Now, can you tell us a few things about them?¡±


    The pent-up dragon rumbled as she sat up straighter to answer the question. ¡°They started as a Thieves Guild that moved some of their operations into more reputable business-¡±


    ¡°Allegedly!¡± Miss Heline spoke up a little too quickly. ¡°Our school sponsors have nothing but the most stellar of reputations, after all! Please continue¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, they¡¯re involved in ¡®consultation¡¯ and ¡®acquisitions¡¯ that are totally in no way associated with their rumoured origins,¡± Luvia sassily retorted, though not in an overt way that would get her in detention. ¡°They¡¯re led by the Shadow Council, rumoured to number thirteen seats, whose members are unknown even to the rest, because if any do become known, they are usually targeted for ¡®Retirement¡¯ by lower ranking executives seeking ¡®Promotion¡¯ to the freshly ¡®Vacated¡¯ seat. The idea being that the council is consistently made up of the most capable ¡®employees¡¯ of the company. ¡±


    Jack gulped. He knew Luvia was using a lot of euphemisms, but since she¡¯d outright said that Nyteskai started as a Thieves Guild, and probably still was, he could fill in the gaps easily enough.


    ¡°Excellent! Well done!¡± Miss Heline enthused as she made some notes on the board. ¡°Now for another volunteer! I know, let¡¯s see what Mr Frost has learned during his time here!¡±


    Jack stiffened in his seat as the teacher whirled around to look at him. ¡°Uh¡­Miss?¡± He asked, not quite understanding what she was asking.


    ¡°Another MegaCorp, if you please, along with what you know about them.¡± The teacher beamed at him.


    ¡°Oh, yeah¡­¡± Jack recalled the original question. If sleep deprivation was being a bitch to him now, he could only imagine how bad the others were. ¡°There¡¯s Myrodin? Myrodin Magical Technology?¡±


    ¡°Myrodin Magitechnology!¡± Miss Heline corrected him. ¡°Yes! That¡¯s correct! Well done Jack!¡± She praised him in her condescending way. As far as he could tell, there was no deliberate malice on the part of the teacher, they just sounded snobbish. ¡°Now, is there anything else you can tell the class about them?¡±


    ¡°Well, as the name would imply they focus on magical stuff,¡± Jack tentatively replied, not actually knowing much about them, but at least more than the others. ¡°Myrodin also have a lot of wizards, but they also use non-magical troops, which have been seen during their current conflicts.¡±


    ¡°For someone that hasn¡¯t been living here too long, that was a good answer, Jack!¡± Miss Heline nodded, indicating for him to be at ease. ¡°Yes, Myrodin naturally attracts many wizards, sorcerers, arcanists and other magically affiliated alumni from our school, so it is no surprise that they¡¯re one of our biggest sponsors!¡± Her smile this time was obviously forced, almost like said sponsors were watching her constantly.


    ¡°Though everyone has the potential to be an employee regardless of magical ability, Myrodin operates as a full Magiocracy, meaning that those with magical talent are much more likely to become promoted up the ranks, but that is not necessarily a bad thing!¡± Miss Heline hastily added. ¡°It is possible for those without magical talent to join the retinue of talented mages, and continue to work under them as their masters rise through the ranks. The Grand Cabal of High Wizards leads the corporation, made up of wizards representing each of the magical disciplines whose meetings are chaired by an Archmage. Yes, Miss Dhasii?¡±


    Isn¡¯t the Archmage normally more of a ceremonial position? Chiyo asked, having politely raised her hand.


    ¡°You would be correct!¡± Miss Heline continued. ¡°While it is true that power is usually in the hands of the members of the Cabal, the Archmage often mediates disputes and intervenes in the event of a tie during votes. However, in times of crisis, they can exercise certain limited powers with absolute discretion. The Archmage is selected outside of the usual promotion structure of Myrodin, and is usually a very powerful, well respected long-serving employee that is uniquely qualified, proven and experienced in many fields. Currently, of course, is the famous Archmage Elaeris Stormbender, who was elected several years ago to much fanfare after a very adventurous history with the company despite her relatively young age!¡±


    ¡®Damn, I was hoping for Space Gandalf.¡¯ Jack idly thought to himself as he took notes.


    ¡°Now, from each member of the Grand Cabal stems a hierarchy pyramid that encourages an effective division of labour and hyperspecialization from their various subordinate departments and sub-departments, all the way to the bottom where interns and new employees all start, and this model has given Myrodin an absolute advantage in the production of magical goods and services. So if you are magically inclined, there could be many career opportunities waiting for you!¡±


    Miss Heline beamed again, as she looked out over the class. ¡°Miss Salahara? Can you name another MegaCorp for us to talk about?¡±


    Vanya suddenly jerked in her seat as Svaarti poked her awake. ¡±Corvin Enterprises,¡± the Chuna quickly answered. ¡°They specialise heavily in ¡®Entertainment¡¯ but have spread their influence into a lot of other areas as well, most notably food production.¡±


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Miss Heline spoke a little more tersely as she began to teach about them. ¡°Corvin Enterprises have become the undisputed masters of entertaining the masses on the Ring, and are very rapidly growing in power because of it. As many of you know, they have also brought us some of the best films and television programs we¡¯ve seen in years, like ¡®Hell Ring¡¯ for example, though as you rightfully said, they do engage in many other industries and ventures that make them much more diversified than many of the other Megacorporations. They are led by Atticus Corvin, though not much else is known about the leadership structure due to their secretive nature. Regardless, if you are looking for a career in the entertainment industry, they would be a great choice of employer!¡±


    Jack frowned at that. Based on everything he had heard of Corvin Enterprises so far, and the fact that Atticus Corvin was apparently one of the Top 10 Highest Bounties on Hive Station Bastilla for some reason, he had an overwhelming feeling that Miss Heline was purposefully leaving out quite a lot of information.


    ¡°Excellent, that¡¯s three MegaCorporations, now I want you to tell me about some more that have a major presence in our city. Miss Glenphyranix?¡±


    Alora smiled up attentively. ¡°Shaskasaki Cybertronics,¡± she answered dutifully. ¡°Specialising in Cybertronics, Electronics and Computing technology, they are officially led by a Shogunate Council, consisting of many shareholders or their representatives, but the members of the Shaskasaki family themselves are the vast majority, with the family matriarch, Yochel Shaskasaki being the current Shogun.¡±


    ¡°Well done! Do you have more for us?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but nothing that has been publicly acknowledged by the company.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°It is also highly rumoured that an extensive AI matrix is involved with the direct administration of the company, though to what degree is unknown. What is believed, however, is that the directive a shareholder can possess over the AI corresponds to the number of shares they have, leading to unofficial blocs and factions within the Shogunate Council. The AI is rumoured to be advanced and can perform multiple tasks, but the extent of which depends on the direction the council wills.¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± Miss Heline smiled. ¡°As for the company, many of the shareholders have the right to lead projects of their own accord, while others see to running the administration. Senior Employees are often expected to own shares if they want further promotion, though this is done in a private exchange with the company, unless of course they simply marry into the family. The public trading of Shaskasaki shares is possible, though it comes at a huge risk, therefore most shareholders from outside the company use proxies and secret representatives to obfuscate this to the Shogunate Council.¡±


    ¡°Why is the public trading of shares a risk, Miss Heline?¡± Obeda asked curiously. ¡°I did not believe it possible to even do so, but if it is¡­¡±


    ¡°It was accepted to a very limited degree in the past,¡± Miss Heline allowed. ¡°It began when members of the Shaskasaki family would sometimes bestow a few of their shares from their estate to trusted friends, long-serving employees or estranged family members in their will upon their death, though the vast majority of their estate stayed directly within the family. In many cases such wills were simply rendered void by the Shogun if they had the means and the power to simply stop it, but this wasn¡¯t always possible. The family members who wrote their wills sometimes made arrangements to ensure that their wishes would be carried out, and over the years it became more accepted. Yes, Miss Dhasii?¡±


    Why did Shaskasaki not simply declare the shares null and void? Chiyo asked, having put her hand up to ask the question.


    ¡°These shares have always been in physical form, a fine-printed neon blue set of nanofibres within a single drive, about the size of a credit chip and would be traded privately,¡± Miss Heline explained. ¡°Due to the way Shaskasaki is structured, any attempt to render the shares null and void would likely cause a collapse as the matrix system they operate is hardcoded to always follow the directive of these shares. However, this hasn¡¯t been a problem for the company, who are usually happy to buy back shares from reasonable parties. Our school has even received some as donations over the centuries, and I am pleased to say that we have been nothing but cooperative in returning these shares back to Shaskasaki in exchange for considerable financial contributions, I¡¯ve even seen what one looks like!¡± Miss Heline composed herself, as Jack realised she was having fun and being genuine, rather than the snooty corporate mouthpiece that had begun the class. She was probably bored of being trapped in school longer than usual, just as much as her students were!


    ¡°However¡­¡± She continued. ¡°There have been times where shares have ended up in the hands of uncooperative parties or even rivals, the most notorious example in recent times occurring about eight years ago, where it was discovered that Atticus Corvin was attempting a hostile takeover, which was ultimately foiled, though at great cost to the company. During this attempt, Corvin Enterprises managed to abscond with a considerable portion of Shaskasaki¡¯s data and assets, and to this day, Corvin Enterprises have never disclosed how many shares they have, and Shaskasaki themselves will not say how many shares are unaccounted for and still out there somewhere. It¡¯s all very interesting! Anyway, Miss Dhasii, since you want to ask questions, it¡¯s only fair I get to pick on you next! Another MegaCorp please!¡±


    Veridian Dynamics, Chiyo answered. They work mostly with robots and automation, though they branch out their portfolio. Originally built by Othello Veridian and his apprentices, they built advanced androids and robots that would help run operations on their behalf, though nobody really knows what the leadership is like now. The public face of the company resides in local management with individual territories, usually only encompassing a few districts in cities like ours. Sometimes a directive is received to travel to specific unclaimed places in the ring to start operations of some kind, though efforts are usually made to keep teams and coworkers together.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± The teacher nodded. ¡°Though they¡¯re not one of the most prolific companies in the city, Veridian Dynamics still has a large enough presence here. Naganai is an excellent staging point for migration caravans, after all, and there are plenty of people who would love the opportunity to leave and work elsewhere, provided it is safe. Veridian are known to look out for their own and treat their employees like family, so if you fancy a career in robotics and their usage, they¡¯re something to consider! Any others?¡±


    NeoJoy, EdaGro and EdenNet were the only names Jack could recall hearing before today, though from the answers different students gave, there were quite a few. However, none of them were really as prolific in the city as the first few had been, and Miss Heline was very eager to give details on all of those. By the time the class came to an end, he realised that this Galactic Citizenship lecture had actually been a good one, and looking to all of his friends, realised that they thought the same way, though they looked utterly bewildered at the prospect of that!


    ¡°And for homework, I want you to write about the leadership structures of three MegaCorporations of your choice, and compare and contrast. I expect at least three pages on the subject!¡±


    And just like that, Jack hated this class again.


    *****


    ¡°Gods damn it!¡± Sephy groaned as she fell forward on the sofa the moment they got back. ¡°I fucking haaaaaate this!¡±


    ¡°Welcome to the club.¡± Jack sighed dryly as he dumped his bag to sit next to her, playfully running his fingers through her whispery hair as she got comfortable.


    We¡¯re down four days. Chiyo noted. Nine to go, I think.


    ¡°Fuck this.¡± Nika slumped onto the sofa. ¡°Chiyo, how long do we have until we need to wake up the next day and do all this again?¡±


    About 8 hours. The Ilithii noted, to groans from everyone.


    ¡°We had all better get to bed and catch as much sleep as we can.¡± Alora sighed.


    ¡°Still got things to do,¡± Jack noted. ¡°Need to check on the fabricator for solar panel production, Dante needs to be walked and we need to check our guard schedule.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s you and Obeda tonight, if you can,¡± Nika told him.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Jack nodded as he reluctantly got to his feet again. ¡°If you want to help me put the panel components in a pile and set everything up for the fabricator to go again tomorrow, we should be good. I¡¯ll walk Dante while we have some light and get back to do an all-nighter.¡±


    ¡°You sure you¡¯re up for that?¡± Alora asked him, as all those that were still sort-of awake went with him to help the fabricator chores go quicker.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°All you guys have been doing shifts and you¡¯re knackered. It makes sense to give you all a clean night of rest, then when it¡¯s the weekend we might have a bit more time to take naps and stuff even if we still have to go to school. I¡¯ve still got charges on the Ring of Lesser Restoration I can still use.¡±


    ¡°What about that other ring you¡¯ve got?¡± Sephy asked with a groan from the sofa. ¡°Will that help you stay awake at all?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t told much on how it works aside from giving me some passive benefits.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Clan Bharzum didn¡¯t know much except that it¡¯s not cursed and it belongs to me now.¡±


    No doubt it¡¯s a matter of attunement. Chiyo reasoned. The Ring of the Berserker changed hands often during times of war in Clan Bharzum¡¯s past, according to that manual you were given, with the effects often changing depending on the owner.


    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll see over time.¡± Jack shrugged as Dante bounded up to him, knowing he¡¯d be walking the ¡®dog¡¯ soon. ¡°But I think not being as tired might be on account of my species more than the ring, but I¡¯m not a biologist so I don¡¯t actually know.¡±


    ¡°Well, I have a strong pot of herbs brewing that should help you stay awake,¡± Alora told him. ¡°I have enough for tomorrow morning too, and I¡¯ve already ordered more to the house. We need it.¡±


    ¡°No arguments there.¡± Sephy sighed as they helped move the last part of the panel onto a pile.


    ¡°Jack, do you want to walk Dante now while the rest of us click these into place?¡± Alora asked. ¡°It won¡¯t take us long, so we can just set this all up while you¡¯re out, then you and Dante can join Obeda up at the tower.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Come on boy, let¡¯s go!¡±


    As the glow of the star above them slowly gave way to the neon glow of the city, Jack trudged down the cracked pavement of a safe but quick path around the area just outside of their home district. The mostly desolate farming community had few residents, though Jack did politely wave to the elderly folks sat on rocking chairs outside the few homes that were still occupied. The prospect of claiming a few of the abandoned residences closest to their home district for the benefit of their displaced schoolmates had been raised, but Sephy had pointed out that those buildings were completely disconnected from the grid, and all but uninhabitable. It was a good idea though, despite having no need to expand right now. Perhaps they could be reclaimed later once they finished renovating their home district first?


    ¡°Just like playing Civ, or maybe Crusader Kings¡­¡± Jack muttered to himself as Dante ran about the fallow fields, zipping to and fro, enjoying the freedom. ¡°Maybe try and avoid Total War for now though.¡± He mused with a chuckle, as Dante zipped around the ruins of a bygone era. Jack hoped that the ¡®dog¡¯ would do his business out here, though he had no intention of cleaning up after him. Abandoned land left to nature meant that it didn¡¯t really matter too much, and the general area that they lived in wasn¡¯t well traversed. He knew it was a poor habit to develop, but right now Jack didn¡¯t care. He was tired, all of them were.


    Jack encouraged Dante to have a good run, and having swiped a tennis ball from the school sports hall several days earlier, was also content to teach the ¡®dog¡¯ how to play fetch while he sat on a log, the cool surface providing a welcome contrast to the heat of his stressful day. As Dante happily ran as fast as he could down the open meadow, Jack took the time to take in the sights in front of him. It wasn¡¯t quite a sunset, as instead of the sun disappearing below the horizon of the Earth due to the planet rotating, it was due to a vast solar plate above that absorbed the energy of the local star, like one of their solar panels but on a colossal scale that somehow kept the god-construct running. It was a strange phenomena that he wasn¡¯t yet used to, as though the shadows caused by the plate caused some warning, it was often something that came quickly, almost like a lightswitch turning off. He had promised to be back before that time though, so he couldn¡¯t stay here for long, but he still intended to take in the sight while he was alone.


    An alien place, an alien city, an alien society.


    He would never be truly used to it. But for now, it was home. All there was to do was move forward.


    School had been hell, but at least he had felt relatively safe and secure in the routine, despite it currently being torturous. No prefects had harassed him, no teachers had bullied him, and no classmates had pissed him off. He hoped that was a trend that would continue. And right now, though he was on his own, Jack wasn¡¯t scared. He felt normal in a way, at least for this moment.


    ¡°Good boy!¡± He grinned, as he saw Dante bounding back to him with the ball clasped firmly in his jaws. ¡°Want to do that again?¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked happily, as Jack got to his feet. Gripping the ball again, Jack could feel more of the stress of the day fading away, though he had no doubt it would return soon enough. He glanced at Dante, whose eyes sparked with excitement, before he hurled the ball into the meadow. ¡°Go!¡±


    Dante wasted no time. With a burst of energy he bolted after the ball, bounding down the slope of the ridge and rapidly skimming over the grass and wildflowers, becoming a blur of motion as he disappeared into the distance.


    Jack chuckled to himself as he lost sight of the ¡®dog¡¯, but knowing Dante wasn¡¯t too far away. Though they left him with plenty of food and water to eat during the day, and though he had the run of the district while they were away, Jack knew how important it was to keep Dante active, though with the rapid rate he was able to run and retrieve the ball, he wondered if he shouldn¡¯t try and buy something to extend his throw like he often saw dog owners back home use. Then again, he didn¡¯t have any more balls he could throw if he lost this one, at least until he could pinch more from the school sports hall¡­


    Soon enough, Dante came running back, and Jack knew that despite wanting to stay longer, that would need to be it for the day as he sensed the beginning of what passed for sunset here.


    ¡°Sorry boy, but we¡¯ve got to get back.¡± Jack smiled sadly as he petted Dante¡¯s head. As they headed back and reached the district, the last rays of light quickly gave way to darkness, and he sighed as he closed the gate behind him and made his way up the tower for more guard duty.


    At least it gave him a good view.

 Chapter 106: Sephy

    ¡°Damn it¡¯s cold!¡± Sephy complained as she hugged her chest.


    ¡°Yeah, the wind isn¡¯t helping either,¡± Jack noted, as he wrapped his blanket around himself even tighter. ¡°How are you holding up?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been worse.¡± Sephy shivered as she got comfortable on top of her position on the wall next to Jack. ¡°Can¡¯t believe none of us thought to put an outdoor heater on our shopping list.¡±


    ¡°To be fair, we¡¯ve had more pressing concerns.¡± Jack grinned despite himself. ¡°How long do you think we¡¯ll need to keep doing this for?¡±


    ¡°You learn to spot the signs.¡± The Skritta shrugged. ¡°I reckon at this point most of the factions will be bearing their teeth at each other and giving lipservice to any agreements. Myrodin and Shaskasaki are the main ones still determined to take on Corvin, but they¡¯ll probably stop the moment public opinion turns on them too much, as long as they can claim some kind of victory. If it was anyone else they were waging war against they¡¯d have stopped already.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I heard in Galactic Citizenship last week why Shaskasaki hates Corvin Enterprises at least.¡± Jack shrugged.


    ¡°You actually paid attention in that class?¡± Sephy grinned, as Jack rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Yeah, just the once,¡± He admitted. ¡°Miss Heline took a moment out of spewing corporate propaganda to actually teach us a bit about them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing just our local ones or donors?¡± The Skritta smirked knowingly as Jack nodded in confirmation. ¡°Have you been inspired to join any of them once you graduate for a lustrous career in the wonderful world of work?¡± She asked with obvious sarcasm.


    ¡°Fuck no.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°They all sound crap. Cyber-Weebs, The Ministry of Magic, and a company that sounds like the fucking Dark Brotherhood.¡±


    ¡°No idea what the fucking context of what you said is, as per usual, but sure! ¡± Sephy chuckled, as she playfully threw a sweet at Jack, who happily unwrapped it and swallowed. ¡°OK. Question. Was there any kind of job you wanted to do before coming here?¡±


    ¡±Hmmm, that¡¯s a good question¡­¡± Jack smiled with a contented sigh as he drank some hot tea from his flask, warming up his chilled limbs. ¡°I don¡¯t think there was anything in particular I actually wanted to outright do, though the rest of my class and I sometimes had teachers and career advisors assuming that we already had a good idea of it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you get that here too.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s the problem with the school having the sponsors it does, they just want to shoe you into their neat little filing system, ready to be another cog in their massive machines. Works for some, but those that don¡¯t are expected to conform to them.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re not forced to join a Megacorp on graduation, right?¡± Jack asked, and Sephy nodded in confirmation.


    ¡°Yep, but not many people are willing to hire people our age, unless they think they can get ¡®special favours¡¯ out of it.¡± The Skritta noted. ¡°Older and more experienced workers give more output, so that¡¯s who most people tend to go for. Some places do hire people our age for normal jobs, Karzen and Bentom for example have their retail job, but that¡¯s because they do it part time during the busiest hours when they need more people. MegaCorps and other factions that sponsor the school all have an interest in bringing in fresh meat for the grinder, so that¡¯s why they push for it. Is it much different where you are?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°But most schools on Earth are government-run or sanctioned. I guess we¡¯re still seen as potentially useful cogs though.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Sephy sighed as she took a swig of her own flask of tea. ¡°I guess if you had said you did have an idea of what to do it wouldn¡¯t be impossible for you to get that job if that¡¯s what you really wanted. I know it was a bit of a shock for you to get into Shadowrunning, so I wanted to see if there was anything we could do to make things more¡­normal I guess.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Sephy.¡± Jack smiled, genuinely. ¡°Honestly I¡¯m just focused on surviving right now. There¡¯s some lines I won¡¯t cross, but the whole idea of becoming a Shadowrunner makes more and more sense to me. If it turns out I¡¯m good at something then I might as well stick with it, right?¡±


    ¡°Not if you don¡¯t enjoy it,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Though I reckon it¡¯s growing on you. That Shaskasaki heist we pulled was an eye-opener.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°In more ways than one. I guess I enjoyed the rush of it, and I¡¯m glad we didn¡¯t need to shoot our way out or something. Most of the workers were probably decent folk, it was just the managers being assholes.¡±


    ¡°Yeah they all fled the moment we set off the alarms, so they probably all got away before Corvin Enterprises took the place.¡± The Skritta shrugged.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack sighed, taking another sip of his tea before asking. ¡°So what about you? Is Shadowrunning all you want to do?¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Yes and no. I¡¯ll admit that I don¡¯t know much about my species, but we¡¯re known for being whimsical and not staying sedentary. I guess Shadowrunning is my way of dealing with that, and the payouts are great! My career in life is set!¡±


    They both chuckled at that before Sephy decided to answer more seriously. ¡°But I guess it started out as survival, and I developed a liking for it. Maybe you¡¯ll be the same way? Though careerwise I would love to get into adventuring! See more of the Ring, maybe even go to the stars themselves? You piss off a lot less people doing that too!¡±


    ¡°Adventuring sounds good.¡± Jack agreed with a nod. ¡°Though it does come with risks and danger. Aside from the assholes and monsters we had to face, that weekend out of the city was amazing. Going to Gladespring, walking through the forests, even exploring the old metro tunnel was great fun when there wasn¡¯t the fear of being trapped and a Spawn of Nekdon trying to kill us!¡±


    ¡°Assholes and monsters are just part of the job, you get used to it.¡± Sephy laughed. ¡°That was your first time out too, and you did well. I was going to try and find us a Run that takes us out anyway. With the Corpo War getting to the end stages I want to stay away from city jobs for now.¡±


    ¡°No complaints as long as we don¡¯t die.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°It¡¯d be nice to see more of the Ring I guess, go on more of an adventure that won¡¯t make us pretty much criminals. I know Chiyo was keen to find some ancient ruins or something to delve in.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯d be cool, but things like that aren¡¯t exactly easy to pin down,¡± The Skritta pointed out. ¡°This Ring is massive - what¡¯s that expression you use?¡±


    ¡°Needle in a haystack?¡± Jack suggested with a snort of amusement.


    ¡°Yeah! That¡¯s the one!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Pretty much like that! Sure, there¡¯s probably countless places out there just waiting to be explored, but finding out where they are in the first place? Pain in the ass. I know Chiyo has fun researching these kinds of things, though according to her she¡¯s not found anything really worth dropping everything to chase yet. Doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s got nothing though, I think she¡¯s just worried about leading us all to a dead end.¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll ask her.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Might be cool to go somewhere anyway for the fun of it? You can¡¯t get all the information just by reading books.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°Plus we get holidays and breaks at some point. Half Term or Season Holidays would be a great time for it, assuming we don¡¯t have anything better to do.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know we got holidays here,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°Sounds completely out-of-character for the school to let us have a break!¡±


    ¡°Hah, yeah.¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°Not all of the founder gods had sticks up their asses. It¡¯s in the original constitution so even the headmaster can¡¯t exactly override it without causing a stink. He does like to emphasise how we can use the time as an opportunity to learn outside of the usual curriculum, or work on ¡®connections in your chosen industry¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Cringe.¡± Jack snorted in amusement. ¡°Had a couple of kids like that at my old school, talking about how they¡¯d volunteer at a charity event their dad runs or how they¡¯d go to Africa and help out there. A few of them probably genuinely wanted to help, but most of them were full of shit. Constantly preaching and virtue-signalling while talking about how it would ¡®pad out their CV¡¯.¡±


    ¡°CV?¡± The Skritta asked.


    ¡°Curriculum vitae.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Also called Resume. Basically your list of qualifications and shit you can do which ultimately doesn¡¯t matter since companies make you fill out their shitty online questionnaires with the exact same information with a bot that filters applications. My sister was ranting about that a few days before I ended up here. I was trying to help her prepare for a job interview.¡±


    ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°Just a part-time office job while in school.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Nothing big. She wanted to be a lawyer.¡±


    Jack said nothing else as he took another sip of his hot drink, closing his eyes and trying his best to push the memory to the back of his mind, and stop the waves of emotion from overwhelming him. It was silly, just him asking his sister a few dumb questions he found on the internet.


    But it was one of the most recent he had of his family. And that made it precious. He suddenly remembered a moment from that memory that made him spit out some of his drink as he laughed out loud.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Sephy asked with a look of concern, correctly guessing that Jack was recalling his family.


    ¡°If you were an alcoholic drink, what would you be?¡± Jack asked, calming down.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°That was one of the questions my sister got asked during her interview.¡± Jack snorted.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Sephy laughed. ¡°What the fuck is that meant to show? How much of an alcoholic you¡¯ll become when you get depressed working there?¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s meant to show ¡®character¡¯ or something, I dunno.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°But my sister was ranting about that one, told me she just said she would be a glass of ¡®White Zinfandel¡¯ rose wine because she was sweet and enjoyable.¡±


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    ¡°Yuck¡­¡± Sephy cringed at the second-hand embarrassment. ¡°I hope she got the job after going through that crap!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if she did in the end.¡± Jack sighed after taking another swig, which felt worse when he saw Sephy¡¯s happy expression drop, though Dante made the effort to get up and nuzzle him to make him feel better. ¡°Heh, good boy!¡± He gave the ¡®dog¡¯ a few scritches. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter though. It was just a shitty part-time job for her while she was still in college, and she was applying for other jobs too. It didn¡¯t really matter, I guess it was just fun times.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like you had a good relationship with them,¡± Sephy noted.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded with a warm smile, still stroking Dante¡¯s fur as he reminisced. ¡°We had our ups and downs as families do but I was lucky to have them. What about you? I know you told me you grew up at the Temple of Hope, but did you stay in contact with the other kids?¡±


    ¡°Sort of.¡± Sephy shrugged as she scooted up closer to also give Dante attention. ¡°Most of them go to our school too, but when I got kicked out the others were forbidden from speaking to me at the time. I was too much of a ¡®bad influence¡¯ for them. Though to be fair they have a point!¡± She grinned, before her face got more serious. ¡°Yeah I reconnected with a few of them when we started coming to school, but we¡¯re not as close as we used to be. Time apart will do that to you.¡±


    ¡°True, but more time together would heal such a rift,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Are you on good terms? If they go to the same school why not meet up with them when we all go to the Aquaplex? Vanya says it¡¯s really good, so it¡¯ll be the perfect time to reconnect properly.¡±


    ¡°Heh, you sound like Alora!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°But you¡¯re probably right. We¡¯re most of the way done with this fucking double school so fuck it, can¡¯t hurt!¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be bad, would it?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Nah.¡± The Skritta conceded. ¡°I guess it¡¯s just awkward more than anything. We say ¡®hi¡¯ whenever we pass in the corridors but we never really had a proper conversation about what happened. I guess having a chat while drinking at an in-water bar could be fun. Not much to talk about though.¡±


    ¡°There must be some stories from when you were kids?¡± Jack pointed out.


    ¡°Heh, yeah.¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Stealing cakes when we were little? Fun times! Though looking back, the cooks were probably in on the whole thing.¡±


    ¡°Well, I technically was a cook during the weeks after when I arrived,¡± Jack grinned. ¡°I probably wouldn¡¯t have minded.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, I forgot you were working there,¡± Sephy noted. ¡°It is a good thing you know how to cook though, aren¡¯t you and Chiyo sharing a cooking class in the morning?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°My first cooking class too. I¡¯m not that great at it though, I just know a few of the basics my parents taught me and what I learned with the Scouts, which was basically frying stuff over an open fire.¡±


    ¡°Still better than what Chiyo cooks!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Maybe some of your mad skills will rub off on her?¡±


    ¡°Hah, maybe.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Though I doubt I¡¯ll do well as tired as I am. At least we¡¯ve only got a few days left of double school.¡±


    ¡°Meh, it¡¯s not that bad a class.¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°I think the practical part throws Chiyo off since she¡¯s always trying over-complicated things. A lot of it is hands-on stuff. My advice - keep it stupid simple!¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Jack shrugged, ¡°Though most of my cooking involves frying, so it¡¯ll be good to learn other things. If I ever learn to do a lasagna like my mum used to make, I¡¯ll be happy.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Mrs Quipploth is solid, you¡¯ll have fun.¡± The Skritta nodded. ¡°Almost makes me feel bad about all the microwave meals I eat. She really loves her craft.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to meet her then.¡± Jack smiled as he drank some more tea.


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to try your version of your mum¡¯s lasagna.¡± Sephy quipped. ¡°So learn well!¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to cook it myself.¡±


    They both sat there for a while in silence, keeping an eye on the glow of the city in the distance, and confirming that no danger was around. Same as every other night, but during troubling nights such as these, a watch was an unfortunate necessity. Far away, they could see a formation of dropships flying in formation, though who they were or what they were doing was unknown to them.


    Not their problem, though the sight of them did remind Jack of something.


    ¡°You know, if we finally get our shuttle fixed up now that we have the fabricator, that means we can go further afield, right?¡± He pointed out.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°That opens so many opportunities for us! And the less walking around the city we do the better, I can already imagine the lack of complaining from Chiyo!¡±


    ¡°Hah, don¡¯t let her hear you say that!¡± Jack chuckled.


    ¡°She¡¯s probably listening in during her meditations.¡± Sephy laughed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Chiyo, I totally haven¡¯t taken my bra off or anything!¡± She said aloud in a stage whisper.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Chiyo isn¡¯t lis-¡± Jack began.


    Fuck yoooooouuuuu! Spoke the faint presence of Chiyo, echoing softly like a calm breeze.


    ¡°And with that, we¡¯re alone again now!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°She doesn¡¯t know how, but I can kinda tell when she¡¯s looking in. It really infuriates her trying to work out how I throw her off! Anyway, what were we talking about?¡±


    ¡°Is there anywhere you¡¯d want to go when we get the shuttle fixed?¡± Jack asked with a smile. ¡°You know, for an adventure! Like you said, the Ring is huge!¡±


    Sephy chuckled. ¡°We can¡¯t realistically take the shuttle too far out of the city but sure, it extends our range of where we can go. We haven¡¯t been to the South of the city in a while, though that¡¯s where you start seeing the enclaves of Megafauna species that you might enjoy seeing. I¡¯ve heard there¡¯s a really good beach a few days out that could be fun to check out, but that¡¯s a bit tricky because, y¡¯know. School.¡±


    ¡°Anything beyond that?¡± Jack asked, leaning back with a smile as he watched the Skritta have a think about it, enjoying the way she indulged in her passion.


    ¡°Pretty sure the beach is on the estuary of a river that opens up to a sea to the west side.¡± Sephy finally spoke up after thinking on the subject. ¡°I know as you follow the river up there are some communities, but I don¡¯t know anything about them.¡±


    ¡°The beach sounds fun.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°But it sounds like there¡¯s so much more!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Sephy nodded, before getting a bit more sombre. ¡°Paladin Cornelia told me what she was able to find out about roaming bands of Skritta. Apparently, as well as galavant around in space, a few like to travel the length of the Ring in an endless loop.¡±


    ¡°But with the Ring being as massive as it is¡­¡± Jack began.


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯d take centuries if not millennia to make a complete loop.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°From what I¡¯ve researched, that¡¯s just their way of life. Cornelia deduced that one of these bands must have been passing nearby when I was abandoned at the Temple of Hope, but according to her she couldn¡¯t find any nearby despite her best efforts, assuming she was telling the truth.¡±


    ¡°Damn¡­¡± Jack began, not anticipating opening these wounds for Sephy. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that. I don¡¯t know what your previous experiences have been with her but High Priestess Cornelia has always seemed straight with me. She was the one to save my ass when I arrived at the Pallid Pit.¡±


    ¡°Out of all of them I trust Cornelia the most,¡± Sephy admitted. ¡°But I find it weird that she couldn¡¯t find any bands of my people when I was just left there. I was just an infant so I couldn¡¯t really understand it at the time, but it was strange to comprehend it when I was old enough for her to talk to me about it.¡±


    ¡°Did you ever want to find them?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°When I was younger, sure.¡± The Skritta shrugged. ¡°What orphan at that age wouldn¡¯t want to find out about her family? Now though? Fuck all of them.¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t know what to say to that answer, so instead he stopped scritching Dante¡¯s neck, and put his arm around the Skritta, who seemed content enough to lean into him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, I became at peace with the whole thing a while ago. Not much is known about my people except for how we¡¯re seen as thieving pests, and I¡¯ve never met another of my kind. I guess in a way I¡¯m similar to you, no?¡± Sephy grinned.


    ¡°I guess.¡± Jack nodded, wanting to be cautious when it came to sore topics he knew little about. ¡°You sure you¡¯re alright with it?¡±


    ¡°Well, Alora would probably try and make a thing of it, but for me it¡¯s hard to grieve for something that I¡¯ve never had in the first place.¡± Sephy sighed as she put her arm around Jack. ¡°I¡¯m happy with what we¡¯ve built here, and with all of you. That¡¯s more than satisfying enough for me. Whatever crack-whore gave birth to me doesn¡¯t deserve to meet me and can fuck off and die for all I care.¡±


    ¡°I hope things get better.¡± Jack finally replied after several minutes of silence, staring out into the darkness. By now he had learned much about the chaotic nature of the galaxy, and it was only now that he had come to terms with the endless production line of misery it could be.


    ¡°Don¡¯t feel sorry for me,¡± Sephy told him seriously.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Except when I beat you at video games!¡±


    With that, all the tension suddenly evaporated as both of them laughed their asses off.


    ¡°Hey, I was going easy on you that night!¡± Sephy grinned, playfully shoving him.


    ¡°Oh suuuuuure you were!¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°I kicked all your asses and every single one of you thought I was a total noob!¡±


    ¡°You only get to pull that trick once!¡± Sephy cackled. ¡°Your ass is mine next time we all play together!¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait!¡± Jack grinned, more than confident in his own skills. ¡°We¡¯re on the final stretch of double school so I hope we get to do that soon! It¡¯d be good to chill out again.¡±


    ¡°I think we can all agree on that. We¡¯ve only got a few days left but it feels like an eternity away,¡± The Skritta noted. ¡°But trust me, you¡¯re gonna love the Aquaplex!¡±


    ¡°You wanna tell me about it or have it be a complete surprise?¡±  Jack asked.


    ¡°Complete surprise I think!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Something for you to look forward to to keep you going through the last few days. You¡¯ve been taking up most of the guard shifts.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sleep deprivation sucks,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°But at least I can sort of handle it with the Ring of Lesser Restoration.¡±


    ¡°That can only take you so far,¡± Sephy warned.


    ¡°I know.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve only got one shift left on the last day with Chiyo, then we¡¯re spending a full day at the Aquaplex once school is over. Though how the district will be safe with nobody guarding it is something I¡¯ve not been able to work out.¡±


    ¡°Alora has her ancient Eladrie magical defences she can pull up.¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Same reason the district hadn¡¯t been touched in millenia before she came along and had the blood to turn them off. She can fully turn them on again when we¡¯re all out, but it¡¯s not safe to have all of them active when there¡¯s non-Eladrie living here, but when they are, our home is the safest it can be.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Though I will admit, I¡¯ve never heard about any water parks on Earth letting people stay overnight, that¡¯d probably be a drowning hazard or something.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s enough droids to stop accidents from happening. Mostly.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°And yeah, the Aquaplex is open at all hours, but there won¡¯t be a lot of people when we get there. I know the word has spread so there¡¯s gonna be a bunch of students heading there, but not all of them can afford to spend the night, and even if they could the Aquaplex is so massive that it won¡¯t matter. Loads of room and lots of stuff to do to blow off steam.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I think we could all do with that.¡± Jack nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Some of us more than others.¡±


    ¡°Chiyo¡¯s handling it the best since she doesn¡¯t sleep like most of us.¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°I¡¯ve pulled all-nighters before, and Nika¡¯s too stubborn to drop in class. Alora¡¯s handling it badly but can stay composed as she usually is. Vanya and the Squa¡¯Kaar are definitely struggling the most, they¡¯re still having nightmares about the Killer Klown attack.¡±


    ¡°That sucks, but hopefully it gets better with time. We all handle it in different ways I guess.¡± Jack sighed.


    ¡°Speaking of,¡± Sephy began. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed Luvia¡¯s been trying to get all over you. Looks like she¡¯s been horned up as hell the last two weeks, you been alright? She hasn¡¯t tried to force herself on you or anything, has she?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping my distance,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°Hopefully she¡¯ll calm down once things get back to normal. Alora told me she spoke to her after she¡­randomly kissed me a few weeks ago.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I remember that shit.¡± Sephy nodded. ¡°Alora¡¯s good with the whole ¡®diplomacy¡¯ thing, but it can only get you so far. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll handle Luvia if she ever goes overboard or takes it too far and you don¡¯t like it.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what? What are you going to do?¡± Jack asked, now worried. ¡°She hasn¡¯t tried anything since then...yet.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Trust me!¡±

 Chapter 107: Cooking With Chiyo!

    ¡°Ah! You must be our new student!¡± The many armed Mrs Quipploth exclaimed as Jack and Chiyo exhaustedly made it to cooking class. ¡°I have anticipated your arrival for many weeks but fate has conspired against us.¡±


    ¡°That''s unfortunate Miss.¡± Jack nodded respectfully as he and Chiyo made it to a workstation.


    ¡°Indeed, and it is unfortunate that we meet during this time of extended education.¡± The teacher sighed. ¡°But I look forward to seeing your Outsider cooking! Good afternoon to you too Miss Dhasii, I hope you''ve been well! Have you practised those dishes I''ve suggested?¡±


    I''ve tried my best. Chiyo nodded. But I fear I just lack the talent.


    ¡°Ah nonsense! It''s a skill that simply takes practice! You''ll get there!¡± Mrs Quippoth smiled, her rows of fangs pearly white gleaming to match her enthusiasm.


    I''ll keep trying. Chiyo nodded her head.


    ¡°I''m sure you will! Don''t worry, that''s why I''m here and why this class exists! There''s plenty of opportunity to learn!¡± The teacher smiled again, and Chiyo couldn''t help but cringe internally at her shame in failing.


    ¡°Now Jack, I am unsure of your previous experiences in cooking, but in this class, they way it works is that we give you a list of cooking instructions for several dishes that allow you to practise various cooking techniques that vary in difficulty, but which I''ll demonstrate at the start of the class so you all know what they are. From there you and your partner spend the rest of the time making the dishes, while I go around and help as much as I can! Have you done anything like that before?¡±


    ¡°I haven''t had a class like that before, but it sounds good!¡± Jack nodded politely. ¡°The most experience I had before I arrived here is helping my parents in the kitchen or doing simple dishes on my own, but since arriving I''ve helped out at the Temple of Hope and where I''m living now.¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Mrs Quipploth exclaimed. ¡°Then I look forward to seeing what you can do in person! Don''t worry about getting everything perfect, we''re all at different skill levels here, just try your best!¡±


    ¡°We will!¡± Jack smiled, as the last of the class filed in.


    *****


    Curses! These don''t look like they''re cooking properly! Chiyo exclaimed, pointing at several meat-slabs in the oven.


    ¡°It''s fine, leave them!¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°It¡±s only been about 10 minutes! If you keep opening the oven door they really won''t cook properly!¡±


    But the instructions told us to add a splash of Drakfruit Oil. What is a splash? How much are we talking? There are never any exact measurements!


    ¡°We saw how much the teacher added, and we''re close enough to that I think.¡± Jack nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I don''t think we should add any more, we coated it enough.¡±


    Very well. It says here that we need to prepare a batter¡­


    ¡°So like, flour, eggs, milk and a knob of butter?¡± Jack asked.


    A WHAT of butter?!? Chiyo asked. Did Sephy put you up to that one?


    ¡°I- what? No!¡± Jack sighed. ¡°No, a knob of butter is a way of measuring, like a pinch of salt!¡±


    Now you''re just making fun of me! Chiyo pouted.


    ¡°I''m not kidding! Those are real measurements we use!¡± Jack grinned.


    Oh yeah? Chiyo raised her eyebrows, not looking convinced. How much is a knob of butter then?


    ¡°I¡­have no idea.¡± Jack admitted with a defeated sigh. ¡°What does it say on the sheet?¡±


    The ingredients are similar to what you told me, but this recipe calls for some additional flavours. Chiyo read. Including food colouring.


    ¡°What the fuck? Who are we cooking for? Gordon Ramsay?¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Why does it have to be so stupidly complicated?¡±


    ¡°How are we getting on over here?¡± Mrs Quipploth asked as she made it over to them. ¡°Very good! You''ve got the Pippyas in the oven, and it looks like you''re about to start on the batter! Where''s your glaze?¡±


    Glaze? Chiyo asked. That''s further down.


    ¡°Yes, but you need your glaze to be ready to drizzle over the meat before you take it out!¡± The teacher laughed. ¡°You''re doing well so far, the batter won''t take too long, then you can fry the tubers and fruit with it, but you will need the glaze ready to use on the meat before they cool too much!¡±


    It could have told us that earlier! Chiyo huffed irritably. Sorry. She then apologised to the teacher, who to her credit didn''t appear offended.


    ¡°Don''t worry, you have time!¡± She chuckled. ¡°The batter and fry doesn''t take long at all, and the glaze only takes a few minutes to prepare. Sometimes it''s a good habit to have things prepped in advance. Just because you need to wait for food in the oven to cook, doesn''t mean you should sit idle.¡±


    ¡°We won''t Miss.¡± Jack assured the teacher with a nod.


    ¡°Very good, so far so good, the both of you!¡± The teacher reassured them with a smile, before moving onto the next group.


    Even when things are going well I can''t help stressing out in this class. Chiyo admitted.


    ¡°I think you just like to overthink things.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°It doesn''t help that most of this stuff looks way too advanced for our age group.¡±


    Do you want to do the batter? Chiyo asked. You just need to mix the ingredients together and whisk, but I think there''s only a few to go around¡­


    ¡°Whisk?¡± Jack asked unsurely as he brandished his palm, when in an instant, a whisk with the clan Bharzum insignia appeared in his hand.


    ¡°God that''s useful!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°I hope I don''t have to wash it!¡±


    I suspect it would be better if you make a visible effort. Chiyo giggled. I have never heard of Blood-kinship ever being revoked, and I would rather you not be the first!


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack shrugged, as he worked on the batter. ¡°Now what do we need for the glaze?¡±


    *****


    ¡°Just one more day left.¡± Jack sighed from the top of the guard tower.


    Do you need to sleep? Chiyo asked him. I can do this shift by myself and wake you up if I detect anything?


    ¡°Nah, I''ll stay up.¡± Jack yawned. ¡°Just in case. I have enough restoration charges to keep me up until we sleep again at the Aquaplex, I''m just bored.¡±


    As am I. The Ilithii admitted. As much as I wish to divert my consciousness to reading or research I would be doing everyone a disservice by not paying enough attention to what is going on.


    ¡°Yeah, Sephy told me things were winding down, but the companies involved needed a good excuse to claim a victory or something, right?¡± Jack asked.


    Something like that. Chiyo nodded. Both Myrodin and Shaskasaki despise Corvin Enterprises and have had an intense rivalry with them for years. They¡¯ve both been itching for a good excuse to unleash on them, and I suspect their greatest plays have yet to be made. Though they have publicly lost ground to Corvin, I would not be surprised if anything they lost was either going to be scrapped anyway, or a trap for Corvin to take.


    ¡°Like 4D chess or something?¡± Jack asked, before remembering he was talking to someone that had no idea what ¡®chess¡¯ was.


    Chiyo however just shrugged.


    Based on what you have told me before, I expect that expression correlates to highly strategic moves and deceptions. Yes, you are right. However neither side is run by fools, and though I strongly suspect that Shaskasaki and Myrodin have key targets in mind, Corvin Enterprises may be able to see it coming. We just don¡¯t know for sure.


    ¡°Well, the sooner they stop dicking around the sooner the city can heal.¡± Jack shrugged.


    Agreed. Chiyo sighed. We¡¯ve been through enough.


    ¡°Change the subject?¡± Jack asked with a grin.


    Change the subject. Chiyo smiled back with a nod. Goodness knows there are better things to talk about. I still need to pick your brain for everything I can think of about Earth!


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me more about you and your home instead?¡± Jack asked. ¡°The others have told me some stuff, Sephy grew up at the Temple of Hope in the early years and her people are similar to Romani or Gypsies from Earth, Nika grew up on a ranch with her family until she decided to ghost them to come here, and Alora¡¯s family are apparently snooty noble assholes too!¡±


    What¡¯s Romani? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°Ah, yeah it might be something that doesn¡¯t translate well.¡± Jack leaned back as he gathered his thoughts. ¡°So, on Earth we basically have traveller groups-¡±


    So pilgrims or nomadic tribes? Chiyo tried to clarify, but Jack shook his head.


    ¡°Bit different. ¡®Gypsy¡¯ is the stereotypical common catch-all name that¡¯s used but they don¡¯t like it. I guess just calling them ¡®Travellers¡¯ would probably be more politically correct. Basically there are many ethnic groups around Earth that took up a nomadic travelling lifestyle, though I wouldn¡¯t really call them a ¡®tribe.¡¯ They developed a rich culture of their own, and often historically faced a lot of persecution in the places they travelled through, though many of the communities prospered as traders or even circuses. Today there are many descendents of Traveller communities throughout the world, with many groups that still exist and things have generally been better. However there are some groups that have reinforced negative stereotypes about Travellers which doesn¡¯t help. I remember seeing stuff on the news about modern slavery, and apparently there are some traveller groups that encourage stealing from shops, but I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s true. I just remember one time when a group broke their way into the local park with their caravans and I wasn¡¯t allowed to go in for a few weeks until the police finally sorted that mess out. I guess I drew a parallel with these negative stereotypes when Sephy told me what she knew about her people.¡±


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Fascinating. Chiyo nodded. Though it sounds like there is a cycle of distrust that is difficult to break.


    ¡°More ¡®Earth Knowledge¡¯ for you!¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°You taking notes?¡±


    I can recall it well enough. The Ilithii giggled. So, you want to know about my situation? Even after learning a bit about Nika, Sephy and Alora¡¯s?


    ¡°Um¡­you don¡¯t have to tell me if you don¡¯t want to, I wasn¡¯t insisting!¡± Jack hastily apologised. ¡°If it¡¯s not a good subject then I understand, I-¡±


    I was joking! Chiyo giggled again. I am allowed to do that once in a while! Don¡¯t worry about it!


    Jack¡¯s expression must have clearly shown his sudden trepidation, because Chiyo pressed on.


    I am the only child of two parents that I¡¯m happily in contact with, who currently live on the Ilithii Homeworld of Illudra.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Jack began, hit by the anticlimactic nature of what Chiyo just told him. ¡°Um¡­You said they¡¯re on another world?¡±


    Yes! Chiyo smiled. I stay in contact with them through the Psionic Webway, though the distance makes sending and receiving messages take a lot of time. What? Were you expecting something worse? She giggled again as she poured herself a drink.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°The desire to know you more conflicted with my desire not to anger you with any difficult topics.¡±


    I understand, though you need not worry. Chiyo shrugged as she poured a drink for Jack and handed it to him. It¡¯s only natural for friends and¡­.significant ones to talk about this. You shouldn¡¯t be so worried about offending us. Goodness knows Vanya and Luvia don¡¯t worry about those inhibitions!


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°But why are you over here when they¡¯re over there?¡±


    It is traditional for many of my species to leave the homeworld and spend some time away the moment they are considered to have become of age. Chiyo explained. In going out into the galaxy and spreading our wings, we serve our people by experiencing new things, meeting new people, that sort of thing. It all becomes part of our psychic network! Everything we learn or experience out in the stars becomes part of our collective knowledge for future generations. It¡¯s a great honour!


    ¡°So it¡¯s like a pilgrimage or something?¡± Jack asked, and Chiyo nodded excitedly.


    Yes! That¡¯s right! I knew I wanted to do it ever since I could comprehend the concept, so my parents supported me and made sure I was prepared for the journey and had a plan for when I finally became ¡®of age¡¯.


    ¡°Wow! Sounds like they¡¯re very supportive!¡± Jack smiled.


    They are, and I am very thankful for them! Though they often worry about me they still had the courage to let me go. I know it wasn¡¯t easy for them.


    ¡°They sound like good people.¡± Jack patted Chiyo on the shoulder when she sighed sadly. ¡°And it¡¯s okay to miss them.¡±


    Thanks. Chiyo smiled as she scooted closer to him, with Dante barely moving his head to watch them before he went to sleep. I think you would like them, they¡¯d certainly be fascinated with you!


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable, I¡¯m basically a walking curiosity at this point.¡± Jack laughed. ¡°Weird as always, but I¡¯m getting used to it.¡±


    That¡¯s not what I meant, they both work as Heralds for my people! They would love to meet someone from an uncontacted race!


    ¡°Heralds? That sounds pretty cool!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Does that mean they¡¯re ambassadors or something?¡±


    In a way, yes! But they have various additional duties on top of that that involve interacting with other species and foreign powers, and general working outside of Ilithii space, so they were able to prepare me well!


    ¡°And then you made your way here¡­¡± Jack began. ¡°I know most of the story of how you guys came together. From what I understand,  Alora was coerced into exile and claimed this district by bypassing the wards, who later approached Sephy and Nika about a Run, but I think you were already around then¡­¡±


    Chiyo chuckled. I certainly was! My parents gave me several leads for me to follow when I arrived to get myself settled. They had previously interacted with the Eladrie Territories and had learned about Alora¡¯s exile after being witness to her departure, and when they spoke to the Eladrie Representatives there, the subject was brushed off and ties to tradition were cited. My parents were not satisfied with those answers, so one of the leads I was given was to seek Alora out, as they discovered she would be where I had planned to go myself.


    ¡°So you must have found her rather quickly then. How did it go?¡± Jack asked.


    My parents took the liberty of writing a letter of introduction to the school, which easily got me and Alora placed in the same freshman class. At the time I thought my parents saw a way to strengthen ties with the Eladrie with another girl my age also on a pilgrimage like me, but I obviously learned that wasn¡¯t the case when I spoke to her for the first time, and we quickly became friends. It¡¯s clear to me now that my parents were just trying to help someone who needed it, who they believed would be good for me too.


    ¡°Good for them!¡± Jack exclaimed, suddenly gaining a lot of respect for Chiyo¡¯s parents.


    Yep! Moved in with Alora soon after once my contract with a local hotel expired, but when I moved in it was soon apparent that everything in the district was too much for Alora to handle, and she was just getting by with healing others. Eventually we decided to try and find better work but couldn¡¯t, until Alora came up with the insane idea of Shadowrunning after overhearing Sephy and Nika talking about it in class. They were always around and we were always on good enough terms, so Alora approached them about it and the rest is history!


    ¡°I still can¡¯t wrap my head around the fact that it was Alora that suggested you become Shadowrunners in the first place.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°But I think Sephy¡¯s right. There¡¯s a certain ¡®rush¡¯ to it, so I can see why you kept going once you started.¡±


    We usually stuck to relatively simple milkruns before you and Dante joined us. Chiyo confirmed. And though I think that while we all enjoy the ¡®rush¡¯ as you put it, especially Sephy and Nika, we also enjoy trying to do some good where we can too.


    ¡°Sounds good to me!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°And everyone¡¯s saying we¡¯re due another Run soon so hopefully we¡¯ll get to do that. Sephy also mentioned you were interested in¡­other adventures. You want to delve a dungeon like in the video games?¡±


    Sephy talks too much. Chiyo tittered, before turning more serious for a moment. But yes, it¡¯s true. I came here to learn and discover new things after all! Who knows what treasures are out there!


    ¡°She also said you keep much of what you¡¯ve been looking at to yourself.¡± Jack pointed out with raised eyebrows. ¡°I get not somehow clueing in hostile parties to what you¡¯re looking for since that¡¯s basically the plotline for every Tomb Raider and Uncharted game ever, but like you told me when I wanted to go solo to see the Oracle, you can¡¯t go alone.¡±


    A local expert now are we? Chiyo asked amusedly, playfully sticking out her tongue at him. You¡¯re not wrong. Of course I¡¯ll tell you all if I find something worth looking at! It¡¯s just that while I¡¯ve found some possible locations where there may be former settlements or points of interest around, I¡¯ve not been able to confirm anything for sure, and we have many other things to prioritise with the limited free time we have. At least with a Run or something in the city we have a guaranteed payout that will keep us afloat for a few months, unless we want to make any big purchases of course!


    ¡°Well, maybe we should make some plans to go to one of these places?¡± Jack suggested. ¡°I know Sephy¡¯s interested, as am I.¡±


    I don¡¯t know¡­ Chiyo began. Once I find a place I like to check the libraries for as much information as I can find on a place. The last thing I want is to waste everyone¡¯s time, so I want to be sure we¡¯re going to find something before I bring it up.


    ¡°I understand trying to make sure a place exists in the first place and checking for possible dangers and all that, but surely there comes a point where you¡¯re wasting much more time researching from here than actually going to an area and checking it out in person, no?¡± Jack smiled sympathetically, allowing Chiyo time to answer.


    You sound like Nika. The Ilithii snorted with amusement. And I suppose you¡¯re both right. I guess I just have a fear of taking risks without knowing as much as I can going in. You¡¯re very much like that sometimes as well, especially with the more dangerous side of things we do.


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong.¡± Jack acknowledged. ¡°I guess when it¡¯s our lives on the line it¡¯s trickier. But there¡¯s still a point where it¡¯s best to take the plunge.¡±


    Well, I guess I have many of those same worries of bringing us into a dangerous situation. Chiyo sighed, looking at him with her silvery blue eyes with a pained expression. I guess ¡®taking the plunge¡¯ as you put it may be a good idea.


    ¡°We can still do our due diligence.¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°If you have a general area we can all start looking at the best ways to get there and any threats in the area.¡±


    Some of these places are quite far away. Chiyo warned. So they would not be viable to visit right now. However once we get a shuttle we may be able to visit a place to the west I¡¯ve found a few references to.


    ¡°What would that be?¡± Jack asked, excited.


    Well. Chiyo began with a smile. You know of the Regulators do you not?


    ¡°I do now.¡± Jack nodded.¡±Kritch and our friends in the Red Legion told me about them. They¡¯re paramilitary organisations that originated from Red Legion territory right?¡±


    You¡¯re not far off. Chiyo nodded. The Regulators are a collection of Orders that enforce their own brand of law, though what they focus on vastly depends on the Order in question.


    ¡°Yeah Kritch mentioned that there are a bunch of them out there that don¡¯t always get along, like an Order that uses slavery and another that opposes it for example, right?¡±


    Yes. Chiyo smiled, happy to see that Jack was starting to pick things up since arriving. There are many Orders that have sprung into existence over the centuries, that in turn have spawned new Orders themselves. Chiyo explained. Multiply this over a lengthy period of time, add in a few bandit crews, mercenaries and adventurers that falsely claim they¡¯re a long-lost Order, and you eventually get to where we are today.


    ¡°Yeah, didn¡¯t one of the news reports a few weeks ago say that the Redeemer was backed by a Regulator Order?¡± Jack asked, not having forgotten about the Ogar that tried to kill them. The group had tried to keep tabs on the asshole, and though their activities had been erratic, they hadn¡¯t since come after them again.


    Yes, that would be the Order of the Infernal Harmony. Chiyo explained. They specialise in eliminating individuals that are perceived ¡®threats¡¯ to stability, and unfortunately as an Outsider, you¡¯re one of them. They only number about 50 Regulators, however their strength lies in their network of informants. I suspect that¡¯s how the Redeemer found us the first time.


    ¡°Right.¡± Jack nodded in understanding. ¡°Anyway, putting that to one side, what do the Regulator Orders have to do with your research?¡±


    Not in the plural sense, but a specific Order. The Order of the Dread Vigil was based many miles away from the city, and they first came to my attention over a year ago when I read an obituary on a former Regulator that had died of old age after living for centuries, thereby making the Order extinct as she chose not to revive it. Apparently the Order specialised in eliminating wild bands of undead to the west of here and keeping things safe, though now that area has been uninhabited since then as far as I can tell. I did a little bit of digging and found out that much of the Order died eliminating a threat in that area, and the handful of survivors quickly fragmented and went their own separate ways.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Jack began, realising what Chiyo¡¯s plan was. ¡°If the area is abandoned, did they leave anything behind?  An outpost, headquarters or something?¡±


    That¡¯s the thing, we don¡¯t know. Chiyo smiled conspiratorially. Was everything reclaimed when the original Regulators left, has everything left behind since been plundered by a third party, or has it all been reclaimed by nature?


    ¡°Or is there something interesting there?¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Nice work Chiyo!¡±


    Thank you! But things are much more complicated than just going there. Outside the city there is danger as you well know. Such a journey would need to be planned meticulously, and as I¡¯ve said, it¡¯s not a priority.


    ¡°Survival and income, I know.¡± Jack nodded in agreement. ¡°And Alora would probably add ¡®downtime¡¯ to that list, but come on! An old ruin with loot just waiting to be plundered? That¡¯s straight out of a tabletop or video game, how can I say no?¡±


    Jack! We don¡¯t even know what¡¯s there! Chiyo pointed out, trying to curb the excited human¡¯s expectations. It could be anything, it could be nothing. I¡¯d be much more comfortable checking the area out if we had enough time to do so too. Don¡¯t forget about school!


    ¡°Yuck, don¡¯t remind me!¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°Though at least we have History tomorrow. I¡¯ll need to speak to Mr Sparrel about setting up a meeting with his Starseeker friend.


    Yep, and History will be a great way to end the last day of school! Chiyo smiled. We¡¯re at the finishing line, then we go to the Aquaplex.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Come here to drop our crap off and pick up Dante then head over to wherever we¡¯re heading, likely with a few drinks on the way!¡±


    Even I think that sounds better than heading to the middle of nowhere to look for stuff. Chiyo quipped.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t agree more!¡± Jack sighed as he sipped his drink, the two of them staring out over the glow of the city, awaiting what tomorrow would bring.

 Chapter 108: Well-Earned Weekend!

    ¡°And so, the Twilight Court was able to adapt to their significant losses, sue for peace and quickly rebuild,¡± Mr Sparrel concluded. ¡°Though reduced in power by the Red Legion, they are well on the road to recovery, consolidating their power in the sectors they still hold, however the majority of their holdings have been focused on the Verdant Plane, and its many adjacents. Any questions? Ah! Kritch!¡±


    ¡±Sorry Sir, I¡¯m not so good with the magical stuff,¡± Kritch embarrassedly told the teacher. ¡°Which one was the Verdant Plane again?¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± Mr Sparrel grinned as he began making notes and diagrams on the board. ¡°Well, the Verdant Plane is what is known as a Transitive Plane, meaning that it essentially borders many other Planes that are native to our universe, in a similar way that the Ethereal Plane does, but where the Ethereal Plane is one of spirit, the Verdant Plane is one of primordial nature that creates an ever-shifting limitless landscape. Oh? Yes Jack!¡±


    Jack had quickly raised his hand the moment he heard the word ¡®limitless¡¯. ¡°Uh, sir? Why would this ¡®Twilight Court¡¯ even need to settle planets if they could just chill out in this Verdant Plane that¡¯s apparently limitless and expand their territory there?¡±


    He immediately regretted the question, as he got a few curious looks from his fellow classmates that made him feel dumb.


    ¡°Good question!¡± Mr Sparrel enthused, even though Jack didn¡¯t feel like that was the case. ¡°Yes it¡¯s limitless, but not without its own problems! Because this Plane is constantly shifting and mutable, it makes it an untamed and dangerous place for even the most wily of Fey from the Twilight Court! And that¡¯s not the only threat that can be found there. As a plane that is habitable, even if at a stretch, there are other various powers that can be found there. Other Fey Courts that oppose the Twilight Court for example, and I¡¯ve even heard rumours of a few nascent Demon Lords setting up their territory there to take advantage of the rich ambient mana! Anything could be lurking there! However, despite this, the majority of the Twilight Court now resides on that plane in wandering cities to rebuild their numbers and take advantage of their ability to utilise Planar Gates scattered around the galaxy to try and settle more stable locations¡­¡±


    At that the bell rang to signify the end of school. ¡°Ah excellent!¡± The teacher grinned. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t attempt to keep you all behind any longer than necessary! I¡¯ll give you the time you need to make your preparations for the weekend before your Form Tutors dismiss you. Have fun!¡±


    As the students piled away, Jack quickly approached Mr Sparrel who was just as eager to pack away his things. ¡°Ah, Jack!¡± He grinned. ¡°What can I help you with?¡±


    ¡°Hello Sir, it¡¯s about that thing you mentioned a few weeks back about your Starseeker friend who might be able to help me?¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, I take it you spoke to your friends about it?¡± Sparrel smirked.


    ¡°Yeah, they told me that Sable Krynn was some kind of big-shot and that I should agree to a meetup, assuming it¡¯s legitimate.¡± Jack nodded nervously, his hands shaking slightly at the thought of finding out more about what he was doing here. ¡°And I agree.¡±


    ¡°Very good! I¡¯ll put the word out!¡± The history teacher nodded. ¡°She¡¯s currently investigating something and I haven¡¯t spoken to her since she mentioned you, but that¡¯s usual for her. Once she¡¯s done I¡¯ll let you know and act as an intermediary. She¡¯ll probably want to set up your meeting, though I will warn you that she is particularly unorthodox.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Jack nodded, releasing some of the tension in his mind. ¡°We need to wind down from this double school anyway, and we want to¡­get some work done.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± Mr Sparrel nodded, before leaning in to whisper. ¡°Although, I would avoid any direct work involving the current corporate war if I were you, even if things are beginning to stabilise again.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t plan to.¡± Jack nodded back, realising that Sparrel probably knew much more than he was letting on. ¡°But we¡¯ll need to see what we get.¡±


    ¡°As is the nature of the Great Game!¡± The teacher grinned. ¡°Anyway, you had best get back to your Form Class, then go enjoy the weekend - I know I will!¡±


    *****


    Exhausted but exhilarated, the group finally made it back home, their school bags slung over their shoulders like battle-weary soldiers returning from a long campaign. The past two weeks had been a relentless onslaught on their physical and mental health, but finally, finally it was all over!


    ¡°Thank the gods we¡¯re done!¡± Nika groaned as she slumped on the sofa, welcoming the palpable sense of freedom as Dante bounded up to her to give her a lick.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack sighed as he stretched out, relieving the tension in his limbs as the mental fatigue seemed to lift, and took another spot on the sofa, physically awake enough but still mentally exhausted from his lack of sleep. His Ring of Lesser Restoration was a godsend, and with a few of their friends naturally possessing similar abilities, they had finally made it.


    The plan had been to return home, dump their stuff and rest for a short break before meeting up at the Aquaplex at a certain time. Alora had committed to leaving with plenty of time to spare, including for a break at Clan Ashtail¡¯s Tea Garden where they¡¯d meet with Kritch and a few others. Apparently the news that a bunch of students were going to the Aquaplex had spread around like wildfire, which meant that many more were expected to show up. It was fine with them though. Alora had already booked a full overnight stay, and most of the hangers-on would probably only be there for the evening.


    As Jack dozed off and closed his eyes, he could hear the excited chatter and laughter of the others as they all settled in, ready to unwind and relax as they sat down with collective sighs of relief. He was happy. Despite the two weeks of non-stop school, he had held on and learned a lot, not just about school subjects but about his friends as well. He knew that if they were to describe him they would say that he was relatively quiet at times and worried about things a hell of a lot, but much of that was due to him not being native to this realm. Alora would probably say it was down to his trauma too, but Jack dismissed that thought the moment it appeared.


    The next moment Jack was awoken by a gentle tugging on his arm. Damn, he must have fallen asleep without noticing!


    ¡°Jack, we¡¯re getting ready now, and Vanya and Hessia have something for you,¡± Alora discreetly whispered into his ear.


    ¡°Sure, thanks Alora.¡± Jack groaned as he slowly roused himself from his temporary respite. The weariness that had settled into his bones began to dissipate, replaced by renewed energy and excitement at finally going to the long-anticipated Aquaplex. He had been to a few waterparks back on Earth with his family on holidays, and he was curious to see how it would be here, especially going with friends.


    Spotting Vanya and Hessia looking eagerly at him, he quickly smiled and made his way over to them, curious to see what it was they apparently wanted.


    ¡°Hey you two!¡± He grinned. ¡°I was told you wanted to see me?¡±


    ¡°Yep! We¡¯ve got a surprise for you!¡± Vanya shyly smiled. ¡°I haven¡¯t been able to¡­properly thank you for saving me at the party¡­¡±


    Jack tried not to let his panic show. He remembered the last time Vanya had attempted to ¡®thank him¡¯ for his rescue. He still felt weird about it, and everything about the ¡®situationship¡¯ he had with the others almost felt like walking on eggshells.


    ¡°We have a not-so surprise for you too!¡± Hessia chirped excitedly, showing him a bag. ¡°We¡¯ve bought you some new clothes that are your size and as close as we could find to your species. There¡¯s some swim shorts in there too!¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­right!¡± Jack replied, thoroughly sheepish. He felt completely embarrassed and weirded out by having the two girls pick, choose and buy clothes for him, but he was grateful nevertheless.


    ¡°Yeah, I know you had some clothes that the Church of Astara gave you, and that you and Sephy ''acquired¡¯ some more from somewhere, but it¡¯s not the same!¡± Vanya told him with a mischievous grin. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t just throw on whatever¡¯s at hand-¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Jack asked, confused. ¡°If the clothes fit me then it¡¯s fine, right?¡±


    Vanya gave an amused huff at that as she shook her head. ¡°No, no, no Jack! You¡¯ve got to have some kind of style! You can¡¯t just wear black t-shirts, black trousers and a black hoodie everywhere you go!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jack asked, flabbergasted. ¡°I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t wear that kind of setup all the time¡­¡±


    ¡°YES YOU DO!¡± Both Sephy and Nika shouted from across the room at the same time, causing the house to erupt in laughter.


    ¡°Fine, I wear that kind of setup a lot,¡± Jack conceded. ¡°But what¡¯s the problem with that? It¡¯s tactically a good set to wear¡­probably. Me and a bunch of guys back home dressed that way!¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Hessia asked with a look of shock. ¡°A complete absence of colour other than black? Would that be depressing?¡±


    ¡°Okay my sister might have taken the piss out of me for looking like an Emo.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°But surely it¡¯s not as bad as you keep making it out¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry Jack¡­¡± Vanya cringed as she nodded slightly. ¡°But wearing the same style is bad enough. Wearing literally the same clothes for multiple days on end is just the worst! Do you even wash them!¡±


    ¡°YES I DO!¡± Jack retorted, only being partially truthful.


    ¡°Even so Jack, you must try other things!¡± Hessia nervously told him as she opened the bag slightly and handed it to him. He could see dark greens, browns and blues in there, but thankfully nothing obnoxiously bright. He assumed that some concessions might have been made on his behalf.


    ¡°Thanks, you two.¡± Jack chuckled softly. ¡°I¡¯ll admit that I need new clothes, but the black clothes aren¡¯t that bad¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Vanya told him with a giggle. ¡°We¡¯re not budging on that. Seriously, I get wanting to be stealthy when you¡¯re on one of your missions, but not when you¡¯re going to a waterpark!¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Jack sighed, realising he wasn¡¯t going to win this argument. ¡°How many credits do I owe you?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t,¡± Vanya bluntly told him. ¡°That interview you and the others gave on my podcast got me so many donations and so much traffic that buying you stuff is the least I could do. Hell, I¡¯m pretty sure some of the donation comments instructed me to buy you new clothes! Speaking of¡­¡±


    Vanya reached around and revealed another bag. ¡°This one is a gift we picked out for you before the double school. Have a look!¡±


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Jack smiled as he tentatively opened the bag, spotting some thick grey fabric that almost felt like cotton to his touch. Reverently pulling it out of the bag and opening it out, he could see that it was a long grey overcoat with many pockets and a long collar.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Jack finally spoke up as he tried it on unprompted. While he couldn¡¯t find a zip to close it up, there were subtle buttons that allowed him to, while the larger buttons on both sides were more for show, adding some symmetry. It was heavier than expected as he felt the fabric again.


    ¡°This should keep you warm in all but extreme weather.¡± Vanya grinned as she watched him. ¡°Apparently, according to the Militia Surplus guys, it¡¯s also got some inlay protection too that should reduce the impact of things.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s where you picked it up!¡± Jack grinned before looking at the both of them. ¡°Thank you so much, I really like this!¡±


    ¡°I am glad you like it!¡± Hessia smiled warmly. ¡°At the very least it will add some more colour to your outfit, even if it¡¯s still a neutral colour.¡±


    ¡°Could I just wear some rainbow socks and satisfy your criteria?¡± Jack teased, as both girls shuddered.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t.¡± Vanya shuddered. ¡°That would be super cringe!¡±


    ¡°Ten minute warning everyone!¡± Alora warned, as several figures on the ground got up and began shifting around the place.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good point.¡± Vanya gave Jack a devilish smile. ¡°I¡¯ve got my own outfits to wear, I can¡¯t wait to show them off to you and see what you think!¡±


    ¡°Um¡­right¡­¡± Jack gulped, at a complete loss for words as he backed away.


    ¡°I just want to swim.¡± Hessia awkwardly shrugged. ¡°You mammals are too thirsty!¡±


    *****


    With a newfound second wind of energy and excitement from being finally finished with double school, the group of high school friends quickly gathered their overnight bags and began making their way to Clan Ashtail¡¯s Tea Garden. The journey was a pleasant one as they casually strolled down the asphalt streets, and Jack could see that the activities of locals looked much more lively and easygoing than before, likely due to the recent conflicts finally beginning to de-escalate, at least on the surface.


    ¡°Well look at that. Checkpoints are back to normal.¡± Nika grinned as they turned onto a familiar road that led right to Clan Ashtail¡¯s territory.


    ¡°It makes sense to try and get everything back to normal,¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°Especially when the MegaCorps are focusing their fights in other parts of the city.¡±


    ¡°Amen to that.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to the waterpark, but there¡¯s other stuff too! The Etheria Grand Library sounds pretty cool!¡±


    You remembered the name! Chiyo beamed. Yes, I will definitely be taking you there when I can, and if you don¡¯t know where to start they have a lot of staff droids to get you started, though we will need to register you first and get you a library card.


    ¡°How long will that take? Will I be able to get that sorted within a day or will it take longer?¡± Jack asked. ¡°If it¡¯s the latter we should get that over with as soon as we can.¡±


    Chiyo shook her head. Same day, they¡¯re very efficient. Usually they like to ask a bunch of questions, and in your case they¡¯ll probably want to ask more than usual since you¡¯re an Outsider. They may also want to make you an offer and have one of their Scholars interview you to catalogue your species. You won¡¯t be penalised if you say no, they¡¯ll just keep the offer open and try and negotiate.


    ¡°Probably not a good idea right not considering how many people are coming after me.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°But I don¡¯t mind doing it once things calm down. Maybe they can help me somehow?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps they can, but that library is gigantic.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°You don¡¯t want to spend all of your time trawling through tomes and data slates¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, otherwise you¡¯ll turn into a big nerd like Chiyo!¡± Sephy grinned, and cackled as the Ilithii chased after her for the comment.


    ¡°The staff should be able to help you, but it¡¯ll cost you some money to get a passive search running on their system,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°It¡¯s not too expensive though, and I¡¯d say it¡¯s worth it, especially when doing the legwork for a Run.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a look later then.¡± Jack sighed, keeping his expression neutral as they made their way towards the Tea Garden entrance. He always kept his inner despair to himself, not wanting to bother the others, but he knew that it was unlikely he¡¯d ever be able to get back to Earth. Every night he went to sleep, part of him hoped that he would wake up in his normal room, back in his normal life.


    But another part of him wanted to stay.


    He didn¡¯t know what to do, and beneath the thin mask he wore, it was tearing him apart.


    The entrance to Clan Ashtail¡¯s Tea Garden greeted them all with a tinkling melody of chimes that swayed gently despite the lack of wind, announcing their presence as three Lizta dressed in professional attire pleasantly greeted them. They were all quickly guided down a freshly cleaned cobblestone path that led to several low wooden tables with students all sitting on plush cushions.


    ¡°Hey guys!¡± Kritch called out from one of the tables with a wave. ¡°I took the liberty of reserving this spot for all of us! Once we¡¯re all ready we can head to the Aquaplex!¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°And we have time for drinks too!¡±


    As the seated students spread out more to allow their friends to sit with them, the Lizta waiters handed a few tea menus out to them to peruse. Jack found himself sitting next to Kritch and Nika, with the Squa¡¯Kaar siblings sat opposite them. Jack did his best to avoid rolling his eyes at seeing the enthusiastic gaze of Rayle on the Lizta, and the amused one of Zayle.


    ¡°Got any recommendations?¡± He decided to ask Kritch to break the tension, indicating the menu of elegantly described brews.


    ¡°Depends, what kind of drink are you looking for?¡± The Lizta asked with a grin.


    ¡°Anything with a kick?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Not a problem!¡± Kritch grinned. ¡°We have a really good one with fermented herbs and some spices that¡¯ll definitely put a spring in your step! I¡¯m not on duty but I might as well try and make it easier for my kin that are!¡±


    ¡°Those aren¡¯t laced with drugs or anything, are they?¡± Nika asked with a grin.


    ¡°Hah! No!¡± Kritch snorted. ¡°Grandfather¡¯s open to that idea, but we still want our customers lucid enough to pay and not cause any trouble! Plus if they end up not coming back after joining Commander Cocaine or something stupid it¡¯s super bad for business! We¡¯re always working on new flavours, so maybe in the future!¡±


    ¡°Does your Clan have any ties to the Greenwardens?¡± Rayle asked excitedly. ¡°With all the amount of herbs and teas you offer you must know some powerful druids?¡±


    ¡°Heh, well I can¡¯t really give away our trade secrets!¡± Kritch shuffled a little awkwardly as he saw both Squa¡¯Kaar staring at him. ¡°But we tend to grow and cultivate a lot ourselves, and we trade for the rest. I mean sure, we know some local Greenwarden Circles, but they¡¯re mostly bored neighbourhood housewives with nothing better to do that tend to host their meetings here. All the power to them I guess, but they¡¯re more horticulturalists than herbalists.¡±


    ¡°Must be tricky in the middle of a huge city.¡± Jack noted, before remembering the time when Clan Ashtail snuck them out through their tunnel network. Hmm. Just how far down did those tunnels go, and did they link to the vast subterranean network of caverns known as the Gloom Paths?


    Probably. Hell, it was pretty much a certainty.


    If it was possible for absolute madlads to bury shipping containers underground to use as an illegal weed farm on Earth, it was definitely doable to grow other stuff underground in a subterranean cavern. He didn¡¯t say any of that aloud however.


    ¡°Hey Kritch, could you help us with these teas?¡± A voice called out from in the distance, causing the Lizta to roll his eyes as he got up from the bench.


    ¡°Sorry guys, duty calls! I¡¯ll be right back!¡± Kritch grinned. ¡°Save my spot!¡±


    ¡°No worries!¡± Jack nodded with a grin of his own, watching the Lizta quickly scamper off before noting Rayle looking conflicted. ¡°You should just talk to him about what you¡¯re feeling, you know. What¡¯s the worst that can happen?¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Rayle sighed. ¡°But I do not know if he would be receptive to the idea and I do not wish to offend. Clan Ashtail may be seeking a betrothal arrangement from another Lizta Clan, or perhaps Kritch does not feel the same way.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t know if you don¡¯t ask.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°And he won¡¯t be a dick about it. What kind of thing are you even looking for?¡±


    ¡°Companionship.¡± Rayle shrugged. ¡°It is natural to seek comfort in the arms of another you feel a connection to. And while I will need to meet another of a compatible species to rear young as nature intended, that is not a time for now.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I mean, I was wondering about how that kind of stuff works. I¡¯ve seen cross-species relationships before, but I¡¯m unsure of where having children fits in.¡±


    ¡°Thinking a little ahead are we?¡± Nika chuckled as her tail wrapped around him and pulled him in for a joking side-hug. ¡°I mean, high school is high school. Might as well have fun, right?¡±


    She grinned before getting a little more serious. ¡°Well, you¡¯ve just been in and around the city where you see all sorts here, but it¡¯s much simpler around the Ring where there are settlements with just a single species, or just a handful of integrated ones. Even among the biggest cities Naganai is a notable exception.¡±


    I would argue that the school is a major continuous reason for this. Chiyo reasoned, perking up from down the bench at overhearing their conversation. The most diverse spread of species all attending one place? It is only natural that many would seek to lay roots here too. Add in the Temple of Hope, the Etheria Grand Library and other such places, and you get many settling here permanently.


    ¡°So basically Naganai is the exception, rather than the rule?¡± Jack asked, and those around the table that were listening nodded.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Usually the more commonly seen species have their own support network in place to keep tabs on one another, with some forming Tribes and settling a few districts, so that¡¯s how families come about with them. You¡¯ve obviously met some Clans too, and they normally have a line to the nearest neighbouring Clans of their species. If they¡¯re not feuding then they¡¯re trading, and depending on the culture of the species might try and play matchmaker if they think a match could work.¡±


    ¡°Though different species have their own ways of doing things,¡± Zayle spoke up politely, having been content to listen so far.


    ¡°I see.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°What about you, Zayle?¡± He asked casually, knowing in the back of his head that Kritch had seemed more into the Shaman than the Druid, though for the life of him he had no idea why. The two of them seemed similar enough to him after all¡­


    ¡°I am not bothered.¡± The Squa¡¯Kaar shrugged. ¡°As a Shaman I have my spirits to keep me company, so I am never truly lonely. I¡¯ll go along with something if it happens but I do not feel the same strong urge my sibling does. I like Kritch, but I¡¯m happy as things are as dear friends.¡±


    As for species that are rare and alone like us, Chiyo added, getting back on topic. There are always ways, but it becomes more difficult as you can imagine. Usually if there is an urge, people can simply move to where the crops are, but if not they may instead choose to settle with another of a¡­compatible species for the purposes of procreation if it is possible.


    ¡°Wait, so xeno-compatibility is actually a thing?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°HAH! Should we all be worried?¡± Nika grinned, as other heads down the table turned in unabashed amusement and curiosity. ¡°You getting ideas Jack?¡±


    Jack just gave Nika a very, very unamused look as the table erupted in laughter


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumours about some species resorting to science and magic to make such a thing possible, especially if their species is in danger of extinction, but that¡¯s extremely rare,¡± Nika told him as the table calmed down once again. ¡°Most tend to stick with their own kind if they can.¡±


    It is naturally possible with some species, but in very specific circumstances. Chiyo told him. From the species you are familiar with, the races that compose the Squa¡¯Kaar are all compatible with each other, and the Hoduth are known to have this trait, though fertility rates with another species are extremely low. The most well known example however are Dragons that can mate with most races, however they are very selective in their partners, as you well know. They tend to seek powerful individuals first and foremost, though rare and unusual species may also attract their attention.


    ¡°Speaking of¡­¡± Nika indicated behind them.


    They all turned to see Kritch helping his fellow Lizta carry several trays of tea towards them, and as the first pots arrived they could all smell the fragrant clouds that danced around the table.


    But behind them¡­


    ¡°Hi Jack!¡±


    Luvia beamed as the dragon bound over to him, quickly sitting next to him in Kritch¡¯s vacated spot and wrapping her arm around him possessively before he even realised what had happened. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you in ages! I¡¯ve missed you!¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Jack began, completely lost for words and Luvia pulled him in for a tight hug. ¡°Hi Luvia¡­¡±


    ¡®Oh dear god.¡¯ He thought to himself.


    This was not going to end well¡­

 Chapter 109: The Aquaplex

    ¡°Holy shit¡­.¡± Jack gasped, eyes wide in sheer amazement and awe.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Alora grinned from next to him. ¡°Told you that you¡¯d be impressed!¡±


    The colossal domed glass structures of the Aquaplex were visually stunning, looking almost like a cluster of bubbles that stood as a dazzling spectacle against the backdrop of the neon lights and tall buildings of the city around them. Even through the mostly opaque glass, Jack could see the smallest hints of the waterslides, flumes and tubes snaking around inside the structures.


    Looking from side to side in amazement, he could see that the buildings encompassed most of the district, verifying Nika¡¯s claims that the Aquaplex was at least several square miles all around.


    Even better! No queues! Chiyo told them, indicating the mostly deserted courtyard in front of the entrance, with only a few groups of students hanging around, likely waiting for them.


    Indeed, as Jack looked around the soft, rubbery tarmac that wouldn¡¯t have been out of place at an outdoor playpark, he could see many neat, organised white lines and slots for temporary queue barriers that could be easily set up during peak times. He didn¡¯t even want to think about what the wait times would be for a place like this!


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Alora called out to the group and the many other students who were tagging along, indicating the entrance.


    ¡°YES!¡± Everyone called back with a cheer.


    ¡°You ready boy?¡± Jack whispered to Dante, who had been happily padding alongside him ever since he had managed to unlatch himself from Luvia.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked back enthusiastically.


    The reception to the Aquaplex was a spacious area with sleek, minimalist decor that was cosily heated, with only a few passive security robots and turrets discreetly tucked away. Several booths at the checkpoint up ahead were manned by droids, under the supervision of a friendly attendant in a green uniform who was happy to greet them, making a few gestures to some other staff droids that quickly moved away to do something.


    Alora strode up to the nearest booth and gave the reception droid a winning smile.


    ¡°Hello! I¡¯ve already booked a full Day-Cycle all-inclusive stay for myself and my companions here, under the name Glenphyranix,¡± Alora politely informed the droid. ¡°And I understand that due to this I should be entitled to some referral discounts? May those be applied to the other students joining us today?¡±


    ¡°Calculating¡­.¡± The droid informed them, as a few lights on their display blinked several times. ¡°Confirmed. A hard limit maximum of 20 referral discounts is normally imposed, however as this is an off-peak time and you now qualify as a VIP customer, the Aquaplex is more than willing to relax this limit.¡±


    ¡°A VIP customer?¡± Alora asked curiously.


    ¡°Due to your recent purchase history, you are now considered a VIP customer!¡± The bot informed cheerily, and Jack could see the supervisor in the background pick up on this and hurry to give whispered orders to the service bots. ¡°You now qualify for a VIP card that entitles you and up to 10 designated others to several benefits!¡±


    ¡°You doshed out a shitload of credits for our booking during a dry spell,¡± Sephy whispered to Alora. ¡°No wonder they want to reward you!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Sounds good to me! Will it take long to register?¡±


    ¡°Utilising the details you used to make the booking, it shall only be a minor inconvenience,¡± The droid clarified in its ¡®enthusiastic customer service voice. ¡°We may also add your ¡®designated others¡¯ at any time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already got a card myself!¡± Luvia called out. ¡°I highly recommend it! Some of the exclusive benefits are just divine!¡±


    ¡°If it won¡¯t take too long, then I¡¯ll register myself and a few others now!¡± Alora smiled politely, indicating the other members of the Shadowrunner team.


    ¡°Confirmed!¡± The bot chirped happily. ¡°Your VIP card is now being generated and will be provided to you upon your exit. In the interim, staff have been informed of your VIP status and will not impede you. Please make your way through the barriers and we hope you enjoy your stay!¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Alora beamed as she and the rest of the household made their way through.


    ¡°So we¡¯re VIPs now?¡± Sephy asked with a grin. ¡°Fuck yeah!¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± The supervisor behind the reception droids walked up and greeted them with a smile as several members of staff, droid and organic alike, came out of a side alcove bearing trays packed with several fruity-looking cocktails, with one tray having glasses that looked fancier than the others. ¡°Please enjoy a welcome cocktail, plus a little something extra for our latest VIP Customers!¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡± Jack exclaimed with a grin as a smiling attendant handed him a glass full of green liquid from the ¡®posh tray¡¯. ¡°We¡¯re just missing the red wine and chocolates!¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately wine and sweet treats are for Premium Customers only!¡± The manager smiled apologetically, handing him another cocktail from one of the ¡®normie¡¯ trays before turning away. This one was a yellow liquid, and Jack could smell the pungent fruity aroma.


    ¡°It¡¯s all good, I was only joking.¡± Jack snorted in amusement, as he took a sip of the yellow liquid, immediately doing a double-take. ¡°Damn that¡¯s sweet! Thanks! I¡¯ll be bouncing off the walls with this one!¡±


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯ll keep us all awake and active after school at least!¡± Sephy grinned as she moved to join him. ¡°VIP status huh? Damn, it¡¯s good to be a Shadowrunner!¡±


    Let¡¯s make sure our friends get through first before we change. Chiyo smiled as another droid indicated a waiting area, with plush seats brought out for the VIPs.


    ¡°Agreed!¡± Nika grinned as she took a good sip of the green cocktail, looking impressed.


    *****


    Eventually their friends were able to get through, and Jack saw that many other students he didn¡¯t recognise were forming a short queue behind the initial batch. He guessed that word had quickly spread that something cool was going on.


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s all of us through.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Finish your drinks and let¡¯s get changed!¡±


    ¡°Are there lockers or something similar on the other side?¡± Jack asked, seeing his friends nod.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Advanced biometric locks too so you don¡¯t get your stuff stolen¡­not that I¡¯ve tried to do that or anything¡­¡±


    ¡°Sure¡­¡± Jack smirked with a roll of his eyes, as he saw the hall branch out into many, many rows of private cubicles, with signs pointing towards various specialised areas that he assumed catered for the diverse species that would come here.


    ¡°Jack¡­¡± Luvia purred from behind him, reaching around with her arms and playfully holding onto him, tracing her claw lightly across his chest. ¡°There are some specialised VIP changing rooms for couples. Perhaps you and I should indulge? I¡¯ve wanted to blow off some steam for the past two weeks, and I can only imagine you feel similarly. The senses of a dragon do not lie¡­¡±


    ¡°Ummmm¡­.¡± Jack nervously recoiled, his voice rising several octaves.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a couple,¡± Nika deadpanned, grabbing Jack and pulling him away.


    ¡°As you say¡­¡± Luvia sighed, walking away to one of the other booths, swaying her hips seductively as she did so. Turning briefly, she grinned mischievously as she saw how flustered Jack was, blowing him a kiss that caused him to turn almost as red as her.


    ¡°Damn, she¡¯s going all out!¡± Nika chucked as she and Jack moved to another row that was deserted. ¡°Though I think after the two weeks of hell we just had I expect most everyone to be feeling similar in their own way.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jack gasped, releasing the breath he didn¡¯t know he had been holding in. He couldn¡¯t deny that a stupid, primal part of him was tempted by Luvia¡¯s constant flirting, but the rational side of his mind didn¡¯t want to compromise his ¡®situationship¡¯ with the others. That was a minefield in itself¡­


    ¡°Good.¡± The Kizun grinned, before getting serious. ¡°You good? Mate-guarding can be a little cringe but I figured you weren¡¯t up for it and just too polite to cause a scene.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡± Jack smirked. ¡°And yeah, I just didn¡¯t know what to do! It¡¯s just that¡¯s not something that¡¯s ever really happened to me before.¡±


    ¡°Dragons tend to be very direct with their desires, especially when they feel it¡¯s within reach. Don¡¯t completely hold it against her.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Besides she¡¯s not the only one, I reckon Vanya might make another try, especially after shopping for you. Healthy or not, you saved her life during a very traumatic time for her.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack sighed, before suddenly looking at her curious. ¡°What about you? You seem very casual about this, I know Sephy and Chiyo don¡¯t like the idea of others wanting in on the whole ¡®situationship¡¯ thing and Alora just wants to keep the peace¡­¡±


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Nika laughed. ¡°Honestly as long as there¡¯s no hypocrisy going on and you¡¯re cool with any of us having other partners aside from you, then it¡¯s all fair and good. Making things more complicated than that is for when we¡¯re all much older.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack nodded, not finding himself disagreeing. ¡°But I guess with how quickly things have been happening and what¡¯s been going on I¡¯m completely lost. All I know is how I feel about you and the others, and I don¡¯t want anything to hurt you or compromise what we have.¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s the problem with being polyamorous!¡± The Kizun grinned. ¡°Of course it¡¯s going to be complicated! At least you know where I stand on the whole thing.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded with an embarrassed chuckle. ¡°Couple-themed changing rooms? Do I even want to know?¡±


    ¡°Probably close to what you think it is!¡± The Kizun laughed. ¡°Heh, you sure you don¡¯t want to go for it?¡± She smirked, looking at Jack jokingly, but with a slight hint of seriousness on her face. ¡°The VIP perks are there to be used!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not ready for that kind of stuff.¡± Jack sighed honestly. ¡°In my country it wouldn¡¯t even be legal.¡±


    ¡°You need a loicense for that?¡± Nika asked, sticking her tongue out at using the human meme often associated with his country.


    ¡°Hah!¡± Jack snorted. ¡°Plenty of guys my age say they have, and some of them might not even be lying. But for me, I¡¯m not ready. I¡¯m happy with all of you and the good times we¡¯ve shared, but I¡¯m still learning how to function here, let alone actually live my life.¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s why we¡¯re here.¡± Nika shrugged as she opened the door to one of the booths. Jack could see that there was a bench and a door on the other side, presumably leading directly to the action.  ¡°See you on the other side?¡±


    ¡°See you there,.¡± Jack confirmed.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked.


    ¡°Oh yeah, I almost forgot you were there!¡± Jack grinned ruffling the dog¡¯s fur, before looking up and realising they were on their own. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re going to have to wait for us on the other side, I¡¯m not getting changed in front of you!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be long!¡±


    *****


    Jack was thankful that the pair of black board shorts Vanya and Hessia had gotten him were a good fit, and didn''t feel like they could easily slip off down a slide or anything. Though the prospect was in reality ridiculous, he occasionally had the same irrational nightmare many humans had - somehow being caught naked in a public setting.


    Though come to think of it - would it really be the worst thing he¡¯s done here?


    Hearing Dante stir from the other side of the door jolted him out of his funk, and he quickly stuffed his clothes and gear into his bag, though he kept his new bracers on.


    Just in case.


    Opening the door he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he was met by the expectant Dante, who was giving him a big, wide doggy grin as they wagged their tails in anticipation, knocking against the wooden doors of the changing rooms like the beating of a drum.


    ¡°You done Jack?¡± Nika asked from her cubicle, stuffing her bag in much the same way as Jack did his. ¡°Gimmie a sec!¡±


    Jack''s heart raced as the door swung open, revealing Nika. While they had often seen each other in workout clothes, today was different. Nika emerged in a tight-fitting navy blue suit that accentuated her sporty physique. The high-neck top and hipster bottoms left Jack momentarily breathless, and he couldn''t help but feel a flush of embarrassment as he sensed Nika''s reciprocal reaction.


    His face turned crimson, and Jack struggled to regain composure. ¡°Shit, I forgot my meds,¡± the Kizun finally admitted with a chuckle, breaking the tension a few seconds later.


    ¡°At least you have that excuse,¡± Jack responded, suppressing a nervous giggle. To distract himself, he focused on a spot on the ceiling, attempting to conceal his flustered state. ¡°You look good, by the way!¡±


    Nika, still blushing, retorted with a satisfied grin, ¡°You¡¯re making it worse! And you actually have a bit more muscle than I thought. Not too aesthetically unpleasing either! Feels strange that you lack fur, though!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante, the dog, barked, surprising them both and prompting a burst of laughter.


    ¡°You be quiet!¡± Jack jokingly pleaded, petting Dante, who seemed to revel in the moment.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Nika grinned mischievously as she sauntered past Jack, playfully slapping him on the ass as she went.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go, boy!¡± Jack called after the rather bemused Dante.


    ¡°Woof!¡± responded Dante, adding a touch of canine enthusiasm.


    Making their way down the seemingly endless rows of changing rooms, the three of them followed the signs leading to the lockers, having agreed with the others beforehand the general area they¡¯d keep their stuff. Following a purple line leading to a cluster of decently sized lockers of the same colour, Jack and Nika quickly stowed most of their weapons and clothes, with the exception of Jack¡¯s bracers which subtly cloaked themselves against his skin, and Nika¡¯s collapsible staff which was magnetically clipped to her hip.


    ¡°So we¡¯re meeting everyone at the showers, right?¡± Jack questioned.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Aquaplex rules need everyone decontaminated before they go into the pool, so we might as well¡­um¡­cool off while we wait for the others, since we agreed to all go in together, though knowing them they¡¯ll probably be taking their sweet time.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Everyone¡¯s been excited about this for weeks!¡±


    Nika shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°Alora¡¯s probably doing her hair and focusing on looking pretty, Chiyo¡¯s probably being self-conscious about her body and Sephy¡¯s probably flicking the bean.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°I imagine Luvia, Vanya and most of the others are doing all of the above.¡±


    ¡°Point taken.¡± Jack chuckled as they made their way to the showers, seeing a few of their friends already there.


    ¡°Hey you two!¡± Kritch grinned from a bench to the side, wrapped in a towel and likely having been the first to change and shower, sipping on another cocktail that he had acquired from somewhere. ¡°You¡¯re just in time! Ploo just took a huge ¡®L¡¯ and you can help him try and feel better!¡±


    ¡°I hate you Kritch.¡± Plooderoo sighed.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Nika asked as she, Jack and Dante took their spots underneath the showers, which automatically turned on, hazing them in lukewarm water that smelled to Jack like store-brand budget cleaning products which he took a few moments to quickly cover himself with. It was hardly a comfortable sensation, but it was not too dissimilar a rule from some water parks on Earth.


    ¡°Can¡¯t say I blame him for trying!¡± Bentom grinned, the armadillo-like alien showering opposite them with her sister. ¡°After you left, Vaal and Zook went into one of the ¡®couples¡¯ rooms, and when Ploo tried to invite Klikko into one she didn¡¯t exactly take it well.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I did wrong!¡± The hulking, tentacled coral-saur lamented. ¡°It worked for Vaal! Everything was going so well too!¡±


    ¡°Alcohol tends to be a good cure for these things.¡± Jack grinned, patting Ploo on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t dwell on it too much!¡±


    ¡°Easy for you to say.¡± Plooderoo harrumphed. ¡°Klikko walked away and I have no idea where she is. I hope I haven¡¯t fucked everything up¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe you just caught her off guard?¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°I¡¯d just give it time for things to calm down. And speaking of alcohol¡­¡±


    ¡°Would our honoured guests enjoy a fresh beverage?¡± A passing staff droid chirped as it travelled along a rail along the ceiling, with several glasses holstered securely in trays that it dangled down to offer to the bemused students.


    ¡°Sure, thanks!¡± Jack grinned, scanning his palm on the pay pad and taking one of the glasses, quickly having a sip of a very sweet, syrupy sparkling drink that reminded him of a sprite mixed with a hell of a lot of grenadine. ¡°No alcohol on this one but it¡¯s really good! Damn I could get used to this!¡±


    ¡°Yeah I like that one!¡± Kritch grinned. ¡°Really gets you moving!¡±


    ¡°Well it¡¯s working!¡± Nika chuckled, before yelling out ¡°Hurry up you lot!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Oh, hey there, Chiyo!¡± Nika called over about five minutes later as students gradually made their way to the showers, preparing for their aquatic adventure. Some of the tag-alongs headed straight through to the pools, and Jack noted that even more students were showing up at the front. However, he knew that the majority would only be staying for a few hours.


    Hello¡­ Chiyo nervously spoke up as she approached them. Jack couldn''t help but gulp at the sight of her in an orange high-waist tankini that accentuated her curves, leaving her stomach exposed. The Ilithii¡¯s blue skin immediately turned purple the moment she noticed Jack looking her way, yet she still joined them as she quickly took her pre-shower. The others were just finishing up behind me.


    ¡°I should damn well hope so!¡± Nika snorted. ¡°We¡¯re waiting on them to shift their arses!¡±


    They¡¯re not missing the wave pool for anything; they won¡¯t be long. Chiyo smiled shyly, her eyes lingering slightly on Jack. Although she had seen the human nude in their shared mindscape weeks ago, seeing him in the flesh was an entirely different experience. As Jack¡¯s eyes turned to her, the Ilithii quickly checked his aura, causing her skin to turn a much deeper shade of purple as she sensed the sheer lust he was trying to suppress. Did I miss drinks? she asked, swiftly attempting to change the subject and divert her thoughts.


    ¡°The bot comes around every ten minutes or so, so it shouldn¡¯t be long before it shows up again,¡± Kritch shrugged, remaining relaxed in his seat. ¡°If Vaal and Zook don¡¯t finish up by the time I finish my next drink, I¡¯m just going to go on ahead without them.


    ¡°That¡¯s a fair rule,¡± Jack proposed.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about that!¡± A cheerful voice called out as Sephy quickly bounded up to them, efficiently completing the bare minimum pre-shower routine before snagging Jack¡¯s towel to dry herself off. Alora and a few others followed closely behind.


    ¡°You took your sweet time!¡± Jack jokingly told them.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed.


    ¡°Well, to be fair, I have some cyber which I don¡¯t want to get wet!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Like what you see?¡± She winked, spinning around in her bright green tight-fitting shorts and crop top, giving Jack a cheeky pose as the human blushed at the Skritta¡¯s playfulness.


    Isn¡¯t your cyber all internal and impervious to water, Sephy? Chiyo asked the Skritta with raised eyebrows, placing her hands on her hips as Sephy looked momentarily nervous before deciding to just shrug it off and not bother with a retort.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure this is most of us!¡± Alora spoke up, taking care not to mess up her hair while taking her shower, looking elegant in her pink skirted one piece. ¡°Did Luvia, Vanya or the Squa¡¯Kaar come by?¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t seen them.¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°Kritch?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± Kritch shook his head. ¡°I was the first out.¡±


    Suddenly a strange alarm sounded out as a series of peculiar and melodic tones that echoed through the corridor leading to the pools. Jack looked around in alarm and settled into a stance before Sephy put a reassuring arm around him.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry!¡± The Skritta grinned. ¡°That¡¯s just the ten-minute warning for the wave pool! And like hell I¡¯m waiting up for Luvia to miss that! We should ditch her ass!¡±


    ¡°I heard that!¡± The voice of Luvia bellowed from somewhere in the distance.


    ¡°We¡¯re coming!¡± They heard the panicked voice of Vanya add to that.


    ¡°Well you had better hurry up everyone!¡± Alora called out. ¡°It¡¯s time to make a splash!¡±

 Chapter 110: Cold Plunge Pool

    ¡°Woah¡­¡± Jack gasped as they were met with a breathtaking bright vibrant light that illuminated the literal biome around them, the vast glass dome of the Aquaplex efficiently reflecting the light from the outside to shine down on the glittering pools around them.


    It was an amazing sight that far surpassed any expectations Jack might have had about this place. Looking around he could see palm-like trees and other flora that made the Aquaplex look like a captivating lush tropical oasis.


    It was beautiful.


    As Jack stepped forward, he felt the soft sand beneath his toes, and looking down he realised he was on some kind of an artificial beach, where sunbeds were sitting in rows around them with groups of students congregated around, happily relaxing and adding to the pleasant ambience of people having fun without a care, content to enjoy themselves without the stresses and dangers of their insane lives.


    Suddenly they were interrupted once again by that same melodic chime that echoed all throughout the Aquaplex, and several people rushed out towards the massive pool right in front of them, which was surrounded on most sides by faux-rock cliffs and tropical plants.


    That was the five minute warning! Chiyo informed them.


    ¡°Wave pool! Everyone in and where you want to be before it starts!¡± Alora called out to everyone behind them, and the gang of students wasted no time. With eager faces they quickly made their way over to the massive pool and dipped their toes in the water, with Jack enjoying the relative warmth.


    ¡°There¡¯s a big gap over there we can go for!¡± Alora pointed, quickly pulling out something small from one of her swimsuit pockets, pressing something and allowing the inflatable to quickly enlarge in size. ¡°I don¡¯t want to mess up my hair though!¡±


    ¡°Alora, it¡¯s a waterpark, why the hell are you worried about your hair?¡± Nika rolled her eyes before fully jumping into a deep bit. ¡°Race you there!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re on!¡± Jack grinned as he jumped in too, quickly followed by Sephy.


    ¡°For goodness sake, wait up!¡± Alora huffed as the rubber ring automatically increased in size, using some kind of mechanism to inflate itself.


    ¡®So much for wanting to stick together¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself as he swam forward, trying his best to catch up to Nika, with the Kizun being faster than him in the water, with Sephy also managing to pull ahead of him, using her wings to increase her momentum. He assumed that being heavier and larger than the two worked against him in this race, before he sensed a blue form moving effortlessly through the water, quickly overtaking him, Sephy and Nika before stopping at the spot they picked.


    I win. Chiyo shrugged with an extremely smug look.


    ¡°That¡¯s not swimming and you know it, Chiyo!¡± Nika told the Ilithii as they caught up.


    I believe your exact words were ¡®race you there¡¯... The Ilithii chucked. You never said how!


    ¡°You can hover through water?¡± Jack asked, slightly confused. The only time he had ever seen Chiyo move nearly as quickly was when they had to run from the Cult of the Destroyer.


    I certainly can! The Ilithii told him. Remember when I told you that my ability to hover works by exerting psionic force on the ground below and around me?


    ¡°So¡­the same principle applies for water,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°You can push off it much easier since you¡¯re submerged and that¡¯s why you can move faster!¡±


    That¡¯s right! Chiyo nodded. If a bit simply put. My people¡¯s homeworld is mostly water, so that¡¯s how we evolved that ability in the first place.


    ¡°Still cheating though!¡± Sephy pointed out, causing the Ilithii to cheekily stick her tongue out.


    ¡°Oh good, it hasn¡¯t started yet.¡± Alora panted as she paddled her rubber ring over to them, with Dante grinning as he lay on top of it.


    ¡°Nope!¡± Sephy confirmed. ¡°Um¡­are you sure it¡¯s a good idea to have an animal that can shoot electricity in the pool? Do we know if he can swim?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re asking that question now?¡± Alora rolled her eyes. ¡°He seems happy enough to join us and he can just blink to one of the ledges if he doesn¡¯t like it.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked in agreement.


    Suddenly a final alarm rang out, and everybody in the pool cheered, while many more from outside began sprinting towards them.


    ¡°And so it begins!¡± Alora grinned.


    Jack stayed where he was treading water as he looked ahead to the deepest end of the pool, where some kind of machine was growling at the back wall, causing the water beneath them to swell and churn, quickly sending the first wave towards them, causing a collective thrill that surged through all the excited students as the powerful wave lifted them up as it passed.


    Jack stuck close to the others as he began to wonder what the hype was even about, before the subsequent waves came at him more fiercely and intensely to the point where he couldn¡¯t help but whoop and cheer with the other students as the waves waxed and waned, completely caught up in the sheer awesomeness that was going on around them.


    Alora had been joined by a few students who had quickly realised that they had bitten off more than they could chew, and were grateful for the support of her inflatable, holding on to the side of it as they recomposed themselves and recovered.


    ¡°Last wave¡¯s a big one!¡± Nika called out to Jack. ¡°Get ready!¡±


    With a deep, thunderous sound, Jack could see the deep end of the pool suck in a large amount of water before rapidly spitting it out, sending a huge tidal wave well over twice his height headed towards them.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Jack gasped as he quickly held his breath before being battered by the wave, sending him tumbling for several seconds until he was able to right himself. Looking around he could see the others were alright, and he happily joined in the cheers as the waves began to subside.


    ¡°That was awesome!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°What are we gonna do next?¡±


    ¡°Hey, Vaal!¡± Nika yelled out, and Jack looked around to try and spot the Eladra who was chilling out nearby with his fellow Red Legion aspirants. ¡°Cold Plunge Pool!¡±


    ¡°Oh no, not that¡­.¡± Alora groaned. ¡°Why do you insist on torturing yourself by going through that every time we come here?¡± Alora questioned.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s character building!¡± Nika smirked. ¡°You should give it a go!¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Alora emphatically shook her head, joined by Chiyo.


    ¡°So this is, what? An ice bath or something?¡± Jack asked curiously, and saw the others nod.


    ¡°Yup! Pretty much!¡± Sephy perked up at the idea as it seemed to spread amongst their fellow students. ¡°Though most people just jump in and get out as quick as they can!¡±


    ¡°Sounds fun!¡± Jack grinned as they swam back, following the flow of the crowd that was leaving the wave pool, though several were content to stay and relax in the now-still water. Swimming to the side he could see that there was a subtle ramp that came up the side of the pool Vaal was leading the others up, mostly hidden amongst the foliage that apparently led to where they were going.


    Climbing a set of ramps and walkways that revealed even more of the lush indoor rainforest they were walking through, they suddenly found themselves in a small tundra biome, with a few flumes and a food stall that seemed to sell frozen cocktails and cubes of fruit. Looking around Jack could see a few rugged, durable-looking trees and grasses that fit the cold, mountainous aesthetic of this small, tucked-away area at the edge of the Aquaplex. Along one side was the long lip of an ominous-looking pool that emitted a subtle, ghostly mist, hinting at the frozen hell that awaited. There were no seats or places to rest, save for the raised platforms all around that allowed for a quick exit.


    All around were hilariously over-the-top warning and danger signs that this pool was not for the faint of heart, but nonetheless several students eagerly approached.


    ¡°Alright lads!¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°Who takes the plunge first? Kritch? You up for it?¡±


    ¡°Hey! No way I¡¯m going first!¡± The Lizta exclaimed in a panic, backing away.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°Aaaaare you scared?¡± Plooderoo thundered out.


    ¡°Hell no!¡± Kritch retorted a little too quickly. ¡°I just need to psyche myself up! Why don¡¯t you go first if you¡¯re so tough!?¡±


    ¡°My heart is already frozen¡­¡± The Ploothe began, before being quickly cut off by the groans of many of the other lads around them that had already heard of what the overly romantic Ploo had gone through.


    ¡°That¡¯s ultra cringe!¡± Karzen snorted in amusement, the armadillo-girl shaking her head. ¡°One of us ladies should show you how it¡¯s done, it seems like we¡¯ve got more balls than you guys! Nika! You¡¯re up!¡±


    ¡°What? Why me?¡± The Kizun exclaimed. ¡°You¡¯re the one that wants to show them how it¡¯s done!¡±


    ¡°Frost should do it!¡± One of the other students called out. ¡°It¡¯s in his name!¡±


    ¡°Oh for fucks sake¡­¡± Jack groaned as the crowd immediately turned on him, causing him to look at the dark depths of the still water that called to him like a siren¡¯s beckoning. ¡°Alright guys, I¡¯ll do it...it can¡¯t be that bad, can it?¡±


    ¡°Jack! You don¡¯t need to feel pressured to do something you don¡¯t want to do!¡± Alora sighed as she walked up to him. ¡°Peer pressure isn¡¯t-AAAAAAAAA!¡±


    The Eladrie was caught completely off guard as, with an almighty yelp of panic, she was shoved towards the pool. Her arms flailed momentarily, resembling a gymnast executing an impromptu routine, which did nothing to delay the inevitable as Alora plopped into the pool, causing an almighty splash before she quickly surfaced in a series of gasps, screams and flailing around as she sped towards the lip of the pool.


    ¡°What?¡± Sephy grinned guiltily as everyone began laughing. ¡°Someone had to do it!¡±


    ¡°SEPHY YOU¡¯RE FUCKING DEAD!¡± Alora yelled in a fit of rage as she scrambled up the steps. ¡°YOU RUINED MY HAIR!¡±


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± The Skritta laughed as she moved away. ¡°Jack! Help!¡±


    ¡°Nope, I¡¯m outta here!¡± Jack grinned as he jumped in.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± He gasped as his body clammed up like a vice, sending a jolt through his body that squeezed out a gasp from him, and all around him he could sense several others jumping in and having much the same reaction as him!


    ¡°Stay in if you¡¯re not a coward!¡± Vaal spoke up as he clutched at his chest, and Jack closed his eyes and fought through the sudden shock, slowly beginning to get used to the uncomfortable suggestion.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Chiyo, the water¡¯s fine!¡± Jack grinned, causing the Ilithii to shake her head at him with an exasperated expression.


    Honestly I don¡¯t understand why anybody would put their body through so much stress! Chiyo told him. It completely defies logic!


    ¡°How will you know if you don¡¯t try?¡± Jack asked, doing his best to hide his chattering teeth.


    No, I¡¯m afraid that you won¡¯t be persuading me to join you on your foolish pissing contest. Chiyo shook her head as Jack chuckled, causing the Ilithii to look around her, paranoid of anyone looking to try and push her in.


    ¡°Your loss!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Cannonball!¡±


    Jack covered his face as the Kizun made an almighty splash, before almost immediately grabbing onto him in shock like a chimpanzee with her claws, though Jack barely felt any pain from his own numbness.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s much colder than expected!¡± Nika finally managed out, still clinging on. ¡°You cool if I stay like this for a bit? You¡¯re kinda warm!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like it!¡± Jack chattered back as Chiyo watched on in amusement, occasionally catching glances of a very angry Alora chasing Sephy as the onlookers cheered on.


    ¡°Come on Kritch! In you come!¡± Vaal called out with a smirk as Zook clutched onto him.


    ¡°I''m still hyping myself up!¡± The Lizta called back with false confidence.


    ¡°Dooooo it!¡± Plooderoo called back, quickly starting a chant.


    ¡°We''ll do a countdown!¡± Vaal announced. ¡°3¡­.2¡­1¡­¡±


    ¡°Damnit!¡± Krich cursed as he leapt high, much higher than Jack would have thought possible from the small Lizta, and did a forward flip, making a small splash as the spectators cheered, drowning out his litany of swear words.


    ¡°Alright, that''s most of the Deathball team in here!¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°Sephy! You''re up!¡±


    ¡°I think that''s for the best!¡± The Skritta panted from somewhere in the distance. ¡°By the gods Alora! You''d make a great Deathballer!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante abruptly barked, deciding to join in the fun as he lept in too with laughter from the others, before immediately regretting the decision and paddling back to safety, showering the nearby bystanders in icy water.


    Suddenly Chiyo swiftly hoovered back and over the water as a fleeing Skritta lost her balance and belly flopped face-first into the water, having tried to pull the Ilithii in with her.


    ¡°Curses!¡± Sephy spluttered as she surfaced to raucous laughter from everybody watching.


    Serves you right! Chiyo chided from above the water. That''s what you get for trying to fool me! Honestly, did you think-NO!


    Quickly, before Chiyo could react, Jack grabbed the Ilithii by the ankle and yanked her down into the water.


    It was only fair.


    After several minutes of a very angry Ilithii hosing Jack with the readily available ice water, Chiyo, Alora and Dante decided to split from the rest of the group in favour of a hot pool, while the rest decided to stay in the cold plunge pool, not wanting to be the first to give up and leave.


    Peer pressure was a hell of a thing.


    ¡°I think Kritch is starting to break!¡± Sephy chattered from where she mirrored Nika clutched onto Jack¡¯s other side. ¡°He¡¯s gonna be the first out!¡°


    ¡°Hell no!¡± Kritch shivered, the smallest among them clearly suffering the most as he swam in circles to try and keep himself warm¡­


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± A voice called out from the edge, and Jack could spot the Squa¡¯Kaar siblings looking on, wearing what looked like wetsuits. ¡°Chiyo told us you were all up here but I had hoped she was joking! That¡¯s really not good for you! You all need to get out!¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t no way I¡¯m going to be first out!¡± Karzen grinned, the armadillo-like xeno jogging on the spot to keep herself active alongside her sister. ¡°No pain, no gain! Come join us!¡±


    ¡°No thank you!¡± Zayle called back. ¡°We have nothing we need to prove!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re deathballers now!¡± Vaal grinned, ¡°Come join the team!¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Zayle began, before Rayle whispered something into their ear. ¡°Actually, okay give us a moment!¡± The Squa¡¯Kaar then grinned as Rayle began casting, touching Zayle as an aura of pale green light began to emit from the pair of them, before shrugging and jumping in, barely reacting to the ice cold water.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you did, but that¡¯s definitely cheating!¡± Jack grinned.


    ¡°A simple spell that allows us to endure harsh elements.¡± Rayle smiled. ¡°Kritch, would you like me to cast it on you too?¡±


    ¡°No! I can take it!¡± Kritch retorted with the most false bravado he could muster, while the others chuckled.


    ¡°Actually that reminds me,¡± Karzen spoke up. ¡°Jack, since you¡¯ve got yourself a new plasma rifle, could I borrow your old one?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­sure?¡± Jack asked, confused. ¡°Technically it¡¯s Nika¡¯s, she let me borrow it. Why? Is there a problem with what we¡¯ve got on the wall?¡±


    ¡°Nah it¡¯s not that!¡± Bentom shrugged. ¡°Remember a few weeks ago when Sepjhy found a few jobs you didn¡¯t want to do because they were too trivial for you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah I remember!¡± Sephy grinned, adjusting her position. ¡°I told you about the old woman that just wanted some help moving a fridge. We couldn¡¯t go for something like that but I still felt kinda bad about it! All she really needed was someone to be a good neighbour!¡±


    ¡°Yep, so we ended up doing it ourselves!¡± Karzen grinned. ¡°Didn¡¯t even accept any money for it when she offered, but she basically fed us and promised to tell the members of her bingo club about it. Not too shabby for a few minutes of work!¡±


    ¡°Yeah you told us about that!¡± Nika grinned from Jack¡¯s other side.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Karzen nodded. ¡°So that got us thinking. What if we started a group to take up these kinds of jobs? Nothing bad or particularly dangerous, but still gets us a bit of cash and maybe even does a little bit of good for those that need it. Hell, it beats working long weekend shifts at a supermarket, and after everything that¡¯s been going on our boss is almost definitely gonna just fire us to save some money the moment corporate gets on his ass.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t really blame him though.¡± Bentom shrugged. ¡°Mr Aziz was happy to take us on in the first place and he¡¯s struggling right now. But doing something like this is a hell of an opportunity when there¡¯s not much else work we could do.¡±


    ¡°So you want to do something similar to what we do?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°Nothing dangerous or risky,¡± Zayle emphasised. ¡°Rayle and I think it¡¯s a good idea too! Obeda was also interested when we spoke to him about it!¡±


    ¡°Wait, you guys are in on this too?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°Think about it!¡± Karzen excitedly told them, no longer paying heed to the cold. ¡°You kept telling us about all the crap jobs that you don¡¯t want to take, but what if we took them instead?¡±


    ¡°So like a B-Team?¡± Nika asked, deep in thought, only for Karzen and Bentom to both scoff dismissively at the analogy.


    ¡°Like fuck we¡¯re calling it that!¡± Bentom told them. ¡°But if you guys have the time, Karzen and I would like you to check out our shooting and form to make sure we¡¯re doing it right. We wouldn¡¯t be actively taking those kinds of jobs, but the city is pretty dangerous so we should probably train for it, especially if we¡¯re hired on to provide some security or go further afield on a scavenging trip.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re pretty set on it.¡± Jack nodded in approval. ¡°Are you sure something like that is financially sustainable?¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t really done anything yet,¡± Rayle informed them, swimming close to Kritch, who was desperately trying to keep himself warm. ¡°Karzen said we should do a trial for a few weeks.¡±


    ¡°Yep! We¡¯ll check to see if it works, we basically just wanted to ask you if we could borrow some of your unused kit, and if you¡¯d be cool referring a few of your job offers over to us after helping us practise for it,¡± Karzen confirmed with a winning smile.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°That might work out well. I wouldn¡¯t be comfortable just sending jobs your way without knowing your capabilities, but you¡¯re approaching this with the right attitude.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Bentom nodded. ¡°All of us have been out together on scavenging missions for the homestead, but Jack¡¯s paranoia has definitely been rubbing off on us! We want to be careful, especially when we¡¯re leading these missions! Thanks!¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°We can deal with that later. Right now I wanna go for the wild water rapids¡­when we¡¯re done here of course. I¡¯m not leaving first.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose we can order a few hot drinks here or something?¡± Jack asked with a grin. ¡°Maybe a pizza or two?¡±


    ¡°Might not be a bad idea!¡± Kritch grinned nervously.


    ¡°I think we¡¯re gonna be here a while!¡±

 Chapter 111: Light Show

    ¡°This pool is loooovely!¡± Alora sighed dreamily as she leaned back, enjoying the swirling bubbles of the hot whirlpool. ¡°Why anyone would willingly subject themselves to severe cold like that I have no idea!¡±


    One of those ¡®macho¡¯ things I suspect. Chiyo shrugged. Let the boys and the other idiots suffer if they want, even a dip is far too much for me!


    ¡°I hope they don¡¯t stay there too long, there¡¯s so much around to enjoy!¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°All the slides, flumes and lazy rivers! Why would you miss out on all of that for a glorified ice bath!¡±


    They don¡¯t wish to look weak in front of their peers. Chiyo shrugged, releasing her power to sit on the smooth stones of the raised seating, allowing her to recline comfortably, spreading her legs and allowing them to float in the water, feeling the bubbles dancing along her skin. I suspect when one breaks and leaves the rest will join them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll catch up with them later,¡± Alora reasoned as she kicked her legs up and down, making small ripples in the water. ¡°Until then, I¡¯m just happy to relax.¡±


    Same, Chiyo agreed, before looking back to where they had come from. The small hot pool they had found for themselves was tucked away from the bustling main attractions of the Aquaplex, surrounded by more of the lush tropical foliage they¡¯d come to expect, adding a natural curtain of privacy just off the main path, with an added scent of exotic flowers, likely added to provide added relaxation.


    Occasionally a discreet staff droid traversed the path with a tray of colourful fruit juices, its movements seamlessly blending in with the grey sanded cobblestone of the paths, and Alora perked up on seeing one approach. ¡°Shall I get us some drinks?


    Yes please! Chiyo nodded with an enthusiastic smile. Could we order a fruit platter as well? I suspect I¡¯ll be here a while.


    ¡°Sounds good to me!¡± Alora nodded with a smile, quickly beckoning the droid over to her where she procured two glasses and quickly placed her order, offering one to Chiyo who floated it over towards herself. ¡°Those idiots don¡¯t know what they¡¯re missing!¡±


    I could call them towards us. Chiyo shrugged.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t bother.¡± Alora grinned, contentedly sighing with her drink. ¡°Besides, at least Jack won¡¯t be bothered by Luvia anywhere where it''s cold. I don¡¯t think she¡¯d ever do something bad, but she has a tendency to cross the line a little at times. You know how dragons can be!¡±


    Indeed, Chiyo agreed. I think she and a few others went to the big slides on the opposite end, and there¡¯s a pool nearby them for megafauna species that she can polymorph into her draconic form for. Vanya and Svaarti went for the lazy river that travels the perimeter of the Aquaplex and I¡¯m unsure where Obeda and the Squa¡¯Kaar went off to.


    ¡°Do we have any enemies around?¡±


    Not that I¡¯ve seen. Chiyo shook her head. I think we¡¯ll be fine. The Aquaplex has very good security so few would be dumb enough to start a fight.


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Alora sighed contentedly, leaning back and taking another good sip of her drink.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed with a happy bark from where he sat partially submerged on one of the raised rocks, watching the two of them.


    ¡°Life is great,¡± Alora agreed.


    *****


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ve been in here long enough. I¡¯m bored now.¡± Jack rolled his eyes as he stood up, surprising both girls clutched to him for warmth as they broke the surface of the water, his hands clasped over their ass cheeks for support.


    ¡°Jack¡¯s gonna be the first one out!¡± Vaal grinned.


    ¡°Hey I¡¯ll take the ¡®L¡¯ here.¡± Jack shrugged with a smirk as both Sephy and Nika let go, following him. ¡°If it means I get to try something else it¡¯s fine by me. You guys can stay in here if you want¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that will be necessary!¡± Zook spoke up from where the bat-like Strallea was clung onto Vaal, a sentiment that was backed up by several nods around the pool.


    Jack sighed as he stepped out of the pool, officially being the first to leave, before Kritch hurriedly scrambled for the edge, happy enough to be the second. Pretty soon he was followed by most of the others, with Plooderoo being the last, the aquatic hulk of coral and tentacles not having really suffered at all in this environment, but still happy to hold it over the others.


    As he stood there trying to warm himself back up, Jack felt a series of uncomfortable tingles as his body began to accept the room temperature, causing him to scratch at himself to try and alleviate the sensation, shaking the water droplets off in the process. As he looked around he could see most of the others in a similar predicament, some worse than others. Kritch was clearly suffering, with the Lizta looking much thinner as his wet fur clung to him in matted clumps, shivering hard as he leaned against a wall to support himself.


    ¡°Rayle, could you give me a fire to work with?¡± Zayle asked, and the Druid dutifully complied, producing a small candle flame in her palm, which quickly coalesced and manifested into a small, floating form, conjured forth by Zayle as the Shaman gave her fire spirit a physical presence to work with, heating up the immediate area around them with a pleasant warmth.


    ¡°We did say that staying in there too long was bad for you,¡± they pointed out as several of the people around huddled close to the fire spirit.


    ¡°Kritch, let me help!¡± Rayle smiled as the Druid touched the Lizta on the shoulder with a glowing palm, causing healing energies to work their magic.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯ll be alright, others might need it more.¡± Kritch sighed dismissively, half-heartedly waving the Squa¡¯Kaar away. ¡°But thanks, Rayle.¡±


    ¡°So what do we do next?¡± Jack asked Nika and Sephy, who were jogging up and down to better warm themselves back up.


    ¡°A hot pool sounds tempting, but I¡¯m pretty sure the rapid change in temperature wouldn¡¯t be great. I dunno, that¡¯s something Chiyo would know.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Rapids would be great though! They¡¯re pretty close by!¡±


    ¡°Rapids?¡± Jack asked curiously.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Sort of like a river of slides, hurdles and currents. It¡¯s hard to describe but it¡¯s so much fun!¡±


    ¡°Hah, I¡¯ll have to take your word for it!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Sounds good to me!¡±


    As they split from the others and joined the main path, Nika pointed out the twisting artificial river from their vantage point, with other park goers happily allowing the current to carry them along its winding path before stopping at a pool area, with other winding paths leading further down.


    ¡°Entrance is just over there!¡± Sephy pointed towards a small pool up ahead that looked like it fed into the rapids, with a queue of several excited swimmers.


    ¡°Looks popular,¡± Jack observed as the three of them joined the queue, which seemed to move relatively quickly as people just had to vault an underwater hurdle and allow the lukewarm currents to carry them off. Vaulting it himself, Jack planted his feet firmly on the ground beneath him, halting for Sephy and Nika to make it across before allowing the winding current to pull them all together, surrendering to the whims of the water as the sounds of their excitement echoed against the backdrop of splashes all around them.


    ¡°Holy shit this is awesome!¡± Sephy whooped as she twirled and spun with the movements of the guiding currents, swimming under Jack to pop up in front of him, playfully splashing him before using her wings to give her some elevation before bombing into the first landing pool.


    ¡°Yes it is!¡± Jack agreed the moment he recovered from the landing, quickly shifting to the side and just about avoiding Nika falling on top of him.


    ¡°We¡¯re only about a quarter of the way.¡± The Kizun informed them. ¡°Race you to the bottom? We can find the others and hit up the slides?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re on!¡± Jack grinned as the three of them dashed over to the next set of rapids, vaulting over the hurdle. They were then immediately engulfed by the strong current, pulling them along a very twisty route that took them under many bridges with other swimmers observing the chaos below them.


    God damn this was fun!


    *****


    ¡°So, I take it you got bored with your mega-macho adventure in the cold pool?¡± Alora giggled, raising her eyebrows as the three other members of the team rounded the secluded corner of the path where she, Chiyo and Dante had been chilling for the past half an hour.


    ¡°Pretty much.¡± Nika shrugged as she dipped her toes in the warm water, sipping on her bottle of brown ale as she did.


    ¡°Yeah, I think people were starting to suffer so it was a good idea to stop,¡± Jack added, roughly plonking down and dropping beneath the surface of the water to warm himself, holding his own ale above the water as he did before resurfacing. ¡°A bit dumb, but not something I could say no to.¡±


    Why not? Chiyo asked with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°To prove how hardcore we are, Chiyo!¡± Sephy grinned as she sat down. ¡°What self-respecting Shadowrunner wouldn¡¯t step up to the challenge?¡±


    One with sense I suspect. Chiyo shrugged.


    ¡°What do you guys want to do then?¡± Alora asked, moving things along. ¡°The lightshow might be good when it gets dark but that won¡¯t be for another hour or two. The Floating Food Court might be fun if we¡¯re hungry, and I think when it gets darker they¡¯ll be projecting some films on the ceiling so we should all head to the lazy river for that.¡±


    ¡°I was thinking we should go for some of the big slides.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Especially Hi-Air! Much better with people around to cheer you on!¡±


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°I might not go for some of the more dangerous ones, but I fear if I stay here any longer I¡¯ll fall asleep and miss out!¡± Alora chuckled.


    Yeah the slides are fun. Chiyo conceded. Let¡¯s go there!


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked in agreement.


    I forgot how many stairs there were. Chiyo groaned about five minutes later, as the group ascended the towering staircase leading to the summit of the waterslide area.


    ¡°Oh stop whining, Chiyo!¡± Nika told the Ilithii as they kept ascending, anticipation mounting with each step. ¡°At least there isn¡¯t a queue!¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯re nearly there!¡± Jack grinned with excitement, pointing ahead.


    ¡°Yep, that¡¯s the summit!¡± Alora panted as she climbed up after them. ¡°See Chiyo? It¡¯s not so bad!¡±


    Why can¡¯t this damn place invest in a lift? The Ilithii retorted grumpily. At least we¡¯re here now, what ones are you all going for?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the difference between all of them,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Might as well go for all of them unless you don¡¯t want to come back?¡±


    ¡°We can all split and do whatever before meeting back up for the lightshow?¡± Sephy proposed. ¡°They should give an announcement ten minutes before so if we head back to the wave pool when we hear it we can get some inflatables and find one another.¡±


    ¡°Good idea!¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Though I think I¡¯ll stick with the slides for a bit longer.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit I want to explore a bit.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m sure we can do our own thing for a bit without getting into any trouble!¡±


    ¡°I think you underestimate us!¡± Alora laughed. ¡°But this is a safe place, we¡¯ll be fine. Nobody¡¯s being stingy on security after the latest conflicts.¡±


    ¡°First thing¡¯s first!¡± Nika grinned, pointing to the lip of a huge, intimidating-looking white slide that had a very steep incline. ¡°Jack, you¡¯ve gotta try Hi-Air!¡±


    ¡°Holy shit¡­¡± Jack muttered, walking over and having a look, taking in the panoramic view that revealed the vast expanse below them watching the ant-like swimmers milling about beneath the gaps in the canopy of tropical trees. ¡°No way would this shit be allowed on Earth!¡±


    Descending down at an almost vertical angle was an absolute monster of a slide that curved out towards the bottom, extending into a long ramp that launched out into a gigantic pool below that was occupied with many spectating swimmers who began cheering the moment they saw someone at the top.


    ¡°Yeah it¡¯s pretty wild!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Anyway! You first!¡±


    ¡°Huh!? Why me?¡± Jack scoffed. ¡°That¡¯s more hardcore than an Olympic ski jump!¡±


    Olympic? Ski? Chiyo asked, confused.


    ¡°Hey don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s not that bad!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°There haven¡¯t been any confirmed fatalities in years!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not helping!¡± Jack snorted in amusement. ¡°But it does look kinda awesome!¡±


    ¡°Probably best to sit on the edge of the slide and drop rather than trying to jump!¡± Alora pointed out, attempting to be helpful as Jack walked back to the edge.


    ¡°Yeah, no shit, Alora!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°I heard the last dude that died jumped head first!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be trying that¡­¡± Jack began, tentatively sitting on the lip of the slide. ¡°But I doubt it¡¯s any worse than anything we¡¯ve done so far if I¡¯m honest.¡± He shrugged as the spectators below cheered him on, before without thinking, he just went for it.


    ¡°Oh fuck!¡± He gasped, immediately regretting the decision as he dropped quickly, feeling the adrenaline run through him as he fell free through the air, dropping for several seconds before he felt the hard fibreglass begin to scrape his back while many sounds of whoops and cheers could be heard above the rippling wind rushing past his ears.


    Quickly covering his head to prevent any injury, Jack couldn¡¯t think of anything else as his body fully met the slide, quickly turning horizontal as he met the curve, watching the blur of the glass roof and green palms above him, before finding himself abruptly yeeted into the air. Panicking, he scrambled in the air, trying to right himself and get his bearings, before he impacted the water below. Taking a few seconds to get his bearings, Jack quickly kicked to the surface to a massive round of applause from the gathered spectators.


    Rubbing his eyes clear of the water, he got out of the way as he heard the crowd cheer again around him. Looking back his eyes widened in shock at actually seeing the size of the ramp he had just flown off, and at the small pink fluffball that was scrambling in the air as Nika overshot him and landed with a splat ahead.


    ¡°Wooo!¡± She yelled out as she broke the surface. ¡°That was fucking amazing! Come on Sephy! Let¡¯s see how high you can jump!¡±


    Sure enough the Skritta followed  behind them soon afterwards, launching herself into the air with her wings before dive bombing right next to the two of them, surfacing with a grin.


    ¡°That was awesome!¡± She grinned, as yet more cheers erupted from the spectators. Quickly turning around to see what the new commotion was about, the three of them quickly cheered as three new shapes were launched into the air, the panicked scream of Alora easily drowning out the rest of the noise as she, Chiyo and Dante all plummeted clumsily into the water nearby.


    ¡°Well Gods damn!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Looks like you two aren¡¯t going to be complete prudes while you¡¯re here! Wanna go do that again?¡±


    I am afraid that once is enough for me. Chiyo panted as she surfaced and quickly moved towards them.


    ¡°Likewise,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°It was fun, but I¡¯m not doing that again! I think I might head to the sunbeds!¡±


    The glittering caves for me! Chiyo spoke up. Nice and quiet, and I can be at peace for a while.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna bomb down the tubes!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°I can go super fast down them!¡±


    ¡°Back to the slides for me!¡± Nika shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna explore.¡± Jack smirked, looking back to the ramp they all just went down. ¡°But I¡¯ve so got to do that slide again!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed.


    *****


    ¡°I have no idea how we had the energy to do all that.¡± Jack sighed as he leaned back in his hammock, chilling out in the aqualounge, with his drowsiness finally catching up to him.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed from next to him, having somehow acquired several necklaces of flowers during their time exploring the Aquaplex with Jack, who had sadly only picked one from a very enthusiastic staff member outside one of the slides.


    Jack had great fun exploring the Aquaplex, going down a few more of the slides and flumes, before visiting places that would have been rare on Earth. The aquatic dancefloor with a live DJ was certainly something, with many of the students really going at it, though Jack didn¡¯t join in, not being a fan of clubbing in the first place, and being paranoid about drowning in a crush. Instead he spent much of his time trying out the obstacle courses that would have put Wipeout to shame¡­


    ¡°Attention! This evening¡¯s lightshow shall begin in ten minutes!¡± A voice called out over the intercom, and Jack groaned and got up on reflex.


    ¡°Welp, no rest for the wicked.¡± He sighed, walking out of the pool and following the crowd of swimmers down to the main wave pool.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked, dutifully following him, happily accepting a sausage from one of the food stands on the way as Jack tried to find some snacks he could carry while swimming, eventually getting to the wave pool, which looked packed to burst with the number of people entering - even more so than when they first entered with the waves turned on.


    ¡°Jack! Over here!¡± A voice called out, and he turned to see Alora waving from halfway across.


    ¡°Ah crap, you might need to sit this one out, boy.¡± Jack apologetically patted Dante¡¯s head. ¡°Unless you can blink onto an inflatable or something, it probably isn''t safe for you, let alone me!¡±


    Dante whined for a moment as he blinked to the side, observing the madness below.


    ¡°Wish I could do that¡­¡± Jack grumbled as he strode forward through the crowd, trying to work out a route to where he wanted to go. Walking until the water was up to his knees he tried his best to politely bypass a group of girls taking selfies, declining their requests to have him in the photos as he kept going, dodging past another group all on inflatables.


    Now treading water and trying to keep his chips above the surface, he awkwardly edged past a circle of students having a natter, briefly giving polite greetings before moving on, cursing as his food got splashed by a group of lads engaged in a spirited water fight, before spotting Alora and a bunch of their friends just up ahead, leisurely floating on a bunch of bobbing tubes and inflatables like some kind of impromptu flotilla.


    ¡°Attention! The light show will begin in two minutes!¡± The announcement chimed out over the sounds of cheers from the excited crowd.


    ¡°Great¡­¡± Jack sighed as he yanked his food back from a frisky couple that were going at it, blissfully ignorant of everyone else around them as they got handsy underneath the water, before hurrying through an ongoing water volleyball match of some kind that had been set up, even though the crowd was very quickly engulfing the pitch, requiring room to watch the show.


    There he is! He sensed Chiyo inform the others. Over here!


    ¡°Yep! I see you!¡± Jack called out. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you can grab my chips!¡±


    Sure! Chiyo smiled as she telepathically pulled them to her float as Jack made his way over to them much quicker, no longer encumbered by the snacks.


    ¡°Climb aboard!¡± Alora invited, and Jack pulled himself up onto their inflatable raft, while Chiyo nonchalantly started munching on some of his chips. Looking up he could see that his group of friends had settled into their corner of the crowded wave pool with a floating flotilla of inflatable tubes, linos and rafts that they all attached closely to one another.


    Seeing that he didn¡¯t have much room to work with he shunted himself further inwards away from the edge, playfully grabbing his chips back from Chiyo, as he looked around and confirmed that all his friends were accounted for. He was the last one.


    Several seconds followed, and as the solar plate floating in orbit above them covered their access to light, turning day to night, the crowd cheered in anticipation as a new, warm light turned on above them, engulfing them in a faint blue glow.


    The crowd then began to quieten as the first flickers of activity emanated from beneath the surface of the pool, creating a shimmering dance of colours beneath them. Slowly these began to intensify, casting a gentle glow that reflected off the ripples caused by the crowd. Making themselves more comfortable, Jack barely noticed as Chiyo moved in close for a cuddle, enchanted as he was by the display.


    As the waves gently waxed and waned around them, the many hues of the light conducted a slow waltz of blues, greens and purples that cast a serene ambiance over the pool. Slowly, the sounds of a musical accompaniment began to play, though as he looked around Jack could not tell where it came from, seeming to echo all around the Aquaplex.


    It was a strange melody, something he would describe as classical, but so far removed from the old music he had been forced to learn in school. It was harmonious, but impossible at the same time. He felt that no human could possibly replicate the timbres and deep, resonating sounds that echoed within his very soul as the lights beneath swirled to their command, intensifying into a vibrant symphony of colours that refracted off the rippling waves.


    As the music heated up, the lights transitioned to fiery pinks and oranges, as the water below and the ceiling above became a living canvas, with flickering glows of colour that told a tale with no context, reason or sense. It just was.


    Nobody said anything as they were caught in the mesmerising embrace, and Jack¡¯s eyes went wide as the light seemed to rise up from the water like fireflies, painting a picture of sensation all around him.


    He had never seen anything like it.


    Yet still the music intensified. Faster, stronger, louder as the waves around them seemed to be commanded by it. As the sensation swelled to its zenith, the lights reached a dazzling climax, illuminating the entire Aquaplex in a riot of colours as the crowd cheered and applauded, taking over as the music came to its conclusion, and the light seemed to retreat back in on itself, fading away before the water itself glowed fluorescent and multicoloured, almost appearing to Jack like the liquid of a glowstick.


    ¡°So what do you think Jack?¡± Alora asked him with a smile, leaning back to take a look at him. ¡°Did you enjoy the show?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like that before¡­¡± Jack finally gasped out, utterly gobsmacked by what he had just seen. ¡°That was amazing!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡± Alora sighed in relief. ¡°I wanted to show you that there is good to be found in this realm of existence. Not everything has to be so bad!¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack nodded in agreement. ¡°Everything here¡¯s been amazing. The slides, the pools, the drinks, the atmosphere¡­¡±


    Your super attractive teammates wearing barely anything? Chiyo teased.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll admit it.¡± Jack chuckled.


    ¡°Things aren¡¯t so bad here¡­¡±

 Chapter 112: Lazy River

    ¡°Alright, so something I don¡¯t get¡­¡± Jack began, whispering to Kritch who was near him. ¡°Why the hell do you seem to prefer Zayle over Rayle?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± The Lizta whispered back. ¡°I don¡¯t prefer one over the other, both of them seem nice. I guess I see Zayle as more compatible.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jack snorted. ¡°How did you figure that?¡±


    The vast majority of the students in the Aquaplex were still chilling in the wave pool, seemingly content to relax and talk to each other, though many of them would soon be leaving for the night. Jack and the others of course would be staying for a full day/night cycle, however he couldn¡¯t figure out for the life of him where or how he was expected to sleep.


    Maybe he wouldn¡¯t. Goodness knows sleep had been a rare luxury these past two weeks of seemingly endless school.


    ¡°Cuz I can¡¯t stand being without my commlink for any length of time while Druids are usually famous for chilling out in the woods being one with nature?¡± Kritch retorted, sounding a little unsure of himself. ¡°I dunno really, Rayle¡¯s cool and all that but I guess I just see us as too different from one another for anything to work. Like, what if things end up being worse than they were before y¡¯know? I don¡¯t want to do that to them!¡±


    ¡°Have you spoken to Rayle about it?¡± Jack asked, with raised eyebrows. ¡°That¡¯s a bit of a petty reason to hold back, especially if it¡¯s a hypothetical you don¡¯t actually know is a valid issue for you two or not. I mean, they attend the school surrounded by tech, and Rayle doesn¡¯t seem to be all too bothered by technology from what I¡¯ve personally seen. Maybe you¡¯re just overthinking it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah I guess¡­¡± Kritch conceded with a sigh, before taking a quick nibble of his burger. ¡°But I don¡¯t know, there¡¯s a lot of unknowns and I have no idea what my grandfather¡¯s plans are for me.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Well, there are a few other Lizta clans I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s in contact with, but they don¡¯t talk that often. Also there¡¯s other Lizta in the city, but they¡¯re mostly individual Clanless or small families. He¡¯s hinted that when I come of age or leave school there¡¯s the possibility of finding a suitable Lizta mate my age for the purposes of procreation if I was game for it.¡±


    ¡°So like an arranged marriage?¡± Jack asked, curiously.


    ¡°Marriage, no.¡± Kritch embarrassedly laughed, waving his hand as if to dismiss the idea completely. ¡°Nothing so permanent and binding at all, though marriages and family units have often been forged from these kinds of arrangements if both parties like each other enough and agree.¡±


    ¡°So this is just for having kids?¡± Jack asked tentatively, and the Lizta nodded.


    ¡°Yep! It¡¯s basically a transactional thing where the Clans of both parties benefit, though there¡¯s usually a fuckton of negotiation involved.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what divorce must be like for you guys then,¡± Jack joked, though Kritch didn¡¯t seem to fully understand his context as he chuckled softly.


    ¡°Probably not as bad as you think.¡± He grinned. ¡°Once the cubs are born they¡¯re usually amicably split up and raised separately within the Parent Clans. This is done by default as a 50-50 split of the resulting clutch but that usually changes based on whatever else is being bartered, like resources or treasures for example. There¡¯s usually a short period afterwards to calculate the final trade if the percentages of cubs don¡¯t line up but in places where the technology can tell how many cubs there are beforehand this doesn¡¯t really become a problem for us. Only in the rarest of cases do things go to shit. Never happened with Clan Ashtail according to my Grandfather, though we¡¯re not many generations old.¡±


    ¡±So there was a chance you could have been put with another clan had the coin flip been different?¡± Jack asked, only for Kritch to laugh and shake his head.


    ¡°Nah! My dad was Clanless and lived in the city before he married my mum and had me and my sisters, so I don¡¯t really have any family in other clans.¡± Kritch shrugged. ¡°Not that there are many other clans nearby we have ties with that I know of anyway. Clan Sparkpaw are relatively small and control a town a few hundred miles away, but have some good wizards, while Clan Thunderclaw are roaming hunters and herders out in the wilderness somewhere. Pretty sure my Grandfather and the rest of the Elders know of others close to us but those are the only two I¡¯m aware of that we have any sort of ties with.¡± Kritch shrugged. ¡°How does it work with you guys?¡±


    ¡°Well I guess we don¡¯t really have Clans or Tribes any more, unless you go to some really remote places on Earth.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°It was more common in our history, but in the vast majority of cases we just have families living within nation states, and what happens then depends on the culture. There are a few uncontacted tribes out there, though they¡¯re very rare. Most are hidden deep within the Amazon rainforest but there is one on an island in the Indian Ocean that¡¯s pretty wild!¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Kritch pondered, nibbling on his burger once again, by now thoroughly used to Jack talking about things from his homeworld with no context. ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°So on Earth, there¡¯s this place called North Sentinel Island where it¡¯s illegal to go to, because it has a tribe living on it that just straight up attacks anything that comes nearby.¡± Jack grinned. ¡°They¡¯re primitive, and countries are just content to let them be, but that doesn¡¯t stop the occasional idiot from going over there to fuck about and find out.¡±


    ¡°Damn!¡± Kritch exclaimed. ¡°Though that sounds like the exception rather than the rule over there, it¡¯s quite common over here, especially in the untamed wilderness. Hell, Corvin Enterprises even ran a TV show where they¡¯d purposefully messed with one of them for entertainment.¡±


    ¡°Jesus¡­¡± Jack cursed. ¡°That just sounds wrong, what happened?¡±


    ¡°They encouraged viewers to call in their ideas and vote for the best ones,¡± Kritch recalled. ¡°The presenter ended up posing as a god that would reward members of the tribe that carried out their strange requests and it ended badly. The presenter took it overboard and tricked one of the more malleable tribesmen into killing people, eventually causing the rest of the tribe to tear each other apart over it.¡±


    ¡°Damn¡­¡± Jack gasped.


    ¡°Yeah, apparently about a third of the tribe escaped the resulting massacre and fled, though rumour has it the presenter in charge of that wanted to end it early and fled right along with them. Apparently the Church of Tyrus had found the location and sent a large taskforce to terminate all belligerents then resolve the situation, and even Corvin himself was said to be pissed off from how bad things have gotten.¡±


    ¡°Bloody hell¡­¡± Jack sighed, before remembering something. ¡°We¡¯ve gone off topic though. Trust me, you should give things with Rayle a chance!¡±


    ¡°Easy for you to say, haven¡¯t you been dodging Vanya and Luviannestixxx for the past month or something?¡± Kritch grinned, causing a few other faces to turn in curious amusement.


    ¡°Oh yeah!¡± Zook called out from where the bat-like techie was lazily laid out on a raft spooning with Vaal. ¡°Didn¡¯t she tell us to keep tabs on you and report your location to her at all times?¡±


    ¡°Wait what!?¡± Jack exclaimed, jolting up in shock and scrambling in vain as he tilted backwards off the inflatable he was on, pitching into the water as the Red Legion Aspirants all burst out laughing.


    ¡°Noooo she didn¡¯t!¡± Plooderoo chuckled from where he was treading water in between several floats. ¡°Good one Zook!¡±


    ¡°Very funny¡­¡± Jack grunted as he hauled himself back up.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised Luvia didn¡¯t join us here, though I imagine she may just be relaxing in the Megafauna pool where they have something similar going on.¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s not often she gets to polymorph outside of her Red Legion accommodations.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not complaining.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°She¡¯s cool and all that but¡­too much sometimes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong!¡± Alora giggled to herself. ¡°Once she gets an idea in her mind she can be quite stubborn when it doesn¡¯t quite go her way!¡±


    ¡°I noticed,¡± Jack retorted dryly. ¡°Anyway, what are people gonna do now?¡±


    I think most people will be departing soon, so they¡¯ll be wanting their last rides on the slides and stuff. Chiyo shrugged. So perhaps we can all relax on the lazy river until they¡¯re gone, then we pretty much have the place to ourselves.


    ¡°That sounds like a good idea!¡± Alora agreed as several other students around them began slowly making their own moves as the collective decision to move rippled through the crowd, feeling the pressures of their remaining time.


    There¡¯s no rush either, Chiyo reasoned as they walked up the now much-quieter beach, heading towards the glass wall of the dome where the river ran. I doubt there¡¯ll be anyone wanting to use any inflatables at this time anyway.


    As the lights on the top of the dome dimmed to allow movies to play, the cobblestones that made up the pathways began to glow gently, allowing swimmers to easily navigate their way around past several food stands that looked like they were ready to close up to the access point to the lazy river, which Jack had learned was a continuous loop around the dome, with a few added twists, turns and forks that changed things up with each circuit that one made, and a few pockets along the sides that connected to the floating bars that Alora had confirmed would still be open, manned by overnight staff droids.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t actually need an inflatable, do you?¡± Jack asked as he saw Plooderoo casually shrug and lean back, allowing the gentle currents to carry him away, even as he spotted some unused inflatables floating past.


    ¡°Not really, a lot of people just like floating around, but if you wanna speed up and swim a circuit you can go without.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Hell that¡¯s probably what I¡¯ll end up doing, sitting still isn¡¯t really my thing!¡±


    We noticed, Chiyo deadpanned as she and Alora got on an inflatable together, with the Ilithii only being slightly perturbed about Dante joining both of them as they held their position along a still strait of water, waiting for their friends.


    ¡°Need a hand, Rayle?¡± Jack asked, noticing the short Squa¡¯Kaar trying to climb onto their inflatable raft while Zayle held it.


    ¡°Yes please!¡± The druid nodded in thanks as Jack held on to the raft from the edge of the pool while Rayle scrambled up, and Zayle moved to go next. But just as they did, a mischievous thought occurred to Jack. Turning around he spotted his target chatting away to Sephy, and before anyone could react he quickly grabbed the completely unaware Kritch and chucked him onto the raft, then quickly kicked it away into one of the stronger currents before he or Rayle could work out what had just happened.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Kritch asked as the raft quickly began drifting away.


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    ¡°Sorry! My foot slipped!¡± Jack grinned as everyone around them turned to see what had happened before bursting out into laughter.


    ¡°Jack! That was so evil!¡± Alora covered her mouth even as Chiyo tried her best not to laugh.


    ¡°Here you go, Zayle,¡± Jack whispered to the Squa¡¯Kaar, who was still looking at the confused Rayle and Kritch on the raft as it turned the corner and disappeared. He handed his inflatable ring over to them as they did so. ¡°Sorry about that but I couldn¡¯t resist!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite alright Jack!¡± Zayle chuckled, accepting the inflatable. ¡°If it¡¯s all the same with you I think I¡¯ll hang back and see what happens.¡±


    ¡°I recommend we all do that!¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°As hilarious as ¡®Angry Kritch¡¯ is, we should give them their privacy¡­.we can make fun of him for it afterwards!¡±


    ¡°Sounds fair!¡± Nika grinned, dipping into the water and joining Sephy who had grabbed one of the discarded double-ring tubes and lept up to sit on it. ¡°Jack, you coming?¡±


    ¡°Yep!¡± The human nodded, as they all finally calmed down from the excitement and allowed the lazy river to take them on its relaxing journey.


    *****


    ¡°Damn I needed this¡­¡± Jack whispered to himself as he bobbed along on the rubber ring he¡¯d acquired, drifting lazily along the Lazy River. The gentle current carried him slowly under the canopies of the palms, partially obscuring the mostly visual entertainment being displayed above them, which resembled some kind of silent physical comedy inspired by the likes of Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton, though Jack had not personally seen much of either outside of some brief research he once did for a school project.


    He had clearly dozed off at some point, as he had lost track of the others, and felt that the atmosphere of the Aquaplex was much quieter than it was before as he opened his eyes, looking at the exotic alien flora lining along the edge, almost creating a dreamlike environment now that it was nighttime. Looking beneath him under the crystal-clear water, he was almost surprised to see several colourful fish dancing beneath the surface without a care.


    Looking around he could still hear the faint laughter and chatter of other Aquaplex visitors as they queued up for their final goes on the slides, and Jack was happy to observe as he spotted them launching themselves off the large slides, marvelling at how high they launched and the splashes they caused before the river slowly took him away.


    Suddenly, Jack jolted up in a panic and fell back as a furry hand gently touched him on the shoulder. Reflexively reaching for a gun that wasn¡¯t there, it took Jack a moment to calm down as the figure swam beside him. He got up to his feet, walking along the bottom of the Lazy River with his chest above the water, now thoroughly awake.


    ¡°Hey Jack! Mind if I join you?¡± Vanya asked, her eyes gleaming with amusement. Before Jack could respond she quickly dived her head under the water and playfully surfaced right next to him, clinging onto his back as he kept walking. ¡°I¡¯m not going to let go now that I¡¯ve got you, but if you carry me over to the next floating bar on the left just ahead I¡¯ll buy you a drink!¡±


    Caught off guard, Jack couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the amusing turn of events. Though he was prepared to shoot the Chuna down, he remembered how she had gone out of her way to help him, even buying him clothes without even asking him. Though much of that he knew stemmed from him saving her life, Jack found that he didn¡¯t want to turn Vanya down. There had been some difficult moments, especially in the immediate aftermath of the Klown attack, but since streaming the podcast and interviewing him, it was like a fresh breath of life had taken ahold of her.


    Besides, he thought it would be rather cruel to say no¡­


    ¡°You drive a hard bargain!¡± He joked, as Vanya mischievously wrapped her furry legs around his waist and got comfortable. ¡°But alright¡­¡±


    The bar Vanya had directed Jack to had a small entrance off to the side of the lazy river and was easily missable, having nobody else in attendance apart from a staff droid hovering around the floating platform that served as the bar, which resembled something of an aquatic oasis that drifted along the back wall of the sidepool.


    ¡°There¡¯s a good spot!¡± The Chuna whispered in his ear as she pointed to a cosy corner of the pool, with underwater cushioned seating arranged around a small floating table that stayed above the level of the water, despite the slight rippling of the pool.


    ¡°Order please?¡± The staff droid asked, and Vanya wasted no time in ordering ¡°Two Starcreams and an extra-large platter of Gel Delights!¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­thanks!¡± Jack added politely, though Vanya giggled.


    ¡°The Staff Droids aren¡¯t sapient, thanking them is a bit redundant!¡± The Chuna told him in amusement.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve seen enough movies where the robots go bad, I¡¯m not gonna give them any reason to here!¡± Jack retorted half-jokingly as he made his way over to the cushions, allowing Vanya to climb down as she grabbed him, guiding him to sit next to her.


    ¡°Vanya I¡­¡± Jack began, but stopped immediately as he turned around to properly look at her for the first time since getting here...


    Staring at him with an unabashed seductive smile, Vanya had donned a very revealing white bikini that left very little to the imagination, and as Jack just stayed there having nothing to say, the Chuna leaned back against the corner wall and placed her brown furry legs over Jack¡¯s lap.


    ¡°You were saying?¡± Vanya asked teasingly.


    ¡°I forgot what I was saying,¡± Jack admitted with a chuckle.


    ¡°You can try these drinks and tell me what you think!¡± Vanya grinned as the Staff Droid floated over and gently placed their order on the table.


    The ¡®Starcreams¡¯ they had ordered arrived in tall frosted glasses and were adorned with slices of fresh fruit and swirls of purple syrup within a milky cream. As he drank, he was pleasantly surprised by the sweet taste that was just on the edge of being too much, but didn¡¯t overwhelm him, and energised his body.


    ¡°Damn that¡¯s good!¡± Jack grinned, having drunk half the glass in one go.


    ¡°I thought you might like it!¡± Vanya grinned, taking a smaller sip. ¡°What do you think about the Gel Delights?¡±


    Picking up one of the soft cubes, Jack quickly put it in his mouth and began chewing. It reminded him of a Turkish Delight, though again there was that signature sweetness that Vanya seemed partial to. ¡°They¡¯re good!¡± He grinned, quickly taking another. ¡°Thanks Vanya!¡±


    ¡°Well Alora was constantly talking about giving you some good experiences!¡± Vanya grinned back, fluttering her eyes. ¡°I figured food might be a good one to start with¡­¡±


    ¡°Um¡­well¡­wait¡­¡± Jack began as the Chuna gently moved closer as she sat on his lap, looking deep into his eyes.


    ¡°Relax¡­¡± She said soothingly, before kissing him on the cheek, and Jack felt the warm hairs softly caress him as she did. ¡°Thank you, Jack. You¡¯ve helped me get through these past weeks more than you know. I just hope I can help do the same for you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Vanya¡­¡± Jack relaxed and calmed down, realising that Vanya wasn¡¯t going to escalate despite the constant teasing. He realised that just like him she had some things she needed to resolve as well, and this may simply be a form of empowerment for her. ¡°You¡­um¡­want to order another drink?¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯d better.¡± Vanya smiled as the two of them just sat there cuddling as the ambient sounds of the other swimmers in the Aquaplex simply began to fade away¡­


    *****


    Evening turned to night as the Aquaplex was all but deserted, with most of the visitors quickly making their way towards the exits the moment the evening bell chimed, with a few Security droids threatening to blast anyone that overstayed their welcome. If anyone else but their group of friends had ordered an overnight stay, they certainly didn¡¯t make their presence known, and soon the park was all but silent, with only the low hums of machinery in the background, and the occasional noise of conversation, whoops or cheers of excitement interrupting the ambiance.


    Now bathed in soft lights, the Aquaplex had transformed into an exclusive haven for the students, many of whom began making their way towards some hot springs that could just about accommodate them, with a helpful Staff Droid that kept the drinks coming.


    ¡°Honestly, the food here is just divine!¡± Luvia sighed dreamily, the dragon wearing a comfortable fitting pair of black lycra shorts and a matching tanktop, and naturally taking up as much space as she could from where she was sat on the warm stones. ¡°And the heat caves are sooo comfortable! I must have been in them for hours! Quite the aphrodisiac I must say!¡±


    ¡°You should have joined us all in the cold pool.¡± Nika snorted in amusement.


    ¡°Oh hell no! Far too uncomfortable for me! I don¡¯t want to get any frost on any of my sensitive parts, that can be painful for me¡­¡± The dragon sighed before playfully grinning and licking her lips. ¡°Though I suppose that would depend on the kind of ¡®Frost¡¯ we¡¯re talking about!¡±


    Should we be worried? Chiyo asked, swaying side to side slightly from the several glasses of wine she had already had.


    ¡°No.¡± Luvia sighed. ¡°While I know many of my kind like to forcefully take what they want, I would never do so myself¡­¡±


    ¡°I should damn well hope so!¡± Sephy snapped, ruder than intended as the dragon looked at her warily. ¡°By the way, where is Jack now?¡±


    ¡°I spotted him with Vanya earlier,¡± Alora announced with a cheeky smile. ¡°They seemed to be having a good time together!¡±


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± The girls all burst out, as the boys all laughed at their misfortune.


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s just wanting to stay away from Kritch for a while?¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°Though I wouldn¡¯t worry about that, I spotted him and Rayle together on one of the sunbeds.¡±


    ¡°Oh goood!¡± Plooderoo smiled, as he and Klikko had seemingly reconciled their previous grievances with one another for the moment, sitting near to one another again. ¡°It¡¯s about time!¡±


    No, wind back for a moment, Chiyo huffed. Alora, are you sure? I would have detected them doing that kind of stuff!


    ¡°Way to not be creepy, Chiyo!¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°I just saw them eating and drinking together, that¡¯s all,¡± Alora clarified. ¡°I think we¡¯re all getting that tired to be honest, we should consider where we sleep.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps we should all move to the sunbeds by the wave pool?¡± Nika suggested, yawning as she shrugged her shoulders. ¡°We can get our towels and sleep there.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a plan,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°We can¡¯t fight sleep forever, even though we¡¯ve been doing well so far. Chiyo, would you mind letting everyone know?¡±


    Sure. Chiyo nodded, as she lazily floated from side-to-side, sending a simple telepathic message to their friends in the area.


    ¡°Today was a good day,¡± Luvia declared as she relaxed deeper into the hot springs. ¡°Thank you for your hospitality, Alora.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Vaal added from where he and the other guys were sitting. ¡°I hope we can return the favour when we go to the Cathedral of Merriment. Arlox and Kizzarith are on the mend and should be able to make the journey at least, even if they can¡¯t play Deathball right now.¡±


    ¡°We look forward to it,¡± Alora replied with a diplomatic smile. ¡°Though it is a shame they couldn¡¯t be here with us today.¡±


    ¡°They are resting,¡± Plooderoo confirmed. ¡°Honestly that¡¯s the best thing they could want right now, though at least Kizzarith has been in goooood spirits!


    Well here¡¯s to them! Chiyo raised her glass of wine in a toast, a motion that was mirrored by the others as they drank to that, before the Ilithii accidentally dropped her glass in the water.


    ¡°That¡¯s definitely time for bed,¡± Alora noted to the rest of them. ¡°At least the Staff Droids do a good job of cleaning that stuff up.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Luvia sighed, getting up out of her seat. She had been hoping to see Jack again, and cursed her poor luck.


    Still, there would be other opportunities¡­


    *****


    As the rays of light suddenly and without warning burst forth through the glass ceiling of the Aquaplex, Jack gradually became aware of a throbbing headache and the unmistakable sensation of sand beneath him. Blinking against the brightness, he tried to piece together what had happened the night before, just remembering his fellow students chilling on the sunbeds on the beach leading to the wave pool, or the beach itself.


    Attempting to sit up, the boy rubbed his head from the dizziness, but was surprised by his inability to do so, as he felt a large, bulky form shift slightly from behind him, as a red, scaly arm that was wrapped around his stomach moved into view towards his chest and subconsciously pulled him in for a closer spoon, though the grip had little strength to it, and Jack easily shimmied away.


    Turning around as carefully and gently as he could, he saw Luvia lying beside him sleeping peacefully, breathing heavily. Panicking slightly Jack quickly examined himself, sighing with relief when it looked like nothing had happened, a thought that was reinforced when he saw that Dante was chilling out on one of the sunbeds next to them, and briefly opened his eyes and smiled at seeing his master stir.


    Getting up with a groan, Jack stretched and walked a few paces to the helpful Staff Droid that handed him a bottle of water, which he greedily guzzled down, though did his best to not wake up his friends.


    Feeling content, Jack decided to lie back down, close his eyes, and go back to sleep, though keeping his distance from the still-sleeping dragon. There was no rush to do anything. He still had all weekend to enjoy after all.


    It felt good.

 Chapter 113: Job Hunt

    ¡°So what about this one?¡± Nika asked, scrolling down on her data tablet, laid back on their sofa. ¡°A group of researchers are looking for some muscle while they take some geographical surveys near the Zinc Fields. Doesn''t pay much though but at least they''re clear about what they want.¡±


    ¡°I think we can do something better than that.¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°But if nothing else comes up we can go for it.¡±


    The group had a fun start to the weekend at the Aquaplex, and spent the rest of the weekend just relaxing at the house. A day of school had felt like nothing in the wake of the two weeks of hell they had experienced before


    ¡°Yeah, bit of a crap mix right now.¡± Nika sighed as the Kizun lazily flicked through the listings Sephy had run filters on while they were at school. ¡°Most of these are obviously involved in the current Corpo War and we agreed to avoid them if we can.¡±


    ¡°There''s still the option to go after bounties,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°The Redeemer¡¯s one got increased, the Church of Siros really wants him gone.¡±


    That''s true, Chiyo agreed. But many have gone to ground or are hidden away. I would agree on getting The Redeemer before he comes for us again, but nobody seems to know where he is.


    ¡°Maybe that Regulator Order with the network of informants he used to find us the first time are running interference?¡± Jack speculated. ¡°Still, I''d rather not wait for any of these guys to come to us.¡±


    ¡°I agree.¡° Alora nodded. ¡°We just need the right opportunity, however those seem lacking right now. Anything else, Nika?¡±


    The Kizun frowned as she looked at another entry. ¡°Okay this one might be doable by us but¡­well. A group of content creators are looking for a capable group to accompany them over the weekend for a video¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey, that doesn¡¯t sound too bad!¡± Jack perked up. ¡°Though if one of them turns out to be another cringy dickhead influencer or some breadtuber I¡¯m probably going to smack the cunt¡­¡±


    ¡°As a general rule, attacking clients usually voids the pay¡­¡± Alora pointed out.


    ¡°Heh, that hasn¡¯t exactly stopped us before!¡± Sephy grinned.


    Yes, but that¡¯s only with clients that try to screw us, Chiyo pointed out, looking to Jack as she gave him context. That happened a lot in our early days until we learned to account for that, so while we took some jobs, after that time we mostly found our own opportunities until we met you.


    ¡°What¡¯s the catch, Nika?¡± Sephy asked the Kizun, who was reading the proposed job.


    ¡°¡®We are a group of paranormal investigators-¡¯¡±


    ¡°Oh crap¡­¡± Sephy began, already not liking the subject.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hear what they¡¯re asking at least!¡± Alora chided. ¡°Go on Nika!¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± The Kizun snorted in amusement. ¡°¡®We are a group of paranormal investigators known as ¡®Spectral Visions¡¯ that are seeking a team of skilled and reliable adventurers to assist and protect us during an expedition, investigation and cleansing at a confirmed haunted location. The chosen team will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of our mission, capturing spine-tingling footage and uncovering the paranormal secrets of this forsaken location.¡¯¡±


    ¡°FUCK THAT!¡± Sephy immediately dismissed. ¡°No way! No way am I going to work with ghosts, paranormal or spooky shit of any kind!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Jack asked curiously, ¡°Is it that bad?¡±


    ¡°Hell yeah it¡¯s that bad!¡± Sephy shuddered.


    It¡¯s not that bad, Chiyo told Jack with a roll of her eyes. Sephy¡¯s just scared.


    ¡°Am not!¡± The Skritta lied, fiercely shaking her head. ¡°I told you all about that time when I went to the Bellbric Ranch when I was younger!¡±


    ¡°Where you thought that it would be a good idea to sneak off to a known haunted location on your own and literally rob the ghosts?¡± Alora asked quizzically with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like they needed any of that stuff!¡± Sephy argued.


    I¡¯m pretty sure the poltergeist you encountered must have disagreed with you, Chiyo quipped with an amused smile. What was it you managed to loot in the end?


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Sephy huffed as the other girls chuckled.


    ¡°Why? What was it?¡± Jack asked, giving a wide grin at seeing Sephy¡¯s exasperated look.


    ¡°A cooking pot and two spoons before she ran away!¡± Nika laughed.


    ¡°Maybe the ghosts were just hungry?¡± Jack asked, his grin turning into a full cheshire smile as he teased the Skritta, the others cackling with laughter as she made several gestures with her hands he guessed were the local equivalent of the middle finger.


    ¡°Well at least you wouldn¡¯t be alone if we were to take this job!¡± Alora spoke up, as she got everyone back on topic. ¡°What are the other details, Nika?¡±


    ¡°They want to meet first before they go into big details,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°Which is to be expected really. They don¡¯t want anyone leaking any information about where they want to go because of stream snipers and rival groups, and the compensation we would receive is negotiable. They do also want us to submit some details to them before any meet is agreed, presumably to filter who they want.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit vague,¡± Jack noted.


    ¡°We may be able to glean more information during the meet if we decide to go for this job.¡± Alora nodded thoughtfully. ¡°And we¡¯ll certainly be able to negotiate a decent pay from the lack of forthcoming information. Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Yeah they¡¯ve specifically said they¡¯re looking for groups with good community standing, so I¡¯m guessing they have been burned by others before,¡± Nika noted. ¡°Along with the usual good communication skills, teamwork blah blah blah¡­¡±


    We can skip that part, if they want to research us they can work that out for themselves. Chiyo noted.


    ¡°They¡¯re providing the secure transport and claim that catering will all be taken care of.¡± Nika shrugged, looking tempted by the job. ¡°For a full weekend, with the possibility of multiple trips in the future, and also the possibility of future work. As far as the times go, they¡¯re not specific as to what weekend they want to go, but I¡¯m guessing not the weekend coming up, which was the one we¡¯re looking for.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re probably just wanting to get themselves fully organised.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not a publicly known place and they¡¯re not worried about others getting there first?¡±


    ¡°That sounds likely.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Shall I add that to the ¡®maybe¡¯ list?¡±


    ¡°If you must¡­¡± Sephy grouched as she popped open another canned drink. ¡°What else have we got?¡±


    Didn¡¯t Luvia say she wanted us for a job a few weeks ago? Chiyo asked while she munched on some sweets, which Jack suspected was her third bag of them. He had managed to pinch one while the Ilithii wasn¡¯t looking earlier, and was pleasantly surprised to find it tasted almost exactly like a jelly baby.


    ¡°She did, though I need to ask her more about it since she didn¡¯t say much at the time.¡± Alora recalled.


    ¡°Probably just one of her ploys to get with Jack,¡± Sephy grunted. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t put it past her.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it was,¡± Alora disagreed. ¡°She was very vague about it when we spoke, and she knows not to cross a boundary like that.¡±


    ¡°Does she now?¡± Sephy dryly asked, clearly not believing the Eladrie.


    ¡°Regardless, if it¡¯s legit we can text her about it.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°It didn¡¯t seem urgent though, and since Luvia¡¯s a friend I doubt we¡¯ll get much of a payday from it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do that anyway.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s stop being lazy! Anyone who wants to come to the Sect of Esin with us for first aid training, ten minute warning!¡± She shouted out, so everyone in their home district could hear and get themselves ready.


    *****


    ¡°Alright! Coordinates are just up ahead,¡± Sephy told them all, checking her commlink.


    ¡°Excellent, and we¡¯ve made it in good time too!¡± Alora noted, looking around the neighbourhood they had found themselves in, having travelled in a northernish direction to get there. Though the independent districts they were visiting were clearly economically disadvantaged and had suffered majorly in recent attacks, the locals greeted them warmly, with the local militia happy to direct them to the Sect with no signs of trouble. The district seemed peaceful, with a proud, hard working community. As they walked down the streets of tenements and cart vendors, they spotted two elderly Vivren cleaning and polishing a wayshrine, which was one of several dedicated to a god along the streets, and they saw many of the locals stop by a few of them to give their brief respects before continuing with their day.


    The symbol of the Sect of Esin - a green neon star on the flag up ahead - told the students that they were at the right place. The medical clinic that they had been invited to in order to learn first aid operated within the skeletal remains of a cluster of abandoned warehouses and factories, nestled in the centre of the residential district. The exterior of the makeshift medical facility bore many scars of time and neglect, with faded corporate logos and crumbling walls, but Jack could see several scrapped-together robots working around the outside to try and repair and clean it up.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Jack asked. They were a bit early, but they could probably wait inside and stay out of the cold weather.


    The entrance was marked by a large set of secure double doors with armed guards, with their uniforms clearly marking them as affiliated with the sect, but the guards didn¡¯t impede them, instead just waving them in and radioing ahead.


    ¡°I guess we¡¯re expected.¡± Nika shrugged as the students piled into a green foyer, before the secure doors shut behind them.


    ¡°Good afternoon everyone!¡± A chipper female voice called out of a PA system as the students looked around for the source. ¡°Just need to check you all for any diseases or anything else that might be a problem for us. Just sit tight for a moment!¡±


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    It shouldn¡¯t take long. Chiyo noted, as they heard some hums and beeps from all around them.


    ¡°Okay, you should be alright!¡± The voice called out once again. ¡°However, just as a precaution, we understand that one of your number is an Outsider, so we wish to cast a small protection spell on him just in case. Would you be willing to submit to this?¡±


    Jack looked around at the others and shrugged. ¡°Sure, no problem!¡± He called out.


    ¡°Excellent!¡± The friendly voice replied. ¡°Give me a moment!¡±


    A hidden door to the side opened, as a short, purple worm-like lizard creature with two arms, two beady eyes, two buck teeth and four legs in a lab coat skittered out holding a datapad.


    ¡°Hello there!¡± The being smiled up at him as the door closed behind them. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this spell just makes sure that you can¡¯t spread anything around here, the entry process already makes sure nothing spreads to you, but I want to make sure we don¡¯t get anything weird from you! Uh¡­no offence!¡±


    ¡°None taken¡­¡± Jack smiled in amusement as the creature seemed to be skittering all around him, taking notes on god knows what. As he watched, he noticed the creature, which he assumed was a woman, had no hair, with four long, thin horns poking out of the back of her head like railroad spikes. Looking satisfied, the creature spoke a few words that Jack couldn¡¯t comprehend, before lightly touching him on the arm, giving him a weak tingly feeling that he shook off.


    ¡°Right! We¡¯re all good!¡± The being grinned. ¡°Dr Kerkeis told me he met many of you in the aftermath of the second Klown attack and I¡¯m pleased to see so many of you here! We¡¯re always looking to spread the Gift of Healing in Esin¡¯s name! My name is Dr Dessim, and I work as a junior doctor under Dr Kerkeis. I¡¯ll be the one teaching you what I can alongside a few of my apprentices. Anyway! Please come in!¡±


    The chipper doctor quickly slithered past towards the next set of double doors, briefly bowing their head in respect to the green star above them before whispering something under her breath, causing the doors to open wide for all of them.


    Upon entering, the students found themselves within a reception area, though it was far different from any hospital reception Jack had ever seen. Where he would expect a completely packed waiting room with cheap plastic seating and all the noise and cries of desperate patients, here it was quiet, with several sofas and even beds that looked like they had either been looted from abandoned properties or had fallen off the back of an IKEA truck. It looked cosy, and the atmosphere was much quieter, almost a calm that befitted a place where the sick could get better. Even the various volunteers he could see moving around up ahead looked calm, and not in any rush to move between patients. The receptionist, like many they met, looked bored, but seemed attentive as the insectoid picked up their commlink and answered several questions.


    ¡°Any news, Quikith?¡± Dr Dessim asked as they walked past.


    ¡°Incoming patient, Doctor, I¡¯ll pencil them in.¡± Quikith nodded. ¡°The other doctors are still operating out in the field, and won¡¯t be back for a while.¡±


    ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll take a look at them when they get here, but if it isn¡¯t urgent I¡¯m sure the apprentices can treat them well enough. I feel like my time to pupate is near so see if we can have someone suitable cover for me, just in case.¡±


    ¡°As you say, Doctor.¡± Quikith respectfully nodded again, as Dr Dessim beckoned the students to follow.


    The building was a vast open space that had been repurposed with a patchwork of salvaged partitions and translucent curtains, creating makeshift treatment rooms that gave the patients a modicum of privacy. Looking back, Jack could see the outside of the foyer they had entered, with scraped-together metal plates that held up what now looked like a temporary structure.


    The ceiling of the former warehouse was high, though it looked like work was being done to utilise the space, as catwalks were being built, though Jack didn¡¯t know what for. For now though, the industrial lights above cast a light over the holographic displays projecting information, and even entertainment in some places, likely for the benefit of patients lying down.


    As the group was led down the maze of temporary rooms along the cracked concrete floor, Jack saw that the volunteer medics had ingeniously fixed gurneys, surgical tables and other medical equipment out of scrap when they passed a closed-off section that had two volunteers with a welder working on something. The air was heavy with the scent of antiseptic and ozone, with cleaning droids zipping around, spraying their stuff all around them.


    ¡°Alright, here we are!¡° Dr Dessim grinned as she led them all into a large room with a few gurneys, complete with practice dummies of different species Jack was unfamiliar with, manned by several apprentices. ¡°So to begin, before we even think of helping someone, what do we do first?¡±


    ¡°Assess the situation?¡± Alora asked. ¡°It could be a trap or there could be enemies nearby?¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Dr Dessim nodded with a satisfied smile. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t put yourself at risk if you can help it. If you have to get yourself and your patient out of there, do it, but otherwise stay put if it¡¯s safe enough, since moving an injured person can often cause more harm. You might be able to get away with that using your powers, young lady.¡± She indicated to Chiyo. ¡°Now if you¡¯re on the scene, you may not have time to clean yourself up, but you must do your best to prevent infection. Though that can be dealt with once help arrives on the scene, it can take some time. Speaking of which, if your patient is still awake you need to keep them as calm as you can. While it¡¯s likely they¡¯ll be freaking out, getting them on-side and cooperative is key to your success in healing them up. Any questions?¡±


    Nobody had any, with the points raised sounding obvious to the group.


    ¡°Heh, it might sound obvious to some of you!¡± Dr Dessim shrugged. ¡°But trust me, in the heat of the moment common sense goes out of the window. At least if you remember me saying it, you¡¯ll know what to do! Anyway, split up evenly among the tables and we can go through the basic scenarios!¡±


    Jack, Sephy and Alora took one of the nearest ones with a smiling Xarak apprentice, the reptilian quickly pointing to one of the arms of the four-armed mannequin that looked obviously broken.


    ¡°So! Broken bones!¡± The Doctor called out once everyone was settled. ¡°These vary in intensity, but all need to be treated, and that starts by finding the point of fracture. With more severe injuries these are more obvious with deformities in the limb, but others may be more subtle. Firstly, in the most horrible of cases, there can be open bone fractures which you will need to dress with a cloth, keeping pressure around the wound to control any bleeding, before you bandage it up.¡±


    As Dr Dessim was talking, the apprentices showed the practical application of this, and Jack took note as the Doctor continued.


    ¡°Sometimes the situations you find yourselves in won¡¯t allow you the resources you need. Don¡¯t forget that if you need a bandage, a ripped piece of clothing is a good substitute! Learn to improvise if you can, but it¡¯s always good to carry things for an emergency, especially if you find yourself heading to risky locations. But on the topic of bandages, let¡¯s move on to cuts and lacerations!¡±


    Jack glanced at the doctor as she spoke. The friendly woman was clearly very passionate about her subject, so he made doubly sure he was remembering what she was saying. Though he had some experiences with first aid with the scouts, which had proven useful in the recent past, he could barely remember much of it and he didn¡¯t want to make any mistakes.


    ¡°Ideally with cuts and lacerations, you should practise on one another to make sure you can keep a bandage firm enough to work properly, however you may require a clotting agent for certain species,¡± The doctor continued. ¡°But in the case of more severe bleeding of a limb, a tourniquet may be needed. Watch closely as I demonstrate how to do it, and my apprentices will assist¡­¡±


    Jack¡¯s mind went back to the Klown attack, where he was able to save Kizzarith using a tourniquet. The Anicite had been messed up by the whole affair, and though Jack hadn¡¯t seen his friend in a while, according to the guys he was making steady progress.


    ¡°Now some complications can arise with cybernetic enhancements and genetically enhanced tissue, though the latter is far more complicated to identify. In many cases, a binding agent is best to seal the wound rather than a bandage, but wounds in these locations can be left longer without further treatment. Chances are that if your patient is awake and active they will have a better idea of how to treat their systems. However, for burns this is much more complicated. If a cybernetic arm malfunctions for example, then the fusion of organic and artificial requires advanced treatment. Burn dressings and antiseptics can treat the symptoms in the interim, but only after cooling the burn. While running water can help with normal burns, there is often a danger with cybernetic systems, so we recommend deactivating the affected limb if you can.¡±


    Jack nodded as he understood. Looking at his palm, he remembered the nasty burn he received during his desperate fight with Dr Grine. He shuddered. Grine was still out there¡­


    ¡°Excellent! Now we¡¯re going to run through a few practical exercises and get you all experienced at using some key concepts and equipment¡­¡±


    *****


    ¡°Hey, this is actually pretty fun!¡± Sephy grinned as she got the hang of making a sling for a broken arm, using Jack as a test subject.


    ¡°And quite useful, considering our line of work,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°Though I have healing magics, it isn¡¯t a total solution for everything.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it makes sense to be as self-sufficient as we can,¡± Jack agreed as he wiggled his fingers before undoing the sling to practise on Alora. ¡°Especially if we¡¯re thinking of heading outside the city.¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± The apprentice told them once Jack completed the sling. ¡°You three are doing very well, and we do offer advanced classes for those that are willing. We operate a few that you may find useful if you¡¯re of the adventurous sort.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very kind of you!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Thanks!¡±


    ¡°It is merely our duty, no inconvenience!¡± The apprentice reassured her. ¡°In the name of Esin, we heal those that need it to the best of our ability, and we are more than glad to spread the Great Art, especially among such willing students! I understand you may be somewhat ignorant of Esin, Outsider?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit I don¡¯t know much.¡± Jack tentatively replied, not wanting to be rude. ¡°I know she¡¯s a goddess of healing, that¡¯s about all I know, sorry.¡±


    The apprentice smiled. ¡°There is nothing to apologise for, Outsider. Though there are many who consider Esin to be female, there are also those that consider Esin male. It is not something that matters to Esin - Esin considers themselves beyond such concepts, though does not disapprove of their clergy using such terminology. All that matters to Esin is that we cherish and preserve life no matter the form it takes, and spread the art of healing wherever we can.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but that includes bad guys too, right?¡± Sephy asked, as Alora gave the Skritta an unamused look, but the apprentice didn¡¯t seem to mind.


    ¡°If resources are limited, then it is up to the healer to best determine how they are used.¡± Dr Dessim smiled as she approached their table. ¡°But we are duty-bound to help all we can without rendering judgement.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a guy from my people¡¯s ancient history you¡¯d like!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°His name was Hippocrates, and he was way ahead of his time in advancing medicine when most of us were primitive. Though a lot is lost to history, he¡¯s most well known for the Hippocratic Oath. ¡®Do no harm¡¯ and all that. It was basically a code of medical ethics that many doctors even today swear by!¡±


    ¡°I am sure that Esin smiles upon your people, Outsider!¡± Dr Dessim nodded politely as everyone stopped and gathered around. ¡°However for today, we are done. We offer medical supplies for sale, and will be most thankful for any charitable donations too.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Dr Dessim, thank you everybody!¡± Alora diplomatically gave a nod of her head in a short bow. ¡°I think we shall do exactly that!¡±


    *****


    Nika? Have you seen something interesting? Chiyo asked the distracted Kizun, who was looking studiously at her datapad.


    ¡°Might have found us our job for the weekend,¡± Nika finally spoke up, unsurely. ¡°It looks interesting too¡­¡±


    ¡°What does it say?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°They¡¯re being very stingy on the actual details, but it¡¯s a Recon Mission,¡± Nika began. ¡°But it has a few caveats that will only be explained to us during the meet. They¡¯ve also marked it as urgent, with multiple sub-objectives, so we might be able to negotiate ourselves a decent payday out of this one!¡±


    ¡°Oooh! What else does it say?¡± Sephy asked with a grin.


    ¡°Not much at all.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Except that they¡¯ve confirmed this is a job for outside the city.¡±


    How far away? Chiyo asked curiously. Are you sure it¡¯s a weekend job?


    ¡°That¡¯s what they¡¯re saying.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Though we can check these details during the meet if we go for it. What do you say?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s express interest in a meet and see where we go from here.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°We all agreed to at least hear them out?¡±


    Nods from the group all gave their accent.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s see where this goes¡­¡±


    They received a reply less than twenty seconds later.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Jack began. ¡°Is it normally that quick?¡±


    No, Chiyo confirmed. Not even for AI filtering.This isn¡¯t a good sign. Nika?


    ¡°Holy shit. They want to see us as soon as possible.¡± The Kizun spoke slowly, her look of concern plain for all of them.


    ¡°That could mean they¡¯re desperate¡­¡± Sephy began.


    Or another threat, Chiyo warned.


    ¡°We won¡¯t find out until we check.¡± Alora nodded grimly. ¡°What¡¯s the location, Nika?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­¡± the Kizun gulped.


    ¡°It¡¯s Corvin Enterprises...¡±

 Chapter 114: Mr Johnson

    The group had wasted no time in gearing up and letting the others know they were heading out. Though the timing and location had them all on edge, some further research revealed that the area they were to head to was an open area restaurant reportedly considered safe by visitors, and on the outskirts of Corvin Enterprises¡¯ undisputed territory.


    They were all dressed respectfully, with a grumbling Jack wearing a white shirt, black trousers and shoes, and his grey greatcoat. Though the paranoid human wanted to go in armed and armoured to the teeth, Alora had been insistent that they dress appropriately, rather than in anything that would get them shot, but Jack was still insistent on having his fancy tie loose in an act of petty disagreement, and with his sunglasses he had a proper ¡®CryptoBro¡¯ look, with all the weapons the others had allowed him to take.


    At least if he was going to get shot at again, he¡¯d look good in the process.


    Calm yourself, Jack. Chiyo tried to reassure him. We¡¯re not there yet, conserve yourself!


    ¡°Yeah because the last time we met a client for a job it went so well for us!¡± the grumpy human huffed back, not calming down in the slightest, as he anticipated a fight.


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong to be paranoid, considering what happened last time,¡± Nika acknowledged. ¡°But we¡¯ll be much more careful this time. We have a plan. I¡¯m not saying don¡¯t be cautious of a fight, but try not to let the anticipation overwhelm you right now. When we¡¯re meeting a client we¡¯ve got to keep our heads in the game, especially when we¡¯ll be meeting in Corvin territory.¡±


    ¡°Basically, save that brooding expression of yours for when we get there.¡± Alora chuckled. ¡°And you keep cool too, Dante!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± The ¡®dog¡¯ barked determinately from where he padded alongside them.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°I¡¯m still inexperienced with client meets after all. But we all agree that the quick reply we got wasn¡¯t a good sign, right?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Sephy nodded. ¡°It¡¯s sus as hell. Honestly, what we really need is to find ourselves a good fixer to find jobs for us.¡±


    Agreed, but we have nobody yet, Chiyo pointed out. Repeat clients however¡­


    ¡°Yeah, we do have a few of those,¡± Nika acknowledged. ¡°But we haven¡¯t had any hits from them for a while, and most of the jobs were small-time. A fixer would be good, but they take a commission, and there are stories about betrayals out there...¡±


    The narrow alley the group were travelling down echoed with the distant hum of neon lights above them, which cast a flickering glow on the rain-soaked pavement beneath their feet. Though there were citizens still walking around conducting business, many of them were understandably cautious about the ongoing city conflicts, and though those had quietened down in recent days, the caution was still there. Though there were homes about, the district they were in was mostly a transitional one, with a few convenience stores and open parks scattered about the otherwise bare district. Still, each puddle reflected the towering corporate skyscrapers of their destination ahead looking over them.


    That¡¯s Corvin Enterprises up ahead. Chiyo indicated with a nod of her head. Up at the wall in front of them were several flags of neon green geometric patterns, with purple and black backgrounds and accents. Directly in front of them at the gate was a neon-green triangular logo raised high in a place of prominence, that showed several triangles within each other on a black background, with a fierce-looking bird with purple eyes in the middle, and the words ¡®Corvin Enterprises¡¯ bright and clear underneath.


    ¡°Well this is it.¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°Local Datanet says things are normal, so we should be alright.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Now remember - if anything bad happens, we stick together no matter what and make a line towards the nearest border-district. We all should have something we can use to jump off the wall into neutral territory and survive.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be paranoid, she says¡­¡± Jack grumbled under his breath.


    Oh shush, we will be fine, Chiyo reassured him, rolling her eyes. Corporate Districts are like many of the neutrals we¡¯ve been through, just with more security. If we don¡¯t get caught acting against the interests of Corvin Enterprises, we will be perfectly fine.


    ¡°Indeed, Corporate Districts are often some of the safest,¡± Alora added. ¡°Though perhaps less so with the current conflicts, where we are heading isn¡¯t of much strategic value to the other corps.¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll just have to see for myself.¡± Jack sighed, giving a nervous smile and a nod. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, let¡¯s just go.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    As the group approached the checkpoint for Corvin Enterprises, they could see a group of five guards ahead. Unlike the Myrodin corporate troops the group had encountered previously, these troops were disciplined, and were clad in sleek black and purple uniforms with rich green stripes running down the seams, emitting a soft glow. The leader also possessed a sleek, glossy-looking black exoskeleton, and a cloak that shimmered with the now ever-familiar neon-green. All five of them stared the group down with the purple-tinted visors of their helmets and readied their guns.


    ¡°Halt. State your business!¡± The leader ordered, and the group dutifully stopped, with Jack once again wishing he could have taken his new plasma rifle with him.


    He really wanted to try out the grenade launcher!


    ¡°Good evening Sergeant.¡± Alora indicated her head respectfully. ¡°We are merely passing through, and are expected at the Verbannte Restaurant. Once our business is concluded, we shall return from whence we came.¡±


    ¡°I see, hold a moment,¡± The Sergeant ordered, as Jack noticed a set of static turrets behind the guards, though they didn¡¯t do anything.


    ¡°They¡¯re using the CCTV cameras to run a search on us,¡± Sephy warned over subvocal comms. ¡°I¡¯ll edit the records to self-wipe twenty minutes after we leave.¡±


    Good call, Chiyo agreed subtly. There is no need for Corvin to have information on us.


    Several seconds later, the Sergeant clearly got the all-clear on his visor.


    ¡°Very well.¡± the man nodded. ¡°You may enter, but if you give us trouble, we¡¯ll give you something worse.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Alora quickly replied before anyone else got any ideas. ¡°We shall be sure to behave ourselves while we¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Ensure you do,¡± The Sergeant told them as the guards moved out of their way, allowing the group to pass them by.


    As they stepped into the corporate district, Jack let out an involuntary gasp as he took in the sights around him. The streets were immaculately paved, completely devoid of all the potholes and cracks that constantly marred the well-worn roads and paths that dominated most of the city. Looking around, he could see meticulously manicured gardens melded perfectly with the clean stone, metal and glass of the sleek modern buildings all around them, each displaying the logo of Corvin Enterprises. Even the air seemed cleaner, completely devoid of the acrid scent of pollution that he had been used to since his arrival.


    ¡°Woah¡­¡± Jack finally mumbled.


    ¡°It looks nice¡­¡± Alora began, gently pulling at his arm to get him to keep moving. ¡°But make no mistake. This is nothing but a mask.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I guess.¡± Jack sighed with a nod as they kept moving. ¡°Those guards looked more competent than the Myrodin lot we fought a few weeks ago.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because the Myrodin lot we faced were the scrubs at the bottom,¡± Nika told him. ¡°They can field better, but a recon team being sent into the unknown usually involves disposable troops.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, that makes sense.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure Mx Cxilla mentioned that Myrodin has worse than what we faced.¡±


    Magical constructs and creatures, Chiyo confirmed. Be thankful we¡¯ve never encountered them.


    ¡°No complaints here.¡± Jack grinned before a chime pinged from a nearby streetlight, a sound that was echoed from all around them.


    ¡°What was that for?¡± Sephy asked, before they were abruptly answered when a light flashed on one of the buildings, causing several of the few citizens they could see to stop and look at the projection of the company logo, before it quickly began to chime a quick jingle as the projection simply stated ¡®Announcement Incoming¡¯.


    As the jingle ended, the projection changed to a sight that completely baffled the human. Wearing a tiara and pink ballroom dress, the fair-haired Eladrie-looking girl gave the camera a wide, almost creepy smile as she leaned on her magical staff - a fancy looking gold and silver one with a glowing pink heart at the top that pulsed with arcane power.


    ¡°Good evening citizens of Corvin Enterprises!¡± The girl greeted, in a voice that sounded far too sickly cutesy for Jack¡¯s liking. ¡°My daddy and I hope you¡¯ve all had a wonderful, productive day today! Chuuu!¡±


    ¡°We also have a few announcements to make today! Isn¡¯t that exciting!?¡± The girl asked with a manic grin.


    ¡°First of all, we wish to announce that the first screenings of Zyberbeam will be broadcast this weekend, and tickets are still available for those who wish to see the latest exciting instalment in the Corvin Cinematic Universe!¡± The girl clapped her hands in excitement.


    ¡°Secondly, I have some unfortunate news. Foooo¡­¡± The girl continued, mimicking a crying face. ¡°I know we¡¯re all super excited to see the next Hell Ring, but unfortunately, due to the ongoing conflicts, this shall be postponed for a later date. But don¡¯t worry! It¡¯s sure to be an exciting event, and just like you I can¡¯t wait to see the chaos and mayhem that is to come! Maybe I¡¯ll even join in and get me some kills!¡±


    She stopped, looking very excited at the prospect, before she finally closed off.


    ¡°And our final announcement for today is that Corvin Enterprises continues to be in active conflict against our enemies, especially Myrodin Magitechnology and Shaskasaki Cybertronics..¡± The girl nodded solemnly, but to Jack it was clearly an act as she grinned wickedly.


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry citizens of Corvin Enterprises! Everybody¡¯s favourite Slaughtergal is hot on the case! Because with the almighty power of friendship and a sparkle of starshine I¡¯m gonna obliterate every single last one of them! UwU!¡±


    The projection ended.


    Nobody said anything for several moments.


    ¡°What. The. Fuck?¡± Jack finally deadpanned.


    ¡°Yeaaaaaah.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°That crazy bitch is someone to be avoided at all costs...¡±


    Jack, that was who we almost encountered during our heist against Shaskasaki, Chiyo warned him. And why we escaped as quickly as we did.


    ¡°Yeah I was going to ask you about that, but we were floating in the air trying not to throw up so it must have slipped my mind.¡± Jack sighed, shaking the bizarre image of the Magical Girl out of his head. ¡°So who the hell is she?¡±


    ¡°Cecily Corvin,¡± Alora answered him, while Sephy checked to make sure the coast was clear as they kept moving, trying to look casual as they did. ¡°Apparent daughter of Atticus Corvin, and the ¡®Slaughtergal¡¯ of Corvin Enterprises. She¡¯s an idol, pop star, actress and a very powerful witch who debuted almost four years ago as Corvin Enterprises resident ¡®superhero¡¯, though what that usually means is that if Corvin Enterprises wants a public execution or massacre outside their territory, they send her.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, I¡¯ll still take her over Captain Marvel¡­¡± Jack quipped with a bemused grin.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Yeah holy shit¡­¡± Sephy added. ¡°There was no way we could have known she¡¯d show up at the Shaskasaki warehouse. Fucking hell it wasn¡¯t even anything important!¡±


    ¡°She was probably just sent to make an example of Shaskasaki.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s not exactly a rare circumstance.¡±


    ¡°You sure she¡¯s not one of your people, Alora?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°Everyone seems to think so!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m very sure,¡± Alora firmly stated. ¡°Not Eladra either, though I¡¯ll be honest, I¡¯d say there¡¯s far more similarities with Jack!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jack snorted in astonishment. ¡°Not a chance!"


    Everyone, we need to stay on task, Chiyo reminded them firmly.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Chiyo.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Undeterred, the group carried on, and Jack realised that the modern-looking buildings tended to be very samey to him, almost like everything was moulded to a very specific template. No matter what he thought when he first arrived, the place now felt almost soulless to him, as he spotted various commuters in fancy uniforms chatting on their comms. None of them looked particularly happy or energised, just simply going through the motions of yet another workday, and ready to work the next one in an endless loop.


    Jack shook his head. Would this kind of future have been his if he lived a normal life on Earth? He shuddered at the thought.


    He was thankful when there was a change in their surroundings, as they approached a glass and concrete structure that had several escalators leading up to multiple floors, and he quickly realised that this place was some kind of shopping centre.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Sephy confirmed. ¡°Looks quiet.¡±


    We have time, Chiyo reassured them. Let¡¯s find somewhere hidden nearby and you and I can check the local matrix and astral.


    ¡°What are the work times around here?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Surely they¡¯d be people around after work.¡±


    ¡°There are probably some,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°But this is a weekday and out of the way of any landmarks of note. Probably why the client picked this spot, unless this is another ambush.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t jinx it,¡± Jack mumbled under his breath. ¡°Where do you want to sit?¡±


    ¡°Some public benches in a remote corner should do it, the balcony over there will do.¡± Alora decided, leading the way. ¡°That way we can play it off if a patrol finds us.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°We take a break and work out our approach.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked softly in agreement.


    Two minutes later, Jack was awkwardly sat on the bench with both Chiyo and Sephy leaning against him on either side, doing their thing in the local Matrix and Astral.


    ¡°So Jack, I think you and Dante should be visible with Alora when she talks to the client,¡± Nika proposed, as she pulled out seemingly random bits of metal from her pockets and satchel, which she began assembling into her sniper rifle. ¡°I¡¯ll maintain overwatch from one of the balconies with Chiyo¡¯s physical body. She¡¯ll be keeping an eye on things from the astral, while Sephy¡¯s going to use the Trickster¡¯s cloak to hide nearby. I know you¡¯ve not done these kind of meets before, but if things go to shit you and Dante are the best choice for getting Alora out of there alive.¡±


    ¡°And if things go bad, that¡¯s the wall we make our way to,¡± Alora added, pointing at the long district wall to the left of their position. They had discussed this in detail before heading out, but pointing at a place on a map and actually being aware of it in the field were two very different things. ¡°No conventional entryway, but on the other side is neutral territory, so unconventional is always an option if we need it. Trust the others, they¡¯ll keep us informed if there¡¯s anything suspicious and make the call to go loud and bail if we need to.¡±


    ¡°Of course I trust the others.¡± Jack nodded, sighing as he tried to calm down his nerves. ¡°So what do you want me to do? Just look scary and be ready to go apeshit?¡±


    ¡°Not scary, just look professional.¡± Alora giggled. ¡°I¡¯ll lead and do most of the talking, and others can talk to us over subvocal comms, but feel free to speak up yourself if you feel the need to.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll try my best and follow your lead. I¡¯m sure the others can tell me if they think I need to shut up.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we will!¡± Nika grinned as Sephy began to stir. ¡°But definitely let Alora do the price negotiation on her own.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Jack nodded as Chiyo also began to shift. He checked his commlink, and saw that they had several minutes to go. Plenty of time to set up, he reasoned, as he put his shades on and cycled through several of the settings.


    Everything looks fine on my end, Chiyo confirmed. Once Alora is in proximity I can check to see if the grey stuff we got from the Cult of the Destroyer ambush is a match.


    ¡°Good on my end too, at least in theory,¡± Sephy confirmed, a little unsurely. ¡°No active surveillance on this location, but it looks like there¡¯s been a recent shift arrangement to move ground and aerial patrols away from this location for two hours, with only a VI overseer. I can delete camera footage of us when we leave no problem.¡±


    ¡°I guess the client doesn¡¯t want to be disturbed.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°But if there was any doubt before that they¡¯re with Corvin Enterprises, this crushes it.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be appropriately cautious.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Alright, those of you with Brooches of Disguise, I know we used them on our way in, but change your look again to something similar enough to what you actually look like so we don¡¯t spook the client. Chances are they¡¯ve done research on us anyway, but we don¡¯t want to make it easy for them to try and dox us.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Jack confirmed with the others, as he touched the brooch he had pinned to his coat. His disguise shifted and morphed to look like an Eladrie, one that looked suspiciously like Nicolas Cage.


    ¡°Good!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Everyone ready? Let¡¯s move out!¡±


    *****


    ¡°I¡¯m in position with Chiyo. Got eyes on the client,¡± Nika called out over subvocal comms. ¡°Guy in green robes sitting down, two bodyguards.¡±


    ¡°Sect of Esin?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°No, definitely Corvin colours,¡± The Kizun replied. ¡°Which makes me wonder why he needs us when he¡¯s connected to company resources. Don¡¯t be afraid to walk away from this one, Alora. Also he¡¯s sat at a table with four seats, maybe he doesn¡¯t know about Jack and Dante? Otherwise the place is clear.¡±


    ¡°Understood, thanks Nika,¡± Alora replied as she, Jack and Dante made their way out into the open dining area. Alora was calm and confident, and Jack tried his best to present himself as professionally as he could. Dante was happily padding alongside them keeping pace, though the ¡®dog¡¯ was more subdued than usual, knowing that this wasn¡¯t a time for playing around.


    ¡°Ah, excellent,¡± The figure in green robes called over to them, being the first to notice them arrive, and as they lazily spun around to look at them Jack noticed that they had a fancy looking staff at their side ¡°And precisely on time too, assuming you are my expected appointment?¡±


    The first thing Jack noted about the voice was that it sounded almost melodic. A tenor pitch that was punctuated by a subtle rhythm. As they walked closer, Jack saw under their hood an avian being with mostly grey feathers on their face and blue on top, with four luminous eyes that gleamed with intelligence, changing from light yellow to light blue the closer they got. However the most prominent feature was the thick, powerful looking beak which bore sharp fangs.


    Alora halted near the table, followed by Jack who was looking at the bodyguards. Lightly armed, but they looked professional. A display of confidence by the client?


    ¡°I stand by for verification,¡± Alora told the man. ¡°Valtorian.¡±


    ¡°Pregar.¡± The figure responded easily.


    ¡°Zaalt.¡±  Alora finished the passphrase, as the figure nodded.


    ¡°Everything is in order, though I was expecting three others, rather than your two companions.¡± He cocked his head, looking between Jack and Dante.


    ¡°Will that be a problem?¡± Alora asked cooly.


    ¡°No, of course it won¡¯t. Please, won¡¯t you join me?¡± The green robed figure extended his hands, revealing sharp talons as he encouraged them to sit down.


    Alora slowly walked forward and sat at the indicated seat, and pulled out the other one for Jack, subtly indicating to him that it was okay to join her. Dante stayed sat on the other side of the Eladrie, but kept alert for threats.


    ¡°Now, perhaps introductions are in order?¡± The client proposed.


    ¡°You first,¡± Jack retorted, the words coming out of his mouth before he could even think. The client paused.


    ¡°Or perhaps they are not?¡± The client proposed.


    ¡°I like that idea,¡± Jack continued, fighting the urge to look to Alora for any kind of clarification or permission. ¡°It is a pleasure to meet you Mr Johnson.¡±


    ¡°Likewise,¡± ¡®Mr Johnson¡¯ professionally replied, tipping his head briefly.


    ¡°You may call me Vela,¡± Alora told Johnson,


    ¡°Bombaclot,¡± Jack nodded his head, before pointing to Dante. ¡°And this is Pikachu.¡±


    ¡®You had better not be referencing human pop culture during the damn meet, Jack!¡¯ Nika whispered over subvocal comms.


    ¡°A pleasure.¡± Mr Johnson gave a polite smile. ¡°Now I hope you don¡¯t mind, I have already ordered and paid for food and drink for everybody I was expecting. It should be arriving soon, and then we can discuss business. It is a delicate situation and I believe your group can proceed with discretion.¡±


    Nobody eats any of the food until Sephy and I have checked it, Chiyo spoke up in their minds, which came to Jack a little fainter than he was used to, likely as a result of Chiyo astrally projecting. Jack, Alora has an ability to detect poison, so only eat if you see her do so.


    Soon, Jack heard the whining of gears behind him, and he resisted the urge to turn around as several droids carrying trays quickly filled up the table with platters of fruit and several bottles of wine, followed by yet more as they pulled the nearby tables closer to them to accommodate the sheer mass of food and drink Mr Johnson had ordered.


    ¡®They¡¯d better have go-bags for all that.¡¯ Sephy complained over comms. ¡®It¡¯s all clear on my end, no microtags of any kind. Also, Johnson¡¯s got a white noise generator going under the table, nothing bad. I¡¯m cloning his commlink right now.¡¯


    Once Chiyo gave the confirmation and Alora took the first sip, Jack tried some of the wine. It was very sweet, more of a spritzer than wine, tasting of tropical punch.


    ¡°Why are we here, Mr Johnson?¡± Alora finally asked. ¡°Surely a simple recon mission is well within the scope of what Corvin Enterprises is capable of.¡±


    ¡®Johnson¡¯ gave a dry chuckle. ¡°While such a statement is true, I am not contacting you on behalf of Corvin Enterprises. This is a personal matter, so even if I could utilise company resources for such an expedition, I can¡¯t trust them to handle the matter without scrutiny from my colleagues.¡±


    ¡°For a recon mission?¡± Jack asked, with eyebrows raised.


    ¡°This goes far beyond a simple recon.¡± Johnson shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll give you the background. My mother was a Greenwarden, and we had been mostly estranged for several decades, though for the most part I still maintained some kind of contact with her. She lived remotely with members of her Circle, but they had the means to contact the outside world, mostly because I sent some of our outdated tech their way out of a sense of loyalty. However, when I last attempted to contact her almost three weeks ago to warn her of the Killer Klown being recently active, I was unable to do so.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s¡­unusual?¡± Alora asked uncertainly.


    ¡°The lack of dialogue was very usual.¡± Mr Johnson nodded with a thin smile. ¡°However the communication suite she had was down. I had last spoken to her about a month prior to this, and I sensed no issues at the time. While technical issues are often an issue, she had other ways of contacting the outside if she needed help, and there are other members of her Circle I know. I suspect the worst has happened, but I am unable to go myself to confirm her death.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s where we come in,¡± Jack confirmed, receiving a nod.


    ¡°Yes. I want you to investigate and find out what happened at the Shrine of Elphil her and her Circle protected, and provide sufficient evidence to give me closure.¡± The Johnson gave a tired sigh. ¡°That is your main objective. Secondary to that, Corvin Enterprises will pay a reasonable bounty on information for the general area beyond our outpost over there. I tried to make inquiries to our people there, but I received nothing from them either, and I don¡¯t like it.


    ¡°¡±Finally, if you find my mother¡¯s body I want you to ensure she returns to the Great Cycle in the traditions of druidic custom. Though I would be willing to pay you for any of her¡­keepsakes you decide to bring back with you, what I absolutely want most is a bone pendant, simple in design with a rune. Though this is a powerful artefact, it is a family heirloom of great sentimental value to me, tied to my bloodline, and I would be willing to trade well to receive it.¡± The Johnson sighed again.


    ¡°I understand, though I cannot promise to find it, we will try our best should we accept the job.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°I have no more objectives to add. Travel I can arrange, but the closest point we can get you will still require you to travel on foot.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Let me think¡­¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m game for it.¡¯ Nika whispered.


    ¡®Same, this guy seems legit,¡¯ Sephy added. ¡®Lots of bonuses mean more pay for us!¡¯


    We should still be cautious. Mr Johnson is magically active, Chiyo told them all. But I think we should take the job.


    Alora canted her head towards Jack for a moment, seeking his approval. Honestly? This one didn¡¯t sound so bad. He gave a slight nod of his head in agreement.


    ¡°What are you offering?¡± Alora asked Mr Johnson.


    ¡°I offer 50,000 CorvCoin, half in scrip,¡± Johnson replied immediately. ¡°The bounty on area information will be reflective of what you¡¯re able to give us, and the treatment of my mother¡¯s remains will earn you another 5000. The belongings you wish to trade can be negotiated upon your return, but the pendant will earn you two magical items of equal value.¡±


    Alora frowned. ¡°We have a point of contention, Mr Johnson. If scrip is being offered then I believe 70,000 CorvCoin will be more acceptable¡­¡±


    ¡°55,000,¡± The Johnson retorted instantly, his face calculative and shrewd.


    ¡°60,000,¡± Alora retorted, just as quickly. ¡°And an additional 5000 worth of scrip in advance to gear ourselves up for the journey.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± Mr Johnson nodded, and they shook on it. ¡°I¡¯ll send all the information to your profile address. As for now, our business is concluded. Goodbye.¡±


    And with that, Mr Johnson got up, supporting himself with his intricate looking wooden staff, and made his way out, flanked by his bodyguards.


    Jack stared with wide eyes at the huge platters of food and drink that had been mostly untouched while they were talking. Soon, he felt a slight breeze over him as he sensed a cloaked Sephy next to him.


    ¡°Guys¡­¡± The Skritta spoke aloud, and Jack could tell how excited she was.


    ¡°Get the bags!¡±

 Chapter 115: Pre-Planning

    Once the meeting with their client had concluded, the group were able to extract without any issue, claiming the rest of the food and stuffing their bags as much as they could, before Sephy quickly wiped the local cameras of their presence. While the group was open to jumping the wall, Alora overruled them, not wanting to attract any kind of attention when they didn¡¯t need to. Nobody spoke as they passed through and out of Corvin Enterprises territory, only speaking of the job the moment they got home and slumped down on the sofa with warm cups of calming tea.


    ¡°Alright, so what the hell is scrip exactly?¡± Jack asked as they all settled down. Now that the meet was over and they were away, Jack was a lot calmer, and as he took another sip of the delicious wine with some of the delectable slices of fruit they had taken back with them, he was now wondering why he had even been so worked up in the first place¡­


    Scrip is a type of exclusive currency issued by a Megacorp or other similarly powerful organisation that will only be accepted as payment by them, Chiyo told him. In this case, Corvin Enterprises.


    ¡°So the dude literally just gave us fucking coupons?¡± Jack asked amused, looking at the strange green bands the Johnson had given them as their advance.


    ¡°It will suit our purposes for getting some gear,¡±  Alora pointed out. ¡°And using it will give us a discount on their products. Say what you will about them, but Corvin is one of the more diverse Megacorps we have. We can get some shopping done before we go.¡±


    ¡°Our next move is planning,¡± Nika announced. ¡°As well as finding out what we know about ¡®Mr Johnson¡¯. How much do you want to bet she isn¡¯t actually his mother?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jack asked, slightly confused.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t always happen, but sometimes the client¡¯s actual objective isn¡¯t the one they hire for,¡± Sephy told him as she lay down on the sofa, throwing bits of fruit into the air before trying to catch them in her mouth. ¡°Basically Shadowrunning 101. I reckon the guy cares much more about the pendent than the mother.¡±


    ¡°But what would be the point of not just outright telling us to get it?¡± Jack countered thoughtfully. ¡°He¡¯s offered a two for one trade on it, unless you think that¡¯s a bad deal?¡±


    It is a good deal, Chiyo confirmed. A very good one that we would go for if the opportunity presents itself. He did really seem to want it!


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get that impression speaking to him.¡± Alora shrugged, sipping her wine thoughtfully. ¡°My impressions haven¡¯t always been correct, but they¡¯re the same species and look similar enough.¡±


    ¡°To be honest, even if he just wants the pendant and spun us a story, that¡¯s not our problem,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°A job¡¯s a job, and this one¡¯s gonna pay well. Sephy? You cracked his stuff yet?¡±


    ¡°Probably.¡± Sephy shrugged, not getting up, and throwing another bit of fruit into the air. ¡°Cloning his commlink and quickly isolating any outgoing signals was the hardest part, and I won¡¯t be able to access everything, but I¡¯ve had a brute-force program going ever since we were in the clear.¡±


    The Skritta threw another piece up into the air, and barely had time to register it briefly hovering in the air before Chiyo pinged it against her forehead. ¡°Dammit Chiyo!¡±


    Let¡¯s see the information you have on the client first, The Ilithii insisted. We need some kind of insurance against him if he tries to betray us.


    ¡°Fiiiine¡­¡± Sephy grunted before she shifted around into a seated position and began typing away. ¡°Lemme check out what I have and I¡¯ll project it on the table.


    ¡°Also Chiyo, you said during the meet this guy was magically active?  Did you get anything from that?¡± Jack asked, though admittedly he was completely out of his depth with the arcane.


    His aura was calm throughout, though he can likely mask it. I mean he was talking about the death of his mother, and from what I saw it was like he was just talking about the weather. I did examine him thoroughly though, and his astral signature shows signs of nature magic of some kind.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t come across to me as your average wagemage,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°If he¡¯s not outright one of Corvin¡¯s  mysterious executives he¡¯s probably close to it.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve got some stuff here,¡± Sephy told them, pointing to a fresh projection on the table. ¡°All I¡¯ve got are a few recent messages that were received while I was cloning the commlink. Even though the rest of it is so heavily encrypted and I don¡¯t want to touch it, it¡¯s definitely a burner.¡±


    ¡°Well done Sephy, I¡¯m sure you did what you could.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Though the client wasn¡¯t foolish enough to take his actual commlink, I assume he needed to remain in contact with certain people and set up a forwarding system.¡±


    ¡°Now let¡¯s see what we¡¯ve got and we can work from there¡­¡± Jack added, grinning as he patted Dante, who was watching with keen interest.


    Look at the name of the sender here. Chiyo pointed at one of the messages. The way the client is respectful and deferential to this ¡®Lux¡¯ individual indicates that they¡¯re probably his boss.


    ¡°I¡¯ll run that name, see if anything comes up.¡± Sephy nodded, quickly typing away on her commlink.


    ¡°What about this?¡± Jack asked, pointing at the content of the message. ¡°The word ¡®Sojourn¡¯ is capitalised for me, like it¡¯s the name of something?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah¡­¡± Nika noted, seeing where Jack was pointing. ¡°Name of what though?¡±


    ¡°Probably the name of a project they¡¯re working on or something.¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°But it¡¯s difficult to tell from the context. Something about projects outside of the city.¡±


    Hopefully it gives us enough to find our insurance, Chiyo agreed. But more importantly we need to plan the trip. The client said he¡¯d sort out transportation, right?


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack nodded. ¡°But that¡¯s a hell of a lot of trust we¡¯re putting in this guy. How does he want us to get there?¡±


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s a two stage journey, but not as bad as you think,¡± Nika pointed out, reading through the files the client gave them. ¡°For the first stage, the client gave us an open express ticket for a Covrin shuttle to get to a border town that¡¯s the closest point of civilization before you hit the frontier.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Jack raised his eyebrows, not convinced that this was somehow good. ¡°Where do we need to go and what¡¯s the departure time?¡±


    ¡°There isn¡¯t a departure time, we can go when we want!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Basically if we go to any shuttleport Corvin Enterprises operate from and show the ticket, they¡¯ll then put us on the first convenient shuttle out no-questions asked, though it may mean we end up in a cramped cargo bay.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s an open ticket can people still use it to track us?¡± Jack asked, still concerned about the potential problems. He hated to be ¡®that guy¡¯ but he knew it was important to ask the unpopular questions.


    No, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s likely, Chiyo confirmed. Of what is known in their company culture, many are in circulation within Corvin Enterprises and they¡¯re used by either powerful figures or their agents.


    ¡°So the run-of-the-mill employees don¡¯t ask questions.¡± Jack nodded in understanding.


    ¡°From what I can tell our ones don¡¯t have any unique markings either,¡± Sephy noted. ¡°So we should be alright as long as we don¡¯t hang around.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to work out where we want to travel from too, and how long the journeys are gonna take,¡± Nika added with a sigh.


    ¡°No worries, I¡¯ll run a filter overnight and we can pick the one we like the most.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°But that won¡¯t be the only legwork we have to do. We have some time before we want to leave on Frostday at least.¡±


    Jack nodded with the others, knowing that ¡®Frostday¡¯ was the local equivalent of ¡®Friday¡¯ here.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that we intend to pick up the armour Clan Bharzum promised for us,¡± Alora reminded them. ¡°And with luck we can sleep on the first leg of the journey, since I¡¯m more worried about the second part.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not familiar with this ¡®Cypherport¡¯ place,¡± Nika stated, checking the files. ¡°Other than it¡¯s the last frontier town before you hit leagues of mostly untamed wilderness. Once we get there we¡¯re to secure passage down the river towards a very remote outpost that Corvin Enterprises has some influence over. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯ll be the best course for us, but the client has indicated that there¡¯s a tribe of River Giants there who Corvin Enterprises have a working relationship with that we can talk to about securing passage for the second stage of our journey.¡±


    ¡°River Giants?¡± Jack asked in surprise.


    I must admit, this species is unfamiliar to me, Chiyo added thoughtfully. Though I am familiar with other species of ¡®Giants¡¯. What do you know of them, Nika? Anyone else?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much, but I once stowed away on a River Giant ship to get here,¡± The Kizun admitted. ¡°They seemed to be traders of sorts and they never caught me. They were pale-green skinned and I¡¯d say they¡¯re about double Jack¡¯s size on average.¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°I know just as much as you,¡± Alora added, with Sephy nodding to indicate the same. ¡°We¡¯ll need to do some research if we can, maybe if they have certain customs we can ensure their cooperation if we make sure to adhere to them?¡±


    ¡°Something else to add to the list of things to check.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°If they have a working relationship with Corvin Enterprises they should accept our coin at least.¡±


    ¡°Then we have the third stage of the journey,¡± Jack added, wanting to contribute. ¡°A remote outpost along the river to the target area. What kind of terrain are we dealing with?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know for sure,¡± Alora admitted. ¡°So we¡¯ll need to see if we can find maps of the area as well as any records from travellers.¡±


    ¡°If it can be accessed by river, it shouldn¡¯t be anything too extreme,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Especially if Corvin Enterprises have some kind of minor outpost there. Wonder what they use it for?¡±


    Perhaps there¡¯s remote communities out there that trade with them? Chiyo mused. Or maybe it¡¯s a staging area for something.


    ¡°If it¡¯s a quiet outpost, are we going to have problems getting ourselves a return trip?¡± Jack asked, taking a swig of his tea as he got more confident in asking these kinds of questions..


    ¡°Depends how long it takes to get back,¡± Sephy said. ¡°Surely if it were a busy route then they¡¯d want to make it a quick stop, but if there¡¯s nowhere else to safely rest I imagine a boat crew would want to take a day or two to rest and exchange cargo. We could always ask and bribe them to stick around for a bit.¡±


    ¡°That means we¡¯ll need to set a cutoff point for when we head back.¡± Alora clarified. ¡°Though we won¡¯t know how long we have until we get there. What do we know about the place we need to head to?¡±


    It¡¯s been described as a Shrine of Elphil, Chiyo reported. Though what such a place dedicated to ¡®The Nurturing Mother¡¯ is doing in such a remote location is beyond me. You would think a goddess of the hearth that¡¯s a protector of children would be closer to where the actual children are located?


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a historical holy site?¡± Jack suggested. ¡°Plenty of those exist on Earth. Had a bunch of wars happen over them too!¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Nika pointed out, the Kizun clapping once to get everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Right now we have legwork to do. We need departure locations and your best estimates for travel times so we know how long we have and plan when we rest.¡±


    ¡°I can check departure locations and we can pick the one we like most,¡± Sephy told the others before grinning. ¡°Does the express ticket we have give us an all-you-can-drink at a first class bar?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not drinking on the job,¡± Alora warned the Skritta sternly. ¡°And I¡¯d rather get to this ¡®Cypherport¡¯ place without attracting any attention. If we get some hidden space in a cargo hold we can try and catch some sleep there.¡±


    ¡°Maybe get some homework done too while we''re at it?¡± Jack grinned.


    ¡°Dammit don''t remind me!¡± Sephy groaned. ¡°We better not have anything bad!¡±


    I believe the teachers are going easy on us after the last two weeks of double school, Chiyo speculated. However I would recommend we complete everything we can before Frostday.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Though I''m sure we can clear it up during the day and before we get ready on Frostday. I''d rather not be distracted during a Run, or carry more things than we need to!¡±


    ¡°That brings up a good point,¡± Nika interjected. We need a list of things we''re taking with us, and from there work out a shopping trip.¡±


    ¡°And keep it light with enough space to take stuff back with us I''m guessing?¡± Jack added.


    ¡°Yep, told you you''re a born Shadowrunner!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Though I think we need to know more about where we''re going so we know what we''ll need. Doubt there''ll be any need to take my cybergear to the middle of nowhere.¡±


    In that case, tomorrow after school I shall go to the Great Library and find out what I can about the local area, Chiyo reasoned. Jack, perhaps you can come with me and help?


    ¡°Um¡­sure!¡± Jack agreed. ¡°Unless you guys think I might be better suited helping with the shopping? If we get some of those really lightweight sleeping bags then maybe we can swap out the bedrolls for hammocks or something?


    ¡°Hammocks?¡± Alora asked thoughtfully.


    ¡°Yeah, like a lightweight sturdy bit of cloth with hooks that hangs off the ground that you can sleep in?¡± Jack added in.


    ¡°I know what a hammock is!¡± Alora laughed. ¡°But that''s a really good idea if there''s going to be places to hook them up.¡±


    ¡°Could the fabricator spit a few out?¡± Nika asked, causing everyone to think hard on that one.


    Hessia thinks she can use it for curtains, Chiyo reasoned. I suppose we would need to see if it can be done first, otherwise we should just stick to our bedrolls.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask her tomorrow,¡± Alora told them. ¡°And a hammock would be much easier to pack into a bag at least, just stuff the thing.¡±


    ¡°Might be easily replaceable too,¡± Nika added. ¡°Depending on what we need.¡±


    ¡°About time we used the fabricator for other things instead of solar panels.¡± Sephy grinned.


    ¡°Like fixing up the shuttle,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°Right now it¡¯s just sitting there like a piece of modern art.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, hopefully we can fix it up after the Run.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°I guess while you guys are all doing your thing I¡¯ll make sure we¡¯ve got our MREs sorted for the trip, since I¡¯d rather not eat stuff in the field if we can help it.¡±


    That¡¯s the shopping list sorted for now. Chiyo nodded thoughtfully, wanting to bring something up. But what do we think about what actually could have happened? The client lost contact with their mother and now assumes that they¡¯re dead for a reason, after all.


    ¡°It could be an offshoot of Klowns.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°I know a bunch of groups are tracking the path of what they think of the main group but there are always offshoots that branch off and cause chaos by design, usually Klownifying any species they find on the way to replenish their numbers.¡±


    ¡°But Corvin Enterprises has a special hatred of the Klowns,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Surely they¡¯d know if it was them if they have the closest outpost to that area.¡±


    ¡°The problem is that the shrine we¡¯re heading to is so remote it could be anything,¡± Alora told them. ¡°So that¡¯s what we need to be ready for.¡±


    ¡°So load up to the teeth.¡± Nika nodded.


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s all get some rest and sleep well. We¡¯ll have the others doing guard duty for now, so tomorrow we can come back after we¡¯ve done our tasks and work out where to go from there.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡± Jack nodded with a slight smile as everyone got up to go to bed. He was glad that their group was taking the appropriate steps to prepare.


    He was almost starting to look forward to this¡­


    *****


    ¡°We''ve got our next game coming up in two weeks!¡±  Vaal told Jack with a grin, plonking his lunch tray down beside him. ¡°The school''s reconfirmed the schedule. Don''t know who we''re facing yet though!¡±


    ¡°About damn time!¡± Nika grinned, as Chiyo rolled her eyes and turned away from the conversation. ¡°We''ve got to get our reserves up to scratch!¡±


    ¡°Hey, they''ll be totally fine!¡± Kritch spoke up a little too quickly.


    ¡°You sure you''re not just looking at things through rose-tinted glasses?¡± Jack teased with a grin.


    ¡°Yeah I didn''t get a chance to say it on the day but you''re an asshole for doing that Jack!¡± Kritch pointed at the human, shaking his head. ¡°You could have at least warned me before you randomly chucked me onto Rayle¡¯s float!¡±


    The entire table erupted in laughter at that one, with Plooderoo thumping the table several times.


    ¡°Hey, it worked out well in the end!¡± Jack defended himself with a grin, with Kritch nodding in agreement.


    ¡°That''s true!¡± The Lizta grinned back. ¡°I''ll remember that next time your favourite dragon comes by¡­¡±


    That set the table off again, and this time it was Jack who was red in the face. The fact that Kritch was planning some kind of payback did not bode well¡­


    ¡°Alright, we''re changing the subject!¡± Vaal told them all. ¡°Team practice every day starting next week, train yourselves up in the meanwhile!¡±


    ¡°Every day?¡± Sephy asked incredulously. ¡°Really Vaal?¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± The Eladra smirked. ¡°We can get a winning streak going, and I want to make sure we all work well as a team. Last game our coordination could have been a lot better!¡±


    ¡°Speaking of,¡± Jack spoke up. ¡°How are Kizzarith and Arlox doing?¡±


    ¡°Better,¡± Plooderoo told them. ¡°Kizzarith is mostly awake and in good spirits, and he''ll be fit enough to come back to school soon, but he won''t be able to play Deathball for a while. He''s still thinking about his options for his missing¡­parts.¡±


    ¡°He hasn''t got long to think about it,¡± Nika warned. ¡°There''s a window of opportunity, I think he should see if they can be cloned and grafted.¡±


    ¡°I can''t imagine making a big decision like that easily,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°How long does he have?¡±


    ¡°Still a couple of weeks I reckon,¡± Karzen added from where she and her sister placed their trays down and added to the row. ¡°Still, maybe some time being up and about¡¯ll help.¡±


    ¡°Arlox has some time to go, I think,¡± Bentom added. ¡°Dream therapy helped correct the course but he''s still adjusting. I tried to talk to him via the drone link and it''s like he wasn''t completely there.¡±


    ¡°His wounds aren''t physical.¡± Vaal sighed. ¡°This is healing of the soul. It''s not a perfect science but once he''s with us I''m sure he''ll get better quickly. It''s just the initial readjustment that can take some time, that needs to be done as flawlessly as possible.¡±


    ¡°And how¡¯s Crill handling it?¡± Jack asked, looking around for their Squarri friend, and not seeing him. ¡°Have you guys seen him outside class lately?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s devastated.¡± Kritch sighed. ¡°Blames himself for not being with Arlox when the attack happened. Spends as much time as he can with him.¡±


    ¡°He couldn¡¯t have known what would happen, surely he knows this?¡± Alora spoke up, having overheard the conversation. ¡°I hope he holds no ill will towards me¡­¡± The Eladrie sighed. ¡°I was the reason they split up while they were helping me¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he blames anyone but himself¡± Jack spoke up again. ¡°Though I wouldn¡¯t know how the hell we snap him out of it apart from not leaving him alone for too long to wallow in his depression.¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯ve all been doing our part.¡± Vaal sighed. ¡°He probably just needs more of a distraction to shake him out of whatever¡¯s going on with him right now. He told me he¡¯ll be fine for games but I¡¯ll make the call to switch him out if he isn¡¯t. I¡¯m hoping the Deathball practice will keep him focused on something else. I¡¯m thinking we can head to the Cathedral of Merriment the weekend of the next game, Arlox should be able to join us by then.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°And since you want to wear us out before our next game¡¯s on, what do you want us to try and work on in the meantime, oh Captain?¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Vaal grinned. ¡°As a team we need to work on our tactics. Luviannestixxx was able to bottleneck us and trap Jack during our last game, so that¡¯s something we need to work on. Sephy, since you¡¯re a Charger now, we need to train you up for that, and our two new members need to be brought up to scratch. Jack, you need to learn more about playing the game, so if you can watch a few on TV or something, that¡¯d be awesome!¡±


    ¡°Well that doesn¡¯t seem so bad.¡± Jack shrugged with a smirk. ¡°Though I don¡¯t exactly have PirateBay or whatever over here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll hook you up with a few videos to watch,¡± Sephy told him. ¡°Bunch of classics you need to see!¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll watch what I can.¡± Jack agreed.


    ¡°But I¡¯m kinda tied down tonight¡­¡±

 Chapter 116: The Grand Library

    ¡°So how far is this Grand Library from here?¡± Jack asked as he and Chiyo left the school quickly to avoid the afternoon rush at the end of the day.


    The Etheria Grand Library is located towards the east of the city, Chiyo told him. About an hour away travelling on foot. Like the school, it was founded eons ago by a large congregation of Etheria worshipers, who is a Goddess of Discovery and Information.


    ¡°Wait, so why isn¡¯t Etheria a patron god of the school?¡± Jack asked, feeling a bit confused. ¡°It kinda sounds like that¡¯d be their thing?¡±


    She is a patron. Chiyo smiled patiently. However she is not a founder. She was unaffiliated with the founder gods at the time of the school¡¯s creation, but supported the school once her church discovered it, which would likely have been soon after founding given their proximity, though since this we¡¯re talking millenia not much is known other than that. Today the school has many gods that support it, though the founders are more publicly recognised and honoured.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°And you mentioned how big the place is before¡­¡±


    It¡¯s huge! Chiyo exclaimed, before turning more serious. We can have a look around if we have time, but we have a lot of specific research to do first, and I figured we might as well get you registered. I know there were some things you wanted to research yourself.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded with a sigh. ¡°I still want answers. The Oracle didn¡¯t have any, but what they did have just gave me more questions. I know Mr Sparrel says that this ¡®Sable Krynn¡¯ person can help me, but I might as well see what the library can tell me.¡±


    I know, Chiyo told him, sensing the sadness in Jack¡¯s aura that the deathworlder refused to let bubble to the surface. We won¡¯t give up. There¡¯s got to be answers somewhere!


    ¡°Speaking of answers¡­¡± Jack changed the subject, conscious of the fact that thinking too much about his situation would only make him feel shitty again. ¡°Do you know what we need to focus on to get what we¡¯re looking for?¡±


    It¡¯s tricky, because we have no names or references for the area we¡¯re heading to. Chiyo sighed. The only things we have are coordinates and knowledge that there¡¯s a Shrine to Elphil guarded by a Circle of Greenwardens. Not exactly much to go on.


    ¡°If the library does maps and stuff we might be able to refine our search if it tells us the landmarks?¡± Jack suggested, trying to be helpful.


    It does, Chiyo acknowledged. However you will have to see it for yourself. At least we have the name ¡®Cypherport¡¯ to work with, perhaps that will give us some more information to work with¡­


    ¡°Hope so.¡± Jack nodded with a grimace. ¡°The name of the river or surrounding areas would be something at least. The locals probably know more, but we won¡¯t be able to talk to them until we¡¯re actually there.¡±


    Well, we¡¯ll find out soon. Chiyo smiled. But first things first, we need to get you registered¡­


    *****


    That¡¯s it in the distance, can you see? Chiyo asked a while later as the two of them made their way down one of the widest streets Jack had seen. Despite the easily accommodated heavy flow of traffic, there seemed to be an unofficial ¡®order¡¯ to how people walked, with most people walking on the left hand side in the direction they were going, with a few large megafauna species plodding along the very edges, while smaller species stuck to the middle.


    Jack followed the direction in which Chiyo¡¯s slender finger was pointing, and just as a large, elephant-like person moved out of the way he saw it.


    A collection of connected, huge glass skyscrapers on the horizon was ablaze with light, as it caught and reflected the ambient glow of the neon-lit streets surrounding it. Almost like a translucent dome, he could see enchanted runes swirling ever so faintly in the air even from a distance in an ever-changing tapestry of colours that got more lush and vibrant with every passing moment, almost like the place reacted to being observed. Certainly, the library seemed to constantly pulse with energy, radiating an aura of power that clearly distinguished it apart from anything surrounding it.


    ¡°Well it¡¯s kinda hard to miss,¡± Jack joked with a hearty chuckle, awestruck by the sheer grandeur of the place. ¡°Bloody hell¡­¡±


    It very much rivals the Temple of Hope in power and influence. Chiyo smiled, enjoying Jack¡¯s obvious amazement. Many powerful mages over the eons have added their own contributions to the place. Not just knowledge or monetary donations, but magical defences too. What you¡¯re seeing is one of the greatest magical barriers I have ever seen, and that¡¯s just what you see from here!


    ¡°Is that kinda like the Eladrie magic thing Alora had with the home district?¡± Jack asked curiously.


    Kind of, but this is infinitely more powerful and precise. Chiyo giggled. Not even the Killer Klown would be insane enough to attack the library!


    ¡°I can see why you like it so much!¡± Jack grinned as he gazed with amazement at the tall, elegant structures. Looking closer, Jack could see a few more crystalline buildings cresting the horizon, and he realised that they were also part of the same complex, seeing more and more as they got closer. The structures seemed to balance both elegance and functionality, as he saw one of the structures surrounded by scaffolding and large flying vehicles of some kind that looked as if they were aiding in the construction of another floor. ¡°Damn, just how big is this place, Chiyo?¡±


    It encompasses many large districts, though the clerics of Etheria try their best not to overextend, Chiyo excitedly told him. Though they have needed to extend into more districts in the past, it is only done by agreement of any residents, who are generously compensated and rehomed inside library territory. The residential districts around here all swear their fealty to the library in exchange for protection and employment opportunities, it¡¯s really an ideal place to live!


    ¡°Damn, they even have drones too!¡± Jack pointed, as he spotted what he could only describe as a ¡®flock¡¯ of them, hovering in formation with crystalline wings around the perimeter of the districts, glowing with soft blue light as they danced through the air.


    Of course they have drones! Chiyo laughed. Some of the best Magitech around, even Myrodin would struggle trying to match it!


    As they got closer, Jack could see several holographic displays near the entrance to the library districts, that seemed to cycle through different planets, creatures, artefacts or anything else that looked exciting, which he presumed were for the benefit of the youngsters that stood there watching in amazement at the captivating holograms.


    We¡¯ll need to head straight to the reception. Chiyo told him. Though it isn¡¯t mandatory, I think it would be best to get you registered first, then once their checks and processes are done you can take advantage of the more advanced benefits of the library and run some searches. Have you thought about what search terms you want to prioritise?


    ¡°Yeah, I have a few ideas.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°But you mentioned that it¡¯s more of a long-term thing to have running, right?¡±


    For a search like that it will definitely require the use of the long-term services, the Ilithii confirmed. As well as the cooperation of the scholars to keep you informed with what they find. However, since you¡¯re an Outsider, you might be able to negotiate something if you give them some information about where you¡¯re from. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if someone took you up on that, but unfortunately it would take a couple of days for you to be fully signed up.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re here on business.¡± Jack shrugged with a grimace. ¡°Plus Alora¡¯s the negotiator. I¡¯m not the most talkative, especially since I got here.¡±


    You¡¯ll be fine, Chiyo dismissed. I reckon the moment they mention on your account that you¡¯re an Outsider looking for answers one of the scholars will be practically begging to talk to you. Whether or not they¡¯ll be able to help though¡­


    ¡°We won¡¯t know until we try.¡± Jack nodded, turning away slightly to avoid revealing the look of trepidation on his face. ¡°But it can wait for now.¡±


    After passing a checkpoint manned by several wizards and drones that simply scanned them on their way in, with a few strange looks at Jack for good measure the two of them made it into the library proper. Looking around, the streets of pale yellow brick were immaculately clean, with vigilant guards being a very common sight as they headed to the tallest skyscraper at the heart of the territory paved out clearly before them as the main path began branching off in a tidy order, highlighted by different coloured signs with runes not even Chiyo could identify. Many service robots were patrolling around the place, offering to guide the two of them more than once around the maze of smaller coloured crystal huts around them.


    Approaching the large building, Jack was momentarily confused as he couldn¡¯t find the entrance, before Chiyo patiently guided him to a seemingly blank metal wall, which gracefully parted into a gateway, almost as if the metal was made out of liquid. Several sparks then popped into existence and formed into arrows, bidding them to enter, which they both did without much need for prompting.


    The massive reception area of the library was far larger on the inside than Jack expected it to be. It was a sprawling expanse of fine polished marble that reflected the lights above, with high ceilings adorned by floating crystalline chandeliers that each emitted a gentle glow, the colour of which slowly changed, fading in and out from one hue to the next.


    Numerous desks were strategically arranged in the reception area, though Jack was quite surprised to find no queues at any of them for patrons who needed assistance, almost like there were just enough for everybody to not have to wait. Walking forward, he could see that the desks were quite uniform, consisting of sleek, dark wood with some metallic enhancements, each with an array of blue holographic terminals and droids working away on paperwork, while the blue robed receptionists happily spoke to the customers, looking comfortable in their oversized relaxation chairs.


    As Jack and Chiyo looked around for a spare desk they could go to, the sparks reappeared as if reading their minds, quickly pointing and guiding them along the rows of desks, with nobody showing any signs that they saw them as they passed.


    Soon enough, they were led to a free desk with a young looking avian being with huge, bulging eyes, reminiscent of an owl.


    ¡°Good afternoon!¡± They softly called out to them, gesturing with a feathered claw. ¡°Please sit. How may I be of assistance?¡±


    Greetings, Chiyo began, indicating Jack. We have a few inquiries, but I would firstly like to get my friend here registered to the library.


    ¡°Aaaah! A new scholar joins us!¡± The owl-like being chirped excitedly as he turned to the human. ¡°Most excellent! Could you hold out your hand for me please?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­sure?¡± Jack did as instructed, not sure why he had to.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± The receptionist hooted as they gently grabbed Jack¡¯s palm and cast a spell. Resisting the urge to yank away, Jack waited patiently for a few moments the owl-like bring did their thing, looking a little confused at places before finally ending the spell.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°Excellent, we¡¯re mostly done with your registration, I just need to note down some details. You are an Outsider, are you not?¡±


    ¡°I am, yes.¡± Jack nodded with a sigh.


    ¡°I knew it! That¡¯s why I had a little bit of trouble. My magic reacted a bit strangely with you, but I was able to get what I need. Would you be alright waiting a few minutes while I note this all down?¡±


    ¡°Sure, no problem!¡± Jack smiled, trying his best to look reassuring, though the receptionist did seem to wither slightly under his gaze.


    They waited there patiently for several minutes in silence, occasionally interrupted by the receptionist asking Jack a few seemingly random questions that didn¡¯t seem important to him at all, though Chiyo encouraged him to answer honestly.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re almost done¡­¡± The receptionist concluded. ¡°And finally, what name do you want to appear on your library card?¡±


    ¡°Jack Frost.¡± The human replied instantly.


    The receptionist nodded, typing away quickly on their terminal, before a series of strange sounds occurred as a small, blue card magically materialised on the desk in front of Jack.


    ¡°And with that, your card is ready!¡± The receptionist grinned. ¡°However it will take some time for you to be fully integrated into our system, so you won¡¯t be able to access our advanced features at this time.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Jack nodded unsurely as he picked the card up and had a look. ¡°Does it¡­like¡­do anything?¡±


    ¡°Do anything?¡± The owl-like being asked curiously. ¡°Ah! Right! As an Outsider you may not be familiar with the concept of a ¡®Library Card¡¯. Basically, if you need any of our services, you can scan the card along with anything else required by the specific service, and you will need if if you wish to copy any digital records we have, or even borrow one of our tomes, though a magical binding would be required.¡±


    ¡°Alright, sounds good!¡± Jack smiled as he pocketed the card.


    ¡°Now was there anything else I can assist you wish?¡± The receptionist asked.


    Yes. Chiyo nodded, while sliding a small credstick along the table. I need to know where I can find information on the wilderness to the west of the city, and I¡¯d also like to run a search on a species of ¡®giants¡¯.


    ¡°Ah, certainly!¡± The receptionist excitedly replied as he pocketed the credstick. ¡°Let me see¡­¡±


    *****


    I¡¯m not bothered about where things are on the priority list, finding out a few things about River Giants is going to be simple enough, so I want to get that done first. Chiyo grinned, as the two of them had exited the reception and gone down the corridor the friendly sparks had indicated. Though the Lexicon of Sapient Species is gigantic, narrowing it down to ¡®Megafauna¡¯ and ¡®Giant¡¯ should make things a bit easier for us and narrow down the search time.


    As they dutifully followed the floating sparks, Jack looked around at the expansive corridor, seeing that there was more than met the eye. The walls weren¡¯t static, and had that similar fluidity that the outside did, with animated scenes playing out along them in intricate detail, with battles, sermons and other scenes coming to life. He could even swear that some of the depictions were reacting to the two of them as they walked past¡­


    As the sparks directed them to turn to their right, they found that this new corridor was now lined by magical statues sculpted from strange materials Jack couldn¡¯t identify that almost seemed to defy the laws of physics, with several whispers speaking various one-lines with the gravitas that indicated famous quotes by famous people from history. And what followed was even stranger....


    Occasionally as they walked they would see archways adorned with glowing runes, and it was one of these that the sparks directed them to enter. It was obviously some kind of magical portal, and as they both approached, Jack could feel the energy coming off of it, like static in the air. Not willing to let his trepidation show in front of Chiyo, he quickly followed after the Ilithii, closing his eyes tight as he went through. He cursed as, for a brief moment, it was as if the temperature had turned down to a polar level, leaving him clutching and rubbing at his arms, but after that nanosecond the heat was back to a much warmer room temperature than what they had just left.


    Jack, are you okay? Chiyo asked in concern.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack sighed as he opened his eyes again. ¡°Not done that before though. That felt weird as fuck.¡±


    It¡¯s something you get used to. Sorry, I didn¡¯t realise you might not have done it before. Anyway, here we are at the Lexicon!


    The first thing Jack took note of was not the enormous bookshelves lining the walls, nor the detailed art of different peoples painted on the ceiling, but rather the strange aromas, like a great clash of ozone, ancient parchment and incense that stung his nostrils. He¡¯d smelt something similar at his old school on Earth, where one of the lecture theatres simply stunk permanently, and it wasn¡¯t a smell anybody else seemed to comment on.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°While we might have a system on Earth for organising libraries, I don¡¯t exactly see any decent signs here, just the numbers and letters of the rows¡­¡±


    We need to access a terminal first, Chiyo explained for him, pointing at a set of blue screens in a nearby alcove. This might be the more tedious bit¡­


    Sitting down on a pair of plush, comfortable chairs in the alcove, the two of them quickly got to work, quickly typing in the filters for ¡®Megafauna¡¯ and ¡®Giant.¡¯


    The sheer number of results they got back emphasised a pretty big problem.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a lot,¡± Jack noted. ¡°And I can¡¯t see the word ¡®Giant¡¯ anywhere!¡±


    I believe the term ¡®River Giant¡¯ must not be the actual name of the species, more like an exonym, Chiyo lamented. And I don¡¯t know what they call themselves.


    ¡°I guess we need some more filters then.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Well, we know they have a connection to rivers and they live nearby at least.¡±


    That¡¯s true. Chiyo conceded. Very well, let¡¯s see what we get¡­


    It took about half an hour to narrow the search results down just enough for the two of them to start looking through the shelves to see what they could find, and it wasn¡¯t much. Though the Ootheethooshi, the sea-dwelling ¡®Ocean Giants¡¯ and the Seethuunatshi, the ugly-looking ¡®Marsh Giants¡¯ were quite close, Jack didn¡¯t feel like he had found anything useful.


    Jack, I might have something here, but it isn¡¯t much. Come take a look? Chiyo asked, and he quickly followed the Ilithii¡¯s signs to find her perusing what was little more than a few sentences.


    ¡°Shame they don¡¯t have a picture,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°But I¡¯ve had a few species with this ¡®shi¡¯ as a suffix, and all of them were giants. If we use that as a pattern, these ¡®Asiideenoonshi¡¯ might be what we¡¯re looking for.¡±


    Well, these are said to be green of skin and have some semi-amphibious traits, whatever that means. They worship Illis, who is a minor goddess of travel, and are culturally very religious and a primarily nomadic race that tend to keep to themselves most of the time unless arrangements have been made, though they take the hospitality of guests and fellow travellers very seriously. Unfortunately that¡¯s all I have, and we¡¯ve spent too much time on this already.


    ¡°Well if they¡¯re going to be cooperative that¡¯s great, if this is even the right entry for them.¡± Jack snorted in amusement. ¡°Right, next I guess we¡¯ve got to find out more about the area of operation. You said that was harder, right?¡±


    Yep, though we want to find out what we can! Chiyo grinned, as Jack stifled a yawn. Let¡¯s go!


    *****


    ¡°Got anything on Cypherport?¡± Jack asked several hours later, as the two of them tried to compile as much information as they could on the area. Jack had discovered the river, which he had found about three different names for so far but was most commonly referred to as Gozrith¡¯s Fingers, and that the wilderness around had a history of farming when it was settled, as the river provided a decent floodplain that kept the local soil fertile, so it opened up the possibility of still-standing abandoned buildings to take shelter in or comb for valuables.


    I¡¯ve found a little, Chiyo began. Cypherport is so named because of a strange runic obelisk of some kind that¡¯s been there as early as records tell me. It¡¯s apparently unbreakable, and the runes change every so often. Nobody knows what the obelisk is actually about, but that hasn¡¯t stopped scholars from trying to find out. It¡¯s something of a local curiosity, but aside from that, the records tell me that Cypherport began as a small community started by a cabal of wizards interested in it, which grew into the small frontier town it is today. It was described a century ago as a ¡®quiet retreat from civilization.¡¯


    ¡°So it doesn¡¯t seem like an interesting place.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°I guess that¡¯s good news?¡±


    I¡¯ll take it! The Ilithii giggled. And what did you find on the area?


    ¡°A few names on the river we can do some follow-up research on if we need to. Apparently it gets quite wild at times, so we¡¯ll need to see what our ride is going to be like when we get there.¡±


    That¡¯s reasonable. Chiyo nodded. Though I somehow doubt a group of River Giants would be patrolling the river in a rubber dinghy!


    ¡°Hah! Wouldn¡¯t that be a sight!¡± Jack chuckled, though he received an ethereal whisper in his ear telling him to ¡®shush¡¯.


    What else did you find? Chiyo asked him.


    ¡°There¡¯s previous signs of the area being inhabited by farmers and ranchers, though that was a long time ago. Who¡¯s to say now?¡± Jack said. ¡°Remnants of fields, fences and hedges probably, but we might have a road network we can use to make things easier.


    On the plus side, that probably means no big hills or terrible terrain. Chiyo reasoned. However we might be exposed in the open if there are any enemies around.


    ¡°Yeah, I wasn¡¯t able to find any accounts of possible monsters, but much of this information is old,¡± Jack noted. ¡°It¡¯s a shame these guys can¡¯t seem to keep their records current.¡±


    You¡¯ve seen how huge this place is, Chiyo reminded him. And it¡¯s not like the information is high in demand. Still, at least we know more now.


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Though I was able to find a few references on the shrine, much of it is without any context.¡±


    That¡¯s good. Chiyo nodded. Did you manage to get any maps?


    ¡°Yep!¡± Jack grinned before his expression got more serious. ¡°But again, not current. Still better than nothing, hopefully things won¡¯t have changed much.¡±


    We¡¯d better compile and copy as much information as we can from this, Chiyo noted. We¡¯ve managed to make the conclusions we can here, but Sephy can back it up with her datanet connections.


    ¡°And Nika will probably go over the maps with a fine toothcomb,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°Alright let¡¯s just get everything we can and we¡¯ll go through it. We¡¯ve still got tomorrow night, after all.¡±


    Yes, I think we¡¯ve done what we can here, Chiyo concluded. We¡¯ve been working hard.


    ¡°Takeaway dinner?¡± Jack asked with a grin.


    I¡¯d never say no to that, but normally we¡¯d save that for after the Run. Chiyo giggled. Nika says we need to eat super healthy beforehand, but it just makes me crave more sweets! I need energy to fuel my powers for goodness sake!


    ¡°Well¡­the others won¡¯t know if we head to a bakery on the way back. I¡¯d love to have a belgium bun or something sweet!¡±


    I couldn¡¯t agree with you more¡­


    *****


    As they left, a blue robed Squarri woman that had been working on the shelves nearby waited until it was safe, before quickly walking over and checking the search history on the nearby terminal.


    She recognised the Outsider immediately of course - unlike her peers who were constantly too busy with research to keep up with current affairs. She felt a strong pang of guilt as she remembered seeing him on television, being lauded as a hero that fought selflessly to protect his fellow partygoers, many of whom were almost the same age as her own children.


    The shame made her hesitate for a long while, but being reminded of her children strengthened her resolve.


    She had done everything right, and everything she could. She and her husband had obtained an honest living working in the Grand Library, and worked hard to provide a stable living for her family, or at least the closest thing to it.


    But when the attacks came, and the corporations started their war, the hard times got harder for her family every single day.


    She had often gone without meals just so her children could eat what little food she could buy when Corvin Enterprises inflated the prices to extortionate levels. She remembered telling the kids that she wasn¡¯t hungry and to eat up, when in reality the only reason she didn¡¯t starve was the allocation of meals at the Library.


    Bills were high, rent was due¡­her job at the library was stable and the work was good and kept them going so far, but with the chaos the city was in, it just wouldn¡¯t be enough anymore.


    The only thing she had left to pay with was her soul. She made the call.


    ¡°That Outsider you¡¯re looking for, I know where he¡¯s going to be,¡± she reported, not bothering with any pleasantries.


    Nobody would ever find out, but a bounty was a bounty after all, and information like this paid well¡­.


    At least her family would eat tonight.

 Chapter 117: Know Your Nasty Gods

    ¡°Gods damn it! How the hell are you meant to sit or lie down in this thing?¡± Alora cursed as she flopped out of the hammock.


    ¡°With practice!¡± Jack laughed his ass off as the Eladrie gave him a mean look.


    Funnily enough, the others had coped well enough after some practice, doing some final preparations on the night before the Run. Chiyo simply used her powers to levitate and stabilise herself, Nika used her tail, and Sephy was nimble enough to get the hang of it by following his movements.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised it felt so comfy!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting that, plus it should be better on the carryweight now we¡¯ve gotten ourselves some lighter sleeping bags rather than bedrolls.¡±


    ¡°Those were well worth the price!¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°Not packed with stuffing, light-weight and super compact! I figured we¡¯d be sleeping on the floor for this Run. The hammocks are great!¡±


    While sleeping rough was an option, it¡¯s preferable to stay fresh when you can, Chiyo pointed out, as Alora nodded in agreement. And I have no doubt these hammocks will be quite useful, though if we can¡¯t find a way to hang them off the ground we really will be sleeping on the ground. Or at least you will! The Ilithii chuckled, floating in the air as a demonstration.


    ¡°This is perfect Hessia, thank you!¡± Jack nodded to the insectoid girl who seemed relieved at the praise as she gave a long, contented sigh.


    ¡°Good! I was worried about the material not being strong enough, but it seemed to hold up fine under my tests well enough! How many do you want?¡±


    ¡°Including this one, I¡¯d say two or three,¡± Nika pondered. ¡°Two to a hammock sleeping head to toe, or otherwise if you¡¯re so inclined.¡± She gave a very unsubtle wink to Jack. ¡°Though we¡¯ll have at least two guards awake at all times, Chiyo doesn¡¯t need it and Dante may prefer to sleep on the floor, so maybe two is best.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, maybe three would be better?¡± Jack suggested, as he recalled his times camping with the Scouts. ¡°We don¡¯t really know what the weather will be like over there, so one could double up as an emergency shelter if we need it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s actually a good point, let¡¯s make it three.¡± Nika nodded.


    ¡°Save the design as well, others might enjoy it too!¡± Sephy added with a grin, clearly having some kind of ulterior motive.


    ¡°Alrighty, three hammocks in total! I¡¯ll get the others done for you!¡± Hessia chirped in response as she left the room, leaving the Shadowrunners on their own.


    ¡°Well, sleep is sorted, though whoever I¡¯m sharing with will need to help me get into this damnable thing!¡± Alora chuckled. ¡°How are we on food?¡±


    ¡°Bought some good MREs for the occasion,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°Though if it makes sense to pay for a hot meal at Cypherport then I¡¯d suggest we do it. Also got some drink powders to go with them. I¡¯ll stick the majority of them in with yours and Chiyo¡¯s stuff since Jack, Sephy and myself will be taking the hammocks.¡±


    That¡¯s fair, Chiyo acknowledged with a nod. I also have a way of purifying water to drink, though it¡¯s much slower with saltwater. While we¡¯ll be taking bottles anyway it means we won¡¯t need to take enough for over 3 days at least.


    ¡°Realistically, if the local area had farmers or ranchers in the past they must have had a good way to get water,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°So I reckon we¡¯ll be fine. What I¡¯m worried about is trying to go on a hike in a set of body armour. We¡¯re picking it all up from Clan Bharzum on the day so if anything goes wrong¡­¡±


    ¡°I imagine it will be well-fitted, but I would be prepared to not take it off until we get back.¡± Alora grimaced at the sentiment. ¡°The sleeping bags should still be large enough and can be zipped open, just be careful when using them.¡±


    ¡°Should be lightweight enough, you just need to get used to moving around.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Better protection is always good, and we¡¯ll have our battleskins underneath. I still want us to be able to have something to wear over it so we stay incognito. Speaking of which, Sephy, where¡¯s the Corvin place we¡¯re gonna take off from?¡±


    ¡°Alright, so Corvin Enterprises have 3 distribution hubs near enough to Clan Bharzum territory and far enough from theirs,¡± the Skritta began, bringing up a projection of the city on the table. ¡°But since you want us to be quiet, I figured we could go for the western-most one here.¡± She pointed. ¡°Mostly quiet, and just serves the local CorvMarts. Not a serious target for the MegaCorps, and from what I can tell it goes on a circuit around a few outlying towns collecting stock, which then gets offloaded at a factory in Corvin Territory, before coming back with finished product, though we¡¯ll be off by then.¡±


    So there should be more than enough room to hitch a ride, Chiyo nodded in agreement. Good choice.


    ¡°How long will it take to get to Cypherport?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°I calculated the distance, and it should be about three or four hours.¡± The Skritta shrugged. ¡°Though I¡¯m guessing it¡¯ll probably be more since the workers need to move shit. Depends on how quick they are.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good enough to me.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Though I¡¯d prefer to get to Cypherport in good time and get passage out of there. The quicker we keep travelling, the more time we have to investigate what we need.¡±


    ¡°So get a few more hours of sleep on the boat trip if the skipper is cool with leaving during the night on short notice.¡± Jack nodded in agreement. ¡°Less people to worry about.¡±


    Now we¡¯ve got some maps and coordinates, how long do you all think the boat journey would take? Chiyo asked, pointing to the folder of files she and Jack had downloaded from the library.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost seventy miles away to the Corvin outpost as the river flows, so this will likely be one of the longest parts of the journey,¡± Nika warned. ¡°It depends on the craft the River Giants are using, but I expect it¡¯ll probably take a while.¡±


    ¡°So sitting on our asses doing nothing for a while.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound too bad.¡±


    ¡°Then since we found out the area we¡¯re going to was settled at some point,¡± Jack continued,  ¡°the terrain shouldn¡¯t be too bad. It¡¯ll be a bit of a hike but no massive hills or anything at least.¡±


    Thank goodness for that! Chiyo sighed in relief. However, the records we got are several centuries old, with no mention of the shrine, though we obviously have the coordinates and can plot a course.


    ¡°It¡¯s something at least,¡± Alora acknowledged as she got up. ¡°I think we¡¯ve done all the legwork we reasonably can. Sort out your loadouts and get some last minute practice in. Eat well, sleep well, and get ready.¡±


    *****


    Jack did not sleep well that night.


    Though he and his friends had all planned and prepared as much as they could, the anticipation had been building up inside him of what was to come, of heading into danger once again.


    As a faint breeze whispered through the house and gently touched Jack¡¯s face, it transformed into the whizzing of plasma passing over his head as he saw the Klowns coming at him once again with murderous intent. He growled as he thrashed about in his sleep to fend them off, suddenly sitting up in bed as his eyes snapped open, wide and unseeing.


    The sights of danger flashed in his mind like a stop-motion horror movie that simply would not stop. The darkness of the room in front of him twisted and warped until he saw the fleshy monstrosity that was the Spawn of Nekdon trapping him and his friends, and he felt the crawling sensation all over his body of the foul creatures it spawned, feasting on his terror. The faces of the cultists, snarling and without fear. The drow, sneering and sly.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t real!¡± Jack gasped as he tried to breathe, the weight of his memories forcing themselves down on him, threatening to suffocate him with their unbreakable grip.


    The darkness shifted once again until he was face to face with the terrifying visage of a monstrous cyberzombie. He had barely escaped the thing, and it was still out there¡­waiting¡­


    ¡°No!¡± Jack gasped, choking on his own breath. He shut his eyes tight and gripped at his head, holding on for dear life as he tried to escape.


    But it wouldn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°CONCLUSION COMPLETE.¡± His memory of the Oracle¡¯s answer returned with the same feeling of absolute dread he felt when his hopes were brutally crushed. ¡°POSSIBILITY OF RETURN TO HOME PLANE OF EXISTENCE BASED ON CURRENT INFORMATION - IMPOSSIBLE.¡±


    ¡°INTERFERENCE DETECTED WITH AVATAR!¡± The cold cybernetic voice of Malakiel snapped as Jack recoiled from the flashback. ¡°PHYSICAL OUTSIDER PRESENCE CONFIRMED!¡±


    ¡°I still listened to the void, waiting for his whispers!¡± The mad words of Dubakuu pounded in his mind. ¡°He is there! I still hear him! He told me about the Great Watcher!¡±


    ¡°MY ESSENCE HAS BEEN CORRUPTED¡­¡± The memory of his meeting The Oracle returned to Jack in a thunderous boom. ¡°SOMEONE HAS¡­WHAT COULD POSSIBLY¡­¡±


    ¡°UNAUTHORISED SECONDARY PRESENCE DETECTED¡­¡­¡± Malakiel snarled with the puppet of Dubakuu. ¡°UNKNOWN FACTION¡­..THREAT LEVEL¡­¡­EXTREME¡­..¡±


    ¡°We know about the Spawn of Nekdon!¡± The memory of Dr Grine spoke back at him with a sneer. ¡°And the one that summoned it will see you dead!¡±


    ¡°Get out of my head!¡± Jack cried back as his trembling fingernails dug into his scalp, fighting with all of his will to push the sensations away. He tried to focus on what was real. The warm fabric of his duvet, the distant murmur of his friends¡¯ snores, and the pattern of his own breathing, matching the rhythm of the panicked breaths he took while experiencing the memories for real. Slowly, painstakingly he clawed his way back from the abyss as the echoes of the past finally faded away¡­


    For now.


    Daring to open his exhausted, fearful eyes again, Jack simply saw the darkness of his room, with the faint glow of light from the twinkling stars outside his window. Beads of sweat still clung to his forehead and his hands continued to tremble as he groaned and got up out of bed, hearing the sound of quiet clawing at his door. He quickly opened it as a worried Dante padded in, looking up at him in concern.


    Jack decided not to say anything as he knelt down and gave the ¡®dog¡¯ a few scratches behind the ears and stroked his fur before getting up and heading downstairs to get a drink, opening and closing his hands as he did to try and stop the trembling as Dante followed him silently.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Keeping quiet as he went to the kitchen, he filled his bottle of water and slipped out of the back door, deciding to have a walk around the district to try and clear his head, with the rhythmic steps gradually releasing the tension he had still kept built up within him.


    ¡°Can¡¯t sleep either?¡± A voice called out gently as he walked yet another lap of the district.


    ¡°Hey Vanya,¡± Jack called back as the Chuna walked over to join him in her pink dressing gown. ¡°I didn¡¯t wake you up, did I?¡±


    ¡°I was already restless,¡± she admitted, clutching a steaming mug of tea. ¡°But I heard you having a hard time of it. Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m fine,¡± Jack lied. ¡°Just some nerves before we head out to investigate what happened to a bunch of Space Hippies. No big deal. What about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m better than where I was before,¡± the Chuna admitted. ¡°But sometimes when I close my eyes all I see are the faces of those Klowns looming over me that tried to¡­¡± She stopped for a moment to centre herself. ¡°They didn¡¯t, thanks to you¡­ but I felt so powerless¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡± Jack stopped her. ¡°They¡¯re gone now, and you¡¯re safe here.¡±


    ¡°I would say the same to you,¡± the Chuna retorted. ¡°But I don¡¯t think the scars will completely go away.¡±


    ¡°No¡­they won¡¯t,¡± Jack admitted with a sigh, fighting in his mind to stay strong. ¡°But at least you said it¡¯s getting better for you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Vanya sighed. ¡°I keep thinking I¡¯ve escaped it, until someone surprises me by touching me or I have another nightmare, then I have to remember it all over again.¡±


    ¡°I know what you mean.¡± Jack nodded with a grimace. ¡°When I think I¡¯ve gotten over some of the shit I¡¯ve been through and it feels like I¡¯m living it again. Doesn¡¯t happen all the time, but when it does¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the worst,¡± Vanya agreed. ¡°I¡¯m going to stay down here for a bit and check on the copperbacks. What about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna keep walking until my head¡¯s on straight.¡± Jack tried his best to smile. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to bed. Doubt I¡¯ll sleep though.¡±


    ¡°I could join you if you want to cuddle!¡± Vanya grinned. ¡°Might be good for the both of us!¡±


    ¡°Tempting, but no.¡± Jack grinned, now feeling better. ¡°Then I definitely won¡¯t be sleeping!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Morning all!¡± Sephy grinned as she bounded downstairs. ¡°Damn Jack you look like shit! No offence!¡±


    ¡°Good morning to you too, Sephirina!¡± Jack quipped back, sticking his tongue out at the Skritta. Despite staying outside for quite a while during the night, he had eventually tired himself out again and caught another hour or two of sleep.


    With his nightmares, he figured he had as much rest as he was going to get. At least his adrenaline was working to keep him going¡­


    ¡°I take it you didn¡¯t sleep well?¡± Nika asked with a knowing look. ¡°It¡¯s all good. The anticipation gets to all of us, but once we¡¯re on the job you should be able to relax once we¡¯re in transit. Did you use your Ring of Lesser Restoration?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± Jack shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not that bad, and it¡¯s probably better to save the charges for when we really need them.¡±


    Jack, you should take some energy drinks instead, Chiyo suggested, likely knowing full well what he had gone through during the night. They¡¯ll keep you going!


    ¡°Sure.¡± Jack groggily shrugged. ¡°Since we don¡¯t exactly have coffee here I¡¯ll take what I can get!¡±


    ¡°Catch!¡± Sephy called out as she lobbed a few cans at Jack, who didn¡¯t bother trying to catch them in his state, simply moving out of the way as they landed safely on the sofa. He picked one up and opened it, not caring about the spray of fizz as he just chugged it down.


    ¡°Alright, are we all packed and ready to head out the moment we get home from school?¡± Alora asked the team with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Sephy called back, with confirming nods from the rest of them. ¡°Really hope we don¡¯t get much homework, especially stuff that needs DataNet access.¡±


    We usually do for History, but I suspect Mr Sparrel will go easy on us. Chiyo shrugged. If not we still have the rest of the week to do it.


    ¡°Thank fuck for that.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Apart from that we¡¯re all prepped and ready to go. Like we discussed, reducing our transit time as much as possible is key, so I¡¯d check everything again now before we head off so we don¡¯t forget anything!¡±


    ¡°Yes mother¡­¡± Jack sarcastically rolled his eyes as he slumped out of the sofa, chuckling as the Kizun threw a pillow at the back of his head.


    ¡°She¡¯s right and you know it!¡± Alora giggled as she told them all, ¡°Get to it now then we can head off once you¡¯re done!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Alright class! Get to your seats! We haven¡¯t got all day!¡± Sister Jieta prattled, as Jack and Alora sat down for their ¡®Religious and Philosophical Education¡¯ class.


    ¡°Hi Jack!¡± Came the very familiar voice of Luvia, who seemed to appear out of absolutely nowhere as the dragon quickly bounded over and took the seat on the other side of him, putting an arm around him in the process to the human¡¯s chagrin.


    ¡°Hi Luvia¡­¡± Jack gulped. He really didn¡¯t need this right now, but before the dragon could say anything the teacher continued as the rest of the students found their seats.


    ¡°As you all know, just as many good and just deities exist among the cosmos, so too exists the exact opposite!¡± The priestess began. ¡°Sadly, the foul plots and deeds of these deities affect us all despite our best efforts! So today we shall be learning about several of them that are known to have worshippers local to our city. Who can give me an example?¡±


    Nobody volunteered, causing the teacher to sigh. ¡°Fine, looks like I¡¯ll have to pick on someone. How about our newest student! Where is Mister Frost?¡±


    ¡®Oh for fucks sake, why me?¡¯ Jack thought to himself as he stood up to be seen by the teacher. ¡°I¡¯m here. Um¡­.does ¡®The Destroyer¡¯ count?¡±


    ¡°Very good!¡± Sister Jierta acknowledged. ¡°Though an obvious one. The deity known as ¡®The Destroyer¡¯ has no known name, and is the primal God of Entropy that seeks total destruction and nothing else. Though it has followers that are able to tap into its divine power for clerical spells, it otherwise cannot be communicated with, cannot be reasoned with and ultimately cannot be stopped.¡±


    ¡°We stopped it¡¯s asshole cultists at least¡­¡± Jack muttered under his breath as he sat down, and nearly jumped as Luvia¡¯s hand began to caress his buttock.


    ¡°Really?¡± Alora whispered to the dragon, who turned to give Jack a seductive look and a puff of warm air which caressed his face. ¡°Stop it, Luvia.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Luvia whispered back, removing the hand. ¡°I have no idea what human mating rituals involve, so you¡¯ll have to excuse me for my trial and error!¡±


    ¡°...as violence and death all contribute to its divine mantle in some way,¡± Sister Jierta continued. ¡°Whether you worship it or not, every act of destruction brings it ever closer to total obliteration. Now, can anybody name any other gods?¡±


    Jack could see Rayle get to their feet. He was happy for the diminutive Squa¡¯Kaar who had definitely gotten a confidence boost from the events of the previous weekend. Kritch seemed happy about it too, even though he was very much perturbed about the way it happened.


    ¡°Gunge is the god of the Zorn Tribes,¡± they spoke up, as the teacher nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Indeed. The particularly foul God of Disease,¡± Sister Jierta informed them. ¡°Though has other portfolios too. Disfigurement, Decay and Filth to name a few. Locally, he is known to be the Patron God of the Zorn tribes, and indeed he has much sway with primitive tribes that are easily tempted by evil. However there are also those that worship him in secret, with hidden shrines and churches dedicated to him. Beware the Plaguebringers, those ¡®blessed¡¯ by Gunge¡¯s favour in the form of horrific mutagens and viruses with the divine mandate to spread it far and wide. Whenever they are discovered, they must be hunted down and killed before they can spread, and burned in holy fire.¡±


    Sister Jierta then paused for a moment as if remembering something.


    ¡°Now it is important to take note that the goals and portfolios of these gods are not aligned in the slightest,¡± she warned. ¡°While The Destroyer seeks destruction, Gunge for example seeks growth, foul as that growth may be. Though cooperation can occur with evil deities, their natural proclivity for treachery makes such alliances tentative at best.¡±


    The teacher then looked around. ¡°Any more? Come on. Don¡¯t be shy! Alright, let¡¯s see.¡±


    She looked down the register, poking at a name with her pen. ¡°Plooderoo?¡±


    The Ploothe stood up from nearby as several of the guys hid their chuckling at him being stitched up. ¡°The Klowns have a god. Was it¡­Jingu-something?¡±


    ¡°Close enough.¡± The sister sighed. ¡°The god you speak of is Jingubash, The Mad God of Killers. As many of you know, this is the god worshipped by the Killer Klown and his Klown followers, with the Killer Klown widely believed to be the divine Hero of Jingubash. The Mad God seeks only sadistic entertainment from his followers, which unfortunately the Killer Klown provides them with in spades. Many a killer within the city has managed to attract their favour with particularly inventive and gruesome murders too, though as these madmen are encouraged to make greater and greater ¡®spectacles¡¯ they are usually found out and eliminated in the process.¡±


    The teacher paused for a moment to allow that to sink in before continuing. ¡°Any more?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s Bal-Xuthuul?¡± a voice spoke up from the crowd, and Sister Jierta nodded.


    ¡°Indeed. The God of Pain is one of the most twisted and evil deities to exist,¡± Sister Jierta informed them. ¡°It¡¯s been the root of countless tortures, murders and worse throughout time, and its priesthood is widely feared for good reason. They mutilate themselves in vicious ways to become closer to their god, revelling in their misery, and they have no qualms on inflicting these ¡®gifts¡¯ on others. Though followers are known to exist in the city, there is no centralised organisation known of despite worshipers having a clearly defined hierarchy among themselves based on power, the ability to endure pain, and the ability to inflict it. Be wary, however, as many followers are known to hide their faith. If you suspect anyone of being a Xuthite, the Church of Siros investigates such cases seriously, and the guilty are put to death.¡±


    ¡°Understandable,¡± Jack noted, as the teacher began looking for more volunteers.


    ¡°Fine, since nobody is volunteering¡­.let¡¯s see. Luviannestixxx?¡±


    ¡°Damnit.¡± The dragon cursed under her breath as she stood up. ¡°Evikios, the God of Envy.¡±


    ¡°I shall accept that.¡± The teacher nodded. ¡°Though it can be argued that the Duchess of Desire is not as foul or as evil as any of the gods previously mentioned, she is still dangerous despite being tolerated by most. She has many worshipers - thieves, businesspeople, the ambitious and many more, and her whispers tempt more followers across the realms with each passing second¡­


    ¡°I hate being picked on¡­¡± The dragon grumbled under her breath as she began to sit back down. ¡°Honestly why not just tel-EEP!¡±


    The dragon jolted upright, quickly having the wits to cover it as a sudden cough as she realised what Jack had done¡­


    ¡°Turnaround is fair play,¡± Jack whispered with a grin as his hand cupped the dragon¡¯s asscheek just as she had done to him. Her scales were not as rough and hard as he thought they would be, though he still winced as he felt his hand getting crushed. ¡°Though you¡¯re a bit heavier than I was expecting-¡±


    ¡°Oh no! You did not just say that!¡± Luvia whispered back with a huff, while Alora tried to stifle a laugh. ¡°I have been attempting for weeks to engage you in a gods damn courting ritual I don¡¯t even know the infernal rules for, and every time we¡¯re in a public setting that isn¡¯t school I either hardly see you around or I don¡¯t see you at all. No more!¡±


    ¡°Calm down Luvia!¡± Alora chucked under her breath. ¡°Just enjoy the moment!¡±


    ¡°Can I have my hand back?¡± Jack asked sheepishly.


    ¡°You may not.¡± Luvia told him in no uncertain terms as she got more comfortable. ¡°I am quite satisfied with its current location.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack chuckled under his breath. The dragon was damn persistent, he¡¯d give her that¡­


    ¡°On the topic of ¡®location¡¯,¡± The dragon continued. ¡°Where are you this weekend?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re on a job, Luvia,¡± Alora told her before Jack had the chance. ¡°You know we can¡¯t tell you. We¡¯re not acting against the Red Legion at least.¡±


    ¡°I should damn well hope you¡¯re not.¡± The dragon huffed back. ¡°Fine. But I demand a date.¡±


    ¡°November 12th.¡± Jack grinned back, causing a few of the students eavesdropping around them to chuckle quietly.


    Luvia gazed at him with an intense stare. ¡°Don¡¯t. Play. Smart.¡± She growled under her breath. ¡°You don¡¯t want to know how pent up I¡¯ve been, and you¡¯ve been evading my claws for too long¡­¡±


    Jack wasn¡¯t sure what to think of that. He had been warned about the possessiveness of dragons, and he was pretty sure they had already long passed into creepy territory.


    But he wasn¡¯t exactly against the idea¡­


    ¡°Fine.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll work something out¡­¡±


    ¡°And finally for your homework¡­¡± Sister Jierta concluded. ¡°You are to research and present on the history of three evil deities of your choice. I expect a thousand words on each, due in two weeks!¡±


    The class collectively groaned at that one as they stood up and began to make their leave. Jack and Alora did so quickly after giving Luvia their polite farewells.


    ¡°Nearly time¡­¡± Alora began.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Jack nodded.


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait¡­¡±

 Chapter 118: Armouring Up

    ¡°So Sparrel didn¡¯t have anything for you?¡± Nika asked, as the Clan Bharzum smiths were kept busy making some adjustments on their new armour.


    ¡°Nah.¡± Jack shook his head, and was gently flicked on the cheek by the old Hoduth for moving. ¡°He said his friend got the message but left him on read. He assumes she¡¯s busy at the moment.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t surprise me,¡± Alora told them. ¡°With everything going on I¡¯d expect Sable Krynn to be involved in at least a few investigations.¡±


    ¡°Tracking the Klowns I reckon,¡± Sephy pointed out, as the two Hoduth carefully measured the gaps in the Skritta¡¯s armour to be able to use her wings. ¡°A lot of factions are bankrolling that shit hard, for damn good reason.¡±


    There has also been a surge in murders recently, Chiyo added. She may be after them also. The Neural Reaper has been active again with at least 6 believed new victims, and the Crossroads Cudgel recently murdered a family of 5.


    ¡°Not just them,¡± Nika added. ¡°Chillwalker is back too and getting bolder. Apparently he killed some Nyteskai workers and made a display on a roof close to their territory with a mocking message.¡±


    ¡°Huh, I¡¯d seen some other whispers on the DataNet, but I didn¡¯t really put any stock in them.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°A few people are saying some others might have come back. The Rainstorm Razor¡¯s come up a few times, The Shatterman, hell even The Bonestalker could be kicking around again!¡±


    ¡°By the gods!¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Can we not jinx this weekend before it even starts by talking about damn serial killers?¡±


    ¡°It could be worse!¡± Jack grinned, having made a mental note to talk to Vanya about these names. ¡°At least that dastardly Pooping Bandit hasn¡¯t shown up! Nor that villainous Whipping Tom!¡±


    The room laughed before one of the armourers spoke up. ¡°Actually, my niece¡¯s friend told her she knew someone that says they got spanked by Whipping Tom just a few days ago!¡±


    ¡°Oh damn!¡± Jack sobered up. ¡°Sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry.¡± The old Hoduth working on him shrugged. ¡°Clearly it could be worse. The City¡¯s always had problems but somehow we scrape by even if we don¡¯t deserve to.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that,¡± Jack retorted. ¡°Just because society¡¯s broken down doesn¡¯t mean you people deserve any of this crap.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like Astara¡¯s lot to me.¡± The Hoduth shrugged as she moved up to Jack¡¯s shoulders, tightening the tough plates around his joints. ¡°I hope you¡¯re right. How¡¯s this feeling?¡±


    ¡°I feel the weight, but it¡¯s not as bad as I thought it would be,¡± Jack told her.


    ¡°Good!¡± The old Hoduth grinned. ¡°Heavy Armor is a little bit of a misnomer, since we want our people to actually be able to move without much drag. Obviously many can¡¯t handle that, but you and your Kizun friend should be fine.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s kinda strange, but I can get used to it, especially when I have my exoskeleton too,¡± Nika called over. ¡°Definitely weird on the tail though.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to allow you your full range of movement with plates,¡± the male Hoduth working on Nika told the Kizun apologetically, ¡°but some nanoweave we¡¯re using for light armour should help somewhat.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± Nika shrugged with a grin. ¡°How¡¯s the rest of me?¡±


    ¡°So far so good, though we¡¯ll run a few tests to check your range of movement.¡± Nika¡¯s armourer smiled.


    ¡°We¡¯re done here!¡± The two women working on Chiyo informed them. ¡°Fleki, Tolum. What about you?¡±


    ¡°Just doing the finishing touches on the neck,¡± One of the two armourers working on Alora told them, as they worked on the padding around the Eladrie¡¯s neck. ¡°Aaaaand done! Join your friend over there and let¡¯s see how it works for you!¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Alora beamed as she walked over to Chiyo. ¡°How do I look?¡±


    Jack now had a very good view of the both of them and had to admit that, though he was expecting magical robes or something similar, the light armour they wore looked far more practical, with something that looked like kevlar plates around the vital areas, with treated leather or cloth around the joints to allow for unimpeded movement, and as the two moved around and checked their range of motion, Jack could see that the armour didn¡¯t seem to weigh them down.


    This is very good work! Chiyo complimented the armourers as she floated around without a problem. It adds barely any weight at all!


    ¡°Though that comes at a cost,¡± the old armourer working on Jack called over while she absently checked his elbows, effortlessly checking them by feel before bringing out a wrench and tightening a few bolts. ¡°It¡¯s thin enough to let you wear whatever you want on top, but also thin enough that sufficient fire will penetrate through. So don¡¯t get shot!¡±


    ¡°Sage advice!¡± Alora smiled as she began moving around a bit more while her armourers looked on, confirming the fit.


    ¡°They¡¯re both fine,¡± the old armourer working on Jack told the others irritably. ¡°Get your asses over here and help me work on the others.¡±


    ¡°Will do, Kessen!¡± one of the armourers nodded as they headed over.


    ¡°Just need a little help on the wing hoops for this one!¡± Another woman called, who was working on Sephy. ¡°Then we should be done here as well, and then we can work on the heavys.¡±


    Soon enough, after a lot of tweaking, they finally fitted Sephy¡¯s medium armour, the wing hoops allowing the Skritta full use of her wings while offering the most amount of protection. Though Sephy¡¯s armour had many of the same aspects as Alora¡¯s and Chiyo¡¯s, there were many more plates, bound together with a metallic weave that offered more protection around the joint. Though Sephy needed a lot of adjusting to ensure that the set was firm and afforded her all the range of movement and protection she needed, they were able to work it out.


    ¡°Almost done,¡± the old Hoduth, Kessen, told him reassuringly. ¡°Though I¡¯m pretty sure we could work on something even bigger for you given your physiology. Deeps, I reckon you could even rival a few megafauna with the right kit if my grandson, Ivar, is to be believed¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re his grandma?¡± Jack asked, and Kessen confirmed it with a grin and a nod.


    ¡°Yup! Glad to meet one of the new blood kin! But I¡¯m being serious, I could probably turn you into a walking tank by combining some mech stuff into a good power armour frame since you¡¯d be strong enough to move around with it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it, but I like to be able to move around too,¡± Jack politely declined.


    ¡°Hah, that¡¯s alright, you¡¯ve just given me a few ideas is all!¡± Kessen told him. ¡°And with that, we¡¯re done. Take a walk around!¡±


    Jack did so, feeling the slight drag on the armour but surprised at how well he was able to move around. He looked at his arms and saw the interlocking dark metal plates glare back at him with a slick lustre as he formed a fist. His hands were free, though he knew he could use his bracers to protect his extremities, while the others had something similar. Helmets were a possibility for the future, though additional shielding built into the neck components was considered an adequate substitute by Nika, who wanted to keep their armour as covert as possible.


    ¡°How do I look?¡± Jack asked with a grin as he moved around. Now he was able to look down, he could see that the interlocked armour plates were quite uniform all the way to his toes.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got plates on your asscheeks.¡± Sephy noted. ¡°How do we even take these off when we need to?¡± She asked Kessen.


    ¡°There¡¯s a series of clip-points that start at the neck and work their way down which should be obvious if you know what you¡¯re looking for,¡± the armourer told her with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯d suggest you get some practice with it when you can.¡±


    ¡°And in the meantime we¡¯re wearing these until we get back to the house,¡± Nika warned. ¡°So make sure you¡¯re comfortable!¡±


    ¡°Hang on, let me run a test¡­¡± Kessen called to Jack, who quickly turned around, and was suddenly shocked as Kessen¡¯s hand slapped the crotch plate with full force, causing the area to tingle slightly. ¡°Excellent! Looks like the alignment¡¯s fine¡­¡±


    ¡°Jesus Christ!¡± Jack cursed as he shuffled back. ¡°Warn me when you do that! Or even better - don¡¯t do that!¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t want you to brace for it!¡± Kessen shrugged. ¡°Any questions?¡±.


    ¡°What if need to scratch an itch?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°I would ask Chiyo nicely if she can help.¡± Alora chuckled.


    ¡°And are you all good too?¡± Kessen bent down and asked Dante, the ¡®dog¡¯ having some fitted kevlar plates comfortably attached to his torso.


    ¡°Woof!¡± The ¡®dog¡¯ barked enthusiastically.


    The Head Armourer smiled warmly. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes!¡±


    *****


    Now back into the bustling streets of the city, the group walked briskly, taking advantage of the light of the early evening while they could. Though they would soon need to pack up and get to safety for the night, the sounds of children playing in the nearby park they were detouring through filled the air. They were happy and full of joy, despite the fresh craters in the ground caused by the ongoing corporate war.


    Though the group were now clad in their armour for the foreseeable future, they didn¡¯t attract too much attention, as all of them aside from Dante were wearing their running clothes and other gear over them. Jack had gone back to his ¡®Edgelord All-Black Tacticool¡¯ for the Run, reasoning that they provided more tactical value if they had to sneak around, and that the nice clothes Vanya and Hessia had gotten him were far too good to wear for a mission anyway.


    None of the girls could find a good argument for that, and they weren¡¯t much better, wearing their own sets of dark tactical robes, hoodies or jackets, but fortunately they blended in with the crowd of people too busy with their evening to be bothered about others.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Jack was glad for the hour and a half walk to the Corvin Enterprises shuttleport they had chosen, for they were all still adjusting to the weight and feel of their newly fitted armour, and more than once one of them stumbled slightly when they weren¡¯t consciously thinking about walking. It would be better if they got used to it now while they weren¡¯t at much risk of danger, so they stuck with it. Nobody really said much as they travelled, other than the confirmation of directions, anticipating the mission to come.


    ¡°Amazing, isn¡¯t it?¡± Alora broke the long silence as she pointed to the playing children on the grass, running around and playing tag. ¡°So carefree despite everything. I envy them for it.¡±


    ¡°Did you not get the chance?¡± Jack asked curiously.


    ¡°No.¡± Alora sadly shook her head. ¡°Sadly, my early life was strictly controlled, mostly full of tutors teaching me etiquette and decorum, and I had few playmates, mainly the brats of those corrupt cretins who had dominion over me.¡±


    ¡°It sucks you had to grow up so quickly,¡± Nika told her sympathetically, doing a few jumps and stances as she walked, ¡°but it made you into the person you are today, and I don¡¯t think that¡¯s so bad. These kids will all have to grow up sometime too.¡±


    ¡°About half an hour to go,¡± Sephy informed them, with the Skritta keeping an eye on the map while occasionally fluttering up with her wings, getting used to the movement in armour. ¡°We¡¯re making pretty good time, I thought the fitting would take longer.¡±


    Say what you want about Clan Bharzum, but they have their expertise. Chiyo smiled as she bobbed up and down, also getting used to the armour. They had the measurements and a few weeks to do it, anyone else would have just called it a day after that without bothering to make it perfect.


    ¡°Yep,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°I¡¯ve gotta admit, having the armour does make me feel a bit better, but I really hope we don¡¯t need it just yet¡­¡±


    The park quickly gave way to some stable-looking residential districts, and they soon passed a neon-green CorvMart that looked like it had suffered some damage from the ongoing conflicts, but was still clearly open as the group saw desperate shoppers exiting with bags of food. When they soon passed another CorvMart several blocks later, they knew they were getting close, spotting a shuttle with the logo of Corvin Enterprises floating at low altitude to land somewhere nearby in the distance.


    ¡°Nearly there,¡± Alora told them with a sigh. ¡°Heads in the game everyone!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed with a determined bark.


    *****


    ¡°Halt!¡± One of the black-and-purple-uniformed guards called out to them on their approach, raising their guns. ¡°State your business!¡±


    ¡°This is our business,¡± Alora retorted professionally as she stepped forward, flashing the express ticket the group had acquired from ¡®Mr Johnson¡¯.


    ¡°Let me verify that,¡± the neon-green-cloaked leader called out to his troops, holstering his rifle as he walked forward, examining the ticket thoroughly, occasionally looking at the members of the group with disbelieving eyes before pulling out a scanner.


    ¡°What the hell is up with this delay?¡± Jack asked with some pretend irritation, feeling the need to move things along with the random guards by unleashing his ¡®Inner Karen¡¯. ¡°Clearly we have more important places to be than here.¡±


    ¡°My apologies sir, this is merely standard procedure,¡± the leader immediately replied, now sounding much more polite. ¡°You¡¯re confirmed. I¡¯ll just need to alert the District Manager who will arrange your transportation. Please stand by.¡±


    The group waited where they stood for several minutes while the guards urgently chatted among themselves, before the gates opened to reveal a black-furred horselike humanoid who stood slightly taller than Jack and had the look of a wizard, who peered at them with a set of six green eyes.


    ¡°Greetings!¡± The male began without any preamble, beckoning them to follow as he turned back around. ¡°You have my apologies for the wait, protocol is very much in force when we¡¯ve got Myrodin and Shaskasaki on the run!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable,¡± Alora acknowledged. ¡°However, we are on an urgent timetable.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± The mage lazily nodded. ¡°You have a look of mercenaries about you despite your age, which means I don¡¯t know who you¡¯re working for, so I¡¯ll assume the worst and say someone who outranks me. What do you need?¡±


    ¡°We all require expedited travel to Cypherport,¡± Alora told them bluntly, not wanting to waste any time with niceties. ¡°Covertly.¡±


    ¡°We have a shuttle due to head out in twenty minutes, but I¡¯ll mark it as urgent.¡± The horselike manager nodded, suddenly all-business. ¡°The pilots will be aware and you can stay in the cargo hold. Anything missing can go into the next shipment, it¡¯s almost packed anyway. Follow me.¡±


    They all followed the manager in silence towards the parked shuttles in the distance as he pulled out a dataslate and began typing away, presumably to accommodate for the sudden change in schedule.


    Looking around, Jack noted many similarities to the Shaskasaki distribution centre that they had robbed a few weeks ago, with the flat central warehouse building, crates of product waiting to be unpacked and redistributed, and the workers constantly milling about on some kind of schedule.


    However, there were clear differences too.


    He remembered the screeching Fotonato running her workers ragged in a desperate attempt to improve productivity, but here he didn¡¯t get any sense that the workers were under much duress. This district manager at least seemed to be the more laissez-faire type, and it likely helped that Corvin Enterprises could allow itself to be confident in its dominant position, so as to not need to push their workers too hard.


    Another difference was that there weren¡¯t any trucks or ground vehicles of any kind. While the Shaskasaki distribution centre was attached to a surviving road network that connected to a motorway, this place had no such connections, instead relying purely on VTOL shuttles and the like, though the shuttles appeared considerably larger than trucks, which supported what they knew about Corvin distributions visiting multiple places in a single trip.


    The security Jack could see was immense, and by the way Sephy was peeking around in the local Matrix, he assumed there was immense security he couldn¡¯t see as well. Though the guards at the entrance felt like the bare minimum, there were many more within the complex, almost like a trap set with bait for their enemies. The guards that he could see on standby looked disciplined and professional, and if their weapons and armour were as good as they looked, they were likely formidable as well.


    Along the walls and building looked to be artillery guns of some kind, or perhaps anti-air? Jack couldn¡¯t really tell, but whatever it was, he was very confident it was the real deal.


    ¡°This is it, just waiting on the staff,¡± the manager told them with a quick nod as they approached one of the shuttles, a particularly chunky purple model with the neon-green of Corvin Enterprises. ¡°Better wait for them first to give them the situation, they¡¯re on their way.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Alora nodded, and sure enough three individuals quickly speedwalked out of the main building towards them.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Sostos?¡± one of the workers asked as the manager waved them over.


    ¡°Guys, I know you¡¯re on break, but something¡¯s come up,¡± the manager, Sostos replied, raising his hands in a placating manner. ¡°We need to bring the delivery timetable forward to now. I¡¯ll allow you to make up your breaks after the circuit and then some, and you can get an extra hour of overtime pay on top for a special request: no questions asked.¡±


    That immediately halted any whispers of protest the workers were about to consider as the three of them paused to listen to the details.


    ¡°Extra passengers?¡± the oldest one of the bunch asked nonchalantly, clearly a veteran who had done this kind of thing before.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be in your cargo hold, departing at Cypherport,¡± Sostos told them. ¡°Tell them when to get off, but otherwise don¡¯t bother them and treat them with the same respect you would me!¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± The older one nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll show you where you can settle. Zhan, prep the shuttle, Rook, go get our snacks and haul ass back.¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± The younger one perked up as he rushed off.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± The older man sighed, waving them up the open ramp. Surprisingly, despite the stout crates, boxes, and pallets stacked high to the ceiling all around, there was plenty of room to move around in single file, with several colour coded square sections measured in lines along the floor, which Jack assumed were for different stops. One of the sections was free, which the older man nonchalantly flicked his hand towards with a quick shrug.


    ¡°Make yourself comfortable I guess. It¡¯s about six hours.¡± He sighed. ¡°There¡¯s some cushions and stuff around if you need them.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine, thank you.¡± Alora smiled with a nod.


    As the shuttle ramp closed behind them, the space dimly lit up automatically with a few fluorescent lights along the ceiling casting harsh shadows along the metal walls. As they all heard Zhan flick a few switches in the distance ahead, the additional sound of machinery began to hum gently all around them.


    ¡°Should quieten down once we¡¯re in transit,¡± the pilot called back.


    ¡°And we¡¯ve got a privacy screen too,¡° the older man added. ¡°If we leave you alone and you leave us alone this¡¯ll go a lot smoother. We have about four stops before we get to Cypherport, but we¡¯ll do this as quickly as we possibly can.¡±


    ¡°Appreciate it.¡± Alora nodded, as they heard the sound of the team rookie running up to the shuttle as the sounds of engines grew louder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t spill the drinks!¡± The older man called out and chastised the young man as they climbed aboard via the cockpit.


    ¡°Sorry Captain!¡± The rookie called back, and Jack saw him shift about, holding what looked suspiciously like a six pack of beer¡­


    ¡°Alright, well we¡¯ll be off soon. We¡¯ll leave you be, knock on our door if you guys need anything.¡± The older man nodded as he headed to the front of the shop.


    ¡°Sephy?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Already done.¡± The Skritta chuckled. ¡°Tapped into their systems and comms and I can hear everything they¡¯re saying, including the lewd remarks they¡¯re making about you!¡±


    ¡°I did not need to know that.¡± The Eladrie sighed as they all settled in their bay.


    ¡°Well, not the best accommodations, but at least we can use these cargo points to hook up the hammocks.¡± Nika shrugged.


    It would be best to get as much rest as we can, Chiyo agreed. We¡¯re making very good time so far, I hope we can keep it up.


    ¡°Find the skipper we need and hope they can haul ass in the middle of the night.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°Though they should be expecting us to show up at some point, right?¡±


    ¡°According to the information the client gave us, yes.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Though they don¡¯t know when and we weren¡¯t exactly given a number to call.¡±


    ¡°So we resort to the old fashioned way.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Head straight to the docks and start checking the ships for our guy?¡±


    ¡°Makes sense.¡± Sephy shrugged as she quickly hooked up her hammock successfully. ¡°We don¡¯t want to hang around in some boring-ass frontier town.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯d rather hang out on a boring-ass boat instead.¡± Jack shrugged, unfurling his own hammock, before having an idea. ¡°Actually, I wonder if I could summon a fishing rod?¡±


    Would that really make things less boring? Chiyo asked rhetorically. Also I¡¯m sharing your hammock, I want to get the rest I can.


    ¡°If you want.¡± Jack chuckled, as Chiyo helped him set it up, quickly floating into the canvas and beckoning the human to join her.


    ¡°Sephy, what are you doing?¡± Alora suddenly interrupted, calling out in a panicked, hushed whisper to not bother the crew.


    ¡°What?¡± The Skritta shrugged, as she began rummaging through the crate of sweets behind her. ¡°It¡¯s practically free food!¡±


    Alora looked mortified ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean you should-¡±


    Yes please, Sephy! Chiyo exclaimed, raising her hands for the Skritta to throw a few bags her way.


    ¡°Any packets of crisps?¡± Jack asked with a grin, as Alora gave him an annoyed look.


    ¡°See if you can find some of the premium stuff!¡± Nika grinned, deciding to just roll with it. ¡°Fill your pockets and we¡¯ll munch them on the boat!¡±


    ¡°Just make sure it isn¡¯t obvious.¡± Alora sighed as she eventually managed to get on the hammock with Nika, who held on for dear life. ¡°The last thing we want is Corvin Enterprises coming for our heads!¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Sephy agreed as she kept rummaging. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re joining me Dante! Even better, you¡¯re nice and warm!¡±


    ¡°Woof! The ¡®dog¡¯ agreed, as they tried to get up onto the hammock.


    ¡°By the gods you¡¯re heavy!¡± Sephy grinned as she wrapped her arms around him and hoisted him up with all of her strength, settling him down before she, and many packets of sweets eventually joined him.


    Jack chuckled to himself and settled down as the rumbling of the shuttle intensified, before he felt it gently rise up above the busy city and start to drift forward.


    Satisfied, he closed his eyes and tried to relax, though it was still a bit too early for him to sleep. Still, he was happy to cuddle up to the warm body of Chiyo, through their armour, and take the chance to rest.


    They would need it.

 Chapter 119: Devil in the Dark

    Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in¡­


    Centering herself and keeping her mind clear of distractions, Nya¡¯s eyes were long closed as she focused on her recovery, bathing in the raw pulsating magical energy all around her, drawing more of the ambient mana in with each breath, allowing it to flow through her like a liberating breeze, invigorating her body and strengthening her spirit.


    Her astral form was acutely aware of the subtle fluctuations around her, as the convergence of ley lines coursed in ebbs and flows through the very fabric of reality across all planes of existence. With her long practised skills Nya was easily able to attune herself to this primal energy, fully harmonising her own essence with these potent energies.


    With each passing moment, the sorceress felt her full strength returning to what it was before her loss, and her reserves replenishing once again as she surrendered herself completely to the embrace of the mystical convergence.


    Time had lost its meaning as Nya remained there, until finally, the Stygian slowly opened her eyes with a serene expression.


    ¡°Did it work?¡± Rena¡¯s voice called out gently.


    Nya looked around with fresh eyes. She had been sat in a lotus position on a smooth rock in the centre of a tiny, hidden-away forest clearing, with only a few long-eroded rocks to even hint at the ancient henge that had once stood there.


    ¡°I am fully revitalised,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter whispered back as her peaceful expression slowly hardened into cold determination.


    ¡°Fully?¡± Rena asked from the treeline, her usually stoic voice betraying a hint of surprise.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The Stygian nodded back. ¡°Svaarti was telling the truth about this place, though I find that does not surprise me.¡±


    ¡°Grandmaster Ilvella should be informed,¡± Rena casually informed her as the Vulsta approached, scrutinising Nya with her astral sight.


    ¡°He will know.¡± Nya nodded again. ¡°I¡¯ll send a message to Ratai now anyway. But tonight I need to get back to work.¡±


    ¡°The Emerald King.¡± Rena narrowed her eyes with concern.


    ¡°Among others that are more pressing,¡± Nya agreed. ¡°Commander Cocaine is surprisingly difficult to locate, especially after his recent attack on House Mal¡¯Kar; however, rumours say he¡¯s amassing an army. Whatever his intentions, I will need to intervene if I am able.¡±


    ¡°Will he attack House Mal¡¯Kar again?¡± Rena asked.


    ¡°Nobody seems to know for sure.¡± Nya sighed. ¡°His first attack on them was a surprise, I¡¯d really like to know why he decided to go for them in particular. We don¡¯t have any obvious leads on any of the other active belligerents right now. Dr Grine will have gone to ground, and it sounds like Jack messed him up when they met.¡± The Stygian allowed a slight grin as she said that.


    ¡°And alleged reports of killers being active are unreliable in these chaotic times,¡± Rena added. ¡°Though perhaps we can investigate. What do you wish to do?¡±


    Nya closed her eyes and came to a decision. ¡°I agree with you that the Emerald King is the most concerning. Their cultists appeared out of nowhere and nobody seems to understand where they came from despite our best efforts,¡± she reasoned. ¡°There are far too many unknowns.¡±


    ¡°Head Whisperer Ratai may be able to find out where a sermon is being held,¡± Rena stated. ¡°I should attempt to attend it and discover what happens.¡±


    ¡°Then I shall remain nearby, just in case.¡± Nya nodded. ¡°However, I must make a public appearance, and soon. The ongoing fires of chaos need to be extinguished quickly, and people knowing that I still exist can assist with that.¡±


    ¡°Our targets must be carefully chosen before we act,¡± Rena warned.


    ¡°So you, Ratai and Ilvella keep reminding me.¡± Nya rolled her eyes. ¡°But I¡¯ll act if I deem it necessary.¡±


    ¡°Your impulsiveness failed you last time,¡± the Vulsta reminded her.


    ¡°I won¡¯t just stand by while the city tears itself apart,¡± Nya snapped, harsher than intended at the recollection of her fight with Svaartal. She paused and took a deep breath before calmly continuing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rena. It¡¯s clear that there¡¯s much work to be done.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Rena stoically nodded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    *****


    As the two of them observed the desolate streets below, the abandoned warehouse loomed ominously against the dimly lit backdrop of the city around them. Its walls were adorned with graffiti, covering the long-forgotten company name of whoever once owned it, now standing as a worthless relic of forgotten industry, now repurposed for¡­something else.


    ¡°There are more people attending than I would normally expect of something like this,¡± Rena whispered as they observed the figures making their way in. ¡°It will be simple for me to sneak in, I¡¯ll go now and blend in with my surroundings.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be observing,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter confirmed. ¡°If I detect any danger, I¡¯ll make an appearance, but I agree that we should observe for now.¡±


    ¡°As you say.¡± Rena nodded as she slinked out of sight.


    Nya redoubled her focus now that she was alone. She knew Rena¡¯s capabilities well. Indeed, the Vulsta had successfully scouted out many a location for her, noting enemy positions as well as any innocents that may have been around.


    The fact that Jack had somehow seen her during the Klown attack at the party was rather surprising, though Nya supposed that was simply a part of his strange Outsider nature. At least Rena had a good cover story that he seemed to buy.


    More figures slowly made their way to the warehouse, and Nya could smell the stench of decay and dampness that was prevalent through the city, causing her to cast a quick cantrip to dull the sensation around her. A trivial use of her power, but she was in no mood to suffer any more than she had to.


    As the last of the figures made their way into the warehouse, Nya cast a more complicated spell which connected her senses to Rena¡¯s, allowing the Stygian to be able to sense what the Vulsta sensed, while still being aware of her surroundings. Her clairvoyant vision cleared and Nya could see that the old warehouse was completely bare of anything, having long been stripped of anything of value that may have hinted at its former use. Now it was little else but patches of darkness punctuated by several flickering candles of green flame dancing among the rusty support beams.


    The ceiling of the place soared high above, blanketed in shadow, and Rena could hear the ominous creaking of the rafters with each gust of wind that slipped through the broken windows, though looking above there were shapes of green-robed figures moving about on the catwalks above.


    At the far end of the warehouse was a crude altar made of scrap  that stood like a beacon in the gloom, and it was here that the congregation gathered around, as a male Eladra clad in robes of the richest green stood preaching to the masses with a deep rumble that echoed all throughout the cavernous space, sending chills down the spines of all who heard it. Several other robed figures were walking amongst the congregation, handing out food to those who clearly craved it. Some people were already on their knees, knelt before the altar in supplication, and listening to the words of the speaker.


    ¡°You have seen the actions of those that believe they hold the reins of power in this city!¡± they boomed, as many agreeing faces nodded. ¡°You have felt how they have trodden on each and every one of you! Like you, I was lost, and powerless. Like you, I had no future, no life, no hope.¡±


    As Rena hid herself in the shadows by one of the support pillars, Nya got a clear view of many nodding heads from all around the room as the masses agreed with the charismatic speaker.


    ¡°But The Emerald King says no more!¡± they cried out in a crescendo. ¡°He has seen the corruption and misery across the cosmos, and He has found it wanting! All have a part to play in His grand design! Who among you shall join us?¡±


    Classic cult manipulation tactics. Nya noted. Why am I not surprised? But what do they want?


    None of the crowd declined, though whether they truly had faith or were simply desperate enough to suck up to those providing free food was up for debate. Many of the other cultists moved among them, providing more food, and making small talk with members of the congregation. Nya noted that a few were being pulled to the side, though even with Rena¡¯s abilities she couldn¡¯t tell what was being said


    ¡°You, madam!¡± The speaker suddenly pointed, and the crowd parted to reveal an unsure-looking Xarak woman hanging towards the back. As Rena looked, she could sense a powerful frame beneath the woman¡¯s ragged clothes, and as she shifted, could see several obvious combat scars. ¡°I sense your pain, and I feel it is a pain as familiar to me. Tell me. What is your name? Did you serve in a military?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± The reptilian nodded, closing her eyes with sadness. ¡°I am¡­I was First Sergeant Chalia. I served three full bands with the Red Legion, until they discharged me. My squad was destroyed when the drow attacked the Wrath of Carrion. I should have died with them when we covered the escape, but by some curse I survived. I came to Naganai with what survivors I could and delivered them to the Scion of Wyrmwalker, but the officers there deemed me too damaged for service. I could not bear the shame, so I snuck away and never went back. I don¡¯t know what to do now. Every time I close my eyes I see the faces of my brothers and sisters in arms. I know I¡¯ll join them soon. It¡¯s only a matter of time.¡±


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°You are a wayward daughter, Chalia, and you are not alone.¡± The Speaker walked up and embraced the woman, before directing her to join the tiny group of people that had been taken to the side. ¡°You were discarded, but the Emerald King will forge you purpose, as He does to us all! You shall come with us and be healed of your burdens in His embrace!¡±


    Chalia nodded weakly and did as instructed, as several of the other cultists led her towards the base of the stairs leading up to the catwalk.


    ¡°And you!¡± The speaker pointed again at another figure wearing a long set of brown robes, sat heavily against a post, struggling to stand up. ¡°I sense great pain in you! Tell us your story!¡±


    ¡°My story?¡± The broken-looking Squarri sighed as he got up. ¡°What¡¯s there to tell? I had a family and the fucking Klowns took them from me. I survived. Each day I survived some more. Next time the Klowns come, I¡¯ll kill as many as I can before I join them.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t stand alone,¡± the speaker told him soothingly. ¡°The Emerald King will smite the evils that plague society. He only asks that you help him¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡­I think I can do that¡­¡± The Squarri nodded.


    ¡°And you?¡± The speaker pointed at a younger man, skulking in the middle of the crowd, who slinked back upon being pointed out. ¡°You come here with hopes of a good haul, either from us or from the others that have heard His call.¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t!¡± the figure hastily retorted.


    ¡°We all aid The Emerald King in our own way!¡± The speaker continued unimpeded. ¡°You are a pickpocket who steals to live, but what if you did not have to?¡±


    ¡°You¡­.you could give me something better?¡± the figure responded, and Rena could see it was a Dresqox as they shuffled with interest.


    The speaker nodded. ¡°The Emerald King has a plan for all. Join us, friend. Come and find yours¡­¡±


    Was that a magical compulsion? Nya asked herself as the number of those that were pulled aside out of the few hundred entered the late double digits. But why?


    ¡°The Emerald King has one, simple wish from all of you,¡± the speaker concluded, addressing the masses of people still clustered together, as he pointed to several crates stacked up against one of the far walls.


    ¡°Feast. Eat your fill, and feed those that need it. Spread the word of The Emerald King and His message, and allow His work to be done. May you all walk in His light and spread it to the shadows!¡±


    As one the crowd rushed towards the crates, dashing them open and stuffing their mouths and pockets with whatever they could find with the fervour of starving rodents. Rena paid them no mind as, almost as one, the cultists moved to the small group they had pulled aside and led them up the stairs to the catwalk.


    Sensing a few magical wards and hearing the creaking, Rena immediately went to the wall, climbing up it easily with her claws while maintaining her Obfuscation, listening in to what was being said.


    ¡°The faith of the Emerald King is not just present here, in Naganai,¡± The speaker told the assembled group as they listened intently. ¡°Many of our brothers and sisters spread His message in other cities, but we also build communities away from the dregs of society. I would have you all join us.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± the pickpocket from earlier spoke up. ¡°I mean¡­I don¡¯t have anything to bring with me, but where are we even going?¡±


    ¡°A better place.¡± The speaker smiled as they walked down the catwalk, while Rena crawled along the underside. ¡°A safe place. A place completely untouched by the corruption of this city. A place where all of you can heal and find peace from your despair.¡±


    As Rena looked ahead, Nya felt an overwhelming sense of spacial magic as several of the cultists quickly summoned a portal of swirling green right at the end of the catwalk. Rena dared not advance any closer, and could sense the powerful magical sigils around them.


    We¡¯ll need to wait for them to all leave before we can investigate further, Nya thought to herself. But whatever this is, it¡¯s some very powerful magic. Perhaps it truly is the work of a divine being?


    As the portal stabilised, the Speaker turned to the assembled crowd with a winning smile. ¡°Join us.¡± He said in a very deliberate voice, and Nya could sense the powerful enchantment behind his words. Though she wanted to intervene, Nya knew they couldn¡¯t show their hand just yet.


    Quickly marching through the portal, the group were transported elsewhere, quickly followed by the remaining cultists. The portal dissipated almost instantly afterwards as it was closed from the other side, and as Rena looked around, the arcane wards and alarms that had been placed around them were fading too.


    ¡°Stay there Rena, I¡¯ll clear the building,¡± Nya whispered under her breath, which she knew Rena could hear from their telepathic link. As she maintained the veil of invisibility upon herself, Nya quickly blinked to the ground, and spotted the last few dregs of people still rummaging through the crates of food. Making motions with her hands as she whispered the spell, Nya thrust her arms forward as everyone around them, with the exception of herself and Rena, suddenly felt a pang of sheer terror and immediately ran screaming from the building.


    ¡°Unsubtle, but we don¡¯t have all night,¡± Nya commented as she dropped her invisibility, just as Rena flipped up onto the catwalk above.


    ¡°The arcane marks are fading fast,¡± Rena noted. ¡°Likely set to fade away with the cultists.¡±


    ¡°They look like the basic marks of detection and alarm to me,¡± Nya noted, having seen many mages use something similar in the past. ¡°But I need to get to that portal!¡±


    ¡°Agreed, the crates of food can wait.¡± Rena nodded, as Nya quickly blinked up to join her. ¡°What do you make of this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a very advanced portal,¡± Nya admitted as she cast a diagnostic spell. ¡°Not even I can cast this sort of thing, but I can run my mana through it and find out where those people were taken¡­¡±


    Making motions with her arms and chanting under her breath, Nya channelled her mana through the ever-fading runes to try and reactivate enough of the ritual, which proved difficult.


    ¡°Strange,¡± the Stygian muttered under her breath. ¡°I can¡¯t even get a general direction from this thing¡­¡±


    ¡°Be careful,¡± Rena warned. ¡°I know you¡¯ve said you¡¯ve recovered, but¡­¡±


    ¡°Very strange,¡± Nya reiterated. ¡°This is giving me some unusual readings.¡±


    ¡°Unusual how?¡± Rena asked, lacking Nya¡¯s arcane knowledge


    ¡°The Elemental Planes of both Water and Fire in quick succession?¡± The Stygian pointed out with raised eyebrows. ¡°It¡¯s a deception. I think I¡¯m being mocked.¡±


    ¡°With Fire and Water being opposites, and a convergence of some kind between the two essentially being useless?¡± Rena asked, having an idea of what her friend meant.


    ¡°Precisely.¡± Nya nodded. ¡°An effort for me to waste my mana and throw me off the scent. But I would say that something like this is telling in itself.¡±


    ¡°Why require the deception if your intentions are honest,¡± Rena agreed.


    ¡°The mesmerism I detected them use on that group was already proof that they weren¡¯t,¡± Nya noted. ¡°We already knew they want to spread the word, we just need to know where they took those people.¡±


    ¡°Can you find them?¡± the Vulsta asked her.


    ¡°They haven¡¯t made it easy¡­¡± Nya muttered back. ¡°I just need to¡­¡±


    Suddenly, right in the middle of the ritual circle there was a bright green flash, as a ripple of energy shot out from a single point floating above them.


    ¡°Get away!¡± Nya warned Rena, who quickly slipped off into the shadows. ¡°I didn¡¯t botch it, but something¡¯s reacting to my intrusion!¡±


    As the ritual circle flashed again, several shapes materialised into form at the base that immediately caused Nya to ready her defences and begin casting. Standing on four legs at over a metre in height, the carnivorous dark-green-skinned beasts glared at Devil¡¯s Daughter with bright purple eyes of malevolent intent as they growled their displeasure with powerful maws of jagged teeth. The flesh of the beasts was rubbery and hairless, and they had a ¡®mane¡¯ of several tentacles around the side of their heads.


    ¡°Krishay!¡± Nya yelled out, spreading her arms wide as she sprayed a cone of molten glass out at the bunched-up beasts, causing many of them to whine out in pain and shrink back, even as the bolder ones rushed straight towards her. The closest one had been caught full on in the face and writhed around on the ground, before its smoking form lay still.


    Wasting no time, Nya blinked down to the floor, causing many of the animals to look around in confusion and sniff the air before spotting her below them. Many of the pack bolted for the stairs, but a few of the bolder beasts jumped straight off the catwalk to the ground.


    One of the beasts crumpled to the ground with a snap as it landed poorly, but another landed on its feet, while another, smarter one had lept for the mostly-empty crates of food to use as a platform, but by then Nya had finished casting once again. From hidden spaces all around her, several small beads began to glow with red light in the gloom, and with a word from their summoner, the firebugs scattered out, several of them slamming into the first beast and detonating with small, pinpoint explosives around the face and neck that quickly brought it down, while several more smacked the second along the flanks, before Nya finished it off from a quick blast of flame from the red-crystal staff she was now using.


    I think I know what these things are, Nya reasoned to herself. But they¡¯re not reacting to the fire like animals should. I have to kill all of them.


    As she heard the rest of the beasts rushing down the stairs as best as they could, she commanded the rest of her firebugs to engage the beasts as she began casting again, timing it just right as they got to the bottom, before she launched a scorching ray that cut down half of what remained.


    Three left, Nya noted. Not exactly smart beasts, but capable of quickly chasing people down. Perfect for taking out your average curious mage¡­


    A sound roared out around the warehouse as the ritual site flashed again out of the corner of her eye, as something larger began to materialise.


    That¡¯s not a good sign¡­ Nya thought to herself. I need to shut that portal down now!


    The snarls and barks rapidly grew closer as the beasts dashed towards her, briefly dividing her attention as she quickly cast a flame trap on the ground, which detonated just as she blinked back up to the portal.


    ¡°Do you intend to engage?¡± Rena asked her telepathically as the materialising shapes gradually became clearer. Looking like several large bipeds, they had a mixture of nasty-looking weapons brought to bear. ¡°We were told to just observe and not make ourselves known.¡±


    Nya nodded, agreeing with the logic and reluctant to face these new enemies as she quickly cast a counter spell to destabilise the planar connection. In a heartbeat, it blinked out, and in that moment the rest of the arcane sigils and figures blinked out too.


    ¡°That was¡­unexpected,¡± Nya noted with a sigh of relief, as nothing else materialised to bother them. ¡°Quite a violent reaction too. I suspect that second set of figures was a cleanup crew of some kind.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Rena nodded, appearing next to her once again. ¡°Do you know what those monsters were?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to confirm it by retrieving a sample.¡± Nya shrugged. ¡°But they look like Akashtas to me, except I¡¯ve never seen any like these before. They didn¡¯t react to my fire magic, so I suspect that they¡¯ve been altered in some way. We¡¯ll need to inform the masters, they¡¯ll want to know.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take long for Grandmaster Ilvella to pick up the comm.


    ¡°Well done, I¡¯ll send a cleanup team to your location, but I need you elsewhere,¡± the grandmaster told her, sounding worried.


    As Nya listened to the details, her expression turned to dread¡­

 Chapter 120: Cypherport

    Jack breathed heavily as he dozed in his hammock, trying his best to doze and get what little REM sleep he could. Despite his brain telling him he had to, his body just wasn¡¯t cooperating that well, with a combination of the earlier ¡®bedtime¡¯, the rattling cargo on the shelves around them, and Jack clearly anticipating the probable danger ahead all leaving him in an uncomfortable flux state of semi-lucidity.


    Deciding to make the best of the situation, he just kept his eyes shut, trying to clear his mind of his worries as he simply listened to the sound of his own breathing and the slight rumbling of the shuttle and he lay there in the hammock with Chiyo.


    His battleskin underneath his clothes actually felt good in the heated cargo compartment they were in, in no small part due to his new armour, which had done a good job of keeping his body well-ventilated so that there wasn¡¯t any discomfort when he moved. He had no idea if things were similar for the other armour types, but he and Nika had agreed that it was a perfect fit.


    Jack had no idea how long it had been since they started, but there hadn¡¯t been any problems on their journey. The crew had kept to themselves throughout, though Chiyo had been confident they had been drinking on the job, causing Sephy to loop the internal cameras and check more of the containers for anything tasty or expensive, and Jack was grateful for the bag of steak-flavoured crisps the Skritta had thrown his way earlier.


    Almost idly he shifted slightly in his doze, causing the figure he was cuddled up to move with him. He had almost forgotten Chiyo was there, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around her reassuringly, before all of a sudden there was a sudden sharp wave of force, causing him to snap awake with a start, spotting where his hand had accidentally been for a split second before the hammock tipped over, causing them both to thump down to the ground with a hard thud.


    Hearing the groans from all around them, Jack could see that they hadn¡¯t been the only ones woken up by that, as Sephy was rubbing her head on the floor, while Nika was on her feet scanning for threats.


    ¡°Fuck! What was that?¡± one of the crew at the front exclaimed.


    ¡°I dunno! Some kind of turbulence!¡± another one of the men grumbled. ¡°Fuck, rookie! You¡¯ve gotta keep an eye on things!¡±


    ¡°What!? The lights were green!¡± the rookie exclaimed in disbelief.


    ¡°Yeah, suuuure they were!¡± the first voice retorted, clearly not believing them.


    ¡°Um¡­sorry about that,¡± Jack whispered. ¡°Accident!¡±


    Suuure it was! Chiyo teased back. Some warning would have been nice!


    ¡°Damn, well that timing could have been worse!¡± Sephy shrugged with a grin. ¡°We¡¯re nearly there, only about fifteen minutes out.¡±


    ¡°In that case, gear up and get ready to move,¡± Alora ordered them all. ¡°We don¡¯t want to hang around here.¡±


    ¡°Roger that.¡± Jack sighed, as he got up and began to pack.


    *****


    ¡°Coming in for a landing,¡± the old captain professionally called out over the ship-wide comm, as Sephy finished hiding the evidence of their scrounging of the cargo.


    ¡°We all good?¡± Nika asked, as she gave her shotgun a quick check out of habit.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Sephy grinned, practising her quick draw with her twin pistols. ¡°These magnetic clips on our armour are dead useful! Even you won¡¯t lose your weapons easily, Jack!¡±


    ¡°Oh for fucks sake, you¡¯re still gonna bring that up?!¡± Jack groaned as the others snorted in amusement. ¡°You would have dropped your stuff too!¡±


    Well, even if you do drop anything, they should automatically reattach if you¡¯re in close enough proximity and nothing¡¯s impeding it.


    ¡°Like Iron Man or something, right?¡± Jack asked, earning a bemused look from Chiyo, who obviously didn¡¯t understand the reference, but nodded anyway.


    ¡°Heh, that doesn¡¯t work with grenades, right?¡± Sephy asked with a grin. ¡°That one might be a bit counterproductive!¡±


    ¡°I am very sure it doesn¡¯t!¡± Alora giggled. ¡°But Clan Bharzum know what they¡¯re doing! I¡¯m sure everything will be fine!¡±


    They all held on as the shuttle made its final approach, before finally plonking to the ground. Everyone was ready by the time the crew had everything powered down.


    ¡°So, head to the docks, find the crew and be out of here in less than ten minutes,¡± Jack stated as if to remind everyone of what they were here to do


    ¡°Yep!¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°This should only be a border town with not many people around, so I doubt there¡¯ll even be that many ships around. Add the fact that the crew is all Megafauna, and the fact they know we¡¯re coming, and it shouldn¡¯t be too hard to find.¡±


    ¡°Um¡­guys¡­.¡± Nika called out as the cargo ramp began to open, and Dante gave a low whine of concern.  ¡°We might have a slight problem¡­¡±


    The crisp, cold breeze that buffeted them was instantly punctuated by the sounds of shouts, screams and bedlam in the distance, broken up by the occasional burst of gunfire, but it was only when the ramp fully extended to let them down could they see the chaos they were about to walk into.


    The Cypherport they had expected should have been a quiet, small border town with a simple dock for traders and fishers¡­


    The Cypherport they had landed right at the edge of made the most ghetto streets of Detroit look tame by comparison!


    Tightly packed shacks and dilapidated houses leaned menacingly over a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, barely illuminated by the many grimy, flickering neon signs all over the town that cast eerie shadows over the crumbling streets, adorned with gang symbols, crude drawings and warnings, with all sorts of dangerous looking people milling about, from what they could see from where they were.


    I don¡¯t understand¡­ Chiyo began. This can¡¯t be the right place? We researched this place, it wasn¡¯t meant to be like this at all!


    ¡°Maybe the info you found is outdated,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°But everything I¡¯ve got says this is the place¡­what the fuck!?¡±


    ¡°Everybody stick close together!¡± Alora warned as they slowly and carefully made their way down the ramp, with the workers barely giving them any acknowledgement. ¡°Our plan hasn¡¯t changed. We head to the docks and get out.¡±


    ¡°I can plot us a basic route, but I¡¯m not throwing drones up until we need to,¡± the Skritta warned as she typed a few things on one of her tablet devices, converting the view they saw from the cargo ramp into a basic map.


    ¡°Should we use the Broaches of Disguise?¡± Jack asked Alora, who nodded instantly.


    ¡°Good idea, Jack,¡± the Eladrie agreed. ¡°The less attention we bring to ourselves, the better.¡±


    Quickly activating their magic, the group cautiously made their way out of the tiny Corvin Enterprises drop-off point into the shadowy dystopian streets. Now that they were close up, they could see that the buildings around them were thin and mostly composed of wood with multiple floors, with the majority having steep, high-peaked roofs that dissuaded them from attempting to traverse along the rooftops.


    Looking around Jack could already see a few faces of the shady-looking inhabitants gazing their way with suspicion and curiosity, causing him to keep one hand on his gun. He didn¡¯t care what any of these guys wanted, if anyone came up to them with no good reason, he was ready to attack at a moment''s notice.


    Was this what it was like to be a cop in America?


    ¡°Hey man! You wanna buy some grass?¡± someone called out from the side, and Jack could see a few street vendors peddling their wares from makeshift stalls. The one that had called out to them was obviously trying to sell them drugs of dubious quality, but a few others had weapons or random electronics, probably stolen. Many of the vendors were obscured under hoods or facemasks, making it impossible to discern their intentions at a glance. Jack just curtly shook his head, and kept walking forward.


    This is so sketchy, Chiyo pointed out, while doing her best to keep up with them on foot, not attracting any attention by floating in the air like she usually did.


    ¡°So far so good,¡± Jack whispered back, before a shark crack of gunfire echoed through the streets ahead, followed by the sounds of a few smashed bottles.


    ¡°That was closer to the centre of the town,¡± Sephy told them, checking her map. ¡°We stick along the outside, we can avoid that shit.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of shit, fucking hell it smells bad,¡± Nika growled as her nose was assaulted by the pungent odour wafting around them.


    ¡°It¡¯s just like the bad parts of the city,¡± Alora noted. ¡°The quicker we get out of here the better.¡±


    ¡°Docks aren¡¯t far,¡± Sephy whispered to them. ¡°Just down the hill.¡±


    ¡°I see it¡­¡± Jack whispered back as they rounded a corner onto a particularly narrow street, where a gang of thugs aggressively stared them down as they passed, though didn¡¯t go after them. A few of them whispered among themselves and pointed, causing Dante to lowly growl under his breath.


    ¡°Reckon they made us, Chiyo?¡± Nika asked the Ilithii as the group briskly kept walking, toeing the fine line between casual walking without fear and running to safety.


    It is possible, Chiyo replied unsurely. I don¡¯t know for sure.


    ¡°Then we lose them in the alleyways,¡± Alora muttered under her breath. ¡°Are they following us?¡±


    They look like they¡¯re debating it, Chiyo confirmed.


    ¡°We can break line of sight up ahead, alleyway to the right,¡± Sephy whispered, and Jack nodded as he led the way. They turned down the alleyway, quickly sprinting for the next turning the moment line of sight was broken, keeping their footsteps as quiet as possible as they maintained their general direction down to the docks, before finally emerging on the waterfront to a few curious glances of some very inebriated sailors.


    ¡°How are we for time?¡± Alora asked nobody in particular, as Jack checked his commlink.


    ¡°It¡¯s been about ten minutes,¡± Jack told her. ¡°Just need to find our ride and we can get out of here.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but these docks are fucking huge,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°It¡¯s nobody¡¯s fault, but we¡¯ve still got bad intel about this place.¡±


    ¡°Then we just walk up and down and hope for the best until we see our guy.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°We know the kind of people we¡¯re looking for at least, right?¡±


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Right, Chiyo agreed. Let¡¯s go! Keep your wits about you!


    *****


    ¡°Where the fuck are these assholes?¡± Nika grumbled about 15 minutes later as they checked the various piers for any sign of their contact. ¡°The client told us they knew we¡¯d be on our way!¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean they have to sit in place I suppose,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Though I¡¯m surprised that in a place like this they wouldn¡¯t have a guard set up for their ship.¡±


    ¡°Raises a valid point though,¡± Sephy spoke up. ¡°Could we steal one of the ships and make our way to where we need to go?¡±


    Don¡¯t forget that we need to come back here! Chiyo warned.


    ¡°Okay, we ¡®borrow¡¯ one of the ships and return it intact then¡­¡± Sephy suggested half-heartedly with chuckles from the others.


    ¡°We can keep looking around here or we can wait for someone that looks like our contacts to show up,¡± Alora began grimly.


    ¡°Which will take time, which we shouldn¡¯t waste, especially if people have worked out we¡¯re here,¡± Nika prompted. ¡°Anyone with basic astral sight can see through our disguises, and anyone smart and knowledgeable enough can work it out too, so waiting around is a huge risk.¡±


    ¡°Or we go looking for our contacts.¡± Alora grimaced, hating the idea herself. ¡°There was a lot of noise in the middle of the district. Whatever it is, if they¡¯re not here, they¡¯re probably there.¡±


    Along with everyone else, Chiyo pointed out. It¡¯s a risky move.


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s a risk worth taking?¡± Jack asked, not having a particular opinion either way.


    ¡°I would frame it as our ¡®least worst option¡¯¡±. Alora tentatively nodded. ¡°But in this situation we don¡¯t want to hang around any longer than we need to.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, but we¡¯ll need to be careful.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°If we can¡¯t find them, Sephy¡¯s idea is probably the next best thing we can do. Unless anyone else has any better ideas?¡±


    Looking around, everyone shook their heads.


    ¡°Very well then.¡± Alora nodded slowly. ¡°Everyone stay as close together as you can without attracting attention. Jack, Nika, you lead the way.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Nika whispered, Jack nodding in agreement as he took point, heading towards what looked like a busy main street in the distance. Though it wasn¡¯t as covert as he would like, he figured that they could hide in plain sight while looking for their contacts.


    ¡°Eww¡­¡± Alora muttered under her breath, as a slurring reptilian almost stumbled into them, reeking of cheap alcohol and vomit as they staggered aimlessly past, weaving unsteadily across the dirt road with glazed eyes before they smacked into a crumbling wall, earning laughs from a few nearby crowds as he pitched forward and threw up on the floor.


    ¡°Damn! Wouldn¡¯t want to be him in the morning!¡± Sephy quipped, as the group saw two shady-looking men approaching the drunk with ill-intent.


    I doubt that fool has anything left worth stealing, Chiyo noted as they put some distance away from the imminent mugging.


    ¡°Wait, shouldn¡¯t we do something?¡± Jack asked, only for Alora to sharply shake her head.


    ¡°Best not get involved,¡± Nika added as they saw the two muggers run away, while the drunk guy flailed around helplessly. ¡°Or we bring much worse down upon us.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack sighed, who couldn¡¯t help but agree with the logic. He felt uneasy as they weaved their way through the sea of gutter trash, not finding anybody who looked like their contacts, but gradually getting closer to the sounds of debauchery up ahead.


    As they got closer to what sounded like a wild party up ahead, Jack spotted a small, rat-like Lizta squatting down right in the middle of the road taking a dump, to the immense displeasure of Alora as they gave the degenerate a wide berth.


    ¡°Reckon that was the Pooping Bandit?¡± Sephy joked, as Alora shuddered in disgust at what they had just witnessed.


    ¡°Doubt it.¡± Nika snorted in amusement. ¡°Designated shitting streets are probably the norm here. Hell I¡¯d sooner trust a dirt road than anything else in this shithole.¡±


    Let¡¯s hurry up so we can get out of here! Chiyo hurried them along. With any luck this will be the worst thing that happens this weekend.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope.¡± Jack agreed as they kept on moving, ignoring the inquisitive glances from the various beggars and panhandlers sitting at the side of the road begging for change. Though Jack wouldn¡¯t have minded tossing a few credsticks their way, he didn¡¯t want to look like an appealing target for any of the gangers and other trash hanging around.


    ¡°Watch out for pickpockets,¡± Sephy warned, as she checked the movement of a mangy toad-looking being who tried to sidle up past them, flashing him her gun, which caused him to back off.


    As the group reached the top of the hill, the sounds of raucous laughter, clinking glasses and pounding music became deafening, drowning out everything else in a cacophony of noise that reverberated through the air. The streets around them were packed with a dense crowd, clamouring and jostling as they drank what looked like ale out of dirty-looking glasses, many of them chipped or smashed.


    At the centre of the main street was a great obelisk jutting out of the road several metres high that looked like it was made of bright green glass, with white runes gently glowing in swirls along the base, but Chiyo looked genuinely upset by the way the star attraction of Cypherport had been defaced and almost completely blanketed by old graffiti and vandalism, and Jack couldn¡¯t blame her. Though it bore little significance to him, he still felt a pang of sheer disappointment at seeing such disrespect for what should have been a cultural artefact, as a blue-scaled reptilian walked up to it, dropped his trousers and began pissing against it, while another placed his hand against it and puked, leaving a yellow stream along the faded glass.


    ¡°Leave it Chiyo, it¡¯s not worth it.¡± Alora whispered to the distressed Ilithii, who looked like she was about to attack the men for their desecration, with Dante whining as he pawed at Chiyo¡¯s leg.


    ¡°Guys? Over here.¡± Sephy called to the group and pointed. Just ahead of them was a huge building that might have once been a town hall or a temple of some kind, but looked like it had long since been repurposed into a huge nightclub.


    Bolting onto the remains of what could have once been a religious symbol was a poorly maintained neon sign that kept flickering the words ¡®The Soggy Pussy¡¯.


    ¡°Welp.¡± Jack began. ¡°I think we know where they probably are.¡±


    ¡°Well, they¡¯re not out here.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°No getting around it then, looks like we¡¯re heading in!¡±


    ¡°Looks like it.¡± Alora sighed, as she took point.


    I doubt it needs to be said, but don¡¯t drink or take anything here, Chiyo warned, as they sidestepped a group of four off-duty Red Legion soldiers who were taking turns snorting lines of white powder off of a half-rotted wooden picnic table.


    ¡°Really? Aww damn,¡± Sephy joked as they politely made their way through the crowd to the front door, where a greeter was hyping up the crowd.


    ¡°You like dicks? We¡¯ve got dicks!¡± The Xarak grinned as he pointed to members of the crowd. ¡°Here at The Soggy Pussy we got lotsa dicks for you to choose! Hairy mammal dicks! Dry reptilian dicks! Wet amphibian dicks! Soft aquatic dicks! Questionable animal dicks! Laaaaady dicks!¡±


    ¡°Lovely¡­¡± Alora muttered under her breath as they gave the hypeman a wide berth and headed to the door, past the towering bouncers standing guard at the entrance. For a moment Jack thought they would give them trouble, but after assessing their worthiness in the mysterious way that bouncers do, they allowed them to pass without a problem.


    Ducking under the buzzing signs and projections of various disgusting things that would make even Kizzarith blush, they group was immediately engulfed in a maelstrom of chaos. The pounding bass of the local shitty music swirled through the air like a physical force, shaking the very foundations of the building and almost completely drowning everything else out. Overhead, lights flashed and span in a dizzying array of colours, casting the room into a kaleidoscope of light and shadow, disorienting the group as they looked around for their contacts. Overhead, they could see a set of well-used heavy turrets scattered all along the ceiling looking out over the crowd, a sure sign that violence was commonplace here.


    We should head to the bar. Chiyo indicated to the far end of the huge room. Maybe we can ask the bartenders if they¡¯ve seen them, might need to throw them a bribe though¡­


    ¡°Stay behind me.¡± Jack warned, as he pushed his way past the writing, dancing bodies all around them tangling to the rhythm of the music, causing him to almost gag from the putrid scent of alien sweat and pheromones. He kept to the walls as a fight broke out in the middle of the dance floor between a few rival gangs, only for a few more bouncers on duty to step in and royally beat the perpetrators until they could no longer move, chucking them against the wall to take a nap.


    Turning around to make sure his friends were still close, Jack moved away from the outer wall to avoid a series of women giving ¡®special attention¡¯ to a few guys, their expressions far from focused on what was going on all around them, making a beeline for the bar past a group of mercenaries smoking something questionable that left a sickly sweet smoke in the air around them.


    ¡°What you kids want?¡± one of the grungy-looking Xarak bartenders grunted at them with a sly expression as they approached the bar, surprising Jack that he didn¡¯t call them out for their age, or being here in the first place. He simply guessed they didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°A crew of River Giants,¡± Alora asked the man, slipping a credstick across the bar, which he pocketed with a greasy palm. ¡°We seek the captain.¡±


    ¡°Yeah they¡¯re around.¡± The barman grinned a creepy, toothy smile, staring at Alora a little too intently. ¡°First balcony up on the left.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Alora nodded as politely as she could before turning away.


    ¡°Finally, let¡¯s find them and get the fuck out of here!¡± Nika shouted out over the noise of the crowd. ¡°This place is dodgy as fuck!¡±


    More than that, there was something off about that barman, Chiyo added, with all of the group agreeing with nodding heads.


    ¡°We¡¯d better make this quick then!¡± Sephy urged them on. ¡°I see stairs heading up over there!¡±


    Making their way through the crowd they got to the staircase in the far corner of the room, near to where an avian DJ in a ridiculous purple pimp outfit was changing tracks while hanging a crack pipe out of his beak.


    ¡°Watch yourselves going up,¡± Jack warned as he noted the many spills dripping beneath their feet. Carefully they made their way up, dodging a few intoxicated patrons coming in the opposite direction with by now well-practised fitness.


    ¡°That looks like them over there!¡± Nika pointed in the distance. Indeed, a group of about 5 or 6 large green-skinned megafauna were sat around a small coffee table laughing at a joke one of them had told in between taking shots of hard liquor.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Alora called out to the oldest one, a bald man with a thick grey beard in a simple toga. ¡°Are you Captain Ripples-On-Salt?¡±


    ¡°That I am lass!¡± The River Giant boomed out with a grinning jovial voice. ¡°I must say you kids are all here much earlier than we expected!¡±


    How so? Chiyo asked curiously. You were made aware by our mutual client that we would be on our way and to expect our arrival. You didn¡¯t even post a guard on your boat!


    ¡°What in the name of deep waters are you talking about?¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt scoffed. ¡°We got word that the mess in the city meant we wouldn¡¯t expect you until morning, got some tokens to come here to tide us over¡­¡±


    ¡°Word from who?¡± Alora asked incredulously.


    As Alora spoke to the captain, Jack had an uneasy feeling as he looked around. Though the crowd was massive, and most seemed to pay them no heed as they conducted their business, he could somehow sense that eyes were on him, even if he couldn¡¯t identify where they were.


    ¡°Guys, it doesn¡¯t matter!¡± Nika told them. ¡°We should finish up and get the fuck out of here!¡±


    As Jack looked around he suddenly felt a strange sensation forcing his senses into overdrive. Immediately dismissing it as nothing malicious, he found himself looking down at his hand where the Ring of the Berserker was snugly attached. If it had actually done anything since he had first put it on, Jack didn¡¯t know, but now for the first time it seemed to vibrate slightly, as the gem in the middle began to glow a slight blood-red, and only grew more intense in feeling¡­


    ¡°Alright, finish up¡­¡± the Captain began to order his crew. ¡°We have a-¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Sephy yelled in alarm, but Jack was already moving, suddenly aware of the danger as he quickly dodged to the side to avoid the knife, before grabbing the Xarak attacker¡¯s knife-hand in a counter, using their forward momentum to drag them in a circle to smash it¡¯s head into the wall in one solid motion. Sephy quickly used her wings to put some distance between her and her attacker, before she magdumped her twin pistols into the Korrigan that tried to stab her while the others had barely processed what was happening.


    Sensing thunderous movement closing on him, Jack drew his axe and spun around in a diagonal slash, only for the axe to be caught in a single meaty hand, while the other reached forward and closed around his neck. Quickly letting go of his axe with one of his hands, the panicking Jack grabbed onto his attacker¡¯s fingers to barely hold them back from snapping his neck then and there¡­


    As he struggled to break free from the hold, Jack growled in defiance at the large Ogar man he really didn¡¯t want to see again¡­


    ¡°Embrace your redemption boy!¡± the Redeemer snarled with a face bearing scars from their last encounter, his eyes staring into Jack with hatred as he squeezed tighter¡­


    Desperately, Jack tried to break the grapple, but the Redeemer was just too strong! Behind him, he could hear the others with their own problems, so he couldn¡¯t afford to stall for time. The confines of the balcony made it difficult for him to move around to try and slip out of The Redeemer¡¯s grasp.


    Unless!


    His legs swung at the wall as the Redeemer flailed Jack about, trying to finish him, but Jack held stubbornly on. Gritting his teeth, Jack kept his footing, before he suddenly kicked off from the wall in a burst of strength, sending The Redeemer staggering back, still keeping his hold on Jack¡¯s neck. As the two heavy forms hit the wooden safety rail, the long-rotted wood gave way like paper and smashed into splinters and the two figures headed straight to the ground below¡­

 Chapter 121: Close Quarters

    ¡°No! Jack!¡± Sephy cried out as she saw them fall, quickly swapping to her plasma rifle to try and give him some covering fire.


    ¡°Sephy! Enemies close!¡± Nika warned with a yell as she blasted a gutter punk that had tried to rush her, destroying the left part of the amphibian¡¯s torso with a powerful shotgun blast that stopped him dead.


    ¡°Shit!¡± The Skritta cursed as she dove into cover on the opposite side of the alcove as plasma blasts zipped over her head, pummelling the plastered walls where she had just been standing and spitting up dust. Scrambling to her feet and unclipping her plasma rifle she blind fired around the corner, not caring who was on the other side as she bought Alora and Chiyo time to use their powers.


    Dante barked loudly, as a dome of the most translucent sparkling blue settled over the girls. Recognising it as the same kind of shield the ¡®dog¡¯ had summoned when they were ambushed by the Red Legion aspirants on the way back from the Oracle, the Skritta grit her teeth as her brain caught up to what had been pure instinct. Holy shit this was bad!


    Chancing a peek around the corner she could see a scrum for the stairs as a few of the more sober and less combative-looking patrons wisely decided to make their escape while they could, meaning that the stairs were clear enough to descend quickly if she and the others could get there. Unfortunately the path to get there was packed with many, many more of the rougher-looking mercenaries, gangsters and other toughs fired up by what was going on!


    ¡°ERE WE GO BOYZ!¡± A loud drunken voice yelled out from somewhere nearby. ¡°WAAAAAAAGH!¡±


    As two heavy-armoured Xarak wearing purple gang symbols charged into a group of avians wearing green, the resulting drunken brawl quickly escalated like wildfire into a full-blown melee, drawing nearby bystanders into the mix as drinks were spilled, bottles were smashed and bodies hit the floor.


    ¡®Shit, getting out won¡¯t be easy.¡¯ The Skritta thought to herself, before suddenly getting an idea as she looked to the overhead turrets that looked like they were powering up.


    ¡°Cover me!¡± She called back to the others, as a translucent AR feed highlighted her vision to reveal the poorly maintained and vandalised local Matrix. Looking around the display, she could see poorly coded glitches rampant throughout the area making it difficult to perceive the local connections, with what looked like years of virtual graffiti scrawled everywhere else.


    ¡®I¡¯m surprised that any electronics work here¡­¡¯ Sephy thought to herself, sending a scouting program to work out what she had to work with, while in the real world she moved to the balcony to try and look for Jack. She couldn¡¯t see anything through the chaos and her view of the Matrix before she had to duck down back into cover as several plasma blasts were sent her way from the opposite side.


    A quick blip from her scouting program told her that it had found what she was looking for, and Sephy wasted no time as she switched her view to that of her scouting program, holding back the nauseous sensation caused by the sudden perception shift, as almost immediately she had to focus on bringing her defensive programs to bear as several hostile nodes honed in to attack her.


    ¡®What the fuck? These IC are way too powerful for a place like this!¡¯ Sephy thought to herself as she backed away, maintaining her defences and cursing the fact that she couldn¡¯t fully fade into the Matrix to speed things up. Looking up, Sephy saw the connections for the local turrets defended by a wall of advanced Blocker IC too advanced to be part of the local system, and she also saw the reason.


    ¡®Oh you motherfucker!¡¯


    Hiding behind the defences, Sephy spotted a shrouded ghost-like shape by the turret connections, working an intrusion program on them to bring the turrets under their control.


    Another slicer was already in the system!


    As she sent a data bomb their way, the defences quickly acted to protect their charge, intercepting the digital attack and exploding in a debris of code lines and pixels. Turning around, the other slicer grinned as his hack of the turrets continued automatically, indicating that he was fully sliced into the local Matrix.


    ¡°Ah, yes. We were informed that the outsider had a slicer amongst his group.¡± The figure cruelly cackled, though Sephy was unable to tell their species or gender due to them both being in cyberspace. ¡°I would normally tell you to surrender, but our Lictor gave us orders to eliminate every single one of you. But hey, if you¡¯re lucky you¡¯ll be alive long enough for me and the boys to run a train on you and your friends while you stare at the Outsider¡¯s bloody, broken corpse. What do you say?¡± The form gave a wicked grin even as he knew the answer, summoning more Defender IC.


    ¡°Go fuck yourself,¡± Sephy snarled as she programmed another data bomb. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s cyberspace or in reality, you¡¯re not leaving this shithole alive!¡±


    ¡°I doubt it!¡± The other slicer chuckled as they summoned more Attacker IC, easily done for them as they were fully immersed in the Matrix, unlike Sephy who was attempting it in synchronised real time as she stayed in cover in reality. ¡°We were told you were the dumb one in the briefing, you are no match for me!¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s what you think¡­¡¯  Sephy thought to herself as she tried a new plan, seeing that the other slicer was too well entrenched. Quickly pulling up her pre-prepared list of viruses she shot out her virtual hands as what looked like several paper aeroplanes shot out to go for the other slicer. They were weak, unable to do any damage to the slicer, and most were easily intercepted, but enough hit the slicer to do what she needed them to do. Just for a moment, the avatar dropped and she saw the slicer for a brief as he actually was, an obese toad-like being in some kind of uniform.


    More importantly, she was able to pinpoint the exact direction and distance of his real body from her current location.


    ¡°Hah! Pathetic!¡± The other slicer cackled again, not noticing what Sephy¡¯s attack had actually done. ¡°Was that meant to hurt? Take this!¡±


    Sephy grimaced as her Matrix defences took a heavy hit as she quickly backed out of cyberspace to return to the real world, grunting and shaking off the disorienting feeling of treading two worlds and being violently ripped back into one. Had she been fully sliced in, it could have caused her some serious injury.


    ¡°Guys! We have a problem!¡± She shouted back to the others, as she saw the turrets begin to swirl around to aim their way¡­


    *****


    ¡°Dessenta!¡± Alora gasped as she finished the spell she had been casting, causing blurry illusionary duplicates of her, Dante and the other girls to randomly appear near them, before with another word of command she caused them to run out and scatter to hopefully confuse the enemies targeting them. Ever since the trick had worked when they fled from the Cult of the Destroyer, Alora had been practising this technique, though it was still far from a perfect distraction.


    Some of the illusions ran off the balcony only to dash uselessly through the air, while others waded into the various fights that were breaking out, even going through some people as they yelped out in confusion before trying to attack them.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to get Jack and run!¡± She yelled out, though she wasn¡¯t sure if the others could even hear her over the blazing music and the veritable moshpit that had formed on the ground floor under them. She turned to the crew of River Giants that were still with them, standing there with weapons brought to bear, but not really knowing what to do. ¡°Where is your vessel located?¡± She asked them sharply.


    The River Giants just stood there with a dazed look, and Alora realised they were probably in shock at seeing what just happened with Jack.


    ¡°Captain! Where?¡± Alora yelled, and that seemed to awaken the giants out of their stupor.


    ¡°Far right side of the docks, lass!¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt spoke up hastily. ¡°Largest vessel there, it¡¯s called the Siltskimmer, you can¡¯t miss it!¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Alora nodded, trying to remain calm. ¡°When you get the opportunity, get away from the place and get everything ready to leave. Pull out of dock a little bit if you need to but do not leave without us. We¡¯ll join you as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Lass, we¡¯re not sticking around if things get bad!¡± The captain warned with a panicked look.


    ¡°If it spreads that far and you need to protect your people, then do so,¡± Alora acknowledged. ¡°But we¡¯re here for a reason, and our mutual friends won¡¯t be pleased if you lose your nerve!¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright!¡± The captain nodded, raising a hand placatingly. ¡°We¡¯ll do what we can and wake all hands, they¡¯ll be sleeping around this time.¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Stay back and as far away from us as you can be, then make a break for it!¡±


    ¡°We can fight, you know!¡± One of the crew spoke up, as the captain rounded on them.


    ¡°You¡¯re drunk off your ass Dips-In-Bog! And we have our orders! We¡¯re not sticking around, but at least we¡¯ll probably have to batter some fools to get out!¡±


    Glad to have resolved that, Alora turned around to assess the situation. She could see Sephy covering the right side while she was looking up towards the turrets, no doubt trying to take them over, while Nika was holding the right, and was attracting the most amount of fire. Seeing where the shots were coming from, Alora quickly ran towards the edge of the balcony near a wooden pillar that would hopefully give her some covering fire as she quickly cast a spell.


    ¡°Pyrallis!¡± She yelled out as she pointed her wand at the group of enemies aiming for Nika, as a jet of fire roared out, zipping around, above and below anybody not shooting at them as it smacked into the trio on the opposite balcony that were, immolating two of them, but the third, a great hulking Balnath with a huge overgrown maw of teeth, was able to shrug it off. Alora dove to the ground as they returned fire, completely obliterating the pillar she had tried to hide behind.


    ¡®Well that got his attention¡¯. Alora thought to herself as she rolled to the side away from the pillar, out of sight of the Balnath as they let rip with their gatling plasma gun, though fortunately most of the wild shots had been intercepted by Dante¡¯s shield. Waiting for the sounds and lights to dissipate, Alora quickly got to her feet and cast another spell¡­


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    *****


    ¡°Come on then you fuckers!¡± Nika growled after she dispatched her amphibian attacker, quickly switching to her plasma rifle as she checked her side of the balcony alcove, quickly dispatching a figure that looked like she was heading for them. Nika didn¡¯t allow any sliver of doubt to shake her, this situation was dire enough that anyone even remotely looking like a threat to her or her friends was going down!


    ¡®We need a way out, Sephy has the stairs.¡¯ The Kizun thought to herself as she spotted a sharpshooter on the opposite balcony far too assured of themselves to be just an ordinary patron, an assumption that was proven correct as they moved to take aim at Sephy, before a burst from Nika smacked into him and threw their aim wide, though didn¡¯t finish them.


    ¡®They¡¯ve got good armour, maybe shields too, these guys are professionals.¡¯ Nika concluded, though grinned as she spotted a group of some blue-feathered avian species mob the sharpshooter, clearly looking to grab their weapon in the midst of all the chaos. ¡®Stairs were at the back of the building, so my way leads to the front. Maybe we can blast a way out and jump down? That plan worked out for us before¡­¡¯


    She contemplated the idea, knowing that she hadn¡¯t taken as many breaching charges as she normally would for an urban mission, having dismissed the need to have as many in a rural environment, but she had one on her just in case, with a couple more distributed among a few of the others. However, the building they were in wasn¡¯t the most structurally sound, and she had a real fear that enough damage could bring it crashing down above their heads!


    The decision was taken away from her, as from one of the far alcoves ahead of her, a group of three strangely uniformed soldiers of some kind advanced towards her, with the Kizun having no doubt they were enemies, as two of them carried tall, broad riot shields locked into place, while the third shot at her with an accurate burst, cracking her shield and thumping into her heavy armour as she retreated. Where had these guys come from? She could have sworn she hadn¡¯t seen anyone in uniform, but realised that, like them, their opponents may have been in disguise and had needed to quickly gear up before engaging.


    Immediately, Nika reached to her belt for a grenade, electing for a smaller yield as she activated the timer and waited a few seconds before flinging it back from cover with a well-practised blind throw, sending it bouncing and clattering in a straight line before detonating right on target. Grinning with the roar, she dashed out from cover, going full auto as she unleashed hell, keeping low as she pushed forward, not letting up as she saw one of the shield guys drop to the ground while another couldn¡¯t hold on, stumbling and falling back down the freshly blown hole caused by the grenade, which must have slipped under the shields and taken out the third guy.


    And as she looked at the freshly blown hole, she realised now they had a quick way down!


    *****


    Those are Regulators! Chiyo warned, though she had no idea if any of her friends were paying attention as the Ilithii drew her power in to assist Dante in maintaining an energy barrier, before taking out her magic staff and channelled her power to lash out with psionic power at whoever she could detect down below, sensing that they were going after Jack. She heard her friends acting and knew she had to do everything in her power to get them all out in one piece!


    Sensing a lot of magical energy flaring up, Chiyo activated her astral sight to check what was happening, and cursed as she did. There was a lot of ambient mana dissipating in the air from several illusionary spells, likely from their attackers, and she detected three strong signatures in particular, and two of them were situated on the ground floor.


    The third was on the other balcony!


    Responding to the imminent threat, Chiyo focused on her attack as she saw the astral form of the physically obscured wizard on the other side of the room whispering words of power and weaving their hands in strange patterns for a complicated spell of some kind that didn¡¯t look good.


    Her meditations with the Essence of Water they had looted from the Pallid Pit had proved fruitful as she had quickly learned to combine her new affinity with her existing psychic powers to weave together some new tricks, her most basic one coming into play as she quickly drew in the ambient water from all around them to cluster in one great ball, before launching several blasts that shot out to catch the enemy mage completely off guard, battering their body and cracking several ribs, causing them to flail back and, more importantly, completely disrupting whatever spell they were trying to cast.


    The enemy mage appeared physically as their illusion mask was dispelled, revealing a diminutive blue furry mammalian with a long, thin snout in a set of traveller''s robes with the insignia she recognised as belonging to the Order of the Infernal Harmony. Chiyo saw them angrily motion at her, ordering several more Regulators on the other side of the building to aim at her.


    ¡®Well, I¡¯m flattered¡­¡¯ Chiyo thought to herself as she put more of her energy into maintaining her personal shields and hunkered down to avoid the gunfire, which took some of the heat off Nika, before the inevitable explosion went off several seconds later.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a quick way down!¡± Nika called back after dashing back to them, a sentiment that Chiyo quickly repeated to Alora to get past the deafening noise.


    ¡°Understood!¡± Alora shouted. ¡°Chiyo?¡±


    Lead your crew to the left and drop down the hole, the Ilithi told the River Giants, imbedding the thoughts directly into their minds over the noise. We shall follow promptly. Get everything ready for a quick exit. We¡¯ll cover you, go now!


    Quickly nodding in agreement, the band of River Giants needed little prompting to run the fuck away from the ongoing shitstorm while the group covered for them, with Chiyo unleashing her power and levitating a Regulator from behind an overturned table, only for Nika to cut them down mercilessly with plasma fire.


    ¡°Guys! We have a problem!¡± Sephy yelled in a panic. ¡°They have control of the turrets! I can¡¯t take them back from here!¡±


    We¡¯ve got to get off this balcony! Chiyo warned the others. Nika has an exit! We¡¯ve-


    But then she sensed it.


    Scatter! Now! She warned as the entire balcony suddenly collapsed violently from under them¡­


    *****


    With a roar, Jack braced for impact as the ground rushed up to meet him with terrifying speed as he struggled with The Redeemer, before they both collided with the dancefloor in a bone-jarring smash, breaking the grapple as The Redeemer slammed hard onto his back, with Jack faring little better as his shoulder took the brunt of the heavy impact, sending shockwaves of pain radiating heavily through his body. The air was knocked from his lungs as he had the presence of mind to roll away, quickly scrambling to his feet with a fierce determination as he gathered his bearings


    The room span in a disorienting blue for a second as Jack blinked away the stars dancing in his eyes, but Jack could see a crowd of gangsters and mercenaries forming around him, whooping and cheering, having seen his fall but not having any idea what just happened.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Jack managed to gasp, as sudden movement from the side caught his attention, springing him into action as he quickly drew his heavy rifle, dodging the Redeemer¡¯s enraged charge at the same time as he managed to get off a risky burst of heavy plasma that caught the Redeemer dead centre of mass as they passed and crashed into a table of avian mercenaries wearing what looked like biker leathers.


    ¡°You fat cunt! You spilled my beer!¡± One of them squawked at the Redeemer, who simply pushed the speaker aside as he quickly assessed the hits he took, a decision he quickly regretted as Jack put another accurate burst into him, staggering him backwards with many smoking holes in his now ruined brown overcoat, but not dropping him.


    ¡°Go down you fucking wanker!¡± Jack growled as he levelled his gun to shoot again, before several shots smacked hard into his shoulder, sending him careening to the side in a wild spin as his shots were sent wide, blasting smoking holes through the roof that allowed the evening light to shine through as he barreled into a group of furry beings that closely resembled silverback gorillas in matching military fatigues that denoted them as part of a militia.


    ¡°Fucking kid!¡± One snarled as he bodily shoved Jack to the ground, flicking a telescopic baton as he approached again to try and do him more harm before Jack got his gun up.


    ¡°Back off! Back the fuck off!¡± He yelled in a panic as he got back to his feet, warning the gorilla-men who cautiously took several steps back as he scrambled to his feet again, as he was shoved and jostled by alien bodies writhing and thrashing around in a frenzied melee of fists, feet, tails, claws, paws, teeth and fuck knew what else.


    The pulsating thudding beat of the music jarred like a rampaging heart attack to provide a rhythmic backdrop to the rapidly escalating brawl, punctuated by the gunfire, the crash of breaking glass, and the roars of the combatants locked in drunken combat as he found himself in the middle of a full-blown mosh pit.


    Risking a glance to the side, he saw The Redeemer rip off the smouldering remaining scraps of his brown overcoat to reveal the dull thick metal plates of his own heavy armour. He could see that his heavy plasma rifle had done some kind of damage, though he couldn¡¯t tell how much from the melted, blacked, smoking marks from where Jack had shot them, or if his shots had even penetrated past the layers. But he could see that the Redeemer wasn¡¯t going to go down easily as the avian gang was piling on the Ogar, who lashed out at them with his huge powerful fists as plates extended around his neck and head for extra protection.


    Suddenly, Jack caught another movement out of the corner of his eye as he spun around, before a pincer deflected the barrel of his rifle, as a spindly insectoid quickly closed the distance, hostile intent abundantly clear in their snarling expression as they snapped a pincer at Jack¡¯s face, who ducked out of the way and shunted backwards.


    ¡®Shit! This place is too swarmed!¡¯ Jack cursed to himself as he tried to aim his gun through the ongoing brawl. ¡®I can¡¯t risk firing into an open crowd! The rest of these people haven¡¯t done a thing to me!¡¯


    Realising his rifle wasn¡¯t the best choice of weapon now as he was knocked about by the horde of bodies, Jack flicked it around and behind him, relieved upon hearing the magnetic clips on his armour do their thing, latching his rifle in place so he could retrieve it later.


    ¡°Aegis!¡± Jack yelled out as the pincer of the insectoid came at him again, summoning his shield to take the blow before he lashed out, taking the bug in the maw and knocking him back, before he followed through with a quick draw of his sidearm, putting two controlled shots in the thing¡¯s chest and missing the shot to the head as several bolts of blue light smacked into him, though his shield took a few of the hits as he disengaged.


    ¡®Shit! How many of these fuckers did the Redeemer bring with him?¡¯ Jack thought to himself, as he heard an explosion from somewhere up above him. ¡®And how the fuck did they know we¡¯d be here?!¡¯


    His Ring of the Berserker was flaring up as Jack tried to regain his bearings, trying to spot the source of the magic missiles that had just been flung his way, before he suddenly brought up his forearm, reflexively parrying a swipe from the gorilla-man that had tried to blindside him with the baton. His armour held, only causing him to feel a slight tingle as he lashed out with a punch, clocking his attacker in the face as his gauntlets instantly reacted to cap his knuckles with a metal coating, adding to the power of the punch, sending the gorilla-man to the ground in a daze.


    ¡°What¡¯s up retards? May I have your attention please?¡± A sneering voice called out over the speakers of the music, and though Jack looked for the source of the voice as he tried to get away, he could see the DJ still at his podium looking confused at who was talking. ¡°I know you crackheads aren¡¯t very bright, so I¡¯ll try and use simple words so you understand."


    "You are currently being graced by the presence of the Order of the Infernal Harmony, along with our very special guest, The Redeemer! The reason why we¡¯re here is the Outsider practically shitting himself on the dancefloor of this dump, along with a few random bimbos dumb enough to tag along with him. Anyone that gets in the way of our business or takes any action against us should be prepared to accept the consequences, up to and not limited to your brutal death, so if any of you losers are actually lucid enough to understand me, I¡¯d get the hell out of our way.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you, bitch!¡± One drunken patron yelled out above the noise as he drunkenly shot at the nearest speaker, missing several times before reducing it to slag.


    ¡°Oh golly gee, what an unexpected answer from a bunch of fucking crackheads!¡± The voice mocked sarcastically as Jack saw the turrets above glow with power. ¡°Time to die motherfuckers!¡±

 Chapter 122: Lightweight

    "Watch out!" Jack yelled out to the crowd as the now-glowing overhead turrets, long dormant and forgotten, suddenly whirred to life with a mechanical hum, tracking his movements as he ran, shoving past a group of unsuspecting Xarak to the side as he moved to dodge the torrent of rapid fire aimed right at him, kicking up smoke as the superheated plasma churned the ground underneath him, before the sound of gunfire abruptly stopped.


    "Fucking overheating shittubes!" the voice on the speakers cursed. "The Outsider is by the two broken pillars!"


    "I see him!" a voice replied from out of the crowd as Jack got his bearings, spotting a group of three uniformed soldiers rushing towards him. As the leader moved to stab him with a nasty-looking barbed shortspear, Jack quickly juked the direction he intended to dodge, dipping to the right as he smashed the avian in the stomach with a vicious kick, shuffling back as he caught the blade of the second soldier with his bracer before throwing them off balance, lashing back at the first with his elbow as he did.


    He moved to check the third that was moving to take a swing at him with a bat, but before Jack could do so the soldier was suddenly yanked back as a long, coiled leather whip snapped around them. Following along, Jack spotted an older grey-skinned ganger in black leathers with a coarse, black beard to match his scraggly hair sat down with his back to a wall, casually drinking a beer as he observed the chaos with a mischievous smirk.


    As the soldier pulled back his bat to strike the interloper, the ganger grinned and looked down where his legs were already spread wide, revealing a strange metal crotch plate. Suddenly making a jerking motion with one of his legs, the plate flipped up to reveal the barrel of a huge codpiece gun that flipped up to point directly at the soldier, before it fired once, catching the solder completely by surprise as the top of their body was utterly obliterated by a bolt of powerful plasma energy. Smirking, the ganger gave Jack a wink, chugging down the rest of his drink, before charging into the brawl.


    Hearing an almighty roar, Jack turned around only to be knocked back yet again as a broken, avian body was roughly lobbed at him, staggering him backwards as the Redeemer turned to the last of the bird-like gangsters, picking him up with immense strength and smashing them to the ground before advancing towards the human more cautiously this time, shoving drunken brawlers out of the way.


    ¡°I have long waited for this moment, Outsider. With your death, my King shall grant you redemption!¡± The Redeemer snarled. Now having a good look at him, Jack couldn¡¯t see any visible weapons on him, which was strange. Last time, he¡¯d brought a gunship and was taking potshots at him with some kind of high-powered rifle. Then again, considering what happened last time, maybe The Redeemer wanted the satisfaction of using his bare hands to beat him to death.


    It wouldn¡¯t be a terrible plan considering everything the Ogar had pulled off so far¡­


    While sports on Earth were often separated by gender, despite some resistance from the more liberal-minded, due to biological differences between men and women, combat sports were a whole different game, with mixed martial arts organisations having very specific weight classes for fair competition between athletes, with two fighters of similar size and weight less likely to cause serious injury to each other.


    But if you placed an experienced lightweight against even a novice heavyweight? That would introduce major problems for the smaller fighter, who would need to contend with the extra size, reach and power of their larger opponent. Not an impossible fight, but a tough one.


    And Jack very much felt like a lightweight here.


    Though of course, he had faced larger opponents before. Even an Ogar, though they had defeated the Laird with a cunning trap. However, he didn¡¯t know how well matched he and The Redeemer were in a fair close-range fight outside of the opening moments of the ambush.


    Still, he had little choice but to find out. He didn¡¯t have an easy way to escape, and he didn¡¯t know what the status of the others was. If he ran while they were still here then The Redeemer and the Regulators would simply go after them instead to get to him¡­


    No. He couldn¡¯t allow those thoughts to shake him. His friends knew what the hell they were doing, and they could handle themselves just fine. He had to worry about himself right now.


    He couldn¡¯t run, so he had to fight.


    With a speed he didn¡¯t expect from The Redeemer, they grabbed a nearby chair and lobbed it right at Jack in one smooth motion before following through with another charge.


    ¡®Aegis!¡¯ Jack yelled as he brought his forearm up, as his new and improved shield eagerly sprung up to take the hit from the chair, before a fist smacked into the side of his head as The Redeemer used the chair as a distraction to change his angle of attack.


    Spinning with the blow, Jack fought in his mind to stay in the fight as his vision blurred, with the powerful strike threatening to knock him out then and there, before another fist caught him in the stomach, with his battleskin dispersing a hit that would have otherwise easily taken the air out of his lungs.


    Retracting his shield, Jack ducked another punch that threatened to decapitate him as he skidded under the blow, parrying a backfist with his forearm that tingled painfully as he ate the blow, before clocking the Redeemer with a punch to the jaw, his gauntlet extending to cover his knuckles with a well-forged plate of metal to add their power to the strike, before the Redeemer threw out a punch that caught him on the shoulder, sending the deathworlder reeling back.


    Jack grit his teeth as he fought through the pain, adrenaline rushing through him. He wasn¡¯t out of the fight yet, but he knew he¡¯d gotten the worst of that engagement.


    The Redeemer clearly understood this as well, as the zealot strode towards the human with a confident, wicked grin.


    But this time, Jack was ready.


    ¡®Caltrops¡¯ Jack whispered the command word, as his gauntlets gave him a good handful of them, subtly tossing them in front of him with an underhand throw, which had gone unnoticed by the Redeemer as they stared at the human with hatred.


    Suddenly dashing forward to quickly close the remaining distance between them, the Redeemer roared as he charged Jack again, suddenly grunting in pain and stumbling as his full, heavy mass sent a sharp, painful spike straight through his armoured boot, causing him to lose focus as he looked down at his foot for just a moment to see what had happened.


    A moment of distraction that Jack used to its fullest, as he quickly swung his axe down right at The Redeemer¡¯s head.


    However, the Ogar reacted with surprising dexterity as he used his forward momentum to avoid the full force of the axeblade, his metal helmet taking a glancing blow as he shoved Jack off balance, causing him to stumble. Quickly predicting what would come next, Jack dropped his axe on purpose as he prepared for a takedown attempt, dropping low and widening his stance as the Redeemer tackled him around the waist to try and bring him to the ground for a quick finish.


    ¡°There will be no salvation for you, human!¡± The Ogar growled through his pain as Jack was forced back by the Redeemer¡¯s superior strength.


    ¡°Aww, did you miss me?¡± Jack taunted, holding on and walking back with the ever increasing momentum The Redeemer was building as he was pushed back along the dancefloor. ¡°I saw your tantrum on the TV afterwards, didn¡¯t know you were a bitch too!¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s it, asshole.¡¯ Jack thought to himself as he felt his axe clip back onto his back. ¡®Get mad. You showed me last time that you like to talk too much. I need to time this right¡­


    ¡°Your blasphemy ends here Outsider! I shall smite you in the name of my King!¡± The insane zealot roared out in an enraged challenge.


    With a roar the Redeemer pushed with much greater strength, forcing Jack to change his slow backpedalling into a full on sprint as he scrambled to stay on his feet, fighting to keep his grip above that of the Redeemer¡¯s to maintain his control of the grapple for as long as he could as he was gradually being put off-balance, almost being lifted upwards.


    ¡®I¡¯ve got to hold on until the last possible moment¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself, as tables, chairs and people alike were battered to the side.


    ¡®Now!¡¯


    As the wooden pillar supporting the balcony passed them in a blur, Jack shifted his weight to the left and relinquished the grapple, using the Redeemer¡¯s momentum against him as he shoved the Redeemer off balance, as they smashed into the crumbling brick wall head first with an almighty crash.


    As they stumbled back, yanking their head back out through the newly formed hole, Jack growled as grabbed the Redeemer around the top of one of his legs, yelling with effort as he was only just able to lift the Redeemer up and over him, slamming the Ogar down on the top of his head as hard as he could in a vicious suplex that gave a satisfying crack.


    Growling with effort, the Redeemer pushed himself back into a crouch and looked up just in time as Jack¡¯s foot smacked into the side of his head in a savage kick that cracked his metal helmet and dislodged one of his fangs. Roaring in rage and pain, the Redeemer got to his feet only to meet a flying knee that shattered his nose as his helmet cracked and dented with the heavy impacts.


    ¡°Redeem that you ugly cunt!¡± Jack growled, moving in for another strike as the Redeemer shoved him away, showing no signs of faltering as he slowly got to his feet, even after the devastating blows he just took. The Redeemer simply gave Jack a wicked grin of satisfaction, before it fell slightly upon seeing something to Jack¡¯s side.


    As Jack¡¯s Ring of the Berserker vibrated again, he spun around to spot a large, lanky Vivren with several piercings in overt heavy armour grinning at him with malicious intent as she pointed a wand at him and cast a word of power.


    Before he had any time to react, Jack¡¯s entire body erupted in a wave of agony unlike anything he had ever felt before¡­


    *****


    ¡°Fuck! Alora! Sephy? Chiyo? Dante?¡± Nika coughed as she got up from where the balcony had collapsed from under them.


    Looking around, she could see even more patrons fighting around them, revelling in the chaos of the brawl, but she couldn¡¯t spot any of her friends in the immediate aftermath, as thick dust plumed out from the wreckage below her.


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    ¡®At least the crew of the ship we¡¯re meant to be travelling on are probably out by now.¡¯ The Kizun thought to herself. ¡®Can¡¯t go back, the CorvMart crew will have moved on by now, so sticking to the original plan is probably the best move, unless we can steal a vehicle one of us knows how to pilot.¡¯


    Assessing the situation before her, Nika went for her bo staff, though made sure that her shotgun was well within easy reach. Though many of the people fighting around her looked rough, they weren¡¯t attacking her or her friends, and until that changed they could make good allies of convenience, or for a smokescreen to give their enemies the slip if they had to run.


    Though slaying as many of their attackers as they could would be preferable.


    ¡®Best way to do that is link up with the others, we¡¯re better as a unit.¡¯ She reasoned, hearing an almighty crash. ¡®Well, that¡¯s probably Jack.¡¯


    Dodging a thrown bottle as a Squarri ganger missed their intended target - a pissed-off looking quadrupedal furry species that Nika didn¡¯t recognise - before dodging a swing of a bat from a Xarak that saw her as an easy target. Quickly raising her staff she parried the backswing before cracking the other end of the staff across the reptilian¡¯s face, knocking the rough-looking thug out as he collapsed to the ground.


    Yet before Nika could think to move on from the conflict, she had to dodge out of the way using her tail as a large Balnath with some kind of cleaver-like sword took a swing at her. Recognising the sigil of the Regulator group Chiyo had told them to watch out for - a stern-looking demonic rune surrounded by a neon-red triangle - Nika parried the next sword swipe from the figure.


    ¡°Let me guesth, you want to get to the Outthider?¡± The Balnath sneered at the Kizun with a lisp so thick that in any other situation she¡¯d have to stop herself from laughing. ¡°I¡¯m stho thorry, but we can¡¯t let you have sthilly ideas like that!¡±


    ¡°Are you for fucking real?¡± Nika asked as she dodged to the side and put some space between them before quickly switching to her shotgun, letting loose a powerful blast that the Balnath was able to raise his shield up to block.


    ¡®Skill like that? Probably the leader or an officer of some kind.¡¯ The Kizun noted to herself. ¡®No choice. I¡¯ve got to kill him.¡¯


    ¡°Yeah, I know that you¡¯re finking! You fink my teef make me sound sthupid?¡± The Balnath growled, with a few experimental chomps. ¡°Well these teef like to gnaw and gnasth on Kizun flesth!¡±


    ¡°Come and try it!¡± Nika snarled as she twirled her staff around her in a well-practised flourish, eagerly accepting the challenge.


    The Balnath charged forward with lightning speed as it came at Nika with a series of feints, before swiping at her with a brutal overhand chop, using both hands. The Kizun was able to deftly parry with her staff, the kinetic modules battering her opponent¡¯s grip to the side, though she felt the strength behind the blow and knew that the Balnath was stronger.


    Still, she knew she could take him.


    Ever since she was little she had roughhoused with her brothers and the local boys in fights around their ranch, and had learned the hard way from an early age that her gender and short build worked against her when facing her peers, so she had trained to be the strongest she could be, and learned to be quick and tactical to make the best use of that.


    She had eventually kept up with the neighbourhood boys, using holds and precise strikes until her elders found out what she was doing when she was meant to be working on the ranch to help the family scrape by, and quickly put a stop to the shenanigans.


    When she moved to the city, she only got better from there.


    The tip of her staff thundered against the Balnath¡¯s shield like the striking of a gong, forcing the larger being back as Nika could tell he was already tiring. Though she wanted to finish this fight quickly and get to her friends, she knew she couldn¡¯t allow herself to give her opponent an opening, even as she sought to exploit an opening of her own. She had to be patient.


    Her staff rattled against the shield again and again, as she felt her opponent¡¯s defence get weaker and weaker, with the powerful force of her kinetic module focusing the strength of her strikes into a single point. Eventually something would break, his shield of his arm. Once his defences were finally down, she would go in swiftly for the kill.


    Her opponent¡¯s frustration won out as his shield shattered and fell to the floor, forcing him to attack Nika with a vicious two handed swipe. She blocked the strike handily, before the Balnath grabbed her staff, locking them in a clinch.


    ¡°Giff me sthome help over ¡®ere!¡± The Balnath called out, as Nika reached for a knife, forcing the Balnath to adjust his stance as she stabbed blindly, glancing off armoured plates before finding purchase somewhere, causing her attacker to grunt with pain as he shoved her back, holding her up against a wall.


    ¡®Shit.¡¯ She cursed in her mind. ¡®He¡¯s stronger than me, but all I need is a moment to take him by surprise and I can break away and kill him!¡¯


    She held strong with her arms, holding the Balnath back as his jaws snapped shut barely an inch away from her neck. He tried again, and she pushed back harder, the jaws snapping shut around nothing, but much closer this time.


    He tried again, bringing his vicious maw even closer still¡­


    ¡®Gotcha!¡¯ Nika thought to herself, as she jerked her head forward in a headbutt, catching the Balnath by surprise and giving the Kizun the space she needed to bring her knees up to her chin, before kicking out as hard as she could into the face of the Balnath, knocking him back with a roar of pain, before he leapt forward with a side swipe that Nika used her tail to quickly dodge, before in the same motion she brought the tip of her staff round and smacked the Balnath as hard as she could, right in the face, the powerful strike shattering its lower jaw completely.


    ¡°My fathce!¡± the attacker got out, clutching what little remained of his lower jaw, before looking up in the next moment as they stared down the barrel of Nika¡¯s shotgun.


    ¡°Plea-¡± They got out, before their head was obliterated in an explosion of dark, blackish blood as their body clattered uselessly to the ground.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡± The Kizun retorted. Using her tail to quickly clip the sword to the magnets of her armour, Nika could see more Regulators in the crowd heading towards the DJ booth. Quickly checking her weapons, she headed right into the brawl!


    *****


    ¡°You don¡¯t belong here, girlie!¡± the thug cackled as their cybernetic arm crackled with electric discharge.


    ¡°Replacto!¡± Alora snarled as she swiped her wand out, blasting her attacker with a sudden flash of light that sent him stumbling back, clutching at his eyes.


    ¡°Anyone else?¡± Alora asked, trying her best to channel Nika¡¯s cool, calm demeanour, crossed with Jack¡¯s intimidating presence as the cluster of gangers and mercenaries all looked around at each other for just a moment, before deciding that the Eladrie wasn¡¯t actually that intimidating, as one tried to rush her with a broken chair.


    ¡®Oh by the Mother Tree! How do those two do it?¡¯ Alora cursed in her mind as she summoned her spiritual weapon - a spear of light - that she quickly stabbed at the fish-like Osi, gutting them in the stomach which quickly made them drop the chair, while Alora wisely moved to the side to get out of the vicious melee happening all around her. Where were the others?


    ¡®I have to make sure they¡¯re all right.¡¯ the Eladrie determinedly told herself as she began casting another, more complicated spell¡­


    ¡°Attention all idiots!¡± The voice over the speakers sneered out over the ever-changing music that the DJ didn¡¯t seem to have any control over. ¡°We discussed this. Though the Outsider is a priority, you target the spellcasters first if you can! Must I do everything myself?¡±


    Thrumming with sudden power, the turrets above them finally opened fire, shooting almost indiscriminately at the crowd below, cutting several of the brawling patrons down before they even knew what hit them.


    Chanting and waving her hands around as quickly as she dared, Alora maintained her concentration of her spell, completing it just in time as the turrets finally tracked her as she summoned a great holy aura of light to cover herself that would give her the protection she needed, the Armour of Faith deflecting the lights of the laser turrets harmlessly aside.


    A loud bark sounded out, and knowing Dante¡¯s warning for what it was, Alora spun around to see two Regulators, who were both Vulstas fighting through the brawl to get to her. Unlike Rena, these two were males, both carrying plasma shotguns but unable to get effective shots off through the crowd. Not that something like that stopped them from trying¡­


    ¡°Stevarin!¡± she yelled out, pointing her wand at one of the two who was about to open fire on a downed ganger, as with a flash of yellow light their movements slowed, quickly freezing stiff as a board as they failed to resist the Holding spell, their eyes widening in sheer terror as the gang-mates of their would-be-victim set upon them in a fury with fists and clubs, before a spell cast from the rafters sent all of them clattering to the ground clutching at their minds.


    ¡®One of the enemy mages providing overwatch.¡¯ Alora noted as she quickly looked up for any sign of them, but not seeing them. ¡®Under a veil of invisibility no doubt.¡¯


    Feeling the dull impact of a shotgun blast dissipate harmlessly against her magical armour, Alora spun round to the other Regulator, cursing her moment of hesitation as the Vulsta drew a long knife with which to get in close with.


    Remembering her fight with Izadora all those weeks ago, Alora waved her arms around quickly to summon a bubble of light to engulf her, before quickly following it up with an explosive flash that thundered all around her like a flashbang grenade, while leaving her unharmed.


    As the light dissipated, she deftly avoided the blind lunge from the temporarily blinded Regulator, before jamming her spear into his stomach, using her reach advantage to dodge the desperate swipes he sent her way.


    ¡°Garrash!¡± Alora spoke a quick cantrip, using her affinity with life magic to channel poison through the top of her spear. Her already-weakened attacker quickly slumped to the ground as the debilitating effects took hold, but before Alora could pull her spear back, she was hit by a spell that came from above, disrupting her magic and causing her magical spear and armour to disappear.


    ¡®Damn! It¡¯s that mage above me!¡¯ Alora cursed to herself as she quickly ran underneath one of the balconies, as the turrets chased after her with gunfire. ¡®You want to hide in the shadows like a coward? I¡¯ve got something to fix that!¡¯


    Quickly making sure there weren¡¯t any immediate threats around, Alora quickly rummaged through her pockets for a wand of white crystal she had prepared about a year ago that still had a few charges. Casting quickly, she levelled it towards the ceiling and prayed to all the gods that she was aiming it at where the enemy mage was hiding,


    ¡°Glitasha!¡±


    A spray of shining, sparkling particles of light shot out of her wand, puffing out to cover a good half of the ceiling, and as they began to fall to the floor and latch on to the people below, Alora spotted a huddled form by one of the rafters.


    ¡®Got you!¡¯ She thought with satisfaction.


    ¡°Ilthax! Get out of there!¡± The voice over the speakers warned, presumably the name of her target, but it was too late¡­


    ¡°Solaris!¡± Alora yelled, throwing her palms out in a thrust as a great javelin of light shot out of her palms. The enemy mage had barely moved before it impaled their centre of mass, sending what must have been a fireball spell way off target which blasted apart a huge, gaping hole in the back wall.


    The invisible form of the glitterdust-covered mage slowly began to materialise as the blue-furred, ape-like Regulator clutched at their chest in pain, with wide eyes of disbelief at the spear of hard light that had gone right through their torso. As their flight spell dissipated, their lifeless body fell three stories from the rafters to slam down on the ground floor below.


    ¡°Nice one Alora!¡± the Eladrie heard the voice call from behind her as Nika came up next to her, the Kizun bleeding from a cut on her face. ¡°Where are the others?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But we need to find them now!¡± Alora frantically told them as she took in the sheer state of chaos around them. Many broken bodies lay amongst the carnage, and though the Eladrie knew some would likely be still alive at the end of the night, she knew that many would not.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to tell me twice!¡± Nika agreed with a grim expression.

 Chapter 123: Meatspace

    Nika? Alora? Chiyo called out desperately, as she lashed out with a shockwave of psionic power, blasting the debris constraining her away and sending the trio of Regulators that rushed her staggering back. Anyone? I¡¯m exposed! I could use some help!


    The Ilithii had crashed down in a heap of debris, having taken the worst of whatever had hit them, disrupting her natural levitation and causing her to land badly on the ground floor, rolling right into the middle of the huge brawl underneath.


    ¡®They must consider me a priority target!¡¯ Chiyo panicked, hacking and coughing as the dust of the broken wood choked at her lungs. Pushing herself to her feet, she looked around for her friends, but on not spotting any of them headed towards the main entrance, she hoped the others were able to get out, but cursed as she saw the bottleneck of the crowd completely blocking the way out in the mad rush to leave, as if the very building would collapse at any moment.


    Though to be fair, that prospect wasn¡¯t an unreasonable one¡­


    Suddenly, Chiyo raised both of her arms up in a telekinetic block, as a drunk with blue fur and a thick, trunk-like snout sprung out of nowhere and threw a wild punch at her head, seeing an easy target, before their fist was halted in mid-air.


    Fuck off! Chiyo told the drunk in no uncertain terms as she pushed back with telekinesis, lightly shoving them into the middle of an ongoing mosh pit, before the idiot was very quickly clotheslined by one of the very bloodied avian participants.


    Chiyo knew she was in big trouble. Unlike Nika or Jack, she knew there wasn¡¯t a chance in hell she¡¯d survive in a brawl like this for very long. Yet if she tried to levitate above it and lose the crowd cover, the turrets above would quickly pick her out and bring her down, not to mention any other Regulators lurking about that could concentrate their fire.


    Quickly considering her options, it was just as quickly decided for her, as she heard the yell of Jack in the far distance, sounding like he was in trouble! If she couldn¡¯t find the others right now, at least she knew where they were going to be!


    Unsteady on her feet, Chiyo cursed again as she slipped and fell on some broken glass in an attempt to dodge another drunken patron being rugby tackled to the ground, though fortunately her armour prevented any cuts as she scrambled uneasily back up to her feet as quickly as she could. She was so used to levitating instead of walking, that right now even she had to admit that Nika made some good points about how she needed to get more physically active.


    ¡°There!¡± She heard a voice yell from behind her, and the Ilithii instinctively knew that the Regulators she¡¯d previously knocked down were now right on her tail. Straining with the effort, Chiyo dodged a chair that was thrown at her as she quickly dashed through a break in the crowd, heading towards the bar at the other end of the building. It wasn¡¯t where she wanted to go at all, but she knew that she needed to get herself safe first before she could work out how to help her friends.


    She let out a semi-silent yip of pain as one of the ceiling turrets swivelled and opened fire, catching her in the shoulder and causing her to stumble as her shields were quickly depleted. Her armour absorbed most of the impact, though she still felt the hot ripples spread along her back. Desperately, she used her power to grab a nearby bar table, putting as much energy into it as she could as she flung the table up towards the turret, getting blasted to smithereens before it even had a chance to hit.


    ¡°There she is! Zruul¡¯s pinged her on turrets! Kill her!¡±


    ¡®Shit!¡¯ Chiyo swore as she turned around and lashed out at the closest Regulator she could see, focusing her mental energy into a concentrated crunch of psychic power, causing the grey-skinned man to drop their gun and clutch at their spine-covered head in agony as Chiyo broke down the mental defences of their mind and gave him a heavy cluster headache.


    Raising her hands, she held up a quick psychic barrier that deflected the burst of plasma shots sent her way up into the air as she kept moving, doing her best to put some distance between her and her attackers, and get some cover in the way too!


    Seeing a flash from somewhere upstairs, several accurate shots suddenly rang out and smacked into the chest of another enemy, who quickly panicked and disengaged as their own shields were diminished by the surprise assault.


    Thank you, whoever you are! Chiyo projected out, knowing that she didn¡¯t have a safe way to get up to whichever one of her friends had just helped her, though there was still one Regulator left¡­


    ¡°The Ilithii¡¯s at my location!¡± The last Regulator - a pale-green skinned female with gigantic teeth - snarled into her comms before Chiyo could attempt to use her telekinetic power to grip the being in a psychic chokehold to shut them up.


    The being grunted with effort as they shrugged off the effects, before firing wildly with their plasma pistol, blasting a Xarak gangster in the back with a roar of pain as Chiyo desperately threw off their aim with a prod of telekinesis, before quickly igniting her psyblade and lashing out in a sudden burst of movement as she quickly levitated forward, lurching to the side as she lashed out with the blade of pure psychic energy, severing several fingers of the Regulator¡¯s hand as they recognised the danger too late.


    ¡°Gah! You fucking bitch! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± The woman yelled in pain as she clutched at the stumps, trying to numb the pain.


    I doubt that. Chiyo retorted as she clenched her fist and lashed out with a telekinetic blast at point blank range, obliterating the front part of the Regulator¡¯s skull, the force sending their corpse blasting back in a spray of flesh and gore.


    Extinguishing her psyblade, Chiyo wasted no time in losing herself in the cover of the crowd as she desperately looked for her friends. Briefly she spotted Jack get absolutely bodied by the Redeemer as they both plowed through the heavy crowd around them, but she soon lost them again as she avoided a very drunk-looking couple of amphibians that somehow decided that the chaos of the brawl was a perfect time to dance as if completely oblivious to the mayhem unfolding all around them, casually waltzing around in a circle while somehow avoiding the unconscious or dead bodies around them.


    Weaving past them, Chiyo reached the bar, or at least what was left of it.


    What remained of the shoddy wooden countertop had been smashed to smithereens in the heat of the brawl, as many empty bottles littered the floor around them, accompanied by overturned tables and broken chairs scattered haphazardly across the sticky floor. The air around her was thick with the acrid stench of alcohol and sweat, mingling with a metallic tang of spilled blood, a strong, pungent smell that burned at the nostrils of the sensitive Ilithii.


    ¡®Gods, the sooner we get out of here the better!¡¯ She thought to herself.


    Behind the smashed remains of the bar, Chiyo saw a bunch of smashed and broken bodies - clearly the aftermath of a violent struggle for the booze. Sprawled on the ground with two limbs bent at unnatural angles, Chiyo spotted the creepy Xarak barmen that had told them where the River Giants were, and couldn¡¯t even tell if he was still alive or not with the amount of abuse he had taken.


    Amidst the wreckage, several rowdy patrons had taken advantage of the chaos to help themselves to the free booze, laughing and jeering as they stumbled about guzzling stolen drinks, brandishing some of the stolen bottles as weapons as they revelled in the mayhem around them, attacking one another for a greater share of the dubious loot. One red-skinned muscular alien with some rough black haired mutton chops raised up a full bottle of some kind of brown spirit into the air, before another yellow-furred ganger smacked him in the back of the head with a chair, instantly dropping him.


    ¡®Shit, we need a way out!¡¯ The Ilithii cursed. Looking around she saw more and more bodies on the ground as the fighting went on all around the building, and she cringed as she saw one get trodden on as two more still-active patrons were trying to claw at each other¡¯s faces.


    It was becoming ever increasingly more difficult to hide now.


    ¡°There!¡± She heard again from somewhere to the side as she looked around for an emergency exit. ¡°Slarah! We found the Ilithii you wanted!¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± A curt female voice barked. ¡°Their Psion is my fight as we discussed! You three eliminate that Outsider filth! The rest of you with me!¡±


    Chiyo spun around quickly to look at the speaker, prepared for a fight.


    This particular Regulator was clearly some kind of officer, if she wasn¡¯t the outright leader of the Regulator Order of the Infernal Harmony. Wearing battlemage armour of slender, woven metal bands, the ethereally beautiful, light-purple-skinned woman with pointy ears even longer than Alora¡¯s lowered her grey hood and stared at Chiyo with the confident expression of a professional well-versed in their field of expertise.


    Taking no time to talk, they thrust their staff forward with a powerful blast of arcane energy with an unexpected strength that almost blasted through Chiyo¡¯s psychic shields before the Ilithii focused, quickly countering with a powerful telekinetic shockwave that launched two of the Regulators back before they could open fire on her with their plasma rifles.


    Attempting to disengage, Chiyo shuffled backwards to get into cover and buy herself some time, knowing she couldn¡¯t win this fight, but found her movements stifled as the area around her was hit with a slowing spell of some kind.


    ¡®A Force Mage, and a powerful one! She must be the one who collapsed the balcony!¡¯ Chiyo thought to herself. ¡®But I¡¯m strong too, and my friends need me!¡¯


    The force of her counterattack caused the force mage to grimace as she brought up her staff in a block that was able to take the hit. Chiyo squeezed as she brought the full might of her power to bear, but her enemy was able to hold on long enough that her allies could shoot at Chiyo with full auto, forcing her to abandon her attack and block the shots as best she could, though one got through, smacking her hard in the chest.


    Anyone? Help! Chiyo yelled out in the hope that one of her friends could hear her, but nobody could. As several shots were deflected straight up into the air, the only thing that changed was the overhead sprinkler system suddenly turning itself on, causing numerous shouts and curses to be hurled around at the uncomfortable development.


    ¡°Zruul? Stop playing around!¡± The enemy mage, Slarah ordered into her comms, while Chiyo took advantage of the monetary distraction and wildly lashed out with as much telekinetic power as she dared from above, smashing two Regulators with enough unseen force to knock them to the ground, dead or unconscious. Slarah growled and lashed out with power of her own, sending a fissure of telekinetic force that churned the wooden floor between them. Straining with effort, Chiyo pushed back and deflected the attack just before it hit her, causing the fissures to split either side of her.


    ¡®Curses, she and I are equally matched! What can I do?¡¯ Chiyo thought to herself. She recalled all the books and lessons she had learned on how to best use her power, but in that moment of panic, all of that knowledge seemed insufficient.


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    ¡®Damnit, I can¡¯t hold on much longer!¡¯ Chiyo thought to herself, until she noticed the trickling of water all around her.


    ¡¯Wait! That¡¯s it!¡¯


    Drawing in the water around her in abundance, Chiyo attacked the force mage again, who had clearly not anticipated Chiyo having any kind of elemental affinity, as though she blocked the kinetic strikes, the momentum of the water was still enough to blast her backwards as the liquid simply flowed around the quick shields she summoned around herself, rattling against her armour and causing Slarah to grunt in pain as she was forced back.


    Maintaining her momentum, Chiyo then lashed out with several more well-aimed water blasts at several of the downed Regulators who had been blasted to the floor from the kinetic battle. Though the Regulators had clearly prepared for a fight with the gear to boot, Chiyo hoped her attack was enough to keep them down as Slarah rallied and threw her power at Chiyo, trying to disrupt her concentration.


    Grunting with effort, Chiyo found herself desperately holding on, as between her and the enemy mage, a huge congealed blob of water formed, threatening to burst as both of them fought for dominance.


    ¡®I can¡¯t afford to get disrupted! And she has allies nearby!¡¯ Chiyo realised, as several of the Regulators got back to their feet, much tougher than she realised.


    ¡®If I was like Jack, I¡¯d probably be able to think outside the box and surprise them with something¡­¡¯


    Wait¡­All that water was being compressed by the combined telekinetic force, if it was being put under enough pressure¡­


    Holding on for dear life and waiting for the perfect moment, Chiyo suddenly shifted the focus of her power to strike out and burst a very specific point of the bubble¡­


    Which sent a high-powered beam of water right towards the enemy mage!


    Screaming, Slarah flailed her arms as she was blasted back with the sheer force of the released pressure, with the water splashing all over the place, created a blanket of rain all around them. Seizing on the idea, Chiyo used the sprinklers to extend the translucent smokescreen as far as she could.


    ¡®If I¡¯m having trouble finding my friends, so will you!¡¯ She thought grimly to herself.


    ¡®Though I¡¯ve still got to get to them first!


    *****


    ¡°Shit, that was close!¡± Sephy panted to herself. She had been able to evade the spell thrown their way and stay on the balcony, using her wings to glide over to a more stable part. Looking down, it didn¡¯t look good. Dust and debris filled the air in a thick cloud, obscuring her vision of the chaos below as she desperately looked for any sign of her friends.


    ¡°Still up there bitch?¡± She heard a familiar voice as several of the turrets swivelled around to aim at her, causing her to quickly dive for cover as they opened fire, tearing chunks out of the wall where she had just been. Hiding behind the shoddy fence and cursing the terrible cover it made, Sephy crouched and crawled around, aiming for one of the pillars at the far end of the room for better cover, bringing up her plasma rifle to surprise a Regulator who had the same idea as her.


    ¡®Any more assholes up here?¡¯ Sephy asked herself rhetorically as she looked around, quickly snapping to surprise another that was trying to line up a shot on someone below.


    ¡®Alright, nobody else up here apart from the madlads sitting and watching, but that slicer¡¯s probably told his friends where I am.¡¯ Sephy reasoned. ¡®Can¡¯t have that!¡¯


    Grinning, she looked towards the stairs that were now clear, but she knew that she had a better advantage up here, and there was probably an ambush waiting down below. Reaching into one of the pouches on her rig, Sephy pulled out a black ball with a special adhesive that began to activate with an electronic command from her before she quickly threw the slap-mine towards the stairs, with it sticking to the frame.


    Though Nika had often told her not to risk throwing those mines and to always place them manually, Sephy didn¡¯t have time for that shit when there were literal turrets trying to kill her!


    Springing out of cover, Sephy aimed at the closest turret and blasted it before it could take aim at her in return, chuckling as the other slicer realised she now had a blind spot to work with.


    ¡®But though I¡¯m out of the line of fire, everyone else isn¡¯t!¡¯ Sephy realised. ¡®However, I know where he is, and he isn¡¯t far. I just need a quick way out and I can kill him in meatspace. Sucks there isn¡¯t a window I can easily get to¡­¡¯


    Suddenly there was some movement below as she spotted a brief flash of pale blue skin. Recognising Chiyo, Sephy quickly took aim and let off a set of risky bursts that dropped one of the Regulators going after the Ilithii, before Sephy was quickly forced back into cover as several shots zipped above her.


    ¡°Too slow fuckers!¡± Sephy called out with false bravado, as she tried to figure out her next move.


    ¡®Yeah, they definitely know I¡¯m here, this is getting way too hot!¡¯ She chuckled to herself. ¡®But I can still try and be useful!¡¯


    ¡°Guys? Can you hear me?¡± Sephy called out into her comms, not bothering to try and go subvocal in the loud mess they were in.


    No answer.


    ¡°Great, and we¡¯re fucking jammed.¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°And I bet it¡¯s that gods¡¯ damn slicer too! Fuck I¡¯m gonna kill him!¡±


    She spun around and tried to find Chiyo or one of the others, not spotting any of them before she heard an explosion behind her, as an enemy tried to climb up the stairs.


    At least, it was probably an enemy¡­


    Using the distraction, Sephy quickly moved out of cover and searched for targets, immediately honing on a scary-looking Vivren towards the front of the building that was gesticulating with her hands and obviously giving orders to a squad of regulators.


    ¡®Heh! Sometimes they make this too easy!¡¯ Sephy grinned to herself as she took aim and squeezed the trigger, blasting the enemy officer with an accurate burst of plasma fire!


    However, to Sephy¡¯s shock the rounds didn¡¯t seem to have an effect on the ugly Vivren, merely bouncing off their heavily armoured form, a feat repeated with a second burst as they turned their snarling visage to look up at the Skritta.


    ¡°Oh crap!¡± Sephy cursed, as the Vivren easily battered aside a drunk that was in her way as she brandished a heavy-looking spiked chain. Flinging it around with supernatural strength, she whipped it towards the Skritta who ducked the side swipe as it pinged above her, forming a huge gash in the wall.


    ¡®What the fuck?¡¯ Sephy asked herself as her eyes widened. ¡®I¡¯ve never scored well in physics but I¡¯m pretty sure that shouldn¡¯t happen! Magical bullshit detected!¡¯


    ¡°Missed me bitch!¡± She taunted as she returned fire, before juking the vertical strike that tore through the flimsy wooden fence. Firing back, she hit the Vivren¡¯s centre of mass again, only this time realising that her previous shots found their mark. Though the Vivren¡¯s armour was almost as good as theirs, surely they would have felt something from her attack?


    ¡®Damn, you have a pain tolerance better than Jack¡¯s!¡¯ Sephy thought to herself. ¡®But that doesn¡¯t change the fact that I need to get out of here and get control of the turrets¡­¡¯


    As the Vivren yanked her chain back down, Sephy saw the mad rush for the front doors or the building, but could see the gap above the height of the crowd of mostly average-sized species.


    It did have to be accessible for megafauna, after all¡­


    ¡®Gliding there will be too slow¡­unless! Oh this¡¯ll be so cool!¡¯


    Staying light on her feet, and holstering her plasma rifle while coiling her muscles like a spring, Sephy grinned as she waited for the next attack, a look which seemed to enrage the Vivren as she lashed out with the spiked chain again, clearly aiming for Sephy¡¯s legs, who leapt up as high as she could to dodge the attack for a third time, as the spiked chain tore through the wood of the bannister fence like cardboard before wrapping itself around the brick pillar.


    Seeing her opportunity, Sephy leapt onto the twisted metal, using the Vivren¡¯s own whip as a tightrope as she ran down it, using her wings to barely stabilise herself and dodge whatever spell the Vivren cast at her, her heart pounding in her chest as in the space of barely two seconds she had descended to the ground and kicked off the head of the Vivren, giving her just enough speed, height and momentum to clear the bottleneck at the front door, before crashing to the floor, landing roughly on the coarse stone of the courtyard outside, sending shockwaves of pain reverberating throughout her body as she rolled and tumbled hard across the pavement, eventually skidding to a very painful stop.


    ¡°Owwwww¡­..¡± She moaned to herself as her breath came in ragged gasps, before she was able to get a hold of herself.


    ¡°Heh¡­nailed it!¡± She panted as she got to her feet. ¡°I hope the others saw that shit! That was so fucking awesome!¡±


    ¡®But where is that fucking slicer?¡¯ Sephy thought to herself as she brought up a virtual reality minimap. ¡¯Side of the building, he¡¯s close, gotta hurry!¡¯


    Sprinting, she heard the sounds of comms in the distance as she rounded a corner to see two Regulators trying to look casual outside of what looked like a former service shed for the once-respectable building she had just left, who hadn¡¯t yet noticed her¡­


    ¡°Hostile incoming! Get Zruul out of there!¡± A cruel snarl spoke up over the Regulator¡¯s comms.


    ¡°Yes Lictor-¡± One of them began to say before a burst of plasma quickly decapitated them. Sephy quickly switched to the other, who quickly fell to the ground with several burns on their torso before they could raise their own weapon, Sephy quickly finishing them off with a shot to the head to confirm the kill.


    Wrinkling her tiny nostrils at the putrid stench of piss as she booted open the flimsy door, instantly spotting exactly what she was looking for.


    Propped up against the far wall was the limp, helpless form of the obese toad-like being she had met just a few minutes ago when he was fully sliced into the Matrix, and from the looks of things he still was, possibly unaware of the danger.


    Sephy put two rounds in their skull without hesitation.


    ¡°Now I¡¯ve gotta take the system!¡± Sephy said to herself in determination as she grabbed at the wires attached to the cybernetics of Zruul¡¯s body, forcibly yanking them away before attaching them to her own device and slicing into the local Matrix once again, bringing up the translucent AR feed once again.


    ¡°Zruul! Get out of there!¡± Sephy heard a voice call out in panic as she took in her surroundings, spotting the form of the enemy slicer rapidly floating over towards her, before stopping, mouth wide open in pure, unadulterated horror.


    ¡°No!¡± They screamed in cyberspace, knowing what must have happened. ¡°NO! NO! NO! NOOOOOOOO! NOOOOOOOOOOO!¡±


    ¡°I told you that you weren¡¯t leaving here alive!¡± Sephy sneered cruelly, as she found the subtle string of code that connected Zruul¡¯s consciousness with their body. A connection that would be impossible to get at without having direct manual access to the source hardware in question¡­


    ¡°Please don¡¯t!¡± Zruul begged pathetically. ¡°I¡¯ll help you! I¡¯ll disable the turrets! I¡¯ll let you escape! If you¡¯ve killed my body the Lictor can repair it so I can come back! Just please let me live!¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Sephy coldly told the slicer in no uncertain terms as she severed his connection.


    ¡°NOOOOOOO!¡± Zrull screamed as his avatar drifted away, slowly decompiling as his consciousness was eroded away into nothingness.


    Not wasting any time, Sephy saw the control node in the distance and quickly rushed to it, instantly taking control of the now undefended programs as she quickly worked her magic.


    ¡°Alright, reversing the IFF for the turrets, that¡¯s now running¡­¡± Sephy muttered to herself, annoyed that the process wasn¡¯t instant. ¡°What¡¯s this? Sprinkler system? Sure! That might help¡­¡±


    ¡°Cameras? I didn¡¯t spot any around¡­Better disable footage so they can¡¯t ID us after¡­oh nevermind¡­they¡¯re hidden in the bathrooms. Let¡¯s just brick you¡­What else?¡±


    Moving her virtual fingers like a skilled musician Sephy quickly cycled through the different settings, not finding much to work with. As one final act of spite, she deleted the playlist that Zruul had blasting over the speakers, and changed it to one of her punk playlists.


    A sudden beep notified Sephy that the turrets were done recalibrating, and she excitedly went to the virtual console to see what she had to work with.


    Grinning as she checked the basic programming and realising it was compatible, she brought up one of her custom programs that had been created to integrate with turret systems to run automatically. Copying it over and ordering it to execute, Sephy quickly backed out of the system while locking it from further infiltration. By the time anyone could unlock it, they¡¯d hopefully all be long gone¡­


    ¡°Alright you motherfuckers!¡± Sephy grinned as she confirmed the turrets were spooling up again.


    ¡°My turn!¡±

 Chapter 124: Redeem This!

    Jack¡¯s vision blurred as his body felt like it was being engulfed in excruciating pain as the spell held onto him. Every nerve felt like it was on fire, and his muscles clenched in a vice-like grip as the sensation threatened to overwhelm him.


    But even as the sheer agony threatened to consume him, a fire of defiance ignited within him, which bellowed out in a growl of anger that grew louder and louder, as the pain faded further and further away¡­


    ¡°He¡¯s resisting my spell!¡± The Vivren cursed with a snarl. ¡°Quick! Hurry up and finish him! Do it now, while he¡¯s held!¡±


    Staring at the Vivren woman in hatred, her commanding appearance became much clearer to Jack, looking to the deathworlder like an intimidating manifestation of pure malice. Her dark heavy armour was adorned with a sigil of a dark red star, and the many rough-looking piercings all along her face looked rusted and poorly fitted, almost by design, a sentiment echoed by the barbed wire peaking out along the neckline of her armour!


    It was like this monstrosity of a Vivren represented Pinhead far more than Mrs Schlart!


    ¡°You can¡¯t hold me!¡± Jack roared as he pushed through and resisted the potent spell, regaining control as the Vivren snarled in a rage of her own as she unhooked her spiked chain and lashed out at Jack with supernatural prowess¡­


    ¡°Aegis!¡± Jack yelled, raising his forearm and summoning his shield which took the blow of the powerful weapon like the striking of a gong.


    ¡®You want to try and torture me?¡¯ Jack snarled in his mind. ¡®Let¡¯s see how you like it!¡¯


    Retracting his shield, Jack saw nobody in the line of fire behind the intimidating woman, and that worked just fine for him.


    He planned to bring a lot of fire!


    ¡°Agni!¡±


    With a flick of his other wrist Jack activated his flamethrower, the air around his hand cracking with anticipation as flames burst forth from his hand with a roar, engulfing the Vivren in a violent torrent of fire. The air around him filled with the acrid stench of burning flesh, before Jack¡¯s eyes suddenly went wide as he heard a cackle through the screams of pain as the Vivren charged forward fearlessly through the inferno and swiped her chain, catching Jack in the side as it caught him off balance with a strange lance of pain¡­


    ¡°Woof!¡± An angry bark sounded out as the Vivren jerked back and shuddered in a series of spasms as a continuous jet of electricity lanced out and caught the bitch full force in the back as Dante dashed into position to help the human.


    Wasting no time, Jack dashed forward to prevent the Vivren from lashing out at Dante with the backswing of her spiked chain, grappling for the weapon as he snapped forward with his foot, successfully catching the woman between the legs with a bone-shattering cunt punt.


    Grunting, the Vivren got to one knee and quickly thrust her palm forward as she muttered a word of power, sending Jack flying backwards with brutal force. He flailed wildly as he was hurtled towards a table with terrifying speed.


    With a deafening crash Jack collided with the table, the sound of splintering wood and shattering glass echoing throughout the room as he tumbled and rolled across the floor, his body bouncing and bouncing off the wet floor with bone-jarring force. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Jack got to his feet, his muscles screaming in protest as he fought to regain his bearings.


    Sensing movement next to him Jack quickly switched to his Dominator as he let off a close-range burst of photon shots that surprised one of the Regulators before another shot him, his helmet absorbing the impact and giving him a ringing in his ears as he instinctually returned fire, fortunately not hitting anyone that might have been behind them as the Regulator backed away and dashed behind one of the stone pillars near the wall.


    Before Jack could even begin to think of chasing after them, he suddenly sensed a looming presence approaching from behind him. With an instinctual surge Jack pivoted on his heel as he narrowly dodged a vicious swipe from the Redeemer, who was now wielding the heavy hammer he had seen him carry the last time he saw them, with the crude metal of the massive hammer¡¯s head ending in a bunch of blunt spikes, probably designed for tearing through armour or something.


    Apparently, they weren¡¯t confident enough to do this with their bare hands anymore¡­


    ¡°Come on then!¡± Jack snarled, taunting his enemy as the Redeemer pressed their attack, their movements ferocious and relentless as they really wanted to overwhelm Jack with sheer brute force, swinging their warhammer with reckless abandon.


    Jack backpedalled frantically, agilely hopping back as he danced out of reach of the swinging arc of the hammer, narrowly dodging each time¡­


    ¡°Coward!¡± The Redeemer snarled as he tried to go for Jack¡¯s feet, before the human backed away with a cocky grin that only enraged him even more.


    ¡°Says the guy that needs his mates to stand a chance against me,¡± Jack taunted back as he waited for the perfect moment, biding his time as he watched for an opening amidst the flurry of blows. It was too close to get his gun out, but he was no slouch up close¡­


    Finally his patience was rewarded as the Redeemer roared and aimed his next furious swipe at Jack¡¯s head, overextending and throwing himself off balance¡­


    Within a split-second, Jack¡¯s axe was back in his hand as he counterattacked with an explosive swing of his arm, lashing out like a coiled snake, aiming for the Ogar¡¯s head but catching his axe in the Redeemer¡¯s shoulder as with deceptively good reflexed they backed away with a growl, ripping Jack¡¯s axe out of the solid plate of metal, and leaving a thick gash.


    ¡®That got through the armour, we¡¯re getting somewhere.¡¯ Jack thought to himself. ¡®Shit, I know we need to get away, but if I can kill him¡­¡¯


    That thought was immediately halted in his mind as the Redeemer dropped his hammer, shuffling back to make space and switch to their huge gun¡­


    Where the fuck did this guy find the time to go grab his weapons?


    It was the same one the Redeemer had the last time during their chase on the motorway from hell, and Jack knew all too well how potent it was. With two prongs and crackling green energy arcing between them, the last time Jack saw it fired, it destroyed half a truck¡­


    ¡®Agni!¡¯ Jack quickly yelled, as the familiar jet of fire returned, blasting the Redeemer in the face as he reeled back. Not letting up, Jack thrust out with his other wrist, blanketing the space in front of him with a torrent of twin blazing flames¡­


    ¡®Now!¡¯


    Jack¡¯s gut instincts yelled at him to move as he dove as hard and as far as he could to the side as a lance of green energy sparked out, shoddily aimed through the thick plume of fire close enough to where he was just standing, almost melting the very ground underneath where it blasted across, and definitely singeing his eyebrows.


    He didn¡¯t want to know what a direct hit could have done to him¡­


    With a deafening roar, the searing blast of almighty energy tore through the side of the building with the force of a hurricane, sending shockwaves rippling through the building, causing the walls to tremble and the foundations underneath them to rumble as the entire bar threatened to come down all around them. Dust and debris blanketed the air in a swirling tornado, completely obscuring Jack¡¯s vision and choking at his lungs as he fought to hold his breath.


    ¡°Aegis!¡± Jack spluttered out as he summoned his shield, raising it above his head as shattered glass and splinters of wood rained down from above like deadly hail.


    ¡°Guys?¡± He yelled at the top of his lungs in between coughs, realising that the shitty music that was playing before had died down. ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Here! We¡¯ll get to you!¡± He heard Nika yell out, but from where he couldn¡¯t tell.


    ¡°Lictor! Zruul¡¯s down!¡± He heard another voice yell out over the carnage, a younger-sounding male. ¡°We¡¯re losing too many!¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter, Klast! They¡¯re replaceable! Target the Outsider at all costs!¡± the voice of the Vivren roared out angrily.


    ¡°Oh fuck¡­¡± Jack groaned under his breath. ¡°Where did you cunts even come from¡­¡±


    ¡°From anywhere we want, Outsider!¡± The same male voice responded tauntingly as Jack sensed movement approaching him. ¡°Thanks for revealing your position!¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t help you!¡± Jack snarled as brought up his Dominator, keeping his shield up as he shot at the blur of movement, who somehow seemed to anticipate the move, swinging his body to the side while swiping across with an open palm that glowed a faint blue, deflecting the blast of photon energy harmlessly away from him to smack into the nearest wall.


    ¡®What the fuck?¡¯ Jack asked himself before he dropped the gun, allowing it to magnetically clip back onto his armour as the speeding blur closed the distance, dipped to the side past his guard and attempted to grab at his shield arm, before Jack shuffled back and retracted it.


    Now that he had a good look at the pale-skinned man, he looked to be an Eladrie or Eladra, older than him by several years and handsome, with flowing loose white hair managed by a topknot that wouldn¡¯t have looked out of place in a Chinese period movie. With light and tight-fitted armour he also wore the insignia of the red circle he had seen on several others tonight on his chest.


    ¡°Really, Outsider? I was expecting a challenge!¡± They sneered as Jack swung at him with his axe, with the male, who Jack assumed was Klast, dodging before leaping at Jack with a punch that caught him in the mouth, following through with a spinning kick to Jack¡¯s chest that he didn¡¯t really feel any pain from thanks to his armour, though it still knocked him back a few steps.


    Klast dashed forward with a cocky grin, and Jack took a stance, preparing for another flashy fung-fu attack, before suddenly the martial artist was lit up by a volley of fire from the turrets above, smacking them in their back as Jack used the opening to charge with his axe, swinging as quickly as he could while Klast was distracted.


    Realising the danger, Klast moved to spin away, but Jack scored a hit, catching Klast in the hip as he leapt away, twisting to avoid the worst of the attack but still gasping as they got hit. Jack refused to let up as he swung again at the backpedalling fighter, who quickly rallied and parried the next axe swipe at the haft, grunting slightly in pain at the strength of the blow, but still managing to halt Jack as he followed through with a backfist enhanced with that same blue glow that clocked Jack on the nose as he ducked his head back in an effort to avoid the hit.


    Klast struck with another punch, before Jack threw his arm forward to parry, eating the hit on his shoulder as he closed the distance. Klast shuffled back again before he grunted in surprise and alarm as Jack grabbed a fistful of his long hair, holding him in place.


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡®And that¡¯s why my brothers kept teasing me about getting a haircut!¡¯ Jack thought to himself with satisfaction. ¡®Come on gauntlets, don¡¯t fail me now!¡¯ Jack thought to himself as he lashed out with a wild punch with his other fist at Klast, who moved to block it as best he could with his limited vision and movement. Jack repeated the attack again and again, being blocked by hands or armour before the metal spike that had grown on the end of his arm punched through Klast¡¯s armour plating and slammed into his stomach.


    ¡°Help!¡± Klast gasped weakly as he struggled even harder to get out of the grapple as Jack lashed out again and again, before another wave of magical pain hit him as he saw the Vivren quickly dash towards him out of the corner of his eye.


    Grunting with effort, Jack fought the pain again, this time throwing it off much more easily as he disengaged, with Klast twisting and squirming with all his effort as he pushed away, aggravating his injuries as his stab wounds opened themselves up even more.


    Recovering much more quickly than the Vivren expected, Jack drew his plasma rifle and blasted them on full auto, which was absorbed by their armour, but caused them to lash out once again with their wicked spiked chain, before they shuddered mid-attack as they were blasted with a full jolt of electricity as Dante came to his aid once again.


    Sensing movement to the side he saw Klast shuffling away, clutching his side as he called to his comrades for assistance.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Jack growled as he dashed for the fighter, who to his credit grit his teeth and put up a guard. ¡°I thought you wanted a challenge?¡±


    Klast grunted in exertion as dashed out of range of Jack¡¯s axe, leaping back as their familiar blue glow seemed to surround their body before desperately snapping forward with a flying kick that Jack checked with his elbow as he brought his axe close to his chest, alert for a possible disarm attempt, backing away as Klast followed through with a frantic flurry of punches, before Jack snapped back with another vicious chop with his axe, causing Klast to jump back out of the way.


    Exactly the kind of flashy move Jack was waiting for¡­


    ¡°Caltrops'''' He whispered, summoning as many as he could into his hand, before quickly tossing them at the ground where Klast was poised to land, the fighter realising too late what had happened as a painful spike of metal went through his foot. Yelling in pain, he lost his footing and tripped, slamming to the floor as many more spikes embedded themselves into his back.


    ¡°Shit! Help! Someone!¡± Klast yelled as Jack drew his gun to finish him off, before he was sent flying, caught off guard with a sudden strike to his side as the force of the impact sent them sprawling. With a grunt of pain Jack landed, before quickly rallying and hopping to his feet, tightening his grip around the handle of his trusty axe as the Redeemer charged towards him, a good half of their armoured form blackened and charred from his previous flamethrower attack.


    With a defiant roar, Jack met the charge with one of his own, his axe blocking the maul with the sound of a thunderclap as they collided, trying to overcome the other.


    ¡°MY KING!¡± The Redeemer yelled out. ¡°GRANT ME MY VICTORY THIS NIGHT, OR I SHALL ANNIHILATE YOU FROM EXISTENCE!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re insane!¡± Jack growled back as he shoved back, launching a kick at the Redeemer¡¯s knee to try and sweep him off his feet as they both struggled with their clinch, before the Redeemer let go of his maul and threw Jack into the far wall with a crash. Looking up, Jack fully expected to meet another charge but grinned as he saw a huge section of crumbling balcony crash into the Redeemer, knocking him down.


    Everyone! Get to the breach in the wall! He heard Chiyo project her ¡®voice¡¯ into his mind. I think Sephy has control of the turrets!


    Jack looked and saw that where the Redeemer had tried to shoot at him with that stupidly powerful gun of his had formed a decently sized hole that several of the remaining patrons were using to escape.


    Looking down Jack saw the Redeemer¡¯s maul near his feet. An unusually crude-looking weapon, it had various strange engravings and markings, almost tribal, perhaps having some sort of sentimental value to the crazed zealot. As the Redeemer got to his feet Jack got there first, and stomped on the haft of the weapon, bending and almost snapping the weapon in two, rendering it useless.


    ¡°YOU WILL SUFFER FOR THAT OUTSIDER!¡± The Redeemer snarled, taking a nasty hit from Jack¡¯s axe on his forearm before he grabbed Jack and bodily smashed him into the wall with a sickening crunch as Jack¡¯s axe clattered to the ground, before he quickly felt it clip back onto his armour. Jack lashed out with a punch that caught The Redeemer on the chin, following up with a headbutt that connected with their nose and caused the cracks on their helmet to rupture even further, before the Redeemer threw a powerful haymaker that rocked Jack back, then grabbed the human, lifting him up above his head with all his strength¡­


    Jack squirmed and struggled to try and fight out of the grip. He could see the floor beneath him, and knew that a slam to the ground would finish him¡­


    ¡°Knife!¡± He growled as he got his hand free, closing his fist around the handle of a blade as he desperately swiped down, connecting with something as the Redeemer yelled out in pain and dropped Jack to the ground. No sooner had Jack sprung to his feet than he was bodily tackled around the waist, losing his balance as The Redeemer charged again.


    Panicking, Jack frantically stabbed at the Redeemer, the metal of his knife pinging off armour plates with each strike, before suddenly he saw a crack between the Redeemer¡¯s helm and shoulder plates where he had damaged it earlier. Aiming for that area, Jack stabbed once, twice, then finally the third time before the Redeemer cracked Jack against one of the stone pillars, before throwing the human several metres. As Jack skidded to a halt he thought he saw a glint of dark blood spatter off his knife as it scattered along the ground, before dissipating as quickly as it appeared.


    Swiftly getting his bearings, Jack suddenly heard a sudden loud yelp close by, which quickly erupted into a torrent of horrifying screaming barks. Looking up he saw Dante writhing on the floor, as the Vivren pointed a wand at him, cackling as she maintained her torture spell on the ¡®dog¡¯ as he twitsted and shrieked on the floor¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you back to Astara a whimpering shell!¡± The Vivren sneered at Dante, as she unfurled her spiked chain to lash out at him¡­


    Target motherfucking acquired!


    Jack¡¯s Ring of the Berserker flashed a deep scarlet as he charged with a bellowing roar. Sneering, the Vivren ended her spell on Dante, turning to him as Jack felt the familiar pain rend his nerves, with the Vivren¡¯s eyes bulging in shock as Jack kept charging, his jaw set, and his eyes laser focused as he drew his axe and swiped, catching his target with a glancing blow to the shoulder as the Vivren ducked back, drawing her spiked chain to parry his next furious swipe, before he had just enough sense left to brace and get his guard up as The Redeemer caught up to him, grabbing him once again, and throwing him away from the Vivren to smash through a wooden table sending splinters flying.


    ¡°YOU DIE TONIGHT OUTSIDER!¡± The Redeemer roared as he brought up his huge gun to point directly at him, with the twin prongs sparking with powerful green energy¡­


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t!¡± Jack yelled as with a sudden burst of adrenaline he scrambled to his feet, and in a single motion lobbed his axe straight at the Redeemer, who, caught off guard by the desperate move instinctually brought his gun up to block, which whined angrily with the blow as it began to billow a plume of thick black smoke.


    ¡°NO!¡± The Redeemer yelled as the weapon fell apart in his hands ¡°YOUR REDEMPTION IS NIGH!¡±


    Jack dived towards his axe to pick it up, before he was knocked back by a wild thunderous punch from the Redeemer, his massive fist catching him in the shoulder with the force of a sledgehammer. Using the momentum of the move, Jack clipped his axe to his back as he saw the Redeemer begin to charge him, before suddenly, they shuddered and dropped to one knee. Confused, the Redeemer put an arm down to steady themselves, feeling their strength sapped, and rapidly fading away.


    And Jack saw why.


    Between the helm and shoulderplates of The Redeemer¡¯s armour that Jack had exposed, the same area that Jack had plunged his knife into was now painted crimson as The Redeemer¡¯s blood dripped onto the ground below in a steady stream that had intensified into a torrent as the wound was ripped open wider and wider during the fight¡­


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± Jack yelled, seizing the moment and putting distance between them as he pulled out his Dominator and fired. The air crackled as the powerful blast of photon energy hurtled towards The Redeemer with deadly accuracy. With a resounding boom, it connected dead centre in the chest with furious force.


    Stumbling back, the Redeemer crashed into the wall behind and raised an armoured hand, now fully slick with blood to keep them standing as Jack saw the aftermath of the shot. A gaping, blackened hole now billowed with dark smoke from the charred remains of the Redeemer¡¯s armour. Shorn and melted, Jack could see slight movements within the burned hole, telltale signs that he¡¯d gotten through to flesh.


    Placing his hand on his neck, The Redeemer grimaced in pain through wet, ragged gasps, before he glared at Jack with a look of pure hatred. With a roar the Redeemer charged again, no longer caring about the mortal, gushing wound on his neck, picking up speed as he threw all caution to the wind.


    "IF I FALL, YOU FALL WITH ME! FOR THE EMERALD KING!¡±


    Jack got his plasma rifle up and fired a 3-round burst, the heavy bolts of green energy blasting the Redeemer between his chest and left shoulder, two of the rounds going straight out the other side. Jack fired another burst as the Redeemer slowed down, aiming closer to the centre, with only one shot going all the way through. The Redeemer gasped for breath with lungs that were no longer working, before finally coming to a stop, the body no longer responding to the will of the mind.


    ¡°Redeem this!¡± Jack snarled, as he raised his gun further up and put three bolts of plasma straight through the Redeemer¡¯s brain, as the dead Ogar slammed to the ground. ¡°Cunt.¡±


    ¡°Jack! Nika! Come on!¡± Alora called from the breach, as she waved her wand and pointed it towards him, as Jack felt a wave of warm energy envelop him and numb the pain he was feeling. He saw Dante blink over to them while Sephy gave the ¡®dog¡¯ some covering fire, as he saw the Vivren lash out at one of the overhead turrets keeping her occupied. A few errant shots were sent their way, but they were easily deflected by a shield that Chiyo had summoned, with the Ilithii even having the chance to move a few of the unconscious bodies of bar patrons next to the walls out of harm¡¯s way.


    ¡°Jack, you good?¡± He heard a familiar voice as Nika bounded up beside him. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack nodded, feeling dazed as he stared at the smouldering corpse of The Redeemer, before he allowed Nika to pull him into action, forcing him to get moving while she quickly pointed her scanner at the dead body.


    ¡°Are we all good?¡± Jack asked as he stumbled over to the breach, spinning around to give Nika some cover, as the Kizun quickly made a detour to the weakly crawling body of Klast, swiftly executing him with two point-blank shots to the head.


    We¡¯re alive at least.  Chiyo confirmed as she pulled out her Cane of Travel. Get ready to run!


    ¡°Head back to the shuttleport!¡± Alora called out.


    Don¡¯t actually do that, Alora¡¯s fooling them by speaking out loud, Chiyo confirmed as she channelled power into her cane, using it as a focus to cast a spell. The thing I¡¯m casting is a weaker version of that potion you took at ScrapHaven, Jack, but will affect all of us. Just stay close! I already cast another spell to work out the optimal route.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Nika replied as Jack nodded in agreement.


    As Chiyo waved the cane around, pointing it at all members of the group, Jack felt much lighter on his feet, his heart pounding in his chest as they allowed Alora and Chiyo to lead the way, but not before Nika dropped a smoke grenade behind them to cover their retreat.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got the turrets on an auto-cycle, they¡¯ll keep the Regulators pinned down unless they have any outside,¡± Sephy whispered as they quickly ducked down an alleyway, easily hopping over a sleeping drunk as they navigated the maze-like streets, avoiding trouble as they soon found themselves at the waterfront.


    ¡°I think we¡¯ve given them the slip! Now where the hell do we go?¡± Nika asked as they heard several yells and shouts in the distance behind them..


    ¡°Turn right!¡± Alora ordered, not stopping as she ran the fastest Jack had ever seen the Eladrie accomplish. ¡°They¡¯re at the far end!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re trusting them after that shit?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°Seriously?¡±


    The Corvin Enterprises shuttle has already left, Chiyo pointed out. We don¡¯t have much choice if we want to get out of here. However, I think the crew were honest with us, or at least believe themselves to be.


    ¡°Guess the Run is still on, but I don¡¯t like it.¡± Nika shrugged.


    ¡°Neither do I, but hopefully things will have cooled off by the time we get back and we won¡¯t have any problems,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°I think that¡¯s them up ahead.¡± He pointed up ahead in the darkness, and it took the others a few seconds for their eyes to adjust.


    ¡°Anyone behind us?¡± Alora asked as they got closer.


    Nobody, Chiyo confirmed as the group gave a collective sigh of relief.


    ¡°Good, they look like they¡¯re about to leave without us,¡± Alora noted. ¡°Let me do the talking,¡± she whispered before speaking up as loud as she dared to get the crew¡¯s attention. ¡°Captain! We¡¯re ready for a prompt departure!¡±


    Captain Ripples-On-Salt couldn¡¯t keep the surprised expression off his face. ¡°By the gods girl, you look like you¡¯ve been through a riptide! Get on board, all of you! Stay hidden behind cover, we¡¯re ready to go!¡±


    Not even thinking of arguing, the group dashed across the gangplank and immediately crouched out of sight behind the nearest low wall as the giants around them unlatched ropes and manned their stations, quickly and quietly pushing the boat into the currents, as the sounds of chaos behind them began to fade away into the night.

 Chapter 125: Floating On...

    Huddled together towards the stern of the boat, nobody said a thing as the docks of Cypherport slowly grew smaller. Remaining still and silent, all but holding their breaths as the currents of the river slowly drew them away, their hearts pounded in their chests as they waited in tense anticipation for anything to happen. Nika had her sniper rifle unpacked and ready to use, but none of the shrinking figures walking along the waterfront seemed to pay them any heed as they drew further and further away.


    The bustling cacophony of Cypherport slowly faded, giving way to the subtle creaking of the wooden hull and gently lapping of the water, and soon even the lights of the town began to fade away.


    Seconds stretched into minutes as the boat glided silently away, its movements slow and deliberate as the crew of River Giants made subtle adjustments to steer them on the best course downstream. With each passing moment, Jack felt a sense of relief wash over him, their anxiety giving way to cautious optimism as he began to believe that they had actually evaded detection.


    As the lights of Cypherport disappeared behind the treeline, Jack turned his head to look at the others, only to find that he could only barely see their silhouettes, very faintly highlighted by the lights of the ever-vanishing town. Looking up, he saw no moon or stars that he might have expected to see from Earth, or the ever-shining lights of the city at home, but instead there was just nothing, as the huge solar plate slowly moved above them in orbit, blocking everything from view, leaving them all in total darkness.


    The complete absence of light felt strange and unnatural to Jack, who hurried to put on his Shades of Seeing, even as the others began to stir and allow themselves to relax.


    ¡°I think we got away¡­¡± Nika finally whispered. ¡°Chiyo? Sephy? I can¡¯t see shit.¡±


    ¡°Nothing electronic around, apart from us,¡± Sephy whispered back.


    We got away. Chiyo confirmed shakily.


    ¡°By the gods¡­¡± Alora breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Dante, are you alright?¡± Jack asked the ¡®dog¡¯, giving them a gentle pat as they shakily looked up at him from where they were curled up.


    ¡°Woof!¡± The dog quietly barked to confirm, sensing that it wasn¡¯t a time to be loud.


    ¡°Reckon we could get away with a light?¡± Nika called out.


    ¡°I¡¯d wait for a few minutes unless you really need it, lass!¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt calmly whispered back. ¡°My crew knows these waters well enough to get us well away, if that¡¯s alright?¡±


    ¡°Very well, I don¡¯t think anything is urgent,¡± Alora acquiesced.


    ¡°How the hell did they know we¡¯d be there?¡± Jack asked, voicing the unspoken concerns of everyone there now that the adrenaline had worn off.


    ¡°Did Mr Johnson set us up for this shit?¡± Sephy asked pointedly. ¡°He was the only one that could have known, right?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily.¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Anyone at the Corvin distribution centre could have tipped them off - you saw how quickly they found us last time!¡±


    The Order of the Infernal Harmony are notorious for their network of informants, Chiyo told them. They¡¯ve also made it easy for people to contact them with any tips they have, and pay them generously.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it kinda weird they partnered with that crazy asshole though?¡± Sephy asked, before shrugging. ¡°Okay, they clearly needed the extra muscle, but it looked to me like that guy was calling a lot of shots¡­¡±


    That¡¯s a very good point, Sephy, Chiyo agreed, looking towards the Skritta as if something clicked in place. It was the same thing when The Redeemer came for us down the motorway. He was the one that came on a gunship, and I don¡¯t remember any other shot-callers.


    ¡°Most of those assholes at the motorway looked like run-of-the-mill mercs,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Maybe the Regulators thought putting the word out would let people do the dirty work for them. There were definitely a few of them with The Redeemer, though he was definitely in charge.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t he an ex-member of the Church of Siros or something?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Yep! That¡¯s why I scanned him, they¡¯re gonna want to know!¡± The Kizun told him, and though none of the others could physically see it, Jack saw the wide grin on her face. ¡°Gods! If we make it through this in one piece we won¡¯t need to work for a long while!¡±


    Don¡¯t jinx it! Chiyo warned. And yes, though I don¡¯t know the details, he left the Church of Siros relatively recently, and while he could have joined the Order of the Infernal Harmony, it¡¯s a strange matchup. I assumed it was some kind of partnership.


    ¡°What? To kill me?¡± Jack asked, holding one of his wrists with the other to try and calm down the familiar shakes from plaguing him. ¡°I remember when I first saw him on TV, he seemed to call out everyone.¡±


    ¡°And likely focused on you after you shot down his gunship,¡± Alora spoke up. ¡°But I agree, it¡¯s very strange, though I doubt we¡¯ll discover the full answers.¡±


    ¡°Hey, at least you got him good.¡± Nika patted Jack on the back.


    ¡°He wasn¡¯t the only one though,¡± Jack retorted, trying and failing to hide the fear in his voice. ¡°You finished off the martial artist, but there were others¡­¡±


    ¡°I think we killed most of them,¡± Sephy reassured Jack. ¡°Once I got their slicer I flipped the turrets. Anyone previously marked as ¡®friendly¡¯ that wasn¡¯t near anyone else would have been blasted. But fucking hell, that Vivren was scary!¡±


    ¡°Yeah I met her.¡± Jack shuddered, remembering the terrifying visage. ¡°She hit me and Dante with some kind of Cruciatus Curse bullshit. I was able to shake it off, but Dante was suffering before I smacked the bitch. Did you kill her?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Sephy shook her head. ¡°She tried to take me out when I was on the balcony, but I got past her to get out and kill the slicer. Did anyone else get her on your way out?¡±


    ¡°I was the last one out and she was still alive,¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°Pretty sure I saw a Vecqen still up as well, maintaining a forcefield.¡±


    Damn it! I faced her, she was very powerful! Chiyo cursed. Not someone I ever want to face again. Her name was Slarah.


    ¡°Sorry Chiyo, I never saw her,¡± Jack apologised at potentially leaving a loose end. ¡°Pretty sure they called the bitch with the spiked flail ¡®Lictor.¡¯¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not her name, that¡¯s a title,¡± Alora whispered.


    ¡°Guess we sorta know who the leader of the Order of the Cumguzzling Dickwads is then.¡± Sephy sighed.


    ¡°Jack, what was this ¡®Crusi¡­Crus¡­.¡± Alora asked, before Jack realised what she meant.


    ¡°Sorry, Earth reference.¡± He chuckled despite the situation. ¡°Some kind of torture spell.¡±


    ¡°Just as I thought.¡± He saw Alora nod in vindication. ¡°Jack, do you remember the last lesson we had with Sister Jieta?


    ¡°Yeah, with evil gods right?¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°Wait, you think she¡¯s with that pain god? The one with the weird name? Ban¡­Baaa?¡±


    ¡°Bal-Xuthuul¡± Alora corrected him. ¡°Must have been. The Church of Siros have a burning hatred for the Tyrant of Torment, it would make sense why they¡¯re after The Redeemer with such fervor if he¡¯s working with a Xuthite Cleric¡­¡±


    ¡°Pretty sure the Church of Siros has a reputation for hating everything and everyone that isn¡¯t them or doesn¡¯t comply with their puritan beliefs,¡± Sephy pointed out.


    ¡°It¡¯s not quite as bad as that.¡± Alora argued. ¡°But in this case, I can¡¯t really blame them. A cleric that powerful and the leader of a Regulator Order must have been someone they¡¯re aware of.¡±


    ¡°Guess we¡¯ll find out when we let them know about The Redeemer.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°But as much as I hate loose ends, I don¡¯t think we left many standing. We definitely managed to turn that around. It could have been much worse!¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack agreed with a nervous sigh.


    I found out that the Order of the Infernal Harmony only has about 50 members, Chiyo pointed out. With most of their strength being their informants¡­


    ¡°You think we wiped them out?¡± Nika asked with a grin.


    We certainly decimated them to at least two officers, one being the leader, Chiyo reasoned. They would need major resources in order to rebuild and retrain their numbers, and considering the Lictor¡¯s choice of faith, as well as her choice of company, that may be impossible for them.


    ¡°They had resources to come after us to begin with,¡± Jack pointed out, sounding worried. ¡°Do they have a hideout or something we can blow up to make sure they don¡¯t come back?¡±


    ¡°I think if their base of operations was known, they would have been targeted long before you even arrived here!¡± Alora giggled, as the tension in the air continued to fall.


    ¡°You say that¡­¡± Sephy spoke up, and Jack could almost hear the smile on the Skritta¡¯s face. ¡°But you forget that I got their slicer!¡±


    ¡°You got his data!¡± Nika exclaimed.


    ¡°Yup!¡± Sephy cackled. ¡°Gives me something to do for the journey!¡±


    ¡°About that¡­¡± Jack began, as the group fell silent again. ¡°What do we even do now? Is the job still on? Can we trust these guys?¡±


    I believe we can - based on what they said before we were ambushed, I think they were fooled by the Regulators. Chiyo told the rest of the group. If they knew who we¡¯d be meeting they could scam them into believing we were late. Based on what we researched at the library, Giant species aren¡¯t always exactly the strongest of mind, and their auras indicate as such.


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°I agree,¡± Alora added. ¡°And the job¡¯s still on. The only other option is to trek back to Naganai on foot or look for whatever transport the Regulators arrived on, but that leaves us with a failed job and a potentially angry Corvin Enterprises¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°I guess we were pretty locked in when we boarded the shuttle anyway, and even if the Regulators do know where we are, they don¡¯t have the means to come after us, right?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Nika nodded, giving Jack a reassuring pat on the shoulder as she did. ¡°You¡¯re taking it better than expected.¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯m just getting used to this kind of shit.¡± Jack chuckled humorlessly. ¡°Somehow getting used to surviving it too!¡±


    ¡°Alright, that should be enough!¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt spoke up at a more relaxed volume so everybody could hear him. ¡°Crew, let¡¯s set up the lights for night travel!¡±


    ¡°Aye, captain!¡± A small chorus spoke up quietly as the group propped themselves up into a more comfortable sitting position while the crew of River Giants gently paced around the boat, lighting a series of lanterns, braziers and candles strategically placed around the ship, the flickers of light dancing like fireflies in the wind, and there was just enough of a glow for them to see immediately around them, though Jack noticed several metal stands with what looked like spotlights around the boat that weren''t being lit.


    ¡°We won¡¯t need the main lights just yet while we¡¯re in these calm waters,¡± the captain told them as though he knew what Jack was thinking. ¡°Just enough for us to be comfortable.¡±


    ¡°Is there anywhere we can set up camp?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Sure! This way!¡± The captain exclaimed gregariously as he led the way, with the group tentatively following, still not fully trusting him.


    As the lights were being lit all along the boat, Jack could see that it was a surprisingly rustic-looking thing, crafted from weathered wood and reinforced with metal bands to withstand the rigours of river travel. Considering the technological wonders of the city, it threw him for a loop that they were travelling on such a primitive vessel by comparison.


    Despite this though, the boat seemed to have an undeniable charm about it, with its huge rough-hewn planks bearing the weathered scars of many journeys, so he hoped that meant it would be reliable enough for their journey.


    The main deck of the huge boat at the bow was spacious and open, providing more than enough room for the River Giants to move about freely as they navigated about the ship to carry out their duties, with thick ropes and sturdy pulleys crisscrossing all about to allow the crew to manoeuvre the ship with relative ease, though Jack doubted that even he had the combined size and strength to manipulate them without causing himself injury. He even saw a thick mast to allow the crew to hoist sails, though it was currently rolled up for now.


    To Jack, the boat seemed deceptively simple in design compared to anything else he had seen so far, even on Earth, with an emphasis on rugged functionality and practicality that complimented the sheer size of the vessel, rather than any complicated components or electronics that could fail. It made sense to him in a way. He doubted that the concept of an ¡®SOS¡¯ was common in these parts, so anyone working remotely would need to be as self-sufficient as they could manage.


    They were led to the large building nearer to the stern, and were surprised to see how cosy it looked when they stepped inside, with several colourful woven tapestries and rugs adorning the wooden surfaces that gave the area a more ¡®homely feel¡¯, along with several giant sized armchairs, sofas and tables that all looked individually handmade. A large, freshly lit hearth occupied one corner of what Jack assumed was the ¡®common room¡¯, with its crackling flames casting a warm glow across the room.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got an empty cabin below decks your group can use if you find that acceptable,¡± The captain told them as several of them moved closer to the fire. ¡°We have pipes transferring some of the heat from the hearth around the quarters, but that will take a while. I can ask our quartermaster to fetch some blankets if you wish?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite alright, thank you.¡± Alora politely refused.


    ¡°Below decks? Nothing above?¡± Nika asked, sounding apprehensive.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry lass, on and above decks are rooms and facilities for the on-duty crew.¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt sounded genuinely apologetic. ¡°Helps keep everybody that¡¯s not working out of the way!¡±


    Nika quickly glanced to Chiyo, who met the Kizun¡¯s gaze and nodded in confirmation.


    ¡°Very well then,¡± Alora spoke up. ¡°Please, lead on!¡±


    Descending the wide and sturdy single flight of stairs at the very back of the common room, the group found themselves in a dimly lit corridor lined with wooden doors, presumably each being a different cabin. The air was thick with the scent of damp and old wood, mingling with the faint aroma of oil and tar. Someone had already been down here to light the lanterns mounted on hooks along the walls, or perhaps they were already like this beforehand considering the size of the vessel, with the flickering flames casting dancing shadows along the wooden walls.


    The floor beneath their feet was uneven and worn, with grooves and cracks worn into the planks from what Jack assumed were many years of use. As they walked along with the River Giant captain taking the lead, timbers creaked and groaned, echoing through the corridor and not exactly giving Jack any confidence in the durability of the vessel.


    Finally they reached what was to be their cabin, taking a right turn and looping back around to a simple door with a brass handle tucked away at the end of the corridor.


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± The Captain began. ¡°While I would not presume to order you about, especially after what just happened, I would highly recommend you remain below decks for now. I¡¯ll have one of the crew notify you when it¡¯s safer for you to be up and about. Most of the officers are asleep right now, but I¡¯ll be sure to introduce you in the morning.¡±


    ¡°It will be as you say, Captain.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°In that case we¡¯ll take our rest now and leave you to do your duties.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, lass.¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt smiled warmly. ¡°My apologies for our tardiness, but we shall speak again with clearer heads in the morning. For now I¡¯m going to resume my duties and make sure we make good progress. There¡¯s a latrine marked on the door next to you if you need it.¡±


    ¡°Good night, Captain.¡± Alora smiled back as she led the group into the cabin and closed the door behind her.


    As the group waited for a few moments, listening to the sounds of the captain departing, they looked around at their cabin. For the River Giants that worked on the boat it would have been considered modest, but for them it was quite specious, with a giant-sized straw mat tucked in one of the corners, a basic giant-sized wooden table and chair against the opposite wall, and a padded chair in another corner. A simple spare room that didn¡¯t see much use.


    It wasn¡¯t much, but it would do.


    ¡°At least it has a roof.¡± Sephy sighed, shucking off her pack.


    ¡°Could be worse.¡± Alora agreed. ¡°Could you¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, give it a few minutes and I¡¯ll sneak around and plant a few micro-sensors around the ship.¡± Sephy nodded before pointing to the left-side wall. ¡°Pretty sure on the other side of the wall is the river, so I guess we blow it up and escape through there if we really need to.¡±


    ¡°Would we even be able to swim in our armour carrying our stuff?¡± Jack asked doubtfully.


    ¡°Should have tested that at the Aquaplex!¡± Nika chuckled.


    ¡°Or the hot tub we have and still haven¡¯t used!¡± Sephy lamented.


    ¡°That can be something we can look forward to for when we get back.¡± Alora told them with a smile. ¡°And I¡¯m sure we can think of other things we can do when we return! We can afford to go wild after all this is over, though we won¡¯t be on a Run again for a while if we can help it.¡±


    We may finish this with more money than we¡¯ve ever had before! Chiyo agreed. But to answer your question, Jack, I have something that can stop us from drowning.


    ¡°The currents might fuck us though,¡± Nika pointed out, before suddenly realising something. ¡°Damn! Should have brought some inflatables! We used them at the Aquaplex often enough!¡±


    ¡°Could have worked as beds too!¡± Jack realised with a snort of amusement.


    ¡°Maybe next time,¡± Alora agreed before quickly moving on, looking at her friends. ¡°However, speaking of things we do and don¡¯t have, we need to take a stock on inventory.¡±


    ¡°Did anyone bring any spare clothes?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°Jack, you looked fucked!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Jack began, before taking a good look down to his chest, taking a moment to realise that his Clan Bharzum armour was clearly visible even though he wore his clothes over them. He quickly shucked off his pack and cringed at the way the contents rattled, carefully placing it on the ground.


    His black trenchcoat had been absolutely destroyed during the fight, barely scraps of ripped, charred dark fabric remaining around his back and shoulders. His tacticool trousers and dark tshirt had also taken some damage, with so many multiple holes and gashes ripped into them, the slightest breeze would turn them to ribbons.


    At least his boots survived¡­


    If it¡¯s any consolation, Jack, those clothes were kinda bad anyway, Chiyo quipped, causing the group to break out in chuckles.


    ¡°They were tactical!¡± Jack retorted, trying his best to play along and smile. ¡°What was wrong with them?¡±


    ¡°You literally stole them from Lost Property!¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°How many decades were they there in the Prefect¡¯s Lockup waiting to be picked up by you?¡±


    ¡°Well damn, looks like we¡¯re going to have to go back there for replacements!¡± Jack joked with a grin, knowing the fashion-talk was winding the Eladrie up. ¡°I remember seeing a bright orange Hawaiian shirt that I regret not taking with me!¡±


    ¡°Just buy new clothes!¡± Alora retorted with exasperation. ¡°Or better yet, let me or Vanya buy them on your behalf so you don¡¯t make a horrible mistake!¡±


    ¡°What horrible mistake? They were perfectly fine!¡± Jack argued, watching the others dying with silent laughter at the unusually heated Alora. ¡°All black so I can be sneaky and lots of pockets for¡­stuff! It worked at the Shaskasaki warehouse!¡±


    ¡°You can still look good and be sneaky!¡± Alora pointed out.


    ¡°Why do I need to look good if I don¡¯t want to be seen?!¡± Jack asked with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m gonna go plant the sensors now and get it over and done with!¡± Sephy grinned as she strode over to the door while activating her camouflaging coat. ¡°No offence, Jack, but my wardrobe kicks your ass in the sneaky department!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a fair point!¡± Jack chuckled, the conversation dying down once again as Sephy left. Deciding not to put it off any longer, Jack carefully unzipped his pack and began to take things out to check for damage, though fortunately it didn¡¯t look as bad as he initially feared. Unfurling his hammock he could see a few char marks and holes, but he figured it was still usable, just not as a shelter. He did curse as he pulled out two drink cans they¡¯d ¡®acquired¡¯ from the Corvin Enterprises shuttle ride, their contents spilling out all over his hands.


    ¡°Could have been worse.¡± Nika shrugged as she licked some burst drink powder off her finger. ¡°Our clothes and packs have taken a few hits but not as bad as you. If you go through your stuff and see what¡¯s crushed and busted, we can pick out what¡¯s edible and use it now.¡±


    ¡°Mainly some biscuits and busted crisp packets.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Definitely a good idea splurging out on a good pack, though I might need a new one after this.¡±


    It still looks usable, Chiyo pointed out. Hessia can probably fix it when we get back, but in the meantime, could you use the remains of your clothes to keep your stuff dry?


    ¡°Yeah I probably could.¡± Jack nodded at the good idea. ¡°But my hands are super sticky, the Captain said there was a latrine right?¡±


    ¡°I would hope there¡¯s a way to wash your hands!¡± Alora shuddered.


    There¡¯s probably a bowl, Chiyo giggled. If not, just come back here and I¡¯ll fix it!


    Chuckling slightly, Jack got up and quickly exited the room without a word. The moment the door closed, the mask of casual happiness and pretending that everything was fine immediately dropped.


    Saying nothing Jack rushed to the washroom as quietly as he could and shut the door behind him. Barely taking a moment to splash his hands in the giant-sized basin of water he quickly sat down as his legs matched the trembling of his hands that grew in intensity with each passing moment.


    Clutching his palms tightly together in a vain attempt to control his shaking, he shuddered, bringing his head to his knees tightly in fear as he began violently hyperventilating, his breath coming out in short ragged gasps as his chest tightened, constricting his lungs, and the tears fell freely down his cheeks despite fighting hard to hold them back.


    As flashes of the past hour came back to him over and over again, Jack rocked back and forth, holding himself tightly into a ball with trembling hands as he fought to try and think of something else as the sound of his heart thundered loudly in his ears, completely drowning out the sounds of the boat as he struggled to hold on, grappling with the overwhelming sense of dread that threatened to consume him whole.


    ¡®Come on. You can¡¯t lose it now! The others need you!¡¯ Jack reminded himself, shutting his eyes tight as his vision began to blur and fought to pull himself back together. With a deep shuddering breath he tried to focus all of his remaining willpower on the sounds of the calm water lapping at the sides of the boat as his breathing slowly but surely became easier and he no longer felt his heartbeat pounding in his ears.


    Whatever was happening, it was only temporary.


    He¡¯d be fine.

 Chapter 126: Do You Want To Talk About It?

    ¡®What the hell just happened?¡¯ Jack finally asked himself as the horrible sensations finally went away and he slowly began to feel relatively normal, though exhausted. He splashed his face with the water from the bowl to cool off and calm down.


    He looked at his reflection in the crude mirror above the bowl and checked that he looked normal before allowing himself a deep sigh.


    ¡®I¡¯ve got to keep my shit together¡¯. Jack thought to himself as he shook the water from his hands and quietly opened the door to the bathroom to head back to the cabin.


    ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡± He heard a voice from behind him.


    ¡°Hey Sephy.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°What¡¯s up? You finished putting the sensors down?¡±


    ¡°All good, everything seems quiet.¡± The Skritta nodded. ¡°But you¡¯re dodging the question.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Jack told her, turning back to head to their cabin. ¡°Or at least I will be.¡±


    Sephy placed her hand on Jack¡¯s shoulder to stop him.


    ¡°Hey,¡± she began, moving around to get face-to-face with Jack, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to best tell you this and I¡¯m probably not the best person to say it, but it¡¯s okay to admit you¡¯re feeling shitty, especially when shit like this happens. I get not wanting to talk to a shrink or whoever, but you should at least talk to us!¡±


    Jack gave a deep sigh as he met Sephy¡¯s serious gaze. Something about seeing the spirited, whimsical Skritta looking seriously worried about him hurt in ways he couldn¡¯t fathom, and as he looked into Sephy¡¯s deep, dark eyes he knew he couldn¡¯t brush her off.


    ¡°That was a hell of a lot of shit back there,¡± Jack retorted with a humourless chuckle. ¡°Damn it. I thought after we robbed the Shaskasaki distribution centre I was getting used to this kind of stuff¡­¡±


    ¡°Jack, that was an ambush by a well-trained and well-equipped force that knew where we¡¯d be and were determined to kill us,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°None of us are used to that! The others are probably bottling up their own feelings on what just happened too. Now that we¡¯re winding down from the whole rush of the thing, it¡¯s gonna catch up with us.¡±


    ¡°Has it caught up with you?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah.¡± Sephy nodded with a deep breath. ¡°Their slicer was a piece of work, but I mentioned that Vivren too. Had I fucked up at any point things could have gotten a lot worse, so you and Dante did a good job keeping her occupied.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, and right back at you too! Those turrets definitely helped!¡± Jack admitted with a nod. ¡°I honestly thought I was going to die there.¡±


    ¡°Sure, it was a tough fight, probably one of the toughest we¡¯ve ever been in,¡± Sephy admitted. ¡°But you know what?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jack asked.


    Sephy nodded with determination. ¡°All the advantages they could bring to the fight, and they couldn¡¯t fucking do it! Because we¡¯re just that fucking awesome!¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­¡± Jack couldn¡¯t help but laugh in agreement at the Skritta¡¯s bold words. ¡°That¡¯s true. Scary as hell but I guess we got through it in one piece, at least physically.¡±


    ¡°And now it¡¯s just a bad memory that will fade away over time,¡± Sephy reasoned. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be afraid of The Redeemer any more because you stood up to that son of a bitch and you put him down for good!¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack nodded, smiling slightly at his victory over The Redeemer, not really knowing what else he could say right now.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± The Skritta nodded, before looking at Jack a bit more seriously. ¡°But hey, if you¡¯re ever feeling rough, you really should talk with us about it. Don¡¯t try and hide it for our sake. I don¡¯t want to try and compare or contrast or any of that shit, but all of us have had past issues we¡¯ve had to work out to keep our heads in the game. We¡¯re here for each other.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Jack nodded, before chuckling slightly. ¡°How long have I even known you guys? Probably about two months in my time since your weeks are longer than ours. Feels like it¡¯s been even longer though.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve found that living, stealing and fighting together for a common cause under risky circumstances tend to forge bonds quickly.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°It happened when I first met Nika and over the course of one night we went from classmates with Alora and Chiyo to friends willing to live together. But you¡¯re not wrong, we¡¯ve rushed into a lot of things since we¡¯ve met, but more time together will make it make sense.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Sephy.¡± Jack nodded with a slight content smile, giving a more content sigh as he felt some of the weight on his chest subside.


    ¡°Any time!¡± The Skritta grinned as she led the way back to the cabin. ¡°Just don¡¯t keep shit to yourself to try and look macho or strong. You almost single handedly killed a fucking Ogar for gods sake! You don¡¯t need to prove anything!¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am!¡± Jack joked with a salute as they both opened the door, looking to the girls who had obviously been listening, and had likely heard everything. Sephy simply gave them a look of reassurance, before they dropped anything they were about to say.


    Nika was the one to finally break the silence. ¡°Hey, Jack? Can I check over your armour real quick? Chiyo took a few hits too, so maybe you can use those gauntlets of yours to take a look and make sure it¡¯ll be fine? The auto-repair should slowly move and harden the plates back into position over time but I want to be sure there¡¯s nothing major.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± Jack shrugged as he shuffled over to Chiyo. ¡°Artifex.¡±


    The group spent the next half-hour unwinding and checking their gear, glad to sample some of Nika¡¯s new drink powders in the process as they sat back and allowed the stress of Cypherport to fade away.


    ¡°Shame you couldn¡¯t take his gun.¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Something that packs a punch like that? Hell of a thing to have!¡±


    ¡°It got broken in the fight - I wasn¡¯t going to let him shoot it twice.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Plus that thing was huge, I don¡¯t know if I could have even used it, and there was no way I could have easily taken it with me when we were running.¡±


    Perhaps you can purchase another with your share of the reward? Chiyo proposed.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Honestly I haven¡¯t even thought about what I want to spend the money on. Probably just improvements for the home.¡±


    ¡°Shares are split evenly between all members of the team, with an extra share for home improvements, another for the pantry, and another on anything else we collectively need, after the costs of business are calculated,¡± Alora reminded him.


    ¡°I know that.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°I just don¡¯t know what else I¡¯d spend it on, apart from hiring the library people to try and give me some answers.¡±


    That won¡¯t be cheap, but you¡¯ll be earning more from this job, Chiyo told him. Surely there¡¯s got to be something you want to buy?


    ¡°Honestly I don¡¯t know.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°I barely know anything about this universe, so how would I know what I want to buy? A spaceship would be cool!¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Nika snorted. ¡°I assume you mean a long-distance drift-capable ship? As good as we are, that''s way out of our price range, and even if we took on a lot more riskier jobs, saved up, and pooled our resources, we wouldn¡¯t be able to get a very good one.¡±


    ¡°Jack, what would you buy if you had a lot of money on your homeworld?¡± Alora asked, as the others looked on with interest..


    ¡°That¡¯s easy!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°Probably a new PC with some games to go with it, and some stuff to decorate my room, I guess.¡±


    Jack, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve decorated your room since you arrived. Chiyo pointed out. You could always get yourself some posters and perhaps some better furniture?


    ¡°Not a bad idea.¡± Jack acknowledged with a nod. ¡°I guess when I first arrived I expected it to be a temporary thing until I was able to get back to Earth, and then from there I just never thought about it.¡±


    ¡°If you were living at the Temple of Hope for almost a month before we met you¡¯re probably just used to it. I¡¯m expecting you just had a bed in a cupboard over there?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°Pretty much,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°Plus a small vase of dried flowers that was already there.¡±


    ¡°Well that settles it. You¡¯re decorating your room when we get back and you don¡¯t get to say no!¡± Alora told Jack only half-jokingly as the others laughed.


    It can¡¯t be worse than Sephy¡¯s! Chiyo grinned.


    ¡°Worse than mine? Any lich or vampire out there would accuse you of plagiarism!¡± Sephy pointed at the Ilithii. ¡°Bookshelves and candles in a basement? Really!?¡±


    ¡°Welp, we can all think about it while we wait.¡± Nika shrugged, using her tail to grab a bottle of water. ¡°We¡¯ll get a better idea for a timeframe when it¡¯s day again, which should be a few hours from now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure the river narrows down about a third of the way,¡± Jack noted, recalling what he saw of the maps they had obtained and still being somewhat baffled about how the local geography worked, not that he was ever the best at that particular subject. ¡°Logically, I¡¯d want it to be daytime when tackling those due to the possible dangers.¡±


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    I doubt it will be daylight for all of it, but yes, I agree. Chiyo nodded. I know we rested before Cypherport, but we might as well catch whatever rest we can while we can¡¯t do anything else.


    ¡°Can¡¯t hurt to try.¡± Sephy shrugged, then smirked. ¡°But we¡¯ve got nowhere to hang up the hammocks, and all we have is an oversized armchair and a straw mattress.¡±


    That¡¯s your problem! Chiyo smiled as she floated up into a lotus position. I¡¯ll warn you if I sense anything.


    ¡°Dibs on the chair!¡± Nika called before everyone else, quickly jumping up and curling into a ball.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can sleep right now.¡± Jack sighed, as Alora and Sephy scooted up on the straw mattress to give him enough room to lay down on. ¡°But I¡¯ll settle for a lie down at least.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed with a contented back as the ¡®dog¡¯ curled up next to him


    *****


    Eventually, Jack was woken out of his thankfully uneventful sleep by the sounds of heavy footsteps approaching, quickly springing up and grabbing his plasma rifle before Chiyo held up a hand to reassure him.


    Single individual, likely to check in on us, they¡¯re not moving urgently, The Ilithii told him as the others quickly stirred into action too.


    It hadn¡¯t been a very comfortable rest for any of them. Though their armour was well fitted and didn¡¯t chafe, their injuries that Alora had healed with her magic still itched and didn¡¯t allow them much sleep even after taking some mild painkillers. Fortunately, after their previous experience spending an entire night traversing the city during a local war, they had all learned to pack whatever they¡¯d need to stay awake and keep their energy levels up in an emergency.


    Though Chiyo was banned from eating too many sweets at once.


    A surprisingly gentle knock rapped on the door, with Alora already in position to answer it, surprising the woman on the other side, her long black hair flowing back as she retreated a respectable distance as the door was opened wide so all of them could see who it was.


    ¡°Greetings, honoured guests.¡± The green-skinned giant beamed at them with a wide, genuine smile. ¡°I am Priestess Flows-In-Streams. We are just about to be greeted by the light of the new day, and the Captain has deemed it safe for you to move freely, though we invite you to observe our morning prayers for good winds and calm waters!¡±


    Alora looked around at the team for any complaints, and upon not finding any quickly agreed. ¡°Of course, we would be honoured.¡±


    ¡°Then please follow me.¡± The Priestess nodded at the group.¡°Though you may not be in the embrace of Illis, you are welcome to pay homage to the Lady of the Currents or to your own gods, but I must insist that you do not disrupt our ritual.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem,¡± Alora answered as they quickly followed.


    Illis? It looks like our research paid off. Chiyo privately told the group. These ¡®River Giants¡¯ are probably the ¡®Asiideenoonshi¡¯ we read about that worship Illis. Religious and true to their word.


    As they were quickly led down the corridor towards the stairs, Jack saw many more River Giants begin to exit the cabins, with a few giving him some very quizzical looks as they marched upstairs, though the Giants made sure to give the rest of them a wide berth to avoid any accidents.


    Led to the main deck of the vessel, the group passed the building at the stern they had all come from, and could see that there was indeed a mast at the centre of the ship, with a sail that two of the crew were in the process of unfurling, likely to time it with what passed for a ¡®sunrise¡¯ around here. Past this there was a wide open area with several crates of cargo latched into position with rope as thick as Jack¡¯s arm, though they saw a huge trap door that likely indicated most of the cargo was stored underneath the ship. There were also several vertical poles strategically placed with dimming lanterns and, looking at the loops and hooks attacked, Jack realised that they were likely there to help create a temporary roof of canvas in the event of poor weather.


    Making their way to the front of the ship, the group were politely motioned to wait to the side out of the way of the incoming foot-traffic, allowed to observe the gathered River Giants at the ship¡¯s bow.


    Jack could see that, while it was still dark, he could see a lot better without his shades, thanks to the strong glow of light somewhere far in the distance as the orbital plate above that was blocking the light of the local star gradually began to fully pass over them. Very quickly this glow grew in intensity, barely topping the huge trees in the distance before he was suddenly engulfed in daylight, as if with the flick of a switch.


    He¡¯d never truly get used to the ¡®sunrises¡¯ around here. They lacked the gradual grace of the ones on Earth, though it was no less awe inspiring to observe.


    ¡°O great lady of the flowing waters, hear our humble plea,¡± Priestess Flows-In-Streams called out, her booming voice easily rising over the background of the splashing ripples of the water, and a few bird calls. ¡°Keeper of the rivers, mighty and free, grant us your blessing this day, so our journey may be!¡±


    ¡°So our journey may be.¡± The assembled River Giants echoed, and as they shifted Jack could see the shrine at the very tip of the bow, a large decorated piece of flotsam carved into a statue of a smiling River Giant bearing a burning torch in one hand, and some kind of spyglass in the other.


    ¡°Bless our sails with winds, strong and pure, away from danger, swift and sure!¡± Priestess Flows-In-Streams continued, raising her arms. ¡°Calm the waters serene and still, as we journey each bend and hill! Watch over us, great Illis divine, and may your guiding light eternally shine!¡±


    ¡°And may your guiding light eternally shine!¡± The River Giants echoed.


    With the final words spoken, the priestess lowered her hands as the River Giants stood there in silent reverence, with some mouthing a few individual prayers under their breath.


    ¡®God, Astara, anyone who will listen at this point¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself. ¡®Whatever happens, please can this actually go well for a change?!¡¯


    ¡°Right! You have your duties!¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt suddenly yelled out to the crew after about a minute¡¯s silence had passed. ¡°Gozrith¡¯s Fingers narrow as we enter the Forest of Fangs so I want you all on alert for any Zorn sightings! Illis willing we get past it by nightfall. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes Captain!¡± The other River Giants acknowledged their orders as they moved to their stations with practised discipline.


    Perhaps we can ask the Captain about what kind of opposition we can expect? Chiyo asked. I¡¯m not surprised about the Zorn, but perhaps they know of other hostile forces in the area?


    ¡°Good idea.¡± Alora nodded as the captain approached them.


    ¡°Thank you for your cooperation so far, honoured guests,¡± The Captain greeted them after ensuring that there were no issues with the crew. ¡°We have made good progress, however as you just heard I do have concerns about the Forest of Fangs. Illis willing we¡¯ll get through without problems, but if you would be willing to help provide overwatch when we get there, it would certainly still the nerves of the crew!¡±


    ¡°The Zorn,¡± Nika spoke up. ¡°How bad is it?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve increasingly seen more patrols in that area. They¡¯ve never bothered us, but they¡¯ve been getting bolder, getting close to the bank, sometimes following us on land.¡± The Captain grimaced. ¡°It¡¯s partly why we¡¯ve avoided that area for so long.¡±


    ¡°How big are the patrols?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Biggest we¡¯ve seen is about thirty, but normally between ten and twenty.¡± The Captain told them, not sounding too bothered by this.


    What other dangers might we encounter? Especially at our destination? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°We¡¯ve seen the occasional beast drinking at the shore, but they usually keep their distance from us.¡± The Captain told them with a shrug. ¡°My crew and I rarely stray far from the bank, I couldn¡¯t tell you what else there might be out there, but the Zorn are the most prolific that we commonly see.¡±


    ¡°We can handle Zorn.¡± Alora nodded.


    ¡°And uncommon?¡± Sephy perked up.


    ¡°Isolated monster sightings, but we¡¯ve never got a good look at one. The moment they sense us coming they run away and hide, so I¡¯ve never considered them a problem. I did see a flight of Rocs one time a few months ago, but they never bothered us.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what the monsters are?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°We¡¯ve never had a good sighting of them.¡± The Captain shrugged again. ¡°Some of my crew say they saw something big and furry one time, some others say they saw something elongated and spindly. They probably just saw a brief glimpse of an animal in the distance, that¡¯s all. Though actually, come to think of it¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Jack prompted.


    ¡°It¡¯s silly, I lost my focus and thought I saw something on the opposite bank, a flash of movement from something pale as ivory, but in the next moment I saw nothing. I didn¡¯t think about it until you mentioned it, a good spooky story for the crew when we get to safer waters, but I doubt it was anything!¡±


    ¡°Alright, we can keep watch.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Where do you want us?¡±


    ¡°Right here will do.¡± The Captain smiled as he gestured to where they were standing on the cargo deck. ¡°We¡¯ll have guards reinforcing when the river narrows some more who will set up cover and defences. Just assist them however you feel you can.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll do so.¡± Alora agreed. ¡°In the meantime, what would you have us do?¡±


    ¡°You may do as you wish, but I ask that you please do not distract my crew unless necessary. We have a pot of stew on the fire if you wish to partake.¡±


    ¡°Uh, can I fish here?¡± Jack asked with a grin, checking his gauntlets. ¡°Is there anything edible?¡±


    ¡°These rivers are plentiful with edible fish!¡± The Captain beamed, clearly an enthusiast. ¡°We usually use nets for the smaller creatures, though sometimes there are larger fish we use rods for if we detect them and need to add to the stew.¡±


    ¡°Cool!¡± Jack grinned, before suddenly remembering something. ¡°The fish aren¡¯t, like, going to give me the shits or anything are they?¡±


    ¡°I do not know, I haven¡¯t encountered your species before.¡± The Captain replied as if the answer was obvious. ¡°But I have never known there to be problems. If you do suffer these kinds of consequences one of my crew can hold you over the side while you¡­ahem¡­conduct your business.¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Jack grinned as the Captain took his leave.


    ¡°Fishing rod!¡± he exclaimed, holding out his hands, and sure enough, an ebony rod of flexible metal with the insignia of Clan Bharzum appeared in his hands with a pale wire and light silvery lure ready to go!


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s pretty cool!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Can you summon multiple? I wouldn¡¯t mind giving this a try!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Jack pondered, before trying it a second time, with another rod appearing in his hands to hand over to the Kizun. Nothing appeared on the third try, however.


    Hmmm¡­There is most likely an upper limit to what you can request. Chiyo shrugged. I take it you¡¯ve read the manual they gave you and have been practising?


    ¡°Yep!¡± Jack smirked. ¡°Haven¡¯t fully worked out the grapple yet. When we learned what the job was I figured it wouldn¡¯t come into much use here. Still, being able to summon things is awesome! The caltrops were especially useful during the ambush!¡±


    That was a great risk to take in a brawl like that! Chiyo warned. What if you or any one of us stepped on them by accident? Especially Dante who doesn¡¯t have boots!


    ¡°Caltrops.¡± Jack spoke calmly with the most mischievous grin the girls had ever seen on him. He dropped one to the ground, letting it softly rattle on the wooden deck¡­


    ¡­before without any hesitation or warning he slammed his foot straight down on the thing.


    ¡°NO!¡± The others yelled, recoiling in shock and horror as he did, but warily stopped on seeing Jack¡¯s laughter, showing no signs of pain whatsoever.


    He raised his foot off the ground, revealing the squashed disk of metal underneath that quickly popped back into shape, before being dismissed.


    ¡°That¡¯s a fun part of these things!¡± Jack looked to the others with a shiteating grin. ¡°They won¡¯t hurt me or anyone I consider an ally!¡±


    ¡°You bastard!¡± Sephy finally yelled at him. ¡°Don¡¯t scare us like that!¡±


    ¡°Sorry!¡± Jack cackled. ¡°I couldn¡¯t resist!¡±

 Chapter 127: Fishing For Trouble

    ¡°Got anything?¡± Jack asked Nika as he laid back, staring up at the bright sky above while idly holding the butt of the fishing rod securely between his legs.


    ¡°Nope.¡± The Kizun sighed as her tail swayed back and forth behind her. ¡°Whatever creatures lurk in these waters aren¡¯t biting today.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s sometimes the luck of it.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°My granddad took us out to sea on his boat twice. The first time we were sailing around wherever we could but we didn¡¯t catch anything, but the second time all you had to do was throw the lure in and you¡¯d hook something within only a few seconds.¡±


    ¡°Well we ain¡¯t getting any luck here.¡± The Kizun smirked back. ¡°But I¡¯m cool with it. Even if we haven¡¯t caught anything, there¡¯s something about this that just feels peaceful.¡±


    ¡°Well, we actually have a decent connection with nature out here, rather than just some park.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°I guess for me it¡¯s being out of the city and away from all the craziness. Here there¡¯s none of that, at least that¡¯s how it feels to me. Just us on a boat drifting on the river, with nothing but the sounds of wind and water to accompany us.¡±


    I must admit, this is a comfortable environment to meditate in, Chiyo added tentatively, not wanting to disturb their reverie. And I guess for you two it¡¯s that state between resting and actually doing something that works so well for you.


    ¡°Sure! I definitely want to keep trying this, maybe we can finally catch something!¡± Nika sighed dreamily. ¡°Sadly I know of no places in the city where such a thing could be done. If there was such a place, it would surely be overrun by the desperate looking for a meal.¡±


    ¡°We do have a school break coming up in a few weeks,¡± Alora noted. ¡°We¡¯ll need to have a think about what we want to do.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it up to you!¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°If it was me on Earth I¡¯d probably be gaming all the time if I had the choice unless I¡¯m dragged along against my will to see one of my aunts or uncles.¡±


    ¡°Gaming all holiday doesn¡¯t seem too bad!¡± Sephy perked up with a grin as she typed away distractedly on her commlink.


    It wouldn¡¯t for you! Chiyo rolled her eyes. How goes your tinkering?


    ¡°The encryption on this thing isn¡¯t bad, but it¡¯s not the best either. The guy it belonged to was really sure of himself.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Got a few names of a few Regulator officers, and it looks like almost the entire Order were there.¡±


    ¡°All of them?¡± Jack asked, curiously. ¡°Surely they¡¯d leave some behind to keep the lights on¡­¡±


    ¡°They seemed determined enough, maybe they didn¡¯t want to take any chances?¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°We did evade them once before after all¡­¡±


    ¡°Heh, well partly that and also because they got promised a shitton of credits if they eliminated us.¡± Sephy pointed out with a humorous snort as she turned her commlink around and showed the others the very large number on the screen.


    ¡°Fuck me sideways, that¡¯s a lot of money¡­¡± Nika muttered under her breath.


    Wait, what do you mean ¡°us¡±? Chiyo asked, noticing the Skritta¡¯s wording.


    ¡°Exactly what I said.¡± Sephy looked at them, showing her screen. ¡°Sorry Jack, but you¡¯re not the only member of the Cool Kids Club anymore! While you were the primary objective, The Redeemer wanted the rest of us all dead too.¡±


    ¡°How the fuck did The Redeemer get that much money?¡± Nika asked, baffled. ¡°He was an Inquisitor of Siros! Pretty sure they don¡¯t get paid that well!¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t,¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°And the Church of Siros posted the largest bounty on The Redeemer, so maybe they stole the money from them?¡±


    That would make sense if that¡¯s what happened, though it doesn¡¯t explain why he even came for us in the first place, Chiyo pondered.


    ¡°Because my bounty went up after the last Klown attack?¡± Jack pointed out with a shrug. ¡°Plus he was batshit insane!¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, we weren¡¯t the only targets The Redeemer was after,¡± Sephy added. ¡°I¡¯ve got some references here to ¡®other objectives¡¯. Trying to recompile those files, but one of them is definitely Devil¡¯s Daughter based on all the references I¡¯ve seen.¡±


    ¡°Could you try and identify some of the other targets?¡± Alora asked, as the Skritta nodded.


    ¡°Sure, already got the software running, just got to make sure there aren¡¯t any traps on this thing. There probably isn¡¯t, but it¡¯s better to make sure. They definitely did some research on us before their ambush, so I¡¯m not taking any chances!¡± She warned.


    Their force mage seemed prepared for me, Chiyo agreed. Thanks for giving me the water I needed to beat her, Sephy!


    ¡°Um¡­sure! No problem!¡± The Skritta grinned, knowing she had set off the fire suppression system by accident, and it was almost a miracle it still worked¡­


    ¡°Yeah, they clearly knew about our broaches of disguise too,¡± Jack added. ¡°The Redeemer instantly knew who I was, so they were definitely ready for it. I guess we couldn¡¯t Shaun King this shit forever¡­¡±


    ¡°Jack! Outsider references! We no getty!¡± Sephy reminded him, playfully poking him with her foot. ¡°Anyway, got some references for a Nirah so lemme just¡­HUH?!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Nika asked, sitting up.


    Sephy typed away to double-check, then turned the commlink around for them all to see, Jack sitting upright as he recognised the picture.


    Svaartal.


    Well. That likely rules out House Mal¡¯Kar funding them¡­ Chiyo quipped. But why would Svaartal be on their hit list?


    ¡°Might be the Klowns seeking revenge?¡± Alora reasoned, sounding very unsure. ¡°They¡¯re the only ones with reason to target us, Svaartal and Devil¡¯s Daughter, right?¡±


    ¡°With a fat stack of cash like that?¡± Nika questioned disbelievingly. ¡°It¡¯s plausible, but most of the nuts simping for the Klowns aren¡¯t that rich.¡±


    ¡°Well, we know of one guy that¡¯s associated with the Klowns,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Dr Grine. Could he be behind this somehow?¡±


    ¡°Eh, maybe. He¡¯s obviously got direct cause to go for both you and Devil¡¯s Daughter,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°But not the gold-scaled dickhead!¡±


    It¡¯s very much unlike the Klowns to directly use patsies, assuming they even have that capability. Dr Grine infiltrating and sabotaging Clan Bharzum¡¯s security surprised a lot of people, nobody even knew he could somehow associate with the Klowns at all.


    ¡°And nobody would know today had I not found him,¡± Jack added.


    ¡°Grine doing this on his own would make more sense, but it doesn¡¯t explain why Svaartal would be on the list.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Probably someone else.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Yep, I¡¯ll keep digging and see what I find.¡± The Skritta nodded, as several of the crew of River Giants approached them, the wooden planks underneath them creaking as they did. They looked strange, all wearing what looked like primitive armour made out of thick blocks of wood tied together with bound reeds, and carrying various ramshackle-looking polearm weapons, like spears, halberds and glaves. Jack could also see that many of the guards also carried some huge crossbows, with bolts to match almost the size of his arm.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Nika asked, quickly springing to her feet.


    ¡°Greetings, I am Rapids-On-Rivers,¡± The lead guard - a male with a thick ginger beard - addressed them. ¡°The Captain asked us to check on you, and inform you that we¡¯re soon approaching the Forest of Fangs. We¡¯re setting up guards and getting ourselves ready.¡±


    ¡°Then so shall we!¡± Alora nodded as everyone snapped to attention. ¡°Ready up everyone!¡±


    *****


    ¡°So. The Forest of Fangs¡­¡± Jack spoke up to fill the silence as the river gradually narrowed until Jack was sure he could just jump off onto dry land on either side.  ¡°Uh¡­why is it called that exactly?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Rapids-On-Rivers whispered back to him. ¡°We name it for the titanous trees, and the hungry beasts that lurk within.¡±


    ¡°Oh lovely¡­¡± He sarcastically noted with a deep sigh.


    ¡°We do not usually find trouble in this place,¡± The River Giant retorted. ¡°We sail with caution.¡±


    ¡°That being said, how do you wish us to engage?¡± Alora asked, fidgeting with her wands.


    ¡°Only engage if anything gets too close or has clear hostile intent,¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt told them as he approached them. ¡°We do not want to start any unnecessary fights, but we shall end the ones that find us without hesitation!¡±


    ¡°Enough to ward them off then. Got it!¡± Nika grinned as she checked the sights on her plasma rifle while the River Giants around them put the finishing touches on the temporary walls to act as cover.


    ¡°Is everybody ready?¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt called out to the crew.


    ¡°Aye Captain!¡± All voices called back.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked, getting up from his nap.


    ¡°No use delaying then.¡± The Captain sighed. ¡°Onward!¡±


    As the riverboat slowly edged closer to the ominous threshold of the Forest of Fangs, a palpable tension filled the air around the group like a dense fog. The once gentle lapping of the river waves seemed to subside, giving way to silence as they entered the forest.


    The trees around them were massive, easily rivalling the size of city blocks from Earth, and loomed over them all like mute sentinels, with their large, thick branches cross-crossing above them like gnarled fingers, casing long, eerie shadows across the water, barely allowing any light through as the River Giants strode around the ship with practised discipline as they lit a few lanterns to allow them to see where they were going.


    The atmosphere was heavy with the scent of decay and damp earth, mingling with a strong, sharp tang of pine and the faint hint of something more sinister lurking beneath. Each member of the group felt the weight of unease settling like a heavy cloak upon their shoulders, and more than once they felt the need to say something, anything, to break the deafening silence that surrounded them, which was only otherwise broken by the occasional creak of the boat¡¯s timbers, or the distant call of a bird.


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    The hours passed this way with little activity, and slowly the crew and passengers of the riverboat began to relax and be at ease as the forest seemed to show some signs of life. As they rounded one of the bends in the river, Jack spotted a small herd of creatures emerging from the forest to drink daintily from the water¡¯s edge. Green furred to almost match the mossy background, with six hoofed feet and four eyes, likely to give them a wide range of vision and movement. The best Jack could equate these creatures to was a mix of a giraffe and a deer, with long necks and pale blue ivory antlers, with the largest standing gracefully with a darker shade. The moment the boat got close they bounded off skittishly in the treeline, and even Chiyo was captivated by the awe and majesty of the animals, with Sephy taking a picture.


    Not twenty minutes later, they spotted a group of long-footed, grey feathered birds perched on the gnarled branches of a long-fallen tree, looking for their next meal. As the boat approached they looked up expectantly from the river towards the crew, as the Captain laughed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a bit of jerky, tearing it as small as his giant hands could manage and rubbing it between his hands before throwing it towards the birds, who greedily pounced on the food as they passed them by.


    But it wasn¡¯t just animals Jack heard¡­


    ¡°Hey guys, there¡¯s something on our left,¡± Jack whispered, keeping his voice low so as not to startle the others. ¡°I think it¡¯s following us, whatever it is I think they¡¯re just below the ridge to the side.¡±


    ¡°Lemme see¡­¡± Nika perked up for a moment, pulling out a device that looked like some kind of scope off a sniper rifle, following Jack¡¯s gaze. She waited for a few moments before nodding. ¡°Yeah, you might be right. I can¡¯t see anything, but this is a directional microphone, I heard the sounds of movement in the distance, as if something was running away¡­


    Better call it in. Chiyo exited her meditations to look at them. I cannot detect anything at this range.


    ¡°Uh, guys?¡± Alora spoke up, catching the attention of the River Giant guards keeping watch at the very front of the ship. ¡°We might have something shadowing us.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve always had beasties and other such shadowing us from the land¡± Rapids-On-Rivers informed them all. ¡°But we pay them no mind as long as they do no harm. They¡¯re likely just shadowing us as we move through their hunting grounds.¡±


    ¡°Or scoping you out for a possible ambush,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Just because they¡¯re hiding out of sight, doesn¡¯t mean they don¡¯t mean you harm.¡±


    ¡°This is true, however, we are well guarded from attacks,¡± Priestess Flows-In-Streams spoke up, having overheard the conversation as she made her rounds to check the wellbeing of the crew. ¡°I¡¯ll inform the Captain, but the most that usually happens is a few sightings before we make it through the forest, but thank you for informing us - none of my people would have been able to spot something like that!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome, I hope things will be as you say.¡± Alora nodded, though slowly turned to the others with a knowing look.


    Jack agreed with Alora, and was unconvinced by the priestess¡¯ reassurances. Though he knew they meant well, the crew of River Giants had been fooled by the Order of the Infernal Harmony and The Redeemer into partying at The Soggy Pussy. Though they seemed intelligent enough when operating the ship, they had demonstrated poor judgement elsewhere.


    For another hour their journey continued, the signs became more frequent and more pronounced for the group - the snap of a twig, the rustle of leaves, and Jack could even swear he heard strange noises carried on the wind, though he couldn¡¯t identify what they were. He did his best to hold his nerve amidst the otherwise quiet forest, making sure not to let slip to their unwanted stalker that they were onto them.


    ¡°Ah shit.¡± He heard one of the River Giants swear under their breath before he called out. ¡°Captain! We¡¯ve got a blockage ahead!¡±


    ¡°Oh you¡¯ve got to be shitting me!¡± Nika growled as she spotted what the problem was. A massive tree had fallen across the river, positioned directly across the river almost like a bridge, its ancient, gnarled branches holding it firmly in place, creating a barrier that they¡¯d have to deal with.


    ¡°Full stop!¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt called out as the crew hurriedly got to work carrying out the order, loosening ropes and slowing the boat to prevent them from crashing. ¡°Does anyone see anything?¡±


    ¡°No Captain!¡± Members of the crew called out one by one, but as the ship¡¯s speed slowed down to a crawl, Jack¡¯s gut feeling was telling him that something was wrong. His Ring of the Berserker was tingling ever-so-slightly, and the last time that happened, things did not go well¡­


    He looked to the left side of the back where he had first heard the noises, and saw nothing. He spotted nothing on the right side either. Something was around, but where were they?


    Then he looked up¡­


    ¡°CONTACT!¡± Jack yelled as he immediately brought his heavy plasma rifle up and started blasting, catching the Zorn archers above them completely by surprise as they yelled out, shifting back on the vast, thick tree branch they were perched on to get into cover. One was not so lucky as he stumbled too far backwards, the emaciated-looking, sickly yellow-skinned ¡®shit goblin¡¯ pitching over the edge of the branch, screaming in panic before he slammed into the river headfirst. He saw another Zorn stand up shakily, who frantically put his hands to his mouth, before yelling out a noise as loud as they could, almost like the sound of a dying cow before Jack¡¯s full-auto ripped the creature to shreds, but not before the warcry was answered...


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt exclaimed as he took more than a second to work out exactly what the fuck was happening. ¡°Crew! To arms!¡±


    From either side of the river, several more whoops and warcries sounded out as the group now very clearly saw two waves of movement from either side, far enough in the distance to not have been noticed previously, but now rushing into battle, sprinting as fast as they could, Nika noted that some of the creatures already looked like they were gassing out and faltering as they charged, clearly desperate to close the distance quickly and salvage the botched ambush, though she quickly took advantage and mercilessly let loose with her plasma rifle on full auto, causing some of the rushing Zorn to duck for cover, but the majority still charged recklessly into the line of fire!


    Did these idiots have a death wish?


    ¡°Hold your ground and fend them off!¡± The Captain yelled out. ¡°Rain-On-Lakewater! Give me drums!¡±


    ¡°Aye Captain!¡± A female voice called out from on top of the building at the back, who quickly blasted out a heavy, thunderous rhythm that Jack really didn¡¯t see the logic of, until he felt some kind of strange energy that greatly enhanced his focus and filled him with confidence.


    ¡°Kishalae!¡± Priestess Flows-In-Streams cried out, finishing her spell that seemed to blanket everyone in the radius with a faintly glowing green light, though much fainter on Jack than the others. He hadn¡¯t a clue what had just happened, but he assumed it was probably good.


    ¡°Watch out! They¡¯ve got cavalry!¡± Sephy shouted, pointing with her finger as she dashed to the starboard side of the ship.


    What? Chiyo queried in confusion, before she saw it too.


    A new wave of Zorn was emerging from the dense underbrush on the right side of the river, charging forward atop formidable beasts that snarled and growled as they beared down on the riverboat with terrifying speed. They were unlike any creatures the Ilithii had ever seen before. Towering and muscular, they resembled a cross between a large feline and a reptilian predator, with sleek, bottle-green-scaled bodies covered in red and brown tribal markings, and with razor-sharp claws that tore at the ground with heavy footfalls.


    Their heads were adorned with bony ridges and horn-like protrusions, with thick fur covering their backs, and their eyes held a determined gaze as they dashed forward. Could such a creature leap onto the boat?


    ¡°Ignizhin!¡± Alora yelled out, as she quickly finished casting and flung her arms forward, sending a powerful fireball spewing out to smack into the lead beast, denoting in an almighty flash as it obliterated several of the beasts, and sent many more into disarray, trying to buck their riders and flee from the fire.


    Nicely done! Chiyo complimented.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Alora panted, looking towards the broken charge of Zorn that were desperately trying to commit to the attack. ¡°I would have thought they¡¯d run by now!¡±


    This is far more coordination than I¡¯d ever give Zorn credit for! Chiyo warned. Stay alert!


    ¡°Other side too!¡± The Captain yelled out, as several of the beasts were cut down under their riders by the heavy crossbows of the River Giants.


    ¡°We¡¯re wiping them out, why aren¡¯t they breaking?¡± Sephy yelled out, as she let off an accurate burst to take out a Zorn hiding behind a tree.


    ¡°Because they¡¯re stupid enough to attack in the first place!¡± Nika growled, putting a Zorn down that had reached the bank of the river. ¡°But why-¡±


    Suddenly, a loud screeching bellow blasted out from above them, that caused many of the River Giants to gasp out in fear.


    ¡°PLAAAAAGUE DRAAAAAAKE!¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt shouted in warning.


    Jack spun around and fired at the new threat. To him, the creature in question looked to him like a grotesque fusion of bat, reptile and insect, with dark leathery wings spanning wide, ending with two claws at the tips. Their scales were a sickly shade of blackish brown, mottled with patches of diseased flesh and oozing sores. Their mouth grinned wide with jagged and broken teeth that dripped with saliva, and their eyes burned with a malevolent hunger for destruction.


    And what was even worse, were the other two following closely behind¡­


    Swirling above them, the lead Plague Drake dove down and opened its maw wide, unleashing a barrage of noxious fumes and corrosive spittle that sizzled against the deck as Jack dove out of the way. One of the River Giants cried out, rolling on the deck to try and throw off the pain, before the quick-thinking Chiyo drew water from the nearby river and doused both them and the damaged deck, neutralising the acid.


    ¡°We can¡¯t let them get close!¡± Alora warned. ¡°Shoot them out of the sky! Aim for their underbellies, wings and head if you can!¡±


    The defenders rallied, quickly reloading their crossbows and refocusing on the major threat, even as several of the Zorn were galvanised by the arrival of the Plague Drakes and rallied to try and board the boat, even as they were forced back by the spear thrusts of the much more powerful River Giants.


    ¡°Pregharla!¡±  Priestess Flows-In-Streams yelled out, as an translucent orb of green surrounded the boat, absorbing a stream of acid in the nick of time as another cocky Plague Drake made a pass, paying for it as everyone on the ship with a ranged weapon instantly lit them up, causing the creature to crash down to the forest floor, dead before they even hit the ground.


    The other two drakes screamed in rage as they renewed their attack, twisting in the air to absorb the shots before passing over the boat at two different angles, one getting badly singed along its side as Alora cast another fireball, but clawing at two of the River Giant crew in the process.


    The other charged headlong into them, digging its claws into the wood of the ship and tearing out a chunk, even as it seemed to fold in on itself for protection, lashing out with its foul breath at close range, causing everyone to duck for cover.


    ¡°Aegis!¡± Jack yelled, summoning his shield to protect him further, before peeking out and spotting an opportunity as the Plague Drake arced its head around. Flicking a switch on his heavy plasma rifle he quickly lined up his shot as the foul creature spread its wings to take to the skies.


    ¡°Get noob-tubed motherfucker!¡±


    As he pulled the trigger, he heard a *THWOOP* noise, as he unleashed a grenade, sending it hurtling through the air in a graceful ark, before striking the Plague Drake dead centre, engulfing it in a blinding flash of light and fire as it screeched in agony, before it pitched back and collapsed into the river.


    Roaring with the anguish of defeat, the remaining Plague Drake battered its wings as hard as it could, the cowardly creature fleeing from the battle as the defenders all cheered.


    Though curiously, the Zorn weren¡¯t running. In fact, they all seemed emboldened somehow, futilely trying to climb up onto the boat even as they were slaughtered.


    ¡°Mop these bastards up!¡± Ripples-On-Salt ordered in a triumphant bellow. ¡°Show them what it means to attack the Siltskimmer!¡±


    Many of the defenders cheered again as they hopped off the boat, quickly finishing off any Zorn that was still breathing, though Jack and the others didn¡¯t share the same sentiment as they did as ordered, heading down a gangplank the crew had promptly erected, knowing that they would need to clear the blockade as quickly as they could and get out of the area. They effortlessly took out any of the few Zorn left that rushed towards them, and finished off any of the wounded that were still breathing as quickly and as painlessly as they could. Though even Jack knew the Zorn were evil creatures, that didn¡¯t mean they deserved an indignant death.


    Hearing a noise from the treeline, Jack spun around and spotted a still-standing Zorn that seemed frozen in place. Taking them in for a moment, Jack could see it was a female, with a slight bump on their stomach and simple clothing made from mud and leaves. Its terrified eyes noted him briefly before quickly glancing back towards the forest, as if fearful of what was behind it.


    ¡°Go. Get out of here. You lost,¡± Jack told them, causing it to briefly turn its head back to him. He knew from what the others told him that Zorn could barely be considered sapient, just enough for them to worship the foul God of Disease and create a very primitive society.


    It sharply turned its head back to the forest, as if understanding Jack¡¯s intention, if not his words, though strangely it began shuddering hard, almost as if it was terrified.


    ¡°We only fought to defend ourselves,¡± Jack added, quickly looking to the others who were watching on. ¡°Go. Be at peace if you can.¡±


    It snapped back, drawing a sharp, stone knife, holding it in a dagger grip as it stared at Jack, its eyes wide with fright.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Jack scowled, raising his gun. Pregnant and non-threatening it may be right now, but his mercy had limits. ¡°I won¡¯t harm you if you just turn around, and go home.¡±


    The creature shuddered again in fear, turning back to look at the forest before convulsing in terror. It looked back towards Jack with tears running free from its eyes, raising its knife with a white-knuckle grip¡­


    Before plunging it into its own chest.


    As Jack¡¯s eyes went wide with horror it stabbed again and again and again, falling to the ground as Jack ran up to them.


    ¡°NO!¡± He yelled in distress, looking down at the dying Zorn. ¡°WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?¡±


    The creature didn¡¯t answer. As the light left its eyes, its face was a mask of sheer, utter dread.

 Chapter 128: Badass Trophy

    ¡°Gather the bodies and throw them on top of that drake over there. We¡¯ll burn them all before we leave!¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt ordered the rest of his crew, pointing at the downed drake that crashed to the forest floor while a few volunteers tackled the huge tree trunk, chopping it into smaller pieces and reclaiming what they could for the damaged boat. It would still float on the river, but it was clear from the black, charred decking that some patchwork needed to be done.


    Amazingly, none of the River Giant defenders had been killed during the brief fight, but many were wounded, peppered with arrows or having taken cuts from Zorn weapons, though the most grievous wounds were the acid burns that Priestess Flows-In-Streams diligently treated, aided by Alora. Many of the crew were worried about the possibility of disease, given the Zorn¡¯s propensity for it, and were keen to sail to safety as quickly as possible to treat it.


    ¡°Sephy, what are you doing?¡± Nika asked the Skritta as the Kizun spotted her friend approach the Plague Drake that Jack had downed, which had been yanked out of the river and was now being hacked apart to chuck the parts on the fire.


    Sephy grinned, spinning a knife in her hand as she went to work on the drake¡¯s mouth. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? I¡¯m getting a few of the teeth!¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Nika asked as she dumped the Zorn she was carrying to have a better look.


    ¡°Oh come on! Have you seen the size of these things?!¡± The Skritta cackled as she wiggled the tooth. ¡°Can I have your help for a sec?¡±


    ¡°Heh, alright!¡± Nika chuckled back as she took a look, with Sephy more forcefully wiggling the fang until it came out with a putrid stench. ¡°Bleh! Fuck! Shame I didn¡¯t bring pliers, Jack¡¯s gauntlets should give us what we need to get some more out.¡±


    ¡°Good idea! Hey! Jack! Your services are required!¡± Sephy called out, as the human in question quickly bounded over from the pyre, looking somewhat morose. ¡°Um¡­pliers please?¡±


    ¡°Sure?¡± Jack shrugged as the tools quickly appeared in his hand. ¡°Uh, why do we need the fangs? Are they needed for spells or something? What about the hide? Do you use it for armour or something?¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Nika laughed. ¡°I knew your fashion sense was bad but you would actually consider wearing THAT as armour?¡± She pointed to the cluster of boils and pustules on one of the wings.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s a good point,¡± Jack conceded. ¡°But how would I know? In fantasy games where I come from you can normally forge dragon scales into armour¡­¡±


    ¡°These aren¡¯t dragons,¡± Nika interrupted him. ¡°This is probably something for Chiyo to nerd out about when we¡¯re back on the boat, but to answer your question, there¡¯s nothing of value to take from Plague Drakes, just like the Zorn.¡±


    ¡°So why the teeth?¡± Jack asked curiously as he helped Sephy remove another.


    ¡°Because I want a badass trophy!¡± Sephy exclaimed. ¡°We can get Chiyo to make them into pendants or put them on a chain or something! I¡¯m gonna wear it next time Luvia¡¯s around!¡±


    ¡°Are you insane!?¡± Nika hissed.


    ¡°Actually that sounds kinda cool!¡± Jack smiled in amusement, the Skritta¡¯s antics lightening his mood from the harrowing encounter almost twenty minutes ago, making him feel better already. ¡°Can I have one?¡±


    ¡°Damn right! We¡¯re all getting one!¡± Sephy smiled, putting her arm around Jack, before looking down at their other companion. ¡°Even you Dante!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante exclaimed, pleased with the idea!


    *****


    It took just over half an hour to clear the blockade, with the crew of River Giants having carefully and vigorously hacked at the gargantuan trunk, careful not to drop it in the river and make their problem worse. With great effort, they hauled the parts of the trunk up and away from the river safely onto the bank, with an idea to collect it later on the journey back when they had more cargo space. However, they still took several lengthy branches with them that were thick enough to turn into planks, dumping them on the main deck for the crew to patch the ship up as best they could as they continued.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re not hanging around for a full cremation like a tide over,¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt declared, pointing at the roaring hot pyre. ¡°They¡¯re probably burned enough to get rid of any disease or nasty bits. Put the fire out and leave them for the scavengers!¡±


    ¡°Aye Captain!¡± Several of the crew acknowledged, quickly getting buckets to douse the flames and ensure they couldn¡¯t return and cause a forest fire, hopping back on the boat as it set off. As the Siltskimmer left the site of the battle behind, a sense of quiet settled over the Forest of Fangs once more, broken occasionally by the returning sounds of nature, filling the air with the gentle chirping of birds and the soothing currents of the river as they continued to flow down.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Nika slowly sat down next to Jack, who for his part was silently staring out into the forest at nothing in particular, still trying to untangle his thoughts. She knew that despite Sephy¡¯s jokes to help lighten the mood, he was still shook up about the pregnant Zorn he¡¯d tried to be merciful to, and admittedly the sight of it shook her too. There was no way any of them could have known it would do something so insanely meaningless. ¡°That was some wild shit back there.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack snorted in morbid amusement.


    ¡°Hey, not your fault,¡± The Kizun told him bluntly. ¡°You tried your best, that¡¯s all you can do. What that Zorn did sucked and none of us saw it coming, but that¡¯s on them.¡±


    Jack nodded sadly a few times, saying nothing, until he finally let out a deep sigh. ¡°I just don¡¯t get it. She knew I was letting her go, I could see it in her eyes. Why would it do something like that when it was given a chance to escape?¡±


    The Kizun wrapped her tail around the human as they sat there in silence, staring out into the ominous forest beyond before eventually answering.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure,¡± Nika whispered back. ¡°But I do know that time can heal what reason cannot.¡±


    Jack perked up at that comment curiously, having heard something similar before, but he couldn¡¯t for the life of him recall where.


    Nika snorted in amusement at his reaction. ¡°My Sensei once told me that, but I can¡¯t even remember what the context was. He has a habit of pulling proverbs out of his ass in almost any situation, so it¡¯s hard to keep track of them or where to use them!¡±


    Jack grinned. ¡°Sounds exactly like your stereotypical sensei¡¯s from the kung-fu movies with their ancient Chinese wisdom.¡±


    ¡°We get movies like that here as well.¡± Nika smirked. ¡°There¡¯s definitely a lot of them for you to catch up on when we get back!¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded, but frowned. ¡°But we haven¡¯t crossed the finish line yet.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s a good mentality to have on these kinds of Runs. Never get complacent, never get comfortable. And hell, we¡¯ve barely made it past the starting line when things went to shit. Still, as long as we can do what we came here to do, we¡¯re getting paid well at the end of it to be comfortable for a few months.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded, looking at the Kizun warmly, already feeling much better. Out of all the members of their team, Nika seemed to be the most level-headed and practical of the bunch, and he always appreciated how she was able to keep them all grounded. Hell, he appreciated how all of his friends were able to help him deal with the horrors and living nightmares they¡¯d encountered in their own special ways. ¡°Still, we¡¯re alive so far!¡± He joked with a dry chuckle.


    ¡°Yep!¡± The Kizun grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s try and keep that trend going!¡±


    Jack sat there for a few more moments of quiet, the rest of his distress from the suicide of the Zorn fading away ever so slowly. He had no doubt it would still haunt him, but curiously he found he was able to cope with it better when he talked about it with the others.


    ¡°Thanks Nika, I needed that,¡± Jack admitted, almost afraid to admit his weakness as he looked at the Kizun in that moment.


    ¡°Any time!¡± She whispered, and patted him on the back, then wrapped the same arm around him. ¡°All of us get shook up now and then, and the rest of us know you¡¯re not as used to this shit as we are. It doesn¡¯t completely go away, but it tends to get easier after a while.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I remember those days after I first arrived at the Pallid Pit.¡± Jack sighed.


    ¡°If even half the shit Alora told me about that is true, you¡¯ve grown stronger and come a long way since then.¡± Nika nodded.


    ¡°I never told her everything, maybe I never will,¡± Jack whispered. ¡°Much of it is a blur to me now, but I was too terrified to leave the room they gave me, and I¡¯d initially only talk to High Priestess Cornelia. I guess meeting Alora for the first time helped me heal from those times until I was considered fit enough to go to school.¡±


    ¡°And then you met the rest of us misfits and it all went downhill from there!¡± The Kizun joked, causing Jack to genuinely burst out laughing.


    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m sure it could have been worse!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°At least I didn¡¯t end up living with Luvia!¡±


    ¡°Hah! At least until she gets thirsty enough that she begs Alora to come live with us!¡± Nika cackled. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t put it past her!¡±


    ¡°Oh dear god¡­¡± Jack groaned at the prospect.


    As they settled down and got into the quiet rhythm of keeping watch for any activity from the treeline, the group felt a sense of peace and calm wash over them as the excitement of the Zorn ambush. Hours passed them by as they stared out into the primeval forest, seeing nothing, though Dante occasionally stirred and gazed out, growling under his breath slightly before he abruptly stopped and laid back down as if nothing had happened.


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    ¡°Sooo¡­¡± Jack spoke up, interrupting the silence with his curiosity. He and Nika got comfortable enough to bring out the fishing rods again, though when they didn¡¯t even get a nibble, Jack figured it was high time to start the discussion about why they were here and what they were being sent to deal with. ¡°Do you think the Zorn have anything to do with why we¡¯re here? We haven¡¯t seen anything else aside from them and their beasts.¡±


    ¡°Possibly.¡± Nika shrugged, pulling up her fishing rod looking somewhat unsure. ¡°I mean, you¡¯ve seen what the Zorn are like at least twice now. They¡¯re widespread like a plague and can form a large force, but they¡¯re also primitive and aren¡¯t really capable of higher thought. But if you throw Plague Drakes into the mix to lead them, maybe that changes? I don¡¯t know, Plague Drakes aren¡¯t normally spotted this close to the city, nor in this direction, but it¡¯s not unheard of.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Jack asked curiously.


    ¡°Hey! Chiyo!¡± Nika called. ¡°Nerdage required over here!¡±


    Now that¡¯s just demeaning, Chiyo told them, rolling her eyes at them as she floated over with some hot drinks, handing them over to them. What about?


    ¡°Jack wants to know a bit more about the Plague Drakes, but you should probably give him the rundown on Blighttooth,¡± Nika bluntly told the Ilithii.


    ¡°Wait, I¡¯m sorry, did you say ¡®Blighttooth¡¯?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Yep!¡± The Kizun nodded with a slight grin. ¡°Pretty sure that asshole has an actual proper name, but I¡¯ve never heard anyone actually call him it.¡±


    Nalestrixxondraal, Chiyo told them grimly as she looked at Jack. ¡®The Plague Dragon.¡¯


    ¡°A dragon!?¡± Jack started in alarm.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Nika snorted. ¡°Did you really think Luvia was the only one around?¡±


    Yes, Chiyo continued. Blighttooth is a Dragon that''s been a local threat to the city for a few centuries now. He holds domain somewhere in the wilderness North West of the city and sometimes emerges from hibernation to cause problems.


    ¡°What kind of problems?¡± Jack asked, suddenly wary.


    Well, we just encountered them. Chiyo smiled grimly. It¡¯s no coincidence Blighttooth has established his domain where he has¡­


    ¡°The Zorn.¡± Jack realised in a moment that should have been obvious. ¡°They were created by the God of Disease, Gunge, right? I¡¯m guessing they would make the perfect minions for a ¡®Plague Dragon¡¯.¡±


    Correct! Chiyo nodded encouragingly. Originally the Zorn weren¡¯t as widespread as they are now, but the moment Blighttooth arrived and he presented himself to them as an aspect of Gunge, they fell over themselves to worship him and will answer if called, which is fortunately rare. The Plague Drakes are all his spawn, likely created in a profane ritual involving many sacrifices of Zorn. Still, to encounter three of them this far away¡­


    ¡°Means that Blighttooth may be coming out of hibernation, or already has and is planning something.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°We should definitely let the Temple of Hope know when we get back so they can tell the right people and prepare to deal with him again.¡±


    Indeed. Chiyo nodded, looking to Jack. While Blighttooth has attacked the city many times before, he is normally more of a cunning schemer, though to what end isn¡¯t fully understood. He will bide his time, whatever his plans are and wait for the perfect moment to strike.


    ¡°I take it nuking the twat from orbit isn¡¯t an option?¡± Jack asked with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Hah! I wish!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°We know the general direction he¡¯s at, but not where his actual lair is, which is probably almost as well-protected as Nightwhisper Manor.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, but I had to ask!¡± Jack shrugged with a smirk, remembering the ominous Nightwhisper Manor from the serious warnings the others had told him when they first left the city to see the Oracle. He remembered proposing a similar solution back then too.


    Some things never change¡­


    As their journey continued, the air around them seemed to grow colder and more oppressive as the riverboat travelled deeper and deeper into the Forest of Fangs, with Chiyo shivering slightly before Nika threw her a spare jumper to pull over the one she already had on. Alora took it upon themselves to boil another pot of tea for them with a quick cantrip, causing a few of the nearby River Giants to take inspiration from the idea to warm up, getting a few tankards of hot broth more suited for their size from the common room cauldron.


    ¡°So how much further do we have to go before we land?¡± Jack asked the others, stretching his legs as they all reconvened at the front of the ship, still gazing out into the foreboding treeline. He couldn¡¯t put it finger on what had changed, but something about it gave him an uneasy feeling...


    ¡°Only a couple more hours,¡± Sephy told them, checking something on her datapad. ¡°Still making good time despite the ambush, so it should still be light by the time we get back on dry land.¡±


    ¡°Not that you¡¯d know it here,¡± Nika added, pointing to the thick, overbearing canopy above that blanketed them in near-darkness. It had gotten more oppressive by this point, and the crew had relit many of the lanterns around the riverboat for visibility.


    ¡°Then we¡¯d better get ready,¡± Alora told them. ¡°We should get a lay of the land and talk to the-¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante suddenly hopped to his feet and ran to the port side of the boat, staring out into the distance, before letting out a low, aggressive growl.


    Jack leapt to his feet, turning on his Shades of Seeing and bringing his heavy plasma rifle up in the direction the ¡®dog¡¯ was staring at.


    ¡°What do you see, Dante?¡± Jack cautiously whispered to the ¡®dog¡¯, who let out a cautious whine as he kept staring into the distance. Alora quickly joined them and checked on Dante, who¡¯s eyes were glued onto a specific point in the distance.


    I detect nothing! Chiyo told them.


    ¡°Sohla!¡± Alora muttered under her breath, creating three small balls of pale white light in her palm, throwing them up in the air to hover over the boat before sending the lights dancing slowly into the distance, casting ominous shadows amidst the treeline.


    ¡°Anyone see anything now?¡± Sephy asked as the dancing lights floated ever further away into the far distance. Dante slowly turned his head towards the Skritta and gave a low whine of worry.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing,¡± Nika whispered under her breath, but Jack wasn¡¯t so sure. For just a brief moment, he could have sworn that one of the shadows looked strangely shaped, so much so that he couldn¡¯t describe it for the life of him, but he dismissed it as a trick of the light as his eyes focused and he couldn¡¯t see it again.


    ¡°I can¡¯t send the lights any further,¡± Alora warned. ¡°Can you not see anything?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± Jack finally answered.


    But that doesn¡¯t mean that nothing is there, Chiyo cautioned, looking at the others with a serious expression. We should stay alert and ready for anything.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Jack nodded as he knelt down and patted Dante on the head while pulling out a piece of jerky. He looked at the worried ¡®dog¡¯ thoughtfully, and was reminded of the terrified look of the pregnant Zorn. ¡°We might not be alone out here.¡±


    Despite his best efforts to remain vigilant, Jack couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were all being watched, with unseen eyes following their every move from the depths of the forest. He saw little of note, maybe the odd bird or critter out of the corner of his eye, but that did nothing to ease his mind.


    ¡°Shit, this isn¡¯t good¡­¡± Sephy announced, as she was the first to notice it. ¡°We¡¯ve got fog!¡±


    ¡°Not what we want,¡± Rapids-On-Rivers grumbled under his breath. ¡°This has happened before here, but not commonly. This will slow us down.¡±


    Unfortunately, Jack had to agree with him. From the surrounding trees, what began as nothing more than a faint haze hovering just above the surface of the water intensified as the boat kept moving forward, as it slowly began to engulf the boat in a shroud of translucent mist.


    ¡°Crew! Full alert!¡± The Captain yelled, startling everybody on guard. ¡°No rest for anybody while we navigate this fog!¡±


    As more crew emerged from the bowels of the ship, their visibility quickly diminished as the forest around them was reduced to little more than vague shapes and shadows lurking in the gloom. Even when Jack tried to cycle through the settings of his Shades of Seeing he couldn¡¯t see as well as he wanted to, so he settled on relying on his natural senses.


    Each rustle of leaves, or crack of a branch caused the tensions to rise, until¡­


    ¡°Contact! Left side up ahead!¡± Nika called out, causing Jack to snap his gun to where Nika was looking, spotting a very slight, tiny flash of faint, white light for just a moment before it flickered out.


    ¡°What did you spot?¡± Alora asked, as several of the River Giants stared at the Kizun in confusion.


    ¡°I saw it too,¡± Jack confirmed, causing Nika to steel herself in relief that she wasn¡¯t going crazy. ¡°A light in the distance, right?¡±


    Nika nodded. ¡°Yeah, small, but it didn¡¯t look like it was a campfire or anything.¡±


    ¡°You sure you two saw something?¡± Rapids-On-Rivers questioned, though not sounding doubtful. If anything, he sounded genuinely scared as Jack and Nika nodded emphatically.


    Stay alert, Chiyo told them all. I don¡¯t like this!


    ¡°Do you sense anything?¡± Sephy asked, warily. ¡°It better not be fucking ghosts!¡±


    I don¡¯t know. Chiyo shuddered. My senses are¡­off.


    ¡°Have you encountered anything like this before?¡± Alora asked the nearby River Giants.


    ¡°The fog, yes,¡± Priestess Flows-In-Streams whispered, having joined them from below decks. ¡°Very rare in the past, but it has appeared more frequently in recent times.¡±


    ¡°I take it it¡¯s not a natural thing then?¡± Nika asked the priestess, the Kizun thumbing the safety on her plasma rifle as she kept her eyes open for anything else.


    ¡°No,¡± She replied, shaking her head. ¡°We don¡¯t know what it is, but we¡¯ve always been safe as long as we¡¯ve remained on the ship.¡±


    ¡°Like you¡¯ve never been attacked by Zorn before?¡± Jack asked sceptically, but carried on with his reasoning to avoid causing offence. ¡°Look, it might simply be a coincidence, but you¡¯ve said the Zorn have never bothered you, yet here they have, and you said this fog was rare, but it¡¯s still happening. I don¡¯t think what you guys consider ¡®normal¡¯ applies here.¡±


    ¡°And this may all be connected to why we¡¯re here,¡± Alora added. ¡°But as for why we do not know. Regardless, I would urge the utmost caution.¡±


    ¡°You have a point,¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt spoke up, raising his voice loud enough to get the attention of the crew. ¡°Everyone! Stay alert!¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Sephy yelled as raised her plasma rifle and fired a burst into the treeline, causing everyone to rush over. ¡°I saw something over here!¡±


    What was it, Sephy? What did it look like? Chiyo asked, quickly summoning a globe of water in her hand, ready to lash out.


    ¡°Some kind of mass skulking in the bushes over there!¡± Sephy pointed at a thick patch of foliage at a part of the bank that jutted out close to the ship.


    ¡°Did you get it?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think so.¡± Sephy shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t have much to go on!¡±


    Are you sure you saw something? Chiyo asked Sephy, trying to be tactful, knowing Sephy didn¡¯t react well to anything ¡®spooky¡¯. It¡¯s easy to lose your focus in a situation like this!


    ¡°I know what I saw!¡± The Skritta argued. ¡°It was there!¡±


    ¡°I believe you,¡± Jack whispered truthfully to Sephy, placing a hand on her shoulder, quickly calming her down. ¡°There¡¯s definitely something out there.¡±


    A sudden gust of wind blew by, and Jack shivered as he could have sworn he heard the faint sound of malevolent giggles carried by it, before it stopped just as quickly


    ¡°Then we should be ready for anything!¡± Alora warned with a determined grimace, pulling out her wand, as another light flickered in the distance once again, and Jack could swear it was getting closer¡­

 Chapter 129: Forest Of Fears

    The boat continued drifting along for what felt to the group like hours, each minute that passed stretched by paranoia. Sometimes a guard would make a start at something only to dismiss whatever they¡¯d seen, with only the gentle lapping of water against the boat''s hull to serve as a backdrop to the eerie, foreboding atmosphere that surrounded them.


    The sudden snap of a twig up ahead caused everyone to start, as guns were immediately trained in the direction of the noise. The group stayed there in silence for several moments as they waited for any reason to engage, but none came as the rivercraft drifted past.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Nika snarled. ¡°It¡¯s like they¡¯re taunting us! Chiyo? Still nothing?¡±


    It¡¯s hard to focus my senses! The Ilithii growled in frustration. Like there¡¯s something throwing me off!


    ¡°What kind of something, Chiyo?¡± Alora asked, looking at the Ilithii while trusting Jack, Sephy and Dante to keep watch while her Dancing Lights floated above them.


    It feels like¡­. The Ilithii replied after a few moments, cogitating her thoughts as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. Like the fog all around us obscures more than the physical, and I think it¡¯s getting worse¡­


    ¡°Uh, Captain?¡± Rapids-On-Rivers called out from the front of the ship, pointing up ahead at something as Captain Ripples-On-Salt quickly made their way over to see what was up.


    ¡°Frost?¡± He asked in confusion.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Jack asked, perking up on being called.


    ¡°Huh?¡± The Captain asked the human. ¡°Not you, look!¡± He pointed to the side of the boat where a thin layer of ice was beginning to rapidly form on the lip of the wall.


    ¡°WOOF!¡± Dante barked suddenly, startling everyone on board as the ¡®dog¡¯ stared out ahead of them, growling angrily as the markings all over his body began to grow a far more intense blue than normal, and it felt as if the very air around him charged with static as he readied an attack, barking out a challenge into the darkness ahead of them.


    ¡°Where are they?¡± Jack asked the ¡®dog¡¯, but Dante couldn¡¯t seem to focus on any one place, turning his head rapidly from side to side as he growled in frustration. Looking around, Jack could barely see anything save the dark ground of the bank, and a few colonies of ugly-looking white fungus.


    Then, suddenly, from somewhere deep within the fog-shrouded forest, a chilling sound rang out, sounding like a series of faint whispering at first, before turning into a low, mocking chuckle that seemed to emanate from all directions at once, echoing off the trees and bouncing across the water around them with an otherworldly, horrifying intensity, before it suddenly stopped abruptly, as if somebody had hit the ¡®mute¡¯ button.


    ¡°It¡¯s all around us¡­¡± Sephy whispered as the blood of everyone on board ran cold. Somewhere in the treeline, an eerie light flickered once again, this time just a little bit closer¡­


    As the mist started to thicken even more, Nika snapped her gun up as she heard a noise. Not like the snap of a twig or the rustling of leaves. This was different. This was¡­


    A faint, haunting whistling echoed through the mist ahead, sending shivers down her spine as she got up and walked to the bow of the ship, ready to fire. The sound was barely audible, a mere whisper on the edge of her consciousness. But as the boat continued on, the whistling grew louder, filling the air with its unnatural, disturbing tune.


    ¡°No!¡± Nika growled, as a long, deeply buried, primal fear was brought to the surface once more. ¡°No! You¡¯re not here! You can¡¯t be!¡±


    ¡°Nika, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Sephy asked, confused. ¡°What are you seeing?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t hear it?!¡± Nika yelled, her eyes wide with panic. ¡°Where is it? Where is it coming from? It¡¯s here! We have to run before it finds us!¡±


    Then she saw it, emerging from the mist like a nightmare given life.


    Close to three metres tall, the feminine figure was completely covered from head to toe in flowing, light blue robes of fine gossamer that flowed in the breeze like ribbons. It stared at her calmly from the bank of the river, making no movements except to turn its head to follow her, watching from beneath its veil¡­.


    ¡°No!¡± The Kizun yelled as she leaned over the side of the boat, unleashing a full auto torrent of plasma fire into where the figure was standing. ¡°No! You won¡¯t take me!¡±


    As the smoke cleared, it was gone.


    ¡°Nika, are you alright, what did you see?¡± Jack whispered, immediately beside her. He placed a hand on her shoulder that caused her to jolt in a panic.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t see it?¡± The Kizun panted, recovering from her panic as she looked at Jack incredulously as he held her still. ¡°It was-¡±


    Suddenly, they were interrupted as a blood-curdling scream yelled out from somewhere behind them.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± The Captain called out. ¡°Who was that?¡±


    ¡°Oh fuck! Captain!¡± One of the crew yelled out from the stern of the ship. ¡°Strides-On-Marshwaters and Dives-In- Reeds are gone, I swear they were just here!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way!¡± The Captain called back as he rushed to take a look, with the group following close behind, stopping by the door to the common room and below-decks. ¡°The two of them were on guard here. What happened, Swims-With-Birds?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Captain!¡± The young-looking crewwoman shook her head, worried. ¡°I¡¯d just checked in with them, then less than a minute later I heard one of them scream so I ran here!¡±


    ¡°No bodies, they must be somewhere,¡± Priestess Flows-In-Streams noted.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± The Captain nodded. ¡°Rapids-On-Rivers, take four volunteers and quickly search below decks. With luck they retreated there. Be swift!¡±


    ¡°Aye Captain!¡± The guard nodded, quickly gathering his volunteers and heading below decks.


    ¡°Everyone else, slow the vessel down and check overboard!¡± The Captain then ordered the rest of his crew, who was met with tentative replies before they all split off, leaving the group on their own.


    ¡°Splitting up is a foolish idea,¡± Alora growled under her breath. ¡°But perhaps necessary to keep the ship running. We need to know what we¡¯re dealing with.¡±


    ¡°Christ, what the fuck¡¯s that smell?¡± Jack muttered, sniffing and recoiling in disgust as the adrenaline of the moment faded.


    ¡°Yeah I can smell it too,¡± Nika added, wrinkling her nose at the foul stench. ¡°It¡¯s musty as hell here, like there¡¯s something rotting around here!¡±


    ¡°Check this out,¡± Sephy added as she spotted something, pointing at the railing. It took the others a little while to notice due to the imposing fog,


    Scratch marks. Well spotted! Chiyo noted, taking a closer look. Are they fresh?


    ¡°Yeah I think so.¡± Nika nodded, touching the splintered wood fibres with one of her clawed fingers. ¡°This has been freshly exposed, it looks too clean.¡±


    ¡°Something missed one of the giants?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°Or something climbed aboard....¡± Jack growled as the Ring of the Berserker vibrated on his finger. Dante sniffed at the spot the River Giants had been, looking worried, as another breeze of wind carried the same evil laughter from before, sounding much closer this time¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s retreat to the front of the boat where nothing can sneak up on us and we get the best view,¡± Alora whispered, leading them away from the edge of the boat. Looking around, the lights were flickering once again in the forest, becoming much more numerous as they got closer and closer¡­.


    ¡°According to the map, we should be near to our stop,¡± Nika told them, still shaken from before as they made it back to their original spot. ¡°We just need to hold on, but failing that we can make a break for it and run.¡±


    Sephy, are your cameras still active? Chiyo asked as they got back to the front, referencing the covert surveillance pins the Skritta had planted around the boat to monitor the River Giants. Do you think you could find out what happened to the two missing guards?


    ¡°Oh shit, that¡¯s a good point.¡± Sephy nodded as she quickly crouched down and began flicking through the various feeds.


    ¡°Summoning lights!¡± Alora called out as she threw multiple dancing lights in the sky above them, illuminating the boat, but strangely the light didn¡¯t seem to shine too well on the bank, like the darkness was actively pushing back. Another breeze carries a chorus of ethereal giggles echoing around them.


    Nika? Are you alright? Chiyo asked as she patted the Kizun on the back.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± She grunted, shaking it off.


    ¡°Find anything Sephy?¡± Jack asked as he raised his plasma rifle, unsure of where to even aim. ¡°Sephy?¡±


    He looked down, and immediately moved to comfort her as the Skritta had a hand against her forehead, tears running down her cheeks.


    ¡°Hey!¡± He called out gently as he touched her on the shoulder. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t send me away!¡± The Skritta yelled out, looking straight past Jack as if not seeing him. ¡°Please! I don¡¯t have anywhere to go!¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Jack asked her, confused. ¡°Why would we send you away?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry! They were hungry!¡± Sephy sobbed, and Jack realised she was hallucinating.


    ¡°Sephy! Snap out of it!¡± He yelled, shaking the Skritta by the shoulders.


    ¡°Huh? What?¡± Sephy asked, sounding confused as her frantic breathing began to slow back down. ¡°Wait¡­what the hell?¡±


    ¡°I think you were seeing something else,¡± Jack told her. ¡°Are you alright? Still with us?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Sephy snapped back into focus. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡­¡±


    ¡°WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!¡± They heard someone yell in the background in panic, causing everyone to snap round to the source of the commotion, as all of a sudden one of the River Giants bolted from the aft of the ship.


    Before anyone nearby could react, the giant had leapt off the side of the boat to land on the forest floor and began sprinting as fast as they could into the forest. Two more River Giants leapt off to try and chase after their friend, rushing off into the fog after the rapidly disappearing crewman, whose screams of panic were abruptly cut short.


    ¡°NO! COME BACK!¡± The captain yelled as the two other giants, barely visible in the fog, turned around, and suddenly recoiled in horror.


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    One of them screamed as something unseen barreled into them, knocking them out of sight. The other yelled out and tried to help their friend, before they jerked suddenly as if being tripped up by something, before falling to the ground.


    ¡°No!¡± The captain yelled. ¡°Get me lights over there!¡±


    Before anyone on the ship could respond, the ghostly lights in the forest flickered on, much closer this time as the malevolent giggling got louder¡­


    ¡°They¡¯re taunting us!¡± One of the giants yelled in terror. ¡°We¡¯re dead!¡±


    ¡°Hold your nerve!¡± Priestess Flows-In-Streams yelled out at the panicking guards, as one recoiled from something in the forest and leapt off the other side, heedless of the risk as he fled into the darkness.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Nika growled to the others. ¡±They¡¯re picking us off and we can¡¯t even see them! Chiyo? Do you detect anything at all?¡±


    I can¡¯t! The Ilithii replied in a panic. Something¡¯s blocking my senses!


    ¡°Cover me while I cast! Priestess, help me if you can!¡± Alora yelled out to them, wasting no time as she dropped to her knees, closed her eyes and began chanting.


    ¡°All hands to the main deck!¡± The captain yelled at the top of his lungs from where he had control of the helm, keeping the boat on course. ¡°All hands to the main deck!¡± He repeated, his voice beginning to crack as they heard another yell from somewhere from the back of the ship.


    ¡°Jack?¡± An eerily familiar voice called out from behind him, and the human¡¯s head spun around to look at the bank as the ship continued drifting along the currents.


    ¡°No¡­¡± He gasped under his breath.


    A familiar human girl in a purple hoodie was standing on the back staring at him, tears running down her eyes with a mask of despair on her face.


    ¡°Why weren¡¯t you there?¡± She asked with a sob. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you do anything?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Jack began, then stopped. No¡­this didn¡¯t make sense¡­


    Jack shook his head with a growl and snapped back to reality. ¡°Nice try!¡± He snarled, blinking once as the illusion in his mind disappeared.


    Jack? Are you alright? Chiyo asked, sensing his pain.


    ¡°I¡¯m good!¡± Jack confirmed as he stood up and took stock. ¡°Whatever this is tried hitting me. How¡¯s everyone else?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re good!¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°But I think they¡¯re trying to get Alora!¡±


    He looked around, seeing several of the guards moaning or clutching their heads, and knew they wouldn¡¯t survive for long unless they did something, but what could they do against an unseen enemy?


    Wait. There was a solution¡­


    ¡°Alright motherfuckers!¡± Jack roared out into the forest, his bellowing voice drowning out the mocking laughter on the wind as he raised his heavy plasma rifle, flipping a switch on the side and confidently striding to the side of the boat. ¡°You wanna play?¡± He grinned, looking out at the treeline, where he had no doubt something was staring back. ¡°Let¡¯s play!¡±


    His plasma rifle hummed with crackling energy and roared to life, as with a determined shout Jack pulled the trigger and held it down, unleashing a full-auto torrent of white-hot heavy plasma fire into the forest. The shots tore through the foliage like they would paper, incinerating what was left of leaves and branches on contact, and properly lighting up the area all around them as he kept his finger on the trigger¡­


    ¡°Woah! Holy shit!¡± Sephy yelled pointing into the distance at several faint shapes on the ground. ¡°Guys! I think we¡¯ve got bodies!¡±


    Indeed, now that the forest was lit up by the torrent of hellfire Jack was unleashing they saw many still forms laying on the ground that were almost exclusively Zorn, with several animals too, with many of the bodies looking almost torn apart¡­


    And that wasn¡¯t the only thing they saw in the dimly lit forest¡­


    Chiyo spotted several shapes in the distance. Short and stocky shadows just out of view, and slowly moving in parallel to the boat in a line, while around them she could have sworn she saw several smaller shapes dart and dash around them, if only for a moment before their shadows were absorbed by the darkness¡­


    I saw something on Jack¡¯s side! Chiyo informed the others as she ran up to the human, gathering water in large globs to float around her, ready to lash out in a kinetic attack. They¡¯re keeping their distance!


    ¡°Then we¡¯d better not stand around doing nothing!¡± Nika yelled as she dashed up to the opposite side of the boat, having quickly set up her gatling laser, and spotted yet more of the mocking ghostly lights coming closer. ¡°Light them the fuck up!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll back Nika!¡± Sephy called to Chiyo. ¡°Dante! Stay with Alora and cover her!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± The dog barked back as he stood at attention and obeyed the order.


    ¡°RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!¡± Jack yelled in a battle cry as the gun continued to whine, not paying attention to what anybody was saying as he continued to blanket the forest in a torrent of pure destruction. Trees and ancient logs cracked and exploded, their trunks erupting in splinters and smoke as a few simply started to collapse, and allowing beams of daylight to shine through the thick canopy, penetrating the darkness below.


    Jack kept the trigger squeezed down.


    He could have sworn he saw the strange stout form of something in the distance stumble and fall as the tree stump they were hiding behind was completely obliterated, with a frenzy of other shapes fleeing away from the destruction, desperate to escape the inferno.


    ¡°COME ON!¡± Jack taunted, yelling out over the deafening cacophony. ¡°COME ON! DO IT! KILL ME! I''M RIGHT HERE!¡±


    He knew whatever was out there was trying something, almost like the faintest tickle at the back of his mind as his Ring of the Berserker tingled on his finger¡­


    He angled the heavy plasma rifle upwards, roaring out in challenge as he tried to obliterate any untouched vegetation that he could see through the thick haze of fog and smoke. Any shadow, any shape, any light would see no mercy from him!


    Eventually the gunfire finally relented, with the battery fully spent. Jack immediately ejected the spent one, smoking as it clattered on the deck before slapping another in, then grinning widely as he flipped the switch and aimed his underbarrel grenade launcher, before suddenly snapping his head around as Chiyo placed a hand on his shoulder, with an expression of¡­


    Jack couldn¡¯t quite tell as he slowly backed away from his act of mass deforestation, and honestly he didn¡¯t really want to know¡­


    Nobody spoke for several seconds, as they stared out at the wasteland of scorched craters, charred trees and fires burning amongst the wreckage, casting a flickering, hellish light all around them. The ground was littered with the smouldering remains of plants, though he couldn¡¯t see any physical signs of the enemy he¡¯d been shooting at¡­


    ¡°Ummm¡­.wow¡­..¡± Sephy finally gasped at the awe-inspiring sight. ¡°That was pretty cool! And I think it worked, but we probably shouldn¡¯t mention this around any Druids we know¡­¡±


    Suddenly the whispering returned, echoing around the forest with angry hisses, filled with rage and spat threats with none of the mocking giggling from before, before it was abruptly silenced, as a loud, deep, inhuman cry of anger bellowed out from somewhere in the distance, followed rapidly by several more, this time closer. To Jack it seemed like the howling of wolves across distances, but there was no person or animal he knew of that sounded anything like these unnatural cries¡­


    ¡°Ef Linnes Praegos!¡± Alora yelled out, sounding exhausted as she smacked her palm on the planks of the deck, as a circle of light manifested around her, before quickly shooting out and expanding all around them. As the light touched him, Jack felt his running emotions calm down, and as he looked around he could still see several of the previously struggling crew begin to snap out of their terror and push themselves to their feet.


    ¡°We can¡¯t be far! We¡¯ve just got to hold on!¡± Nika shouted out, having pulled back from her side of the boat, which was now moving at a snail¡¯s pace, simply carried along by the currents as whatever propulsion the ship used had halted.


    ¡°Crew! Report!¡± Captain Ripples-On-Salt yelled out. ¡°Where is Rapids-On-Rivers?¡±


    ¡°Captain! Rapids-On-Rivers aren¡¯t responding!¡± One of the crew members shouted from the back, fear evident in their voice.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± The Captain cursed. ¡°I called all hands to the main deck, why are they still down there?¡±


    ¡°Maybe they didn¡¯t hear you, Captain?¡± Priestess Flows-In-Streams called back.


    ¡°Can someone check on them and call them up?¡± The Captain asked. ¡°If they haven¡¯t emerged¡­¡±


    Suddenly the boat shuddered from a powerful impact, sending Jack staggering slightly as he grabbed onto the nearby railing.


    ¡°That came from below!¡± The Priestess shouted in a panic, as Jack swore he could hear a new sound carried on the wind. It was hard to hear above the panic callouts of the remaining crew, but he could swear he heard some kind of cackling from somewhere nearby, with a feminine tone that did not match any of the women on board¡­


    Someone¡¯s casting a spell! Chiyo warned.


    ¡°They¡¯re trying to sink the boat!¡± The Captain yelled back in terror. ¡°Someone find out what¡¯s going on down there! We need to fi-¡±


    ¡°CAPTAIN!¡± One of the crew cried out in alarm, as the captain suddenly shuddered and collapsed on the ship¡¯s helm, with thick crimson blood suddenly running down the man¡¯s face from his eyes¡­


    ¡°NO!¡± Priestess Flows-In-Streams sobbed as she dashed towards the captain. ¡°Someone needs to check the decks below!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go!¡± Jack called out to the others, knowing the risks but realising he was the best choice. ¡°Stay here and cover Alora! If it goes to shit, get ready to run! I¡¯ll be right behind you!¡±


    You¡¯re not going alone! Chiyo declared. That¡¯s stupid and you know it!


    ¡°I know, but we still need enough people up here!¡± Jack argued. ¡°Dante can come with me, along with some of the crew!¡±


    ¡°WOOF!¡± Dante barked in agreement. As he bounded up towards Jack, the markings on the ¡®dog''s¡¯ body glowed with a fierce blue light, illuminating his proximity well.


    Without waiting for any further argument from the others, Jack set off at a sprint, calling out to the River Giant guards at the rear as he did, with two of them quickly agreeing to back him up. Steeling his nerves, Jack gripped his plasma rifle tightly as he quickly told one of the giants to open the door to the common room, as he methodically cleared the room as quickly as his nerves would allow. He couldn¡¯t afford to waste time in a situation like this!


    As he pushed forward to the stairs he was careful as he descended them on the left side, ready to quickly reach out and grab the wall for support if they were hit by something again, before he got to the bottom.


    ¡°Guys?¡± He called out into the dark, but received no answer. ¡°Anyone alive?¡±


    Nothing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! Keep an eye out behind us.¡± Jack ordered the two River Giants. He didn¡¯t know if they could fight well, but at least if they cried out they could alert the human if anything tried to sneak up on him. He knew splitting off like he had was a huge risk, but this needed to be done, and he had no intention of taking any unnecessary risks while doing it.


    He quickly cleared each and every room they passed, with no place for anyone to hide in the relatively spartan quarters, but slowed at the T-junction at the end of the corridor, as Dante gave a low growl. Right side was clear, but checking around the left bend¡­¡±


    Jack raised his gun, zoning in on what looked like a River Giant at the far end of the corridor. He moved out more into the open to allow the others to form up and see as he moved forward ever so slightly, feeling that something was really off about this¡­


    ¡°Hey, you alright?¡± Jack called out to the figure, who shuddered slightly but didn¡¯t turn around.


    The figure didn¡¯t say anything for several moments, before calling back in a hoarse, croaky voice.


    ¡°.....no¡­..¡±


    It sounded like Rapids-On-Rivers, but something about the voice made Jack blood run cold.


    ¡°What about the others? Are they alive?¡± Jack asked, inching slightly closer as he noted the open door next to Rapids-On-Rivers.


    ¡°.....no¡­..¡±


    ¡°One more question.¡± Jack clenched his jaw. ¡°What are you?¡±


    Suddenly as if fired from a gun, the figure dashed through the door far quicker than it had any right to be, as Jack unleashed a burst of his own which missed. As Jack chased after him he heard an almighty crash, and as he turned at the doorway he saw a massive hole in the side of the ship, smashed through by the fleeing figure who was already peeling off into the darkness beyond. On the floor of the room were the four bodies of the River Giants they were looking for.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Jack cursed.


    ¡°We can patch the hole, but we¡¯ve gotta get the fuck outta here!¡± One of the giants told him as he rapidly backed away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lose your shit now!¡± Jack cursed as the ship started to take on water.


    ¡°We¡¯re nearly out!¡± They heard a voice from above call out. ¡°Light ahead! Hold them off!¡±


    ¡°We can patch the hole from above!¡± The other River Giant told him. ¡°We can use the sails!¡±


    Seeing how terrified both giants were, Jack had doubts about that, but he gave his companions the benefit of it anyway.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante quickly barked, looking up.


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s get up and help the others!¡±


    Dashing up the stairs and reaching the main deck, Jack could see the light in the distance that was getting ever closer, and knew that the hidden monsters around them wouldn¡¯t chase them there. Legging it up to the front of the ship he was relieved to see the others were okay, and he wasted no time in unleashing yet more automatic fire into the forest to the shrieks of anger from their mysterious enemies as they were forced back.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Sephy called out as the rays of daylight touched the front of the ship. ¡°We¡¯ve made it!¡±


    Jack only barely acknowledged that information as he ran down the side of the ship, blasting everything he could with auto-fire obliteration, until finally the ship was in the clear, and the only noise around them was the quiet, peaceful lapping of waves¡­


    ¡°Holy shit¡­¡± Nika gasped. ¡°We are not going back there!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, we¡¯re away¡­¡± Alora panted, as she fell back to collapse on the deck.


    Jack, what did you see down there? Chiyo asked him, as his gaze was fixated on the nightmare they had just put behind them.


    ¡°I saw a devil¡­¡± Jack finally spoke, his voice quiet and serious.


    ¡°...and I blinked.¡±

 Chapter 130: Silent Reception

    Nobody said anything as they allowed the currents of the river to carry them along. The stress of the attack had taken a serious toll on the vessel, and the ship creaked and groaned under the strain as water seeped in through cracks and breaches in the hull.


    Realising the urgency of the situation, the exhausted Priestess Flows-In-Streams cast several spells that gave them favourable winds and speed to propel them along to safety.


    ¡°Finally¡­¡± Sephy muttered as the gradually-sinking boat slowly drifted around a band in the rapidly-widening river, the thick treeline of the Forest of Fangs thinning to open up into a large clearing with a natural bay and a rocky beach. In the distance, Jack could just about spot a lonely wooden dock jutting out.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s our stop up ahead,¡± He whispered to the others, as Nika raised her sniper rifle and looked down the magnified scope.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m pretty sure I see the Corvin markings¡­¡± The Kizun replied tentatively after a few moments, moving her gun as she scoped out their destination.


    I can¡¯t wait to be off this accursed boat! Chiyo grumbled. Those River Giants downplayed everything and we almost paid the price alongside them!


    ¡°At least we get to leave the boat alive,¡± Alora snapped back her retort with a grim expression.


    ¡°But we¡¯ve gotta go back that way, right?¡± Sephy tentatively spoke up. ¡°Once we¡¯re done here and the boat gets repaired?¡±


    ¡°We can cross that bridge when we get there,¡± Jack reasoned, focusing past his emotions. ¡°Either way, this boat is fucked with most of the crew gone so we can¡¯t go back right now even if the boat does get fixed.¡±


    ¡°So we deal with what we can.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Right now that means trying to beach this fucking thing before it sinks!¡±


    ¡°Easier said than done,¡± Jack grumbled as he sprinted to the port side of the boat and grabbed a rope that was too unwieldy for him to try and throw to the bank. ¡°Guys?¡± He yelled out, hoping that at least some of the remaining River Giants were lucid enough to respond. ¡°If you want to save what¡¯s left of your boat, I could use a hand over here! Move your arses!¡±


    ¡°Do¡­as he says!¡± The Priestess panted out. ¡°Prepare for an emergency beaching, as close to the dock as you can!¡±


    ¡°Aye, Priestess!¡± A voice tentatively called out, barely echoed by a scarce few others who worked in unison, falling back to their training as if on autopilot, manipulating ropes and unfurling the sails to steer towards a shallow spot Jack pointed to near the trading dock that would be an ideal place to land and effect repairs.


    The riverboat lurched and swayed dangerously as they recklessly navigated the local waters, the damaged hull protesting with every impact as it knocked against underwater boulders in the shallows as the crew tried to obtain maximum speed, until with a violent lurch that knocked Alora off her feet, the boat slammed into the rocky sand, its momentum sending almost two-thirds of the bulk up the slope of the beach until they were finally moored in place with a final jolt.


    Quickly, anchors and lines were thrown out by the tired crew, using everything at their disposal to hold the riverboat firmly in place and prevent it from sliding back into deeper waters, with two of the River Giants quickly jumping off and driving stakes into the ground. Only when it was clear that the ship wasn¡¯t going anywhere and that they had all escaped the danger from the forest did anyone allow themselves to relax.


    ¡°By Illis¡­¡± Flows-In-Streams finally gasped as she placed a hand on the tarnished railing. ¡°I have never seen such evil as what we just faced. Lady of the Currents, show us mercy, and ferry the souls of the departed past the Final Estuary¡­¡± She gave a quick prayer, closing her eyes out of respect.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what happened¡­¡± Alora tried to comfort the Priestess, who shook her head to stop the Eladrie from continuing.


    ¡°Thank you for your words, however you have nothing to apologise for.¡± The River Giant sighed. ¡°We¡¯ve made this route before without issue, and had no way of knowing that things had changed as bad as they have. Something terrible is occurring here, and if it were not for you we would all likely have perished! I don¡¯t know why you have travelled here, but if it has anything to do with the nightmare we just escaped, I only hope you will somehow avenge our fallen brothers and sisters!¡±


    ¡°We shall certainly do our best.¡± Alora nodded respectfully, keeping the true reason they had come here to themselves.


    ¡°However, I do not know if we can take you back in the state we are in, especially not the way we came,¡± the Priestess continued. ¡°This ship will need to be repaired and our crew has been decimated. It is likely that we shall need to shelter in place until we can send word to our tribe, unless remaining is even more dangerous than attempting to return.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll think of something.¡± Alora gave her best fake reassuring smile, before turning to the others with a look. ¡°However, we had best head to the Corvin trading outpost and find out what is going on.¡±


    ¡°Go on ahead, we¡¯ll be right behind you.¡± The Priestess nodded tiredly. ¡°I would have thought they¡¯d come talk to us by now.¡±


    ¡°Yeeaahh¡­.¡± Nika spoke up, turning from where she was looking at the outpost with her scope, to give Alora a concerned look. Recognising this, the Eladrie politely gave her goodbyes, and led the group to the side out of earshot.


    ¡°We have a problem,¡± Nika bluntly told everyone. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong, I don¡¯t see anyone over there. There¡¯s no smoke or lights on at all, and the gate is wide open.¡±


    ¡°Oh fucking perfect.¡± Sephy groaned. ¡°Today just gets better and better¡­¡±


    We knew this might be a possibility based on what our client told us, Chiyo reminded them. Still, we need to investigate this.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take point.¡± Jack sighed as he brought his plasma rifle up. ¡°No point standing around.¡±


    As the group walked the quarter-mile along the beach, they could more clearly see the solitary dock with rotted planks of wood that extended from the beach into the bay. Though the length of it would have been suitable for latching on several trading vessels at once, there were unfortunately no boats docked for them to commandeer for the return journey.


    ¡°Either we¡¯ve got a lazy-ass workcrew here or this place has been deserted for a while,¡± Sephy pointed out as she idly kicked a frayed bit of rope that had likely once been used to securely latch boats to the dock. ¡°Even if everything else is falling apart, the dock is the one thing you actually need working for a place like this. ¡°


    I sense no lifesigns, Chiyo informed the others, as she bent down and picked at a wicker basket laying in the unkempt grass before tossing it to the side. This place appears deserted.


    ¡°Are you okay with your powers now?¡± Jack asked the Ilithii. ¡°You were having some difficulties earlier when we were attacked.¡±


    Better now that we¡¯re away from those creatures, Chiyo admitted. I don¡¯t know how, but they were somehow able to cloud my abilities. It¡¯s still foggy around here though, my range could be better.


    ¡°Then we shouldn¡¯t rely on them for the time being,¡± Nika told them bluntly as she curiously examined the sandy ground near the lonely dock. ¡°Check this out, we¡¯ve got tracks but they look kinda weird¡­¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Jack asked as he walked up to the Kizun, following her claw to the faded trail in the dirt as he understood her confusion.


    Bending down to take a closer look at the ground, the tracks appeared to him as an odd mix of animal footprints, with something distinctly off about them. At first, he couldn¡¯t place what felt so bizarre to him, before he realised that the shape and size of the prints seemed to change ever so slightly with every step.


    ¡°Surely it¡¯s more than one set¡­¡± He muttered under his breath, looking around for where certain tracks entered or left the path of footsteps they were looking at, but was unconvinced as Nika nodded slowly at him encouragingly, walking parallel to the prints while trying to make sense of it. Though the difference in prints logically indicated multiple entities having travelled along this path, the way they were spaced out suggested a single entity travelled this way, though with an irregularity that suggested a strange, loping stride unlike the steady, rhythmic pattern Jack would have expected of a typical animal.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It looks weird, but outside of the tracking I did with the Scouts, I¡¯m kinda out of my element here,¡± Jack admitted after voicing his findings, shaking with a sigh, disappointed that he couldn¡¯t get his head around what he was looking at.


    ¡°So am I,¡± Nika admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t know what could do this kind of thing, but the depth of the prints varies, like it¡¯s off balance or shifting its weight around.¡±


    ¡°Guys?¡± Alora called from where she was examining the dock more closely. ¡°Might need your help over here, bring the rope!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Sephy asked, turning around from where she and Dante were keeping watch, joining the others as the Eladrie waved them over.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s a boat underwater,¡± Alora told them, pointing at a spot. ¡°Obviously it¡¯s not ideal, but from what I can see it looks intact¡­¡±


    ¡°Just a mild problem of it being sunk, Alora!¡± Sephy quipped, which caused several chuckles to break out.


    ¡°I know that!¡± Alora sighed with a smirk. ¡°But if we can get it out and fix it up¡­¡±


    We have a potential way back, Chiyo reasoned. Though it does look a bit small¡­


    ¡°Can¡¯t hurt.¡± Jack shrugged as he walked up to the shore. ¡°I can dive in and fish it out.¡±


    ¡°Jack, are you sure?¡± Alora asked. ¡°I was going to suggest trying to latch onto it with a rope and pull it. You¡¯ll catch a chill if you go in there!¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯ve already lost your clothes from the fight with The Redeemer!¡± Sephy added, before grinning mischievously. ¡°Heh, sounds like a fun plot for a porno though!¡±


    ¡°By the gods!¡± Alora groaned, quickly covering her poor ears with her hands at the Skritta¡¯s suggestion. ¡°What is wrong with you Sephy!?¡±


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t be such a prude!¡± Sephy cackled. ¡°I¡¯ve seen your soppy romance novels!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about!¡± Alora snapped back red-faced, a little too quickly to convince anybody of the lie.


    Chuckling under his breath, Jack held out his hand and envisioned his intentions in his mind as he whispered ¡°Rope.¡± Sure enough, a thick bundle of polyester rope appeared in his arms, and he quickly tied one end off to a nearby post that looked stable enough despite its half-rotten state obscuring what it was once for. He gave the rope a quick tug before carrying the slack to the water¡¯s edge, rethinking what he was planning for a moment before turning around and looking to Chiyo, who looked back at him with a smirk as they both simultaneously worked out a better solution.


    ¡°On second thought, maybe I won¡¯t go swimming today!¡± He grinned, tying it into a loop and holding it up. ¡°Would you mind, Chiyo?¡±


    Easily done!¡± The Ilithii smirked back as she telekinetically guided the loop under water and latched it around the prow before Jack gave the rope a tug, with the others quickly moving to assist him as they carefully dragged it to shore.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s what sunk it.¡± Nika nodded at the single large gash on the bottom of the rowboat. ¡°Still, it shouldn''t be too hard to patch up, though it won¡¯t fit all of us comfortably.¡±


    ¡°Uncomfortable and alive works for me.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Though perhaps we could attach rafts if we need to. Would that work?¡±


    ¡°Maybe, but it would be slow going,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°Not to mention the danger.¡±


    Speaking of danger¡­Chiyo began, inspecting the gash. Look, this hole was punctured from the inside! Maybe by a claw or something?


    ¡°That¡¯s not a good sign.¡± Sephy pointed out the obvious. ¡°Definitely deliberate, there aren¡¯t any other holes in the thing.¡±


    ¡°This is worrying, but we won¡¯t accomplish much by staying here,¡± Alora told them, indicating the beginning of a dirt path in the grassy dune at the top of the backshore. ¡°Let¡¯s check out the outpost proper and find out what we can.¡±


    Climbing up the slope, the group quickly headed along the path towards the small cluster of buildings arranged in a protective circular formation, surrounded by a shallow ditch that ran all around, filled with what must have once been sharp, wooden stakes at one point, which now simply lay in a heap, likely knocked about by past wind and rain. However, as the group cautiously crossed the dirt bridge to get past the ditch, it looked as if efforts had been made to create a palisade fence to fully enclose the buildings, though it only looked about a quarter of the way complete, focused on the far side from the dock.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Jack called out, knowing that they hadn¡¯t exactly been stealthy in their approach. ¡°Anyone here?¡±


    There was no response. The entire outpost was dead quiet, with not even an animal stirring.


    ¡°Well, it was worth a try!¡± He rolled his eyes, hiding his slight embarrassment as four girls and one ¡®dog¡¯ looked at him with incredulous expressions. ¡°Who knows? Maybe some dude¡¯s asleep or something? It totally could have worked!¡±


    ¡°We should clear the buildings while we¡¯re here,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Especially if we want to come back this way once we¡¯re done.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Our client did raise concerns that he was unable to contact the people here as well as at the shrine, which means they should have a means of communicating long range.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯d keep it in the main building, likely in the quarters of whoever was in charge,¡± Sephy told them as she quickly knelt down and fumbled in her bag, taking out one of her drones, and setting it to fly above them for some overwatch. ¡°But it would need a power source, along with the rest of this place.¡±


    Any logs or records they have might give us an idea of what is going on, Chiyo added.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack added. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m getting worried that there aren¡¯t any bodies yet¡­¡±


    Deciding to check the largest rectangular building to their left upon entering the outpost, Jack took point at the large, simple double doors closest to the dock. Constructed of mud brick walls, he noted that there didn¡¯t seem to be any windows, but there was a pungent smell lingering in the air around it. Deciding not to waste any time, Jack carefully prodded at one of the doors which easily creaked open without any resistance. Quickly stepping back and out of the fatal funnel, Jack scanned the large room for threats, finding none as he pushed in, heading down a short flight of steps as he was followed by the others.


    At the bottom of the steps was a large, darkened area with a stone floor, lit only by the daylight coming through the door thay had just entered through. The temperature was cool and the stench of what Jack realised was rotting food was particularly pungent amidst the warehouse, which lacked any interior walls except for a few short partitions to separate different piles of crates and barrels, though plenty of debris and refuse was strewn about the floor, squelching under their feet at the members of the group spread out and cleared the room, careful not to go too far from one another.


    ¡°Most of this is rotted away, but some of the containers still look fully sealed,¡± Sephy whispered over their shared comms. ¡°Might be useful if we¡¯re here longer than expected. Shame we can¡¯t take something this big with us, but the River Giants at least might appreciate the extra provisions while they repair their boat.¡±


    Agreed, a shame we haven¡¯t been able to get a dimensional storage of our own, Chiyo lamented as she cleared another partitioned section. Still, we might be able to buy one after this job for next time.


    ¡°Cut the chatter,¡± Nika abruptly told them as they made it to the back wall of the warehouse from the right, spotting Jack doing the same thing on the left. ¡°I think I hear something.¡±


    ¡°Moving up,¡± Sephy whispered, with similar sentiments coming from the others. ¡°What do you hear?¡±


    Jack listened out as well, and realised he could just about hear something as well, sounding like the ticking of crickets which got ever louder as he pushed up, just as the decayed stench of the room got even worse, causing him to scrunch up his nose. ¡°Something¡¯s not right here,¡± he agreed, taking note of where the others were as he prepared to shoot.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s coming from the partition over there,¡± Alora pointed with her wand over the low fencing, towards an area at the back, with a mound of some kind that seemed to seep over the surrounding partitions.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Nika nodded as she pushed forward, Jack doing the same on the opposite side as they got a closer look. ¡°Yuck, it¡¯s a pile of grain, looks like it¡¯s been here a while, but what¡¯s causing that-¡±


    Without warning, a small shape burst from the pile, their wings beating furiously as they darted straight towards Jack. The sudden movement triggered the rest of the nest, and soon a small swarm of the screeching creatures began to form, their cries echoed off the wooden walls barely a nanosecond before Jack opened fire, easily dropping the first creature which crashed against the wall next to him before he aimed for the nest, spotting several wriggling forms struggling to escape as Nika and Sephy dispatched several others flying in the sky, before following suit, quickly melting the nest and cooking anything still in it with plasma fire.


    ¡°Pyrallis!¡± Alora called out as her firesnake zipped through the air and quickly dropped many of the creatures, using her Ring of Fire Absorption to make sure the flames didn¡¯t spread beyond what was necessary, while Dante zapped another one with his electricity, and Chiyo used her telekinetic power to dispatch the rest, grabbing the small creatures out of the air and smashing them against the nearest hard surface. ¡°Any more?¡± She called out.


    ¡°Looks like that¡¯s it,¡± Jack confirmed as he looked at the dead creature on the ground by his feet. It was a small, bat-like creature the size of a cat with a bloated abdomen and thin leathery wings and an elongated, needle-like proboscises, almost like an overgrown mosquito, with a dry, cracked shell and two bulging, bug-like eyes. ¡°What the hell were these things?¡± He asked.


    Stirges, Chiyo explained. They normally like marshland and settle around bogs, but abandoned places like this work too. Insects with no real minds to speak of, so I couldn¡¯t detect them.


    ¡°Well, it all worked out.¡± Jack nodded, feeling strangely at ease from their success against the creatures. ¡°This place has definitely been abandoned for a while.¡±


    ¡°Did anyone see any bodies?¡± Alora asked, only for the others to shake their heads.


    ¡°Large buildings like this would be hard to defend,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°But there¡¯s still a lot of stuff here.¡±


    ¡°Alright, next building?¡± Sephy proposed and the group nodded, returning back the way they came from, heading up the stairs back to the daylight. ¡°At least this one has windows.¡± She pointed to another large single-storey building on the opposite side of the dirt path.


    Jack quickly moved up to take a careful look at the window, planting himself against the wall as he took a peek. ¡°Looks like a mess hall,¡± he told them. ¡°Can¡¯t see anything bad. There¡¯s a couple of tables, and a back door, probably leading to the kitchen area.¡±


    ¡°Very well, stack up and get ready to clear this quickly,¡± Alora told them all as she took position behind Jack, with Nika, Sephy and Chiyo on the opposite side of the door. Nika led the way, opening the door quietly and making entry, covering her angles as the rest followed.


    ¡°Clear!¡± The Kizun whispered to them as she edged her way around the side wall to check behind the counter, finding nothing as she waved the others to come join her, having found a kitchen door. They all stacked up again and quickly cleared the kitchen, finding nothing bad or of any value to them, even after checking the cupboards. There was also a door leading outside behind the building where it looks like kitchen scraps and other rubbish was disposed of in the nearby ditch.


    More rotten food and no bodies, Chiyo noted as they returned to the main dining area, giving the place a more thorough check now it had been cleared of bad guys. But check out the plates on the tables here, it¡¯s like people were halfway through their meal or something, though it¡¯s hard to see now that it¡¯s gone bad.


    ¡°Yeah, and nothing spilled either,¡± Jack noted, seeing the cutlery either already on the dish or placed neatly to the side of it. ¡°A bunch of these tables aren¡¯t used, could this have been a night shift that ate here?¡±


    ¡°Probably just kept them there unused until they get guests.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°I doubt I¡¯d bother with packing them up if you have the space.


    ¡°Regardless, there¡¯s nothing here.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Next building.¡±


    Returning outside back the way they came, the group continued up the path, passing a lone wheeled cart with nothing on it as they passed the edge of the first two buildings they had already cleared, which opened up onto a small open area with a well in the centre, which an intact plastic bucket and a rope. To their left was a completed portion of the palisade wall with another dirt bridge that opened out to the wilderness, flanked on either side by a bare wooden gazebo, likely for the purposes of acting as a guest area for visitors or for conducting business relatively safely. On the other side was another long building, and tucked away behind it were the remaining buildings - a small shed, a few outhouses precariously located next to the ditch, and a two-storey building protected by the palisade wall.


    ¡°That shed probably has the generator,¡± Sephy spoke up, pointing to the wires stapled along the palisade wall, which seemed to curve along to both the two-storey building and the long building. ¡°Which do we clear first?¡±


    ¡°Take the long building first,¡± Nika requested. ¡°Have your drone scan the two-storey while we do.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Sephy agreed, mentally commanding her drone while stacking up on one of the two doors of the long, rectangular building.


    The windows have blinds down. Chiyo noted as she floated up to take a look. I don¡¯t sense anything.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see what we¡¯ve got!¡± Sephy grinned, with a nod from Nika on the other door as they all made entry, immediately spotting several rows of bunk beds and recognising the building as a barracks or living quarters.


    ¡°Clear!¡± Alora called as she checked the beds in her sector, as the others confirmed everything was clear on their ends too.


    ¡°Still no bodies or any sign of what¡¯s going on here!¡± Jack exclaimed.


    ¡°I agree, this doesn¡¯t bode well.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s check the shed and the house. If there¡¯s anything around here that¡¯ll tell us what¡¯s going on I suspect it¡¯ll be the latter.¡±


    ¡°Drone isn¡¯t detecting anything there.¡± Sephy pointed out as she rummaged through one of the bedside tables, pocketing the credsticks as she did. ¡°A lot of personal belongings here as well. Once we¡¯ve cleared everything else and confirmed we won¡¯t get any angry Corvin employees objecting to it, we¡¯re totally coming back here for the loot.¡±


    ¡°Answers first.¡± Alora sternly retorted before smirking slightly. ¡°But also yes.¡±


    ¡°Shed¡¯s clear!¡± Nika confirmed as she peered around with the gun. ¡°What about with you?¡±


    ¡°Nobody died on the shitter at least!¡± Jack called back with a dry chuckle as he cleared the outhouses with Chiyo, carefully sliding down the ditch to check the last one which had been blown over by the wind. ¡°All clear here!¡±


    ¡°Awesome, come back to us,¡± Nika told them. ¡°You¡¯re gonna want to see this.¡±


    The contents of the maintenance shed looked practical but unremarkable, especially when considering Jack¡¯s gauntlets. Still, the assortment of tools looked well kept and maintained, with a few that even looked big enough for the River Giants to use. At the very least the spare planks, nails and barrels of tar would help. However, it was at the back where the group was directing their attention, as the outpost generator was smashed to pieces, with several of the nearby shelves knocked over, and a large hole in the wall broken from the outside.


    There is no doubt in my mind that this was deliberate sabotage, Chiyo told the others grimly. An animal would cause more destruction or leave a trace.


    ¡°I agree.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s clear the main building now.¡±


    Clearing the main doors and pushing in, the group found a foyer leading to a large chamber that looked like some kind of reception area, and looking up they could see that the space was open to the second floor, with two flights of stairs leading to a gallery overlooking the floor. Several doors at the sides of the reception were quickly checked and the rooms cleared, being several small private offices and personal living quarters for different middle managers with simple, modest furniture, using what looked to Jack like analogue typewriters and paper rather than any terminals, and though there were charging points for electronic devices, they didn¡¯t spot any.


    ¡°No communication equipment here, let¡¯s clear the second floor,¡± Alora ordered, carefully leading the way while the others kept their eyes open for any movement from the gallery above, though fortunately none came. As they got to the top of the stairs they immediately made a beeline past the open-plan meeting area for the single room at the back, ignoring the relatively bare gallery which only had a few benches, leading Jack to question the practical use of the two-storey building outside of stroking an ego.


    ¡°Making entry,¡± he announced after they all stacked up on him. Quickly opening the door and slicing the pie for any threats, he moved in and cleared the corners of the lavish-looking office, before checking the room behind it, which were just some personal quarters.


    ¡°Found the communications suite,¡± Sephy announced.


    Pointing to a corner of the room, the large, chunky monstrosity of levers and dials had clearly suffered the same fate as the generator, having been smashed to bits in much the same way.


    ¡°Artifex¡± Jack whispered, hovering his hand over the device while his gauntlet¡¯s magic did its trick. ¡°Yeah it¡¯s fucked, but if the River Giants have the right tools and a power source they might be able to send out a distress signal.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll let them know when they get here,¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Something bad clearly happened here, but what, we don¡¯t know.


    Well, if it has anything to do with why we¡¯ve been sent here, Chiyo retorted grimly, I suspect we¡¯ll soon find out.

 Chapter 131: Enter The Wilderness

    ¡°So what the hell do we think happened?¡± Sephy asked as they turned away from the remaining crew of the Siltskimmer, who waved them a nervous farewell as they crossed the dirt bridge towards the untamed wilderness ahead.


    The group had given the River Giants a brief rundown of what they had discovered as they were scouring the outpost for materials, having already quickly looted what they could beforehand. They didn¡¯t get much of a haul at all, with Chiyo theorising that most valuables the employees had would likely be kept in holding while they were deployed. Despite this, they were able to ¡®liberate¡¯ a few credsticks from some drawers, likely accidentally brought over by workers who couldn¡¯t spend them, unless they were used for light gambling. There were also some small bags of various drugs which Alora grudgingly packed away to later sell, and some basic sentimental items that could be sold at a pawn shop, but Sephy had found something a little better...


    Curiously, Jack had a hard time finding clothes he could put on over his armour after his previous outfit got destroyed in the fight with The Redeemer, no matter how many cupboards and drawers he checked. It was only when Sephy started checking underneath the mattresses in the barracks that she discovered a few Corvin Enterprise uniforms hidden between the bedframes, though unfortunately none of them were appropriate for Jack¡¯s size and build. When questioned about the uniforms, the Skritta had argued that they¡¯d be worth something to anyone needing to disguise themselves as Corvin Employees, and got Jack to tightly pack the clothes in a ¡®Ranger Roll¡¯ so they didn¡¯t take much room in the backpacks.


    ¡°While it is a possibility the outpost was abandoned¡­¡± Alora began unsurely. ¡°It doesn¡¯t corroborate with what our client told us. He said he tried to contact this place and didn¡¯t receive anything.¡±


    There is definitely some foul play involved here. Chiyo closed her eyes for a moment, in deep thought. Though everything is strange. There were no signs of a struggle, and no bodies either.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nika nodded in agreement. ¡°But we had a busted boat, generator and communication suite too. I think we can all agree that was all the result of some kind of sabotage.¡±


    Heads around all nodded. Even Dante seemed to make a show of agreeing with the Kizun.


    ¡°But for what reason?¡± Jack asked rhetorically. ¡°Anyone see any tracks?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately not.¡± Nika shook her head. ¡°The bare ground here is dry and cracked, though it doesn¡¯t mean our missing staff didn¡¯t come this way.¡±


    ¡°Or anything else.¡± Sephy shuddered.


    ¡°Hey, Dante? I don¡¯t suppose you have a scent you could follow?¡± Jack asked the ¡®dog¡¯, who for their part simply looked up at the human and cocked his head with a quiet whine.


    ¡°If we can¡¯t find anything right now, let¡¯s stick to the mission,¡± Alora interjected. ¡°We need to get to the shrine or as close as we can before dark.¡±


    ¡°How far was it again?¡± Jack asked.


    We calculated it would be about 47 miles to get to the shrine, Chiyo confirmed with a sigh, clearly having not looked forward to this bit of the journey.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯d better make a start then!¡± Nika grinned, as she gently shoved her friends to get them moving. ¡°There¡¯s a slight hill up ahead, let¡¯s start by getting to the top of that and taking a look at what we¡¯re working with.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed with a bark, happy to be in front.


    Really? You want us to start with a hill? Chiyo grumbled, though only slightly as she knew it was the wisest first move.


    ¡°It¡¯s hardly the worst thing we could be dealing with.¡± Alora chuckled, as the group settled into a steady pace, heading inland by following a faintly trodden path through the overgrown meadow towards a line of trees up ahead.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s about time we got something good.¡± Sephy smiled slightly, pointing ahead of them. ¡°And if I¡¯m not mistaken we might have found it! Check it out!¡±


    At the end of the trodden path was a pair of moderately-sized trees with spiny branches and greenish-blue, lemon-shaped fruit. A few had fallen to the ground to spoil, and Jack could see a few more that had probably been pecked at by birds.


    ¡°Huh. Anyone know what they are?¡± He asked curiously. Though they had packed food for the journey, it was still practical to use what was potentially at hand rather than digging into reserves.


    I¡¯m pretty sure they¡¯re kasavo, Chiyo told them. It would make sense for there to be a path if people from the outpost came here to pick these.


    ¡°Not poisonous? Nothing bad if we eat them?¡± Jack asked, knowing it was unlikely, but knowing it was best to be sure.


    Chiyo smirked and picked one off a branch, sinking her teeth into the fruit and picking out the stone in the centre. All good!


    Jack tried one, biting it cautiously, before his eyes widened at the taste, some kind of mix between refreshing mint, sweet plum and soft banana. ¡°Oh shit, that''s pretty good!¡±


    ¡°Better pocket what you can then!¡± Alora told them. ¡°They¡¯ll definitely keep your energy levels up! And keep the stones, I might try to grow them or give them to Rayle.¡±


    ¡°Damn, I missed fresh fruit¡­¡± Nika sighed to herself as she ate another kasavo. ¡°Pain in the ass to get in the city unless you¡¯re friends with a Greenwarden or have deep pockets. So much better than that synthesised crap you buy in the store.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°Sometimes you don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve been missing until you experience it.¡±


    ¡°Well, this was a good find,¡± Alora told them, ¡°but we¡¯re not sticking around, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Climbing the hill was a relatively simple affair for all of them, as it was a gentle slope with no loose stones or gnarled tree roots to mess with their footing, simply tall grasses and wildflowers with a few conifers shooting out of the ground. It was a beautiful sight of nature, and the group barely noticed when they had reached the top of the hill in good time.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re here.¡± Alora sighed, leading the group to a solitary large rock where she sat down and took a sip of water. ¡°Let¡¯s see what¡¯s around and hope it¡¯ll make sense on the maps we¡¯ve got.¡±


    At a glance, it looks like mostly flat ground. Chiyo observed, as they looked down at the wild, untamed expanse before them. It matches the contours on the map.


    ¡°Makes sense if this used to be farmland,¡± Jack added before pointing at a relatively straight row of bushes and trees close to the hill. ¡°And look, over there look like a hedge to me, probably a remnant of a farm, with anything in between being one-time farmer¡¯s fields.¡±


    ¡°If we follow the hedgerows there¡¯ll probably be gates between the fields, or at least a gap where one was.¡± Nika shrugged as she put together her sniper rifle, talking from experience. ¡°Depending on how inhabited this place once was there may even be a road. Probably is, if the Corvin Outpost had the capacity for a large amount of goods.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you see it, that¡¯ll be great.¡± Alora nodded before sighing. ¡°We could have done with bringing some good binoculars instead of relying on scopes.¡±


    Isn¡¯t hindsight wonderful? Chiyo quipped with a smirk. But the scopes are still fine for our needs.


    ¡°Hey guys, do you want me to get a drone out?¡± Sephy asked as she looked up from where she was aiming down her rifle.


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Nika pondered from where she was taking notes on what she could see. ¡°It could give us an edge while we¡¯re navigating out in the open, but it could draw attention to ourselves. There¡¯s definitely a threat out there, and we have no idea what it is.¡±


    ¡°All the more reason to have it up,¡± Jack argued. ¡°The overwatch is too good, and though it could draw attention to us, it could also give us some warning when we get it.¡±


    Would it even be that easy to spot? Chiyo pointed out. Impossible during the night but even in daytime it might be hard to see.


    ¡°Sephy, do one drone, preferably one harder to spot.¡± Alora nodded to the Skritta.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Sephy grinned, reaching into one of her leg pockets and pulling out a black device the size of a smartphone. Jack almost assumed it was one until Sephy began unfolding the separate arms of the mini quadcopter and interfacing with something unseen, before the drone quietly flared to life and hovered in front of her, awaiting commands. ¡°This is my smallest one I normally use in the city, but it¡¯ll do here. I¡¯ve only got a basic camera on this one but it¡¯s better than nothing.¡±


    ¡°How many drones do you even have?¡± Jack asked curiously.


    ¡°On me right now? Three, including this one.¡± Sephy smirked.


    ¡°That should be fine, Sephy,¡± Alora interrupted. ¡°Send it up!¡±


    The drone buzzed slightly as it rapidly gained elevation, hovering above them as a small black mass, looking like a bird frozen in time as it remained in position.


    ¡°Everyone should be able to access the camera feed on their commlink,¡± Sephy added. ¡°Should be handy for working out where to go.¡±


    ¡°Excellent.¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Nika, Jack. Have you spotted anything? Landmarks perhaps?¡±


    ¡°Might have a few remnants of buildings in the far distance,¡± Jack noted, looking through his scope. ¡°I can¡¯t tell much from it, it looks mostly run down but I think I can see a stone structure, like an old watchtower or something up ahead.¡±


    ¡°Marked.¡± Sephy nodded to Alora, placing a ¡®pin¡¯ on their virtual map as she scanned from the skies with her drone.


    ¡°Do you guys see that massive tree in the distance?¡± Nika asked, and everyone else followed the direction she was pointing with her gun. To Jack it looked like a solitary, ancient oak tree standing alone in the middle of a distant field, its massive trunk and sprawling branches a stark contrast to the open land surrounding it. ¡°Sort of towards where we¡¯re heading, but we want to stay to the left side of it. Good natural landmark to keep an eye on while we move, it¡¯s kinda hard to miss.¡±


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    Do we see anything else? Chiyo asked, and the group took a good look around to look for anything of interest. Nothing else particularly stood out to them from where they were, simply gazing out at the sweeping, expansive wilderness below them, long untamed.


    ¡°Aside from nature and the quiet desolation, not really.¡± Alora shook her head. ¡°But at least we don¡¯t see any hostiles.¡± She smiled, trying to reassure the group.


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re not there,¡± Nika warned grimly. ¡°Keep your guard up.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed.


    ¡°Can¡¯t blame a girl for trying to lighten the mood.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s head down, but be careful. We¡¯ll aim for the stone tower in the distance.¡±


    Leading the way, they found the descent much more difficult than the climb up as they navigated the unstable ground and thorny bushes without incident, before the terrain began to level out once again into the wild, overgrown fields that stretched out before them.


    ¡°Damn, this tall grass is going to be a pain,¡± Jack cursed as he hopped on his toes to get a better look around. ¡°Hope we don¡¯t run into any wild pokemon!¡±


    Pardon? I haven¡¯t heard of poke-oh¡­ Chiyo sighed, being reminded of Jack¡¯s tendency to reference things nobody knew about apart from him.


    ¡°At least the grass isn¡¯t taller than us.¡± Nika shrugged, as she brought her gun up at the ready. ¡°Still, it¡¯s best to follow the hedge line, we can always force our way through it if we need to.¡±


    As the group headed along the hedgerow, Jack could feel the air around them filled with the scent of earth, with the occasional sweet aroma of wildflowers. Insects of bright gold and red buzzed around them without a care, and he thought he saw tiny furry critters rustling through the underbrush out of the corner of his eye, barely visible as they scurried away, though he never got a good look at any of them.


    They kept the chatter to a minimum, listening and observing their surroundings as they walked in a loose line, but so far there was nothing out of the ordinary. Nika pointed out a few subtle signs that indicated old pathways or crumbled thoroughfares as she led the way, and soon their initial trepidation faded as they settled into their momentum, birds chirping overhead as they trod a clear path through the dense vegetation.


    As they hiked through the countryside, they passed a few minor points of interest. In the middle of one of the fields they found an old, dry well marked by a ring of crumbled moss-covered stones, which Chiyo advised they did not drink from, not that they needed to. Nearby they found the remains of an ancient wooden handcart, long reclaimed by nature, a stark reminder of the land¡¯s past.


    Eventually they made it out of the old fields without incident. The stone structure Jack had spotted on the hill was now much more visible to them, peaking just above the treeline in the distance, and they used it to periodically check their bearings to ensure they stayed on course as they encountered knee-high patches of tangled weeds that slowed them down, and thorny brambles that tore at their clothing, though fortunately their armour kept them from spiking themselves from the barbs.


    ¡°What we really need is an old dirt road we can walk down.¡± Alora sighed as Jack pushed a hole through another hedge. ¡°We are on a time limit after all.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an obvious place for an ambush,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°But I agree. Sadly we haven¡¯t found one yet, but we might find one eventually. We¡¯re fine on time though. It¡¯s finding a good spot to camp for the night I¡¯m worried about!¡±


    There was a small stream on the maps we got, Chiyo reasoned. That would be easier to find no? Listen for water and be aware of where the ground is at its lowest.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯ll be easier going later, but I think we¡¯ve just got to tough it out for now.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Let¡¯s just get to that watchtower then we can work out our next move.¡±


    ¡°Yeah we¡¯ve got a path ahead.¡± Sephy nodded in agreement. ¡°I can see a way through on the drone. Suck it up people!¡±


    The group eventually picked up the pace as they got used to the winding path they needed to take through the former fields, before eventually the hazardous hedges grew more sparse, as the fields began to open up into wild, sparse plains with brown grasses that stretched out for a few miles around them, though they did occasionally still see signs of habitation once in a while.


    ¡°This was probably once set aside for livestock.¡± Nika theorised as they passed a cairn of stones that once made up a long wall.


    ¡°I guess they decided not to hang around,¡± Jack quipped, looking around and spotting nothing.


    That¡¯s a good point. Chiyo ¡®spoke¡¯ up, thinking about something. We¡¯ve heard insects or birds but no animals to speak of.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re not around, Chiyo,¡± Alora reasoned. ¡°Many would have heard us a mile away and are probably hiding. And even if that¡¯s not the case, we haven¡¯t been here for that long.¡±


    ¡°Why? Want to bring one back with us, Chiyo?¡± Sephy grinned.


    Gods no! The Ilithii scoffed. The ones we have are too much as it is!


    Dante let out a little whine next to her.


    Oh don¡¯t you start! Chiyo looked at the ¡®dog¡¯, but couldn¡¯t help but let slip a slight smile, and eventually gave him a playful scratch behind the ears.


    They crossed the prairie without incident, though everyone was on edge about being in the open and potentially being spotted. They eventually breathed a collective sigh of relief as they reached a moderate copse of trees dominated by the huge oak-like tree that Nika had spotted while on the hill. Though it slightly deviated from their route, it was agreed that it was safer to take a break there than in the open.


    They knew that as well as serving as a way station for river traffic, the Corvin Enterprises outpost they had landed at had facilities to cater for potential nomads, hermits or smaller communities in the area wishing to trade, but so far they had seen no sign of their existence.


    ¡°You seem particularly fascinated by that tree, Alora,¡± Jack quipped, watching the Eladrie place a palm against the tree while he and the others had drinks and ate a few sweets Sephy had ¡®liberated¡¯ from the Corvin shuttle ride to keep them going.


    ¡°It must have been here for so long¡­¡± Alora spoke as if in awe, before turning back to them. ¡°I was just checking for signs of magic out of curiosity. This copse was probably planted and blessed by a passing druid at some point in the past.¡±


    ¡°So this is the kind of thing druids do when bored?¡± Sephy rolled her eyes. ¡°Sounds kinda lame to me. Are we good to go?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡± Everyone agreed.


    ¡°Well that tower looks fucked,¡± Nika pointed out to the rest of the group about twenty minutes later as they continued across the rolling plains to a set of collapsed buildings surrounded by a few more hedges that was likely a small hamlet or farm in the past.


    That¡¯s because it isn¡¯t a tower, Chiyo observed as they finally got to the stone building, getting a better look at the weathered structure. It¡¯s a silo, probably for grain or something.


    ¡°Oh, my bad,¡± Jack apologised, having been the one to spot it. ¡°I never realised.¡±


    ¡°No apology needed.¡± Nika chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s not like any of us could have known at that distance either.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all good, I reckon I can climb that.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Or maybe you can toss me in the air again, Jack, and I can land on top of the thing!¡±


    ¡°I swear ¡®Sephy Tossing¡¯ is becoming your favourite sport at this point.¡± Alora chuckled as Sephy moved to climb up onto Jack¡¯s interlocked palms.


    But not before they all heard something in the distance, like some kind of whooshing sound that caused them to snap their heads around.


    Shit! Hide! Chiyo warned, spurring them into action as a group of three large flying objects broke over the horizon and headed in their direction.


    ¡°In the silo!¡± Alora ordered, and Jack and Sephy immediately vaulted the lowest point of the collapsed silo and crouched down in the shadows, quickly followed by the others as the Eladrie cast a quick spell to bend the light around them to blend them into the background.


    Everyone waited in silence as the sounds of great flapping wingbeats drew closer, before quickly flying over them in a huge gust of wind. Nobody made a sound for several seconds as the sounds faded off into the distance once more.


    ¡°Fucking Plague Drakes!¡± Nika cursed. ¡°More of them!¡±


    They were likely on patrol, Chiyo reasoned. Though why here of all places is beyond me. We could have taken them, but it¡¯s best not to attract any undue attention.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Alora nodded, letting out a long breath. ¡°Let¡¯s wait for a little bit longer to make sure they don¡¯t circle back around, and then let¡¯s go. We have a few more hours until the nightcycle starts.¡±


    ¡°So is this place Blighttooth¡¯s territory?¡± Jack asked, trying to work out what the situation was.


    ¡°No.¡± Nika shook her head. ¡°Corvin Enterprises wouldn¡¯t have settled anywhere near here if it was, though he could have moved. If he did, something would have picked him up and people would know about it. I reckon those Plague Drakes were scouts, maybe to investigate this place.¡±


    And don¡¯t forget that the Zorn we faced seemed to be running away from something, even when backed up by Plague Drakes, Chiyo added. Whatever is going on, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s them.


    ¡°So it¡¯s something else.¡± Jack nodded, before sighing. ¡°But what?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the question.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s make sure we can handle the answer.¡±


    ¡°Jack?¡± Sephy asked the human, indicating the top of the silo.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Jack grinned, as he prepared to yeet the Skritta into the air once again¡­


    After Sephy had confirmed there were yet more fields with the terrain looking more treacherous, the group quickly fanned out to check the nearby collapsed buildings for about a minute, finding nothing of significance amongst the rubble before deciding to quickly move on.


    ¡°We¡¯ve made it a good quarter of the way distance-wise,¡± Nika informed the others. ¡°But it only gets trickier from here. Still, we¡¯ve got to make as much distance as we can before we need to camp.


    Fortunately they found the remnants of what looked to Jack like a deer trail leading away from the old silo, which made for easy travel as they got back to hiking, putting some miles between them and the silo, the air around them growing cooler as they found themselves wading through thicker vegetation once again.


    ¡°Sephy, I take it there isn¡¯t a better path around this?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Sorry, doesn¡¯t look like it.¡± The Skritta shook her head. ¡°This is the most direct route, and I couldn¡¯t see anything better from the silo. Weren¡¯t any real landmarks to work with either.¡±


    ¡°Better tough it out then.¡± Jack sighed as he led the way, the once-flat farmland giving way to rolling hills and rocky outcrops which did slow them down.


    Despite this, they maintained a steady pace, navigating the uneven ground with care. The tall grass that had been brushing their ankles became sparser, as it was replaced by thick, hardy shrubs cropping out of the ground and patches of bare earth. Occasional clusters of jagged rocks protruded from the soil, and Jack cursed more than once as he rolled his ankles.


    He began to feel the cold too. While the others had a few layers of clothes over their armour, his tacticool outfit had been completely destroyed, and as such he only had the battleskin undersuit with heavy armour on top. Great in a fight, but Jack found it hard to keep warm, and already began to feel the onset of a cold coming on as the plains became increasingly hilly with steeper inclines and descents.


    We¡¯re going to need to think about where we want to stop soon, Chiyo spoke up. We¡¯ll need to be concealed above all else.


    ¡°The crook of one of these hills might have to be it¡­¡± Jack began, before suddenly, a chilling, otherworldly sound echoed across the plains. It was like a shrill, piercing wail that seemed to come from all directions at once, and sent shivers down their spines.


    ¡°What the fuck was that?¡± Sephy asked, drawing her plasma rifle.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Alora whispered back. ¡°We should move.¡±


    They carried on in silence, senses on alert with only the rustle of the wind for company, until about ten minutes later, the eerie, bone-chilling scream shot out all around them.


    Dante growled, looking all around them with his teeth bared, but unable to focus on any one point. Everyone else scanned the area for anything, only seeing hardy brown grasses that went up to their knees, and a few thick shrubs¡­


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing around¡­¡± Jack spoke slowly, raising his hands in warning, stopping the others. ¡°But.,.¡±


    Jack wasn¡¯t able to finish that thought, as suddenly one of the bushes nearby moved, revealing an emaciated sickly-yellow being, a Zorn, who quickly brought what looked like a clump of bone to his lips, before blowing as loudly as he could, blasting that same, deathly wail.


    ¡°BWAAAAAAAAA!¡± A new noise yelled out in a battle cry.


    And all around them, the battle cries of many more Zorn followed it¡­

 Chapter 132: Disturbing Discoveries

    ¡°What the hell?!¡± Sephy yelled in shock, quickly bringing her plasma rifle to bear as the ground stirred all around them, revealing several Zorn standing up, camouflage still stuck to them like a second skin.


    ¡°Back to back!¡± Alora ordered them all as she quickly drew a wand out of her robes. ¡°In a circle! Stay close and cover each other!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let them get up!¡± Nika growled out in a challenge as she quickly drew her plasma rifle, letting loose a burst towards a shape in the earth that was rising up. ¡°Put them down!¡±


    Be careful, there¡¯s a lot of them! Chiyo called out as she gathered her power.


    ¡°Good thing I have a lot of ammo!¡± Jack growled as a liberal blast from his heavy plasma rifle obliterated two of the closest Zorn charging at him and Chiyo, before something pinged off of his armour. Looking down, he saw a crude arrow clattering to the ground, with one of the Zorn having shot at him with a shortbow or crossbow of some kind.


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± Sephy called back, regaining her confidence as she crouched down, putting an accurate burst of plasma into the chest of another Zorn, who stumbled but kept coming with a determined snarl, until Sephy fired a follow-up burst that took its head clean off.


    Huh.


    That was unusual.


    Zorn weren¡¯t known for pain tolerance or that kind of willingness to stay in the fight, and Sephy has never fought any that defied those traits before.


    ¡°Careful with these ones!¡± She called out to the others, erring on the side of caution. ¡°Something¡¯s off!¡±


    ¡°Pyrallis!¡± Alora yelled out as a jet of fire from her wand lanced out, zigzagging and slamming into yet more Zorn that seemed to all be rising out of every patch of dirt around them! The Zorn clearly felt it, but they did nothing to stop it from burning them as the closest one closed the distance, forcing Alora to quickly chant a brief prayer and summon her spear of faith, where the muscle memory of her combat drills growing up forced her to use the tip of her spear to parry the Zorn¡¯s own before catching the monster under the jaw using their own momentum, forcing the point up through its mouth into its brain.


    ¡°Getting really sick and tired of you ooga boogas,¡± Nika growled to herself as she rapidly switched to her shotgun, blasting another Zorn¡¯s legs from under it.


    We need to move! Chiyo warned, as she used her power to halt the flight of several arrows fired towards Jack that had been dunked in excrement, before flinging them right back to sender. Dante gave a loud barking challenge as his markings lit up, and he discharged a fierce bolt of lightning that slammed into another Zorn before forking out and bouncing into several more, which seemed to be very effective.


    ¡°Back the way we came!¡± Alora ordered. Though they had obviously been tracked that way, at least they knew there weren¡¯t any traps lying in wait back there. ¡°Stay to-¡±


    Suddenly there were several loud bellows, as several large, bottle-green cat-like reptiles burst from the ground ahead, which they recognised as Zorn mounts complete with yelling riders. Several more sounds joined it, making a cacophony of malevolent-sounding snarls and barks as several more creatures popped out of the ground. These smaller beings resembled some kind of canine, with sickly pale-yellow skin, beady feral eyes and a snarling maw of thick, powerful teeth that reminded him of pit bulls from his home world.


    ¡°What the fuck!?¡± Jack exclaimed as he flicked the switch for his underbarrel grenade launcher, the *THWOOP* of the grenade arcing out and slamming into one of the cat-lizards before erupting in explosive fury. ¡°How the hell were all these things hiding here!?¡±


    Think about it later! Chiyo projected out as one of the larger beasts charged straight for them both, spurred by their rider. Jack quickly let out a burst of heavy plasma fire before both he and Chiyo dodged out of the way, with Jack blasting the larger beast point blank in the flank with another burst, smashing through the bone plates and getting into the softer flesh beneath, causing the beast to violently smash to the ground, taking its screaming rider with it.


    Watch out! They¡¯re trying to cut us off! Chiyo warned the others as another rider, spotting the Ilithii getting separated from the others charged at her. Spotting the threat in time and setting her jaw, Chiyo focused her will as the charging beast picked up speed, before she summoned a wall of telekinetic force that the beast smashed into with a sickening crunch of bones, causing their back half to flip up over it, launching its rider who got some impressive air before slamming back to the ground, head first.


    ¡°Shit! We¡¯re getting separated!¡± Nika cursed before her discipline took over. Getting to one knee in a firing position, she quickly let loose several bursts that slammed into the closest Zorn charging her way, though they seemingly showed no regard for their own lives as they were cut down. She spotted more in the distance that were still taking shots at them with bows and arrows, but she paid them no mind - their armour would easily protect them.


    She was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a guttural snarl behind her, and using her tail to aid the movement, the Kizun quickly dodged the small creature that had tried to rapidly close on her from behind, unable to halt their leaping momentum as the Nika¡¯s shotgun blast took it out, obliterating it''s back half.


    She then cursed again as a rider made a pass at her and knocked her staggering to the side, the point of the Zorn spear just grazing the shoulder plate of her armour as she turned away just a nanosecond too late. She quickly primed a grenade and threw it hard, the activated adhesive sticking to the back leg of the beast, detonating a few moments later to the sound of a frustrated shriek.


    ¡°Uh, ok!¡± Sephy muttered to herself as a Zorn got in close, and she quickly raised her plasma rifle to deflect the blow of the greatclub aimed at her head. Quickly clinching in close and trying not to gag at the stench, Sephy drew her stiletto and stabbed the Zorn in the chest several times, the thin point of the slender knife easily piercing through the ribcage to get at the inner organs within. The monster snarled but showed no signs of feeling the pain as they snapped their head forwards and caught the Skritta on the cheek with a headbutt.


    ¡°Motherfucker!¡± She snarled, pulling out one of her pistols and mag dumping the tenacious thing until it finally slumped down to the ground, still moving, but uselessly. She shot it in the balls for good measure before looking around, quickly picking off a Zorn that was trying to shoot at Alora with a bow and arrow.


    Hearing a thundering charge behind her and a warning bark from Dante, Sephy glanced back and immediately jumped as high as she possibly could, using her wings for propulsion as one of the Zorn cavalry passed by underneath, narrowly avoiding the snapping maw of the cat-lizard wanting a bite of her feet as she dropped down, headshotting the rider with a pistol before yanking on the reigns hard, sending the beast clamouring into another one that was charging the opposite way towards Dante.


    Dropping a grenade at the two tangled beasts, Sephy quickly lept out of the blast radius and looked up to where her drone hovered dutifully above them.


    ¡°Heh!¡± She grinned. ¡°That is SO going on NetTube!¡±


    ¡°Krealash!¡± Alora cried out, waving her arms forward with a burst of divine nature magic, causing roots and vines to spring up from the ground to entangle the closest group of Zorn charging towards them, making them sitting ducks as the others finished them off from afar with gunfire. The entanglement would remain for a few minutes, and would cut off most of the enemy on that side.


    ¡°Form up!¡± Alora called out, as she saw that most of the Zorn cavalry were slain, but had succeeded in separating the members of the team to try and pick them off. ¡°Try and get to me!¡±


    ¡°Watch out for the dogs!¡± Jack yelled out as one of the beasts darted past him to go for Chiyo, dodging the swing of his axe. He left his axe buried in the ground as he tried to switch to his heavy plasma rifle, but was distracted by another Zorn that chucked a spear at him before grabbing another from a dead comrade. Blocking the spear with his rifle, Jack knocked the Zorn back with a kick, before quickly drawing his Photon Revolver and blasting the Zorn twice in the chest, before his third shot hit it in the face. Spinning around and firing, he caught another of the Zorn hounds before yet another one zipped up from out of nowhere and clamped its jaws around his ankle, the plates of his armour holding.


    ¡°Fucking Shitbulls!¡± Jack snarled as he aimed his gun carefully before shooting the beast off with a few blasts, the stubborn creature still clamping on to his armoured leg until it no longer had a jaw to do it.


    Jack! Chiyo exclaimed in a panic, as she levitated in the air, the ¡®Shitbull¡¯ that got past him latching on to the Ilithii¡¯s foot as it tried to drag her down.


    Bringing his rifle up then immediately dismissing the foolish idea, Jack sprinted over as quickly as he could, summoning a knife and plunging the blade into the thing¡¯s neck.


    It¡¯s not letting go! Chiyo told him, her voice laced with pain as Jack tried to dislodge the dead beast from her foot, its mouth still clamped tight like a bear trap as he used his knife to crudely sever the jaw muscles and finally free her foot.


    ¡°You alright?¡± Jack asked.


    I think my boots took the worst of the bite itself, but my foot feels crushed! Chiyo sighed, looking around and seeing that there weren¡¯t any more around them, though the others were still occupied. I¡¯ll be fine, let¡¯s get to Alora!


    Dante growled at the three beasts that circled him and barked a challenge as one lept towards him, before getting zapped hard by a powerful charge of electricity, cooking the beast as it fell to the ground. The other two circled more cautiously this time, but Dante wasn¡¯t going to allow them to have the advantage as he suddenly lept for the beast in front of him, clashing in a flurry of teeth and claws before Dante twisted, putting the other hound of balance before quickly finishing it off with a well aimed bite to the throat, twisting back to avoid the other beast before a gunshot cut it down.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked in gratitude to Jack, following him and Chiyo as they joined the others.


    ¡°Hold still,¡± Nika told Alora, who was wincing in pain as she and Sephy tried to pry the dead hounds jaws off of the Eladrie¡¯s arm, finally doing it just enough for Alora to slip it free. ¡°Gods damn, what was that thing?¡±


    ¡°Shitbull,¡± Jack spoke up as they joined together. ¡°I¡¯ve told you about dogs before, and most are great, but there¡¯s some breeds that have a reputation for losing control, violently killing small children, maiming others, and being owned by retards. These things remind me of them, especially with the bite.¡±


    ¡°I guess it fits, considering the Zorn.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°But more to the point, what the fuck? How did these things ambush us, and how did you not detect them, Chiyo?¡±


    I don¡¯t know! The Ilithii exclaimed. It¡¯s like there was nothing there all throughout!


    ¡°This was no ordinary warband of Zorn, they were far too competent in their tactics and discipline.¡± Alora nodded, having cast a quick healing spell for her arm, and casting another spell for Chiyo¡¯s foot.


    ¡°Hard to put down too,¡± Jack added


    ¡°Uh, guys?¡± Sephy spoke up, poking something on the ground with her foot. ¡°Look at this!¡±


    On the ground was a dead Zorn, covered in mud that Nika recognised as one she put down early in the fight as it tried to get up, but more interestingly, the Skritta indicated the lower half of the creature, still buried in the mud. There was a visible crease between the mud on the ground and the camouflage the creature had put on, almost like it was one piece.


    Like the Zorn had been waiting for so long, the mud and grass had formed on top of him over a period of weeks.


    ¡°What the fuck!?¡± Nika asked. ¡°That¡¯s not possible, especially for Zorn.¡±


    ¡°Maybe there¡¯s a reason Chiyo couldn¡¯t detect these guys?¡± Jack added, following Dante to one of the ¡®intact¡¯ Zorn still lying on the ground. A portion of its skull looked like it had long fallen off, and where there was exposed brain matter there was even some kind of fungus that had formed. ¡°Are these guys undead?¡±


    ¡°That would explain how Chiyo didn¡¯t detect them.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°But mindless undead aren¡¯t lucid enough to coordinate like that, and they certainly don¡¯t yell out warcries.¡±


    ¡°Then they¡¯re the smart kind of undead?¡± Sephy asked unsurely.


    ¡°For Zorn?¡± Nika asked doubtfully. ¡°They wouldn¡¯t have the discipline to stay like that, it¡¯s never been known to happen.¡±


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Unless they¡¯re controlled by something, Chiyo reasoned. Though I don¡¯t detect any necrolink.


    ¡°Well whatever this is,¡± Jack pointed out, ¡°we shouldn¡¯t stay here and wait for more¡­¡±


    After that the group kept their guard up as they quickly moved on, wanting to put as much distance between them and the now properly dead Zorn as possible, not wanting to be tracked down by anything else that wished them harm.


    The rough grassy plains soon gave way to rolling hills as they travelled further inland, noting how they matched the contours on their map, but being unable to find many of the streams indicated.


    It¡¯s likely these tributaries dried up. Chiyo shrugged. That dip we just went past probably used to be the reservoir that fed them, there were signs of it being man-made.


    ¡°And since there¡¯s nobody around to maintain it, nature likely took over, as it is wont to do.¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°Though I expect there will be natural sources of water around, not that we should need them.¡±


    ¡°What? You don¡¯t fancy a swim, Alora?¡± Sephy joked, trying to break the tension from the recent fight.


    ¡°Maybe later!¡± The Eladrie chuckled.


    ¡°Definitely looking forward to that damn hot tub!¡± Nika sighed dreamily. ¡°It was a dumbass purchase at an unlucky time, but by the gods we are using it after this even if we have to fill it with wine!¡±


    Now we¡¯re talking! Chiyo giggled.


    Their spirits kindled once again, the group carried on up and down the shallow slopes of the plains, covered in tall, golden grasses that swayed in the light breeze, making good time as they periodically checked their surroundings with each ascent. Occasionally they¡¯d pass through small groves of trees that provided them with shade from the warm daylight above, allowing them to take breaks as they plotted their journey. They were pleased to now be steadily making the miles since they had few obstacles to worry about, save for the occasional patches of wildflowers and tall grass, but fortunately with no ambush in wait. Everyone remained on full alert for any surprises as the heat of the mid-afternoon grew more intense, until¡­


    ¡°Got a building up ahead!¡± Sephy called out to them, as she was the first to crest the top of the next gentle hill. ¡°Definitely looks like a farm to me!¡±


    The others quickly joined her at the top and soon confirmed the Skritta¡¯s suspicions.


    In a small cleared area surrounded by fields and a dilapidated wooden fence was an old farmhouse, weathered and worn by time, but still just about standing, with faded and cracked wooden walls and a roof that was on the brink of collapse. Nearby they could see the remnants of a barn and a few smaller outbuildings in various states of disrepair, but most looked usable.


    ¡°Guys, look at the fields.¡± Nika noted, pointing at the surrounding land. ¡°Those crops are overgrown as hell, but they¡¯re still crops!¡±


    ¡°You think there could be people living there?¡± Jack asked doubtfully.


    ¡°I think there recently could have been,¡± The Kizun clarified. ¡°Unharvested crops aren¡¯t a good sign.¡±


    ¡°We need to investigate.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Maybe there¡¯ll be clues as to what¡¯s been going on.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Doesn¡¯t look like there¡¯ll be anything worth looting though.¡± Sephy sighed as she directed the drone to head towards the buildings to scout out.


    I detect no lifesigns, Chiyo announced as they approached, not having caught anything on the drone. But we know how reliant I¡¯ve been on that front recently¡­ She sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright Chiyo, chill out!¡± Sephy told the Ilithii, patting her on the back as they walked through a gap in the fence. ¡°Not your fault!¡±


    ¡°Agreed, we shouldn¡¯t solely rely on Chiyo¡¯s lifesight, so be on alert and watch each other¡¯s backs,¡± Alora told them as everyone checked their weapons, before she chuckled despite herself. ¡°Not that we weren¡¯t doing so before of course.¡±


    Quickly checking the two barns on the way, all they found was empty space and a few tool racks with shoddy equipment, with nothing else to speak of, likely a remnant of more bountiful times, with the outhouse not being any better. Confirming there was nothing else around, the group headed to the house, noting that although the back door was locked tight, likely more by rust than anything else, the front door was wide open.


    ¡°This looks like a forced entry, right?¡± Jack asked, pointing at the splintered door handle and the small slithers of wood inside the porch.


    Definitely, Chiyo agreed, as she drew in psionic power, ready to lash out at anything.


    Everyone covered Jack as he slowly pushed the front door fully open, listening out for any response, hearing none.


    The entryway was dimly lit, with only a few beams of sunlight piercing through the grimy windows. As Jack carefully moved in there was thick dust in the air, disturbed by his movements as the floorboards creaked under his footsteps.


    ¡°Going in,¡± He whispered to the others as he quickly checked the angles before striding into what was clearly the living room, the others quickly following and spreading out, covering each other as they did so. It was a large open space with a stone fireplace at the opposite end, with a few tacky trinkets. The furniture, which consisted of a few old sofas, a rocking chair and a small coffee table, were all knocked over and covered in sheets of dust and cobwebs, with a strong, musty smell that caused them all to wrinkle their noses.


    And soon they found out why.


    ¡°Oh, shit!¡± Sephy exclaimed as she looked around the front of one of the knocked-over sofas. ¡°Guys, we¡¯ve got a body!¡±


    Slumped on the floor was a skeletal figure of some kind of black-furred mammalian wearing the tattered remains of what was once a simple dress, though there wasn¡¯t much else left of the mutilated remains. The bones were discoloured, and had clearly been there a while with an almost reddish-black mould covering much of the skeleton, growing in clumped patches.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Jack swore, backing away slightly at the horrible sight, before barely composing himself and turning to cover the only other doorway leading to the hallway and staircase, waiting for the others with Sephy and Dante joining him.


    ¡°What the hell happened here?¡± Nika asked, rhetorically, taking a closer look at the body.


    If I had to guess, this person was taken by surprise by whatever breached the front door, Chiyo announced, floating back to the entrance and taking a look from a different angle. They likely moved back in a panic, pitching over the sofa and knocking it over.


    ¡°There¡¯s bloodstains along the ground to support that,¡± Alora added, holding her stomach slightly as if she was about to throw up. ¡°Not enough to be fatal.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Nika agreed with a shudder. ¡°I think they could have been tackled over the sofa and finished off, there¡¯s several stab wounds to the neck area, along with...whatever the fuck else happened. Unfortunately this poor soul didn¡¯t have much of a chance.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue clearing the building,¡± Alora ordered, and Sephy moved up into the corridor, keeping eyes on the stairs as Jack and Dante checked the next door, which was for the dining room. A large table dominated the centre, its surface scarred and weathered by long-time use. Many of the chairs, however, were toppled over or broken, with scattered crockery across the floor.


    ¡°Clear,¡± Jack called out as he returned to the corridor, while the others pushed ahead to the wide open door at the end, showing a kitchen in complete disarray, with another foul stench of decay.


    Another body, Chiyo reported to the others as the Ilithii took in the scene. Likely the man of the house and dressed in rugged overalls she¡¯d crudely refer to as ¡®farmers clothes¡¯, the remains were more intact, with leather skin stretched taut over the bones, which led her to think of some kind of mummification were it not for the same mould as the first victim¡­


    And the torso which was completely burst open.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Nika asked as she came in to join her.


    Though Chiyo hardly knew the answer for sure, she could still keep her composure and look at this logically, almost like a puzzle. She couldn¡¯t solve it, but perhaps she could work out a few of the pieces¡­


    This one had some time to react, but not much, She spoke tentatively, looking around. There¡¯s a kitchen knife on the floor there; while it¡¯s possible he was preparing food or making a cup of tea, he might have come here to grab a weapon. There¡¯s signs of a struggle, but eventually he lost, probably dying from blood loss considering the mess¡­


    ¡°Shall we check upstairs?¡± Jack called out.


    ¡°Yes please,¡± Nika called back, cursing herself slightly for not insisting on doing that first before examining the bodies. ¡°We¡¯ll be right behind you!¡±


    Alora led the way this time, carefully climbing the creaky stairs with her wand out, with Jack and Sephy close behind ready to support her. Getting to the second floor, they found a small corridor with three slightly ajar doors, with the Eladrie immediately pointing to the closest one, which emanated the same, decaying stench as the two bodies downstairs. She held her position while Jack and Sephy checked the other two rooms, quickly clearing the master bedroom and finding nothing before doing the same to the other room, which was another bedroom that may have been for guests, but right now also had nothing of interest.


    Stacking up behind Alora on the last door, the Eladrie nodded before she used her foot to prod the door open.


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Alora gasped almost immediately.


    The final room was a child¡¯s bedroom, with two beds and toys scattered around the floor. In one of the beds was a smaller skeleton, with the covers pulled up as if the tiny child had been trying to desperately hide from their attackers. Jack checked the closet, quickly closing his eyes and pulling back as he saw the other child¡¯s body, backed away into the far corner with obvious defensive wounds, their torso mutilated in much the same way as the others with the same dark decaying mould.


    ¡°Clear!¡± Sephy called out half-heartily to the others. ¡°Two more bodies¡­kids.¡±


    ¡°Shit¡­¡± Nika cursed as the others joined them. ¡°Chiyo, what do you think?¡±


    Same manner of death. The Ilithii sighed, trying her best not to let the death of the kids get to her. Stab wounds with a piercing object, probably a spear. Torso mutilated in much the same way¡­


    ¡°Huh, almost looks like a Chestburster,¡± Jack commented absentmindedly as he gave Dante a few scratches behind the ears.


    ¡°A what?¡± Alora asked him.


    ¡°Oh, sorry, it¡¯s just something from a horror film back home.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°An alien facehugger implants a baby in a person which then bursts out of their chest to turn into a scary-ass alien. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Hmm¡­ Chiyo interrupted, deep in thought, before looking closely at the body on the bed. Jack might have a point here. I thought this was some kind of sick, ritualistic killing, but looking closer, the way the torso has been mutilated it kinda looks like this¡­chestburster thing.


    ¡°Anyone know what could do such a thing?¡± Sephy asked, as everyone shook their heads.


    There¡¯s one more thing here, Chiyo told them grimly. The number of wounds and the manner of death for these two¡­it¡¯s like the attackers were drawing it out, like they were playing a sick game.


    ¡°Zorn?¡± Jack asked. ¡°I know the least about them, but I wouldn¡¯t put it past them.¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Alora nodded thoughtfully. ¡°It feels strange though, how there weren¡¯t any bodies back at the Corvin Enterprises outpost but there are here.¡±


    Zorn would completely trash the place, probably make camp in the buildings and loot everything. Chiyo shook her head. It may still be Zorn, but I think it¡¯s more than likely something else.


    ¡°Like that crap from earlier?¡± Nika asked. ¡°Some kind of risen?¡±


    Maybe. Chiyo nodded. But it¡¯s something semi-recent, like the Corvin Outpost. They could both be connected, but if they are I have no idea how.


    ¡°Well if we don¡¯t know then we don¡¯t need to remain here any longer,¡± Nika told them. ¡°We should make ground and get to the shrine so we can do what we came here to do.¡±


    ¡°What do we do with the bodies?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Should we burn or bury them?¡±


    ¡°Should probably leave them.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°They¡¯re mostly rotted and covered in fungus anyway.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll put them to rest.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Chiyo, could you levitate the bodies outside and lay them in their garden? I can cast a prayer that will draw them into the ground. The least we can do is give them some dignity¡­¡±


    The group was solemn as they left the farmhouse, cautiously continuing to march their way towards the shrine. Though they were glad to be away from the musty stench of death and back in fresh air, they were still shaken by what they had found. None of them even remotely considered staying there and making camp in one of the barns, too disturbed by their grim discovery to want to stick around.


    ¡°Kinda weird how a family like that was out here,¡± Jack whispered to the others about twenty minutes later, wanting to say something to break the weary silence between them. ¡°Especially with the damn monsters lurking about.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more common than you think,¡± Nika whispered back. ¡°Many would say the cities are even more dangerous, and they¡¯d have a convincing argument. Clearly it worked out for this family for a while with their house and their farm, probably trading with the Corvin Enterprises outpost.¡±


    ¡°Until it didn¡¯t,¡± Jack finished. ¡°All it took was one bad day¡­¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Nika¡¯s face darked, as a long-repressed memory snuck its way back to the surface of her mind once again as she closed her eyes. She heard the haunting whispering once again, and saw the flowing gossamer moving towards her¡­


    No. That was long behind her now.


    Wasn¡¯t it?


    ¡°You alright?¡± Jack asked, as the Kizun opened her eyes once again. ¡°You told me how you grew up rural. How were things for you?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Nika began.


    WOAH! They suddenly ¡®heard¡¯ Chiyo exclaim as she spotted something unusual in the distance. Is that what I think it is?


    It was.


    The huge, sickly bodies of two Plague Drakes were laying in the dirt unmoving, with the stench of rot and disease permeating the air around them, their glassy eyes indicating at least several hours had passed. Were they the ones they saw earlier? The ground around them was disturbed, suggesting that the drakes fell out of the sky and slammed into the earth hard, staining the grass with dark patches of black blood, though whether that killed them or they were already dead before they hit the ground was unknown.


    ¡°Okay, seriously, this is freaky,¡± Sephy declared. ¡°What the hell could have done something like this?¡±.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Alora replied.


    ¡°But either way we should really get the hell out of here and find a good place to camp before it gets dark¡­¡±

 Chapter 133: Seeking Shelter

    As daylight began to slightly darken with an eerie orange glow across the vast, desolate plains - a sure sign that the orbital plate was fast approaching - the group pressed on with weary determination. They hiked along the mostly flat expanse that seemed to endlessly stretch, with twisted, skeletal trees dotting the landscape, quite unremarkable at this point.


    While the girls were cold, Jack was full-on shivering now as a cold wind howled around them, rustling the dry, brittle grass and causing many of the trees to sway strongly.


    ¡°We need to find shelter and set up camp before night falls completely!¡± Alora called out over the noise. ¡°There could be more Zorn skulking about, it won¡¯t be safe to camp in the open!¡±


    I agree. Chiyo nodded. I sense the shadow of a dark presence around us.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s hurry then!¡± Nika shuddered. ¡°I sure as hell don¡¯t want to be out here when the really nasty shit comes out and we can¡¯t see it!¡±


    ¡°Where are we even going?¡± Jack grumbled, not thinking straight as he rubbed his palms together to try and give himself some warmth, but not really feeling much of anything through the metal of his heavy armour. ¡°We might not have any other choice but to set up camp here!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a few acres of forest to the North,¡± Sephy reassured them, keeping her voice low. ¡°Backs off onto a rocky outcrop, should give us plenty of cover.¡±


    Or fewer escape routes. Chiyo cautioned.


    ¡°How much time will we have once we get there?¡± Jack asked. ¡°If we have time we could dig a foxhole, camp in it and camouflage the top.¡±


    ¡°Surely that would take too long?¡± Alora asked curiously.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve heard stories about soldiers from my world sometimes digging foxholes to fortify themselves or hide away. I don¡¯t know how long it takes them to dig it, though.¡±


    ¡°With all of us working together, maybe. I guess it depends on how many shovels and spades you can summon for all of us.¡± Nika shrugged, then grinned with a wink. ¡°It¡¯ll be a tight fit for all six of us though, but at least we can warm each other up!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± Jack chuckled dryly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll take too long to get there,¡± Sephy cautioned, monitoring the feed from the drone. ¡°There¡¯s some more hedges and a creek, but the terrain shouldn¡¯t be a problem. I¡¯m cycling through the settings to try and find any possible ambushes, but I¡¯m not getting anything.¡±


    Then we should get within the trees as quickly and quietly as we can, Chiyo added. I fear the weather''s going to get even worse, we need shelter.


    ¡°I agree.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Just this wind alone is freezing cold, and Jack¡¯s definitely feeling the worst of it even if he won¡¯t admit it. Let¡¯s hope the weather doesn¡¯t turn too bad¡­¡±


    At those words, a sudden rumbling of thunder could be heard in the distance.


    ¡°You just had to say it, Alora¡­¡± Nika chuckled.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± The Eladrie growled under her breath as she held her palm up and felt the slight drizzle of rain as they got moving. ¡°Let¡¯s just hurry up and get under those trees.¡±


    ¡°Damn¡­¡± Jack groaned as he reached back for his hood before realising it was no longer there as the rain quickly intensified, the cold stinging his face like needles.


    The rain soon turned the ground beneath them into a muddy quagmire that sucked at their boots with every step. More thunder rumbled in the distance, much more regularly now, a low growl that promised a powerful approaching storm.


    I could have sworn we¡¯d checked the weather reports, Chiyo grumbled.


    ¡°We did.¡± Sephy confirmed with a sigh as she struggled with the encumbering mud. ¡°Though it was never going to be as on point this far out.¡±


    They continued in silence for another twenty minutes before Alora stumbled, her foot caught in the mud, though Jack was quick to stop her falling completely.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± the Eladrie gasped out.


    ¡°We¡¯re nearly there,¡± Nika told them all. ¡°But we need to be quick. I think the orbital plate¡¯s going to hit soon and it¡¯s going to be pitch black out here!¡±


    Jack gulped.  He¡¯d experienced the night cycle of the Ring plenty of times, but it had always been accompanied by the lights and sounds of the city around them, making it little different from his nighttimes living in his hometown on Earth. But for it to go suddenly dark with no moon, stars or any lights to speak of? That was a frightening thought. He pulled out his Shades of Seeing and put them on, activating his nightvision just in case.


    Stay close. We can¡¯t afford to get separated now, Chiyo told them, sounding exhausted.


    Suddenly a flash lanced out as a bolt of lightning struck in the distance, illuminating the edge of the forest¡¯s edge just ahead, the trees looming like dark sentinels with the branches almost seeming to beckon them with a faint promise of sanctuary.


    ¡°Guys, I have a bad feeling about this¡­¡± Sephy warned, tone fully serious.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we have much of a choice,¡± Jack called back over the cacophony of wind and rain between chattering teeth. ¡°Either way, we can stop and decide what to do when we get under some cover. We can¡¯t stay here!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong, but just be careful,¡± Sephy gasped back as she shook the rain off with a shiver. ¡°I¡¯m going to call the drone back for now.¡±


    Jack stopped and raised his plasma rifle to cover their rear as Sephy quickly recalled the drone, clumsily folding it down into a portable form before stuffing it in her pack. ¡°Good to go?¡± he asked, and Sephy nodded.


    ¡°Nearly there guys!¡± Alora called to them, pointing ahead. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Powering through, Jack and Sephy were the last two to reach the edge of the woods, with the canopy above providing some relief from the relentless rain.


    This weather is unnatural! Chiyo finally spoke up as they all took a moment to recover from the sudden turn, huddling together under a huge tree with rough, black bark and conker-like seeds the size of Jack¡¯s fist. To suddenly get this intense this quickly?


    ¡°Shitty weather happens.¡± Nika shrugged, raising her voice over the howling wind. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope we can stay out of it tonight and it gets better by tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°No, Chiyo may be right,¡± Alora told them as she knelt down and placed a palm on the ground, casting a quick orison of divine nature to diagnose what was happening. ¡°Something is unusual about this weather, like it¡¯s being influenced by something.¡±


    ¡°Any chance we can tell this ¡®something¡¯ to warm things up again?¡±  Sephy quipped, but her face quickly turned serious when she realised people were too miserable from the rain to answer.


    ¡°Well if it doesn¡¯t show any signs of stopping we need to find shelter, at least until it stops,¡± Jack reminded them as some thick drips of water made it through the canopy and landed on his head.


    Good point, Chiyo agreed. If we carry on like this for much longer the elements are more likely to kill us than any hostiles out there.


    ¡°Yeah, but we should stay as close to the forest edge as we can,¡± Nika told them. ¡°Not too close, but just enough to be able to see what¡¯s going on around here.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll find a place where the canopy is thickest and get a tarp up, then if you want to dig a hole for us then we can lower the tarp to ground level and camouflage it.¡±


    ¡°Well, no use waiting here¡­¡± Jack grumbled, bending down to idly stroke Dante¡¯s fur, before pulling his fingers back, noticing that the ¡®dog¡¯ was soaked through just as badly as the rest of them. ¡°Don¡¯t worry boy, we¡¯ll get you warm and dry soon¡­¡±


    Dante whined quietly in answer.


    The group huddled close as they set off to find somewhere, anywhere they could camp for the night, getting increasingly desperate as the wind picked up, as Jack positioned himself to shield Chiyo and Alora who were almost getting knocked off their feet.


    They pushed their way through the dense undergrowth just out of sight of the forest edge towards a promising cluster of thick, obscuring trees, before Nika spat a curse as her foot splashed in a pool of murky water. Looking around, the low-lying area was completely flooded with rainwater and was a soggy mess.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way we can camp here even if we¡¯re elevated off the ground,¡± the Kizun told Jack, who nodded in agreement while the others stopped to rest. Alora and Chiyo leaned against a tree not saying anything, while Sephy walked about, shaking her limbs, with Dante watching them.


    ¡°Yeah, even if we elevate ourselves with the hammocks, we¡¯ve got to have people on guard, right?¡± Jack asked, to which the Kizun nodded.


    ¡°Yeah, and the exposure to the elements is bad enough, even if we huddled up and used magic.¡± Nika sighed, rubbing her temples in thought.


    ¡°We might not have any choice,¡± Jack warned her. ¡°It sucks, but we might just need to ride out the storm as best we can.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°But we shouldn¡¯t give up. I thought the trees here would give us cover, but this fucking wind is battering us no matter where we stand, not to mention the rain.¡±


    ¡°Should we go further into the forest?¡± Jack questioned. ¡°We wouldn¡¯t get as much vision like you wanted but we''d be better protected from the elements.¡±


    ¡°I think we should,¡± Nika agreed reluctantly. ¡°I would have liked to keep a lookout to try and find out what we¡¯re up against, but at this rate the storm is a greater threat than any monsters!¡±


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    What¡¯s going on? Chiyo asked them, her telepathy being easily ¡®heard¡¯ over the roaring winds.


    ¡°Not camping here, need to find a better spot,¡± Nika told the group, waving the others to follow them as she led the way deeper into the forest.


    Though as they looked around and the shadows of the orbital plate began to herald the imminent arrival of ¡®nighttime¡¯, they got increasingly desperate, with thorny thickets and rocky outcrops making it impossible to find an ideal place to camp to their immense frustration. Everyone¡¯s clothing and gear was drenched, as despite the canopy above, the wind and water conspired to wear them down.


    Jack¡¯s teeth were full-on chattering as he felt the cold rainwater trickling down his neck, the constant drip, drip, dripping only adding to his discomfort as he stoically lumbered on. He glanced back at the others and saw their slumped shoulders and slow, laboured movements, and even Sephy had long given up on trying to raise their spirits as she visibly struggled to keep going under her own power.


    Alora moved with an uncharacteristic heaviness, the hood of her robes having long failed to keep her dry as water dribbled down from her long, pointed ears as she held on to Jack to stay upright. Chiyo was fairing little better despite levitating over the sodden ground, her eyes betraying her mental drain, her glasses fogged up and smeared with the splashes of mud kicked up by the footsteps of the others.


    Dante let out the occasional whine as he dutifully plodded alongside them, his fur so caked in wet mud and dirt that he was almost invisible, and Nika wasn¡¯t that much better, but the Kizun still had a determined look on her face, refusing to give up.


    ¡°Hold up!¡± She called out, her voice hoarse from shouting over the wind. Perking up, she pointed at something ahead. There was still ¡®daylight¡¯, barely, but the orbital plate would very soon be above them. Activating his Shades of Seeing, Jack had to take a few moments to work out what Nika was pointing at. Slightly raised off the ground, it was very subtle, almost invisible in the rain, but when contrasted to the soft, damp ground all around them he could just make it out.


    ¡°Is that a footpath?¡± Jack asked in astonishment.


    ¡°It looks like it might be,¡± Nika confirmed as she moved closer to inspect it. The path was old and barely distinguishable from the rest of the forest floor as it was covered with moss and small plants, but the lack of anything larger was what drew the Kizun¡¯s attention in the first place. Brushing away some mud and wet leaves with one of her hands, Nika rubbed something between her fingers, and confirmed her suspicions. ¡°Yeah, this is grit - this must be an old trail! It might lead to something!¡±


    Or at least it¡¯s solid ground we can camp on, Chiyo noted as all of them felt a second wind take hold. With no better options, they all followed Nika¡¯s lead. The path was narrow and slippery from the leaf litter, forcing them all to move in a single file and watch their step while Nika cut them a path through the twisting branches and vines blocking their way.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Nika gasped out. ¡°Look!¡±


    Just ahead, almost impossible to spot amid the encroachment of vines and trees despite being at the very edge of the forest, was a wooden cabin.


    ¡°Guys¡­.¡± Sephy was the first to tentatively speak up with a cautious tone, as they approached, and it wasn¡¯t hard to see why.


    The cabin sent chills down Jack¡¯s spine that had nothing to do with the biting wind. The windows, though shattered and dark, almost appeared to watch them as they drew close. The wooden door hung slightly ajar on a single hinge which creaked ominously with the wind, before suddenly everything around them was plunged into pitch-black darkness.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Jack cursed in a panic, quickly switching on his Shades of Seeing, granting him nightvision, while Dante softly barked, as the strange markings along the ¡®dog¡¯s¡¯ body glowed a soft blue, giving everyone just enough light to see their immediate surroundings.


    It¡¯s okay Jack, Chiyo soothed. It¡¯s just the orbital plate passing overhead.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± The human sighed. ¡°That¡¯s hard to get used to.¡±


    ¡°Stay alert,¡± Alora warned everyone as she pulled out a wand.


    ¡°Jack, let¡¯s clear the cabin together,¡± Nika whispered to him as she brought her plasma rifle up and aimed it right towards the door.


    Jack aimed his own plasma rifle at the windows and patted the Kizun on the shoulder once to confirm he understood as they both quickly made their way towards the door, while the others covered their approach and stayed close.


    Flicking a switch on her gun, Nika activated the attached flashlight before cautiously prodding the door open with the barrel, receiving no reaction, before they moved in. The cabin was a single room, which was dim and musty, the air thick with the scent of damp wood and decay.


    ¡°Damn, furniture is all torn up,¡± Jack noted as he carefully checked his ¡®half¡¯ of the cabin for any threats, spotting a few rustic chairs toppled over, and a wooden table that looked half-smashed to splinters. ¡°I don¡¯t see a body, do you?¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Nika confirmed, as she looked at the crumpled bed with scattered blankets. ¡°But looking at all this I¡¯m expecting one. Is there an attic or basement?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t spot a basement hatch, but I do have a ladder going up,¡± Jack answered.


    ¡°Coming in behind you,¡± Alora announced with a whisper ¡°Can you check it?¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± he whispered back, not in the mood to argue. Shivering as he climbed the rungs while holding his gun, Jack peeked over the top, spotting a few flat sheets of wood in between the crossbeams framing the cabin. Taking a look at the closest, he realised it was just a basic storage area with empty or rotting boxes, with whatever foodstuffs packed in them consumed by rotting black fungus. ¡°Clear,¡± he confirmed.


    ¡°Clear here,¡± Nika confirmed too. ¡°No basement or crawl space. Probably not practical in this terrain.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s hurry up and get in,¡± Sephy huffed from outside. ¡°I¡¯m freezing my tits off out here!¡±


    Quickly hurrying in, Chiyo closed the door firmly behind them, and they all allowed themselves a sigh of cautious relief. The interior was dim, with the only light coming from the soft glow of Dante¡¯s markings, which warped in the dark as the moment the ¡®dog¡¯ realised he was somewhere dry, he immediately shook the rainwater off, soaking the others one last time as they responded with a litany of curses.


    Shall we get some lights on?  Chiyo asked the others. We need to warm up too!


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that reveal our presence?¡± Jack asked doubtfully through chattering teeth.


    ¡°I can do something about that,¡± Alora gasped back, pressing her hand against the nearest wall in exhaustion. ¡°A light-based ritual to camouflage us for the night and keep any light localised.¡±


    And I can mask our astral signature, Chiyo added. We¡¯ll be as safe as we can be here, given the circumstances.


    ¡°If you do that we might be able to get away with a small fire,¡± Nika noted, indicating a small woodfire stove with her tail that the others could barely see. ¡°Like it or not we need to warm up, but we should still obscure our presence physically as well. We don¡¯t really know what opposition we¡¯re up against.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got blankets and stuff to cover the windows.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°As long as we¡¯re careful, we can get away with it, and we can lift the covers up to keep a lookout for anything outside.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Can¡¯t we just sit here in the dark and tough it out until morning or at least until the storm passes?¡±


    ¡°It should be alright.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°The stove has a cover and nothing¡¯s going to see the chimney smoke in the dark. Good thing there¡¯s chopped firewood here!¡±


    Jack¡¯s expression must have been blatant in the low-light as Alora added, ¡°Jack, we¡¯re all soaked, cold and exhausted. We¡¯ve got to take care of ourselves.¡±


    Jack sighed, trying to resist the urge to push back. As much as he didn¡¯t want to risk attracting any hostiles, he knew he had to trust his friends on this.


    ¡°Alright.¡± He sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll keep a lookout.¡±


    We¡¯ll all feel better once we¡¯re warmer, Chiyo reassured him. Alora sat down and began chanting a prayer of divine magic, drawing on her Light Sphere to create a still image of the area around them within what was about a ten-metre radius, maintaining the projection for anyone outside of the circle looking in.


    ¡°It¡¯s a simple ritual but it works quite well in the pitch black!¡± Alora grinned, finishing the spell as she got up to her feet.


    ¡°How long will it last?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°About six hours at least.¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°But I can always extend it if we need to.¡±


    Barely anything in the Astral to hide too! Chiyo added. We¡¯re fine!


    ¡°So, what, we¡¯re invisible to anything watching?¡± Jack asked, trying to understand what they had done.


    ¡°Anything outside the radius.¡± Alora clarified. ¡°Anything crosses the threshold and they¡¯ll see, but if anything approaches that close we should detect it coming.¡±


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Nika suddenly interrupted, cursing as she tried to use her firelighter to ignite the kindling she¡¯d placed in the stove with shaking hands. ¡°Alora, would you mind?¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡± The Eladrie smiled as she delicately placed her hand into the stove, whispering ¡°Flickus¡± as she summoned a small flame in her palm, quickly getting the fire going as she withdrew it. The red ring on her hand glowed dully for a moment before subsiding, the Ring of Fire Absorption likely preventing her from getting burned in the process.


    We may be obscured by sight, but sound and smell can betray us, Chiyo warned. So we should be on subvocal comms and not make the fire too big.


    ¡°Oh fuck¡­¡± Sephy stated as the light in the room suddenly got brighter. ¡°Something definitely went down here¡­¡±


    Though Jack and Nika had already clocked the signs of something being off about the cabin, the light made that fact all too clear. The half broken furniture around them was far more damaged than they had originally thought, with splinters violently scattered across the floor, and the remnants of a meal, consisting of mouldy bread, a smashed plate and a dented mug lay dispersed and abandoned on the floor, covered in dust and cobwebs.


    Against the far wall where Nika had identified the crumpled bed, they could see that it was broken lengthways with a huge crack down the middle, with its mattress torn open with stuffing spilling out like entrails. As Jack moved to take a closer look, his eyes caught a glint of something from under the bed, silently pointing it out to Nika, who nodded as he lifted the bed up for her to take a look.


    ¡°Well, well, well¡­¡± Nika spoke up, carefully pulling it out, revealing a long, powerful looking gun made of a polished brownish-coloured metal, with engravings along the barrel and the stock, reminding Jack of a blunderbuss.


    ¡°Damn! Looks like whoever lived here put up a fight!¡± Sephy observed, pointing behind them towards a spatter of greenish-black colour against the door. ¡°Pretty sure that¡¯s blood!¡±


    ¡°Chiyo, do you know what kind?¡± Alora asked the Ilithii, who floated up to take a closer look.


    I¡¯m not sure, Chiyo answered unsurely. This texture isn¡¯t like any blood I¡¯ve ever seen, it¡¯s like it¡¯s almost alive like some kind of growth¡­


    ¡°I reckon¡­¡± Jack began, as Nika pointed the blunderbuss towards the door, confirming his thoughts. ¡°Whoever lived here managed to injure whatever attacked them to cause that blood spatter, and yeah I think that¡¯s what had to have happened with this mess. The attacker closed the distance and got within melee range, maybe disarming them and sending their gun under the bed, which the defender couldn¡¯t get since the bed ended up broken. Whoever or whatever attacked them must have been powerful.¡±


    ¡°Woah, hey! Look here!¡± Sephy suddenly called out as her eyes caught something on the door they had missed during their initial sweep. Striding over and taking the coat on the hook, throwing it to the bed, she revealed a rough piece of paper pinned to the back of the door with a dagger. ¡°Looks like whoever was here left a note!¡±


    ¡°Good find, Sephy!¡± Alora praised as the Skritta yanked the dagger out, looking thoughtful for a moment before handing it to Alora hilt-first, indicating the Eladrie should keep it, along with the parchment.


    ¡°What does it say?¡± Nika asked curiously, as she took a closer look at the gun.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a look,¡± Alora answered, as she read it aloud:


    Final report of Local Ranger Alabeth


    They came from the forest.


    Don¡¯t know what they are. Several types. They work together.


    No contact with Corvin Outpost, must have been hit first, taking out comms. Shrine?


    Taking most alive, where? Killing others, why?


    Couldn¡¯t escape. I hear them talking.


    They are NOT people!


    Love you.


    Died fighting.


    Oh no¡­ Chiyo gasped.  Look outside.


    Peering through the window, Jack¡¯s blood ran cold.


    The ghostly lights were back¡­

 Chapter 134: Cabin Fever

    ¡°Has anything changed?¡± Alora asked Chiyo, who was keeping watch at the window.


    No, the Ilithii confirmed, pulling back. They¡¯re still there, sometimes moving but randomly. I don¡¯t sense anything else, at least not yet.


    ¡°Then that means we¡¯re in the clear for now.¡± Nika shrugged as she finished shaking her plasma rifle free of loose water, leaning it near the small fireplace that was only just now starting to catch on the larger pieces of firewood they¡¯d fed it.


    Jack didn¡¯t have the energy to bother asking if putting the gun there was even remotely safe¡­


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± Sephy pulled on his arm to get his attention. ¡°Brooding much?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t brood¡­¡±  Jack grumbled, then rolled his eyes and chuckled as he spotted the Skritta¡¯s grin, having just proved her right. ¡°What¡¯s up, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°You should probably wear this over your armour.¡± Sephy shrugged, indicating the bundle in her arms. ¡°It¡¯s a little short, but about your size. It¡¯s the coat I found on the door hook with the note.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Jack considered as he took the bundle in his arms. He had been cold for most of the day and the previous night after his clothes got torn to shreds during the fight with The Redeemer, and he couldn¡¯t even think about rummaging through the house they investigated after seeing what had happened to that poor family, but as the damp and wet firmly clung to him, he knew he needed to dry off and layer up.


    Unfurling the bundle, he saw that the brown leather duster was worn and weathered, almost like a testament to its previous owner¡¯s rugged lifestyle. The leather, which was probably once a rich, deep brown, had faded and cracked from long exposure to the elements, but was heavy and clearly still capable of providing protection against harsh weather. It had reinforced stitching along the seams and cuffs, and it flowed to almost halfway down his thighs as he put it on.


    ¡°Still a bit muddy, but it¡¯s about as luxurious as you¡¯re gonna get around here!¡± Sephy laughed. ¡°Pockets didn¡¯t have much either, some trail rations that I wouldn¡¯t trust. At least it¡¯s still better than that cringe black longcoat you were wearing before¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh for god''s sake, that coat was tactical!¡± Jack rolled his eyes as the others chuckled under their breath. ¡°Thanks Sephy,¡± he told the Skritta sincerely once they were done.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome!¡± The Skritta grinned. ¡°This ranger didn¡¯t have much else around here, maybe this place was more of a bolthole than their home?¡±


    That would make sense, Chiyo agreed. Many rangers in the wilderness operate in a large area of territory, so they¡¯d need reliable places to camp out.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame we don¡¯t know more, but I think we know enough now.¡± Alora nodded grimly from beside the fire, shaking out the water from her light armour and warming up her hands. ¡°We got it wrong when we thought we¡¯d escaped that nightmare from the boat.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nika nodded, rubbing the water out of her exposed bits of fur to pool on the dusty floor. ¡°Even if those weird lights weren¡¯t twinkling outside, the note matches what we encountered in the forest.¡±


    ¡°Not to mention what Jack saw below decks.¡± Sephy shuddered.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack growled at the memory. ¡°Either way, we need to agree on what we do now.¡±


    ¡°How far away are we from the shrine?¡± Alora asked Sephy.


    ¡°About 12 miles, give or take,¡± the Skritta confirmed. ¡°Damn, despite the setbacks we made decent progress and we¡¯re more than halfway there, about 35 miles from the dock.¡±


    ¡°Damn, that¡¯s pretty good,¡± Nika admitted, and Jack had to agree. It didn¡¯t change the fact that they were exhausted from the hard day, but the fact that days on the Ringworld were longer than he was used to on Earth meant they had more daylight to take advantage of.


    ¡°That means our timeframe is still viable,¡± Alora noted.


    ¡°It is,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°We¡¯ve come so far, so we¡¯ve got to go for it, right? At the very least get close enough to the shrine and see if we¡¯re able to realistically have a look around?¡±


    ¡°Hell yeah!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡±


    Jack smiled despite himself as the others also nodded their agreement to push on. The lingering terror and doubts were there bubbling under the surface, that hadn¡¯t changed. But he noticed that despite the shit, despite the risks, despite facing potential death, Sephy was right.


    He was getting used to this. Perhaps even getting ever so slightly more comfortable, despite the short amount of time he¡¯d spent here.


    For better or for worse¡­


    We should be clear about the parameters of the Run since we¡¯re getting closer to our destination, Chiyo proposed, and Alora nodded her agreement.


    ¡°Yeah, having assholes try to kill us since last night is good at making us forget why the fuck we actually came here in the first place!¡± Nika joked. ¡°But the client wanted us to find his mother at the Shrine of Elphil she and her fellow Greenwardens protected. That should be our primary objective. We ID the body, loot it for what the client wants and bury it. If they have any records we take them with us, since we¡¯re not sticking around any longer than we need to!¡±


    ¡°We have a picture of the mother, too,¡± Alora added, as she indicated to Sephy to bring up the photo in question, showing a grey-feathered avian woman with a sharp beak and four eyes, dressed in brown robes. ¡°We should record everything we can when we get to the Shrine of Elphil, but this is who we¡¯re looking for. Considering everything that¡¯s happened, we should hope for a dead body we can identify. If not, it¡¯s possible she was taken by the threat, which complicates things.¡±


    ¡°I think we have enough evidence of what¡¯s going on that Mr Johnson can come to his own conclusions if nothing else,¡± Jack stated, shuffling near to the fire and appreciating the warming flickers. ¡°We know that Mr Johnson seems more focused on his mother and what she has, but officially we were tasked with a recon mission. It would suck to miss out on any bonuses, but when we discussed it back at the house we agreed that the base pay was nothing to scoff at.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯d rather max this shit out, especially after all we¡¯ve been through.¡± Sephy nodded. ¡°But I¡¯ll take whatever payday we can get.¡±


    ¡°We will certainly get one.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°We have enough information to sell should the client try to double cross us, but since this is a sensitive matter for them I think they¡¯ll be straighter than that.¡±


    We¡¯re thinking three steps ahead right now, Chiyo warned them. Our efforts should be on planning for the immediate objective and the threats we may need to deal with.


    ¡°Ammo check,¡± Nika abruptly requested. ¡°Our edge against these monsters is our gear. The Risen Zorn we faced only had primitive weaponry and beasts, and whatever was attacking us at the river didn¡¯t exactly like getting shot at.¡±


    ¡°Two expended batteries for my plasma rifle, which I still have with me,¡± Jack reported. ¡°As well as whatever I have plugged in right now and three more spares.¡±


    Nika and Sephy also reported their ammo count, being on much the same level as Jack, with both Chiyo and Alora good for their own abilities.


    Perhaps our proximity to Dante will allow for the batteries to recharge if their electrical abilities can work that way? Chiyo theorised. I know a few of the others back home charged their commlinks by being near him.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante quietly barked in response.


    ¡°Heh, like a portable charger?¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Wanna try it out?¡± She leaned down to the ¡®dog¡¯, who was wagging their tail in amusement as the Skritta tried in vain to balance one of her expended batteries on Dante¡¯s head.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just leave them next to Dante for now and we can check in a few hours.¡± Alora snorted at the pairs shenanigans.


    ¡°Oh yeah, speaking of ammo¡­¡± Nika spoke up with a smirk as she walked over to the collapsed bed and picked up the ¡®blunderbuss¡¯. ¡°Jack, you might as well take this. I already have a shotgun, though this one is more like a hunting rifle.¡±


    ¡°Aww,¡± Sephy joked, despite knowing she wouldn¡¯t be able to handle such a weapon.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Jack nodded as he took the weapon, taking a closer look. ¡°How on earth do I load this thing?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a break-action,¡± the Kizun told him, pointing out the seam which he pulled apart. He spotted a plasma battery within, though of a smaller size than the ones he had. ¡°Didn¡¯t find any ammo for it and I don¡¯t recognise the battery type though, so I wouldn¡¯t get too attached to it.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack shrugged, bringing the weapon up and looking down the barrel. ¡°I guess we can always Google it at home or perhaps I can pick up a better one when we get back. For now though? I¡¯ll take it!¡±


    What¡¯s a Google? Chiyo asked, before she quickly turned her head around to look through the window. We¡¯ve got movement!


    ¡°How far?¡± Alora asked as she walked up to join her.


    Distant, and they¡¯re not in a hurry, The Ilithii announced after a few moments. They¡¯re not for us.


    ¡°How many?¡± Jack asked, activating his Shades of Seeing as he, Nika and Sephy joined them to take a look.


    Just a small patrol, about 10 of them, Chiyo replied, pointing with a finger.


    ¡°Yeah I see them¡­¡± He focused in with his Shades of Seeing, while Sephy quickly connected to them and broadcast what he was seeing to the others.


    ¡°Too small to be Zorn,¡± Nika noted.


    ¡°Pretty sure they look like some of the shapes from the forest,¡± Sephy added.


    ¡°I agree,¡± Jack whispered as he focused on the lead one. He¡¯d say it was about half his height and humanoid, with mismatched limbs and a bulbous, crooked head, though he couldn¡¯t make out many other details. ¡°Primitive weaponry though, I think they¡¯re carrying spears.¡±


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Those would match the wounds we found on the bodies of that family, Chiyo added. Either these beasts or others like them are the killers.


    ¡°Let them pass,¡± Alora whispered. ¡°We need to rest, at least until the storm passes.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t look like they¡¯re feeling the elements,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°And I don¡¯t think they¡¯re wearing any kind of clothing.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Alora agreed as the shapes disappeared out of sight.


    ¡°This place isn¡¯t guaranteed safety,¡± Nika cautioned. ¡°Get whatever break you can since we may need to run at any time.¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯ve got about 7 hours of darkness,¡±  Sephy confirmed. ¡°But I reckon we should be ready to go before daylight, we don¡¯t wanna hang around for too long. Maybe we could head out a few hours closer to the daytime?¡±


    That may be too risky, Chiyo pointed out. Though trying to make as much distance in the quickest amount of time is ideal, we need to stay sharp. Besides, we don¡¯t have a guaranteed way back, so we may need to accept that we won¡¯t be in time for school and will be punished.


    ¡°Hidden in a cabin in the woods with monsters about, and that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about?¡± Jack asked with amusement, staring at the Ilithii with raised eyebrows.


    The worst punishment for non-attendance is expulsion, Chiyo explained. And I¡¯d prefer to graduate with a full education - it¡¯s what my parents and people expect of me.


    ¡°And there¡¯s so much for us to learn,¡± Alora added. ¡°I don¡¯t want to throw that away. The maximum punishment will be unlikely if it¡¯s a few days and we have a good reason, but the longer we miss out, the more likely they won¡¯t take us back.¡±


    ¡°Plus you¡¯re lacking in a lot of knowledge,¡± Nika added, playfully poking Jack in the side.


    ¡°Yeah you might be a total nerd like Chiyo but you still need to catch up!¡± Sephy grinned at the grumpy stare of Chiyo. ¡°But yeah, our friends are there and we probably shouldn¡¯t fuck it up for ourselves if we can help it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll never get this place,¡± Jack snorted. ¡°Batshit insane galaxy full of chaos and killers but god forbid we skip out on getting an education¡­¡±


    ¡°Pretty much!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Just roll with it!¡±


    ¡°How would we even get back?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Would the River Giants take us by another route or do we take a raft?¡±


    We found other settlements along the river, confirmed by the River Giants, Chiyo answered. We sail up them by the means at hand until we find one with a matrix connection, then charter a private shuttle. Such a thing would be expensive but within the budget.


    ¡°Yeah, we need to finally get our own shuttle fixed!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°We can wake up later in the morning and ride it to school!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m quite sure we¡¯d still need to acquire a secure place to park it¡­¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°The nearest place I can think of being where it currently is at home!¡±


    ¡°Meh, just keep it hovering up in the air, no problem!¡± The Skritta shrugged.


    Do you realise how much that would cost in power? Chiyo asked with a chuckle.


    ¡°Totally worth it!¡± Sephy smirked.


    *****


    ¡°See anything?¡± Nika asked Jack several hours later as he kept watch from the cabin window.


    ¡°Nothing since last time,¡± Jack admitted, with the group having spotted two more patrols of the smaller creatures since they¡¯d settled in. ¡°I¡¯d say they might not be that numerous, but that crap back at the forest had numbers behind it.¡±


    ¡°And that was more than a small patrol¡­¡± Nika whispered thoughtfully.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Jack asked the Kizun.


    ¡°It¡¯s their objective!¡± Nika realised. ¡°Whatever they want, it¡¯s got to be why they¡¯re apparently taking some people alive! On the boat some of the River Giants just disappeared while others ran off straight into the woods¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and I remember seeing things too...¡± Jack added.


    ¡°Yes¡­I did too.¡± Nika admitted, shuddering as she clamped the old memory back down. ¡°Could that have been to lure us or scare us off?¡±


    ¡°Possibly,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°But for what purpose? And why capture some and kill others?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know, but that¡¯s what I¡¯m getting at!¡± The Kizun smiled slyly. ¡°They came for us in force on the boat because they knew we were coming and there were potentially people they¡¯d want to capture, but out here¡­¡±


    ¡°This place has already been picked clean!¡± Jack sat up as it suddenly clicked for him. ¡°So why should they commit so many of their forces here?¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Nika nodded. ¡°It¡¯s why despite seeing the aftermath, we haven¡¯t encountered much, besides those weird Zorn from earlier.¡±


    ¡°And they pretty much just hopped out of the ground¡­¡± Jack thought. ¡°Maybe they were just left there as a precaution to respond if they detected anyone approaching.¡±


    ¡°They showed signs of being there a long time,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°Hell, grass had pretty much grown over them. I reckon the Zorn that tried to ambush us on the boat were desperately fleeing the same fate, and the monsters that attacked us after that were the ones chasing them!¡±


    ¡°That makes sense.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°And even though they¡¯ve picked the place clean of what they want they¡¯re still going to need to patrol this area in case anything¡¯s changed.¡±


    ¡°And it has.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Us.¡±


    ¡°And the River Giants back at the outpost,¡± Jack added. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope they patch their boat and have enough sense to keep their distance.¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°But I¡¯m worried they could be aware something¡¯s up since we killed their Zorn puppets.¡±


    ¡°Do we even know what was up with them?¡± Jack asked, looking to their friends that were sleeping as best they could around the lowly-lit fire, with Chiyo levitating in deep meditation. ¡°I know Chiyo was concerned about them, but they just seemed like normal Zorn with better tactics to me, though my knowledge kinda sucks.¡±


    ¡°Yeah there was definitely something wrong with them.¡± The Kizun shook her head. ¡°Alot of the usual Zorn stuff was there, but it¡¯s possible something else was controlling them in some way. It¡¯s the only thing I can think of that explains how they were lying in wait for as long as they did. Chiyo couldn¡¯t detect their lifesigns, but we also know they weren¡¯t undead.¡±


    ¡°So somewhere in between life and death?¡± Jack asked curiously, treading on unknown ground. ¡°Turning them into enough of a vegetable for them to not show up to Chiyo?¡±


    Such a thing is possible, They heard the voice of Chiyo reply in their minds while the Ilithii remained in her meditative pose. Enough brain function to be puppeted but not enough for resistance.


    ¡°But that would mean there¡¯s a puppeteer¡­¡± Nika cautiously replied. ¡°Assuming this theory is correct, that would mean they¡¯d likely know something is up, unless they were, like, preprogrammed or something?¡±


    ¡°Hope for the best, assume the worst.¡± Jack sighed.


    Agreed. There are many possibilities here, Chiyo told them. I do not know what happened to those Zorn, but there is no doubt that something did happen. We must be cautious.


    The hours dragged on as Jack and Nika kept watch, noting the change of the ghostly lights in the distance. Aside from this, they spotted nothing out of the ¡®ordinary¡¯ before eventually being replaced by Sephy and Alora, with Chiyo maintaining her passive overwatch, while Dante dozed nearby. Now being relieved of his duty, Jack tried his best to get some rest, replacing Alora¡¯s spot close to the fire. He still felt damp from the storm earlier, and the battleskin underneath his heavy armour clung uncomfortable to his skin as he felt the traces of liquid slosh and chafe, but he did his best to ignore it as he wriggled to get as comfortable as he could, until exhaustion finally took him and he fell asleep.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Sephy began, whispering to Alora as the pair of them kept watch outside the window, watching the ghostly lights flicker. ¡°What do you think could be behind what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± The Eladrie whispered back.


    ¡°The Ranger¡¯s note said that it¡¯s several types of creatures working together, and if what happened on the boat is anything to go by, they coordinate well.¡± The Skritta reasoned. ¡°From what we saw, the Corvin Outpost was taken bloodlessly with all hands missing, which is something even we¡¯d need to plan out. I¡¯ve never heard of ordinary monsters doing that.¡±


    Sephy raises an excellent point, Chiyo agreed from where she remained in her floating lotus position. Our enemy is smart.


    ¡°Are you suggesting they could be sapient?¡± Alora asked, sceptically. ¡°I think that¡¯s premature to assume, we haven¡¯t even seen any of them up close.¡±


    True, they could be under the dominion of a master, Chiyo conceded.


    ¡°Yeah, one with the power and balls to oppose Blighttooth,¡± Sephy added. ¡°The local Zorn tribes were shitting themselves trying to get away, and we found two Plague Drakes knocked out of the sky.¡±


    I want to know what did that, Chiyo added. None of the creatures we know of so far looked like they could do such a thing. I¡¯d say the likely cause of death was magical.


    ¡°We¡¯ve seen the smaller creatures¡­¡± Alora began. ¡°Chiyo, you mentioned spotting some stocky-looking figures when Jack unloaded into the treeline?¡±


    Yes. Stocky and sturdy, but that¡¯s all I saw of them.


    ¡°And the thing Jack found below decks,¡± Sephy added. ¡°But something weird killed the captain, he was convulsing and bleeding like hell¡­¡±


    That was a magical attack, Chiyo confirmed. I heard the spell being cast beforehand, but couldn¡¯t identify the source or the target.


    ¡°I¡¯ll refresh my blessings on all of you the moment everyone is awake.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°They won¡¯t be able to pull that trick on any of us.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Sephy replied distractedly as she looked out the window. ¡°Guys? Take a look.¡±


    A peculiar chill ran down them as they saw a strange, pale mist rising from the ground, slowly thickening and creeping towards them. It seemed to emanate from spots on the ground, swirling and coalescing in unnatural patterns.


    ¡°More mist,¡± Alora noted. ¡°That can¡¯t be natural.¡±


    It¡¯s the same as on the boat, Chiyo realised, as Dante quickly stirred, letting out a low growl of warning.


    ¡°Chiyo, Sephy, wake the others,¡± Alora hissed, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Everyone was soon awake and up, quickly sobering from groggy confusion to alarm as they looked out of the window as the mist began to lap at the walls of the cabin.


    It¡¯s reached within the ritual radius! Chiyo warned.


    Suddenly, a loud, unnatural howl pierced the night, its eerie screech sending shivers down their spines. The sound was unlike anything they had ever heard, like some kind of mix of animalistic fury and something far more sinister. The howl was quickly followed by several other howls, each one echoing in the distance and amplifying their growing sense of dread. The mist, now thick and clammy, crept up the walls of the cabin and pressed against the windows, as if alive and demanding entry.


    Almost on the edge of his perception, Jack could hear the sounds of malevolent giggling around them, as the ghostly lights, previously moving almost at random in the distance, seemed to ever so gradually close in towards them.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Nika cursed. ¡°What do we do?¡±


    ¡°I need to cast some blessings,¡± Alora warned. ¡°But get ready for a fight.¡±


    Hold your nerves and don¡¯t fall for their tricks! Chiyo warned.


    Nobody said a thing as Alora kept casting. Though Jack didn¡¯t necessarily know what Alora was doing, he trusted her judgement as he felt the spiritual warmth take hold on him. They listened to the giggling and whispering coming out of the fog, but kept an eye on each other, remaining disciplined and in control, ready to spring into action.


    Suddenly, they heard a heavy, rapid movement rush up towards them, before halting just as quickly. Keeping his ear next to the window with his heavy plasma rifle at the ready, Jack could hear the sounds of sniffing, as if coming from a large animal, like a cow or a bear. He looked to his friends, who nodded slowly, allowing him to make the play.


    ¡°........who¡­¡­..¡±


    The voice called out in a croaky hiss, as the whispers around them giggled in malevolent glee.


    ¡°.......is it alive?......¡± the voice asked as heavy footfalls got closer, reaching just outside the cabin, as the group followed the sounds with their eyes.


    Jack held up a hand to signal to wait, as he reached with two fingers and slightly tapped once on a place on one of the walls. The heavy footsteps stopped before coming closer to investigate. Waiting in anticipation, Jack allowed the sound of the footsteps to come even closer, and closer, as heard the sound of a claw scraping across the wooden wall of the cabin.


    Following the sound with the barrel of his gun, Jack waited until the exact moment the sounds of movement reached the spot he lured them to¡­


    Before unloading a torrent of furious plasma fire straight through the wall!

 Chapter 135: Horrors Of The Mist

    A loud scream of inhuman pain bellowed around as the creature on the other side of the wall felt the fury of heavy plasma fire. Jack didn¡¯t let up, quickly demolishing the wall in front of him. He immediately charged through and properly saw the creature he got.


    Like a grotesque mockery of human and beast, it had crooked, emaciated limbs that logically should not have been strong enough to support its gaunt frame, yet as it stumbled back it still moved with unnatural speed and grace. The skin stretched tight over its skeletal body was a sickly, unnaturally pallid white, translucent enough to reveal the dark veins pulsing beneath the surface.


    Its long, clawed fingers were more akin to talons, each claw sharp as a blade and dripping with a foul dark ichor, but the most horrifying part was the head, which to Jack closely resembled an elk¡¯s at first glance, antlers and all. It had a clear, malevolent intelligence with sunken eyes set deep in hollow sockets that gazed at him with a dark hunger and a maw lined with jagged yellow teeth stretched into a hideous grin.


    Jack knew what it was from stories he¡¯d read on Earth. He¡¯d had his suspicions ever since he first met this type of creature on the boat, but couldn¡¯t believe they¡¯d be real!


    Skinwalker. Wendigo. Goatman. Rake. It had many names across the stories he had read, but it was very often the same thing - an evil shapeshifting monster determined to sow pain and division.


    He would show no mercy.


    Jack unleashed a volley into the thing as it shakily stumbled backwards along the ground trying to recover. Jack quickly pushed forward as the others followed him out¡­


    Sephy immediately followed, turning towards the cabin door where, sure enough, there were three of the smaller creatures stealthily lying in wait with spears, clearly having expected them to exit that way.


    Being lit up by the fire back at the cabin, Sephy could see that these smaller creatures had mouldy greenish-brown skin, limbs that resembled lengthy lines of tendrils of vines, white, lidless eyes and small mouths that sneered at her as the lead monster pulled its arm back, ready to throw its spear like a javelin.


    The Skritta swiftly brought up her plasma rifle and shot a three-round burst, aiming centre of mass and striking true. The impacts of plasma fire caused the flesh of the small creature to puff up and explode in three solid, smouldering craters before it dropped to the ground, squirming and splattering dark, sap-like fluid across the ground.


    The other two reacted quickly, moving to take cover behind a nearby tree, but the Skritta caught another one with a snapshot while it tried to dive out of the way, spraying more black sap into the undergrowth beyond.


    ¡®Damn, these guys are smart even with their primitive weaponry!¡¯ Sephy realised, before movement on the ground caught her attention, as the creature she downed was getting back up! The wounds she¡¯d inflicted upon the thing were shrinking and it wasted no time in lasting out with its spear, taking advantage of her microsecond of contemplation. Sephy quickly shuffled back out of range with the aid of her wings, before double-tapping the thing.


    ¡°Watch out! Little ones are tougher than they look!¡± The Skritta warned as she backed off to stay close to her friends, not following the two creatures that went into cover. Nika was next out of the door, covering the right-hand side of the cabin. Spotting movement among the underbrush, she let off a few shots to act as tracer rounds, lighting the creatures up enough for Chiyo to slow them down, making them easy targets for Nika¡¯s follow-up shots and Alora¡¯s manabolts.


    ¡°Cover Jack!¡± Alora ordered, and the group quickly followed behind the human as the Skinwalker¡¯s limbs bent and cracked as the monster pushed itself up from the ground with unnatural dexterity, swiping at Jack with elongated claws. The human dodged to the side, the swipe hitting the tree behind him and leaving a huge, deep gouge¡­


    ¡°Aegis!¡± Jack yelled out, summoning his shield and bracing as the Skinwalker whirled around with inhuman speed, lashing out with its other hand. The razor-claws scraped against the runic metal plating of the Clan Bharzum shield, producing a sharp, grating sound that sent vibrations up Jack¡¯s arm, though the human held firm. His muscles strained against the heavy impact before he shoved back, catching the Skinwalker in its skull-like face with a shield bash, sending it reeling backwards with an inhuman shriek.


    Bringing up his rifle, Jack unloaded into the Skinwalker with a blinding burst of plasma fire, the close-range blast slamming into the monster¡¯s chest as its body convulsed with the impact. A dark, viscous fluid seeped from its wounds, reeking of such a foul decay that it almost forced Jack to throw up. The Skinwalker growled, far more from anger than from pain, its glowing milky eyes narrowed in hatred before it roared out into the night with a last gasp of fury, the sound being abruptly cut off as Jack silenced the creature for good.


    The creature¡¯s body collapsed to the ground, what remained of it a charred, smoking husk. The dark ichor that had oozed from its wounds like a sponge now seemed to blacken and corrupt the very earth where it spilled even as its stink caused everyone to back away from it out of reflex.


    But that wasn¡¯t what really set the group on edge¡­


    All around them, a chorus of similar howls rose up in reply to the Skinwalker¡¯s deathcry. First one from the depths of the surrounding forest, then another from further away, then several more, each echoing the Skinwalker¡¯s cry in a terrifying symphony that filled the night. Though even the closest howls were distant, there was no doubt in any of their minds that each one was close enough to be a threat.


    ¡°We need to move,¡± Alora told the others, spurring them on. ¡°I don¡¯t know how they found us, but we can¡¯t stay here!¡±


    ¡°Where could we go?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Further into the forest?¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Sephy shook her head emphatically. ¡°The enemy has the advantage there! Three of the smaller ones were right outside the cabin door! These guys are sneaky!¡±


    Sephy¡¯s right. Chiyo nodded. They are even hidden to my powers, though that shapeshifting creature has a very evil aura about it that I can detect¡­


    ¡°I got a bad feeling from it too.¡± Alora shuddered. ¡°Like it''s some kind of anathema to nature itself¡­¡±


    ¡°Plus it¡¯s fuck ugly.¡± Nika shrugged with a grimace. ¡°It can¡¯t be too long until daylight. I suggest we keep moving carefully and maybe try and give any pursuers the slip if we get the chance. Definitely keep to open ground so nothing can sneak up on us.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure, but I wouldn¡¯t take that for granted in this fog!¡± Jack warned, watching their backs with his heavy plasma rifle. It didn¡¯t seem like anything was immediately attacking them, but his instincts were screaming at him that they were being watched.


    Alora, can you maintain a blessing? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°I was just about to suggest that.¡± The Eladrie chuckled dryly despite the situation, before she began chanting a prayer under her breath.


    ¡°Father Quemos, Holy Everlight. Strengthen our spirits from the horrors that stalk this land. Let your light be a barrier, a wall of purity to strike back the wickedness we face and protect us from this evil!¡±


    From Alora¡¯s palm a pale, weak light shone and intensified, forming a ring around the Eladrie which slowly expanded, passing harmlessly through the members of the group before stopping with a diameter of about 10 metres centred on Alora.


    As the light touched Jack he could feel the soothing, protective energy for just a moment before it seemed to fade away just as quickly, and he looked to the others in concern, having a sense that something wasn¡¯t working as it should.


    That¡¯s weak, Chiyo commented to Alora without any heat. This place must be having a countering effect.


    ¡°It shall have to do,¡± Alora stoically told them. ¡°Failing that, our superior firepower will more than make up the shortfall.¡±


    ¡°At least that¡¯s a tried and true solution!¡± Sephy quipped, nudging Jack as she did so, remembering his act of deforestation from the boat.


    ¡°Try and conserve ammunition just in case,¡± Nika warned. ¡°Yes, proximity to Dante may give us more to work with, but it¡¯s best not to test that theory too hard during a Run.¡±


    ¡°Shall we get moving, or do you need to cast some more spells?¡± Jack asked Alora, who shook her head emphatically.


    ¡°No, let¡¯s move. Tight formation, stay within my ring of light.¡± The Eladrie ordered. ¡°I can cast weaker spells on the move if I need to, or we can stop, but we shouldn¡¯t stay here. There¡¯s definitely more of those shapeshifters around.¡±


    I¡¯ve never heard of such a creature before. Chiyo shook her head.


    ¡°I have,¡± Jack replied, causing heads to spin around in surprise as they moved. ¡°We¡¯ve got stories and urban legends from Earth about Skinwalkers where I¡¯m from, but I never expected to actually face one!¡±


    That¡¯s a surprise¡­ Chiyo pondered. Perhaps there is some truth in those stories of yours. Do they say anything else?


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded, recalling the stories he¡¯d read as he checked his ammo. He moved to the front of the group to take point, scanning the treeline as they quickly made their way down the path into the open ground beyond. ¡°Kill them with fire.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­good thing it isn¡¯t raining anymore, then,¡± Sephy quipped.


    ¡°No, but we¡¯ve got more of this fucking fog,¡± Nika cursed as she looked around. ¡°Not to mention those damned lights!"


    Sure enough, as the group cautiously made their way through the dense fog, a familiar, unsettling glow began to emerge in the distance. At first, the lights were faint and few in number, simply flickering orbs barely visible through the thick mist, but as they all continued pressing forward, the lights grew brighter, their ethereal glow cutting through the fog like pale lanterns, floating eerily above the ground.


    Don¡¯t rely on those lights to see! Chiyo cautioned, with Alora nodding as she maintained her ¡®Dancing Lights¡¯ spell hovering slightly above them, alongside Sephy¡¯s drone.


    As if in reply, the air around them grew perceptively colder, and a familiar faint, almost imperceptible giggling carried on the wind.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lose your focus!¡± Nika warned as she walked backwards, maintaining a rear guard.


    I¡¯m going to use the Cane of Travel,  Chiyo informed them. Last thing we need is us tripping up in the dark!


    ¡°Good idea,¡± Alora agreed as they slowed down to allow the Ilithii to channel her psionic power. Jack felt his footsteps become much more stable and better paced, almost like he was walking down a pavement rather than the wilderness, which when he glanced down, looked uneven and treacherous, with a patchwork of jagged rocks, twisted roots and thick, tangled underground poking out through the fog.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Every now and then, the ground would suddenly dip into hidden gullies filled with the muddy, stagnant water of the recent rain or a few small, rocky outcrops that forced the group to climb and scramble despite Chiyo¡¯s enchantment on them all.


    Throughout all this, the ghostly lights danced around them in the distance, never coming too close but always visible, moving in step to them or simply disappearing and reappearing as if the lights were playing a game,  mocking them with their movements and daring them to come to them. The eerie whispers continued to plague the group, sometimes rising to a cacophony of dissonant voices, other times falling to a faint murmur just on the threshold of Jack¡¯s hearing, though what they were saying was unknown to all of them.


    Dante growled loudly as they went, his focus changing from a particular light, to something not even Jack could see in the distance, the ¡®dog¡¯ maintaining his glowing patterns to give them enough light to work with as sparks of electricity occasionally zapped between his twin tails, ready to unleash.


    ¡°Talk to me guys,¡± Sephy spoke up as they carried on. ¡°This shit is scary.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re still here, Sephy,¡± Nika answered. ¡°And yeah I don¡¯t like this either. I have no doubt our enemy is keeping tabs on us, so keep your wits about you.¡±


    Their progress slowed as the mist around them seemed to grow thicker with each passing minute, with the ghostly lights growing more numerous as they crept along, the malevolent whispering increasing relentlessly as they did so. Jack moved with a cautious confidence, his heavy plasma rifle held at the ready, the weapon¡¯s faint hum serving as a small comfort against the noise around them.


    Until suddenly, the whispering stopped, and the ghostly lights all turned off.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Sephy jumped in alarm, bringing her plasma rifle up in a panic as Dante let out several angry barks, his markings glowing even brighter as they kept moving.


    Calm yourself Sephy! Chiyo placed a reassuring hand on the Skritta¡¯s shoulder. You¡¯re not alone, we¡¯re right here with you!


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Sephy sighed, taking a few deep breaths. ¡°Sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Alora whispered, clutching one of her holy symbols wrapped around her neck. ¡°It¡¯s toying with us, trying to break us. We won¡¯t let it.¡±


    For several minutes after that the wilderness was unnervingly quiet, with everyone on edge as the sounds of whispering they¡¯d gotten used to was now completely absent, with the only noise to break it up being the squelching of wet grass underfoot. Though Jack could have sworn he heard some kind of shuffling in the background, and he focused his senses.


    He suddenly halted, raising a hand to signal the others to stop. He narrowed his eyes as he peered into the mist ahead. He didn¡¯t quite know what he was seeing, but something really didn¡¯t feel right. It was as if the air felt thicker and more oppressive, with the stench of decay that hadn¡¯t been present previously.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Nika whispered as everyone tensed up.


    ¡°Something¡¯s up¡­¡± Jack growled softly back, as he stayed still and focused on his surroundings, until¡­


    ¡°CONTACT!¡± He yelled a split-second before the air around them was filled with a choir of evil laughter as the ghostly lights suddenly reappeared barely a few metres away from them. Jack fired into the closest one, and for just a moment he could have sworn that he saw a face in the centre of the light looking at him in sheer hatred before his shots connected, causing the light to fizzle out, though the human had no idea if any damage was actually done.


    ¡®Shit! Are these some kind of Will-o-Wisps or something?¡¯ He thought to himself as the others bunched up back to back, opening fire on the lights as they flickered in and out of existence, before one suddenly blinked in close to Jack, its pale blue light growing brighter as the thing opened its translucent maw and unleashed a blast of some kind of smoke at Jack that caught the human dead centre.


    Jack felt the effects immediately as the temperature plummeted in an instant with the icy blast. His armour, already slick with moisture from the humid night, began to freeze solid, a layer of frost quickly encasing the metal as his breath crystallised in the air.


    Death Candles! Chiyo warned as she raised a wall of force to block two more of the creatures about to try the same thing. Watch their breath!


    Then, without warning, the ground erupted around them.


    Several massive shapes burst forth from the earth, sending a shower of dirt and decaying vegetation into the air. Though Chiyo had previously described them as short and stocky shadows, these creatures looked much larger up close with broad, hulking forms that seemed to merge with the surrounding flora. Their thick, spongy skin was a mottled mix of dark green, brown and sickly white, covered in a slick layer of moss and fungal growths.


    Their faces were almost featureless, with no visible eyes or mouth that Chiyo could see, just a bulbous, unnatural mockery of a humanoid head crowned by a massive, domed fungal cap that dripped with moisture and spores. The only sign of life was the faint, rhythmic pulsing of their bodies, as if the very earth itself was breathing through them. Where hands would normally be, they had massive, club-like appendages, each ending in sharp, jagged ridges that the Ilithii had no doubt were capable of smashing through armour and bone alike. Their feet, wide and flat, were sturdy, with fungal tendrils that trailed along the soil.


    In the shadows of these new creatures, Chiyo spotted a few more of the smaller creatures like they¡¯d faced at the cabin crouching low to the ground and taking cover behind the new creatures, covered in a similar blend of fungal growth and vegetation. Though as the Ilithii kept part of her consciousness focused on this new threat, she noticed how some of the smaller creatures seemed to be changing themselves somehow, as she watched the torso of one seem to grow a plate of bark around it like a piece of body armour.


    Watch out! The small ones have some kind of bolstering magic! She called out to the others. One of the smaller creatures clambered onto the shoulder of one of the bigger ones and shot a crossbow bolt at the Ilithii, which she was just able to deflect with her abilities, sending it straight towards one of the Death Candles which puffed out of existence. She focused her efforts on defence and lashed out at the smaller creatures attacking at range.


    ¡°We¡¯re surrounded, we need to punch ourselves a way out!¡± Nika yelled as she shot the large monster nearest to her, the searing light cutting through the fog and slamming into the large, fungal body. The creature recoiled from the plasma fire, patches of its wet flesh burning and smoking under the intense heat. But even as they staggered back, the large creature remained on their feet, their resilience surprising the Kizun. She cursed under her breath and adjusted her aim, targeting the folds in the legs with greater success as the creature dropped to the ground.


    ¡°Shit! How do I handle you?¡± Sephy cursed rhetorically as the large walking mushroom in front of her raised its arms in a shielding gesture, presumably to protect their more vital parts as she took aim with her plasma rifle. Using her smartlink she angled her gun just right as she fired, lining up a plasma burst that partly slipped past a gap in the creature¡¯s defences, taking it in one of its ¡®shoulders¡¯ and causing the club-like limb to hand uselessly at its side, giving the Skritta more than enough opportunity to finish it off. ¡°Go for their joints!¡± She told the others, hoping they could hear her.


    ¡°Krealash!¡± Alora called out as she finished her spell, causing roots and vines to burst out of the ground to restrict the creatures attacking them. Though they did nothing to stop the Death Candles targeting Jack - the vines simply swiping through the incorporeal creatures - they did lash out at the other creatures, though to Alora¡¯s horror the smaller creatures quickly did something to counter the effects and cause the vines to go dormant.


    ¡°Mother Tree, guide us!¡± She whispered under her breath as she summoned her spiritual weapon, the spear of light bringing her great comfort as she just about ducked a clubbing blow from one of the large creatures attacking her before thrusting and sticking her spear into the white flesh of the monster, but not avoiding the back swing which clipped her on the shoulder, sending her backwards into Jack.


    ¡°WOOF!¡± Dante barked out angrily, eyes sparking with righteous fury at the monsters, before sending a powerful bolt of lighting jumping between several of the smaller creatures, striking them dead instantly.


    ¡®Bad things. Evil. Must destroy. Not safe!¡¯ The ¡®dog¡¯ thought to itself as it charged up another bolt of lightning, growling at the Death Candles attacking Jack. ¡®All working together! Dark Presence! Really bad! Master in Big Danger!¡¯


    ¡°Agni!¡± Jack yelled through chattering teeth, thrusting his hand forward and blasting the nearest Death Candles with a jet of fire, countering their blasts of cold and warming himself up in the process as several malevolent screams snuffed out along with the lights. ¡°This way!¡± He called to the others as one of the hulking beasts staggered his way.


    Seizing the opportunity, Jack drew his axe from its place on his back with a well-practices motion as he charged forward and swung with both hands at the creature, even as it tried to twist and turn out of the way of the incoming blow, catching it in it¡¯s exposed side, biting deep into the pale flesh. Pulling his blade free, a now familiar, dark viscous fluid seeped from the wound, stinking of decay as the monster pulled back, only for Jack to close the distance again, catching the beast in its stumpy legs and tripping it up before slamming his axe into the mushroom-like head again and again until it stopped moving.


    The gap in the enemy ranks widened, and the group wasted no time in rushing through it before the monsters could cut them off once again.


    There¡¯s a outcrop up ahead! Chiyo told them.


    ¡°Make a dash for it and hold there!¡± Nika growled as she grabbed something out of one of the pockets of her rig, twisting then tossing it behind them towards the creatures that were giving chase, before running like hell. ¡°Grenade!¡±


    If the monsters knew what it was, there was nothing they could do as the grenade arced through the air, its metal casing glinting dully in the bare light before it landed amidst the mob of pursuing creatures, laying there for just a heartbeat¡­


    Then the grenade detonated with a blinding flash!


    The chemicals ignited instantly as the explosion released a roaring cloud of thick, acrid smoke and burning fragments that scattered in all directions. The hulking fungal beasts nearest the blast were engulfed by the firestorm, their thick fungal bodies sizzling and crackling as the hateful chemicals stuck to them, burning with a fierce intensity as the noxious black smoke of their melting, rubbery flesh mingled with the white phosphorus fumes.


    The smaller creatures fared no better as their more delicate forms were instantly engulfed, the chemical flames spreading across their bodies like a wave of death. Their shrieks were brief as the intense heat incinerated them almost instantly, only leaving the stench of burning mycelium and vegetation behind.


    The group didn¡¯t stop to admire the burning destruction behind them as they dashed for the outcrop and stopped to take a look around. Several shadowy forms were approaching in the distance, and the whispers around them were angry.


    ¡°Sephy, use your drone and find us a path!¡± Alora ordered, as the others took aim and engaged at range, dropping several creatures as yet more approached.


    ¡°Got it!¡± The Skritta replied, remotely giving her drone some commands while maintaining suppressing fire against several of the smaller creatures. ¡°Tracking enemy movements, keep pushing North.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take point!¡± Jack called out as Sephy pointed to where ¡®North¡¯ was, leading the way as they didn¡¯t pause, not wanting to be encircled again.


    ¡®Why not?¡¯ An intrusive thought whispered up at Jack, as he reached to his back and pulled out the blunderbuss after spotting another of the larger, hulking beasts approaching them. This one had several of the small creatures on it, and looking closely he could see that they were doing something to the clubbing arms, almost like they were willing the limbs to harden up and widen to act as shields as the giant mushroom approached, alongside a few others.


    Jack aimed directly at the leader, and pulled the trigger.


    The blunderbuss roared to life with an ear-splitting blast, as a massive plume of smoke erupted from the barrel, followed by a spray of fiery projectiles that shot forth in a wide, devastating arc. The force of the blast was a mighty one, the recoil sending a jolt through his entire body, but the effect on the monsters was nothing short of spectacular.


    The flaming plasma shrapnel from the blunderbuss tore into the lead creature with brutal force, shredding its thick fungal hide and punching massive, gaping holes through its body. The sheer power of the shot was overwhelming, as the hulking creature seemed to disintegrate before Jack¡¯s eyes, its form collapsing in on itself as the force of the blunderbuss shredded it from the inside out, and looking side to side, it wasn¡¯t the only one, the arc of the blast taking the whole group out. Chunks of fungal matter flew in all directions, splattering across the ground and coating the ground around them with a slick, greenish slime.


    ¡°Holy fuck!¡± Jack exclaimed as he stared at the gun wide-eyed, as the hinge of the break action automatically loosened and dispensed the half-melted battery. It sucked he didn¡¯t have any fresh ammo for this thing¡­


    Everyone! Watch out! Chiyo exclaimed suddenly as she lashed out with a water blast. Something¡¯s casting!


    Sure enough, above the whispers of the Death Candles around them, there was a new voice. It was one the Ilithii had heard before, or close to it. A feminine cackling was carried in on the wind, though she recognised the words of power within the laughter. Chiyo focused her senses, before looking to the source as it was accompanied by a low, guttural growl that seemed to reverberate through the night air.


    From the darkness ahead, three figures slowly emerged, and Chiyo instantly recognised the dark presence of two Skinwalkers flanking something new.


    Leading them was a twisted, crooked figure that shuddered with its cackling chanting. Tattered, filthy robes clung to its emaciated frame, swaying as it slowly moved, with gnarled, razor-clawed hands gripping a crooked staff that seemed to pulse with dark energy. As it looked up, Chiyo could see that the face was that of a grotesque old crone, unrecognisable of any species she knew of, with hollow eyes that glowed with a sickly yellow light, and a mouth twisted into a cruel, mocking smile that revealed rows of jagged, blackened teeth. It raised a single clawed finger to point at the group as it finished casting its spell and cackled a single, comprehensible word, its voice dripping with venom¡­


    ¡°Doom!¡±

 Chapter 136: Witch Way

    ¡°My blessings!¡± Alora cried out in warning as she shut her eyes in concentration. ¡°They¡¯re fading!¡±


    ¡°Geek the mage!¡± Nika yelled out, following Chiyo¡¯s pointing finger as she let loose a burst of plasma fire towards the ugly crone. The witch growled out a word of power in response, raising her arm to direct a wall of sodden mud that rose out of the earth to absorb the shots. The two Skinwalkers peeled off and dashed to the sides, not directly going for the group, but looking to hide in the now almost overbearing fog.


    ¡°Stay close!¡± Jack warned as he felt Sephy¡¯s back touch his as the Skritta aimed at one of the Skinwalkers, the foul beast zipping from side to side in supernaturally swift erratic movements. The Skritta¡¯s plasma bursts hissed through the air, but they found no purchase, disappearing into the menacing fog with nothing more than a faint sizzle. Jack kept his eyes behind them, allowing the others to overtake him as he sent bursts of heavy plasma fire back the way they came. He concentrated his fire on the larger, hulking giant mushrooms that attempted to shield his attempts with their large club-like arms, but also dropped several of the smaller creatures that were trying to sneak up on them through the ever-thickening mist.


    Aided him in covering their rear was Dante, who barked out in anger as the ¡®dog¡¯ blasted jolts of lightning at anything that moved, the electricity devastating the monsters clusters at a time, though Jack didn¡¯t know how long his four-legged friend could keep it up as his friends were having trouble with what was ahead¡­


    ¡°Keep them in your sights!¡± Alora shouted, frustration creeping into her voice as she held a wand out, trying to predict the movements of the other Skinwalker as it circled around them like a predator trying to panic a herd of prey. She readied a spell as the monster let out an unnatural screech of rage after Chiyo was able to hit it with an elemental blast of water.


    ¡°Izorinn!¡± Alora yelled out, seizing the opportunity, sending several chains of light blasting out of the ground, aimed at the staggered beast.


    Despite being slowed by its recent wounds, the Skinwalker nimbly dodged the first two chains that attempted to grab them, and prepared to charge towards Alora. But before it could move, a third chain caused it to stumble, wrapping around its ankle and quickly snaking up the leg as the creature roared in anger. It yanked at the chain with supernatural strength, struggling desperately to break free from the holy bindings as their radiant glow burned against the Skinwalker¡¯s corrupted flesh¡­


    ¡°I can¡¯t hold it for long!¡± Alora warned.


    ¡°Blast that fucker!¡± Sephy yelled out.


    Everyone that could pivoted to the called-out target and unleashed a barrage of plasma fire at the Skinwalker. Bright bursts of energy streaked through the air, slamming with sizzling impacts as they struck the creature¡¯s torso, limbs and face, sending chunks of seared flesh flying. The creature screeched out in agony, the sound echoing through the plains, before there was an almighty *SNAP* as the Skinwalker broke free from Alora¡¯s Chains of Light.


    The sheer volume of firepower had forced the creature to its knees, its strength faltering under the onslaught and its desperate thrashing about. But despite the grievous injuries, Alora could see the wounds begin to close, and the smouldering burns started to be replaced by new skin as its regenerative abilities began to kick in, with the creature¡¯s eyes glowing a bright red of rage.


    It¡¯s healing! Don¡¯t let up! Chiyo warned as she lashed out with telekinetic power at the other Skinwalker, who had circled around to try and catch them off guard. Jack quickly let loose a burst of covering fire down range, then rushed up to join the others in concentrating their fire, until finally the creature¡¯s regeneration began to falter under the relentless assault, with one devastating bolt of plasma fire from Sephy catching the Skinwalker directly in the face, right between the eyes. The plasma bolt punched through the Skinwalker¡¯s forehead, exploding out the back of its skull in a shower of bone and black gore. Finally, the creature¡¯s eyes dimmed, the glow fading as its burning body slumped to the ground.


    Nice hit, Sephy! Chiyo acknowledged, and the Skritta grinned despite the situation.


    ¡°Don¡¯t celebrate just yet!¡± Nika warned, as the wall of mud the witch had summoned suddenly disappeared, revealing nothing behind it.


    ¡°Shit! Where is it?¡± The Kizun yelled, as she looked around, picking off targets as more creatures had begun to encircle them again, taking advantage of the group¡¯s efforts to focus down the Skinwalker. ¡°Does anyone have eyes on the mage?¡±


    ¡°No, but we¡¯ve gotta keep moving!¡± Jack growled, as they heard the whispering and giggling in the mists around them as the Death Candles flickered all around them once again. ¡°These shroom things are gonna swarm us otherwise!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right!¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Drone can¡¯t find the caster!¡± the Skritta confirmed distractedly as she let out a few covering bursts as a group of the smaller creatures, who looked like they were summoning walls of earth to provide cover for their forces. ¡°Nor the other Skinwalker!¡±


    ¡°Could they have retreated?¡± Jack asked as he and Dante ran ahead of the group, with the human clearing a path by unleashing a full-auto burst of heavy plasma fire into a particularly large giant mushroom. He cursed as he was forced to quickly reload as the mycelium got ever closer, though thankfully he didn¡¯t fumble the change of battery, his many hours of firearm practice during their evenings being well worth it.


    ¡°Fuck no,¡± Nika responded as she spurred the others forward, staying close as she sent bursts of covering fire behind them. ¡°They¡¯re still around, keep your eyes open!¡±


    ¡°Damn it! There¡¯s no end to these assholes, and they¡¯re barely flinching!¡± Sephy warned as she sent a burst towards some of the giant mushrooms ahead of them.


    The larger ones are slow, Chiyo reassured her. Keep moving!


    The party sprinted across the uneven ground, the damp earth sucking at their boots despite the ¡®Featherstep¡¯ enchantment Chiyo had cast on them, though whether this had been affected by the foul witch or not, Jack couldn¡¯t tell. The hag was still around however, with the sound of cackling hot on their heels, though Chiyo did not detect any more spells being cast.


    For now.


    ¡°Sephy? How are we looking?¡± Alora asked as she waved her wand, shooting a manaball at a cluster of the smaller creatures, the spell detonating and downing them as they moved to intercept the group.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­.Wait! She¡¯s up there!¡± The Skritta warned as they heard cackling from above them, before something dropped from the sky ahead of them, crunching as it slammed to the ground.


    ¡°Shit! Drone down!¡± Sephy exclaimed, as a blurry form flew directly above them. ¡°You fucking old cunt!¡± The Skritta cursed at the hag as she immediately took aim, blasting several bursts at the levitating figure above. Several missed due the magically blurry nature of the witch, but one clearly connected, eliciting a satisfying yelp of pain as the witch quickly landed back in the fog.


    ¡°I saw where it landed!¡± Jack spoke up. ¡°Chiyo? Is there nothing you can do about the fog?¡±


    I am! The Ilithii confirmed. I¡¯ve been using my powers to try and blow it away where I can, but there¡¯s too much of it around!


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Jack grunted back as he got to one knee, lined up his sights and squeezed the trigger of his heavy plasma rifle, the shots punching through one of the smaller creature¡¯s head with a wet splat, before another quickly took its place. ¡°Dante?¡± He asked, looking down to the ¡®dog¡¯ by his side, who quickly looked back at the human on being addressed. ¡°Can you help find Sephy¡¯s drone?¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante confirmed as he quickly dashed ahead to the front of the group, while Jack kept the rearguard, as he saw that several of the larger creatures were moving quickly as the smaller creatures latched on the ride, using their abilities to somehow enhance the mushrooms which grew defensive plates and got bigger and bulkier, protecting their allies behind them.


    Jack cursed under his breath. This threat moved with an unsettling coordination, more than proving their intelligence as they countered the group¡¯s tactics and weaponry, but his instincts told him there was something more to it than that.


    Though what that was, he didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Skinwalker!¡± Nika warned, as the monster leaped out from the shadows, its crooked limbs carrying it forward with unnatural speed as it charged for them. Its claws slashed through the air, barely missing Alora as Nika pulled her out of the way, with the Kizun firing the shotgun in retaliation. The Skinwalker snarled as the close-range blast caught it in the side, singeing its flesh as it continued its furious assault, its eyes glowing red with primal fury as it focused on Nika, who had to quickly use her tail to get out of range of the lethal razor claws.


    No! Chiyo exclaimed. Quickly thinking, she recognised that the recent heavy rains had left the ground slick and muddy, which the group had been able to avoid so far thanks to her ¡®Cane of Travel¡¯ they received from Clan Ashtail. But at that instant, the Ilithii got an idea, using her abilities she had enhanced with the ¡®Essence of Water¡¯ they acquired from the Pallid Pit and channelling her hydrokinetic power into the earth beneath the furious Skinwalker.


    As she focused heavily and trusted her friends to cover her, the ground beneath the Skinwalker suddenly rippled, and a surge of water erupted from the mud. The attack caught the skinwalker off guard as water coiled around its legs, pulling it off balance as the slick mud clung to and hobbled the monster, while a grateful Nika hopped away. Testing the limits of her powers, Chiyo twisted her hands and manipulated the water to form a swirling vortex that she heated up, scalding the screeching Skinwalker as it snarled and snapped towards her, unable to advance as it thrashed wildly.


    Seeing the opportunity, Alora stepped forward, summoning her spear with a thought and channelling her power into the spiritual weapon before driving forward and thrusting her spear deep into its side. She reflexively pulled back, ducking under the backswing of one of its arms as the Skinwalker let out a bloodcurdling howl of pain. Alora didn¡¯t hesitate, driving the spear deeper into its torso, twisting it as she channelled more divine power into the strike, seeing the radiant energy sear and burn the creature¡¯s corrupted flesh.


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    Alora desperately held on to her spear as the creature¡¯s claws lashed out uselessly, as she took advantage of the spear¡¯s reach and kept just out of the Skinwalker¡¯s range before it suddenly collapsed to the ground, as if the dark power puppeting it had just had its strings severed. The red light in its eyes dimmed, and its body smoked and cracked from the radiant energy still coursing through it.


    ¡°Well¡­that¡¯s one way to kill them,¡± Alora quipped with a sigh as she dismissed her spear, moving back towards the group.


    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s see if there¡¯s a gun store around here that sells holy plasma batteries!¡± Sephy joked back.


    ¡°That''s two down, but there might be more,¡± Jack warned. ¡°Dante? Where¡¯s Sephy¡¯s drone?¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked as he ran forward a few metres and stopped.


    ¡°Good boy!¡± Sephy grinned as she picked up the hunk of metal and kissed it before frowning. She quickly put it in her bag, stumbling awkwardly as she zipped it back up and shucked it back on her shoulders. ¡°Damn, can¡¯t fix it quickly even if that witch wasn¡¯t about.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to make do!¡± Alora spurred them on, even as they began to tire. The tension in the air grew ever thicker as the group stopped for a brief moment to catch their breaths until, from the murk, they heard the distinct, guttural growls of several more beasts in the fog.


    ¡°Dogs!¡± Jack warned, as he spotted one of the sickly yellow hounds dashing towards them, easily hiding underneath the fog.


    ¡°Not these fucking things again!¡± Nika cursed as she quickly switched to her staff, twirling it around her at speed and lashing out as one of the ¡®Shitbulls¡¯ lept at them. Her blow caught it in its emaciated-looking ribs with a crunch, sending it clattering to the ground as it left behind a trail of black ichor. Spotting that another pack was running around to attack their other flank, Chiyo channelled her powers once more, lashing out in a telekinetic wave that blasted the pack backwards, sending them scattering.


    Don¡¯t let them slow us down! Chiyo warned as she spotted more of the fungal monsters stepping into view, and getting even closer¡­


    ¡°Watch out! Mage up ahead!¡± Sephy warned as she quickly moved to take aim, but had to change targets as one of the hounds made a charge for her. She quickly dropped the beast with a burst of plasma fire, before spotting the faint forms of more dashing through the fog.


    Jack took a moment to turn his head, spotting the old crone in the distance. With a cruel smile, she raised her gnarled hands and began to chant in a rasping hiss.


    Suddenly, black tendrils of energy shot out from the ground in front of him as he tried to shuffle back. One tendril wrapped around his leg, pulling tightly and holding him, and he somehow felt foggy in his mind, as if he couldn¡¯t concentrate or summon his willpower to break away. Growling, Jack fought through it and kicked out, releasing the hold, and looked back to see that his friends were batting away more of the dark tendrils that were striking them. Sephy reacted quickly, turning around with a snapshot and sending another burst of plasma fire at the hag, connecting with a curse of pain from her as the spell was suddenly disrupted and the tendrils disappeared.


    Snarling, the hag quickly cast something else as she flew up to avoid the Skritta¡¯s further shots, thrusting her hands out towards a pack of the hounds and imbuing them with unnatural vigour Their movements became even more frenzied as their beady eyes grew more focused with a red light.


    Kill the hag! Chiyo warned the others as she maintained a barrier of force to keep as many of the hounds at bay as she could. I can¡¯t keep this up!


    Jack churned the ground all around him as he unleashed a full-auto volley of heavy plasma fire, obliterating the enhanced hounds that the hag sent for him, before he snapped up and filled the sky with green fire. He caught the hag by surprise and it crashed to the ground, letting out a shriek of genuine pain as it picked itself up. It quickly shouted something in a guttural tongue, ordering the remaining hounds to target the human as it quickly sped into the fog again¡­


    ¡°Glitasha!¡± Alora yelled out, shooting a burst of glittering particles of light out of her wand, covering the hag and several of the nearby monsters with a twinkling dust that clung to them like glue, and making them completely visible in the fog¡­


    ¡°Thanks, Alora,¡± Nika growled under her breath as she dropped to one knee, having already drawn her sniper rifle, trusting the Eladrie to give her the welcome opportunity. Inhaling deeply and steadying her aim, the Kizun pulled the trigger.


    The powerful plasma round pierced through the fog with lethal precision. The ugly crone¡¯s eyes widened in shock, her yell cut off as it took her in the neck. She staggered back, her hands clutching at the wound as her dark, foul blood slipped between her fingers. Her voice faltered as she attempted to cast a spell, and the group felt something in the atmosphere around them clear and dissipate as the hag collapsed to her knees, then weakly to the ground as it bled out in the mud.


    ¡°Nice shot!¡± Jack grinned in relief as he saw the witch drop, and almost immediately the ranks of monsters around them began to falter. The fog began to dissipate somewhat, allowing the group to seize the moment and quickly drop several of the hounds as they recovered.


    We¡¯ve got this! Chiyo reassured the others. Finish them off!


    The Ilithii concentrated as she drew upon the water from the sodden ground around her, raising her hands and swirling the water around her, solidifying it into sharp icicles which she hurled at the closest hound that was still up, piercing it through the creature¡¯s emaciated hide with a yelp, and causing the beast to collapse in a pool of more black ichor.


    ¡°Pyrallis!¡± Alora yelled, pointing her wand and blasting out her ¡®Firesnake¡¯ spell that honed in on the enemies around them. Though it was less effective in the sodden weather, it did enough, outright slaying several of the hounds and smaller humanoids supporting the mushrooms, but also lighting them up for Jack, Nika, Sephy and Dante to light them up!


    ¡°About time! They¡¯re thinning out!¡± Sephy realised, as the amount of monsters coming out of the fog was reducing by the minute.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get cocky,¡± Nika warned as she switched back to her plasma rifle, latching her sniper rifle onto the magnetic clips on her back. ¡°They could just be regrouping.¡±


    ¡°A girl can hope¡­¡± The Skritta sighed under her breath as a burst from her own plasma rifle took out the last of the hounds that had taken a run at her.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked angrily, as the markings on their body began to grow brightly before summoning a huge ball of lightning behind them, surprising the giant mushrooms and their smaller custodians as jolts of electricity burst out from the ball to shock and stagger them.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t have done your ¡®Tesla Coil¡¯ trick earlier?¡± Jack joked with a raised eyebrow at the ¡®dog¡¯, who stared back for a moment with wide eyes and gave a quick bark, though what it meant, Jack had no idea.


    The wet ground might have made it bad for us, Chiyo noted. Or Dante was focused on something else.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter now, I guess,¡± Alora panted, as the worst of the fighting was now over. ¡°We¡¯ve got a reprieve, but we shouldn¡¯t drop our guard.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re bloody tired from that, but we can¡¯t stop for a break,¡± Nika decided, as they slowed down, taking potshots at any enemy they could still see.


    ¡°What the hell are these things?¡± Jack asked, indicating the giant mushroom-like bodies littering the ground around them, though his question could have just as easily applied to the smaller creatures that accompanied the Skinwalker to the cabin to ambush them, or the witch that may have been in command of the large mob that just attacked them.


    I don¡¯t know, Chiyo answered. But the Death Candles I do, by reputation. I should have recognised them when we were on the boat, but we¡¯ve never encountered them physically before.


    ¡°We can always hit the books when we get back.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°I mean, our client wants information, so we can squeeze some more cash if we find out what these things actually are.¡±


    ¡°True, but I doubt it will matter.¡± Alora sighed as she regained her energy. ¡°Besides, you¡¯re thinking too far ahead. When we get to the shrine we¡¯ll be uncovering whatever we can anyway.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± the Skritta admitted. ¡°But the final note of the local ranger didn¡¯t exactly give us much to go on. These guys are sneaky.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re well coordinated too,¡± Nika added. ¡°Far better than normal monsters would be.¡±


    Not only that, but these things tended to bleed the same despite being completely different species, Chiyo spoke up curiously, deep in thought. But what is the unifying factor that connects them all? They¡¯re fungal I think, but that fact doesn¡¯t exactly paint a big picture¡­


    ¡°There¡¯s also what we know of what they¡¯ve been doing before we got here,¡± Jack added. ¡°Killing some, taking others, and what were probably some surgical strikes too, like at the Corvin Outpost. Why would these monsters do that?¡±


    ¡°Speculating won¡¯t do us any good,¡± Alora reminded the team, getting them to focus. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    The group, victorious but still weary, continued their cautious journey through the pitch black night, with no ambient light to guide their way. Though Alora had her lights in front of them, and Dante kept things around them clear, Jack knew that the light, no matter how faint it was, would draw attention like a dinner bell for any hungry predators around them.


    But what choice did they have?


    The Death Candles, though diminished as an immediate threat, continued to hover in the distance, their ghostly lights flickering ominously as they shadowed the group. The group remained as silent as they could, only communicating on subvocal comms to avoid drawing any more attention from the dark forces lurking in the wilderness.


    Every step they took was deliberate as they navigated the desolate plains, moving in a tight formation with weapons at the ready. Every one of them was on full alert for another ambush, acutely aware of the dangers that could be lurking just beyond the veil of mist, but nothing came.


    If anything, that put them even more on edge.


    They didn¡¯t dare stop as they walked, sipping water and nibbling on power bars to try and keep themselves going as they kept hiking, making a few more miles, though not knowing for sure what they¡¯d be walking into with no drone in the sky to scout ahead for them. They passed by the ruins of an old farmhouse, its skeletal frame looming out of the darkness as Alora¡¯s dancing lights spun around. The building was nothing more than a crumbling husk, its wooden beams splintered and rotting, and the group didn¡¯t dare investigate, keeping their distance as they passed it by.


    In the old fields behind it they came across a grove of fruit trees, likely the modern-day remnants of what was once an orchard, though these trees were ancient, their trunks swollen with age, and the ground beneath them was littered with the rotting remains of fallen fruit, with a few still on the trees that Alora dared to pick but didn¡¯t eat, wanting to test them back home instead.


    As the group pressed on through the pitch-black night, the darkness around them seemed to deepen with every step. The only sounds they could hear were the crunch of their boots on the uneven ground and the occasional rustle of dead leaves caught by the wind, while the ghostly lights kept their distance as they shadowed them. As they carried on, the mist around their ankles slowly rose and grew thicker, causing Jack to try and waft it away as it came up to his waist.


    Suddenly Dante barked loudly in warning, though the ¡®dog¡¯ couldn¡¯t seem to focus on any one thing as he looked around them.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong Dante?¡± Alora asked as she looked around, her vision seeming to blur in the dark before her eyes focused on an ominous figure emerging through the fog. Tall, wearing finery with pronounced cheekbones and an imperious expression, the Eladrie governess regarded Alora with disgust, just as she did constantly all those years ago¡­


    ¡°I will teach you to obey one way or another, girl¡­¡± The Eladrie woman sneered, pulling out a thin, white cane.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a child any more, Lady Fane!¡± Alora yelled in anger, as she summoned her spear, and roared a challenge of defiance, charging with all of her hate.¡°I will so enjoy killing you!¡±

 Chapter 137: Misty Minds

    ¡°Alora! What the hell?¡± Jack yelled out as the Eladrie suddenly screamed in rage and rushed out into the mist. Her glowing spear materialised in her hand as she stabbed out in the dark, slicing through the mist at an unseen foe.


    The others quickly followed the Eladrie, not seeing what Alora had spotted, but keeping themselves at a safe distance.


    ¡°She¡¯s tripping!¡± Nika warned as took a tentative step towards her friend. ¡°Alora! There¡¯s¡­.¡±


    The Kizun suddenly stopped as she heard something carried on the breeze that chilled her to the bone, and as she looked around the sound became clearer - a faint, melodic whistling drifting through the fog.


    ¡°No¡­¡± She gasped, trying not to hyperventilate as the image of Alora in front of her faded away. ¡°No, no! This isn¡¯t real! I need to snap out of it! Why can¡¯t I snap out of it!¡±


    Nika? What¡¯s wrong? Chiyo asked her urgently. The Kizun snapped her head around with bulging eyes before the Ilithii disappeared too, and looking around, she realised she was on her own.


    ¡°What was¡­¡± Nika gasped, before the whistling started to get louder¡­


    The tune was a haunting melody she hadn¡¯t heard in years, but she instantly recognised it with dread. It was a sound that echoed deep from within the woods around her family¡¯s ranch on the worst nights, striking terror into her heart as a child. All of them heard it too, but the adults always told her it was nothing, that everything was fine, everything was safe.


    They had lied.


    As the whistling intensified it was soon accompanied by a soft, eerie singing that was high-pitched, sweet and utterly unnerving in its supernatural beauty. It was a lullaby, but it was a song laced with malice, heralding untold horrors to come. She snapped her head around to the singer, recoiling in horror at the figure in gossamer slowly floating towards her. It had an arm completely covered in fabric reaching out menacingly for her, as the gossamer scraps of the unnatural garment slowly snaked towards her.


    ¡°...the prey runs¡­¡± The melodic voice mocked. ¡°...we hunt¡­¡±


    ¡°Not if I kill you first!¡± Nika grit her teeth as she struggled to raise her plasma rifle, her usually steady hands trembling uncontrollably as her limbs refused to move, her strength sapped by the overwhelming terror that had taken hold of her.


    The lullaby grew louder, the Gossamer Horror¡¯s voice wrapping around Nika like a physical force, squeezing the air from her lungs. She couldn¡¯t breathe, couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t think beyond the terror, her vision blurring with tears she hadn¡¯t realised she was shedding¡­


    Just as the strand of gossamer was about to touch her, Nika let out a desperate roar as she finally got her gun up, blasting the hallucination of the horror which faded away, though the lullaby lingered in her mind for just a moment longer, mocking her.


    ¡°Nika!¡± She heard a panicked voice yell out, as she realised someone was shaking her shoulders.


    ¡°Sephy?¡± She gasped, looking up and spotting the Skritta holding her. ¡°Shit! What happened?¡±


    *****


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Lady Fane?¡± Alora sneered as she lunged at the air, as the apparition of her childhood torturer disappeared and reappeared to the side ¡°Can you only use that rod against defenceless children? You¡¯re pathetic!¡±


    ¡°Disappointing as ever.¡± Lady Fane snapped cruelly, just as she did all those years ago. ¡°Why Lord and Lady Valerian ever took you in as a ward is beyond me!¡±


    Alora could almost feel the tight, suffocating constraints of the early childhood life she once led. Endless rules, isolation and a complete lack of freedom. Every muscle in her body tensed as the memories flooded back of the sleepless nights spent under harsh surveillance by the opportunistic, backstabbing foster guardians who had taken her from her birth parents under some kind of arrangement, bringing her to House Valerian with the promise to tutor and instruct in courtly graces.


    Instead, they fought hard to mould her into their perfect little pawn. But despite her being deprived of contact with others her age - except for the groomed children of the key players - and despite the constant barrage of mental and emotional manipulation designed to break her spirit, Alora never broke. They¡¯d exiled her in all but name, expecting her to die.


    That was their mistake.


    Alora felt the anger, the resentment, the deep-seated hatred she had kept buried for years boiling to the surface as she roared, her vision blurring with rage as she sliced with her spear again and again wherever Lady Fane would appear, screaming in sheer wrath until her spear met resistance.


    ¡°Got you now, you bitch!¡± The Eladrie yelled out, pushing with all of her might as Lady Fane grunted with the thrust.


    ¡°Alora!¡± Lady Fane growled as she held onto the shaft of the spear, desperately holding it back from completely running her through. She placed her hand on Alora¡¯s shoulder, though instead of the firm, biting grip of Lady Fane, this touch felt different¡­


    ¡°Alora!¡± Jack yelled, and the vision of Lady Fane blinked away in an instant to be replaced by the human, holding the Eladrie back from trying to run him through.


    ¡°Jack!¡± Alora gasped as she dropped her spear, the spiritual weapon fading away into nothingness as she backed away in a panic. ¡°Oh gods! I¡¯m so sorry! Are you hurt?!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright!¡± Jack held his hand up as Alora stumbled and fell backwards, landing in a muddy puddle. ¡°You didn¡¯t know it was me, I¡¯ll be fine!¡±


    ¡°But did I hurt you?¡±


    ¡°You got me good, but it bounced off my armour before I caught it,¡± Jack assured, then chuckled. ¡°Remind me never to piss you off!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Alora gasped again as she gratefully took Jack¡¯s hand as he pulled her up. ¡°I saw you as the enemy! It was like I instantly forgot why we¡¯re here!¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡± Jack held Alora firmly for a moment to get her to stop shaking and apologising for a moment. ¡°I know you didn¡¯t mean to attack me. It¡¯s like back at the boat. Do you know what it is, Chiyo?¡±


    It¡¯s not something I fully understand, but it appears to be some kind of mental attack, Chiyo answered, while Nika also shook out whatever was affecting her. Though your blessings should have helped resist such a thing, and I should have been able to detect it.


    ¡°Maybe they just got something powerful through?¡± Sephy suggested as she patted Nika on the back, who was still hyperventilating from her encounter.


    Maybe, Chiyo agreed. Stay close and be wary. Whatever this is will throw you off, but no matter what happens, try to hold on to the fact that there are illusions at work.


    ¡°I tried to, but in the moment that fact didn¡¯t occur to me even when it should have been obvious,¡± Nika admitted, jogging on the spot for a few seconds to focus her mind and get her blood pumping.


    ¡°That¡¯s likely part of this phenomenon,¡± Alora agreed with a sigh. ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ve managed to put a few miles behind us but we have more to go.¡±


    The next hour passed them by in a tense silence. The group stuck close together, keeping their weapons at the ready, looking out with their limited light at the one-thriving farmland around them that appeared to be even more run down and wild than what they had already passed through, with the occasional lone fence post or broken down cart serving as the only grim marker of the life that once flourished here, now long gone.


    As they pushed further into the night, the silence only interrupted by the occasional unnatural howls in the distance, the flat plains and swamps gave way for much more uneven ground, with only occasional patches of long-abandoned fields and overgrown pastures signifying that where they were travelling didn¡¯t see much agricultural use. The abandoned farmland finally ended for good by the remnants of irrigation ditches crisscrossing the area, next to a dried up riverbed.


    This must be the great river on the maps, Chiyo announced to the others. Or at least what remains of it.


    ¡°Shit, this mist is getting even thicker the further we go,¡± Sephy warned, as she noticed how the white wisps of fog had almost made it to her waist, with Dante growling with unease. ¡°Whatever this mess is, I think we¡¯re heading to the source¡­¡±


    There was no reply.


    ¡°Uhh, guys?¡± The Skritta spoke up and looked around.


    There was nobody there.


    ¡°Well fuck,¡± Sephy cursed, crouching low and bringing her gun up as she suddenly found herself back in the cramped and grimy streets of Naganai. Looking around, she instantly recognised the alleyway she¡¯d lived in, with the Corvin Enterprises logo on the cardboard box that served as her only shelter tucked away in a partially hidden corner. ¡°Home sweet fucking home¡­¡± She muttered as she saw the heavy raindrops pour unforgivingly in the cold night.


    ¡°Girl!¡± a gruff voice yelled out. ¡°Gimme what¡¯s mine!¡±


    Her head snapped round to the old decrepit Lizta sat on his battered garden chair outside the tiny janitor''s shed that Old Man Grizzle called home.


    ¡°No!¡± Another voice yelled defiantly, and Sephy remembered the exact words she spoke that day. ¡°This is mine! I earned it!¡±


    ¡°You live in my alleyway girl! Now pay up! Or maybe you¡¯d like to learn how to pay another way instead?¡± She heard the lecherous old man laugh with a cough as he lunged for the Skritta, only to gasp out as Sephy easily dodged¡­


    Then plunged her hidden knife into Old Man Grizzle¡¯s leg.


    ¡°You¡­¡± He gasped weekly as the feeble man lost his balance and dropped to the ground. ¡°Come here girl!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Sephy heard the past version of herself gasp out as she backed away in a panic. ¡°Stay away!¡±


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    The old man crawled ever closer, ever weaker. Sephy didn¡¯t know until later that her knife had caught an artery and the man was dying, but in that moment she was too paralysed in fear to do a thing as the old man slowly made his way closer and closer, before finally dropping dead mere inches away. Sephy didn¡¯t know how long she ended up staying there in the rain, but when she finally found the courage to search his body and take the shed for herself, she slept warmer than she had in months.


    Sephy! Chiyo shook the Skritta away with a soft touch.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± The Skritta cursed as she shook her head to get a hold of herself. ¡°That wasn¡¯t fun. I didn¡¯t do anything bad did I?¡±


    No, don¡¯t worry, The Ilithii told her with a reassuring smile. Are you alright?


    ¡°Yep,¡± she sighed, ¡°And it¡¯ll be even better once we get paid!¡± Sephy grinned with false bravado as she bounded forward to join the others at the bottom of the dried up river where the fog was heaviest, using her wings to then propel herself up the opposite bank to join Nika and Dante while Jack assisted Alora up and Chiyo simply floated over the entire thing.


    ¡°Now we¡¯re heading through the forest,¡± Nika announced, looking to Chiyo, who nodded her head in confirmation. ¡°While there may be some kind of path to the Shrine of Elphil, there¡¯s no way we¡¯re going to find it in this mess, and it¡¯d be a prime spot for an ambush anyway.¡±


    ¡°We know where the river is on the map, but how confident are we that we know where we are?¡± Jack asked the others as he looked around at the ghostly lights twinkling ominously around the plains behind them. He couldn¡¯t help but feel like they were being herded like cattle. ¡°The last thing we want or need is to get ourselves lost in the woods.¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯re confident enough as long as we know what direction we¡¯re going in,¡± Alora reassured him. ¡°Though finding the shrine itself is no doubt going to be tricky.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m keeping an eye on our general positioning with a mapfinding program,¡± Sephy added. ¡°We¡¯ve hit these woods earlier than we expected based on the maps but that¡¯s probably just natural expansion over time. I¡¯ll know if we end up backtracking or go off course.¡±


    Hopefully I¡¯ll be able to detect the shrine itself by its spiritual energy, Chiyo spoke up. Even though it¡¯ll likely be a ruin at this point, there should be something residual I can detect even with this overwhelming dark presence around us.


    ¡°How bad?¡± Alora asked.


    Bad and getting worse, Chiyo answered. Whatever it is, we¡¯re heading closer towards the epicentre of it, though I think we¡¯ll find the shrine before then. But once we do I recommend we make our business quick and get out. This is Spawn of Nekdon bad, maybe even worse!


    ¡°What could possibly be worse than the Spawn of Nekdon?¡± Jack asked with worry, and only received worried looks in return from the others.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Alora shuddered. ¡°But Chiyo¡¯s right. Once we get to the shrine, we do what we came here to do and leave with haste, but I also think we should grab as much intel as we can while we do that.¡±


    ¡°No complaints here,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°We¡¯ve stumbled onto something big, and even if Corvin Enterprises pays us well for the info, we¡¯ve got to let others in the city know there¡¯s another major threat about.¡±


    ¡°Do you really think this is a threat to the city?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°Whatever this is, they¡¯re not exactly camping an army of monsters out here ready to march.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Jack agreed with Sephy. ¡°But there¡¯s no harm in letting the right people know after we¡¯ve been paid, and from everything we¡¯ve seen these guys have taken a lot of steps to avoid discovery. I think it¡¯s in everyone¡¯s interests to blow this thing wide open.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± The Skritta shrugged. ¡°Shall we get moving then?¡±


    The ground began to rise slightly as they entered the forest, with the warped roots and trunks giving an ancient feel, though Jack knew that this part of the forest would be the youngest. Quickly the trees seemed to close in around them as they ventured deeper and deeper into the forest, surrounded by oppressive darkness


    The silence was unnerving, the only sounds being the occasional rustle of leaves from something unseen, or the distant howls of the monsters lying in wait around them. Every shadow seemed to move as the trees around them seemed to take on menacing shapes in the low light from Dante, Alora and the occasional Death Candle that flickered between the trees, always out of reach.


    ¡®Why do they not attack?¡¯ Chiyo thought to herself, as Dante growled at something unseen.


    There was no doubt they¡¯d try again. She¡¯d sensed the movements on the periphery, just out of sight, and alerted her teammates, but nothing came of it. She was certain they¡¯d attack, so why didn¡¯t they?


    Be wary. Chiyo whispered to the others.


    ¡­


    Guys? Chiyo asked as she turned around, finding nobody.


    ¡®What!? This shouldn¡¯t be possible!¡¯ The Ilithii thought to herself. ¡®A mental attack that I couldn¡¯t detect? What am I perceiving? The Astral Realm?¡¯ She focused her spiritual Third Eye as she tried to determine where her consciousness currently was, but saw nothing but the infernal fog all around them. It¡¯s¡­.


    ¡°...like this fog has a transitive property with the adjacent planes.¡± A familiar voice spoke up with a chuckle, finishing her sentence. Chiyo turned around and let out an involuntary gasp upon seeing the figure. Instantly she knew he wasn¡¯t the person she knew in the present as he looked at her with bright eyes, his blond hair ruffled up in that charming boyish way she found attractive back when he was the person he was before.


    The person she once loved.


    ¡°Hey, Blue.¡± ¡®Svaartal¡¯ smiled warmly. ¡°I see you¡¯ve found yourself in some trouble! Need some help?¡±


    You¡¯re not real! Chiyo dismissed as she deliberately looked away, trying to think of a way out of this mess. You¡¯re just an apparition appearing to torment me.


    ¡°I¡¯m one of those things at least.¡± ¡®Svaartal¡¯ chuckled as he appeared in full view once again. ¡°I won¡¯t pretend to be real; unlike the others, you¡¯re experiencing this fully aware of what is happening.¡±


    That¡¯s right¡­ The Ilithii thought out loud. Mental clarity and lucidity is second nature to me, but it doesn¡¯t explain all this! I shouldn¡¯t be hallucinating anything I don¡¯t want to see!


    ¡°Then what could be causing this?¡± The Nirah asked her, indicating with his hand the all-encompassing mist. ¡°And how have you been affected by it?¡±


    I don¡¯t know. Chiyo shook her head.


    ¡°You can work it out, Blue.¡± The form of ¡®Svaartal¡¯ smiled in that way he used to do. ¡°That animal companion of yours seemed to detect it well enough!¡±


    What?! Wait¡­


    Every time before one of them began to hallucinate, Dante reacted to it. Back on the boat the ¡®dog¡¯ kept reacting to things they couldn¡¯t see, just as they did here. What could Dante sense that she couldn¡¯t?


    ¡°They seem to sense imminent danger quite well,¡± the Nirah continued, as if reading her thoughts, which he was considering he was just a manifestation of her subconscious.


    But where is the danger? Chiyo asked. My powers have been working strangely ever since we first encountered this enemy on the boat!


    ¡°And what caused that?¡± ¡®Svaartal¡¯ pressed. ¡°What was the first thing to happen?¡±


    The mist itself, Chiyo realised. Of course! It¡¯s all around us and it was there when we first encountered them on the boat! That it¡¯s unnatural is obvious - the moment it reached the cabin the enemy were instantly alerted.


    ¡°And what¡¯s the common theme you¡¯ve seen from this enemy so far?¡± The Nirah pressed her again. ¡°Or at least the most recurring one?¡±


    They¡¯re some kind of fungal beings, though I don¡¯t-


    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking,¡± ¡®Svaartal¡¯ told her. ¡°Focus on that. Most of these creatures have a fungal theme, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    Well, some fungus can have¡­ Chiyo¡¯s eyes suddenly opened wide with realisation. Hallucinogenic properties! It¡¯s something physically affecting us! That¡¯s how it¡¯s affected me!


    ¡°Yes, and it¡¯s dulled your perception because of it,¡± ¡®Svaartal¡¯ added. ¡°Now hold on to that. How has it been able to affect you all?¡±


    Because all this isn¡¯t a mist! Chiyo realised. It¡¯s a cloud of spores we¡¯ve been breathing in this whole time!


    ¡°Yes.¡± The Nirah nodded. ¡°It¡¯s messed with your perception, but now that you know¡­¡±


    Chiyo closed her eyes and focused her mind, completely shutting out her physical senses. The dullness she felt faded away as reclaimed control over her thoughts. Opening her eyes once again as her senses returned to normal, she began to scan her surroundings more carefully, feeling a faint, almost imperceptible disturbance in the Astral Plane - a ripple of malevolent energy that wasn¡¯t coming from the spores or the environment around them.


    Narrowing her focus Chiyo reached out and probed the source of the disturbance, pushing through the mental haze until an ugly crooked figure in brown, filthy robes manifested in front of her in the Astral Realm. It was another hag astrally projecting, using the spores to attack their minds! Chiyo wasted no time, quickly projecting her consciousness into the Astral Realm, catching the witch unawares as she unleashed a powerful psychic blast that pummelling the hag. The hag¡¯s eyes had widened with shock at being discovered, before narrowing with fury as it was hit with the force of a speeding car.


    Clutching its chest with visible pain, the hag opened her mouth to try and cast a quick spell, but was disrupted as Chiyo struck again, pressing her advantage. The witch began to panic, looking around her as other forms began to come into focus. The glowing eyes of the Skinwalkers burned with hatred as they manifested and began rushing towards Chiyo. She needed to end this quickly!


    Focusing her mind as the hag began to demanifest and flee, Chiyo pressed her attack and channelled every ounce of her willpower she could muster into a psychic lance, releasing it like an arrow that blasted through the hag¡¯s chest, shattering its consciousness like glass. The fragments dissolved into the void as the malevolent energy around Chiyo quickly dissipated, the hag¡¯s curses broken. Chiyo quickly demanifested out of the Astral Realm as the Skinwalkers got close, their claws striking nothing as Chiyo¡¯s consciousness returned to her physical body, though her perception of the false mist remained.


    ¡°Now you know what they were trying to do, they¡¯ll change tactics again,¡± the Nirah told her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, looking into her eyes with that same warm smile. ¡°You¡¯ll have some time to react as they shift out of the Astral Realm, so you need to ¡®wake up¡¯ now,¡± ¡®Svaartal¡¯ sadly whispered. ¡°This is goodbye, but I know you can do this, Chiyo!¡±


    I¡¯ve missed you so much! Chiyo finally admitted with tears in her eyes, sobbing as she threw her arms around the Nirah as he began to fade away. I wish you¡¯d never changed!


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Blue.¡± ¡®Svaartal¡¯ smiled as he returned the hug. ¡°It¡¯s okay...¡±


    ¡°Chiyo? You with us?¡± Jack asked as he gently held the Ilithii, staring into her eyes as they snapped back into focus.


    Y-yes, she gasped, wiping away the tears. It¡¯s not a mist at all, it¡¯s a giant spore cloud! It¡¯s some kind of hallucinogen messing with our minds!


    ¡°Spores?¡± Jack asked, his eyes widening with realisation as he suddenly remembered back to the boat. ¡°Yeah! I saw a bunch of ugly-looking fungus patches on the bank of the river as the mist started to appear! I bet there¡¯s more around that we just can¡¯t see under the cloud!¡±


    Quickly, Chiyo pulled out her Cane of Travel. Channelling her power through it, she created a small clear orb that pushed the mist away, which slowly expanded outwards to encompass the rest of the group, who all gasped in relief at the fresh, clean air from the Life Bubble spell.


    ¡°Nice one, Chiyo!¡± Sephy panted, breathing it all in. ¡°Gods, that feels so much better! I didn¡¯t even notice how bad it was! We must have been tripping balls!¡±


    It¡¯ll only last a few hours, Chiyo warned as the ghostly whispering returned, almost like someone had suddenly turned up the TV volume from mute. But that¡¯s not the worst of it. They¡¯ve been there the entire time in the Astral Plane! I killed another witch, but there were Skinwalkers there too! Get ready for a fight!


    ¡°We¡¯ve gotta move!¡± Nika told them as she began to spot some familiar hostile shapes moving between the trees on the cusps of her vision.


    ¡°Oh!? You want some more do you!?¡± Jack yelled, thoroughly pissed off, as he flicked his heavy plasma rifle to full auto while they all ran as fast as they could. He let out a blistering volley of plasma fire towards the glowing red eyes of the howling Skinwalkers that were appearing in the far distance.


    As they crested a small rise, Chiyo spotted something in the distance between the trees with her arcane sight. Everyone! I think we¡¯re close! It should be just another half-mile away! I can¡¯t see the shrine itself, but it looks at least partially enclosed within some walls.


    ¡°Thank fuck for that!¡± Sephy sighed. ¡°We¡¯re nearly there!¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Nika agreed, her pointed ears twitching as she heard noise up ahead. ¡°But there¡¯s more enemies up ahead.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not get baited into anything,¡± Alora warned, as she drew her wand. ¡°Hopefully we can take them out quickly before they can form up.¡±


    ¡°That might be a long shot,¡± Sephy warned. ¡°But once we finish them we can hopefully be in and out of there before anything else decides to say hello!¡±


    As the group pushed through the thickening mist towards the familiar black-metal district walls - the first they¡¯d seen since leaving Naganai - they followed the subtle noises that sounded very much like the monsters they¡¯d encountered so far.


    However, as they got closer they heard new, more distinct sounds - snarling beasts, and what sounded like a sudden snapping noise followed by a roar.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Jack muttered as he took point. The group had finally reached the district wall, which had long been overwhelmed by moss and lichen, but before anyone could answer there was the sound of an almighty thundercrack, followed by a bellow of pain.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Nika gasped. ¡°There¡¯s a fight!¡±


    ¡°Move quickly, but don¡¯t reveal yourselves!¡± Alora ordered. ¡°Nika, take point. Be ready to engage!¡±


    Swiftly following the distant sounds of battle, the group made it through the trees to an earthen ramp littered with fungal bodies, though Jack could see a few wooden mannequins among them too. At the top, towards an open gate almost definitely leading to the shrine, there were several more of the mannequins in formation with spears, and a single, solitary figure in brown robes leading them, desperately fending off several of the large mushroom-like monsters as their club-like limbs smashed into their ranks.


    ¡°What¡¯s the play, Alora?¡± Nika asked as she pointed at the figure in robes. ¡°Is that another one of the witches?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Sephy shook her head. ¡°They look different.¡±


    ¡°Get ready to take the fungals out, shock and awe!¡± Alora told them all. ¡°Avoid the unknowns for now and assist them, but be ready to engage if they¡¯re hostile!¡±


    ¡°Roger that.¡± Jack nodded as he checked his ammo.


    On your mark. Chiyo nodded as the group loosened their formation, much more confident now that the horrible clouds weren¡¯t messing with them any more.


    ¡°Now!¡± Alora yelled out.


    Everyone engaged as Jack opened up on the clustered enemies with a full auto spread, completely obliterating many of the smaller creatures hiding behind the brutes. They also broke up the formations of the larger mushrooms joining their comrades up the ramp, as Chiyo used her powers to quickly push others off that were close to the defenders.


    ¡°Pyralis!¡± Alora yelled out, casting a stream of fire that snaked around and lashed out at any of the monsters seeking cover, setting them ablaze and lighting them up well for Sephy and Nika to blast any of them that were still standing, while Dante quickly dashed forward to the ramp, intercepting the Skinwalker attempting to escape with a powerful burst of lightning, electrocuting the beast as it howled and thrashed, until it finally dropped to the ground as a smouldering corpse.


    ¡°There¡¯s more on the horizon!¡± Alora warned. ¡°Get to the ramp and we¡¯ll see if these guys want to talk!¡±


    As the last of the hulking mushrooms dropped, the brown robed figure quickly turned to them with their glave raised in a combat stance, wooden golems fanning out. ¡°Stay back! This is a sacred place and I will kill all who threaten it!¡± The woman yelled out in a challenge.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Sephy exclaimed upon seeing the woman¡¯s face. The avian had grey-feathers with a sharp beak and four eyes staring in hatred at all of them, and as she gazed at all of them, everyone else came to the same realisation.


    This was the woman whose body they were sent here to find - very much alive!

 Chapter 138: The Last Defender

    ¡°Wait!¡± Alora yelled out to the woman. ¡°We¡¯re friendlies!¡±


    ¡°Liar!¡± The woman roared back, but she held off from attacking them for the moment. ¡°Everyone else is dead! There are no friendlies here!¡±


    ¡°We were sent here to find you!¡± Jack added. ¡°We¡¯re not your enemy! You¡¯re the first person we¡¯ve met in this damn place!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what the hells you are!¡± The woman yelled at Jack as she raised her wooden staff, a crystal at the top glowing a bright light green, while Nika and Sephy levelled their guns at the druid in response. ¡°Find me? What a crock of shit that is!¡±


    It¡¯s true! Chiyo argued, as she looked back to check behind them, seeing several flicking lights of Death Candles getting closer behind them. We were hired to investigate this place!


    ¡°As if I¡¯ll fall for your tricks!¡± The woman snapped her beak. ¡°I¡¯ve felt your powers decline with your last attack! This Shrine of Elphil won¡¯t be corrupted by your foul taint!¡±


    ¡°Your son sent us!¡± Sephy yelled as the staff glowed brighter with power. ¡°It¡¯s why we¡¯re here!¡±


    ¡°I HAVE NO SON!¡± The woman yelled, and the strange twig-contraptions around her began to advance towards them.


    ¡°For fucks sake, look at us!¡± Nika yelled as she took aim at the paranoid woman¡¯s head, just about holding herself back from shooting them. ¡°We¡¯re not with whatever the fuck those things are, we¡¯ve been fighting them all night and we¡¯ve just saved your ass! Stand down or we¡¯ll put you down! Last chance!¡±


    ¡°Come and try it!¡± The druid snarled as she took in power¡­


    Suddenly a loud bark reverberated around them, causing all parties to stop what they were doing as Dante bounded forward to look up at the woman, barking with meaning several times.


    ¡°What¡­.?¡± The druid faltered, lowering her staff, staring at them with bulging eyes. ¡°Impossible! That¡¯s an Elyssian Hound! One of Astara¡¯s servants! How!? How can you fake that!¡±


    ¡°We told you!¡± Alora called out. ¡°We¡¯re here to help you! Please talk to us! It¡¯s not safe out here and there isn¡¯t much time!¡±


    The woman seemed conflicted as she looked at them, taking several steps back in shock. Dante paced forward and barked much louder several times.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what the hell a ¡®human¡¯ is,¡± the woman yelled at the ¡®dog¡¯, ¡°but the rest of what you say makes sense. I cannot deny the truth I see before my eyes!¡±


    With a wave of her hand, the twiggy mannequins stood down and stepped aside.


    ¡°If you insist on this, you can come in.¡± The druid beckoned with a grunt. ¡°I¡¯ll hear you out inside, but I fear you only find your doom here.¡±


    The path through the metal gate was flanked by towering ancient trees that seemed to part and give way as they passed, with the roots retreating to allow everyone to walk unhindered before the gnarled branches closed back around them to block the path again once they passed into the shrine complex.


    Beyond the trees the group found themselves in an open glade about half the size of a football pitch with signs of battle dominating the front half of the grove, implying that the battlelines had shifted multiple times, with churned up earth, damaged plants and trees and scorch marks on spots on the ground. Past this carnage, at the far end of the glade, was a semicircle of low, earth-covered dwellings that seemed to blend seamlessly into the environment. Their roofs were made of living grass and moss, with walls of woven wooden branches and stone, though they still showed some signs of battle damage. As they walked past one of these huts, Jack could see vines and flowering plants climbing the sides, indicating that the structures had been partially grown that way rather than built traditionally, with several small animals moving freely between the gaps.


    ¡°Here, sit,¡± the woman ordered, indicating a central fire pit in the middle of the huts which had long since extinguished, surrounded by stone benches carved with intricate patterns depicting leaves, animals and other nature themes that they could see. ¡°Do you need food? It¡¯s not like we have any mouths to feed.¡±


    ¡°No thank you.¡± Alora shook her head as the group all sat down. ¡°We came here to investigate what¡¯s been going on. Though we¡¯ve seen many things since arriving here, you¡¯re the first living person we¡¯ve seen so far.¡±


    ¡°My name is Elysandra, I¡¯m the only person you¡¯ll meet here.¡± The woman snorted. ¡°My fellow Greenwardens are either dead or were taken by those monsters!¡±


    What happened? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°Over a month ago, several of our Circle went missing.¡± The woman sighed, the weariness in her bones apparent as she slumped with the motion. ¡°At the time we thought nothing of it, but eventually a group of our senior acolytes decided to venture out and find them. When they all returned, we thought nothing was amiss ¡­ until they were able to get close.¡±


    The druid hardened her resolve as she continued. ¡°That¡¯s when they attacked. Shapeshifters had stolen the forms of our friends and slaughtered many, breaching the inner shrine.¡± She pointed to another gate. ¡°At great sacrifice we pushed them back, where a horde of Myrelings and Blightcaps were trying to pile in.¡±


    ¡°What are they?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°I could ask the same thing about you,¡± the woman grunted back at him. ¡°You met those foul creatures on the slope back there.¡±


    ¡°What happened next?¡± Alora asked Elysandra gently.


    ¡°I¡­had been defending the inner shrine,¡± the druid continued, and Jack got the sense she was holding something back. ¡°By the time we pushed them out we were only a handful left, and our communications relay had been destroyed - it was one of the first things the monsters did when they broke in. They knew what they were doing, as if they were taking orders from something intelligent, but I don¡¯t know how they¡¯ve been able to coordinate this well. I¡¯ve never heard of these monsters being tamed, so something like this shouldn¡¯t be possible for mere monsters.¡±


    ¡°Something similar happened at the Corvin Outpost,¡± Sephy spoke up. ¡°It was like everyone there just up and left, but the generator and comms relay were fucked up.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t surprise me.¡± Elysandra sighed. ¡°Once we pushed them out they laid siege, and we could sense them expanding out and coordinating. We couldn¡¯t hail the Outpost, but one of us tried to shapechange into a bird and fly there to warn them, but they were intercepted by one of those damn Hags! They¡¯re the ones that appear to be leading this blighted horde in this area. It¡¯s a Coven of Seven, though I sense their hold has weakened.¡±


    ¡°I should hope so,¡± Nika spoke up. ¡°I killed one of them when the monsters attacked us.¡±


    And I eliminated another in the Astral Plane, Chiyo added. We know the mist around here is spore clouds with a hallucinogenic property, and it seems to thin the barriers between adjacent planes.


    ¡°The Astral Plane?¡± The woman spoke up in shock. ¡°So that¡¯s how they were able to intercept us!¡±


    And the Skinwalkers can travel there too, Chiyo added, causing the druid¡¯s talons to bite hard in the wood of her staff.


    ¡°Do you know what they want?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Unless it¡¯s plain and simple conquest, I don¡¯t know,¡± Elysandra began, and held up her hand for the others to be quiet as she continued. ¡°But I have never seen or heard of creatures like this cooperating at all on any scale, let alone a scale as large as this. The Coven of Hags have great sway over these creatures, and whatever they¡¯re planning, it¡¯s something big.¡±


    ¡°What makes you so sure?¡± Alora asked. All of the Runners of course knew by this point that their mysterious enemy had some kind of nefarious objective, but the way Elysandra said that implied she witnessed something more.


    ¡°They¡¯re trying to take certain people alive where they can,¡± the Druid told them solemnly, and they nodded, knowing this already after having seen the evidence first hand. ¡°We saw this after they first raided us and took our people to an old clearing a little further into the forest from here, and we¡¯ve sensed more people being taken there over time but were powerless to do a thing! Ever since they attacked us for the first time there¡¯s been a foul presence there that grows stronger and stronger with every soul brought there. I believe the Hags are performing an evil ritual of some kind, but I don¡¯t know for what purpose.¡±


    ¡°Well, I doubt it¡¯s a summoning for free ice cream!¡± Sephy quipped, trying to lighten the mood, and failing. She coughed awkwardly. ¡°So what do we do?¡±


    ¡°I cannot leave this place,¡± the druid immediately informed them. ¡°I have a sacred charge from Elphil to protect this shrine for as long as I can until-¡± She cut herself off, looking at the group with suspicion.


    ¡°Well it¡¯s not going to last much longer!¡± Nika shook her head in disbelief. ¡°Is it really worth your life?¡±


    ¡°Nika¡¯s right.¡± Alora gently told the woman. ¡°Can you not perform a closing ritual?¡±


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°I can,¡± Elysandra confirmed. ¡°But¡­.I can¡¯t do it yet. I¡¯ve got to hold off from doing that for as long as I possibly can.¡±


    ¡°Alright, change of topic,¡± Sephy spoke up. ¡°How does this work out with what our client wants us to do? No offence, but he and the rest of us expected you to be dead or missing, and you even told us that you don¡¯t have a son!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, do you know the guy? He was the same species as you,¡± Jack asked, spotting the druid bristle at the subject as he decided to speak up rather than let the others do it. ¡°Look, I get it if he¡¯s not someone you like, but we had no way of knowing that. All we know is he was some kind of figure within Corvin Enterprises and he wanted some of your belongings but-¡±


    ¡°Yes. I gave birth to him.¡± Elysandra snorted. ¡°And of course he wants an excuse to claim my things! Anything for personal power!¡±


    So he is your son, Chiyo confirmed. But you are somehow estranged from one another? Is Elphil not a Goddess of Children?


    ¡°I tried to raise Kaldra the right way as The Nurturing Mother taught me.¡± Elysandra sighed. ¡°The time came when he had to make his own way as all children do. I had hoped he would consider following in my footsteps, but instead he became a mercenary, eventually falling in with a group of individuals I very much disapproved of, and so I tried to talk sense into him as this group committed many deeds in the name of greed and power. We argued, we parted, and we barely spoke since. But talking about it doesn¡¯t help us now.¡±


    ¡°I suppose not.¡± Alora sighed.


    ¡°Yes...¡± Elysandra nodded. ¡°I will be willing to give you what you came for, even if Kaldra¡¯s motivation for getting my belongings isn¡¯t pure. All I ask is for aid in¡­¡±


    ¡°Aid in what?¡± Jack asked.


    Elysandra suddenly closed her eyes and touched the ground, seeming to concentrate for a few moments before opening them again.


    ¡°They¡¯re mustering in force¡­¡± she murmured. ¡°They look desperate. You must have complicated their plans by slaying two of their Coven, and I think they mean to break the siege of this place at any cost. They¡¯re pulling monsters here!¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± Nika cursed. ¡°What do we do?¡±


    ¡°You might be able to make a dash for it and run, though they will certainly chase you,¡± Elysandra warned them. ¡°It would be selfish of me to ask you to stay. But you can all help me defend this place, and it would give me more time to deny them the prize that they seek if you can hold them off, and if you¡¯re able to do that and thin their numbers, it would at least give you a better opportunity to escape!¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Jack began tentatively, causing all eyes to look to him. ¡°If we thin their numbers like you say, it may also give us an opportunity to turn this situation around with a counterattack. You said there were seven hags in this coven?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Elysandra nodded, looking at him curiously.


    ¡°Now if your information is correct there are five witches left,¡± Jack reasoned. ¡°What if we were able to take them out too?¡±


    ¡°Then¡­.¡± Elysandra paused for a moment as she thought about it. ¡°Any rituals and spells they¡¯ve cast would be disrupted. They¡¯ve summoned several wards and barriers that prevent us from getting anything out, and it wouldn¡¯t be good for whatever they¡¯re attempting nearby...¡±


    We don¡¯t know the nature of what they¡¯re attempting, and I have a bad feeling it¡¯s building to something catastrophic! Chiyo spoke up. It may be that slaying the Hags won¡¯t be enough!


    ¡°But we sort of know the location of what they¡¯re doing,¡± Sephy added with a daring grin. ¡°If we¡¯re somehow able to get there, we can find out what¡¯s going on and stop it!¡±


    ¡°Heh, you feeling like being a hero, Sephy?¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Hell of a risk, but I¡¯m game. This enemy¡¯s been expanding, and they¡¯re gonna be a threat to the city, so if we can stop them or slow them down we might be saving some lives, though it sucks we won¡¯t be paid extra for it!¡±


    ¡°I agree.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Not just that, these monsters have killed too many people already. I want to avenge them and find out what they¡¯re doing to the people they¡¯re taking alive.¡±


    They¡¯ve destabilised the barriers between planes, Chiyo added. They need to be stopped before they get out of control.¡±


    ¡°Then we are all agreed.¡± Alora nodded with a drawn-out nervous breath, though still with a look of determination on her face. ¡°This corruption needs to be destroyed. Get ready to stand and fight!¡±


    ¡°Suffer not a witch to live.¡± Jack growled the harrowing bible quote, and his Ring of the Berserker tingled on his finger with anticipation.


    ¡°They approach, we don¡¯t have long,¡± Elysandra warned, as the Druid Grove around them seemed to warp and change. Several more of the twiggy mannequin-like constructs from before began to weave themselves together from the trees, and began to form ranks at the entrance. ¡°The Twigspawn won¡¯t be enough. I¡¯ll need to awaken other defences. Follow me!¡±


    As the group followed the druid through the eerie glade, tension hung thick in the air, as the sounds of rustling leaves and snapping branches from the Twigspawn kept their nerves on edge. Jack noticed a great door at the top of a set of stone steps, but Elysandra led them past that, instead leading them towards a great mound of earth, pulling back a curtain of hanging moss and vines to show a hollowed-out interior.


    ¡°You can just take whatever you need or want to carry with you from our armoury.¡± Elysandra shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m the last of our circle, so with there being nobody else to use any of this stuff, it might as well be your reward as thanks for helping me. Even if you kids weren¡¯t mercenaries, it would still be better for you to claim what you want than leave it to the enemy, and if we need to withstand an all-out attack we¡¯re going to need to use everything we have at hand!¡±


    The group stepped inside as Dante handily lit it up for them to see. Their gazes swept over the various items stored within, immediately seeing bows with sinew strings, quivers with arrows topped with sharp rocks, spears that looked like the blades themselves were carved out of wood, and clubs studded with sharp stones.


    ¡°Uh¡­no offence but we use guns!¡± Sephy called out to the druid. ¡°Please tell me you have plasma batteries!¡±


    ¡°Look round the back,¡± Elysandra called back as she avoided the initial racks of basic weapons and took up a bow that looked much more intricate, carved of some pale, white wood. ¡°The better stuff is there, the Twigspawn can have everything else.¡±


    ¡°Oh thank fuck!¡± Nika sighed as she found some batteries, throwing a few to the Skritta after checking that most of them had about 50% power.


    ¡°Uh, Nika?¡± Jack called out, showing her five objects in his palm. ¡°Are these batteries the type that I think they are? They look the same as the one for the Blunderbuss!¡±


    ¡°Shit, I think they are!¡± The Kizun exclaimed with a grin after quickly giving them a once-over. ¡°That¡¯s handy! How many?¡±


    ¡°Just these,¡± Jack confirmed with a sigh, pocketing them in his duster that also used to belong to the Blunderbuss¡¯ previous owner. ¡°These will be a barrel of laughs,¡± he quipped.


    ¡°That they will!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°You good on ammo? You went full-auto a lot back there!¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Jack began, cursing himself in his mind as he realised he hadn¡¯t been checking as often as he should have been, cringing slightly as he quickly loaded them to check the charge. ¡°...will probably need more. I still have my Dominator which is fully charged. I haven''t had to use it since Cypherport.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one fresh one here, but maybe we can get some charge on the others.¡± Nika sighed at the bad news ¡°If they had a comms system, maybe they have a generator around? If not, stick around Dante and hope you have enough in the tank!¡±


    ¡°Even if not¡­¡± Jack reasoned, patting his axe and grinning despite himself. ¡°This deathworlder is never unarmed...¡±


    On the other side of the armoury, both Chiyo and Alora were checking out some of the magical artefacts left unceremoniously on a mix of dirt and wooden shelves, putting some to the side to give to the others, and ignoring others as worthless.


    ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate I¡¯m not a Druid,¡± Alora muttered as she picked up a magical staff, feeling its affinity for nature magic. ¡°But there¡¯s enough crossover with my innate abilities as an Eladrie that I can still somewhat make use of this.¡±


    You may as well unless you find something better, Chiyo told her. What does it do?


    ¡°Some limited weather manipulation and affinity I think¡­¡± Alora replied after a few moments of concentrating her clerical powers. ¡°I¡¯m sure I can get creative enough, though it only has a few charges. Have you found anything, Chiyo?¡±


    There are several alchemical items here which will be invaluable in the battle to come. The Ilithii nodded. We can give the others a few, but I think the majority of these bombs and acid vials should stay with me. I can use my powers to accurately put them where they can do the most damage.


    ¡°Any potions?¡± Alora asked.


    Apart from one or two Barkskin potions, none that I can see. Chiyo shook her head as she quickly grabbed the Barkskin potions off the shelves, taking one and handing the other to Alora, knowing that the armour of the others rendered the potions obsolete. Healing potions are usually common - they must have used them up in their previous defences.


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad.¡± Alora sighed, mentally checking how much power she could muster for any magical healing as she spotted a dusty ring, picking it up and checking the label, shrugging as she handed it to Chiyo. ¡°It says it¡¯s a Ring of Marking. It¡¯s not too valuable, but if you sense a priority target before we see it you can use it to mark them for the rest of us, and it can summon lights like I can too.¡±


    I¡¯ll take it. Chiyo nodded. If I detect a Hag I¡¯ll use it on them. Anything else?


    ¡°Not much that I can see¡­¡± Alora sighed, bending down and opening a small, ornate chest at her feet that revealed a band of fur and leather emitting some kind of radiant magic, and it took a moment for her to realise that it was.


    ¡°Dante?¡± Alora called. ¡°Come here! I¡¯ve got a collar for you!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± The ¡®dog¡¯ responded, immediately padding over to the Eladrie, and bending his head down for Alora to put it on with a comfortable fit.


    ¡°Good boy!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t know what this does, but let¡¯s hope it helps¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯ll do in a pinch¡­¡± Sephy muttered to herself as she picked up a string net with weights from a hook on one of the walls. ¡°Doubt it¡¯ll do anything to stop a Skinwalker though, but-¡±


    The Skritta suddenly stopped as she felt an unexpected sensation. Worried that their enemy was trying some magical fuckery on her, she looked towards Chiyo, who didn¡¯t look like she¡¯d sensed anything amiss. The feeling was unlike what she felt before in the false mist: a subtle, almost imperceptible pull, like a thread tugging at the edge of her consciousness. It was strange, a sense she had never felt before and couldn¡¯t quite place, but it was insistent, urging her to look away from the junk she¡¯d previously been inspecting.


    Sephy¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed as she scanned the room, the pull guiding her gaze toward a dim corner shrouded in shadow right at the back. Something there was calling to her, beckoning her closer. Without a word she slipped further away from the others, drawn by a compulsion she couldn¡¯t explain but didn¡¯t question - as though some deep, instinctual part of her felt it right to do so. She made her way towards an old dusty shelf that likely hadn¡¯t seen much attention in years.


    Reaching her hand out into the shelf she fumbled around trying to reach whatever was in there before her hand wrapped itself around something tucked away behind a warped part of the back wall, almost completely out of view. Pulling it out, she found a bundle of dusty dark leather, tied with flimsy, faded cords. Carefully she untied them, her hands trembling slightly as she unrolled the bundle.


    ¡°Woah¡­¡± The Skritta gasped.


    Inside the bundle were a pair of intricately curved daggers. They were exquisite, the blades elegantly crafted with a dark, gleaming metal etched with delicate patterns that seemed to shift and move in the dim light. The hilts were wrapped in fine, dark leather, worn smooth over time but still sturdy as she picked them up and gave the blades a flawless twirl. As she did so, she felt in her mind that it felt right to her to take them, like these daggers truly belonged to her.


    Giving a few experimental stabs and swings they seemed to hum in response, resonating with her in a way that felt almost alive. The runes along the spines of the blades glowed faintly and she could feel some latent magic within, though she¡¯d have to ask Chiyo about it. It probably wouldn¡¯t be anything bad¡­


    Probably.


    ¡°Oh! Those I haven¡¯t seen in a long time, I had wondered what had happened to them!¡± Elysandra spoke up as she approached.


    ¡°Surprised you had these bad gals tucked away!¡± Sephy grinned, feeling her connection to the daggers, twirling them around experimentally as if they were a part of her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± The druid shrugged. ¡°Though some druids do use more modern weapons, my Circle always strove to only mostly use what nature provides, and those knives never resonated with any of us like they do with you. And the circumstances in which we received those daggers was¡­unusual.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah? Do tell!¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Picked them up off a bandit warlord or something?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Elysandra shook her head. ¡°We hosted a small band of travellers here a while ago who were passing through the area. They were a tribe of Skritta like you, as a matter of fact. Must have been about a decade and a half ago, give or take.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Sephy immediately scoffed at that.


    ¡°They were good guests, and only stayed a few days to exchange supplies and move on, but there was a woman among them who was absolutely distraught about something.¡± Elysandra recalled. ¡°It¡¯s been so long but I still remember it. Kept praying at the Shrine of Elphil day and night, and the rest of her tribe left her alone, save for her mate. It was the last day they were here as they were preparing to leave, and after spending days at a time praying at the shrine she suddenly got up, came up to me, and gave me those knives, telling me to hold onto them, and was very insistent about it. Told me it was her contribution in return for accommodating them, but I had my doubts. They¡¯ve been sitting on that shelf since.¡±


    ¡°Wow, what a dumb bitch!¡± Sephy chuckled. ¡°These are awesome as hell! Her loss, my gain!¡±


    ¡°Indeed. You may as well use them.¡± The druid gave a dry chuckle back before her expression hardened as she closed her eyes in concentration. ¡°They¡¯re attacking, finish up here!¡± She yelled out to the others


    ¡°Hard to do with primitive weapons,¡± Nika called back. ¡°We don¡¯t have much, but Jack and I have come up with a few ideas. We might even be able to get a communications signal out.¡±


    The Hags will need to be dealt with for that to happen, Chiyo warned. Alora and I have found some magical items that may be of use, and many that require time for attunement we simply don¡¯t have!


    ¡°Then we¡¯d better set up defences!¡± Jack warned. ¡°How long do we have?¡±


    ¡°Minutes!¡± Elysandra warned. ¡°They¡¯ve obscured their presence!¡±


    ¡°Damn witches!¡± Sephy cursed. ¡°Can we get to the top of the wall?¡±


    ¡°The Guardian Trees will guide you up there!¡± The druid confirmed.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s move!¡± Alora spurred them on.

 Chapter 139: Blight Tide

    Jack, what are you doing with those spears? Chiyo asked as Jack gathered up a bundle of them and slung them over his shoulder.


    ¡°Defences!¡± He reasoned, adrenaline pumping as he looked to Elysandra. ¡°You¡¯ve been using your abilities to make those Twigspawn things even while showing us the armoury and answering our questions. If we can hold the gate for as long as we can, could you use your powers to make more? Maybe even give us a fallback position for when they break through? Ditches, walls, pits and stuff? We have a druid friend that can kinda do that kind of stuff...¡±


    ¡°I can.¡± Elysandra nodded, seeing the logic. ¡°I¡¯ve done it before when I¡¯ve been able to, but this siege has been relentless and unending!¡±


    ¡°How the hell have you lasted this long?¡± Sephy scoffed. ¡°Damn, woman¡­¡±


    Elysandra¡¯s expression shifted slightly as she moved her hand, warping several of the trees into growing a set of stairs for easy access to the wall. ¡°My bond with nature, and the will of the Nurturing Mother, has kept me going thus far. Stall and hold them off for as long as you can from the wall, the Twigspawn will remain at the gate while I summon further defences!¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Can the Twigspawn understand and take orders from us?¡±


    ¡°No, they¡¯re simple-minded automatons.¡± The druid shook her head. ¡°But they can use weapons. Is that your intention with the spears?¡±


    ¡°Depends, can they form a phalanx?¡± Jack asked. ¡°I saw them use spears when we got here, but no formations whatsoever!¡±


    ¡°A what?¡± Elysandra asked, confused.


    ¡°Line of shields at front, spears in the rear line poking out,¡± Jack crudely explained. ¡°If they hold tight they¡¯ll be hard to budge. And you can use these spears in a ditch or something, maybe have a few handy?¡±


    ¡°Your formation idea has merit, it will be done.¡± Elysanda nodded as she ran to some strangely-shaped hedges. ¡°Good luck!¡±


    ¡°God speed!¡± Jack replied with a nod as he and the others headed to the gate.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound like they¡¯ve reached us yet,¡± Nika called over comms, having sprinted ahead of the others and climbed the tree to the top of the wall where they¡¯d be holding out. When they caught up, the Kizun was fiddling with some items and laying things out for them.


    ¡°Good.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°Sephy, how many drones did you bring?¡±


    ¡°Three, but my Overwatch Drone got hit by one of the Hags and needs repairs,¡± the Skritta reminded the Eladrie. ¡°I just have a my two Scout Drones left.¡±


    ¡°Send them up and keep them behind the shrine¡¯s protection!¡± Alora ordered.


    ¡°Sure, but they won¡¯t be as good,¡± Sephy warned as she quickly reached into one of her pockets, pulling out an object the size of a phone and a smaller one the size of a credit card. Quickly placing them on the ground, they automatically unfurled, the Skritta not watching to observe them as they linked with her mind and promptly hovered up into the sky.


    ¡°Anyone got anything we need to know about?¡± Alora asked. ¡°I¡¯ve got a staff that can help manipulate the weather. Dante has a new collar, it¡¯s magical but I don¡¯t know what it does. All I know is it isn¡¯t bad!¡±


    I have alchemical vials that¡¯ll cause damage, Chiyo told the others who didn¡¯t already know. I¡¯ll use my powers to best place them, and I can mark targets now, though I don¡¯t know what form that will take. I¡¯ve also taken some wands I think I can use.


    ¡°Got some sick new knives!¡± Sephy grinned, before her expression faltered slightly. ¡°But I sure as hell don¡¯t want to be getting close to those things to need to use them! Nothing else exciting.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t got much outside of some more ammo.¡± Nika shook her head.


    ¡°Neither have I,¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°Some more shots for the boomstick, but don¡¯t forget we came well prepared. I¡¯m thinking if we need to break out, we did agree back at the house I¡¯d take-¡±


    Suddenly he was interrupted as an unnatural screeching howl loudly bellowed out, soon followed by many, many more.


    ¡°Shit! They¡¯re close!¡± Jack cursed, following the others as they bounded up the ¡®stairs¡¯ along the trunk of one of the trees at the gate, two at a time.


    So it begins, Chiyo grimly announced.


    As everyone reached the top of the wall above the shrine¡¯s entrance, the tension in the air was palpable. The ancient metal of the strange wall beneath their feet seemed to hum with the anticipation of what was to come, as the thick blankets of ¡®mist¡¯ clung to the ground below, swirling in ghostly patterns. Since the howling, the night had turned eerily quiet, with the only sounds being the distant rustling of leaves in the dark forest beyond.


    ¡°Pick your spots.¡± Nika told them, pointing out the best places for cover just above the gate. ¡°Don¡¯t get too comfy, we might need to fall back soon.¡±


    ¡°Stall them for as long as you can.¡± Alora whispered as she took a spot close to one of the great trees in heavy cover. ¡°Give Elysandra the time she needs!¡±


    ¡°Xanuria, Lady of Night.¡± Sephy palmed her hands together in a quick prayer, muttering under her breath so nobody else could hear. ¡°I walk in your shadow and strike in your name. Guide my hand, steady my heart, and veil our souls from those who seek to do us harm. Your darkness is my shield and your silence my strength. And if we should fall, grant us your mercy.¡±


    ¡°Come on you motherfuckers¡­¡± Jack growled under his breath as he kept his gun raised, scanning the darkness for any signs of movement.


    The eerie silence was slowly broken by the soft sound of footsteps crunching against the brittle leaves scattered across the ground. Several figures strode out of the shifting fog, all stepping in sync, before collectively stopping just at the edge of the closest treeline. Out of this group, three figures gradually took shape - the crooked, skeletal limbs and sharp claws of the Skinwalkers glinting from Alora¡¯s Dancing Lights circling above.


    ¡°Hold your fire for now¡­¡± Alora whispered to the others, itching to engage. ¡°They¡¯re not in a hurry, we need to stall and they¡¯re at a far range. Something¡¯s up.¡±


    ¡°Range isn¡¯t a problem for my sniper rifle,¡± Nika whispered back, ¡°but I¡¯ll take the one in the middle when they move.¡±


    ¡°Left.¡± Jack growled, switching his gun to full auto.


    Right, Chiyo confirmed, drawing in power.


    ¡°Careful,¡± Sephy warned. ¡°No way this is gonna be that easy. We don¡¯t have the damn luck for it¡­¡±


    ¡°Woof¡­¡± Dante quietly barked as the three Skinwalkers looked up towards the group on the wall with their glowing red eyes.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Alora called out to the silent creatures. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    The Skinwalkers did not answer. What the hell were they waiting for?


    ¡°Hey! Arseholes! We asked you a question!¡± Jack called out.


    The heads of the Skinwalkers immediately snapped towards him with a low, barely perceptible growl of anger.


    ¡°This¡­land¡­is¡­ours...¡± A malicious blend of voices rasped, spoken in unison by the three Skinwalkers they could see, and echoed by other sources out of view. The sound was collectively dry and hoarse, but still just loud enough to be heard by all of them.


    ¡°Really? Why is that?¡± Alora called back.


    ¡°Things...weak...blight¡­strong¡­¡± The collective hiss replied, voice laced with mockery.


    ¡°Alora, there¡¯s no diplomacy with these guys,¡± Nika warned.


    ¡°Picking up movement on the drones,¡± Sephy warned. ¡°They¡¯re positioning.¡±


    ¡°You¡­will¡­die¡­¡± The voices taunted again.


    ¡°Engage!¡± Alora ordered. Jack¡¯s plasma rifle crackled with energy, unleashing a barrage of bright, lethal rounds. The shots tore through the air with a high-pitched him, aimed directly at the left Skinwalker, in perfect timing with everybody else.


    The moment his first bolt connected, it flew straight through the Skinwalker as if they weren¡¯t there at all. The figures¡¯ forms rippled and twisted into clouds of vapour, leaving nothing behind but swirling mist as the three figures seemed to dissolve into thin air.


    Illusions! Chiyo warned, as the familiar giggling of the Death Candles returned.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°They wanted to stall us too!¡± Alora realised, as the silence was quickly broken by the sounds of many feet trampling through wet underbrush.


    ¡°You won¡¯t hide from us!¡± Alora spat as she raised her Staff of Weather, focusing her powers as hard as she could into picking up the wind, blowing away the spore clouds acting as a smokescreen, which revealed many of the small Myrelings keeping low as they rushed forward to engage the Twigspawn standing in formation at the gate.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go motherfuckers!¡± Jack yelled out as he took aim at the largest cluster of advancing enemies he could see and squeezed the trigger, sending a bright burst of plasma lighting up the night for a brief moment as it tore through the corrupted creatures, vaporising many on the spot, their bodies disintegrating into a puff of spores and ash.


    ¡°Anyone have eyes on our targets?¡± Nika called out as several of the Myrelings made it to the Twigspawn, throwing themselves at the formation in an attempt to disrupt it. The Kizun saw several of the Blightcaps in the distance holding back, as many of the smaller Myrelings attended them, using their own blighted natural abilities to begin changing them¡­


    ¡®Shit, that can¡¯t be good!¡¯ Nika thought to herself as several of them then advanced forward, much larger and better protected than others they had seen before, while many smaller Myrelings hid behind them in cover as they advanced. She quickly switched to her sniper rifle still latched onto the parapet, and put a shot straight where she thought the creature¡¯s face would be, leaving a smouldering, blackened hole, but cursed as the thing kept advancing.


    ¡°They¡¯re getting tankier, watch out!¡± she called to the others.


    ¡®Alright, they¡¯re adapting to our tactics.¡¯ The Kizun reasoned to herself as she quickly aimed again. They know we instinctively aim for the head so what if¡­¡¯


    In the microsecond it took for Nika to think that, she quickly adjusted her aim and fired, the sniper shot this time taking the Blightcap in the ¡®leg¡¯, causing it to stumble and fall.


    ¡°Nice try!¡± She grinned as she rapidly switched to her plasma rifle and took out several of the Myrelings too slow to find new cover, aided by several of the Twigspawn that were joining them on the wall with bows and arrows dutifully firing away, though without any sense of prioritisation.


    ¡°At least make these guys use flaming arrows¡­¡± She grumbled, though cursed on seeing several of the Myrelings attending the vanguard of Blightcaps working on strengthening their limbs too¡­


    ¡®Damn. Where are they?¡¯ Chiyo cursed to herself, desperately looking for priority targets, knowing they had to be around somewhere. Spotting movement at the edge of the forest that looked like a flowing robe, Chiyo quickly sent a water blast at it, cursing as the illusion puffed out of existence. ¡®I have to take out these Death Candles, before we run out of ammo shooting their illusions!¡¯


    The Ilithii narrowed her eyes, focusing her senses as they cycled through different Transitional Planes, trying to find one that could allow her to see the Death Candles even when they shifted in and out of normal sight. Finding one and reaching out with her mind, Chiyo focused her ¡®Third Eye¡¯ into the Ethereal Plane.


    ¡®Makes sense you¡¯d use this place.¡¯ Chiyo thought as she could sense the Death Candles manifest between this Plane and the Physical, but being able to see them on both sides at once as they flitted about like invisible ghosts, projecting their illusions to aid their fellow monsters. With a deep breath, Chiyo extended her mental focus and the world around her slowed.


    She locked her eyes onto a spot in the mist where one of the Death Candles was manifesting, timing it just right as she raised her hand and launched a pulse of kinetic energy, smacking the skull-like spirit dead-on, sending a ripple through the air that tore the Death Candle apart.


    ¡®One down¡¯ She thought to herself, her focus intensifying as she drew in more power. She had to quickly duck down as a ball of ice was flung at her by another Death Candle, and she returned fire with another kinetic blast that disrupted the creature, killing it for good, to which the remaining Death Candles that she could see pulled back.


    That¡¯s a few fewer distractions for now, Chiyo told the others. But where are the damn Hags?


    The question was immediately answered, as suddenly a bolt of dark, cracking energy streaked through the air, aimed directly at Jack.


    Jack! Watch out! Chiyo warned, as she also sent her will through the Ring of Marking towards the robed Hag hiding among the trees, who began to glow as wisps of blue spiritual flames covered them from head to toe. Everyone! Target marked!


    Jack barely had time to react to the spell flung his way, reflexively twisting his body to avoid the brunt of it as it grazed his side. ¡°Fuck!¡± he grunted as a cold, numbing sensation tried to spread through his body, sapping his strength and energy before he focused his mind and ignored the pain, returning fire on the Hag that had attacked him.


    ¡°Jack, are you alright?¡± Alora asked, quickly placing her palm on his side where the spell hit and channelling some radiant energy to numb the sensation.


    ¡°I¡¯m good!¡± He confirmed as he let loose another burst of plasma fire, the shots smacking into the tree the Hag was trying to hide behind, before a series of warning barks from Dante roared out.


    ¡°Below!¡± Sephy alerted them, as a formation of Blightcaps made it to the bottom of the earthen ramp, pushing up towards the gate, forcing everyone to concentrate their fire on the immediate threat as the giant mushrooms fought their way ever closer to the gate...


    Using bombs! Chiyo warned, raising a hand and focusing her telekinetic powers as she floated several of the alchemical devices and acid vials around her. Keep them off me!


    With sharp mental commands, Chiyo began launching the concoctions straight into the advancing Blightcaps, ignoring the Myrelings for the moment. The first acid vial spun through the air, propelled as fast as the Ilithii could manage, before it smashed into the face of a lumbering Blightcap, its thickened fungal hide sizzling as the acid burned though. The creature flailed back, its club-like limbs smashing into the Myrelings around it before it collapsed in a heap, the acid eating away at its form.


    Next, she sent a cluster of alchemical bombs shooting forwards, slamming down into the densest part of the horde at the foot of the ramp, exploding in a bright flash of fire and smoke, engulfing the creatures below in a fiery inferno. The Myrelines screeched and flailed as their bodies ignited, fully consumed by the blast.


    ¡°Keep going!¡± Alora called out as the Eladrie then began casting, finishing the spell by raising her wand and shooting a red bead down towards the ground before snapping back into cover.


    Chiyo gritted her teeth as she took up several of the grenades with her powers, raising them up and hurling them with precision into the biggest clusters of Blightcaps she could see. They detonated with a deafening roar, sending chunks of fungal flesh and spore-cloud spewing in every direction, mixing with the acrid smoke of the blast.


    ¡°Well done!¡± Alora praised. ¡°Keep it up everyone! We¡¯re doing well!¡±


    As the battle raged on, the horde abruptly surged forward with renewed aggression, as a massive Blightcap lumbered up to the front, its bloated, spore-laden form pulsing with an ominous glow. The group barely had time to react to the sight before the creature picked up speed, rushing straight toward the last Twigspawn defenders down below in a full-on sprint¡­


    ¡°Look out!¡± Nika shouted in warning as the Blightcap¡¯s body swelled grotesquely as it neared the entrance, its fungal sacs expanding like overfilled balloons. ¡°Shit! Take it down!¡±


    Sephy and Jack immediately unleashed bursts of plasma, trying to take the creature down before it reached them, but it was too late. The bloated Blightcap charged and slammed into the formation of Twigspawn, its body expanding rapidly as it reached the breaking point. A sickening, wet round echoed through the air, followed by a deafening *BOOM*!


    The Blightcap detonated in an explosion of spores, acidic slime and shrapnel-like fungal matter. The force of the blast shook the ground and sent shockwaves ripping through the battlefield as debris flew everywhere, taking out the last defenders at the gate, and several of the attackers nearby.


    Sephy was flung backwards off the wall with the force, quickly unfurling her wings to control her descent to the ground below. Alora was pushed back to slam painfully against the tree until she was steadied by Jack, who just about managed to keep his feet. Dante quickly blinked back to him mid-fling, while Chiyo safely floated to the ground with Nika desperately clutching onto her.


    ¡°Everyone, fall back!¡± Alora shouted, clutching her side as pain lanced through her body, though she quickly had the wits to cast a healing spell on herself. ¡°We can¡¯t hold here! Who¡¯s hurt?!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re below,¡± Jack told her as he took aim down range and unleashed a full-auto volley at the monsters climbing the dirt ramp, while Dante barked, sparking with electrical energy as he summoned several balls of lightning amidst the growing sea of enemies, visibly draining him as the ¡®Tesla Coils¡¯ struck out all around them. ¡°Go! I¡¯ll hold them off and follow behind you!¡±


    Alora nodded, not wanting to argue as she quickly made her way down the steps of the tree, maintaining her focus as she reinvigorated the divine protections she had cast over the group. Dante followed her as they reached the bottom and quickly ran to the secondary defences - a hastily constructed barricade made of thick roots and unearthed stones.


    ¡°Took out a bunch of them but they¡¯re still full of surprises,¡± Nika greeted her as she reloaded her plasma rifle. ¡°Lost my sniper rifle, probably somewhere on the ground, but we don¡¯t have time to look.¡±


    ¡°Jack, hurry up!¡± Sephy called as Jack pelted towards the barricade, just as another loud explosion rocked the gate. He didn¡¯t reply as he breathlessly vaulted the barricade, quickly reloading his now depleted heavy plasma rifle.


    ¡°More of the bigger ones coming this way,¡± The human gasped out. ¡°They¡¯re adapting.¡±


    ¡°Sephy, what do your drones see?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Myrelings bolstering the Blightcaps, they know they¡¯re having an effect,¡± Sephy confirmed, before her face dropped. ¡°Aww shit! We¡¯ve got a full pack of Skinwalkers incoming! At least a dozen!¡±


    They¡¯ve been saving their elites for this! Chiyo realised.


    ¡°We¡¯re not out of this yet!¡± Nika shouted, her voice filled with determination as the wooden reinforcements around the gate splintered with a powerful impact. ¡°Ready for round two?¡±


    ¡°Ready,¡± the voice of Elysandra called to them as she joined them, flanked by several large plant creatures almost twice the size of Jack that looked to the human like a sheep made of twisting vines, branches and entire bushes. ¡°The Twigspawn served their purpose, but these Baromets should help here!¡±


    ¡°How are you holding up with the other defences and fallback positions?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°We¡¯ve got worse incoming!¡±


    ¡°Trenches and pits are by the third position,¡± Elysandra told them. ¡°They¡¯ll allow us all to pass without harm if we need to run there. I have something else which is building. If we can hold off until it is complete, you can make your push to the ritual site.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Jack nodded, refraining from making a sarcastic comment in the moment, before another explosion blew the defences wide open.


    ¡°Hold the line!¡± Alora yelled, her wand and spear at the ready, as Myrelines and Blightcaps flooded through the shattered gate, surging forward, before Jack unleashed a grenade from his launder, blasting the front line to smithereens.


    ¡°Use the bottleneck!¡± Nika told them as she threw an incendiary grenade, the device detonating in a flash of white phosphorus. Meanwhile, vines and roots from below entangled any that managed to get through, summoned by Elysandra, slowing their enemies down but not stopping them as they continued to press forward.


    ¡°Fuck, they just keep coming!¡± Jack cursed as he unleashed a raging torrent of full-auto, cursing again as he ran out of ammo and slapping another battery in. Damn, how much ammo did he even have left? Was it enough?


    The group held on, fighting with every fibre of strength and skill they had left as wave after wave of Myrelings and Blightcaps kept coming, spilling through the gate like an unstoppable tide.


    ¡°Keep it up!¡± Elysandra yelled out, before noticing the sudden appearance of several pairs of glowing red eyes, as the pack of Skinwalkers emerged through the gate.


    They weren¡¯t out of this yet¡­

 Chapter 140: Holding The Damn Line!

    ¡°Come on then!¡± Jack taunted the Skinwalkers with a furious growl, his red-hot anger on full display as he raised his heavy plasma rifle and flicked a switch.


    *THWOOP*


    He fired a grenade with his underbarrel launcher at the pack, who swiftly dispersed before it arced down and detonated in a powerful explosion, though he grinned as he spotted chunks of black, putrid flesh paint the back of the district wall. As quick as they were individually, the Skinwalkers still couldn¡¯t dodge quickly enough in a group. He fired several more which chewed into the enemy ranks, though he couldn¡¯t tell if he hit any more of the evil shapeshifters.


    Take them down! Chiyo panicked as she stated the obvious, while the Skinwalkers quickly dispersed among the tide of Myrelings and Blightcaps that were spreading out of the bottleneck. Twigspawn from up on the surrounding walls peppered them with arrows, which seemed to barely have an effect. The swarm of fungus poured out of the gate, forming ranks even as the concentrated plasma fire scorched through the air, dropping many of the monsters yet doing little to stem the tide as more continued to dash in, stumbling over the bodies.


    ¡°Damn, they¡¯re fully committed to this!¡± Nika cursed as she quickly reloaded, slapping another battery into her plasma rifle before chuckling. ¡°At least they¡¯re not trying to be subtle anymore!¡±


    ¡°Hold them off!¡± Alora barked, her voice steely with resolve. ¡°Sephy, any update on your drones?¡±


    ¡°More coming, don¡¯t see any priority targets!¡± The Skritta reported between bursts. ¡°The swarm is starting to thin at the back, but there¡¯s a fucking lot of them!¡±


    ¡°Keep them back!¡± Elysandra warned as she raised one of her hands, causing roots to burst out of the ground and entangle a bunch of monsters at the gate, though the effect was negligible as more simply climbed over them. ¡°I have more defences growing! If we can hold out long enough, I¡¯ll have a vessel to awaken this forest¡¯s guardian to turn the tide!¡±


    More bolts of searing energy punched into the fungal masses of the Blightcaps attempting to shield the rest of the horde from harm, bursting through their grotesque forms and sending clumps of spore-infested flesh flying in all directions.


    ¡°I¡¯m right here you fungal fucks!¡± Jack roared, fully in the zone as he unleashed a barrage of plasma fire that tore through the thick hides of the Blightcaps on the front line. One particularly large brute staggered to the forefront, but before it could gain any momentum, Jack threw a grenade at its feet. The explosion ripped through the creature¡¯s lower half, sending its upper body flying back into the horde.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± He taunted, feeling a kind of thrill he hadn¡¯t felt before surging through him even as his nerves were grating on him. ¡°That¡¯s how we do it on Earth, motherfuckers!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not endless, keep it up!¡± Alora called out as a Myreling suddenly burst through the line, this one looking different to the others. It was somewhat taller, with pale stones integrated into its mutable form, and its milky-white eyes were narrowed in the fury of a berserker as it charged straight at her with an overgrown limb studded with heavy stones. A burst of plasma fire was absorbed by the large plate in the centre of its chest, Sephy cursing as the beast leapt over the barricade.


    Its jagged stone axe-like limb swung towards Alora¡¯s head, but with a graceful pirouette she sidestepped the blow, twisting around in one fluid motion to send her spear plunging through its side, igniting with radiant holy power that tore through its body, dropping it instantly.


    ¡°Not today!¡± Alora muttered under her breath, quickly turning back to face the next wave.


    Standing shakily behind the barricade, Chiyo¡¯s mind was split as her different headspaces worked to control the battlefield, not even bothering to float. She focused her mind on subtly pushing enemies into each other, while also hurling the explosives she had left into the heart of the enemy forces. Acid vials shattered on impact to melt through the fungal hordes, while alchemical bombs detonated with bursts of fire and shrapnel, carving out chunks of the Blightcaps as they charged.


    As she reached out with her mind, Chiyo felt a sinister presence lurking on the edge of her perception. As she focused on the sensation, her eyes widened as she realised where it was.


    Incoming from beneath! Chiyo echoed telepathically.


    ¡°Their dark presence pushes back the sanctity of this place!¡± Elysandra cursed.


    Knowing she couldn¡¯t allow the creature below to ambush them, Chiyo focused her power and reached into the ground with her telekinesis, her mind straining with the effort even as Elysandra softened the ground. She yanked the Blightcap up from beneath the earth before it could fully erupt underneath Jack, the creature clearly having been modified by the Myrelings with rapid burrowing in mind.


    Take it out! Chiyo called out to whoever might listen, recognising the bloated fungal sacs on the thing as the explosive kind they had seen before.


    ¡°Got it!¡± Jack called back, levelling his blunderbuss at the thing before blasting out a cone of white-hot plasma that obliterated the thing in a powerful detonation, the force of the shot wiping out its fellows around it. Jack then began to reload the gun, cursing as he fumbled with the single-use batteries, not used to handling the weapon at all.


    Well done! Chiyo called back, feeling her energy begin to wane as the constant heavy expenditure of her powers began to take their toll¡­


    As the fungal horde continued to press forward, Nika gripped her sleek plasma rifle firmly in her hands, steadying her breathing as she squeezed the trigger in rapid succession, letting out accurate bursts that slowed the Blightcaps down. She swore as she realised that they were very quickly adapting to their tactics with the aid of the Myrelings, who were reinforcing their natural armour. Still, her aim was true, hitting joints to trip the evil mushrooms up, anything to slow them down. She cursed again as the Myrelings got bolder, charging through the gaps among the Blightcaps. She fired, though growled as her shots flew harmlessly through the illusion.


    ¡°Motherfucker!¡± She swore, now really pissed off. ¡°Let¡¯s make this more personal!¡± She muttered as with a swift, fluid motion, Nika holstered her rifle and unslung her shotgun, making sure she was going to have more enemies in the direct line of fire.


    She was going to hit something, damn it!


    As the quickest Myrelings reached the barricade, Nika obliterated the closest ones in a deafening blast, their bodies exploding in a puff of spores that caused Nika to waft the air in front of her with her tail.


    Watch out, they¡¯re going to reach us! Chiyo told the others as the distance between them and the horde grew ever smaller by the second, even as the Ilithii used her telekinetic powers to trip and rip apart the approaching tide. We¡¯ll need to fall back again soon!


    ¡°Hold your nerve!¡± Nika replied, laying down more suppressing fire. ¡°Wait until the last moment! Let Alora make the call to fall back! Druid, how long do you need?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m almost done with the summoning!¡± Elysandra called out as she spread her hands out in front of her towards several of the Blightcaps embedded with stones, causing them to crumple and fall as her magic rapidly heated up all the rocks in her line of sight to white-hot roasting levels. ¡°Give me as much time as you can!¡±


    ¡°HOW FUCKING LONG, WOMAN!?¡± Jack yelled out in frustration as he quickly reloaded with a curse. ¡°I¡¯m on my last battery!¡±


    ¡°Minutes!¡± The druid called back. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you more when I¡¯m done! The Baromets will charge and cover your retreat when you give the word!¡±


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll hold until the last moment then!¡± Alora agreed. ¡°Though it¡¯s cutting it a bit close!¡±


    ¡°Down you go!¡± Sephy gritted her teeth and braced herself, planting her feet firmly as the tide of Myrelings approached. In the back of her mind she was looking out for the Skinwalkers, but she couldn¡¯t see them yet, likely due to some trickery. Without hesitation she held down the triggers of both of her twin plasma SMGs, unleashing a rapid hail of plasma bolts that tore through the air in a dizzying spray. Her shots found their marks as several of the armoured Blightcaps went down by sheer attrition alone, though it couldn¡¯t last as the Skritta was forced to reload. Her plasma bouncers she had taken from the Trickster were useless here, and her plasma rifle, unlike Jack¡¯s or Nika¡¯s, was more of a precision weapon. Sephy began to worry as more closed in, and checking the feed from the drones, she was disheartened to see more coming out of the treeline to join the horde.


    ¡®Damn, they¡¯re desperate to kill us if they¡¯re throwing this much at us!¡¯ The Skritta thought to herself. ¡®They must not want any comms getting out at all! Whatever they¡¯re up to, they must want to maintain their stealth and remain hidden from local factions for as long as they can!¡¯


    Suddenly her musings were interrupted as a bolt of lightning lanced out from next to her, slamming into the nearest Blightcap and jumping to several more Myrelings who staggered, but seemed to have built up some resistance.


    ¡°Good boy,¡± The Skritta told Dante. ¡°But they¡¯re getting smarter!¡±


    ¡°Alright, move back now!¡± Alora called out as the bulk of the horde got within reach of the secondary defences, with several of the frontrunners already making it over.


    The group didn¡¯t need to be told twice as they pulled back, with those that still had them dropping live grenades behind them to greet their pursuers. Jack covered their retreat with some more blasts from his heavy plasma rifle, but he kept his shots to controlled bursts this time, worried about ammo.


    As they dashed toward the final barricade just next to the stone door to the inner shrine, the ground moulded itself under their feet to become as smooth as a football field, allowing them to move quickly while also allowing the sheep-shaped Baromets to charge past them and slam into the fungal lines, their immense bulk crushing Myrelings and Blightcaps alike, sending many sprawling into the dirt as Jack spotted several Skinwalkers revealed amongst the horde.


    The Baromets seemed to home in on the Skinwalkers with a vengeance, vine-like tendrils emerging from their thick wool-like foliage to lash out, while their natural resilience allowed them to take a beating from the enemy¡¯s attacks. One Baromet wrapped its vines around a towering Blightcap brute, squeezing with immense strength that crushed it to a pulp, while another kept charging straight through a crowd of Myrelings that were working on armouring another Blightcap, knocking them down and squelching them into pulp with its brutal stampede.


    This distraction bought the group valuable time to reach the last barricade and check their weapons once again. Meanwhile, Elysandra raised her staff and muttered a string of druidic words of power. A low rumble echoed, churning the ground up to reveal pit traps and vines that would slow the horde down.


    ¡°Not one more step back,¡± Elysandra warned as the immediate ground between the last wall and the evil blight behind them grew a ditch with spiked roots pointing out. ¡°They know enough about what I intend to do to commit most of their local force to try and stop it, and that will be their folly.¡±


    ¡°Got any more of those cool hedge thingies?¡± Sephy asked, pointing to the Baromets. ¡°They¡¯re kicking ass!¡±


    ¡°No, but I intend to call on something else to guarantee our victory!¡± The druid promised.


    Oh no, look! Chiyo exclaimed, pointing at the battle ahead of them.


    They saw one of the Skinwalkers dashed towards a Baromet, ducking beneath the swinging vines and slashing at its woollen body with razor-sharp claws, causing the sheep-like creature to roar in pain as dense foliage was ripped away in chunks. The Skinwalker showed no mercy, moving with unnatural speed to juke the creature as it circled around, hacking at its legs and sides, severing vital vines that supported the massive plant-beast.


    Another Skinwalker leapt onto another, forcing it to the ground with unnatural strength as several of its companions joined in. They tore away like a pack of hungry wild dogs into the back of the creature, severing the vines and branches that held it together before quickly moving on to the rest, dispatching the creatures methodically as they fell one by one.


    The remaining Baromets at the gate fought valiantly, their massive bodies still stemming the tide of monsters. One that seemed to be bleeding green sap-like blood was able to catch one of the Skinwalkers in the side with its horns, only to then collapse as a Hag suddenly emerged from their invisibility. This one had long, matted hair and cast a spell that caused the leaves and vines of the Baromet to quickly wither and rot away, destroying the construct in an instant, before the witch cast another spell that seemed to double the amount of Skinwalkers in the area.


    ¡°So that¡¯s where the fucking illusions came from!¡± Nika cursed.


    A sudden light from the shade of one of the back walls suddenly flashed out as a second Hag with more curly grey hair, not content with illusions, focused her power on a fire spell. The flame shot out and clung to the penultimate Baromet like napalm, before abruptly jumping to the final one with the same effect. The creatures howled as their bodies burned and blackened from the inescapable flames, crippled and dying.


    ¡°Their spirits return to the forest,¡± Elysandra whispered solemnly. ¡°They may be called upon again once new vessels are created.¡±


    ¡°Better get ready to avenge them!¡± Jack warned as the horde dashed out. ¡°Those pit traps aren¡¯t going to stop the real threats!¡±


    Sure enough, as the fungal horde clambered over the barricade they¡¯d just left and lumbered towards them, the traps and hazards scattered across the battlefield slowed their approach. The pitfalls and entangling vines the group had easily bypassed ensnared the Myrelings and Blightcaps, though Jack was disappointed to see the caltrops he¡¯d dropped during their retreat had no effect. He guessed the fungal creatures were unable to feel pain. However, even as the expendable hordes were delayed, the Skinwalkers proved to be far more formidable.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    With their supernatural strength and agility, the Skinwalkers moved like phantoms across the battlefield, effortlessly dashing through the blighted hordes and weaving around the obstacles as they charged straight for the group.


    ¡®This was the moment they¡¯ve been waiting for!¡¯ Jack realised. ¡®The Myrelings and Blightcaps are simply cannon fodder, pawns to sacrifice while the important pieces get into position to move in for the kill!¡¯


    One of the Skinwalkers darted ahead of the pack, its monstrous form blurring as it ran, barely visible as it dodged and ducked out of the way of the plasma fire sent its way, it¡¯s elongated limbs stretching out and moving it in unpredictable ways to avoid getting hit.


    Sephy drew her plasma bouncers and opened fire, her shots ricocheting off the ground to curve to where she thought the monster would be, confusing it as the shots bounced its way. The Skinwalker twisted and contorted its body, dodging the two plasma bolts with unnatural fluidity, though one of the bolts managed to clip the creature¡¯s side, burning its skin but barely slowing it down as it closed the distance.


    ¡°Brace yourselves! Switch to melee!¡± Alora called out as Sephy, a second ahead of the Eladrie, drew her new knives, which glinted in the dark as they quickly extended into short swords unprompted.


    ¡°Hell yeah¡­¡± the Skritta muttered under her breath, steeling herself as the Skinwalker she¡¯d shot at charged straight for her. ¡°Let¡¯s see what these bad gals can do!¡±


    Dropping low, she spun to the side, evading the Skinwalker¡¯s deadly claw by a hair¡¯s breadth. As the beast¡¯s momentum took it past her Sephy darted forward and slashed upwards with her right blade, catching the Skinwalker in the elbow.The Skritta was caught by surprise as with a burning, sizzling sound, the blade cut deep into the bone, almost severing it completely as the Skinwalker let out an agonised yelp.


    Not questioning her good fortune, Sephy pivoted on her heel and brought her left blade around and up as she firmly stabbed the Skinwalker in the armpit all the way to the hilt. It thrashed about in pain as Sephy dodged back, then boldly lunged forward again, planting both blades into the Skinwalker¡¯s chest before it collapsed to the ground, dead.


    ¡°Holy fuck¡­¡± Sephy gasped in amazement. ¡°I¡¯ll take it!¡±


    Another Skinwalker charged at Nika, who saw it coming and blasted it with her shotgun mid-leap to stop it dodging, catching the monster in its chest. For a moment, the Skinwalker staggered before continuing forwards as if the damage was nothing but an annoyance, with the wound beginning to seal almost instantly. She blasted it again, aiming for the legs. It staggered forward, tripping as it fell to the ground, before a second Skinwalker came at her low and fast, forcing the Kizun to use her tail to quickly dodge to the side as she unleashed a counter blast with her shotgun, but the creature rolled to the side to evade the shot with uncanny agility. It planted a claw in the ground to steady itself as it turned around and lunged for her throat.


    But Nika was quicker. She ducked under its attack, letting her shotgun fall to the side, quickly magnetically clipping onto her armour as she drew her bo staff with her free hand. In a single, practised motion she spun her staff in a rapid whirl that caught the Skinwalker in the chin with an almighty crack that knocked it back. Continuing the flurry in a defensive whirl, she caught the other Skinwalker full in the chest, caving in its chest cavity with the kinetic modules of the staff. It dropped to the ground, its regeneration already re-inflating its organs as it pushed itself back up with a deep growl, only for the Kizun to smash it in the top of its head, putting it down again as the blast of kinetic power crushed the Skinwalker¡¯s brain. Rapidly spinning around, Nika drew her shotgun once again and blasted the first Skinwalker as it made a move for Chiyo, catching it full in the chest, firing again and again to make sure it didn¡¯t come back.


    Chiyo suddenly threw herself to the side as another Skinwalker dodged Jack and went for her, claws outstretched with its maw open wide in a guttural roar. She barely had time to react, throwing herself to the side as its claws raked the air where her head had been a second before. Holding her nerve, the Ilithii extended her hand and smashed the creature with a blast of telekinetic energy that surged from her palm, the force slamming into the Skinwalkers chest, sending it staggering back. It dug its claws into the ground to stop its momentum before it charged again, forcing Chiyo to summon a telekinetic barrier that the creature smashed into once, twice, before stopping to charge with extra force for the third attempt.


    Dropping the barrier at the last moment, the Skinwalker was thrown off balance as it lurched forward, and Chiyo pushed as hard as she could with her power to send it crashing forward back over their barricade into the pit of sharpened spears below, impaling and trapping the creature as it futility struggled to break free.


    ¡®One down¡­¡¯ Chiyo thought to herself as she turned back to the fight.


    ¡°God dammit!¡± Jack cursed as he saw four Skinwalkers bearing down on him. He brought up his blunderbuss and let out a thunderous blast that bisected one of the foul creatures as it tried to dodge, and cursed as the rest closed the distance. He clipped the blunderbuss to his back and drew his axe, swinging with all of his might, but his target ducked under the blow, its claws flashing as it counterattacked, slashing Jack across the chest with a loud metallic clang.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Jack yelled out in pain, looking down at where he was hit but not seeing his armour ruptured by the blow. He growled with rage as he swung again, his axe biting deep into the Skinwalker¡¯s shoulder. However, the creature didn¡¯t scream or falter as it grabbed the axe embedded in its flesh and yanked Jack forward, aiming a claw at his face which Jack ducked, then he dodged another attack from one of the other Skinwalkers ganging up on him.


    He rallied quickly as he thrust his axe upward on pure instinct, catching another Skinwalker in the throat, causing it to gurgle and fall back. Its body twitched as it began to regenerate, before another chop from Jack¡¯s axe cleaved the Skinwalker¡¯s head clean off.


    Another Skinwalker charged at him, forcing him to dodge and swipe with his axe, though the human cursed as the axeblade swiped through empty air as the illusion dissipated, throwing him off-balance. Another Skinwalker took advantage of the distraction and pounced on him, its jaws snapping dangerously close to his face. Jack twisted, narrowly avoiding the bite, and sent the creature sprawling backwards with a powerful kick. He had no time to follow through as another Skinwalker attacked from his left, slashing at his thigh. Pain flared up his leg but he gritted his teeth and swung his axe in a backhanded strike, connecting with the creature, but the Skinwalker¡¯s claws still managed to rake across his side with another jolt of pain.


    He staggered, but only for a moment, the pain only fueling Jack¡¯s rage. With a roar, he spun around, bringing his axe down in a brutal overhead strike. The Skinwalker tried to dodge, but Jack was faster. The axe cleaved through its skull, splitting it in half with a burst of black ichor and yellow fragments. The creature fell lifeless to the ground, twitching as its body began to dissolve.


    Out of the corner of his eye he spotted another form dashing towards him. Quickly he reached into his pocket and drew his sidearm as the Skinwalker lept.


    ¡°Overcharge!¡± Jack yelled, the powerful photon blast catching the Skinwalker full on as the energy crushed its skeleton and blasted it back. Jack snapped round and fired a burst at another charging Skinwalker, but hit another illusion. Before he could switch targets, a jet of dark magical energy smacked into him. He grunted and quickly spotted who was responsible: the Hag standing a few metres away from the battlefield, looking confused at her spell not doing any damage, before she quickly chanted the words to another spell, causing several mirror images of herself to appear nearby.


    Jack¡¯s eyes narrowed as he charged towards where he last saw the real one as the illusions began to scatter, their collective eyes widening in shock as Jack¡¯s momentum carried him straight to the original.


    ¡°You can¡¯t hide from me!¡± Jack roared as he charged. He brought his axe down in an overhead strike, changing the direction as he listened to his instincts, turning it into a side swipe as he saw the churned earth compress.The invisible Hag staggered backwards as it only just managed to dodge the blow before shooting another dark ray of magical energy at Jack, though if it did anything to him, he couldn¡¯t feel it.


    The Hag spat in her guttural tongue and raised her hands, chanting a spell, and the ground beneath Jack¡¯s feet twisted and rippled as tendrils of wet, rubbery fungus burst from the ground to wrap around his legs, the Hag cackling as they tightened around him.


    ¡°Stupid boy!¡± it rasped. ¡°I know not what you are but-¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t give her a chance to finish as he flexed his powerful legs and tore free from the entanglement spell, surging forward. The Hag¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he closed the distance. He spotted a Skinwalker suddenly charge at him from the side, but in that moment the logical part of his brain spoke up.


    ¡®It wasn¡¯t there before. It¡¯s an illusion. Don¡¯t believe it!¡¯


    He gritted his teeth as he chased after the fleeing Hag, the Skinwalker getting closer.


    ¡®It isn¡¯t real, it isn¡¯t real, it isn¡¯t real!¡¯


    The illusion of the Skinwalker puffed out of existence as the Hag spun around and shot a blast of force as Jack, but he didn¡¯t let that slow him down. He tackled the Hag around the waist as it tried to fly away and knocked it to the ground, catching a clawed hand with his own and bringing his other fist to the elbow joint, breaking the arm.


    ¡°Di-¡± The Hag began to cast, but failed as Jack¡¯s boot slammed hard into its face, the illusions around him dissipating as he did.


    ¡°Turn that shit off!¡± Jack roared in anger as he stomped again, turning the Hag¡¯s next desperate word of magical power into a cry of pain as something cracked, the Hag¡¯s cranium being far more durable than Jack predicted.


    Not that it would save her.


    ¡°No!¡± she yelled, as Jack stomped again, and again, hearing crack after crack until finally his boot went straight through the Hag¡¯s skull in a burst of black ichor and the smell of rotting vegetation.


    ¡°One down,¡± Jack grimly snarled as he ran back to the others.


    ¡°Izorinn!¡± Alora cried out, as several chains of light shot out from the end of her wand, wrapping themselves around one of the Skinwalkers and firmly holding it in place. The light seemed to burn it where it touched causing agonising pain.


    ¡®They¡¯re vulnerable to radiant energy!¡¯ Alora realised. ¡®Holy magic is a bane for them! Just what exactly are we facing here?!¡±


    She thrust her spear forward at another Skinwalker that was slower to react than she¡¯d seen before, catching it in the chest as she reached though her connection to Quemos and pumped more holy power into her strike, the creature convulsing as the divine energy burned deeply. Alora pushed forward, her hands steady with purpose as she drove the spear deeper, her eyes locked with the creature¡¯s glowing red orbs.


    Another Skinwalker charged at her before suddenly a powerful bolt of lightning smashed into it, chaining to several other nearby Skinwalkers, striking them dead. Alora realised they¡¯d gotten most of them, with only Nika keeping the last ones occupied while Jack ran back to help her.


    But the horde was almost upon them¡­


    ¡°Look out!¡± Sephy shouted, shoving Alora to the side as a manabolt struck the ground where the Eladrie had stood, Alora scrambled to her feet, raising her wand¡­


    ¡°Glitasha!¡± She yelled, shooting a fountain of glittering particles of light out of her wand towards the source of the attack. Sure enough, the particles stuck to an invisible form floating above them, arms waving in the air as it cast again¡­


    Suddenly it fell to the ground as if swatted out the sky, as Chiyo struck the Hag with telekinetic force. The hag countered by shooting out a chaotic burst of magic missiles, forcing the group to take cover, before Sephy fired off a rapid volley of shots which ricocheted off the nearby district wall to catch the Hag completely by surprise. Finally, the bounding form of Dante swiftly charged and lept at the witch, crashing into its chest with the force of a battering ram, knocking the vile creature flat onto her back.


    Before the hag could even gasp, Dante¡¯s powerful jaws clamped down around her throat like a vice as the Elyssian Hound¡¯s eyes flared brighter with a neon glow matched by the markings on their body as they unleashed a torrent of electrical force through the Hag¡¯s body. The air was filled with the acrid stench of burning flesh as the Hag¡¯s body convulsed violently, her limbs thrashing as the lightning coursed through her, before Dante released the bite, allowing the witch to crumple to the ground, very dead.


    ¡°The ritual preparations are complete! Hold them off for as long as you can!¡± Elysandra yelled to the group as she dashed past the stone doors to the inner shrine, sprinting hard towards an enormous tree at the very back of the grove.


    ¡°You¡¯d better have something good!¡± Nika cursed as she spun her staff in wide arcs, catching one of the Skinwalkers in the jaw as it snarled and stumbled backwards.


    The druid, bloodied and weary from the battle, planted her staff firmly into the ground and placed her palm on the trunk of the tree, calling out in an ancient tongue of Druidic and invoking the primaeval, forgotten guardian spirits of the forest.


    ¡°Hund¡¯Razzil! Awaken!¡±


    A ripple of energy surged outward from her, coursing through the ground like a pulse. The earth trembled beneath the group¡¯s feet, knocking everyone off balance with the force of an earthquake as the roots of the colossal, ancient tree that had stood over the shrine like a sentinel for countless centuries began to stir. Its branches quivered as they stirred to life, the bark creaking like the groan of an old, tired giant.


    The great tree, towering and mighty, shuddered as its massive limbs cracked and flexed, breaking free from their prior resting natural stillness. Slowly it straightened, branches unfolding into arms and roots detaching from the earth to form powerful, sturdy legs.


    Elysandra raised her hand and pointed to the attacking fungal creatures. ¡°Strike them down!¡± She roared.


    With a groaning creak, Hund¡¯Razzil took a thunderous step forward, its massive tree limbs swinging with the force of a speeding truck. A group of Blightcaps barely had time to react before one massive arm swept through them, squelching their fungal bodies with a wet splat as the tree¡¯s enormous wooden fists pounded them into the earth with an explosion of spores.


    A Skinwalker leaped at the tree, supernaturally razor-sharp claws outstretched, but it was nothing more than an insect to the mighty forest guardian. The tree swung a branch with brutal precision, swatting the Skinwalker out of the sky mid-air and smashing it to the ground with such force that the ground cracked beneath the blow. The Skinwalker struggled to get up as it tried to regenerate, but the tree¡¯s roots quickly followed, burrowing deep into the earth and sprouting to wrap tightly around the creature, holding it fast and causing bones to break, before a stomp from the ancient tree finished it for good.


    With every swing the great tree decimated the horde, the evil monsters falling in waves as they had nothing that could withstand the raw power of the great colossus. Even the Skinwalkers struggled to contend with the sheer force of the tree¡¯s blows, causing the pack to suddenly disengage and flee.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t have done that before?¡± Sephy called over to Elysandra, who had dropped to the ground on one knee.¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± She gasped out. ¡°This siege has kept me too busy, and even if my companions were still with me, I would not have had the power.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time!¡± Alora called, rallying the others. ¡°We need to push back now and take the fight to them!¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± The druid nodded. ¡°I sense their foul ritual accelerating, you must put a stop to it, but I still sense the blight regrouping! Hund¡¯Razzil cannot travel that distance!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something.¡± Jack spoke up, fumbling through one of the heavy-duty pockets on his heavy armour, a tinkling sound ringing out as his hands wrapped around the vial he was looking for. ¡°I have no idea how long it¡¯ll last, but it should be enough time to cut a path and fuck their shit up along the way!


    Jack, are you sure? We don¡¯t know what the effects will be! Chiyo warned, but Jack shook his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it either, but I don¡¯t see a better play here.¡± Jack shrugged, looking at one of the potions they had gotten from Vetch Ashtail in the aftermath of their ¡®Evil Shrek¡¯ encounter, steeling himself for what he was about to do. ¡°If the Potion of Quick Retreat worked for me, then hopefully this should too. Get ready!¡±


    Jack carefully uncorked the vial in his hand and chugged it in one swift motion, grimacing at the foul, rotten taste of the yellow liquid. He groaned in pain as he felt a burning sensation roll through his body, like fire igniting in his veins. His muscles twitched and spasmed, then suddenly began to swell with unnatural strength. His bones creaked and cracked as his height surged upward, armour and gear stretching and expanding to match his growing frame.


    In mere moments, Jack had transformed into a towering giant more than double his original height. He let out a low, rumbling growl, his voice much deeper as the Potion of Enlarge Size worked his magic, and his axe - now proportionally enormous in his grip - glinted in the low light, ready to fuck shit up.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Nika exclaimed.


    ¡°Cool!¡± Sephy added.


    Excellent! Let¡¯s hope this lasts! Chiyo approved.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked.


    ¡°Jack, are you alright?¡± Alora called up to the human.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Jack grinned as he stomped forward, the others quickly checking their gear and following close behind. ¡°I¡¯ll carve a path through them! Point the way!¡±


    Turn right at the gate! Chiyo informed him. Alora, you can use your Dancing Lights to direct him!


    ¡°Got it!¡± Alora acknowledged.


    As Jack carefully made it past the district gate, he looked down towards the group of Blightcaps clustering together in formation, prepared to rally and push back.


    ¡°Alright you motherfuckers!¡± Jack growled, his booming voice echoing across the forest.


    ¡°Come get some!¡±

 Chapter 141: Heart Of Darkness

    The ground trembled as Jack charged forward, kicking the final lone Blightcap to smash into paste against the wall as he led the group out of the shrine gate, with Hund¡¯Razzil mopping up the rest of their enemies.


    ¡°Well it¡¯s a good thing all your stuff grows with you!¡± Sephy quipped. ¡°As funny as a giant buck-ass naked Jack might be, it wouldn¡¯t be very practical!¡±


    Vetch was very clear about the types of potions he rewarded us with, and I confirmed them, Chiyo pointed out with a chuckle as they caught up. There are lesser varieties that don¡¯t have measures to include proximity to items, and drinking one of those with fully sealed heavy armour wouldn¡¯t end well!


    ¡°Jack, head deeper into the forest!¡± Alora called out, as she floated her Dancing Lights past his head. ¡°Follow the lights, and make sure we can keep up!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± The human roared, his voice easily carrying. He barreled forward, his massive form crashing through the undergrowth into the forest beyond, with some of the trees seeming to bend and sway out of his way, likely aided by Elysandra from afar. Spotting a few of the slower Blightcaps trying in vain to run, he swept them with his foot, booting them into the trees where they exploded in puffs of spores.


    ¡°GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL!¡± He yelled, unleashing his inner football hooligan.


    ¡°Well, at least he¡¯s having fun!¡± Nika chucked as the others struggled to keep up.


    *BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM* Jack¡¯s footsteps thundered on the forest floor, the sound of his passage echoing through the forest like the approach of a storm as he chased after the fleeing monsters, destroying everything in his path!


    ¡°COME ON ENGLAND!¡± He tauntingly yelled out as he stomped on some Myrelings that failed to dive out of the way. ¡°IT¡¯S COMING HOME!¡±


    ¡°Chiyo, how long will the effects last?¡± Alora asked the Ilithii as Chiyo used her Cane of Travel to hasten their speed.


    I don¡¯t know, fifteen minutes at most for some people! Chiyo replied. But less for others! We need to make the most use out of this and disrupt what they¡¯re doing. Kill the remaining witches or take out what they¡¯ve been up to!


    ¡°Not a problem!¡± Jack grinned as he crashed into a hastily-assembled formation of Blightcaps with the force of a battering ram, swinging his axe in a wide arc as he cleaved through half of them in one stroke, their armoured bodies offering no resistance to his blade.


    ¡°Jack, watch out!¡± Sephy called out, spotting the threats with one of her drones and quickly pointing in the direction of a group of Blightcaps that she recognised by their giant bloated forms as the explosive ones.


    ¡°Oh yeah!?¡± Jack growled with a daring grin as he reached over his shoulder and drew his blunderbluss. The already-intimidating weapon was now nearly the size of a ballista in his hands, with a barrel now wide enough to fit an entire person.


    Jack planted his feet firmly on the ground, his stance wide, and braced as he hefted the blunderbuss to his shoulder, its weight practically nothing in his enlarged state. He sighted down the barrel, aiming at the centre of the advancing pack of explosive Blightcaps.


    Then he pulled the trigger.


    The blunderbuss roared like a raging hurricane, the sound booming through the forest as a massive wave of searing energy erupted from the barrel, a torrent of superheated plasma that bathed the entire area in blinding light. The blast was immense, magnified a hundredfold by his enlarged size, and it tore through the air like a raging beast.


    The leading Blightcap exploded on impact, its body disintegrating in a flash of green and yellow as the plasma blast engulfed it. The explosion set off a chain reaction, each of the explosive Blightcaps detonating in turn as the blast wave tore through their ranks as if they were melted butter. The blast wave also ripped through the surrounding foliage, with trees and underbrush alike vaporising under the intense heat. When the dust and debris cleared, all that was left was a smouldering crater.


    ¡°Woah!¡± He yelled out.


    ¡°Gotta love magitech!¡± Nika called out. ¡°Gotta move, you don¡¯t have much time!¡±


    I sense us getting closer! Chiyo warned. There¡¯s something bad up ahead!


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go kill it!¡± Sephy called back, as they charged through ever-thickening clouds of the false mist, with Alora using her new staff to blow the spores away from them as best as she could.


    As the group navigated their way between the tree trunks, they saw more signs of the now-familiar corrupting fungus around them. Orange pustule-like growths up in the trees that were obstructive, their branches twisted and gnarled to block Jack¡¯s path, forcing him to tear them to splinters with his axe. More of the pale white mushroom patches along the ground continued adding more and more to the oppressive spore clouds. And now different strains of all sorts, appearing with more regularity with each step they took¡­


    As Jack spotted a gap in the treeline leading to some ominous pale light in the distance, the group passed a cluster of unassuming mushrooms growing at the base of a rotting log. Their caps were a dull purple, almost blending into the shadows, and they seemed to pulse faintly with an internal light. But as Jack drew near, the mushrooms suddenly sprang to life.


    Abruptly inflating and opening up many pores, the mushrooms erupted with a shrill, ear-piercing wail that echoed out through the trees. The noise was like a high-pitched, keening scream that was almost unbearable, a relentless screech that seemed to vibrate through their very bones.


    ¡°Fucking Shrieker Mushrooms!¡± Nika swore as she shut the closest patch up with a swing of her staff. ¡°Hate those fucking things!¡±


    ¡°Well it wasn¡¯t like we had the element of surprise anyway!¡± Sephy quipped.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just an alarm! We¡¯ve got company!¡± Alora warned as she cast a quick spell.


    Sure enough, shuffling sounds echoed through the woods as several patches of earth burst up, with a ragtag collection of jerky figures trying to pull themselves to their feet.


    Just like the Zorn from before! Chiyo warned.


    Indeed, many bodies were beginning to rise out of the ground, having quite clearly been there for some time. But compared to the Zorn they fought previously, these shambling bodies were slower and more sluggish, and Chiyo could see why.


    She spotted a Zorn rising out of the ground, necrosis having long set in with an arm almost completely devoid of flesh. As it tried to pull itself to its feet, she saw the head disproportionately preserved and partially functional, with several flat fungal growths that seemed to bulge out of cracks in their skull.


    But what these thralls lacked in functionality, they made up for it in numbers, as more patches of earth began to move¡­


    We need to make this quick! Chiyo warned. Take out the threat and get out of here!


    ¡°No complaints here!¡± Nika agreed as she used her staff to smash the head of an unrecognisable skeletal body crawling along the ground, scattering it into dust. ¡°These are just fodder to try and block us!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a light up ahead,¡± Jack told them, having the best line of sight out of all of them. ¡°¡ê100 says that¡¯s where we need to be!¡±


    ¡°A hundred what?¡± Sephy asked under her breath as they pushed through the last of the dense forest towards the light in the distance.


    ¡°By the gods!¡± Alora gasped.


    Emerging into a clearing, the group was immediately hit by the thick scent of decay and damp rot, and they were thankful for Chiyo¡¯s air bubble, which the Ilithii quickly reinforced as the mist-like clouds of spores blanketed all around them.


    The clearing was dominated by a massive, sprawling, dark-green and yellow creeping growth that blanketed everything in sight with a revolting display of rot and decay. As they stepped forward onto it, they could feel that it was thick and fleshy, with its surface damp and glistening with moisture, oozing an unnatural black ichor with every step. Fungal vines spread out in every direction, creeping up the trunks of long-dead trees, winding through the earth, and wrapping around anything that dared linger too long in its path. The entire area felt eerily alive, as if the ground itself was a part of some dark, collective entity, feeding on the life force of every living thing it came into contact with.


    A few hundred metres away at the centre of this horrific fungal canvas, was the most grotesque sight of all, a massive cocoon-like structure that rose from the centre of the black growth, towering like a vile, cancerous tumour. Its form pulsed rhythmically, each contraction sending ripples of pale light through several large, thick tendrils that radiated from it like the limbs of a spider, some snaking deeper into the forest while others seemed to float in the air before phasing out into nothingness.


    The cocoon itself seemed to be alive, its translucent surface twitching and undulating, almost as if the pale light within was straining to break free before it was sent shooting off along the tendrils. With each pulse, it seemed as if the cocoon grew stronger and stronger, as if something was soon to emerge¡­


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Sephy alerted them, suddenly stopping in her tracks and pointing to a nearby shape on the floor, and following the mass of fungal vines, Jack gasped on seeing what it was.


    It was a body, at least what was left of one. It was sprawled on the ground, limbs splayed in unnatural angles, but completely fused to the fungal entity, attached by more black vines that spread out like veins across the clearing. Their skin was grey and leathery, stretched taut over a skeletal frame. Thick, sinewy tendrils of fungus snaked into their mouth and nostrils, and a grotesque bulge pulsed just under their skin, like a filthy parasite feeding on what little remained, without a care.


    And then they saw the chest barely rise and fall¡­


    As they headed closer to the cocoon, many, many more bodies came into view. They were strewn across the ground like discarded refuse, each victim at varying stages of decay, but all eerily similar¡ªheld fast by the thick fungal tendrils that had rooted themselves into their flesh.


    ¡°This is where they were taking the captives¡­¡± Jack spoke up grimly. ¡°But why?¡±


    Alora quickly crouched down next to a young avian woman, her once-lively features now hollow and gaunt. The Eladrie reached out hesitantly to check for any signs of life, but recoiled when the woman¡¯s head jerked slightly, though their eyes remained unfocused and dead. "They''re... still alive!" she whispered in horror, but even as Alora said it, she knew it was a lie.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    They were nothing more than braindead husks¡­


    ¡°No time!¡± Nika snapped at them, pointing to the cocoon. Emerging from the gloom were the three remaining Hags, their gnarled forms barely visible beneath the dark, roiling mist that surrounded them. They stood in a triangular formation around the cocoon, their twisted hands raised in the air, channelling dark magic into the pulsating fungal mass, not appearing to have noticed them as they maintained their concentration.


    ¡°We end this now,¡± Alora growled as her eyes hardened. ¡°Kill them all and destroy that thing!¡±


    Without another word, they charged.


    Feeling the power surge within her, Alora muttered the incantation of her most powerful ability as quickly as she could. If there was ever a time to call upon her divine link, it was now!


    ¡°Shar¡¯hashala of Quemos! I summon thee!¡± Alora shouted, raising her spear as she was suddenly bathed in light. Her form grew, skin glowing bright, sprouting wings and shimmering with holy flames as Alora finished her transformation into a celestial, as the corruption around her seemed to recoil away from her.


    Jack charged straight for the cocoon, but was blocked as a flurry of tentacles desperately sprung up and grabbed him, though he continued to fight his way through them¡­


    Nika dashed forward with her plasma rifle at the ready, swiftly closing the distance between herself and the nearest Hag, with Jack handily keeping the enemy fully occupied as whatever Myrelings, Blightcaps and thralls were available fought to stop him.


    As she skidded to a stop, her plasma rifle whirred to life as she aimed down the sights, target locked on the Hag in the rear. A crackling burst of bright green plasma cut through the air, slamming into the witch¡¯s side and scorching her robe.


    The Hag let out a screech of pain and stumbled backwards, but she recovered quickly, snarling at the Kizun. With a flick of her hand, she summoned a wall of shadow to deflect the next round of plasma bolts, causing Nika to switch to her shotgun as she kept moving, looking to get into close range.


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante warned as several swift forms quickly bounded towards them, the remaining Skinwalkers howling and screeching as they moved to stop them.


    ¡°No you don¡¯t!¡± Alora growled, turning around and using her wings to close the distance, completely blindsiding the closest Skinwalker as she impaled it with her spear, the divine power channelling through her not even giving the beast a chance to regenerate as it fell still, body disintegrating as if by acid.


    ¡°Chiyo, help Jack!¡± Alora ordered as she pressed her hands together, condensing her power before throwing her hands out, shooting out a pulse of radiant energy that stopped the Skinwalkers in their tracks as they were knocked back by holy power, before a huge BOOM ripped out as Jack spun around and lined up a devastating shot with his Blunderbuss, cutting down many of the charging Skinwalkers that hadn¡¯t expected it.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Alora called out as she turned back around and used her wings to hover while Dante covered their flanks, using his electrical powers to hold back the swarm rapidly reforming against them.


    She quickly spotted one of the Hags by a tree, cackling as it raised its gnarled hands. Alora rapidly dodged as a dark bolt of energy arced towards her in a deadly flash, before it reversed course, causing Alora to channel her power into a barrier that halted the spell completely. The Eladrie then dove down, briefly spreading her wings to zip back up slightly to avoid a desperate firebolt as she rapidly closed the distance.


    ¡°By the light, this ends now!¡± Alora growled with a battle cry, thrusting her glowing spear forward, aiming for the Hag¡¯s chest. The Hag snarled and pressed her hands forward, throwing up a Force Wall in a desperate attempt to stop the attack.


    ¡°No!¡± The Hag cackled. ¡°You won¡¯t stop it!¡±


    Alora channelled her fury into the tip of her spear as she pushed, shattering the magical barrier as she plunged it deep into the Hag¡¯s chest, radiant energy exploding from the wound as the Hag let out a scream, her body shaking as holy light poured through her, before burning her to ash.


    Sephy darted around the battlefield looking for targets, her twin plasma bouncers gleaming in the dim light as they pulsed with crackling energy. She spotted another one of the remaining Hags, this one with blackened, cracked skin and hair like dead vines. Her hands glowed with necrotic energy as she flung a dark bolt at Jack, desperate to bring him down as he slowly advanced step-by-step towards the cocoon despite its defences¡­


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t!¡± Sephy snarled as she sent two ricocheting shots of plasma bouncing up to the Hag, slamming into a magical shield. The witch sneered back and refocused her efforts on the Skritta, sending another dark bolt her way. Sephy deftly twisted her body at the last second, narrowly avoiding the necrotic bolt.


    ¡°Missed me!¡± Sephy grinned, as the Hag shot more bolts out of its wand.


    Sephy shuffled backward with her wings, firing a quick volley of plasma shots mid-air. The glowing bolts bounced off the fungal creep on the floor, ricocheting toward the Hag, but the old crone reflexively raised her hand and summoned 7 mirror images, with one shattering as Sephy¡¯s plasma bolts shot harmlessly through it.


    ¡°Come child¡­¡± The voice of the Hag purred, and Sephy looked around for the source but was unable to sense the direction. Likely a trick. ¡°You cannot hope to stand against the tide. It¡¯s not too late. Become a part of something greater than yourself¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Sephy growled, sending two bolts blasting through two more illusions. Dammit, where was it? ¡°What are you guys hoping to accomplish here?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough!¡± The voice cackled from the direction of the cocoon, though Sephy¡¯s instincts suddenly screamed at her as she quickly drew her knives and sliced the air behind her. The cocky voice suddenly bellowed in a scream, one of the knives finding resistance as the Hag abruptly reappeared out of invisibility. As Sephy closed the distance, the panicking Hag cast another spell, and Sephy yelped out in pain as the hilts of her knives suddenly heated up, forcing her to drop them to the ground.


    Rallying, the Hag launched forward, her palm full of magical necrotic energy. Sephy dodged, kicking the Hag¡¯s legs from under her. As the witch stumbled to her feet, she looked up just in time to see Sephy quickly drawing her pistols, their barrels spinning rapidly on her fingers before levelling themselves point blank at the hag¡¯s face.


    ¡°Gotcha bitch!¡± Sephy quipped as she fired. The Hag¡¯s face froze in a look of surprise for a split second, before two plasma bolts ventilated her skull with a searing hiss.


    Quickly picking up her knives, the witch¡¯s spell on them having ended with her death, Sephy took stock and got back into the fight.


    ¡°Mistress!¡± the last Hag yelled out with a fanatical cry as she felt the death of her Coven. Quickly disengaging from Nika with a blink, she turned around and ran dashing towards the cocoon, stumbling as a plasma bolt from Nika took her in the leg.


    Stop her! Chiyo warned, sensing something bad as the Hag threw her hand out to disrupt the Ilithii¡¯s telekinetic blast. Another shot from Sephy took her in the chest as she fell to one knee, desperately clinging onto her second wind as her eyes fixated on the cocoon¡­


    ¡®Izorinn!¡¯ Alora called out, causing the Hag to scream out a litany of curses as chains of light bound her.


    As Alora charged with her spear, the eyes of the Hag took on a determined sheen, turning a bright red as her face tightened in concentration, forcing arcane words out even as the chains of light burned at her corrupted flesh. As Alora¡¯s spear silenced her for good, the Hag¡¯s deathmask was a smile¡­


    At that same moment, Jack¡¯s axe smashed into the cocoon again, this time finding purchase. As the blade finally dug into the rubbery flesh, the cocoon suddenly burst, and a concentrated cloud of spores spewed out, right into Jack¡¯s face¡­


    Blinking heavily and coughing, Jack¡¯s eyes adjusted to what was in front of him as the environment changed in an instant. Looking around he didn¡¯t see his friends, or any of the monsters either for that matter. He saw trees in the far distance, but something was off about them, like they were artificial faded mockeries that only served to decorate the otherwise infinite void.


    He looked behind him and down, feeling something touch his foot, kicking away the lifeless tendril. Strangely it didn¡¯t look like it had been severed; rather there were patches of it at the end that looked like they were cleanly removed, leaving only a mosaic of rubbery fungus behind.


    ¡®What the hell were these things doing?¡¯ Jack thought to himself. ¡®Draining people dry? Hermits living around here, Zorn, even a bunch of Klowns!? For what?¡¯


    ¡°Impressive¡­¡± A silky voice dripped with malice called out as Jack jumped to his feet. ¡°But now you die¡­¡±


    ¡°Not if I kill you first!¡± Jack shouted back, drawing his axe as he looked for the source of the voice.


    In an instant, something charged out of the fog towards him in a blur of motion. Jack barely had time to block and dodge as he felt the blade of a glave pass over the haft of his axe, sending him tumbling backwards through the ghostly void by the sheer power of the blow. He landed, skidding to a stop, but was back on his feet almost immediately, instinct taking over.


    He saw the figure properly, a woman his height whose shape looked blurred and obscured, but he could still make out two distinct curved horns almost like that of a ram, four moth-like wings that sprouted from her back in the same sickly shades of green and yellow he had seen on the Myrelings and the Blightcaps, and most distinctively, glowing red eyes that matched those of the Skinwalkers.


    ¡°Aegis!¡± He yelled out as he shuffled back, the next strike from the woman catching his shield like a battering ram, knocking the air from his lungs as he dug his feet in. He swung his axe, hoping to counterattack and catch her in the side, but she sidestepped effortlessly, her form a blur of dark motion.


    Before he could counter, she grabbed him by the throat with one vice-like hand. Jack struggled, his hands clawing at her grip, but her strength was monstrous. She lifted him off the ground with terrifying ease as her glowing red eyes bore into him with cold intensity.


    ¡°What¡¯s this¡­¡± The woman curiously asked as she examined him, before suddenly giggling. ¡°The gods have a sense of humour¡­¡±


    With a snarl Jack curled his fist and desperately threw a punch, connecting with her jaw. It landed home with a meaty thud, but her head barely turned with the force, her expression unchanged as she slammed him to the ground. With a burst of effort Jack caught the woman with his boot, kicking off of her and rolling to his feet. His muscles burned and his mind was racing, but there was no time to think.


    He parried the glave and swung wide, but the woman ducked under his swing with supernaturally precise movement, driving her knee into his midsection with bone-crunching force. Pain exploded through him, but he kept moving, sheer will keeping him upright as he swung his axe again, catching the woman on her shoulder. Channelling his rage he attacked again, forcing the woman on the defensive as she brought her glaive up to block before swiftly bringing it back down in a riposte. Jack reflexively parried the thrust with his left arm, then snapped it towards her forehead in a backfist that shook her for a moment, obscuring Jack¡¯s next move as his right fist formed a punch dagger and clobbered the woman in the face with full force, with her letting out an unnatural shriek of rage as she stumbled back.


    Seizing the moment, Jack quickly drew his side arm and put as much distance as he could between them as the woman rallied.


    ¡°OVERCHARGE!¡± Jack yelled in a panic, and the powerful photon blast hit the woman square in the chest, temporarily bringing her down to one knee before she quickly stood back up and charged with a furious battle cry.


    Suddenly, the blurry form of the woman began to fade away along with the surroundings. She stopped mid-charge and sneered at him.


    "Enjoy your victory while it lasts, mortal. You will see me again¡­"


    ¡°Jack? Jack!¡± Alora yelled, as Jack suddenly lurched up, seeing his friends surrounding him.


    ¡°Huh?¡± He spoke up groggily as Nika helped him to his feet, now normal-sized. ¡°What the hell just happened?¡±


    That burst of spores briefly transported you to the Astral Realm! Chiyo exclaimed. It was too much for the Life Bubble, but only temporary. You came back once the spores blew away!


    ¡°Enemies!?¡± Jack asked as he stumbled, causing Sephy to catch him. He felt so weak¡­


    ¡°Dead or fled!¡± The Skritta grinned despite straining against his weight. ¡°We¡¯ve won!¡±


    Looking around, Jack could see much clearer now that the oppressive mist had disappeared, and the fungus surrounding them was already starting to decay and peel off the ground. But as it receded, it left behind a sight far worse than any monster the group had faced.


    The remains of the victims.


    The clearing was littered with bodies. Many were motionless, having already passed on the moment the cocoon was destroyed, while others barely clung on to the faint wisp of life they had left. Their skin, feathers and scales were pale and mottled, looking like they had been drained of all vitality, leaving them gaunt and skeletal. Their bodies were too far gone, having only been kept alive by the fungus that had entwined itself with their flesh, and were now shutting down. Many of the faces were frozen in agony as if their very souls had been stolen by the malevolent force. Their hollow eyes stared at nothing, mouths open in silent screams that echoed the horrors they had endured. Each breath they took seemed more of a curse than a gift, prolonging their torment.


    ¡°Alora?¡± Jack asked as he looked at the horror around them, but his hope was quickly cut off.


    ¡°They¡¯re beyond saving,¡± Alora said softly, her voice heavy with sorrow. ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do but give them eternal peace.¡±


    Deep down Jack knew it, feeling powerless as he still felt he needed to do something to save these people!


    A deep gasp drew his attention, it¡¯s strength a cut above the faint moans around him. He quickly found the source, kneeling down besides the emaciated reptile on the ground, who looked at him lucidly with one eye, the other milky and withered with the rest of their face.


    ¡°My gun¡­¡± She whispered out. ¡°My coat¡­¡±


    ¡°Alora, this one¡¯s talking!¡± Jack called out desperately. If they could save one¡­


    ¡°Heh¡­¡± The woman gave out a gasp of breath that might have been a chuckle. ¡°You wear them well¡­¡±


    The one working eye that focused on Jack lost the last of its light, as the woman gave her last breath...

 Chapter 142: Grim Aftermath

    That¡¯s the last. Chiyo solemnly told Alora as the Eladrie witnessed the passing of the final victim, their husk barely recognisable as a once living being..


    There were few words to be had as the group conducted their grim work. The rush of the fight had worn off, leaving only the heavy weight of exhaustion and the stench of decay in the air as they all went around the bodies, granting final mercy where it was needed while they checked the remains for whatever evidence or loot they could find, pocketing anything of value.


    ¡°Make sure you take as many pictures and videos as you can,¡± Nika told them. ¡°Better people than us are going to need to know everything we can give them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got the drones going around scanning on all bands, and you should have cameras attached to your packs as well as your commlinks,¡± Sephy confirmed, pausing at the sight of one particular body. The child was no older than ten, caught in the same horrifying web of fungal tendrils as the adults. The child¡¯s eyes were open, staring vacantly at the sky, and the Skritta felt a lump in her throat as she knelt beside the small form. She found a stuffed animal clutched in the child¡¯s arms, its fur matted and dirty. Without a word, Sephy gently closed the child¡¯s eyes and placed the animal back in its grasp.


    Chiyo focused on the cocoon, placing one of her hands on the thick membrane of the large obelisk-like structure, trying to work out what it was, and failing.


    The nature of this thing¡­ The Ilithii pondered aloud as she took a sample. I have never heard of something like this before! It is obvious that this thing was draining the life of the victims, but also sending something out by those large tendrils into the forest and into the astral realm. For what purpose?


    Jack told them that something bad was waiting for him when he was planeshifted by the destruction of the cocoon, but using her astral sight Chiyo couldn¡¯t work out what it was - the residual dark presence overloading her senses - but from what Jack had said there were severed tendrils that led into the distance, however the entity that confronted him wasn¡¯t connected to them.


    Blast it! I don¡¯t have the answers! Chiyo cursed in frustration as she took a sample of the cocoon, pulling out a clean plastic bag and sealing it. The cocoon was protected well enough from small arms, but if it was growing anything within its rubbery confines, she couldn¡¯t find any evidence of it.


    As Jack moved among the bodies he felt a strange numbness creeping over him. His footsteps, normally so heavy, now seemed hollow, echoing faintly in the stillness that followed the battle. At this point he had seen death countless times before, but here surrounded by the twisted remains of so many innocent people, something felt different.


    He paused beside a body, an older reptilian man with a weathered face and hands that indicated they were probably a farmer. The man¡¯s eyes were wide open, staring sightlessly at the sky, his body half-consumed by the fungal growth.


    Jack stared down for a long moment, knowing he should feel something. But there was nothing. In that moment his emotions were as much a shell as these victims. He knelt down and gently closed the reptilian¡¯s eyes, then methodically examined their body, gently slipping a ring off their finger and a pendant from around their neck to place in a bag, though he left the simple knife that was firmly gripped in their hand, placing it on the their chest before standing and moving on to the next.


    ¡°So many¡­¡± Alora muttered under her breath as everybody finally returned to the centre of the clearing, though none of them had gone far or out of sight. ¡°The evidence we found of people taken? Barely a drop in the pond compared to all of this! We knew locals were being taken, and the Zorn were running for a reason too, but it looks like a bunch of Klowns came this way as well and paid the price for it.¡±


    ¡°Now we know why the factions have been having some trouble finding remnants of the Klowns.¡± Nika sighed grimly.


    ¡°So what do we do with the bodies?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Burning them is a risk. I didn¡¯t want to use my flamethrower with the dried wood around us and cause a forest fire during the fight!¡±


    ¡°Far too many for me to bury them with the spell I used for the family back at the farmhouse.¡± Alora shook her head. ¡°Perhaps Elysandra can do it now that this corruption has been purged? I wouldn¡¯t want to leave it for any animals just in case.¡±


    I think we should go back and leave it up to her, Chiyo replied. We¡¯ve remained here far longer than we should have and I don¡¯t want to tempt fate even more.


    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if we were dangerously low on ammo.¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± Jack confirmed. His heavy plasma rifle was fully out, though his sidearm hadn¡¯t seen much use since the fight with the Redeemer.


    ¡°We need to go back and rest anyway,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°We haven¡¯t taken a proper break since the cabin. I don¡¯t know how we¡¯re still standing!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante agreed, the ¡®dog¡¯ letting out a wide yawn.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more.¡± Alora nodded wearily. ¡°We¡¯re done here.¡±


    As the group headed back, their steps were heavy with exhaustion. The battle was over, but the weight of what they had witnessed lingered in the air like a foul stench. The forest around them was unnaturally quiet as they slowly trekked back to the shrine. No birdsong, no rustling of leaves, just the faint crunch of their boots against the underbrush. The mist that had once cloaked the area had dissipated, taking with it the hallucinations and the eerie sense of dread, but the memory of the things they had seen still clung to them.


    While it had taken them scant minutes to cleave their way through the dark clearing before, it took much longer for them to get back. Though they encountered nothing, they were spent, simply putting one foot in front of the other until finally the shrine loomed ahead of them. The familiar sight was a small comfort, but it was enough to give them the last wind they all needed to cross the threshold.


    Elysandra met them at the entrance, her expression softening as she saw them all return alive. For the moment she said nothing, nodding in silent understanding as she beckoned them to follow her, leading them past the smashed huts and armoury. The ground shifted under their feet to fill in the trenches and steady their steps as they walked towards a dugout at the back.


    The chamber beneath was small, with walls adorned with vines and moss to keep it warm and furnished with comfortable seats made of reeds that they happily sat down on. Their backpacks were set aside against one of the walls, and as they relaxed for the first time in a while. A Twigspawn brought a tray of wooden cups, while another brought a pot of steaming liquid.


    ¡°Well¡­.¡± Elysandra began as she motioned for the group to take a cup and pour out the liquid for themselves, though Jack noticed there wasn¡¯t a cup for the druid themselves. ¡°It appears that you were successful in disrupting the corruption plaguing this land, at least for now. Thank you, all of you, on behalf of myself, on behalf of my Circle and on behalf of nature itself.¡±


    ¡°You are welcome.¡± Alora nodded respectfully, allowing the tension the druid was clearly feeling to die down. ¡°We are glad to have been of assistance.¡±


    Jack took a sip of the tea, finding it quite bitter and medicinal, but was thankful for the hot liquid as it warmed his bones. He didn¡¯t even care that he scalded his tongue¡­


    Jack, are you alright? Chiyo asked him. You¡¯re looking ill¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m just feeling a bit shitty,¡± the human admitted.


    ¡°The tea will help,¡± Elysandra told them. ¡°It¡¯ll perk you up for a bit.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, we definitely need that.¡± Nika nodded with a sigh, taking a good swig, having had the sense to blow on it to cool it down first.


    ¡°Some sleep would be good too, we¡¯ve barely had any since the boat,¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°A few hours at the ranger cabin, but we¡¯ve been running and gunning since.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve brought you here. You can sleep for as long as you need, and I¡¯ll keep watch.¡± The druid smiled kindly. ¡°The orbital plate should finish passing over us soon.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± Jack asked curiously. ¡°You¡¯ve been doing this for God knows how long. You should sleep and I can keep watch?¡±


    Elysandra chuckled slightly under her breath, and a strange expression passed over her face. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about me. I shall be fine, a few more hours won¡¯t be a problem at all, though I shall be glad to see daylight once again.¡±


    Very well, some rest shall do us good, Chiyo agreed. And I believe we are ahead of schedule too¡­


    ¡°Yeah, well getting chased by a bunch of ugly-ass fungus monsters has a habit of making the miles!¡± Nika chuckled. ¡°We¡¯re not even at the start of the second day so we¡¯re here way earlier than we expected to be.¡±


    ¡°When we¡¯re up we can have a look at your tech and see if we get a signal out with what works.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Since the enemy seems to have fucked off for a while, there probably aren¡¯t any magical effects blocking it any more.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°With luck, the River Giants will still be at the Corvin Outpost and we can let them know we¡¯re alright.¡±


    ¡°You are pressed for time?¡± Elysandra asked them, confused. ¡°Has Kaldra insisted on that?¡±


    No, we just want to get back in time for school, Chiyo clarified.


    ¡°School!? After making it here and fighting this corruption, that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about?!¡± Elysandra asked with a befuddled look. ¡°What the fuck!?¡±


    ¡°Okay, you have a good point.¡± Jack snorted in amusement. ¡°But we still want to get back before Monday¡­.I mean, whatever the start of the school week is called?¡±


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Starday, Chiyo corrected with a giggle.


    ¡°Very well, but you will at least rest here?¡± Elysandra asked, and saw Alora nod.


    ¡°And charge our ammo with Dante around,¡± Sephy added. ¡°We brought extra and we still almost ran out!¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked happily on hearing his name.


    ¡°Good.¡± The Druid nodded. ¡°Perhaps while you finish this pot of brew you¡¯ll be willing to answer some questions for me?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Alora nodded.


    ¡°You were sent here by my son?¡± She asked with a frown. ¡°I take it because he thought I was dead and wanted some of my belongings?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Nika answered for the group. ¡°You had been out of contact and so had the local Corvin Enterprises outpost. Our primary objective was to investigate what was going on here and give him some closure for what happened to you, and he had assumed you were dead. If we could provide any useful information for Corvin Enterprises, we were to get a bonus.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve probably got that covered.¡± The druid nodded. ¡°What items did Kaldra want?¡±


    He specifically mentioned a Bone Pendant, Chiyo spoke up, and Elysandra rolled her eyes. He mentioned a bonus for other keepsakes you have, but nothing specific.


    ¡°Truly?¡± The Druid raised her eyebrows. ¡°He didn¡¯t ask you to pick my body clean for anything of value? Not my ring, not my staff?¡±


    ¡°Nah, but he was offering a good deal for the pendant,¡± Sephy told her.


    ¡°I knew he wanted the pendant. It was something I would tell him as a child - a promise that he would one day receive it from me.¡± The druid chuckled sadly as she put a hand to her face. ¡°Sometimes I wish he could have remained that way¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s the reason why he asked for it specifically, to honour his past rather than claim it for greed or any other reason¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°He didn¡¯t tell us what the pendant did, only that it was of sentimental value and tied to his bloodline¡­¡±


    ¡°It is.¡± Elysandra nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a Druidic family heirloom passed from parent to child. Nature runs deep in our family, after all, and it has changed hands many times.


    ¡°It could be that he was intentionally vague as to hide its true value from us,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°Especially if it has such a history.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Elysandra sighed. ¡°But its properties are hardly unique. Working for Corvin Enterprises in the position he is, I wouldn''t be surprised if he had items of equivalent or greater power. He probably just wanted to spite me one last time¡­¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Jack shook his head, remembering the meeting with Kaldra as everyone looked at him. ¡°I don¡¯t think that was his motivation. Based on what he said, he assumed you were dead. He told us specifically to investigate what happened to you to give him closure, and if we found your body, to bury you in the druidic tradition. He wouldn¡¯t have said that if he didn¡¯t care. He mentioned your pendant at the end and told us he¡¯d trade well for it. Instead of spite, maybe he just wanted a keepsafe, or something to remember you by.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Elysandra began, but then closed her mouth.


    ¡°He also told us he sent you and your Circle some equipment to stay in touch?¡± Alora added, realising that Jack was right. ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°It is.¡± The druid sighed as she buried her face in her hands. ¡°We did remain in minimal contact, but it was never warm. I had never approved of him throwing his lot in with Corvin Enterprises, and always thought it was an act of betrayal, but now I realise I just couldn¡¯t let him go, and he needed to go his own way. I¡¯ve let my foolish stubbornness ruin us¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not too late.¡± Jack told her with a sympathetic tone. ¡°You can still talk to him.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Elysandra nodded, a look of determination on her face. ¡°I should be proud of him for what he¡¯s accomplished. Thank you, everyone. You¡¯ve given me much to think about.¡±


    She motioned to a Twigspawn to remove the crockery and stood up.


    ¡°You need to rest. I¡¯ll see you in the morning. We can conclude our business, and then I shall see to your departure.¡± The druid smiled, before turning around and leaving.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to tell me twice.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Sephy?¡±


    ¡°Yep, setting sensors.¡± The Skritta nodded as she quickly moved to the entrance.


    I take it we¡¯re all feeling terrible? Chiyo asked rhetorically, to the nods of everybody.


    ¡°I¡¯ll use whatever healing magic I can once I recharge,¡± Alora announced.


    ¡°I have some charges on my Ring of Lesser Restoration, too.¡± Jack yawned, a move that quickly gave way to heavy shivers as his body dropped, forcing him to hold himself up with one of his hands.


    ¡°Damn, you must have come down with something!¡± Nika cursed as she moved to help him move off his chair and lie down.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be alright¡­¡± Jack groaned. ¡°It¡¯s just a cold¡­¡±


    I doubt it. We¡¯ve probably all come down with something, but you¡¯re the worst off by far! Chiyo shook her head. Not only were you exposed to the elements worse than we were, you also must have inhaled a lot of spores when you destroyed the cocoon. Alora, do you have anything?


    ¡°Not for disease.¡± Alora shook her head, cursing that she didn¡¯t think to prepare for such a thing. ¡°I have healing magic that should keep us going.¡±


    ¡°I can tough it out.¡± Jack sighed as he collapsed down on the hard earth, not even bothering to try and find a good spot or unfurl the hammocks out of the bags. ¡°I¡¯ll just sleep it off, then we can hopefully fix comms here and be on our way.¡±


    ¡°Here¡¯s hoping,¡± Sephy agreed as she returned. ¡°Sensors are set. I can¡¯t believe Elysandra¡¯s up for keeping watch after everything she¡¯s been through!¡±


    ¡°She has the Twigspawn and her connection to nature.¡± Alora shrugged as she let out a big yawn. ¡°And I¡¯m not going to argue. The past few hours have been way too intense, but we should all be proud of ourselves for what we just pulled off.¡±


    ¡°Damn right.¡± Nika nodded, groaning with effort as she reached for their bags to fetch some blankets. ¡°And the moment we get a chance to relax all the aches and pains hit home!¡± She chuckled.


    It is what it is, Chiyo agreed. But no more talk. Let¡¯s try to rest.


    Sleep did not come easy to them. Though they were all exhausted, they remained restless as the horrors they had faced were not so easily shaken. Hours passed in silence, broken only by the occasional cough from Jack, whose condition worsened as the night wore on. He groaned in his sleep, his fever spiking, his skin clammy and pale, and his body shaking in cold sweats. The others were barely any better as they tossed and turned, unable to rest.


    When they woke it was daylight once again, and though they all still felt tired and weary, they knew full well that any further attempts to sleep would be pointless.


    Jack was in even worse shape than before, his body protesting as he forced himself up, and though Alora performed a quick healing prayer to offer some relief, it was clear that Jack¡¯s illness was too deeply set for any quick fix they had on hand.


    ¡°We¡¯ll get through this,¡± Sephy tiredly spoke, trying to cheer everyone up as they stiffly climbed out of the hollow to greet the warmth of daylight. ¡°The worst part is over right? Bad guys are dealt with, just gotta extract!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long trip!¡± Nika tiredly snorted in amusement before rummaging in her bag. ¡°Everyone eat a power bar. I know none of us are feeling hungry, but it¡¯ll be good to get something down.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Alora nodded, rubbing her eyes. ¡°It¡¯ll be slower getting back and we¡¯ll need the energy.¡±


    ¡°Good morning!¡± Elysandra called over to them from where she was sat on the stone steps leading to the inner shrine. ¡°Probably not the best rest you¡¯ve had, but you needed it regardless.¡±


    We won¡¯t argue that. Chiyo nodded. If you have anything else that can help us keep our strength up, that would be appreciated. Otherwise we shall take a look at your communications suite and then be on our way. We have quite a journey back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that.¡± Elysandra shook her head. ¡°The trip back I mean. The corruption will return, and the right people need to be made aware of the threat.¡±


    ¡°You can count on us,¡± Alora declared with everyone nodding their heads in agreement. ¡°We can inform the Temple of Hope when we get back, though gods know there¡¯s already been enough chaos recently without a new threat to worry about.¡±


    ¡°I still have some friends in the Greenwardens closer to the city, they will help too.¡± Elysandra nodded. ¡°Enough at the Temple of Hope to spread the word. I prepared some letters while you were sleeping.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not coming with us?¡± Sephy asked curiously. ¡°You said the bad guys are coming back, don¡¯t you want to close up shop here while you can?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s complicated.¡± Elysandra sighed. ¡°But right now I would appreciate your assistance with the communications suite. I don¡¯t know if it can be repaired, let alone how.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem, we¡¯ll take a look at it.¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°Jack, we¡¯re probably gonna need your gauntlets for this one!¡±


    The shrine¡¯s communications suite looked like a relic even to Jack, tucked away under a thick shelter of leaves and brambles to keep the rain away, in a section that looked like a quarantine zone for anything tech. An antenna of some kind had been knocked over, and there were deep gouges in the control panels that didn¡¯t exactly fill Jack with confidence that this could be fixed.


    ¡°Well it¡¯s not as bad as it looks.¡± Sephy shrugged, her sharp eyes scanning the wires. ¡°But it¡¯s not good either. Most of these wires are buggered, but we can probably cannibalise and reroute them to get a signal out.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a hybrid system designed for multiple functions.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°Good thing we only need it for one.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­okay?¡± Jack asked, looking confused. ¡°What can I do?¡±


    ¡°Muscle!¡± Sephy said with a smirk. ¡°You¡¯re going to be pulling a few panels off and helping reroute the power, then connecting a bunch of wires!¡±


    ¡°Before we do that there¡¯s probably a power source at the district wall,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°We should unplug it before we go nuts on this thing.¡±


    ¡°I can handle that!¡± Jack grinned despite his lethargy, heading to the back of the shelter and pulling the plug¡­


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see what we can work with!¡± Sephy sighed about twenty minutes later as Jack plugged the system back in. The ancient machine buzzed loudly, shaking for a moment before the flickering screen stabilised and the main console¡¯s display sparked to life.


    ¡°Good! What do we have?¡± Alora called out as she, Chiyo and Dante had followed Elysandra back to the armoury, the druid insistent that they take some more items back with them both as a reward and to deny them to the enemy should they return.


    ¡°Well, we can broadcast a signal at least¡­¡± Sephy muttered under her breath, checking the diagnostics.


    ¡°Can you reach Kaldra?¡± Elysandra asked, and the Skritta shook her head.


    ¡°It¡¯s too weak for that distance. We have a beacon for them to hone in on at least, so if they boosted on their end they could contact us, but in the meantime we could try and contact somewhere closer?¡±


    ¡°Try it.¡± The druid confirmed.


    ¡°Scanning¡­¡± Sephy nodded, waiting for a few moments. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ve got one active comms signal within range. Saved as the Corvin Outpost.¡±


    Excellent! Chiyo sighed with relief. Perhaps the River Giants are still there and fixed something up on their end or some reinforcements arrived!


    ¡°Let¡¯s find out!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°Sephy, make the call.¡±


    ¡°On it.¡± Sephy grinned, and tapped several commands into the console. A soft hum filled the room as the connection stabilised, and soon a crackling static came through the speaker.


    ¡°Corvin Outpost, do you copy?¡± Sephy asked clearly into the microphone.


    For several seconds, there was only static, and then a clear, nasally voice responded. ¡°...Copy, receiving. Who¡¯s this?¡±


    The voice on the other end sounded unfamiliar to them, but it was more than that. Something about the voice was off, sounding nothing at all like the River Giants that were at the Outpost when they left, and it sounded far too calm, casual and detached. Alarm bells ran in everyone¡¯s minds as the group exchanged uneasy glances at the reply.


    Something was very, very wrong¡­


    Alora held her hand out to Sephy, motioning for the microphone, and the Skritta was all too happy to let the Eladrie have at it.


    ¡°Thank goodness there¡¯s somebody still out here!¡± Alora replied, with false cheer in her tone. ¡°Hope you have a warm ship to spare for us when we head over to you! What¡¯s your status?¡±


    There was a pause. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine here,¡± the voice replied in a smooth, practised manner. ¡°Just some routine maintenance and cleanup. We have a ship that will wait for you. You¡¯re clear to return whenever you¡¯re ready.¡±


    We didn¡¯t tell them we were returning to the Outpost, only that we were heading there! Chiyo spoke up in alarm. It¡¯s an ambush!


    ¡°Great!¡± Alora replied to the unknown recipient, her voice betraying none of her tension. ¡°We still have some business to conclude and the rains have made the terrain a bit tricky, so we should be there in about two days.¡±


    ¡°Very well, Miss Glenphyranix,¡± the voice replied, with just the faintest hint of a sneer. ¡°We all hope to see you and your friends very soon¡­¡±


    As soon as the connection was cut, the tension in the room snapped like a bowstring.


    ¡°Oh fuck!¡± Nika cursed. ¡°They know we know! They have to!¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t go back. Not that way.¡± Alora let out a deep breath as she calmed her nerves


    Jack crossed his arms, muscles tensing. "So what¡¯s the plan? Do we take them on or head in the opposite direction?"


    We¡¯re in no position to fight, Chiyo warned. We run.


    ¡°I can help with that.¡± Elysandra nodded firmly. ¡°Follow me.¡±

 Chapter 143: Treewalking

    ¡°So do we have any idea who that was?¡± Jack asked worriedly as Elysandra led the group towards the stone steps leading to the inner shrine. ¡°And are the River Giants dead?¡±


    ¡°If they were still there when they left, most likely.¡± Nika grimaced. ¡°Though the comms unit over there was working and pinged as the Corvin one, so it¡¯s possible they fixed it and organised transport while we were hiking. I know they promised to keep in touch, but I wouldn¡¯t hang around the site for long if I was them.¡±


    It¡¯s good to have hope. Chiyo nodded. But we just don¡¯t know.


    ¡°It¡¯s gotta be the assholes from Cypherport wanting a Round 2 comeback, right?¡± Sephy asked them. ¡°I thought we¡¯d fucked them up, but maybe not enough?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s possible if their Lictor is alive, but I think it¡¯s unlikely since they won¡¯t have the numbers.¡± Alora shook her head. ¡°They knew we were meeting the River Giants, so it¡¯s also possible they found out where we were heading and sold the information to another bounty group.¡±


    Or it could be one of the many others we know are after us, Chiyo added. No matter who it is, we¡¯re in no position to face them.


    ¡°Sephy, how secure was that connection?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°Too weak for them to do a direct trace.¡± The Skritta shook her head. ¡°But if they tracked us to the Outpost¡­¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s all the more important that you return to Naganai and alert Kaldra to what happened here as soon as you can,¡± Elysandra interrupted, stopping and turning around to look at them. ¡°I will use my powers to transport you back.¡±


    ¡°You should come with us,¡± Alora told Elysandra. ¡°I have no doubt this threat will return at some point and now you¡¯ll have time to perform a closing ritual.¡±


    ¡°I¡­no.¡± Elysanda shook her head. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Is this really worth your life?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lecture me!¡± The druid snapped, then sighed, holding out her hand. ¡°I apologise. I know you mean well, but my Circle gave their lives to defend this place. I will not abandon it. I have written several letters that I would like you to deliver for me. One to the Temple of Hope where the Nurturing Mother has loyal worshipers, one to an influential Circle of Greenwardens I know is still active, and one to Kaldra.¡±


    ¡°Of course we will deliver them for you.¡± Alora nodded, and Elysandra handed the Eladrie the letters in question, with the letter for her son being noticeably thicker. It was clear Elysandra had been busy while they slept.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Elysandra smiled, and bowed her head in silence for a few moments. ¡°Before I send you back, I must show you something. It¡¯s important.¡±


    ¡°We understand,¡± Alora answered patiently, giving a few of the others a stern look at a few eyerolls. ¡°Please lead on.¡±


    The druid led the group up the stone steps and placed her hand on the stone door at the top, the magic parting it without resistance. She led them through a series of overgrown archways, each one becoming more ornate as they moved deeper into the heart of the shrine, and walking through the last revealed a breathtaking sight.


    The entire clearing they emerged into was bathed in soft, natural light that seemed to mainly glow from the huge, ancient, well-kept tree standing majestically in the centre of it all. Its massive branches extended outwards, casting a peaceful shade over the sacred space with wood that brightly shimmered, almost as if it were woven with threads of silver.


    ¡°Wow, this is what you were protecting?¡± Jack asked rhetorically, in awe as he stared at the massive tree that had likely lived for untold millenia. He remembered seeing the Oracle for the first time, and wondered if this tree were similar, but he sensed that rather than the alien presence of the sentient tree, the power he felt here was the pure, natural majesty of a great feat of nature itself. Not sentient but¡­something else.


    Look to the ground¡­ Chiyo told them all, and as they did, they spotted countless tiny statuettes laying in the shade of the great tree. Looking at the closest one Jack could see some kind of bird with wings, carved with meticulous care, and looking at the others he realised that all of them depicted the likeness of various animals, some of which even looked familiar to him.


    At the base of each statuette was a small, magical candle, the soft flames of each not flickering in the breeze, but instead burning steadily and peacefully. Though there were many of these statuettes, they had all been arranged in such harmony that there was no clutter, with a clear path that spiralled around the tree, ending with a set of steps that led up to its trunk.


    ¡°Elysandra?¡± Alora asked softly as without a word the druid led them along the winding path. ¡°What are the little statues for?¡±


    Elyranda walked slowly down the edge of the path with a quiet grace, waving her hand towards the statuettes, the candles glowing slightly brighter with the movement.


    ¡°I have walked in the light of the Nurturing Mother since I could walk. Elphil, with her loving grace, shelters and protects us all, and I am honoured to aid her with all my power, to protect and nurture the children that need it the most. That is why I have sworn to protect this place.¡±


    ¡°These statuettes,¡± the druid continued, her voice a soft whisper that seemed to carry effortlessly through the sacred air, ¡°are for the purest souls, the littlest souls, the weakest souls. Each lit candle holds the soul of an unborn child that passed before their life began. Our sacred duty is to protect them, and strengthen them for a second chance of life in the Great Cycle.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Nika gasped under her breath, a sentiment shared by the others, who now knew exactly why Elysandra was so determined to defend this place.


    Elysandra walked among the statuettes as she spoke, her fingers brushing gently across the unlit candles as if tending to them, offering a silent prayer with each touch. ¡°Those candles that are unlit are for the spirits who have either already returned to the cycle or are yet to come. In time, each spirit here will rejoin the world, born anew and given another chance. But until then, they rest in the care of the Nurturing Mother.¡±


    She stopped before a particularly ornate statuette depicting a small alien creature with folded wings, its eyes closed in peaceful slumber, before turning back to face the group fully, her expression serious but compassionate. ¡°This is a place of both mourning and hope, and I cannot simply leave. I will lay down everything I have to protect this place and the little angels residing within.¡±


    But a closing ritual¡­


    ¡°Is possible, and I have no doubt that the Nurturing Mother will shelter the little angels if we were left with no other choice and all hope becomes lost.¡± Elysandra nodded. ¡°But¡­there¡¯s something else.¡±


    The group followed Elysandra in silence as they wound around the path, pondering the druid¡¯s words about the statuettes and just why this place was so sacred. But as they finally climbed the ancient stone steps to the base of the tree, they spotted something different.


    Sitting at the base of the tree, leaning against its ancient trunk, was the obscured figure of a brown-robed druid, their hood drawn up and their head bowed as though in deep meditation. But there was something off, something eerie in the stillness of the figure. No movement, no breath disturbed the quiet. The air around them seemed colder, as though time itself had forgotten this place.


    "This," Elysandra began softly as she bent down to gently grab the hood and pull it up, "is where I died¡­"


    The group¡¯s eyes widened in confusion at that, looking between Elysandra and the identical face of the corpse in shock. Jack blinked as if to clear his vision. ¡°Wait¡­what do you mean?¡± He asked, his voice rough from the duality of his exhaustion and illness, coupled with fresh alarm.


    Elysandra turned to face them, her expression calm, though her eyes carried the weight of her revelation. ¡°I died in this very spot in the aftermath of the first attack. I told you I would give everything to protect this place, and at the time, I thought I did. I fought to my fullest, obliterating any who entered this clearing and protecting the little angels. My efforts meant we held, but it also mortally wounded me. In my last moments I made my way here and sat down at my charge, where my body sits now.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Alora asked. ¡°How are you still talking to us?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen that I am a Druid of some skill,¡± Elysandra told them, without a hint of arrogance. ¡°And my duty bound me to this place¡­.


    I have heard of such a phenomenon! Chiyo spoke up. You became a Gnarl!


    ¡°Yes.¡± Elysandra nodded sadly. ¡°I was reborn, not in body but as a guardian spirit, tied to this sacred place.¡± She gestured to her own form. ¡°What you see before you now is not flesh and blood, but a part of the shrine itself. I protect the tree, the souls that rest here, and now, I protect you while you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Damn, that¡¯s how you¡¯ve held out for so long without resting!¡± Sephy spoke up. ¡°I was wondering how you were able to pull it off! So you¡¯re like a Lich but a Druid?¡±


    ¡°Sephy!¡± Alora scolded the Skritta.


    Elsandra chuckled. ¡°If you want to put it like that, sure. But thankfully no evil or undead monstrosities to be found here, nor the fear of death. Once nature has determined that my purpose is fulfilled, I shall simply fade away and return to the Great Cycle in the embrace of the Nurturing Mother.¡±


    ¡°Does it¡­hurt?¡± Nika asked. ¡°To be tethered like this? I guess that¡¯s why you¡¯ve said no to coming with us¡­¡±


    Elysandra smiled softly, a small glimmer of peace in her eyes as she slowly bent down to take something from around the neck of her body, then raised the hood of her robes to hide her face. ¡°No, there is no pain, but fulfilment. Though I have regrets, there is no greater honour than protecting life in its most fragile forms. This is where I belong.¡±


    She raised her hand towards Alora, holding the bone pendant for the Eladrie to take. ¡°Take this. It belongs to Kaldra, with the letter.¡±


    ¡°We will,¡± Alora agreed, taking the pendant and putting it in a pocket. ¡°Will the letter tell him about what you just showed us?¡±


    ¡°It will tell him everything.¡± Elysandra nodded. ¡°You were right. I was too set in my ways when I should have been proud of him. Now, everybody hold hands tightly, and one of you will need to hold on to your animal friend or have him close at hand.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got him,¡± Nika confirmed as she tightly wrapped her tail around Dante¡¯s waist. The ¡®dog¡¯ for his part simply looked up at the Kizun in mild confusion.


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Jack began, with much more confusion than Dante. ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to Treewalk you back to the city,¡± Elysandra explained as she placed her palm on the tree. ¡°It¡¯s a method of teleportation that will send you through the roots of the earth to a location I¡¯ve been to before, I just need to sense the right one¡­¡±


    ¡°Through the earth? That sounds rough!¡± Sephy retorted, only half-jokingly.


    I imagine it will be fine. Chiyo sighed, linking hands with the Skritta. If it gets us out of here fast and back to safety, I don¡¯t care how it feels!


    ¡°Those on the end of the chain, place your palm on the tree,¡± Elysandra told them, before looking at them. ¡°You have truly done a great service here today, I hope you know that.¡±


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°We certainly feel it, Elysandra!¡± Alora told her with humor as she placed one of her palms against the tree, with Chiyo doing the same on the other side.


    ¡°Well, at least you¡¯ll be in the city where you can recover.¡± The druid nodded before her face grew serious. ¡°One thing before you go. I know you¡¯ve obviously interacted with Corvin Enterprises through your dealing with Kaldra¡­¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± Nika confirmed with a head nod.


    ¡°Be very careful around them,¡± Elysandra told them with a firm look. ¡°And never, ever trust them. Farewell friends¡­¡±


    With a final nod, Elysandra whispered a series of words in a language none of them recognized, and the tree responded. A pulse of light surged through its veins, spreading from the trunk down to the exposed roots in streams of silver. For a moment, the air around them felt thick, as if the atmosphere itself was folding inward, closing in on them.


    Suddenly, they felt a sharp tug, as though they were somehow being yanked into the tree. Jack felt like he was flung into space as he saw a dizzying blur of brown, yellow and green spinning around them like a storm as they were pulled back and forth, folded and twisted as they travelled to wherever the druid had sent them, like they were caught in a current that carried them faster than their minds could comprehend.


    For several brief, heart-pounding seconds, the sensation of their bodies being weightless washed over them as they were swept through the forest¡¯s ancient pathways, their very essence pulled through the interconnected roots and branches¡­


    And then with a snap, the group reappeared.


    The sensation felt like being dropped from a great height, despite the fact that their feet were solidly planted on the ground, with everyone feeling a press as their bodies reoriented with reality. The first reaction after that came from Jack, whose face turned a violent shade of red as he doubled over, retching violently onto the grass. Sephy followed, gasping and clutching her stomach as she fought back the sense of nausea. Nika and Chiyo fared little better, though curiously Alora looked completely fine.


    ¡°Gods, what the hell was that!?¡± Nika breathed heavily, her face pale as she leaned against a nearby tree for support. ¡°I am never doing that shit again!¡±


    ¡°It can be unsettling for those not accustomed to it.¡± Alora shrugged, remembering her experiences with it from her early childhood in the Eladrie Nations. ¡°But Treewalking is a safe method of travel¡­mostly.¡±


    If that¡¯s safe, I¡¯d hate to see dangerous! Chiyo told the Eladrie as she swayed from side to side, as her focus and concentration were broken.


    ¡°Uh¡­guys!¡± Sephy spoke up in alarm as she checked her commlink. ¡°We should get out of here! Like right fucking now!¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Alora asked. ¡°Where are we?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re slam-bang in the middle of Corvin territory!¡± The Skritta snapped back in a panic, pointing at their location on the map app of her commlink.


    ¡°I guess Elysandra being away from the city for so long hasn¡¯t helped,¡± Jack grunted as he looked around.


    They stood in a carefully manicured park, which was a stark contrast to the ancient, natural shrine they had just left behind. The tree they had teleported to was large and well cared-for, with not a blemish to be seen along its bark. They were surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes and artificially maintained flower beds which bloomed with vivid, unnatural colours that reminded Jack a little of a hedge maze from some Victorian period drama, though this one was just for show as there were many easily spotted exits they could use.


    ¡°Chiyo, anybody nearby?¡± Nika asked the Ilithii, who shook her head.


    No, and though I don¡¯t see any cameras, I agree with Sephy, Chiyo pointed out. We should move before a drone flags us, and I recommend we disguise ourselves before one does!


    In half a minute, using Broaches of Disguise or their own abilities, the group had disguised themselves as a group of Corvin Enterprises office workers off the clock, looking as mundane as possible to the untrained eye.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± Alora told them as she critically inspected all of them. ¡°Though we should still avoid others as much as we can.


    Acting as casually as they could, they reached the gate of the park, which caused a brief panic as it was locked, though it was not a problem for Sephy to discreetly bypass. They left the park behind and subtly emerged onto the street where nobody seemed to be paying any attention to them. They exchanged a brief look of relief, but the tension didn¡¯t fully lift. Though they had made it out unseen, they were still deep in Corvin territory.


    ¡°Sephy, quickest way home if you please¡­¡± Alora whispered to the Skritta as they walked along the street like nothing was wrong, turning a corner away from the bulk of the crowd.


    Suddenly, Alora¡¯s commlink buzzed, and the Eladrie looked down in surprise at who was calling. Sephy had bricked their personal comms for the duration of the job for security, only leaving a burner number.


    ¡°Blast! It¡¯s Kaldra!¡± Alora cursed. ¡°I know we need to speak to him and get paid, but we¡¯re in no condition for a meeting!¡±


    ¡°Just bullshit him, say we¡¯re still out there?¡± Jack suggested.


    He¡¯s calling us, just let him talk and hear him out, Chiyo countered.


    Alora answered the call, while Sephy cloned the speaker to each of the others.


    ¡°Good afternoon.¡± The cool, calm voice of their client came out clearly over the comms. ¡°I take it you have a very good reason for returning ahead of schedule?¡±


    Alora bit back a curse, but carried on as calmly as she could.


    ¡°I can confirm a successful mission, we are ready for debrief and payment.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± their client retorted, not showing any hint of surprise in his tone. ¡°Providing coordinates for a meeting. Once you¡¯ve confirmed, we can meet there in three hours, and I¡¯ll ensure you aren¡¯t bothered on your way there.¡±


    Alora quickly looked to Sephy, who brought up the city map to check, zooming in to reveal a small cafe on the edge of Corvin Territory.


    ¡°Confirmed, we shall meet you there,¡± Alora confirmed, and the phone hung up.


    ¡°Motherfucker¡­¡± Jack muttered under his breath.


    It¡¯s a powerplay, that tree must have been connected to Kaldra somehow. Chiyo shrugged. Likely why Elysandra transported us there.


    ¡°She could have told us¡­¡± Nika snorted, before her expression turned serious. ¡°Still, keep your guard up. This isn¡¯t a position we want to be in.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Sephy added with a groan. ¡°Plus the planned route is going to take us almost 3 hours through the city to get there!¡±


    ¡°Damnit!¡± Alora cursed. ¡°We¡¯d better move!¡±


    *****


    ¡°Jack, you¡¯re looking even worse¡­¡± Alora noted, able to see the Human¡¯s paler-than-usual complexion through his mundane intern disguise.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine-¡± Jack began, before Nika twatted him playfully with her tail.


    ¡°You¡¯re banned from saying that until you¡¯re fixed up and wrapped up in something or someone warm!¡± The Kizun told him with a slight chuckle.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Jack chuckled weakly, knowing Nika was right. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine enough. Let¡¯s get this done.¡±


    ¡°Location is close to an exit, doesn¡¯t seem like he¡¯d betray us,¡± Sephy whispered to the others as the foot traffic in general seemed to die down. Like their first meeting with their client, it appeared that the meeting spot was chosen for being quiet.


    Don¡¯t get complacent! Chiyo warned. But I agree with you here. Corvin Enterprises are known to have betrayed Runners, but that¡¯s usually only if it directly benefits them or if the Runners fail badly or pissed them off. We¡¯re not meeting that criteria.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not as bad as Nyteskai¡­¡± Alora agreed. ¡°But still, this is no joke. Keep your heads in the game, we¡¯re almost done!¡±


    When the group rounded the corner, they spotted the small caf¨¦, with three figures sitting patiently waiting for them in the distance, not making a show of having noticed them as they remained hidden.


    No other lifesigns detected, Chiyo confirmed. Same plan as last time?


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°You, Sephy and Nika on overwatch. Jack and Dante with me.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked quietly in agreement as they all scattered.


    Cautiously walking up behind Alora, Jack saw the three figures more clearly. Their client, Kaldra sat calmly, sipping from a small, elegant cup as if they had no care in the world, once again dressed in his druidic robes.


    Flanking him on one side was a very thin, small runt of a man in dark, ornate magical robes that screamed ¡®Wizard¡¯ to Jack, with a scarf covering the lower half of their face. They weren¡¯t partaking of any food or drink, instead holding onto a magical staff with pale, almost translucent bony fingers.


    On the other side was a woman with long curly hair elegantly munching on cakes, whose species looked to Jack almost like a fawn, with legs that bend the other way, two well-manicured horns, and light purple skin. She was wearing light armour and seemed to favour more mundane items of fashion, but she had an edge to her with lithe muscle, and demonstrated dexterous movements as she played with a moth that seemed to zip around her fingers, following her commands.


    Aside from these three, there were no visible guards, no security drones shimmering above, and no mercenaries hiding in the shadows to geek them as far as the group could see.


    ¡°This feels wrong,¡± Nika muttered into their group comms as her eyes scanned every corner of the area, crouching down and checking the three out with her scope, though she could have sworn the woman looked her way and gave a smirk. ¡°It¡¯s way too quiet when they¡¯ve picked the time and the place.¡±


    ¡°Could they actually be acting in good faith?¡± Jack asked only to hear various scoffs of amusement down the line. ¡°Okay fair enough. Am I going to have to start blasting?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Alora whispered. ¡°This is another power play, though the appearance of the two newcomers is an interesting development. Just follow my lead.¡±


    Both newcomers are magically active, Chiyo announced from where she was astrally projecting. The robed figure more so than the female - he¡¯s also got some powerful illusions up on himself only.


    ¡°I¡¯m not even gonna bother trying to hack into them,¡± Sephy noted. ¡°I¡¯ve just checked, they¡¯ve all got hard rating gear, probably their personal stuff.¡±


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re here,¡± Kaldra called out as Alora, Jack and Dante approached. ¡°And early, exceeding my expectations! You must have quite the tale¡­¡±


    His voice was calm. Too calm.


    ¡°Payment first,¡± Alora curtly told him. ¡°You already know we were successful.¡±


    ¡°So you claim.¡± He shrugged, leaning back. ¡°I want proof of success first.¡±


    Alora shrugged before pulling out the bone pendant, dangling it in front of her executives for a moment before putting it back into her pocket.


    Kaldra smirked as he pulled out a credit chip and slid it across the table to Alora, who took it and looked, finding it satisfactory as an initial payment.


    ¡°Before we begin,¡± the fawn-like woman spoke up curtly, staring at Jack with narrow eyes, her voice disciplined and curt, like that of a strict teacher. ¡°I think we can dispense with the games. Call your companions to sit with us. Now.¡±


    ¡°No idea what you mean.¡± Jack retorted out of reflex.


    ¡°You are a good liar, Mr Jack Frost,¡± the woman told him, with a very thin, barely visible smirk on her face. ¡°But allow me to be specific. Miss Nika Falos is currently aiming at me with a sniper rifle from the district wall, Miss Sephirina Hawker is cloaked behind us with pistols¡­¡±


    ¡°And right now, Miss Chiyo Dhasii is astrally projecting, trying to deduce my nature,¡± the robed individual spoke up, in a surprisingly affable tone, though it was spoiled with a rasp of a voice, like they had just downed boiling water. ¡°Unsuccessfully.¡±


    ¡°You need not fear my companions tonight, Alora Glenphyranix,¡± Kaldra spoke up, raising a hand in a placating manner. ¡°They are simply here to ask questions that Corvin Enterprises shall pay well for the answers to, as per our original agreement.¡±


    Alora nodded slowly. ¡°As you wish¡­Kaldra. Everyone, you heard them. Reveal yourselves and come join us.¡±


    The eyes of Kaldra blinked slightly, the only hint of surprise as Alora used his name, while the rest of the group revealed themselves. They didn¡¯t sit at the table but covered the possible exits, the fawn woman eyeing each of them critically as they arrived.


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else?¡± Kaldra asked his colleagues, who shook their heads. ¡°Then I think we have a story to listen to¡­¡±


    Jack mostly sat by and allowed Alora to retell the story of their adventure up until the current moment, knowing that she was the best person for the job. He noticed that she omitted much information, most notably the attack from The Redeemer at Cypherport, only sharing information related to the job. Occasionally Kaldra, or one of his companions, would ask questions and Alora would stick to the facts, keeping her answers short and concise, and occasionally demanding payment for satisfying an objective. In the meantime Jack kept watch over the companions, focusing more on the woman who was eyeballing him, while Dante sat under the table, watching the wizard.


    ¡°I know you have the bone pendant¡­¡± Kaldra finally spoke after having heard their retelling of the journey. ¡°But do you have any other belongings of my mother? Or footage of her burial?¡±


    ¡°We do not.¡± Alora shook her head, but added, ¡°But we have a letter for you.¡±


    ¡°A letter?¡± Kaldra asked, narrowing his eyes, only for them to widen as he looked upon the script. ¡°What¡­this is¡­oh my! She¡¯s alive! No¡­she lingers on as a Gnarl? She did always take her duty seriously¡­¡±


    ¡°Not only that,¡± Jack added. ¡°But we spoke to her and she wants to reconcile.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Kaldra smiled warmly at the group after reading the letter, pulling out two small bags from his pockets and slid them over. ¡°You have gone far above and beyond what I have asked you to do. While assisting my mother rather than burying her was not technically what was asked, I do not consider that a failure condition in the slightest and your initiative should not go unrewarded.¡±


    Sephy took a look inside one of the bags, and her bulging eyes betrayed their value, while Chiyo took a look into another, nodding at Alora as she handed the Bone Pendant over.


    ¡°I believe that our business is concluded.¡± The druid finally nodded. ¡°There is nothing more for you tonight, though we may be in touch once again at another date. Good help is hard to come by outside of the company.¡±


    ¡°I look forward to it, Kaldra.¡± Alora nodded politely as she motioned for the others to get ready to move quickly. ¡°And good luck.¡±


    *****


    The three executives waited for the group to vanish around the corner, then waited several minutes more, until the guards watching the gate had confirmed their departure.


    ¡°Well.¡± Lux shrugged as she idly flicked a strand of hair out of her eyes. ¡°They appear to be effective despite their age. Had it not been for the Shaskasaki manager stuffed in that warehouse locker, they may have otherwise escaped my notice.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, they certainly escaped Cecily¡¯s,¡± Sojourn agreed, tapping the table in thought with a bony finger. ¡°Do you intend to directly recruit them?¡±


    Lux scoffed. ¡°A pack of undisciplined teenage Shadowrunners? Spare me. Though the boy could occupy Cecily for a while I suppose¡­¡±


    Kaldra chuckled. ¡°If we could return to why we¡¯re here?¡±


    ¡°A good day for you.¡± Lux noted with a shrug. ¡°And here I thought you were just being sentimental.¡±


    ¡°Partially,¡± Kaldra admitted as his eyes took in the sight of the letter. ¡°I¡¯ll see my mother and see to it she gets the help she needs, I owe her that much at least. But there are also profitable opportunities to be found¡­¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± Sojourn hissed out. ¡°The vacant land should be colonised and used for farming efforts, simple enough for me to oversee as part of our ongoing food efforts. From what the Runners told us, there are the remnants of crops there already. At the least it would be a shame to see those profits go to waste¡­¡±


    ¡°We can send some low-priority employees to take it.¡± Lux shrugged. ¡°Or some of your undead workers that won¡¯t be missed, Sojourn?¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled.¡± Kaldra nodded. ¡°But first we have work to do.¡±


    Lux looked to Kaldra. ¡°Make the call.¡±


    Kaldra entered the number, placing the comlink on speaker for the three of them.


    The call picked up on the first ring.


    ¡°Mr Corvin,¡± Kaldra began. ¡°The operation was a success. I¡¯m sending the information to you now. In short, our suspicions were correct¡­¡±


    Kaldra paused as looked to his two companions who nodded in unspoken agreement, having come to the same conclusion.


    ¡°...A Demon Lord has been discovered.¡±

 Chapter 144: Notifications

    ¡°This¡­is concerning news,¡± the High Priestess of Elphil, a short reptile-like Squa¡¯Kaar, murmured under her breath as she read Elysandra¡¯s letter.


    ¡°Mother, they spoke the truth?¡± the junior priestess asked. The younger Squa¡¯Kaar had expressed scepticism when Alora had requested to meet with the High Priestess at the Temple of Hope, but had dutifully led them to her. ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware we had a holy site like that all the way out there¡­¡±


    ¡°Nor should you have been,¡± The elder shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s a need-to-know secret by our church, and few others in the city know of its existence.¡± She looked up to the group. ¡°How did you come to be there?¡±


    ¡°Corvin Enterprises knows about it,¡± Nika answered. ¡°It was one of their executives that hired us to find out what was going on. He¡¯s the son of the last druid guarding the place.¡±


    Several of the locals in that area knew about it too, before they were all killed or captured, Chiyo pointed out. Though I don¡¯t think the nature of the shrine was known to them.


    ¡°A bunch of hermits wouldn¡¯t have been considered a risk.¡± The High Priestess shook her head. ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be a problem, but Corvin Enterprises? That is unfortunate.¡±


    ¡°If it helps¡­¡± Alora interjected. ¡°The son seemed sincere to me in the end - I think he will assist his mother with what she needs.¡±


    ¡°His two companions were shady as fuck though!¡± Sephy pointed out, and Jack nodded in agreement. ¡°Couldn¡¯t find any info on them!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they seemed more interested in the threat we found, they didn¡¯t ask about the shrine itself,¡± the human confirmed. ¡°And we didn¡¯t tell.¡±


    ¡°That is fortunate.¡± The High Priestess nodded her head. ¡°We shall charter a flight and send some good people to assist. Does anyone else know of this?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we delivered a letter to a Greenwarden Circle of Sentinels nearby that was on the way here, and they took it seriously,¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°Their leader affirmed that they¡¯ll spread the word and muster a military force to further investigate what we¡¯ve discovered.¡±


    ¡°Very well, we shall speak to them on this matter.¡± The High Priestess nodded. ¡°Thank you for bringing this matter to us. We may be in touch with further questions, if that is acceptable?¡±


    ¡°It is.¡± Alora nodded.


    ¡°Very well.¡± The High Priestess of Elphil nodded as the diminutive Squa¡¯Kaar looked to several other figures within the room. High Priestess Cornelia of the Church of Astara and Inquisitor Faegleal looked on, concerned, while a few other representatives from other faiths looked stoic as they left the room.


    ¡°This may certainly answer some questions,¡± Faegleal pointed out once she and the group joined High Priestess Cornelia in her office. ¡°I had planned on contacting you soon anyway to give you an update on our pending investigations.¡±


    ¡°What updates?¡± Jack asked, coughing violently as he suddenly perked up from his lethargy. ¡°Have you guys found anything on Dr Grine?¡±


    ¡°By Astara Jack you need to lie down!¡± High Priestess Cornelia shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happened to you, but you look terrible! As far as Dr Reyaz Grine is concerned we¡¯ve found nothing firm. The Paladin leading the investigation believes he¡¯s found a previous bolthole for the ¡®good doctor¡¯, and has definitely discovered the remains of some of his experiments, but so far hasn¡¯t found anything current. We know Grine is good at hiding his tracks based on his encounters with Devil¡¯s Daughter, but he hasn¡¯t had to deal with this heavy a response before. It¡¯s only a matter of time before we pick up a scent.¡±


    ¡°It is likely his unknown ally is hiding him magically.¡± Inquisitor Faegleal shrugged. ¡°But more people involved means more people to slip up. I take it you don¡¯t remember anything else about the mage you saw during the Klown attack aside from what you told us?¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Jack shook his head with a sigh. ¡°That night was a blur, and it¡¯s not like¡­um¡­working hard the past two days has helped. If I remember anything else I¡¯ll speak up about it!¡±


    ¡°Understandable.¡± The Inquisitor nodded. ¡°But while that avenue is closed to us, another has opened that you should be aware of.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± High Priestess Cornelia continued. ¡°We¡¯ve recently concluded our investigation of the Spawn of Nekdon site. We tracked your passage as best we could, as well as that of Dubakuu and the Risen he had with him, but we couldn¡¯t find any sign of anyone else having been there, save for the heart of the ritual site.¡±


    ¡°But wait¡­¡± Jack asked. ¡°Inquisitor, you said what we¡¯ve been up to this weekend might answer some questions, how does that relate to this?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re getting to that.¡± The Inquisitor confirmed as she relaxed in the armchair she had taken for herself. ¡°But first, please humour us. What do you know of Nekdon?¡±


    ¡°That they¡¯re the spooky god of secrets and dark shit?¡± Jack answered, remembering what he could from his lessons. ¡°And is apparently dead.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± High Priestess Cornelia nodded. ¡°The Whispering Lord was first and foremost a god of dark knowledge, but secrets and undeath were part of his known portfolio. Many considered him an evil god, and the actions of their clergy reinforced that belief, though there was a sharp decline in worship which became apparent about fifty years ago. At the time the cause for this was unknown, though it is now believed that Nekdon died during this time and was unable to grant clerical powers to his worshipers.¡±


    ¡°You know, I keep asking this question.¡± Jack asked with his eyebrows raised. ¡°But how sure are you that Nekdon is dead?¡±


    ¡°Our goddess herself has decreed as much,¡± Inquisitor Faegleal answered quickly. ¡°Though we don¡¯t know the circumstances behind it.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going with this?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Magical analysis tells us that the Spawn of Nekdon was summoned between thirty and forty-five years ago.¡± The Inquisitor replied, with a grim expression.


    The group gasped at that realisation.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying it was summoned after Nekdon¡¯s death?¡± Sephy asked incredulously. ¡°How!?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what we intend to find out.¡± The Inquisitor nodded. ¡°We have ways and people to bring in that can help, but it will need to be done carefully and covertly. We¡¯re telling you because you were, and may still be directly involved but we trust you to keep quiet about it.¡±


    The group all nodded at that.


    ¡°Summoning a Spawn of Nekdon and giving it enough to sustain itself requires considerable power and ability - especially this long after Nekdon¡¯s death, where the Spawn should have starved,¡± High Priestess Cornelia began slowly. ¡°Even if Dr Grine was bluffing when he spoke to you, Jack, it is still firmly in the interests of the Temple of Hope to identify the summoner and eliminate the threat they pose.¡±


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


    ¡°And you and your group of adventurers just discovered a possible suspect,¡± Inquisitor Faegleal noted. ¡°I have my suspicions about what you may have discovered, but based on your reports of this entity Jack encountered after destroying this¡­¡¯cocoon¡¯...I know for sure they could be powerful enough.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an unknown,¡± Cornelia admitted. ¡°But until we can learn more from our ongoing investigations, it¡¯s something new to go on, and I will not have us sit idle and wait for some other calamity to happen.¡±


    Do you have any other suspects? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°None with the motive.¡± Inquisitor Faegleal shook her head with a grimace. ¡°And we have nothing on the wizard who assisted Dr Grine.¡±


    The grave news hung in the air for a moment, until High Priestess Cornelia spoke again.


    ¡°Jack, have you contacted the people I recommended you speak to?¡± The wolf-like woman asked with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack nodded, and Cornelia¡¯s eyes briefly flittered to something on her desk.


    ¡°Jack¡­¡± the woman gently began with a deep sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t need to have a truth circle on my carpet to know you¡¯re lying.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a damn shrink.¡± Jack shook his head but then sighed as he looked back over the past few days and decided to amend his usual answer. ¡°It¡¯s not going to change anything that¡¯s happened, so I¡¯ve just got to suck it up and deal with it the best I can. And if I struggle to do that, at least I can talk to my friends who¡¯ve experienced this shit right there with me.¡±


    Cornelia looked at Jack for a few moments, before she reluctantly nodded. ¡°Well, at least that¡¯s an improvement. Still, you should speak to the people I told you about, they¡¯re good at their job.¡±


    Jack nodded his head, feeling guilty over disappointing the woman who had been the first person to help him on his arrival to this strange world, but also felt a weight lift from him as he admitted to at least talking to the others about his thoughts. While he¡¯d never seen a therapist in his life, he was confident there was no way some overpriced yuppie could even begin to unravel the crap he¡¯d had to endure¡­


    ¡°You kids have all been through a lot,¡± Inquisitor Faegleal spoke up again. ¡°Rest a bit and we can give you some healing, though it appears you¡¯ve already received much.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°My healing magic has kept everybody stable, but we¡¯ve reached the upper end of its effectiveness. Some rest will do us good.¡±


    ¡°I would recommend you lay low when you get home.¡± The Inquisitor nodded. ¡°If even a third of the reports I¡¯ve seen from your activities at Cypherport are true, I¡¯d be careful.¡±


    ¡°We will.¡± Alora nodded as the group got up to leave. ¡°Good luck with your investigation, and please let us know if we can help!¡±


    ¡°Well, that was pretty pointless¡­¡± Sephy muttered to the others as they left the Temple of Hope, heading home while the streets were still active. ¡°Temple investigators haven¡¯t found shit and the only link they have between the Spawn of Nekdon and what we found is ¡®Power Level¡¯. They must be desperate.¡±


    Alora wanted to refute that, but couldn¡¯t. Sephy had a point.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter, it¡¯s out of our hands now. We¡¯ve been paid and done our ¡®civic duty¡¯ in letting everyone know of yet another city-ending threat in the making.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°And they¡¯ve got the resources to deal with it even if things have slowed down. At least they said they¡¯ve found some stuff on Dr Grine, maybe they¡¯ll be able to track him down?¡±


    Maybe, Chiyo agreed as she wobbled slightly with her levitation. But I get the horrible feeling that we won¡¯t know more until the enemy makes the next move¡­


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t sound like there¡¯s much we can do until they resurface either.¡± Jack sighed, groaning as his stiff-limbs somehow managed to still move under his own power.


    ¡°Sure there is!¡± Sephy spoke up with a grin. ¡°We¡¯ve just completed a job! Let¡¯s enjoy our payday!¡±


    ¡°That we can do!¡± Alora chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll let everyone at home know we¡¯re back!¡±


    *****


    ¡°There they are! Obeda, could you please put the kettle on and make some tea!¡± The sound of one of the Squa¡¯Kaar could be distinctly heard from their home district.


    ¡°Sounds good to me¡­¡± Jack groaned under his breath as he stumbled along the familiar dirt path. ¡°I need to sit down¡­¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante barked, looking at Jack with concern.


    ¡°Damn Jack, you¡¯re getting worse¡­¡± Nika pointed out.


    I think we all are, Chiyo admitted. Hold on, we¡¯re nearly there!


    Finally the automated district doors opened by Alora¡¯s command, and the group stumbled home with a shared sigh of relief.


    ¡°You guys look terrible!¡± Rayle pointed out as the Squa¡¯Kaar climbed down the guard tower to greet them all as they entered.


    ¡°Feel it too¡­¡± Sephy grunted back.


    ¡°Please, sit down!¡± Rayle panicked as Obeda brought out some teas. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Barely any sleep and almost total non-stop action¡­¡± Nika replied with a tired, joking smile. ¡°So business as per usual¡­¡±


    ¡°You guys want any pizza?¡± Bentom called out from the house. ¡°What toppings do you want?¡±


    ¡°No mushrooms!¡± Alora called out so vehemently that it spurred the others to quickly echo the sentiment.


    ¡°Oooookay!¡± Bentom called back slightly confused. ¡°I¡¯ll order a few by drone and bring them to you, there¡¯s some soup if you want it too!¡±


    ¡°Yes please!¡± Nika called back as she sat down on the ground and laid back, not even bothering to take her backpack off.


    ¡°Well, Zayle and I have some good news for you!¡± Rayle perked up as the rest of the group slumped down to the ground.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been out a few times for a few jobs with Karzen, Bentom and Obeda¡­¡± the Squa¡¯Kaar began. ¡°And we¡¯ve been on a few supply runs in the meantime, so there¡¯s a few more solar panels for you, but also¡­¡±


    What? Chiyo asked.


    ¡°We were able to travel to a few of the lakes around the city!¡± The Squa¡¯Kaar exclaimed. ¡°We were able to bring some water back with us with Zayle¡¯s water spirit and I¡¯ve been learning to create water too¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute, are you saying what I think you¡¯re saying?¡± Sephy perked up.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Rayle smiled warmly. ¡°We¡¯ve filled your hot tub!¡±


    ¡°Sweeeeet!¡± The Skritta grinned, though she still couldn¡¯t be bothered to shift herself from where she lay.


    Agreed! We can drop in the Lesser Lifestone and use it to recover! Chiyo added, looking to the tub in question that had sat there unused ever since they¡¯d had it installed, with the recent troubles in the city making it a poor purchase in hindsight.


    ¡°That would be for the best.¡± Alora agreed. "Come on, everyone up!¡±


    ¡°Awwwwww!¡± Sephy jokingly groaned as Rayle struggled to pull the Skritta to her feet.


    ¡°Suck it up everyone!¡± Alora laughed. ¡°After fighting off assassins, monsters and spooky shit this is what finally breaks us? Getting up and walking about 200 metres to our house?¡±


    Sephy, can you enable our personal commlinks now we¡¯re home? Chiyo asked the Skritta as the Ilithii simply floated up above the ground.


    ¡°Sure, no problem!¡± Sephy answered and quickly fiddled with a few settings on her commlink. ¡°I-WOAH!¡±


    The instant their commlinks were reconnected, they buzzed to life in a frenzy, with screen after screen lighting up with missed calls, unread messages, and notifications stacking one on top of the other.


    ¡°Does this usually happen after doing this kind of thing?¡± Jack asked rhetorically, already knowing the answer to be ¡®no.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Nika murmured as she stared at her commlink , ears twitching in confusion. Her usually sharp eyes widened as she scrolled through an endless string of missed calls. "I think something¡¯s up."


    ¡°I¡¯ll check in with Luvia.¡± Alora decided as she quickly scrolled through her phone.


    Repeat calls from our friends. Chiyo said, biting her lip. Flagged as urgent. We did tell people we¡¯d be low contact over the weekend but we didn¡¯t give specifics to anyone not living here.


    Jack looked down his notifications, spotting a few initial notifications from Nya, followed by two from Kritch at around the same time, then a whole smattering of calls from various friends and acquaintances several minutes later according to the time stamps.


    ¡°Well, it looks like everything¡¯s been falling apart without us, huh?¡± Sephy joked, though there was a nervous edge to her voice. "And we¡¯ve only been gone for what, two days?"


    ¡°Hey Luvia!¡± Alora called the dragon, trying to sound chipper through her exhaustion. ¡°Just checking in to let you know we¡¯re back!¡±


    There was a pause as Alora listened to the answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, we¡¯re-¡± Alora began, before she was interrupted by the dragon on the other end.


    ¡°Yes, we were Cypherport us but-¡± Alora continued, before being interrupted again.


    ¡°No, we haven¡¯t seen the news yet, we¡¯ve just gotten home.¡± Alora asked confused, her face in an expression of worry at whatever the reply was.


    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll watch the news¡­¡± Alora nodded, giving the others a serious look. ¡°But-¡±


    Another pause as Alora¡¯s face turned grim. ¡°Yes we got attacked there but we all got away and¡­¡±


    Alora paused again as she stopped and pointed to the house, motioning for everyone to move.


    ¡°Yes Jack¡¯s fine¡­¡± The Eladrie giggled despite herself. ¡°And the rest of us are okay too. We¡­¡±


    Another pause as Jack could hear some frantic sounds on the other end.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve all taken a lot of hits and Jack¡¯s probably the worst out of all us, so we¡¯re going to take a dip in the hot tub and¡­¡±


    Alora looked slightly confused for a moment as she heard some kind of noise from the other end.


    ¡°Um¡­Luvia? Are you still there?¡±

 Chapter 145: Hot Tub

    As the group eventually stumbled into the house, weary and worn down, they were greeted by the familiar comforting warmth of their home, which Jack instantly felt as the change in temperature sent shivers running along his skin, the wetness of sweat, blood and rainwater chafing as he shuffled in behind the others, all of them haggard from the harrowing weekend.


    ¡°Holy shit, you¡¯re back!¡± Vanya called out, her voice happy as she got up from the sofa to greet them, but clearly edged with something as she hesitated to approach Jack, keeping her distance as she looked them all up and down. ¡°Rough trip?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s one way of putting it,¡± Nika muttered, rubbing her temples as she dragged herself inside. ¡°What the hell¡¯s going on?¡±


    Beside Vanya sat Karzen, absentmindedly tapping her fingers on the armrest, and Jack noted the armadillo-like girl had a gun strapped to her back. She barely looked away from the TV as she replied, "You guys haven¡¯t seen the news yet, huh?"


    No, but we¡¯re about to¡­ Chiyo sighed as she floated towards them, with several of their housemates on the sofas shuffling to give them enough room.


    Jack dropped heavily onto one of the available seats, his hand instinctively clutching his side as he winced, having not realized just how sore he still was, and looking to the others he could see many of them were in the same boat. ¡°What are we looking at?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s on the hour, you¡¯re just in time for the headlines¡­¡± Obeda quietly spoke up. ¡°That will explain things better than we can, and perhaps you can confirm a few things for us.¡±


    Vanya grabbed the remote and turned the volume up slightly.


    ¡°Good evening and welcome to the evening news! I¡¯m Oudrie Ximmercon,¡± the female fish-like news anchor spoke up with a wide-eyed look on her face. ¡°Our headlines tonight¡­¡±


    There was a slight pause where a dramatic audio cue of a drum played.


    ¡°The bodies of twenty victims were discovered early this morning on a rooftop in Arkane Views, a district under the control of Myrodin Magitechnology. Investigators have confirmed that the cause of death and arrangement of the bodies is consistent with that of the serial killer known as ¡®Chillwalker¡¯, though no further information is available at this time¡­¡±


    ¡°Damn! Twenty!?¡± Vanya exclaimed, with a mixed expression of horror and amazement, and Jack remembered her interest in serial killers from a journalist''s point of view. ¡°Fuck! And it¡¯s in the heart of Myrodin territory too! That¡¯s bold!¡±


    ¡°The Red Legion has reported significant gains over the Vile Fleet in the Quexos System, purging three planets of undead presence,¡± the news anchor continued. ¡°Vile Fleet losses are unconfirmed, but it is believed that at least two Dread Lords have been killed in action. Though the target of the Red Legion assault, it is not believed that Lucian Vile was present in the area, with rumours that the self-proclaimed Umbral Tyrant and his personal forces have retreated into darkspace.¡±


    ¡°About time!¡± Nika cheered. ¡°Fuck those guys!¡±


    I bet Luvia will be very happy about that! Chiyo agreed. The Red Legion have been on the back foot for the past year!


    ¡°The dating app ¡®Fumble¡¯ has issued an apology due to the actions of a rogue artificial intelligence trolling the users. Several users have complained that matches have turned out to be false, with many false dates and unwanted matches reported. The artificial intelligence has reportedly posted the humorous results on NetTube, where it has amassed over 1 million subscribers!¡±


    ¡°Kizzarith is still bedridden, isn¡¯t he?¡± Jack asked, as a few of the others nodded.


    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯d totally fall for that kind of stuff!¡± Karzen chuckled. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta get him laid when he gets out!¡±


    ¡°You gonna volunteer?¡± Sephy asked with a cheeky grin, as the armadillo-girl scoffed.


    ¡°Nope. Never gonna happen!¡±


    ¡°House Mal¡¯Kar has declared a Bloodhunt on Commander Cocaine,¡± the news reporter continued. ¡°Local Matriarch Izadora Mal¡¯Kar has offered 50,000 Nethercoin to any who are able to eliminate the commander, with additional kill-bounties offered for key officers.¡±.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Nika chuckled. ¡°They¡¯re pissed!¡±


    ¡°Unsurprising,¡± Alora pointed out. ¡°House Mal¡¯Kar cannot afford to look weak, especially when they are gathering power. They may be getting ready to make a play.¡±


    ¡°Who is the Emerald King?¡± The reporter asked rhetorically. ¡°Several followers have requested permission to sanctify a shrine at the Temple of Hope, but their requests have so far been rejected by temple officials.¡±


    Cultists never learn. Chiyo sighed.


    ¡°And finally, our biggest story tonight. A border town has been viciously attacked by a well-armed group of attackers, though the circumstances are currently unknown.¡±


    The group took in a collective hiss of breath.


    The pictures on the news showed scenes of utter devastation. Buildings that had until recently stood were now piles of rubble, as flames licked the remains of homes, and where there was once a market square the group could see the telltale sign of scorch marks from where there was heavy, indiscriminate gunfire. Though the smoke rose in thick black clouds, they all still recognised the great green glass-like obelisk that marked where this was, though the previous graffiti had been melted off.


    Cypherport. The town where they were ambushed by The Redeemer.


    ¡°What the fuck!?¡± Nika exclaimed as they all stared wide-eyed at the mass-destruction. ¡°That wasn¡¯t us! We didn¡¯t do all that!¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± Vanya asked. ¡°Images of all of you in action are spreading all over the DataNet! People think you did it!¡±


    ¡°Hell no we didn¡¯t do that!¡± Sephy shook her head emphatically. ¡°We were attacked, but we got the fuck out of there! It sure as hell wasn¡¯t on fire when we did!¡±


    ¡°Vanya, do you seriously think we had something to do with all that?¡± Alora asked in shock, pointing at the wreckage as the rabbit-girl looked a little guilty.


    ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t know!¡± Vanya shook her head. ¡°All I know was that you were there, and rumours were spreading over the DataNet that there was a massive fight and a bunch of people were rushing to get there to chase up some bounties.¡±


    ¡°It was The Redeemer.¡± Jack confirmed. ¡°He knew we¡¯d be there and fucking ambushed us!¡±


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± The Chuna cursed. ¡°He¡¯s got a huge bounty on him too! Damn! It must have turned into a feeding frenzy over there!¡±


    He had the Order of the Infernal Harmony with him too! Chiyo added. It was bad!


    ¡°Yes, but we had defeated them before we escaped,¡± Alora pointed out.


    ¡°Some of them were still alive by the end of it.¡± Nika shrugged.


    ¡°But could they have done all that?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Hell no.¡± Sephy shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t forget we were followed all the way to the Corvin Outpost!¡±


    ¡°Who followed you?¡± Hessia asked, the insectoid perking up from where she was texting on one of the chairs.


    Take your pick. Chiyo shrugged. We¡¯ve managed to make a few enemies, but we don¡¯t know who it was and we certainly didn¡¯t want to stick around to find out after the ordeal we¡¯d been through! Hopefully the response forces will catch them out and fix the problem for us!


    Before she could continue, the TV switched to another reporter on the scene.


    ¡°Good evening, Oudrie. I am at the town of Cypherport amidst a scene of devastation, as relief efforts are still underway where a devastating attack from an unknown group has taken place, taking the lives of over 100 individuals. Forces belonging to Commander Cocaine are currently present on the scene to investigate, so our information is still limited at this time.¡±


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Good evening, Larrex,¡± Oudrie replied cordially from the studio. ¡°We have seen footage of unknown armed individuals operating in that area. Do you have any updates at all for us on what has happened?¡±


    ¡°We do, Oudrie,¡± Larrex responded in a clearly rehearsed manner. ¡°Local witnesses who were present on Frostday night have come forward and revealed that the Ogar former Inquisitor of Siros known as ¡®The Redeemer¡¯ was present at the bar locally known as ¡®The Soggy Pussy¡¯ for unknown reasons. Viewers may recall that The Redeemer assaulted our news station to broadcast a city-wide announcement several weeks ago.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, and I can confirm that a bounty of 30,000 EdaCash was placed on The Redeemer by our station due to his actions,¡± Oudrie dutifully added, before Larrex continued.


    ¡°Details are currently sparse, but we have learned that The Redeemer and his associates got into a conflict with a group of mercenaries who may have been seeking the bounty, though it is unknown if either of these groups were responsible for the destruction you see tonight-¡±


    Larrex suddenly put a hand to their ear. ¡°I¡¯ve just been informed that forces from House Mal¡¯Kar have just been spotted heading this way so we¡¯re going to-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to interrupt Larrex, but we have breaking news!¡± Oudrie spoke up, as the screen cut to a shaky live feed of the city. ¡°Something has just been spotted over the city moving fast, it¡¯s unknown what it is but it could be an attack!¡±


    The camera zoomed in as a large shape disappeared around a building. ¡°We need cameras to the South! Have we got anyone there?¡±


    The anchor looked to unseen staff behind the camera who must have nodded. ¡°I have just been informed that we have a clearer recording from a few minutes ago! Whatever it is it¡¯s moving fast, weaving between buildings! We advise everyone to stay indoors!¡±


    The camera zoomed in on the figure, scanning the sky as a brief flash of dark red zipped past for just a moment.


    ¡°Ummm¡­¡± Alora began, but before she could finish her thoughts, a sudden deafening thud from outside shook the house.


    Jack sat bolt upright, drawing his sidearm, eyes wide with sudden alarm. ¡°What the hell was that?¡±


    Before anyone could answer, the question was answered for them.


    ¡°Hi everyone!¡± Luvia¡¯s voice cheerily rang out from the garden.


    ¡°Gods damn it, Luvia!¡± Alora shouted out unamused. ¡°You just gave the news people a scare!¡±


    ¡°Happens all the time! Thank the gods you¡¯re all alright!¡± Luvia exclaimed as they opened the door for the dragon. Once she¡¯d shifted back into her humanoid form she wasted no time as she bounded up to them. ¡°You¡­are alright, right?


    ¡°We¡¯re alive, but we¡¯ve taken hits.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°I know you¡¯ve heard about what went down at Cypherport, but we went through a lot worse¡­¡±


    ¡°Good pay though!¡± Sephy quipped.


    ¡°I tried to call you on Frostday to warn you, but you¡¯d gone dark!¡± Luvia continued, replying to Alora. ¡°We¡¯d heard chatter online that you¡¯d been spotted at Cypherport and people were heading your way!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we were operating and tried to be quiet but we had assholes already waiting there!¡± Nika growled. ¡°Don¡¯t know how they knew¡­¡±


    Perhaps someone at Corvin Enterprises recognised us and sold the information? Chiyo suggested. A rival of our client or someone at the distribution centre?


    ¡°Well whoever it was, we¡¯ll have plenty of time to find them and kill them.¡± Nika shrugged.


    ¡°We have a Lesser Lifestone we¡¯re going to use with the hot tub that should give us the boost we need,¡± Alora added. ¡°My healing magic could only take us so far.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re still calling a party though, right?¡± Sephy asked with a grin. ¡°Gotta stick to Shadowrunning tradition! At least for us¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll do that tomorrow.¡± Alora nodded with a warm smile. ¡°We¡¯ll sort out anything immediate now, get out of our armour and rest up¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack sighed, which quickly turned into a phlegmy cough. ¡°I¡¯m not in any shape to be doing much of anything¡­¡±


    Immediately, Luvia¡¯s head snapped around to properly look at him from where he was sat on the sofa, hunched over and staring at the ground.


    ¡°Oh hi, Jack! There you are!¡± Luvia loudly exclaimed, causing several of their housemates to chuckle as she immediately beelined towards him¡­


    ¡°Jack¡¯s sick, so I wouldn¡¯t get too close¡­¡± Alora weakly spoke up, barely suppressing a giggle.


    Too late, Chiyo observed, covering her mouth.


    ¡°No¡­hell no¡­¡± Jack groaned, barely able to lift a hand in protest. But before Jack could muster any semblance of resistance, Luvia¡¯s strong arms had wrapped around him, lifting him completely off the ground in a bone-crushing hug.


    ¡°I was so worried about you!¡± Luvia beamed, voice brimming with affection.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Jack sighed, his voice muffled from the dragon¡¯s cleavage.


    ¡°Your armour holding up okay, Jack?¡± Nika chuckled as the dragon smothered him further, before she finally let him go after ruffling his hair.


    We should get out of our armour and check in with everyone else, Chiyo spoke up after having a good laugh at Jack¡¯s expense, though all of them had been prepared to intervene if things got too bad or Jack seemed uncomfortable. Sephy was staring at the dragon with daggers in her eyes, and the Ilithii had no doubt the Skritta had been about to do something about the horned-up dragon.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re all filthy!¡± Vanya giggled. ¡°You guys need any help?¡±


    ¡°Jack and I definitely will, we¡¯re wearing heavy armour.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°And Sephy¡¯s in medium.¡±


    ¡°Chiyo and I should be fine with light,¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°But make sure you un-armour yourselves properly and don¡¯t lose any parts, we want to wash these thoroughly for next time!¡±


    ¡°Not a problem!¡± Luvia exclaimed as she looked to Jack with the enthusiasm of someone about to unwrap a Christmas present as the human took a cautious step back. ¡°I¡¯ll help Jack with his¡­¡±


    ¡°The fuck you will!¡± Sephy snapped as she stepped in between them before Jack could say anything. ¡°Obeda? Zayle? You two cool with helping Jack out?¡±


    The two nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine with the battleskin afterwards¡­¡± Jack nervously laughed diplomatically, trying to diffuse the tension that had suddenly sprung up. ¡°But the Clan Bharzum armourers set us up in the first place, and there¡¯s parts I can¡¯t reach even when I¡¯m not feeling like shit.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, more drones on my to-buy list to help with that!¡± Sephy pointed out as she relaxed slightly when Jack headed towards the stairs leading up to his room, leaving Luvia standing where she was with an almost conflicted look on her face.


    ¡°You good?¡± The Skritta asked Jack quietly as they got to the stairs.


    ¡°...Yeah.¡± Jack finally nodded before descending into a few sickly coughs. ¡°Sorry Sephy, I should have spoken up sooner. I¡¯m not with it as it is and I¡¯m certainly not used to anyone being that bold. What about you? Are you good?¡±


    ¡°...Yeah.¡± Sephy lied. ¡°We¡¯re both exhausted, I just overreacted before you spoke up.¡±


    ¡°Sleep would be good.¡± Jack chuckled weakly, before grinning. ¡°But do you think a pizza delivery would bring something up to the hot tub so we don¡¯t have to get out?¡±


    *****


    ¡°Jack¡¯s taking his time isn¡¯t he?¡± Alora asked the others as they settled themselves in the hot tub, the warmth of the Lifestone-blessed waters already beginning to soothe their weary muscles. ¡°Is heavy armour hard to remove, Nika?¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t too bad for me once I walked Vanya through it.¡± The Kizun shrugged. ¡°Though his is a bit heavier than mine and I¡¯m more flexible.¡±


    ¡°Do you think he''s okay?¡± Alora asked with some worry.


    ¡°If Luvia¡¯s done something...¡± Sephy growled with anger.


    ¡°Luvia would never cross that line, Sephy, don¡¯t worry.¡± Alora shook her head with a sigh. ¡°There¡¯s something she¡¯s going through with her father that¡¯s the reason why she¡¯s acting so keenly, but I¡¯ll need to talk to her about it privately if there¡¯s any developments.¡±


    Luvia¡¯s downstairs, Chiyo confirmed. I suspect she¡¯ll join us. Jack is in one of the upstairs bathrooms where he¡¯s been for the past 20 minutes.


    ¡°Are you sure he¡¯s alright?¡± Alora asked. ¡°If he¡¯s sick he might need help¡­¡±


    I¡¯ll check. Chiyo spoke up as she closed her eyes. He seems to be¡­.oh¡­.


    Alora watched in confusion as Chiyo¡¯s eyes suddenly went wide, as her skin quickly turned the darkest shade of blue she had seen in a while¡­before a sudden involuntary burst of psionic force sent water splashing over all of them¡­.


    The resulting screaming had Jack hauling ass running down the stairs to see what was up, with a very angry Alora complaining to the Ilithii about her hair being wet.


    In a hot tub.


    ¡°Oh, there he is!¡± Nika called out with a laugh. ¡°Nice of you to finally join us Jack!¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Jack called back from the kitchen doorway, hanging back a bit.


    ¡°Just some turbulence!¡± The Kizun called back.


    ¡°Come on!¡± Sephy called. ¡°It¡¯s great!¡±


    ¡°Sure¡­¡± Jack called back hesitantly, having been¡­interrupted during his¡­sacred bathroom time¡­


    ¡°Oh gods¡­¡± Alora muttered under her breath as Jack walked into view, though not from anything compromising or embarrassing.


    Jack¡¯s body was a roadmap of pain.


    Deep, angry, purple bruises littered his skin. Some were larger than a fist, others smaller, but all of them were vivid and fresh. His broad shoulders, once unmarred, now looked like a canvas painted with varying shades of blue and black. Dark, swollen welts ran across his ribs and back, evidence of the blows that had been absorbed by his armour and battleskin but still transferred enough force to leave a mark. His midsection bore a brutal-looking bruise from when he took a vicious hit from the entity that attacked him in the Astral, the skin already stretched tight from the swelling beneath.


    By the gods, what hit you!? Chiyo exclaimed.


    Even Jack¡¯s legs, tough with muscle, had patches of discolouration and swelling around his thighs and knees. The sheer volume of injuries was horrifying to behold. Though many of them had bruises and lacerations about them, Jack had by far taken the worst of it.


    ¡°Jack, get in here and heal up,¡± Alora called out, her concern palpable in her voice. ¡°That¡¯s bad!¡±


    ¡°Looks worse than it is.¡± Jack shrugged before he suddenly burst out in a series of violent coughs, his body riddled with goosebumps as the slight breeze of outdoors sent shivers running all along his body. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    And the source of the breeze was right behind him.


    ¡°Fine or not, you¡¯re getting in that tub,¡± Luvia told him, her worried tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°And you¡¯re not doing anything else until you heal up.¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Jack sighed as he stepped forward. ¡°I¡¯ll-WOAH!¡±


    Suddenly Luvia slipped behind him and effortlessly lifted him, slumping him over her shoulder like he was little more than a bundle of feathers. ¡°Luvia!¡± Jack started with a yell ¡°I can walk there myself!¡±


    ¡°Nope!¡± Luvia replied cheerily as with a playful squeeze of his bottom, she started toward the hot tub, grinning as even Sephy couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    Reaching the edge of the hot tub, steam rising invitingly from the surface, Luvia stepped into the warm, bubbling water, sitting down first next to Alora before lowering Jack onto her lap. ¡°There we go, perfect spot!¡± The Dragon purred into his ear, wrapping her arms around him like a cherished prize as she leaned back into the warm jets of the tub, settling him against her.


    After rolling his eyes at the others who for the most part just smirked at him, though Sephy still gave him a knowing look, Jack decided to just go with it, slumping against Luvia, his head lolling back, completely at her mercy.


    ¡®There are worse hills to die on.¡¯  Jack thought, as he closed his eyes with a resigned, but ultimately contented sigh.

 Chapter 146: Know Your Dragons!

    ¡°Alright, there we go!¡± Alora sighed as she finished typing out a message on her commlink, before scrolling through her social media feed. ¡°Updated my MyFace page to let everyone know we¡¯re alright and that though we were around Cypherport and got into some trouble we weren¡¯t responsible for destroying the town. I¡¯ve mentioned that The Redeemer and the Order of the Infernal Harmony were the ones to ambush us and that they shot up the place.¡±


    I agree it is best to not try and lie about us being there. Chiyo nodded as she checked her news feed. A flood of worried messages lit up her screen from friends, all anxious after spotting them in the recent news broadcasts, and Chiyo sent a few quick replies, keeping her responses light and teasing to wave away any further concern. Means we can set the story straight in our own way rather than try to deny it.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to get some heat for this either way,¡± Nika reasoned with a shrug as the Kizun splashed her tail gently back and forth, causing waves to ripple along the comforting water of the hot tub. ¡°But I think we¡¯ve done the best we can for now.¡±


    ¡°A few posters have already linked us to when the Redeemer attacked us the first time,¡± Sephy added, looking up slightly from her own commlink. ¡°And they know who we are from the Clan Bharzum remembrance service. Like it or not, we¡¯re getting a reputation.¡±


    ¡°Not great if we need to work in the shadows, right?¡± Jack asked, and Nika gave him a shrug.


    ¡°Yes and no. We saw it with the Corvin Executive that hired us,¡± the Kizun began, not going into too many details around their friends. ¡°Remember how they agreed to meet unusually quickly? Chances are we¡¯ve ended up on Corvin Enterprises approved list of groups or something. It can be good and bad, with better job offers and rewards from clients that want something but it can also mean greater risks too.¡±


    In our line of work, you¡¯re going to anger someone at some point! Chiyo added. And if they¡¯re powerful and know who you are¡­


    ¡°Then they¡¯ll take revenge,¡± Jack deadpanned, remembering The Redeemer, The Cult of the Destroyer and House Mal¡¯Kar in particular. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that a few times already.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but at least we won¡¯t be going on any big jobs for a while,¡± Alora noted, grinning unusually mischievously as she quickly snapped a few candid photos of the group, catching several of them off-guard with surprised expressions. ¡°Eventually, interest in us will die down if we lie low for a bit.¡±


    ¡°I doubt that¡¯ll happen for all of them,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°But like with the drow, some know when to call it quits. Others are too fanatical for that, but if they don¡¯t get an opportunity they might turn their focus onto something else.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s the plan from here?¡± Jack asked with a relieved smirk. ¡°We¡¯ve just got to lay low and try and act like good upstanding citizens?¡±


    ¡°Well maybe not that last part!¡± Sephy grinned widely, the first genuine grin the Skritta had given since Luvia had shown up. ¡°Nothing wrong with doing the occasional milk run to keep you sharp!¡±


    ¡°Or maybe use that free time you now have for a better cause?¡± a voice purred from behind Jack as Luvia whispered sensually into his ear, her flickering tongue tickling it as she did so. She shifted slightly as her claws lightly traced a pattern on his lower stomach, teasing him as he turned almost as red as her.


    ¡°Ummm!¡± Jack exclaimed in an unusually high pitch that caused several of the girls around him to scowl, though he noted that Vanya was grinning like a lunatic at the display, the Chuna having joined them on seeing there was space. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You promised me a date, did you not?¡± Luvia teased, as Jack suddenly felt the mass of stares from the others weigh him down as he sank lower and lower into the water.


    ¡°I¡­um¡­yeah,¡± Jack finally managed to gulp out, remembering the events of the last Religious Studies class he, Luvia and Alora had attended together. ¡°I guess it could be fun to hang out at some point, but I¡¯m pretty sure the others wanted to show me parts of the city first...¡±


    Sephy smirked at that, and although Jack couldn¡¯t see Luvia¡¯s expression behind him, he felt the dragon¡¯s arms wrap around him slightly tighter, almost possessively.


    ¡°But I want to heal up first,¡± Jack hastily added. ¡°I can¡¯t really think about any of that kind of stuff right now after a Run, and I haven¡¯t really experienced what passes for ¡®normal¡¯ in this city yet.¡±


    You will eventually, Chiyo assured. We just need to see how this corporate war will go, and then everything will go back to being quieter.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Nika added. ¡°The current conflict doesn¡¯t show signs of publicly escalating, though I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Myrodin and Shaskasaki got some unofficial help from the others. Corvin Enterprises are getting way too powerful these days and are making a lot of people nervous.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Luvia spoke up suddenly more seriously. ¡°The local Red Legion on the Ring have major concerns about them. It is believed sensitive information about our movements have been leaked to them, though we don¡¯t have any proof of the matter.¡±


    ¡°Damn¡­¡± Nika cursed under her break. ¡°Still, they wouldn¡¯t have any reason to outright attack you, surely? Maybe they¡¯re just selling the information to the drow or something? But hey, once it all cools down and Corvin Enterprises starts hosting the next BattleDome show, I¡¯m totally taking you to see it, Jack!¡±


    ¡°Something violent to take a break from all the violence?¡± Vanya spoke up from where the Chuna was relaxing next to Sephy. ¡°Sounds about right for you!¡±


    ¡°Hey it¡¯s not a problem if other people are doing the violence for your entertainment!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s not like it¡¯s Hell Ring! They¡¯re just stunt pros and actors putting on a show!¡±


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s not so bad then!¡± Jack chuckled dryly. ¡°Sounds a lot like Pro Wrestling from where I¡¯m from! My parents didn¡¯t like me watching that kind of stuff, but I guess they can¡¯t complain here¡­¡±


    ¡°Certainly not where I¡¯d take you for a date¡­¡± Alora scoffed under her breath.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Sephy asked with a raised brow. ¡°Where would you take him, princess?¡±


    ¡°I-¡± Alora flushed, the question catching her off guard. ¡°It¡¯s a surprise!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no pressure!¡± Jack nervously spoke up. ¡°It¡¯s just me!¡±


    ¡°I certainly have a few ideas if you need them, Alora¡­¡± Luvia spoke up teasingly as she poked her snout over Jack¡¯s shoulder, her warm breath tickling the side of his cheek.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± The Eladrie shook her head, somehow managing to keep her flowing silver locks above the water. ¡°It will be something meaningful that we can both enjoy.¡±


    ¡°Sounds overly complicated.¡± Luvia chuckled. ¡°Though I know nothing of Jack¡¯s species, there are things almost everybody could enjoy¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m right here you know!¡± Jack snorted from his perch, making an attempt to move before Luvia gently held on to him, pulling him back.


    ¡°I am quite aware.¡± The dragon giggled, getting handsy with him once again as Jack squirmed slightly from embarrassment.


    ¡°To be fair, I don¡¯t know anything about your species either,¡± the human pointed out after he got comfortable and relaxed again. ¡°You¡¯re the only dragon at the¡­Scion of Wyrmwalker right?¡± He asked curiously, hoping he remembered the name of the Red Legion base he had gone to with Kritch a while back.


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    ¡°That¡¯s correct, and the only Red Legion Dragon for leagues around,¡± Luvia noted with a nod that Jack felt more than saw. ¡°Fosterage in distant lands is common for draconic lines in Red Legion territory, especially those of my bloodline. I was sent here to learn and spread my roots, and reside outside of the local Red Legion command structure.¡±


    ¡°But there are other dragons around, right? Not with the Legion?¡± Jack asked, and Luvia nodded.


    ¡°There are several other dragons I know of that reside on the Ring, and a handful within the influence of the city.¡± Luvia sighed, her scaled body shuddering as she did so, the soft scales massaging Jack¡¯s back with the movement.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Jack asked, trying to force his mind to focus on the conversation rather than what was happening under the waters.


    ¡°Yes, they¡¯re not affiliated with the Red Legion, at least for now, but all of them within the city are powers in their own right.¡± Luvia shrugged, holding onto Jack and readjusting him on her lap.


    ¡°Want to tell me about them? Jack asked with a smirk, wanting to distract Luvia.


    ¡°I certainly can, who better qualified?¡± Luvia snorted with an air of haughtiness. ¡°What have you learned about my kind since you arrived here?¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re the only dragon I¡¯ve met so far.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Apart from you I¡¯ve only heard of Blighttooth-OW!¡± He suddenly cursed as Luvia¡¯s claws suddenly dug into his flesh as she involuntarily jerked in shock. At least he thought it was involuntary¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jack,¡± Luvia apologised in a remorseful tone as she retracted her claws and began rubbing the area where she hurt him. ¡°But Nalestrixxondraal is not a dragon like myself, despite deeming themselves the ¡®Plague Dragon¡¯¡±


    ¡°So what are they then?¡±  Jack asked.


    ¡°He is a Linnorn.¡± Luvia scoffed. ¡°Likely a Scourge Linnorn specifically, especially considering their penchant for pestilence. They possess some similar traits to my kind, but Linnorns are mongrel monstrosities in every way that matters!¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Jack nodded, detecting a lot of bias in Luvia¡¯s words. He looked to Chiyo, who gave him a look indicating as much.


    ¡°Well, that aside, you wanna tell us about the¡­um¡­¡¯proper dragons¡¯ that are around?¡± Jack asked, changing the subject.


    ¡°Certainly. Once I arrived on the Ring I was expected to acknowledge the local elders, even if they are unaffiliated.¡± Luvia shrugged. ¡°The most notable in the city I¡¯d say is Blaaftautenzahn, an Amethyst Dragon who has a modest area of territory in the South and is something of a patron of the arts. They¡¯re the ones who own a few of the local news stations here that you saw earlier and are something of an eccentric. He only started it so he could host ¡®DracoTalk¡¯ every couple of months.¡±


    ¡°You say that like it¡¯s a bad thing,¡± Sephy chirped up. ¡°It¡¯s a great show! The dude just basically rambles on about whatever is on his mind and doesn¡¯t pull any punches!¡±


    Very informative too! Chiyo added. Last year he gave a very detailed presentation on the horrors of the Verdant Plane that had the Etheria Grand Library calling him up during the show!


    ¡°Gods, it¡¯d be a wish come true to get involved in something like that!¡± Vanya sighed dreamily. ¡°The Big B¡¯s got so many fans!¡±


    ¡°And people love him because he doesn¡¯t sell out either!¡± Nika added. ¡°He¡¯s had offers from a few of the Megacorps to bring him under their umbrella, but he¡¯s turned them all down. Corvin Enterprises are apparently pushing the hardest, since they want the monopoly on media.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a scary scenario.¡± Alora shuddered. ¡°Imagine so many news organisations under the control of one man and his family¡­¡±


    ¡°Perish the thought,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°Any other local dragons I need to watch out for?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s Telendarevstrix.¡± Luvia continued. ¡°Probably the oldest and strongest one around Naganai. She¡¯s a pretty awesome Silver Dragon! Runs several districts in the East as an orphanage and is well known for being a guardian of orphaned children.¡°


    ¡°I stayed there for a little while when I actually managed to get there,¡± Sephy added with a soft, reminiscing smile. ¡°And Grandmother Tel was able to get me a place at the school. It was pretty hard for me to adjust, but I owe her a lot!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever piss her off though!¡± Nika added with a grim grin. ¡°She really wants to kill Dr Grine for torturing and  experimenting on kids!¡±


    That¡¯s a good point, Chiyo spoke up. If anyone knows the most about Dr Grine outside of his associates, it¡¯s likely to be her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why she¡¯d withhold information,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she lent her efforts to the coalition looking for him.¡±


    She¡¯s known to be somewhat reclusive, unless there¡¯s a threat to her charges that needs to be dealt with, Chiyo pointed out. She apparently cooperated with Myrodin the last time Blighttooth attacked and managed to wound him severely.


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying she¡¯s a sleeping giant?¡± Jack asked, and the group nodded. ¡°Damn, well at least she doesn¡¯t seem like a bad person.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Luvia shook her head. ¡°But Kharvaalakruun certainly is. He¡¯s an Obsidian Dragon that rules several districts to the West of the city as its dictator. The ¡®King of the Black Throne¡¯ is little more than a common bandit ruler, but he¡¯s known for cooperating with organisations like Nyteskai Synergies and Infernus Ventures.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s got a bounty on him, but it¡¯s not high enough for most people to want to bother with,¡± Nika added with a grimace. ¡°He keeps to himself and doesn¡¯t try to expand, though you hear stories from people who escape from his territory about the truth of the ¡®Beloved Supreme King¡¯. Shaskasaki humbled him by taking over about half his territory a few years ago, so he takes great pains to stay out of conflicts for the moment. I doubt it¡¯ll last though, he has far too much ambition for that, though fortunately it isn¡¯t matched by intelligence.¡±


    ¡°At least he¡¯s a manageable problem.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Sounds a little bit like a North Korea situation or something like that¡­¡±


    ¡°A what!?¡± Luvia asked, but Chiyo rolled her eyes.


    Unfortunately we haven¡¯t yet been able to train Jack in the art of providing context that makes sense to people not from his world! The Ilithii giggled.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I can whip him into shape!¡± Luvia rumbled, as she ran one of her claws up his chest playfully, causing Jack to involuntarily shudder.


    ¡°Tempting!¡± Nika grinned teasingly at Jack¡¯s awkwardness. ¡°He keeps doing it on purpose!¡±


    ¡°I like to do a little trolling¡­¡± Jack shrugged with a smirk as suavely as he could manage, though he fought to not choke from the embarrassment of being manhandled by Luvia.


    ¡°What about the other Dragons you know of in the city, Luvia?¡± Alora asked.


    ¡°Fine, well I only know of two more dragons of note.¡± Luvia snorted. ¡°Dynarrothwyr founded and operates Dynatech Holdings, which focuses on strategic investments and acquisitions. He¡¯s a Storm Dragon, known as ¡®The Golden Sovereign,¡¯ and works closely with Myrodin, being a big investor in the company.¡±


    ¡°A dragon controlling a megacorp.¡± Jack snorted. ¡°Why am I not surprised? And the other?¡±


    ¡°That would be Fimordariynnth.¡± Luvia chuckled.


    ¡°Wait, you know her?¡± Sephy perked up curiously.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve met!¡± Luvia smiled slightly at seeing the Skritta address her. ¡°Fimmy¡¯s the closest dragon in age to me and she was very nice to welcome me when I first got here despite her wild reputation! She¡¯s a Mist Dragon and one of the most popular NetTubers in the city! She¡¯s managed to get millions of followers and loves getting up to mischief!¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Jack asked with a smirk. ¡°We have influencers on Earth too, but many of the top guys are pretty cringe and full of themselves.¡±


    ¡°Well, she is a dragon, so that last part¡¯s covered!¡± Vanya spoke up, smirking as Luvia gave her the stink eye. ¡°But apart from that she¡¯s one of the good ones. We¡¯ve definitely got to catch her next stream when she goes live! That time when she managed to sneak into a Myrodin Magical Security convention undetected, stole a bunch of food from catering and dropped a stinking cloud into the main briefing hall was pretty funny!¡±


    It was! Chiyo agreed. There was also that time she polymorphed herself to look like a member of the Shaskasaki family, bluffed her way into their marketing department by telling them there was an ¡®inspection¡¯, and next thing we know thousands of Shaskasaki billboards across the city are showing videos of her polymorphed as the Shogun in full lingerie putting on a softcore porn performance while shamelessly adding her channel links. I still can¡¯t believe she got away with it!


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Luvia chuckled. ¡°But that¡¯s all the dragons in the city I know of. I have no doubt that there are more, but they likely live their lives hidden or are in hibernation.¡±


    Several moments passed as the conversation died down, and everyone simply relaxed in the waters.


    ¡°Speaking of hibernation, I could totally stay in the tub forever!¡± Jack sighed contentedly a few seconds later as he leaned back, and Luvia opened her legs slightly so Jack could slide down between them onto the seat as the dragon ran her hands, slowly tracing over his bruised shoulders, and moving to his chest.


    ¡°You know¡­¡± Luvia whispered playfully, her voice taking on a teasing edge. ¡°I¡¯ve always wondered how you¡¯ve managed to stay so¡­sturdy.¡± Her fingers trailed down his chest in a slow, lingering motion, brushing dangerously close to his waistline.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Jack spoke, his voice a full octave higher than it should have been. ¡°Sorry¡­.ah¡­this isn¡¯t a good time to be doing this.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to act so modest¡­¡± Luva purred as her hands got lower. ¡°I¡¯ve never been one to shy away from getting a closer look¡­¡±


    ¡°Woah!¡± Jack suddenly exclaimed as he suddenly panicked and abruptly got to his feet, wincing slightly as he backed away from the dragon. ¡°I¡­I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, was that too much?¡± Luvia asked innocently as she looked at him with gleaming eyes. ¡°Maybe instead we can take this¡­¡±


    ¡°No. I-I need a minute.¡± Jack shook his head, his face turning beet red as he got out of the tub and headed to the house as he avoided making eye contact with any of them.


    ¡°Jack! Wait! I can explain!¡± Luvia yelled out as she quickly got up herself, following after him.


    ¡°Damn it, Luvia!¡± Alora swore.

 Chapter 147: All Friends Here...

    I thought you said you spoke to her, Alora! Chiyo chastised the Eladrie.


    ¡°I did, but there¡¯s more to it than Luvia being pushy. When she kissed him in the lecture theatre and I spoke to her afterwards, Luvia told me she was under duress and told me the details. I¡¯m guessing things have gotten worse for her.¡±


    ¡°Guys¡­¡± Nika spoke up after noticing something different. ¡°I think we¡¯ve got a bigger problem on our hands now!¡±


    ¡°Jack? I¡¯m sorry!¡± Luvia called out as she made it to the house, finding the living room empty except for a few people watching TV, but she spotted movement down one of the corridors heading towards the spare garage and quickly followed after him, dismissing the lack of scent as she saw the door at the far end close. ¡°I don¡¯t know how your courting rituals work, but I¡¯ve just received a message from my father and I really need to¡­¡±


    She quickly sped down the corridor and opened the door, entering the garage at the end. It was a mostly empty room.  Looking around, she spotted Jack at the end with his arms crossed in a relaxed pose. He had a blank expression on his face, just looking at her.


    ¡°Jack?¡± Luvia asked, confused. He didn¡¯t respond, just looking at her with that same blank expression. ¡°Say something!¡±


    He didn¡¯t. He just kept staring at her without moving.


    ¡°Please Jack, talk to me!¡± Luvia sighed as she slowly walked up to him, before sharply stopping, realising something. As well as the lack of scent, he had just gotten out of the hot tub, and the floor was bone dry. She took the last few tentative steps forward, realising the deception as her claw passed through Jack¡¯s arm as he stood there motionless.


    A hologram.


    ¡°What?¡± Luvia muttered to herself, her gaze focusing on the drone hovering in the corner projecting the image, before suddenly snapping her head around as the sound of two plasma bolts bounced off the nearest wall, ricocheting off the ceiling before smacking into the dragon¡¯s snout. Her natural resistances as a dragon meant she didn¡¯t suffer any serious injuries, but it still hurt.


    ¡°OW!¡± Luvia snarled as she looked to the source, rubbing her snout. ¡°What the hell, Sephy?¡±


    ¡°I could ask you the same thing,¡± Sephy snarled from where she had been hiding in the corner behind the door. ¡°You think I¡¯m going to let you ruin everything?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Luvia gasped, looking more confused than hurt. ¡°Sephy, I-¡±


    ¡°That boy is everything to me,¡± Sephy growled. ¡°And the others. They¡¯re all family to me, and you¡¯ve been trying to tear it apart!¡±


    Luvia scoffed. ¡°No Sephy, that¡¯s not what I¡¯m trying to do at all! Look, let¡¯s just calm down and find Alora so we can-¡±


    ¡°Alora told you to stop, and you didn¡¯t,¡± Sephy interrupted.


    ¡°Please Sephy, you¡¯re overreacting, let¡¯s just-¡± Luvia tried.


    ¡°Don¡¯t patronise me, you whore!¡± Sephy snapped.


    ¡°Or what!?¡± Luvia then angrily snapped back, her blood running red hot with the insult as she took an aggressive step forward.


    She stopped as she saw Sephy give a slight smirk. On the cusp of her hearing, Luvia heard a new sound, like an electrical device being activated, and she looked down. Stuck to the dragon¡¯s lycra shorts was a small dark sphere that suddenly blinked a blue light of activation.


    ¡°Or this,¡± Sephy calmly responded, as the cryo grenade detonated.


    Luvia roared out in agony as she was suddenly blasted with an explosion of icy wind, falling to the floor as her limbs locked up, fighting to breathe as the air was taken out of her lungs by the cold.


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯ll teach you to cool off!¡± Sephy began as she paced around the dragon.


    Luvia shut her eyes, desperately trying to shut out the sheer pain of the cold, and quickly focused on her breathing. Maybe she had crossed a line with Jack in her desperation, but Sephy had just crossed one with her too! Breathing in and out she quickly focused her breathing, snapping her eyes open as she opened her mouth and shot a gout of flame at the Skritta, who was nimble enough to dodge the worst of it as it smacked into the far stone wall, but seeing the grimace on Sephy¡¯s face, Luvia knew some of it had hit.


    ¡°You bitch!¡± The dragon gasped in between pained breaths as she managed to get herself up and launched at the Skritta. Sephy fired two ricocheting shots off the ground to slam into Luvia¡¯s chest, throwing the dragon off-balance, but it was not enough to stop her colliding with Sephy. They both slammed into the far wall, with Luvia¡¯s punch catching Sephy in the stomach, causing her to bend over, before the Skritta used the momentum to headbutt Luvia on the snout. Enraged, Luvia¡¯s claw slashed out and caught Sephy on the shoulder. The Skritta flew back, then suddenly pushed off of the wall with a spinning kick that caught Luvia in the face.


    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for that!¡± Luvia roared.


    ¡°Not before I kick your ass!¡± Sephy yelled back as she moved in for another punch, before an unseen force suddenly held her in her tracks, followed by a blast of telekinetic power that sent her flying back.


    ¡°Izorinn!¡± Alora cried out, as several chains of light sprang up to ensnare Luvia, who snarled as she fought to try and free herself, breaking one of the chains. Sephy quickly recovered from Chiyo¡¯s attack, dodging the telekinetic follow up and blasting two ricocheting plasma shots towards the Ilithii. They weren¡¯t aimed to hit Chiyo, but they were enough to break her concentration as they whizzed past her head.


    ¡°No!¡± Sephy yelled, as a pink-furred figure rushed her, predicting her attempt to dodge as Nika tackled her to the ground. ¡°I¡¯m not done!¡±


    ¡°Yes you are,¡± the Kizun told the Skritta as Nika got Sephy into a rear choke, keeping her voice as soothing as she could as she tried to calm her friend down. ¡°Come on, please. I know you can try and fight out of this, but it¡¯s me. You know you need to calm down and stop¡­¡±


    ¡°You think these chains will hold me Alora!?¡± Luvia roared. ¡°I will-BLARGH!¡±


    Suddenly, the dragon found she couldn¡¯t move as she found herself mostly enveloped in a bundle of rocks and earth that snapped her maw shut.


    ¡°I know.¡± Alora sighed patiently. ¡°I was just stalling you. Thank you for the aid of your earth spirit, Zayle!¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡± The little Squa¡¯Kaar chirped up entirely too smugly for the situation. ¡°Uh, don¡¯t worry, Luvia, I promise I won¡¯t tell anybody about this, so please don¡¯t eat me!¡±


    ¡°MMMMPH!¡± The dragon tried to mutter in return.


    ¡°Sorry Luvia but I¡¯m not taking any chances with your flame breath.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Once we¡¯ve all calmed down, we¡¯ll let you go¡­¡±


    ¡°What the fuck¡¯s going on?¡± Jack¡¯s voice yelled out as he suddenly rushed into the room, gun raised. ¡°I go to the bathroom for five minutes and I hear a fucking riot happening downstairs!¡±


    *Funny, you usually take longer¡­*Chiyo quipped, but dropped the humour when the others gave her unappreciative looks for trying to lighten the mood.


    ¡°Sephy and Luvia got into a fight.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°Honestly, Sephy, how did you even pull this off?¡±


    ¡°Had one of my remaining drones pick up my stuff remotely and had them bring it here,¡± the Skritta replied nonchalantly. ¡°Had the other one scan Jack as he went to the bathroom for the hologram.¡±


    ¡°Why!?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°You freaked out from Luvia doing something lewd, so she needed an asswhooping!¡± Sephy spoke up from where she was being held on the floor. ¡°Alora told her to cut her shit before and she didn¡¯t, so I figured I¡¯d do it my way instead!¡±


    ¡°God fucking damnit!¡± Jack then yelled out in a roar of frustrated anger that caused everyone to stop what they were doing to look at him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I reacted badly back there, but I don¡¯t need anyone to fight these kinds of battles for me!¡±


    ¡°Really!?¡± Sephy yelled at him, returning the anger, and now it was Jack that was put off guard. ¡°You didn¡¯t say anything, you didn¡¯t do anything, and I thought the worst! You¡¯re too damn polite and passive to speak up about it!¡±


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    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± Jack retorted just as angrily. ¡°I just needed to take a breather. After coming back I would have spoken to Luvia privately, not fucking attack her!¡±


    ¡°Why are you siding with her against me!?¡± Sephy snarled.


    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡± Jack roared out. I¡¯m not picking sides because we should all be on the same one! We¡¯re all meant to be friends here, so whatever this beef is we¡¯re squashing it right now!¡±


    Everyone else was silent as they all looked at him. He had never shouted at them like that before, and for a moment he regretted doing so as he looked at their expressions. Sephy was hurt, Alora was shocked, Chiyo was surprised and Nika just stared at him, stoic and unblinking.


    ¡°When I got here I had nothing!¡± Jack began, finding his words as he addressed all of them. ¡°I was a dead man walking and I just resolved to just carry on going until something killed me! And then I met good people, I met all of you.¡± He made a point to look to Luvia too as she lay on the ground, and Vanya from where she was looking in from the garage door, where a crowd had gathered.


    ¡°You all convinced me that there were good reasons to keep on living, and you all gave me the support I needed despite me never asking for it, and that is something I can never repay you for!¡± he continued. ¡°So I won¡¯t let you fight amongst yourselves like this. Luvia, I know Alora spoke to you about being too pushy, and I already agreed to go on a date with you, so what¡¯s really going on here?¡±


    He looked down to see tears in Luvia¡¯s eyes, as Zayle¡¯s earth spirit let her go.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry everyone. I know I¡¯ve been shameful, but I¡¯ve received demands from my father and I¡¯m desperate,¡± she began, looking at the ground. ¡±My grandfather has decreed that the dragons of the Red Legion should increase our numbers due to taking wartime losses, and as a result, my father has been insisting that I find a mate and has threatened me with arranged suitors that I want nothing to do with.¡± Luvia sighed, her voice shaking with emotion. ¡°He just wants to use me as cattle for political gain.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what!?¡± Jack began, shocked. ¡°He wants you to repopulate? But you¡¯re the same age as me! Um¡­sort of? I don¡¯t know what dragon years are like¡­¡±


    Luvia nodded with a drawn out sigh.


    ¡°Then refuse! That¡¯s insane!¡± Jack exclaimed, but Luvia shook her head.


    ¡°I have refused, but I need to be seen obeying the spirit of order as I am considered of age for my kind, or the Red Legion will take action against me. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been trying to court you! Even if you didn¡¯t have a harem of your own I would have pursued you! If I had a suitable mate close at hand, my father would not be in a position to question it!¡±


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you told us this before?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°I told Alora!¡± The dragon retorted. ¡°And at the time my father wasn¡¯t being nearly as pushy as he is now! ¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°But Luvia, why didn¡¯t you speak to Jack about this?¡±


    ¡°I was going to after courting him!¡± The dragon countered. ¡°But I¡¯ve been trying to work out how, since he hasn¡¯t been receptive to my actions.¡±


    ¡°I agreed to a date,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°Hell, I¡¯m out of my depth with that as it is¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait a moment¡­¡± Luvia began, her eyes widening with realisation. ¡°You¡¯ve all been involved with him for a few months at least. Have you not broken him in?!¡±


    ¡°LUVIA!¡± Alora yelled at the dragon as everyone firmly looked away from one another in embarrassment, with Jack¡¯s face turning scarlet.


    ¡°Oh. I see. I suppose that explains why.¡± The dragon sighed. ¡°Jack, I truly am sorry. I assumed being in a harem as you are, you had already-¡±


    ¡°No, we haven¡¯t,¡± Jack snapped, not wanting the dragon to finish the sentence. ¡°Look, I have no idea where this is going to go,¡± Jack began, ¡°but surely at the very least we could just be seen together like normal people so your father leaves you be? Isn¡¯t that what we were already going to do? At least now I¡¯m clued in just in case there are any problems.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Luvia began as she quickly thought about it, having now calmed down to see things more rationally. ¡°Very well, that could work...¡±


    ¡°And Sephy.¡± Jack sighed, turning to the Skritta who also couldn¡¯t meet his gaze. ¡°You know I always appreciate you having my back when we¡¯re in a hot spot, but you shouldn¡¯t have attacked Luvia. There are better ways to solve disputes, especially among friends.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jack,¡± The Skritta reluctantly answered. ¡°With the way she was acting I just thought she was trying to ruin everything between us and needed her ass kicked!¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Jack nodded, before letting out a harsh chuckle.


    ¡®Jesus, I knew this was all too good to be true.¡¯ He thought to himself. ¡®I was dumb enough to think this¡¯d be like one of those stupid harem animes and everyone would suddenly be cool with everything, but this was the reality check I needed.¡¯


    ¡°Maybe we need to put a hold on us being more than just friends?¡± Jack finally sighed, looking at all of them. ¡°We¡¯ve gone into this way too fast, I mean hell, I¡¯ve known all of you for, what, a few months? Stuff like this should take time, and I don¡¯t think we¡¯re ready to take things further. Nothing wrong with us going on dates and fooling around as kids our age do, but taking things further should wait until we¡¯re all ready to make that decision together as adults.¡±


    I¡­agree with Jack. Chiyo added. There was¡­something I saw in the fog that made me realise I¡¯m not in a good headspace for whatever this is between us.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting things to get super serious,¡± Nika admitted. ¡°You¡¯re still not adjusted to life here Jack, so¡­yeah.¡±


    ¡°In that case¡­¡± Alora spoke up, before looking to both Sephy and Luvia. ¡°I think you two have something you need to say to one another.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for attacking you, Luvia.¡± Sephy sighed as she looked the dragon in the eye. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were having problems with your family causing you to act that way.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for giving you cause,¡± The dragon returned miserably. ¡°I should have just been open with all of you from the start and now I¡¯ve probably ruined things.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s just drop this now. I¡¯m exhausted, sick, and hurt, and I wasn¡¯t actually kidding when I said I needed to go to the bathroom¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, now that we¡¯ve calmed down¡­¡± Alora continued, as the tension between them all finally cooled off. ¡°Perhaps we can return to the tub?¡±


    *****


    After bidding Luvia farewell with a promise to call later, Alora sighed. ¡°Well, tonight¡¯s been eventful¡­¡±


    ¡°No shit.¡± Sephy sulked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that.¡± Nika chucked under her breath, patting the Skritta on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s squashed now, we can all be friends again.¡±


    ¡°True, but it does mean I¡¯ll be spending all night in the hot tub.¡± Sephy sighed ¡°This burn fucking hurts!¡±


    That¡¯s what you get for starting a fight like that! Chiyo chided. Honestly, what were you even thinking?


    ¡°Kick the dragon¡¯s ass for acting like one?¡± Sephy chuckled with dry humour. ¡°Yeah, wasn¡¯t the best plan, come to think of it.¡±


    ¡°From the looks of it you did pretty well!¡± Jack snorted with amusement, before getting serious. ¡°Look, everyone, I¡¯m sorry for not speaking up when I should have.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± The Skritta sighed, speaking the truth. ¡°We¡¯ll work it all out with time.¡±


    ¡°And time is something we¡¯re going to have a lot of,¡± Alora pointed out as they all sat down on the sofa with their bags. ¡°Which is why we¡¯re going to tally up our reward!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got 60,000 in CorvCoin from the main objective,¡± Nika began, sliding the chips across the table. ¡°Half of that is in scrip, so we¡¯re limited on where we can spend it.¡±


    Plus we obtained 5000 in scrip in advance, Chiyo added. How much of that have we spent?


    ¡°About 2000 on quality gear for the Run,¡± Sephy answered, bringing up the receipts. ¡°But very little of that was perishable and most of it is intact, so the value carries over, and we have another 3000 in what we didn¡¯t use before the Run.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got 20,000 CorvCoin from giving Corvin Enterprises the information on the area they wanted,¡± Jack spoke up next. ¡°Including details on what happened at their Outpost, and how some of it matches with other sites in the area, and what we told them about the threat.¡±


    And another 5000 for the sample of the fungus we agreed to sell to them, Chiyo added. Though I still had other samples we gave to the Greenwardens and the Temple of Hope for study, so Corvin Enterprises will be unlikely to profit from it.


    ¡°Yeah, I think that fawn-like women seemed way too interested in it,¡± Jack noted. ¡°Maybe we shouldn¡¯t have sold it to her?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it makes a difference.¡± Alora shrugged. ¡°They¡¯re heading over there anyway, so if anything we just got them a sample a week or a few days early.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack shrugged, conceding the point. ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°Kaldra promised 5000 in CorvCoin for burying his mother¡¯s remains,¡± Alora began. ¡°But he gave us 10,000 instead for coming to her rescue.¡±


    ¡°Unusually generous for a corpo,¡± Sephy quipped. ¡°Don¡¯t think he would have been petty enough to try and stiff us based on a technicality, it¡¯s how noob clients tend to get their asses geeked. Say what you want about the guy, but he¡¯s definitely hired Runners before.¡±


    Makes you wonder why he decided to go with a new group for something like this¡­ Chiyo pointed out. He also gave us the two magical items he promised for the return of the Bone Pendant along with a bonus ring.


    ¡°What are they?¡± Jack asked. ¡°I¡¯ll admit I kind of blanked out for most of the talking, since I was more focused on watching out for threats¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay.¡± Alora smirked. ¡°The first is a pair of magical bracers that make your arms stronger. Lifting, pulling and pushing are especially easier, though it can help in unarmed combat too!¡±


    ¡°And now they¡¯re mine!¡± Nika grinned, showing the fingerless dark leather gloves on her hands. ¡°The Power Gloves are gonna be dead useful!¡±


    ¡°We also have the ¡®Cloak of the Earthwalker¡¯. Alora added, pointing at the shimmering green fabric they¡¯d chucked onto one of the chairs. ¡°Obvious druid thing he must have used at some point, and if there¡¯s no objections I wish to claim it for myself. I found myself stumbling a lot during our trip through the wilderness and wearing this means it won¡¯t happen again if we end up wading through hard-to-pass places. It can also let me teleport at short range once a day as long as I can see where or if a friend is nearby, but that only works if it¡¯s on natural ground, so not in the city!¡±


    ¡°Nice!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°And what about the ring?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got that too.¡± Nika confirmed. ¡°Ring of Quickness for me to move faster on my feet!¡±


    ¡°You only got that because you¡¯re shorter than the rest of us!¡± Sephy laughed, with Nika giving her the finger.


    And we picked up a few things when we were at the shrine, Chiyo added. Though much of it was used in the fighting. Alora picked up a Staff of Lesser Weather control that might help us a little with our water situation if it can summon rain, I got a Ring of Marking, Jack got a stupidly powerful gun that we can¡¯t find ammo for¡­


    ¡°And we got some Potions of Barkskin,¡± Alora added. ¡°Along with a few others Elysandra said we could take back with us as a reward.¡±


    ¡°We took some of the better bows with us,¡± Jack added. ¡°Just in case we ever need weapons that won¡¯t make any noise or flash.¡±


    ¡°And I picked up some cool knives!¡± Sephy added.


    ¡°You sure did!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°So the total?¡±


    100,000 in CorvCoin, including scrip and advance payments, as well as the magical items previously mentioned, not only that, but also the bounties for The Redeemer and several of his associates, Chiyo concluded.


    Nobody spoke for several moments. Though Jack wasn¡¯t familiar with the currency, the looks he saw on the others¡¯ faces were all varying degrees of shock, disbelief and amazed, cheerful awe.


    Finally, it was Nika who spoke up. ¡°Guys¡­¡± The Kizun began in a gasp.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna cum!¡±

 Chapter 148: Music Class

    ¡°Jack, have you thought about what you¡¯re going to do with your reward money?¡± Vanya asked as the students all patiently waited in line to pass the security checkpoint and enter school.


    ¡°Honestly, I haven''t given it much thought.¡± Jack shrugged as he shifted awkwardly in place. It was true. Despite an eight-way split-one for each member of the group as well as three more shares for the home and business-he had a lot of spending money. ¡°Alora says I need to decorate my room, but I haven¡¯t had a good look at what I can buy yet.¡±


    ¡°True, you have been in that hot tub most of the time¡­¡± the Chuna shrugged, before giving him a coy grin. ¡°Not that I¡¯ve been complaining! How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Still a bit off, but better,¡± Jack admitted. The time in the waters of the hot tub, blessed with the Lesser Lifestone sitting on the bottom, had served to soothe his wounds and slow the maladies he had picked up during the run, but he was not yet completely cured. ¡°Does seem like things gradually get worse the longer I¡¯m out, but I get the impression it¡¯s fading the more I take a dip.¡±


    ¡°Well then, hopefully a few more dips should bring you back to normal. At least whatever you¡¯ve still got doesn¡¯t seem to be infectious.¡± Vanya smirked. ¡°And I can show you a few sites when we¡¯re back, and maybe you can pick up a few posters?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Jack smiled. ¡°But my top priority is going to the Etheria Grand Library and getting a few searches running before I do anything else. I know I need to put money down for that, and I checked the prices for it. It¡¯s not so bad, but I want to make sure I get the important stuff done first. I still need to find out everything I can about why I¡¯m here so I have a shot at seeing my family again.¡±


    I¡¯ll assist you with that. Chiyo softly patted him on the shoulder. Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll get there.


    ¡°What about you, Chiyo?¡± Vanya asked. ¡°What are you spending your cash on?¡±


    I want to run a few inquiries as well, the Ilithii admitted. We have a school break coming up in a few weeks and I thought it might be fun to explore some possible leads¡­


    ¡°Oooh! Treasure hunting?¡± Sephy perked up from where she was drawing some graffiti on a nearby wall with a pink marker.


    Shhh! Chiyo warned the Skritta as a few heads turned around. And possibly, as long as we can get there and you all agree to come with me. Though I also wish to buy a few more books on my ¡®to-read¡¯ list and will probably save the rest.


    ¡°Sounds about right for you.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°I might pick up a few new drones and maybe some more paint, it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve properly put a piece up. Might also get some enhancements while I¡¯m at it. I''ve done some research and I¡¯ve found this nanogen treatment that can strengthen my wings without needing to replace them or have surgery.¡±


    ¡°What would that involve then?¡± Jack asked, feeling uneasy about where this was going.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, nothing bad!¡± The Skritta grinned at him reassuringly, sensing his unease. ¡°They do a full scan of my wings and the medical software programs nanobots to strengthen them. They then get injected into a few spots, then over time they do their thing. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m replacing any parts.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Jack sighed, taking a sip of water. ¡°I guess I don¡¯t like the idea of outright replacing perfectly healthy body parts with metal. It¡¯s better to be comfortable with the way you are¡­¡±


    ¡°Really, damn!¡± Sephy exclaimed. ¡°You know, I was really thinking about getting some breast enhancement surgery too¡­¡±


    Jack spat out his drink in shock at the sudden words. He stared at the Skritta with bulging eyes for a few baffled seconds, before she grinned at him.


    ¡°I was only joking!¡± Sephy laughed. ¡°Wow, the look on your face!¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯d save you having to buy padded bras again!¡± Nika chuckled, causing the Skritta to give the Kizun the finger.


    ¡°What about you then?¡± Sephy asked, returning the teasing. ¡°Platform shoes?¡±


    ¡°Fuck off!¡± Nika laughed. ¡°Pre-booked some tickets to a few events I want to see. Jack¡¯s coming with me to see BattleDome live next time they host it in Naganai.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Jack agreed with a shrug, not having actually been asked.


    ¡°Apart from that, I¡¯m gonna go for a few rare bottles of booze I¡¯ve always wanted to try, and if you¡¯re lucky I might even share some with you!¡± The Kizun teased. ¡°Then I¡¯m getting a few things for my home gym. Mats, punching bags and targets, though maybe I can persuade Alora to put that down as a housing expense?¡±


    ¡°Maybe you could with a few of these things!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°As long as everyone gets the ability to use it, so no hoarding it in your room! Also nothing unnecessary. We¡¯re not buying a treadmill when there¡¯s plenty of space to run outside!¡±


    ¡°How would you know? I hardly see you out there!¡± Nika grinned.


    ¡°Well maybe we can pick up some good habits during our downtime?¡± Alora smirked back at her.


    True, though we can also spend some time fixing up the district, Chiyo pointed out. I know you didn¡¯t want the others going through your family¡¯s ancestral estate, but perhaps the five of us could?


    ¡°Certainly.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°That¡¯ll be some heavy lifting, but I want us to be careful. I still think there¡¯s the possibility to restore some of it.¡±


    ¡°Plus we¡¯ve still got the shuttle,¡± Sephy added, reminding them of the carcass of a craft they picked up from Tagrilla after the Pallid Pit. ¡°We can totally get it fixed up!¡±


    ¡°That too,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°I¡¯m sure some of the budget can go towards that!¡±


    ¡°What about your share, Alora?¡± Jack asked curiously. ¡°Can¡¯t just be for the house, right?¡±


    ¡°Certainly not!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll likely see if I can pick up some rare plants I can cultivate. Some artwork too! And maybe some new shoes, and maybe some¡­¡±


    ¡®Alright, maybe I shouldn¡¯t have asked that¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself upon hearing the typical ¡®girly-girl¡¯ answer from the Eladrie.


    ¡°Well, I guess we¡¯ve all earned it!¡± He finally chuckled the moment he heard Alora come to the end of her extensive fashion list. ¡°Even Dante got something!¡±


    ¡°Yes! He got a Collar of Protection!¡± Alora confirmed. ¡°We worked out what it was when we got back and you were dozing in the tub!¡±


    ¡°Nice, maybe I can buy some dog toys for him or something¡­¡± Jack pondered as the queue began to move, and they got closer to the security barrier.


    ¡°What¡¯s a dog?¡± Vanya asked as they got moving.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Jack began.


    *****


    ¡°Did you hear!? Word on the street is someone geeked The Redeemer!¡± Jack heard a whisper from one of his classmates hiss out.


    ¡°Yeah! People have been saying it was Commander Cocaine that killed him!¡± Someone else responded. ¡°Fucking awesome!¡±


    ¡®Motherfucker¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself as he lined up for Music class, joined by Sephy, Nika and Vanya. Though he had attended this class before, it had been a sort-of limbo for him as he hadn¡¯t officially been inducted by the teacher yet due to the Killer Klown attack.


    ¡°Already sent our evidence to the Church of Siros,¡± Nika whispered with a slight hint of amusement, almost like the Kizun knew what he was thinking. ¡°They¡¯ll know it was us, and that¡¯ll be some extra pocket money!¡±


    ¡°Hope so,¡± Jack whispered back, looking around to see if anyone was listening in. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be thrown into doubt if someone else is claiming the kill?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°People have tried before, but you¡¯d have to be very good to try and scam people, and if you¡¯re caught it rarely ends well for anyone dumb enough to try. Besides, Commander Cocaine hasn¡¯t tried to claim your kill, it¡¯s just dumb rumours so don¡¯t worry! It works in our favour anyway since we don¡¯t want to be attracting any attention right now¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright everyone, in you come!¡± A melodic voice called out from within the classroom, and the students quickly filed in.


    As Jack stepped into the music classroom, he couldn''t help but notice how wildly different it was from any room back on Earth. The walls shimmered in translucent colours that shifted with the ambient sounds from students filtering in, creating a gentle hum that reverberated through his chest. Instruments of all shapes and sizes - some of them somewhat vaguely resembling violins or drums from Earth, others completely alien to him - were set on stands around the spacious, well-lit room.


    ¡°Ah, you must be the great Mr Frost I¡¯ve had the pleasure of hearing so much about!¡± The same voice chirped out flamboyantly as Jack put eyes on the speaker. This was his first time seeing Mrs Trillivar in person, and she was¡­different than he was used to. A coral-like, column-shaped figure at least two heads taller than him, Mrs Trillivar had six arms, each one holding an instrument, or at least what Jack guessed were instruments, that emitted various colours and tones that matched their movements.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Yes, Mrs Trillivar.¡± Jack nodded dutifully, looking down at the two back orbs he assumed were her eyes in the middle of her torso, where he also saw a small mouth containing few teeth. As his gaze looked even further down, he was almost taken aback that Mrs Trillivar didn¡¯t seem to have any feet. ¡°Um¡­I¡¯m Jack, pleased to finally meet you in person!¡±


    ¡°Indeed this is a long-anticipated, long delayed greeting!¡± Mrs Trillivar exclaimed happily, and Jack started in surprise as the teacher suddenly zoomed to her desk, picking up a clipboard in the process. Getting a good view of it, Jack noticed that her lower half was some kind of hard, fleshy spherical foot that was covered by her lower torso as a partial sheath, the foot quickly rolling as she zipped back. ¡°It is a shame we were unable to meet before now, sadly I was a casualty of the latest Killer Klown attack¡­¡±


    ¡°No apology needed, Miss,¡± Jack interjected politely.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± The alien smiled, handing him some papers. ¡°Here is some supplementary material that will help catch you up on the curriculum, though I do not know what musical education you may have received previously from your homeland¡­¡±


    ¡°I can read sheet music, though I don¡¯t know if that translates well here.¡± Jack admitted. ¡°Much of musical theory where I¡¯m from is traditional and a lot of what we covered was the history of it, so I guess I¡¯m coming in here as a complete noob.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± The teacher ¡®nodded¡¯, which was literally a tipping motion with their entire body. ¡°Have you any experience in playing a musical instrument?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°I played something called a trumpet for a time. It¡¯s a metal contraption that I blow into, like a horn?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see!¡± Mrs Trillivar chirped in amusement. ¡°Well, we have such instruments here, though I do not know if they are configured for your biology. Certainly we shall try and discover your calling among them, though if they are lacking I am sure I can find something suitable for your twin manipulators!¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Jack began, then a thought came to him. ¡°So how does this class work? What kind of things are expected of me?¡±


    ¡°For now, just follow along as you can. This one shall begin with an introduction to several disciplines, followed by a practical session with the instruments, where I will endeavour to match your spirit with an instrument that calls to you!¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­sure¡­.¡± Jack nodded politely, having not understood the teacher at all as she motioned for him to take a seat with the others.


    ¡°Welcome, young harmonics!¡± Mrs Trillivar¡¯s voice rang out to address them all once they were all settled. ¡°As you likely know from your other lessons, we have a new presence among us, from a species with music that has travelled far from the world of his ancestors. Jack, the human. Welcome.¡±


    Jack nodded dutifully, though inside felt annoyed at being put on the spot like that as several heads turned to look at him, despite most of his fellow students having gotten used to him already.


    ¡°Today!¡± Mrs Trillivar began as she turned to address everybody else with an air of showmanship. ¡°We shall explore three of our core disciplines! They are Empathic Resonance, Temporal Imprinting, and Tactile Harmonics.¡±


    The teacher paused for a moment as she allowed her words to sink in before continuing. ¡°Now who can tell me about Empathic Resonance?¡±


    Jack didn¡¯t raise his hand, not having a clue about any of this. Previously their lessons had been covered by a substitute teacher who simply got them to read out of a textbook, but none of that had covered whatever was being taught now.


    Alora raised her hand and Mrs Trillivar indicated for her to answer with a gesture of one of her arms.


    ¡°Empathic Resonance is when we align our emotions with sound,¡± the Eladrie dutifully answered. ¡°With certain instruments, it creates different tones if we feel for example joy, sorrow or even anger.¡±


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ Jack thought to himself. He hadn¡¯t heard anything like that in his music lessons back home, and he did kinda play an instrument.


    At least whenever his mother had forced him to practise instead of playing video games¡­


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Mrs Trillivar nodded as she held out a hand holding what looked like some kind of orb, concentrating for a moment before a gentle, soothing hum filled the air, as the walls of the classroom shifted to a warm yellow, almost like sunlight. ¡°We resonate with our feelings, making the music change with us! Now who can tell us about Temporal Imprinting?¡±


    Vanya raised her hand. ¡°Isn¡¯t it similar to Empathic Resonance where you¡¯re channelling a memory or experience rather than an emotion?¡±


    ¡°Yes, though that is quite a basic way of putting it.¡± Mrs Trillivar nodded. ¡°By imprinting, we can layer music with complex thoughts, like recalling a moment in time¡­¡±


    The teacher held up the orb again, and this time a sad, haunting note emerged. He thought he saw flashes in the corner of his eye of flames and destruction of the city. He blinked, stunned as the images disappeared.


    ¡°That is the power of Temporal Imprinting,¡± Mrs Trillivar spoke up. ¡°A single note can carry lifetimes if played correctly. Now, Tactile Harmonics?¡±


    Nobody answered, though the teacher didn¡¯t appear bothered by this as she didn¡¯t pick on anyone.


    ¡°Well perhaps I should rephrase, for the term is merely a scientific way of explaining the physicality of playing an instrument. This could be the tapping of a drum, the strumming of a string, or the blowing of a horn, to give you some examples. In the case of my Phalarie¡­¡± She motioned to the orb. ¡°The Tactile Harmonic involved is psionic in nature, so I manipulate it with my mind. Combining this with Empathic Resonance and Temporal Imprinting, we can make some wonderful music that transcends the physical. Now then, open your textbooks to page 162 and we will go over this in greater detail before we disperse for our practical sessions¡­¡±


    As the theoretical part of the music class wound down, Mrs Trillivar clapped her hands, which to Jack sounded almost like wind chimes gently ringing from a light breeze, and the walls shimmered to a neutral beige colour. ¡°Now, students, it is time to put this lesson into practice!¡± She announced, her many arms gesturing gracefully to the racks of instruments along the walls.


    Not knowing what to do, he watched as several students got out of their seats: some of them beelining for specific instruments and claiming them before returning to their seats, while others took some more time with their selection, perhaps looking for some novelty.


    ¡°Ah, Jack!¡± Mrs Trillivar spoke up as she approached him. ¡°I¡¯ve taken the liberty of choosing your instrument for you for today. In the supplemental material I¡¯ve given you, it explains what each instrument is, just in case you don¡¯t have them where you¡¯re from, but for now, you can try the Kelyrian.¡±


    The instrument she handed him was similar in shape to a violin from Earth, but only vaguely so. Its body was sleek and elongated, translucent like frosted crystal, and instead of traditional strings, there were three glowing lines of energy, each pulsating with a soft, colourful glow, with one being a deep green, one a vibrant blue, and one a pale, flickering gold.


    ¡°This is used with two manipulator limbs like you have,¡± the teacher continued ¡°The strings, as you may have noticed, are not made of mere wire but of harmonised energy. Each string will resonate not only with your touch but also with your emotions and intent.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Jack began, looking around. ¡°And you want me to just¡­play it?¡±


    ¡°Just play it for now.¡± The teacher smiled. ¡°Have a feel for it. I don¡¯t expect you to be able to test out the lesson objectives right away, but I can at least see what I have to work with!¡±


    Jack gave a hesitant nod. He¡¯d never played a violin back on Earth, though he had tried playing his brother¡¯s guitar once when he was younger, thinking he¡¯d look cool, but this was a whole different beast. As he carefully took the instrument into his hands, he was surprised to feel it respond, the glowing strings humming softly as if greeting him. The instrument was light, almost weightless, yet it felt warm against his skin, as if it had a life of its own.


    ¡°Begin slowly.¡± The teacher advised him. ¡°Feel the Kelyrian. It will not sing for you if you force it, but it will respond if you let it flow through you.¡±


    Nervously, Jack raised the bow-like object that came with the instrument. It was not made of wood but rather a thin strand of some iridescent material, almost like woven light. He drew the bow across the green string, but the resulting sound was more of a harsh, grating squeal than the soft, melodic tone he was hoping for. Jack flushed with embarrassment as several of the others around him winced.


    Alora chuckled softly from next to him. ¡°Jack, you¡¯re trying too hard! It¡¯s like trying to yank sound from it rather than letting it come to you.¡±


    ¡°In my defence I have no idea what the hell I¡¯m meant to be doing!¡± Jack grumbled. ¡°Back on Earth I just had to blow air and fiddle with my fingers to get a trumpet to work!¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Jack tried again, this time closing his eyes. He thought of something peaceful, like the gentle patter of rain on his bedroom window back on Earth, with the warmth and security of his former home. He focused on that memory, letting the sensation wash over him.


    As he drew the bow across the string again, this time a gentle, resonant note filled the room. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but it was far smoother, and the energy string responded by glowing brighter, shifting to a deeper, richer green, though of course he couldn¡¯t see it.


    But somehow, he could feel it.


    He lost track of time as he continued to experiment with the Kelyrian. The longer he played, the more natural it began to feel, as if the instrument was learning him just as much as he was learning it. He was almost disappointed when the bell rang, and as he handed the instrument back to Mrs Trillivar, he felt a sensation almost like¡­contentment.


    Perhaps there was something else he could buy with his share of the reward after all¡­


    *****


    ¡°Ah! Looks like that¡¯s all we have time for today!¡± Mr Sparrel perked up as they heard the school bell ring at the end of their History lesson, which also marked the end of the school week. It had been quiet and relatively uneventful since the music lesson they had, but considering everything they had been through, uneventful, boring and mundane was perfectly fine with all of them. Even Sephy wasn¡¯t complaining about the lack of anything interesting happening for a change.


    As they all began packing up their bags, the teacher carried on.


    ¡°For your homework I want you all to write me an essay of at least three pages on a galactic-scale conflict of your choice among those we have discussed.¡± He spoke up over the sounds of the students rummaging around. ¡°Detail the causes, key events and the aftermath. You have two weeks to get it done!¡±


    He ignored the resulting groans from the students. Though Jack had hungrily taken notes during class, always eager to learn more about the alien galaxy he found himself in, he knew he still lacked context outside of the classroom, so he would need to pick his conflict carefully.


    ¡°Also, Mr Frost, Miss Glenphyranix, Miss Dhasii, Miss Hawker and Miss Falos, please remain behind after class,¡± Mr Sparrel added almost as an afterthought.


    The five of them all looked at each other, nodding without speaking. They knew they hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, so it was probably something else¡­


    ¡°You wanted to see us, sir?¡± Alora asked as the group walked up to Mr Sparrel¡¯s desk, having waited for their fellow classmates to leave ahead of them.


    ¡°Ah yes, please sit.¡± The Squarri nodded, motioning for Jack and the others to do so as he handed the human a letter. ¡°You¡¯re going to want to read this, Jack.¡±


    Seeing that Mr Sparrel wasn¡¯t going to elaborate, he opened the letter and began to read.


    To the esteemed Jack Frost.


    Word of your remarkable deeds has reached my ears, carried upon the elusive whispers that traverse the shadows of our city, as well as that of my former colleague, Hensel Sparrel.


    Your exploits have piqued my curiosity. In my line of work, few stories are wholly believed until proven firsthand, and fewer still are worth the time it takes to uncover their truth.


    To that end, I wish to meet you, where we may converse freely.


    Enclosed are the coordinates for a secure meeting location, as well as instructions on how to reach it. I expect you there tonight.


    With utmost curiosity and regard,


    Sable Krynn.

 Chapter 149: Sable Krynn

    Their journey had taken them through the now somewhat familiar bustling heart of the city, but as the group headed along their planned route, the gleaming skyscrapers and neon lights of the megacorp districts slowly began to fade behind them. The electric hum of advertisements and crowded marketplaces dwindled, replaced by a disquieting silence that grew heavier the further they travelled. The sky above the city was a sickly shade of yellow-grey, tinged with the haze of distant factory smoke and the faint glow of neon from the more populated districts of the city, though it was getting darker.


    Upon getting home and gearing up, they quickly discovered the coordinates provided by Sable Krynn took them to the heart of a disused, long-forgotten part of the city, and the group made it to the edge of the quiet, residential district that served as the last bastion of civilisation in this area, having just had a polite conversation with the two bored guards covering the checkpoint.


    Why am I getting a sense of deja-vu? Chiyo asked the others pointedly as they rounded the corner, out of sight of the guards, leaving the group finally alone and safe to talk openly in the dark, deserted alleyway. This place gives me the creeps!


    ¡°It isn¡¯t Scraphaven at least,¡± Nika pointed out with a dry, humourless chuckle. ¡°Though if this turns out to be another trap I¡¯m going to be very disappointed¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be great if for once we went to an ominous creepy location and didn¡¯t get ambushed by something?¡±


    ¡°Stranger things have happened.¡± Jack laughed. ¡°At least Krynn didn¡¯t tell me to come alone or unarmed to this meetup. That¡¯s pretty much a death sentence from, like, every movie ever!¡±


    ¡°Nor did she give you a specific time to show up other than ¡®tonight¡¯,¡± Alora added. ¡°And she was rather vague on everything else in her letter too.¡±


    It could be a test, Chiyo theorised. To see what we¡¯d do.


    ¡°Yeah that sounds about right,¡± Sephy agreed. ¡°But Sable Krynn also has a fat bounty on her too from some of the most powerful people in the city. She¡¯s gotta cover her own ass. Maybe that¡¯s another reason she¡¯s taken her time to set this up?¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Alora agreed. ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re keeping this as need-to-know.¡±


    ¡°So who does know?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°Luvia, Vanya and Kritch. Nobody else,¡± Alora answered. ¡°If things go wrong tonight they can get help.¡±


    ¡°At least we¡¯re in the city where that¡¯s possible, rather than the ass-end of a spooky wilderness with angry mushrooms.¡± Jack shrugged.


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯ll be the next new thing on CorvShack¡¯s Stuffer Menu?¡± Sephy quipped, deepening her voice to mock the advertisements. ¡°Available now in limited stores! Introducing the new ¡®Angry Shroom Burger!¡¯ Stuffed with fresh artificial flavouring!¡±


    That¡¯s scarily accurate¡­ Chiyo giggled.


    ¡°So what can we expect from Krynn?¡± Jack asked, having asked the question a few times before over the past couple of weeks, but naturally asking again as the ¡®pre-game¡¯ nerves kicked in.


    ¡°Not much is known about Krynn outside of her fame,¡± Alora answered him with a patient smile as they checked the corner and turned onto an abandoned street. ¡°She¡¯s something of an eccentric and known to be incredibly paranoid. Anything else is mere rumour, unfortunately, so we¡¯ll have to make our own impressions when we get there.¡±


    ¡°Right, sorry I knew that.¡± Jack sighed, bending down to scritch Dante behind the ears as the ¡®dog¡¯ bounded up to him and headbutted his leg. ¡°I guess I don¡¯t like going into anything without knowing many details.¡±


    ¡°Rest of us are right there with you,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°But I think we¡¯ll be alright. You don¡¯t hear of anything too bad happening around these parts.¡±


    ¡°And what are these parts?¡± Jack asked, looking around at a few of the buildings, most of which looked like abandoned offices, though to his left he spotted the carcass of a cinema complex.


    The waning of corporate control. Chiyo shrugged. If unimportant territory is not profitable to renovate, companies may just abandon it for greener pastures.


    ¡°Places like that all over the city and the hive station,¡± Sephy added. ¡°Then eventually people organise themselves and move in for whatever reason.¡±


    ¡°And the cycle starts anew,¡± Jack finished. ¡°I guess it makes sense.¡±


    They continued down the broken road away from the lights of the city. Weeds poked out of the cracks in the tarmac and gnarled tree roots covered the ground, with rough patches of faded concrete barely visible beneath the encroaching wilderness.


    There¡¯s a few lifesigns around, Chiyo informed them, as Jack spotted a pair of eyes lazily peering at them from a window before slowly disappearing. But they don¡¯t appear to be hostile.


    ¡°Probably just homeless,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°Or just friends having fun. Honestly I¡¯m glad you¡¯re getting lifesigns, which means there¡¯s no squad of enemies that know of your abilities lying in wait.¡±


    ¡°We leave them be, and they¡¯ll leave us be,¡± Alora agreed as the buildings began to thin out and get smaller, with work buildings being replaced by suburban housing, some obviously long-abandoned, but a few others clearly having residents.


    Not far from this, they stumbled upon a few small fields that looked like they were used as allotments, with a few crops growing, though they didn¡¯t mess with them as they saw a few concerned looks from a crowd of locals before they moved on, eventually getting to a crossroads that curiously had a few destroyed security drones scattered around.


    ¡°Shot, but not recently,¡± Nika concluded as she examined the scorch marks on one of them. ¡°Probably some gang thought it¡¯d be funny.¡±


    ¡°Anything we could use?¡± Alora asked, only for the Kizun to shake her head.


    ¡°Nah, they¡¯ve already been gutted and we¡¯re not dragging the chassis with us.¡± Nika snorted. ¡°Damn shame, they¡¯d have been useful.¡±


    As they moved on, Dante sniffed cautiously at the rusted drones, but soon trotted back to Jack¡¯s side, clearly uninterested. The team pressed forward, leaving the strange graveyard of forgotten machines behind.


    Further along their route, they came upon the remnants of a collapsed highway overpass. The massive slabs of concrete had crumbled into jagged piles, creating a makeshift tunnel only a few metres wide, and not having a better way forward they decided to go through it after checking for any ambush.


    ¡°Looks like someone¡¯s been here recently,¡± Nika said, pointing to the walls that were covered in graffiti before emerging on the other side.


    ¡°Yeah, this paint¡¯s fresh,¡± Sephy confirmed, looking at one of the names that looked completely illegible to Jack. ¡°Not sure why they¡¯d hide it here when there¡¯s ruins all around. Maybe it¡¯s part of some kind of challenge or something?¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Alora agreed with a smirk. ¡°We can take a break if you want to add your name?¡±


    ¡°Nah.¡± Sephy shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not here to pick a fight, especially when people aren¡¯t gonna see. Besides, we don''t want people figuring out we came by, right?¡±


    ¡°True,¡± the Eladrie confirmed with a shrug. ¡°Though it probably doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    The further they travelled, the more the remnants of civilization faded into mostly overgrown thickets and clusters of twisted trees, though the signs of civilisation were still there. If Jack had to guess, this was a once-affluent part of town long ago, though the husks of the McMansions looked long-looted. The air here felt heavy, and there was a peculiar stillness that made even the smallest sound seem amplified, confirmed when Chiyo detected no life signs around.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not linger around in the open,¡± Nika whispered as she gently put a hand on Chiyo¡¯s shoulder. ¡°There¡¯s nowhere for anyone to hide around here, but this place gives me the creeps!¡±


    Finally, the dense trees and thickets gave way to a wide, open lot as the group stepped onto the tarmac of a wide roadway, and they followed it to the coordinates. Soon enough, the remains of an old, overgrown parking area stretched out before them, leading up to the looming shadow of a huge building ahead of them. The structure was massive, with cracked walls and broken windows that stared out like hollow eyes. Faded signs still clung desperately to the facade, advertising brands and stores that had long since ceased to exist.


    ¡°Shit¡­¡± Sephy began as she checked her commlink. ¡°I think this must have been a shopping mall! Coordinates lead right to it!¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re right.¡± Alora agreed. ¡°Though I don¡¯t recall any further instructions.¡±


    Sephy quickly checked, then cursed. ¡°Yeah, we have a specific grid, but that¡¯s all the detail the instructions give us. No floor, no landmarks, no further instructions.¡±


    ¡°Then I guess we¡¯re looking the old-fashioned way.¡± Jack sighed as he pulled out his bottle of water and took a sip. ¡°Explore the totally-safe abandoned building until we find what we¡¯re looking for or until something unsavoury finds us, right?¡±


    Sounds about right, Chiyo agreed. Likely a precaution on the part of Krynn.


    ¡°I swear she better be useful¡­¡± Jack grumped, though only half-heartedly. After their trip to see the Oracle bore no fruit, this was his next best hope.


    Though his hopes had been dashed once already¡­


    ¡°No use waiting around.¡± Nika snorted. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Crossing the long-abandoned carpark, they reached the main entrance - a set of tall glass doors, long since shattered, with jagged shards still clinging stubbornly to their frames. The doorway was framed with a few faded posters and billboards advertising sales and events that seemed almost surreal now.


    ¡°Damn, they don¡¯t build them like they used to!¡± Sephy quipped, her wings flickering nervously as she hopped inside, taking point.


    As they passed through the broken glass windows, Jack felt a sudden drop in temperature. The air inside was heavy and thick with dust, carrying the scent of mildew and decay.


    ¡°Sohla!¡± Alora muttered under her breath, as she threw up her dancing lights to hover above them, illuminating the dust-covered tiles around them.


    ¡°Dante, you smell anything?¡± Jack asked, looking down at the ¡®dog¡¯ who just stared right back at him with bright eyes. ¡°Guess not.¡±


    ¡°No sign of anyone being here,¡± Nika spoke after crouching down and brushing the tiles with one of her fingers, lifting it up to show it caked in dust. ¡°Chiyo?¡±


    No life signs. The Ilithii shook her head. Though I think it would be safe to assume Krynn would have done her research on us.


    ¡°Let me know if anyone spots a terminal or something,¡± Sephy spoke up thoughtfully, looking about for something. ¡°I can check and see if the local Matrix is up, or at least for any power draw around here. Hard to hide when there¡¯s nobody else around.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s our best bet for narrowing the search. Everybody fan out as we move,¡± Alora instructed softly, her voice barely more than a whisper, looking around and spotting the lack of potential cover. ¡°But make sure to stay within sight of one another just in case.¡±


    They moved cautiously down the main atrium, which was flanked by rows of abandoned storefronts. Some had their metal gates still halfway pulled down; others stood open with their contents long looted or decayed beyond recognition, but as they moved and checked they found nothing of interest. A kids¡¯ playpark sat in a crossroads section up ahead, with metal climbing frames that were heavily rusted and a lone swing swaying gently, creaking in the silence, moved by an unseen draft.


    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t Sable Krynn have picked out a less spooky meeting spot?¡± Sephy groaned. ¡°Especially one we have to poke around!¡±


    ¡°Nothing we can do about it.¡± Alora sighed, patting the Skritta on the back. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright, seriously, where the hell is she?¡± Jack asked impatiently, his voice bouncing off the high ceiling as they came back to the crossroads, having checked all of the downstairs. ¡°You¡¯d think the woman would¡¯ve at least left some kind of sign or something.¡±


    Guess we¡¯re checking the upper floors, too, Chiyo confirmed.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°Guess we are.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°Shit place to get caught out, but we don¡¯t have a choice.¡±


    As they made their way toward the escalators, a faint sound reached Jack¡¯s ears - a low hum, barely audible beneath the oppressive silence. He turned his head, trying to pinpoint the source, but it seemed to echo from all around them. Dante¡¯s ears perked up, and he let out a low, cautious growl, his markings glowing faintly blue in the dim light.


    ¡°You guys hear that?¡± Jack whispered, his hand instinctively moving to his gun.


    ¡°Wait¡­yeah¡­I think so¡­¡± Sephy replied unsurely. ¡°Where the hell¡¯s it coming from?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve cleared everything else so far,¡± Nika pointed out grimly. ¡°Let¡¯s head up to the top - at least it¡¯ll give us a vantage point if nothing else.¡±


    The central escalators were frozen in place, covered in a thick layer of dust that revealed no tracks of any kind. Alora gestured for the group to stay close as they ascended the dusty escalator. The upper level stretched out before them, revealing a darkened food court and the hulking shadows of long-abandoned department stores. The buzzing sound grew ever so slightly louder, though Jack still didn¡¯t have a particular direction for the noise.


    You¡¯re definitely not imagining things, Chiyo confirmed, her eyes narrowing as she tried to focus on the buzzing sound.


    ¡°Careful, it could be bait,¡± Nika whispered. ¡°Guns up.¡±


    ¡°I think it gets louder that way!¡± Sephy pointed past the food court, which led to a partially collapsed wing marked by a faded sign that read ¡®MegaZone¡¯, though several of the letters hung askew, with some having fallen away entirely.


    Taking point, Jack pushed through a set of cracked double doors before being immediately hit by the stench of old electronics, rotten beer and long-forgotten industrial cleaner all at once.


    ¡°Huh, some kind of arcade¡­¡± he observed as he saw the large room filled with rows of darkened, dust-covered game cabinets, their once-bright screens now dim and lifeless. The only illumination came from Alora¡¯s Dancing Lights and Dante¡¯s glow, casting flickering shadows across the room.


    A strange place to bring us, Chiyo noted as the Ilithii brought up the rear.


    ¡°Wow, wonder if any of these old things still work¡­¡± Sephy whispered as she kept an eye out for any movement.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move up,¡± Alora ordered. The buzzing was much clearer now - a faint electronic humming noise that cut through the silence. ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡± Dante quietly barked, and with a low, rumbling growl, he trotted toward the far corner of the room where Jack noticed the shadows flickering unnaturally. He gestured for the team to follow, keeping close behind as they weaved between the rows of ancient game cabinets, most covered in grime and tagged with faded graffiti.


    They rounded a corner, and that¡¯s when they saw it. Right at the very end of a row of broken machines, one arcade cabinet stood out like a beacon. Unlike the others, this one was suspiciously pristine¡ªits metal casing gleaming under a coat of fresh black paint, the screen glowing with a faint blue light.


    ¡°What the¡­¡± Jack muttered, stepping closer as the machine¡¯s screen flickered to life, displaying a swirling logo and playing some kind of happy jingle. The cabinet itself had no markings or titles, just a simple joystick and a series of unlabeled buttons beneath the screen.


    As if in response to his words, the machine¡¯s screen abruptly changed, displaying a cryptic message:


    WELCOME. STEP FORWARD


    Well that¡¯s totally not sus at all, Chiyo sarcastically pointed out.


    ¡°Aegis,¡± Jack muttered under his breath, summoning his shield as he tentatively did as instructed, ready for this to be a trap. As he approached he spotted a camera at the top of the arcade machine, pointing directly at him.


    Without warning, the screen flickered again, and this time the face of a woman appeared. From what Jack could tell she had pale, white skin, though most of the rest of her features were obscured by some kind of pixelated static. Her eyes, however, were clear, sharp and piercing, taking in the group as if she could see them through the screen.


    ¡°Greetings, Jack and company,¡± came a smooth, almost melodic voice, tinged with an undercurrent of relief.


    ¡°Sable Krynn I presume?¡± Alora asked as she stepped forward, her posture calm and composed as always. ¡°Forgive me, but we were expecting to meet you in person?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. I am Sable Krynn, and were you really now, Princess Alora?¡± The woman asked in amusement, before her pixelated smile narrowed as she focused her attention on the Eladrie, with Alora¡¯s eyes widening at being called ¡®Princess¡¯.


    Jack crossed his arms, trying to appear nonchalant despite the growing tension. ¡°Alright, Krynn. We¡¯re here, and you wanted to meet. From what I understand you may be able to help me.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± The image of Krynn nodded, and her smile seemed to grow warmer. ¡°I have an interest in Outsiders and how they come to be among us. I will admit that my interest in you began as a mere curiosity, but since I first learned of you, I have learned greatly of your exploits and know much of the good you have done for this city. You should be proud. If my talents can aid you in uncovering the mystery of your arrival in our realm of Realspace with a possibility of returning to your native realm, I shall certainly assist you.¡±


    ¡°I¡­thank you...¡± Jack nodded.


    ¡°I have compiled a dossier on you, based on what is publicly known, as well as other cases I am involved in,¡± Krynn continued. ¡°Though I will require some clarification. Special points of interest I have noted include the Spawn of Nekdon you discovered, the corrupting of The Oracle, the Cult of the Destroyer, the events of the latest Killer Klown attack, and most recently your work for Corvin Enterprises.¡±


    Jack could have sworn she gave a hint of a grimace at that last one, though if Krynn did, she didn¡¯t make a show of it.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Jack nodded again. ¡°What did you need clarification on?¡±


    ¡°I do not yet know,¡± Krynn admitted. ¡°Your case is strange. Let¡¯s start with what I know of your arrival. You woke up in the Pallid Pit, which at the time was home to the Ravagers, publicly known as a gang affiliated with the Cult of the Destroyer, at least until their status as a front for more senior cultists became known.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Jack nodded.


    ¡°What was your last memory of your native plane?¡± Krynn asked, taking notes.


    ¡°I went to sleep in my room, then the next thing I know I woke up in the Pit,¡± Jack answered.


    ¡°So nothing you did, to your knowledge, brought you here.¡± Krynn pondered thoughtfully. ¡°How long did you sleep for, would you say? Were you rested when you woke?¡±


    ¡°Um..¡± Jack began, thrown off slightly by the question. ¡°Maybe I got a few hours in? I was exhausted when I woke up, but I was definitely about to drop when I met the Paladins of Astara.¡±


    ¡°I know that it was a Divine Command from Astara herself that her Paladins drop everything and come to your rescue,¡± Krynn added. ¡°I feel that is significant.¡±


    ¡°The clerics tried to commune with Astara about it, but they confirmed she had nothing to do with my arrival, but noticed it and wanted to help,¡± Jack replied.


    ¡°So they say.¡± Krynn nodded thoughtfully. ¡°But the place itself has significance. I understand that House Mal¡¯Kar has taken over the district, and I was able to learn of its ties to the Gloom Paths. Did you find anything of interest down there?¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Sephy suddenly spoke up. ¡°There was a ritual chamber down there! We got it all on camera!¡±


    And the Gloom Cauldron used to be down there too where we encountered the Prophet and the Skinsaw Slashers, Chiyo added, her words repeated verbally by Nika. Though I suspect much of that chamber was destroyed in the explosion when Devil¡¯s Daughter teleported us out.


    ¡°Is the ritual chamber below the place you woke up at, at least approximately?¡± Krynn asked, and the Skritta quickly skimmed through the data on her commlink before nodding.


    ¡°Send me that footage, I think that¡¯s key to working out why Jack appeared there of all places,¡± Krynn instructed. ¡°And this¡­Gloom Cauldron. I¡¯ve read a report on it, I assume from your own investigations?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what happened to that thing by the way?¡± Jack asked, looking to Chiyo.


    The Temple of Hope now has it, the Ilithii recalled. We learned everything we could from it, but it was far too dangerous to keep in the house when we started housing our classmates after the Klown attack. But we still have our notes on it.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack shrugged.


    ¡°It is possible that this artefact was a ritual component, due to its prior proximity to the site,¡± Krynn theorised. ¡°So learning the nature of the ritual is a key objective. However the artefact didn¡¯t remain there forever. You discovered it for the first time in the hands of Dubakuu, an ex-priest of Nekdon, who was originally chasing your bounty, Jack, before their objective seemingly changed towards assaulting the Oracle, though your actions prevented their destruction or harm.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack began tentatively. ¡°We eventually learned that Dubakuu was in the thrall of Malakiel, who had some kind of relay in the Pallid Pit.¡±


    ¡°Malakiel is definitely involved in this somehow,¡± Krynn agreed. ¡°But I don¡¯t know to what degree or extent. Either way, I believe Dubakuu coming into possession of the Gloom Cauldron was an effort to scatter the components of the ritual, though I don¡¯t know why. However there is far more to Dubakuu than that.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Because,¡± Krynn stated grimly as she steepled her fingers, ¡°Dubakuu assaulted the Oracle when he should have been lying in wait for you when Malakiel locked you in the ancient metro system. This is a strange change in behaviour, but the recordings you picked up are interesting.¡±


    Krynn did something from where she was, and the recording of Dubakuu played out.


    ¡°My lord¡­.the other whisperer¡­.it wants me to¡­.yes¡­.¡±


    ¡°In all likelihood, the ravings of a madman about to die,¡± Krynn noted sharply, ¡°But there¡¯s another working theory, insane, but one I am willing to entertain considering the other factors at play. Dubakuu hears the orders from Malakiel¡­and the orders from another. This ¡®Other Whisperer¡¯ they speak of.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jack asked in confusion. ¡°Malakiel and someone else fighting for control in Dubakuu¡¯s head?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m saying.¡± Krynn nodded, fully serious. ¡°Two masters, two objectives. Malakiel wanted you dead, but the influence of this other ¡®Master¡¯ caused them to attack the Oracle instead.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think Malakiel and this other master are working together?¡± Nika asked sceptically.


    In answer, Krynn played another recording of that encounter, this time of Malakiel.


    ¡°UNAUTHORISED SECONDARY PRESENCE DETECTED¡­¡­UNKNOWN FACTION¡­..THREAT LEVEL¡­¡­EXTREME¡­..¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Krynn shook her head. ¡°This and my other conclusions point to non-cooperation.¡±


    ¡°Then how was this other master able to use Dubakuu?¡± Sephy asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Krynn shook her head. ¡°But targeting the Oracle is telling, even if Dubakuu failed.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Mr Sparrel directed me to the Oracle to try and find answers, but when we got there, it was a dead end. When we asked it questions it didn''t have the answers, then when we questioned it further it panicked, said there was something wrong with it¡­¡±


    Sable Krynn played another recording.


    ¡°MY KNOWLEDGE AND MEMORIES HAVE BEEN¡­.HOW COULD THIS BE? MY ESSENCE HAS BEEN CORRUPTED¡­SOMEONE HAS¡­WHAT COULD POSSIBLY¡­¡±


    ¡°Specifically this,¡± the detective pointed out. ¡°Not only that they had suffered harm that prevented you from getting answers, but implying that someone did it on purpose.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack agreed, remembering his despair in that moment. ¡°At the time I didn¡¯t know what to think and I wasn¡¯t in a good place. It sucks but¡­it¡¯s a dead end, right? Not even the Oracle knew what had happened until that point, they said they didn¡¯t know when its corruption happened. They¡¯re a long lived being, and even they couldn¡¯t give us any more information.


    ¡°It may not be a dead end as you assume.¡± Krynn shook her head thoughtfully. ¡°An Elder Tree is a very powerful being, and being able to affect one so profusely in this way requires an even greater level of power. It could have happened a long time ago as you say, but¡­that may not be the case. There¡¯s something else in reasonable proximity to the Oracle that also required immense power to summon.¡±


    ¡°The Spawn of Nekdon.¡± Alora pointed out.


    ¡°Correct.¡± Krynn nodded. ¡°The close proximity of something else that requires a considerable amount of magical power cannot be ignored. It may just be a coincidence, but it is very possible that whoever summoned the Spawn of Nekdon is also responsible for what happened to the Oracle. The fact that Dubakuu made a move for the Oracle after encountering the Spawn lends credence to my theory.¡±


    ¡°The Temple of Hope is already looking for the summoner,¡± Jack noted. ¡°You¡¯re saying they¡¯re likely involved in this somehow?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only a theory,¡± Krynn stressed. ¡°It¡¯s possible it has nothing to do with you at all, but it¡¯s an avenue worth exploring. As for who it could be¡­that¡¯s a very important question. Several of the Elder Dragons in the city for example may have that kind of power, as do several of the Top 10 bounties, and many others; however, public investigations have eliminated many of the names that come to mind. I suspect an unknown, and your recent activities may have uncovered one. I¡¯ve read the report you gave to the Temple of Hope, specifically the entity Jack encountered in the Astral Realm after destroying this¡­cocoon?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°No idea what it was, but it kicked my arse before I got pulled back to reality.¡±


    ¡°I suspect you encountered a Demon Lord.¡± Krynn grimaced. ¡°You were lucky to escape with your life.¡±


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Nika cursed.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The avatar on the screen nodded slowly. ¡°I very briefly considered you being one yourself when you first came to my attention, Jack, but this is the real deal. Demon Lords are also powerful enough to pull this off, and many of them hide themselves as they grow in power to become Galactic-Level threats.¡±


    So they¡¯re a suspect. Chiyo nodded.


    ¡°For now,¡± Krynn agreed. ¡°But we also know the identity of someone who is known to be involved,¡± Sable Krynn noted. ¡°Dr Reyazz Grine. His involvement with the Killer Klown is yet another mystery I intend to solve, however, my own efforts to find him have been fruitless.¡±


    ¡°But what does this all mean?¡± Jack asked the detective.


    ¡°That you¡¯re somehow involved in a dangerous plot of cataclysmic potential.¡± Krynn sighed, steepling her fingers. ¡°And I have every intention of finding out what the specifics of that is. And if I can help you get home in the process, that¡¯ll be great too.¡±


    ¡°Well at least we know a bit more now,¡± Jack noted grimly.


    ¡°There is now the question of my price,¡± Krynn suddenly interrupted.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Jack asked, briefly surprised. ¡°You didn¡¯t mention it in your letter, how much are you asking for?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not looking for money.¡± Krynn shook her head. ¡°Our meeting today was paid for by the information I have learned from you, but if I am to perform an important service for you, you are to perform an important service for me.¡±


    ¡°Okay?¡± Jack asked. ¡°What service?¡±


    ¡°Nothing now.¡± Krynn shook her head. ¡°Aside from your word that when I call on you and your team, you will perform the task I ask of you, and then you get what you need.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not ominous at all,¡± Nika pointed out.


    ¡°Hardly as ominous as one who hails from the Gossamer Valleys will be used to,¡± Krynn retorted, and Nika¡¯s face went white at hearing her homeland being spoken of so casually. She¡¯d never told anyone about that, or what had happened!


    Jack looked to the others, everyone nodding their agreement. ¡°Alright Krynn, you have a deal. But nothing stupid.¡±


    ¡°It will be within your capabilities.¡± Krynn smiled. ¡°You have been a hero to this city, Jack Frost. Rest assured that what I ask of you shall be in the name of the greater good.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack nodded.


    ¡°One more thing,¡± Krynn added. ¡°I do not know if it pertains to this investigation, but something that Dubakuu said is concerning.


    Again, the recording played.


    ¡°We all heard his screams as the Whispering Lord was killed!¡± The raving voice of Dubakuu yelled out.


    ¡°Yeah, I keep being told about how Nekdon is apparently dead¡­¡± Jack grumbled.


    ¡°Note the wording,¡± Krynn pointed out. ¡°He said ¡®Killed¡¯, specifically. Not simply ¡®Dead¡¯. That is significant. It implies that something killed Nekdon.¡±


    ¡°Oh shit¡­¡± Jack gasped.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Krynn nodded as she saw that all of them recognised the significance. ¡°Something powerful enough to kill a god. And a Spawn of Nekdon summoned after the fact? This is huge, and I intend to find out everything I can.¡±


    ¡°So what happens now?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t speak of this meeting to anybody,¡± Krynn instructed. ¡°And await my correspondence. I shall make inquiries and investigate, though you should not sit by idly. Conduct whatever investigation you see fit to.¡±


    ¡°We will.¡± Jack nodded.


    ¡°Then until next time, I wish you the best of luck.¡± Krynn nodded, and the screen turned off.


    ¡°You too-¡± Jack began, before the arcade machine suddenly exploded. He lurched back on reflex, but the payload wasn¡¯t a big one, as the arcade machine was bricked, and turned to molten slag.


    ¡°She could have just said goodbye the normal way!¡± Sephy quipped.


    ¡°Not dramatic enough!¡± Alora smiled, before her face grew serious. ¡°Jack? Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­I think so.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°This is a hell of a lot to deal with.¡±


    We should get back and organise our thoughts, Chiyo proposed. Then work out our next steps.


    ¡°Dr Grine,¡± Jack said coldly. ¡°He has a lot of answers. If we find him¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Nika agreed. ¡°Though he¡¯s gone to ground, he¡¯ll surface eventually.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Alora nodded. ¡°And we¡¯ll be ready when he does.¡± She motioned with her hands towards the way they came as the group began the long trek back home.


    ¡°But right now? We should probably do our homework first!¡±

 Chapter 150: The Court Convenes...

    The ruined skyscrapers of the Umbrasprawl Barrens sprawled across the horizon like a graveyard of steel and glass, its towers leaning precariously against one another, waiting to topple over. The air was thick with the hum of malfunctioning holographic billboards that occasionally flashed garbled advertisements, casting eerie, stuttering colours over the cracked streets of the long-forgotten city.


    Long ago, a great, unknown calamity decimated the population, and the ensuing collapse of civilisation easily drove out whoever remained. Subsequent generations refused to return, considering the place cursed, and over time the Umbrasprawl Barrens remained a little-visited, often-ignored location within Naganai¡¯s sphere of influence, occasionally being resettled by ambitious settlers before soon being abandoned once again, with only the truly desperate, decrepit and despicable calling the place home.


    Lictor Sabisstra Zauviir of the Order of the Infernal Harmony feared none of the dangers of this place as she led what remained of her forces down the ominous streets. The air was heavy with a suffocating silence, broken only by the crunch of debris underfoot or the occasional grunt of exertion from one of the Cadets, which she quickly punished them for. Sabisstra was no stranger to pain, being a proud Inquisitor of Bal-Xuthuul, though no pain compared to that of failure.


    Nobody spoke. Certainly, the fact that they had failed in their mission to eliminate the Outsider and his team was without a shadow of a doubt, though the attack that occurred afterwards caught them all by surprise, forcing the Order to retreat and abandon the town where they had been awaiting the Outsider¡¯s return. At least the fact that many had fled in the aftermath of the chaos meant it was simple enough to get away and give the unknown party the slip. Likely also after the Outsider, the new group had quickly moved on, heading straight towards the docks to steal several ships and sailing upstream before the forces of Commander Cocaine responded to the chaos.


    They had escaped the hostile forces that converged on Cypherport, but they couldn¡¯t escape the consequences.


    ¡°Lictor, are you sure we should go through with this?¡± Slarah whispered under her breath from beside her, the woman contorting her expression into a snarl as the scalded left side of her face flared up in pain. ¡°We¡¯ve suffered heavy losses, we could simply walk away. We need to rebuild our numbers in any case.¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± Sabisstra snapped back. ¡°You have served me and the Order well, and your questions will be answered tonight. Much is occurring that you are not yet privy to.¡±


    ¡°As you say, Lictor.¡± Slarah dutifully bowed her head.


    ¡°Good. We¡¯ve arrived¡­¡± The Lictor snapped back, not bothering to look back to her second in command.


    Ahead of them were the shattered remains of an ancient complex, the jagged husk of its main structure looming up at them like the carcass of a long-dead beast. Whatever this building once was had been lost to time, but now it stared at them ominously.


    ¡°There¡¯s nobody here¡­¡± A gruff voice spoke out from behind them. Vexar was a stocky Xarak with heavy cybernetic modifications, a face crisscrossed by burn scars and a dead, mechanical eye. The Order¡¯s chief interrogator took the rear, keeping an eye out for anyone tailing them.


    ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± Sabisstra corrected. ¡°And watching us. Tread lightly.¡±


    ¡°Lictor, I¡¯m detecting scans pinging us,¡± Zethrik, a Korrigan technical auxiliary recently promoted after the death of Zruul, whispered just low enough for her to hear. ¡°Got some other active signals around us, might be hidden turrets on standby!¡±


    ¡°Stand down and remain where you are,¡± Sabisstra ordered, and the disciplined Regulators immediately obeyed as they halted. ¡°Slarah, with me.¡±


    The Lictor calmly walked forward, mockingly raising her hands, indicating for Slarah to do the same. The Force Mage hesitantly obeyed, not spotting the threat but knowing it was there.


    ¡°We have suffered enough theatrics as of late,¡± Sabisstra sneered under her breath before she looked out into the night and declared to the hidden shadows, ¡°If you wanted us dead, we¡¯d already be corpses. Enough of this theatre.¡±


    One by one, five hunched figures suddenly appeared from the gloom, their silhouettes sharp against the fog and dim ruins. Clad in black, angular combat armor with glowing red visors, none carried any visible weapons, though Slarah knew the foul reputation of their employer well enough to know the figures were far from helpless....


    With a sudden blur of motion, one of the figures lept from the rooftop ahead and landed in a crouch before approaching and removing their mask, revealing a pale face riddled with scars and a pair of golden, unnatural eyes that flicked between the two women, though neither of them recognised the species or had any sense of the gender. Though despite this, certain facial traits looked¡­uncannily familiar.


    ¡°Follow...now....¡± The figure addressed them in halting speech, as if the simple words were difficult to speak, before suddenly turning without bothering to address the remaining Regulators.


    ¡°You heard them,¡± Lictor Sabisstra confirmed, striding after the strange soldier, noting the gait of their walk was slightly¡­off. As an Inquisitor of Bal-Xuthuul, she had long developed an eye for detail, and there were many strange tics of the soldier that caught her eye.


    The soldier led them through the collapsed building ahead, their movements precise as though they knew the ruins intimately. At last, they stopped before what appeared to be the great rusted door of a vault, passing by the ancient rusted control panel and instead carefully sliding back a false panel in the nearby wall to reveal a much more modern-looking keypad. Typing in a complicated code, they heard the whirring of electronics for about a minute until the door opened, revealing well-oiled components behind the dishevelled camouflage.


    Faint green lights blinked along the dishevelled corridor up ahead. Zethrik gasped at sensing the sudden deluge of power through the derelict systems, and as the group went down the corridor they could clearly see that the room wasn¡¯t an old vault at all. More likely it was some kind of repurposed corporate blacksite. The large blast door quickly shut behind them before another in front of them opened up, clearly utilising an airlock-style security system.


    The beleaguered Regulators began to tense up as they heard voices within as the door ahead widened, and the Lictor led them into a large, dimly lit cavern of steel and concrete, humming faintly with the sound of overworked machinery and flickering holograms. The air carried a metallic tang, mingled with the faint scent of ozone and the lingering dampness.


    ¡°Gods¡­¡± Slarah muttered under her breath. ¡°What¡¯s in those tanks?¡±


    Indeed, lining the nearest wall were several medical tanks, some cobbled together out of scrap metal, and as the Force Mage subtly looked closer, she could see the mutilated, agonised face of a person¡­


    Shuffling figures moved between workstations and interactive boards, idly making notes and paying no notice to what was going on around them, like mindless automatons. They didn¡¯t matter, simply following the orders of their master, who awaited them in the centre.


    ¡°Lictor.¡± Dr Grine greeted Sabisstra with a curt nod of his head, his heavy facial scars squirming as he did. ¡°It is most unfortunate to hear of your failure to kill the Outsider.¡±


    Sabisstra did not immediately answer, but rather turned to her exhausted Regulators. ¡°You¡¯ll rest here until we need to redeploy.¡±


    ¡°You.¡± Grine snapped to an attendant covered from head to toe in medical gear, though Sabisstra did note the occasional peek of heavily mutilated tissue underneath that looked to be peeling away. Clearly one of Grine¡¯s creations, and the Alchemist had clearly been experimenting with something new as of late. ¡°Lead them to the dorms and give them Room Delta.¡±


    ¡°Slarah, make sure nobody gets too curious,¡± Sabisstra added, and her second in command dutifully nodded, leading the rest of the Regulators deeper into the complex. No further words were said until the doors closed behind them and they could talk freely.


    ¡°The Outsider and his group proved much more deadly than our intel suggested,¡± Sabisstra finally growled, feeling the sting of defeat run bitter once again. ¡°The Redeemer was a formidable but foolish asset, and Frost held his own. His companions also proved to be much more potent than we thought. Had The Redeemer not been hasty in the ambush we may have succeeded. We lost many good Regulators that night¡­¡±


    ¡°Not good enough,¡± a deep, rough voice growled out as the largest Xarak Sabisstra had ever met strode over to them. ¡°And your recruits can be replaced.¡±


    ¡°They can,¡± Sabisstra admitted with a shrug. ¡°Our intelligence network is intact, despite our physical losses, and the Redeemer paid well enough on top of what our mutual friends sent our way. I can get us back to operational fitness within a few months.¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°Good.¡± Master Kull nodded in approval. ¡°I have names I''ll send your way to speed that up, though they won¡¯t be from the Legion itself.¡±


    ¡°Rejects?¡± Grine asked.


    ¡°In a way,¡± Kull acknowledged. ¡°Questions are being asked, and I will not risk my cover.¡±


    ¡°General Opathu suspects?¡± Sabisstra asked curiously.


    ¡°Not him.¡± Kull shook his head. ¡°Another is getting curious. Oh yes captain, yes they are¡­¡± He whispered the last part under his breath.


    ¡°Any fruit from your position at the school?¡± Sabisstra asked.


    ¡°My position at the school is tenuous at best.¡± Kull shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve noted potential recruits and molded them as such, but such a task is beneath me.¡±


    ¡°We must all sacrifice in the name of power, old friend,¡± another voice calmly called out, as a Nirah in intricate black wizard robes casually sidled up to them. ¡°Our time will come.¡±


    Svaarzhul then looked to Lictor Sabisstra. ¡°Did you find out anything concerning my¡­inquiry?¡±


    ¡°We found out little about this Emerald King Cult.¡± The Inquisitor shook her head. ¡°The Redeemer said little of the time surrounding his leaving of the Church of Siros and his worship of the Emerald King, but his zeal was apparent for all to see. I would argue that in itself is telling.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± The Nirah chuckled dryly. ¡°Some members of the Court find it concerning, but I just find it amusing. Cults normally are, but this one could be useful to us if only we could discover more.¡±


    ¡°That is of trivial concern,¡± Grine snapped, looking to Sabisstra. ¡°We are isolated here, it¡¯s true. But we¡¯ve heard ill news nonetheless. What happened?¡±


    ¡°We received information that the Outsider would be at Cypherport soon for a job, and the species of the contacts they¡¯d be meeting.¡± The Lictor sighed. ¡°Though we didn¡¯t know the specific date, we prepared for a rapid deployment, headed there in advance and tapped our contacts. When an employee of a Corvin Enterprises Depot spotted them and informed us, we knew it was time to get to work.¡±


    ¡°All the possible advantages you could prepare for, and you failed.¡± Grime sneered at Sabisstra. ¡°There will be a reckoning with the Court for that.¡±


    ¡°Now, now,¡± Svaarzhul hissed in amusement. ¡°I would not be so hasty to lambast the good Lictor for her¡­misfortunes with the Outsider. Let us not forget, Grine, you failed too. And due to the same Outsider at that. Though you seem to be faring well for one of the most wanted bounties in the city. My wards have clearly held out. Have you had any other issues, Doctor?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Grine shook his head. ¡°My operations haven¡¯t been compromised, and you forget that I¡¯ve conducted my Great Work for many years despite constant attempts to stop me. Two of my previous hideouts have been uncovered, but that¡¯s acceptable. I¡¯ve left nothing there but false trails that will frustrate efforts.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Svarzhuul hissed, before looking to Grine with a challenging, hungry serpentine smirk. ¡°It would be quite the shame if you were to become a¡­liability.¡±


    The threat was clear, and Grine snarled, immediately noting Kull¡¯s subtle shift in stance as he mentally prepared to aid his friend. Grine was no fool. The veteran warrior was powerful and intelligent despite his clear mental instability, and though Grine was weary of him, he had plans and contingencies in place if he ever needed to kill Kull.


    But he knew little of the Nirah¡¯s full capabilities, despite their time spent together.


    Svaarzhul, or Vashiel as he was also known, had mostly kept to himself, occasionally conducting unknown business on behalf of the Court, but always returning to maintain the powerful wards that kept Grine¡¯s presence cloaked from all attempts to find him. He knew so little about the Wizard, except that they were strong based on the magic he¡¯d seen them cast, and that made him nervous.


    Still, Grine was not without teeth either, and he had slain arrogant wizards before for less¡­


    ¡°Watch your tongue.¡± Grine coldly snapped at Svaarzhul. ¡°My mission was a success, and though my discovery was unfortunate I was being hunted regardless. We gained much favour with the Killer Klown. His part in the plan is of paramount importance and we needed him on our side, even if he is ignorant of our aspirations.¡±


    ¡°As much as I hate to interrupt.¡± Kull chuckled. ¡°I would prefer to hear the rest of what Sabisstra has to say for herself. I can¡¯t stay here for long. What happened after?¡±


    ¡°We found the contacts Frost¡¯s group were to rendezvous with.¡± The Lictor continued. ¡°It was simple enough to convince them to go to the main bar in town, which we had identified as the ideal ambush point. We did learn some interesting things from them, however¡­¡±


    ¡°Such as?¡± Svaarzhul prompted.


    ¡°They told us that Corvin Enterprises has an interest in an area accessible from the river.¡± Sabisstra smirked. ¡°Though they did not know any of the details.¡±


    ¡°We do know a contingent from Corvin Enterprises has headed somewhere in that direction, and not an insignificant number either¡­¡± Kull added. ¡°Enough that General-Commander Opathu is worried about Corvin Enterprises¡¯ intentions.¡±


    ¡°An interesting development,¡± Grine admitted. ¡°Especially considering their ongoing war with Myrodin and Shaskasaki. Continue.¡±


    Sabisstra nodded. ¡°The ambush went as planned. The Redeemer went straight for the Outsider and separated him from the rest of his group, however Frost¡¯s companions proved to be much more formidable than we had anticipated.¡±


    ¡°And the status of The Redeemer?¡± Svaarzhul asked.


    ¡°Dead.¡± Sabisstra shook her head.


    ¡°Unfortunate.¡± Grine sighed. ¡°I intended to harvest him the moment he outlived his usefulness. Ideal Ogar samples are hard for me to come by these days...¡±


    At that, Sabisstra laughed, reaching into one of the pouches on her armour, producing a vial and casually tossing it Grine¡¯s way.


    ¡°My thanks.¡± Grine smirked, examining the vial of preserving liquid keeping the fat, severed finger within reasonably intact. ¡°You have no idea how many samples I have been offered on the Shadow Market that turn out to be fake.¡±


    ¡°I can imagine.¡± Sabisstra snorted in amusement. ¡°Regardless, though our targets gave us the slip, we expected them to return soon. Most of the trash that were there during the ambush left to aid their fallen comrades or just through sheer cowardice, so we put a notice out among the public bounty networks that Frost would soon be there.¡±


    ¡°Getting others to do the dirty work?¡± Svaarzhul hissed in amusement. ¡°As a ¡®Plan B¡¯ it¡¯s unreliable, but considering your losses it was a good call.¡±


    ¡°Then what happened?¡± Kull snarled.


    ¡°A large group arrived via the wilderness and began indiscriminately killing anyone they saw.¡± Sabisstra gave a deep sigh. ¡°They were highly formidable, laying waste to the town before taking several of the boats and exiting along the river. We weren¡¯t foolish enough to follow. From what we saw, they had extensive weaponry and were heavily modified with cybernetics - I don¡¯t even think they suffered losses during the attack.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Grine noted. ¡°Could they have been following the Outsider?¡±


    ¡°Possibly,¡± Sabisstra agreed.


    ¡°I can confirm the Outsider and his group still live as they¡¯ve been attending school,¡± Kull noted.


    ¡°A shame.¡± Svaarzhul sighed. ¡°I fed The Redeemer that list of names with the hope that he¡¯d remove a few of them.¡±


    ¡°That was you?!¡± Sabisstra exclaimed.


    ¡°Oh yes¡­¡± The Nirah chuckled darkly. ¡°The Court wanted several of the names dead and I took the liberty of adding a few more.¡±


    ¡°That was reckless.¡± Kull snorted.


    ¡°True, but as we cannot act openly against our problems, we may as well utilise others to do so,¡± Grine pointed out. ¡°The Paladin the Temple of Hope has assigned to lead the manhunt after me is particularly powerful. And Devil¡¯s Daughter has forced me to relocate more than once-¡±


    Suddenly, the sound of an alarm blared out, and Grine snapped his head around in confusion, looking towards one of his assistants that had rushed to a nearby console. The complex quickly came to life with movement as assistants and guards began running around. One of the doors to the side of the room burst open as Sabisstra¡¯s Regulators quickly joined them.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Zethrik asked, the short Korrigan looking around the chamber in concern.


    ¡°That¡¯s a proximity alarm!¡± Kull snarled, looking to one of the technicians who was monitoring the cameras. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± The technician exclaimed, tapping on some keys as they tried to find an alternate angle. ¡°I¡¯ve lost visual!¡±


    ¡°How is that possible?¡± The warrior asked with a snarl before he furiously looked to Sabisstra. ¡°None should know we¡¯re here. You must have been followed!¡±


    ¡°Regardless¡­¡± Svaarzhul interrupted them all, raising his voice before any arguments ensued. ¡°We have a problem. Let¡¯s find out who it is first. If they¡¯re mercenaries, the fact that they¡¯ve been able to locate us means we should try and recruit them before resorting to killing them.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Unlikely,¡± Kull growled before calling out into the room. ¡°Alpha Team, on me! We¡¯ll reinforce our eyes above and get ready for a fight!¡±


    Several of the silent guards quickly formed up on Kull, who wasted no time in scanning his palm, quickly exiting the bunker to take up ambush positions.


    ¡°You!¡± Grine hissed at one of the assistants. ¡°Get a drone up there!¡±


    The assistant did nothing, looking to its creator in what must have been its expression of confusion.


    ¡°Looks like you built this one simple,¡± Sabisstra grunted. ¡°Zethrik, do as he says, find out who it is!¡±


    ¡°Yes Lictor!¡± Zethrik obeyed, getting to the controls and quickly manning the drone. Looking at the monitor, the camera feed showed the top of one of the surrounding buildings, and Zethrik quickly piloted the drone to fly a safe distance above several rapidly approaching figures.


    ¡°They¡¯ve already taken out some of the cameras - it¡¯s safe to assume they know we¡¯re here. Who the hell are these guys?¡± Svaarzhul asked, noting the clunky but purposeful steps of the clear vanguard, with several others in tattered rags behind them.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Grine snarled. ¡°If they¡¯ve tracked me to this area, they get one chance to stand down and cooperate with us. Otherwise we¡¯ll destroy them! We can¡¯t risk them getting away!¡±


    He moved over to the microphone on the desk and activated the drone¡¯s speakers.


    ¡°Whoever you are, you are to be commended for finding me.¡± Grine sneered at the unknown group. ¡°Surrender and identify yourselves, or be eliminated.¡±


    The lead figure halted and stared up at the drone with a pair of glowing crimson cybernetic eyes. Now having a clear picture, they saw that the figure was an intimidating looking being with clumped, oily black fur. Their terrifying cybernetics were extensive, and their bolted, razor-sharp maw twisted into a mocking smirk.


    ¡°Come and try it, vermin! Kack!¡± The figure coughed out a harsh laugh as twin gatling blasters spooled up on each of his wrists, before turning the drone to smithereens.


    ¡°Good!¡± Kull growled over comms. ¡°I''ve been waiting for a good scrap!¡±


    ¡°Be careful!¡± Slarah warned. ¡°I recognise that one! He''s one of the ones that attacked Cypherport!¡±


    ¡°Who is he?¡± Grine asked nobody in particular, hoping for some kind of answer.


    ¡°We don''t know who they are!¡± Sabisstra answered. ¡°But they didn¡¯t hesitate to slaughter anyone they came across! Like I told you we slipped away in the chaos and observed remotely.¡±


    ¡°Then I propose we get acquainted.¡± Svaarzhul chuckled, before casting a spell.


    Outside the perimeter of the base, Skitterdeath roared out to his elite squad of Cyberzombies, Dread Beasts and Silencers. He knew not who this group was, but they had information on the Outsider, and in the name of The Destroyer he would get it.


    He growled in eager anticipation as his cybernetic eyes viewed many shapes moving in the distance¡­


    ¡°Kill them all! Kack!¡±

 Chapter 151: Clash Of Killers

    ¡°Hold here and prepare to assist in a secondary capacity.¡± Sabisstra coldly ordered her Regulators who was staring with wide eyes at the sight of Dr Grine in the flesh. ¡°I need not remind you that you are under oath to hold your tongue when we deal with these interlopers.¡±


    ¡°Understood Ma¡¯am,¡± Slarah answered before any of the other Regulators could speak up. ¡°You all heard the Lictor! Zethrik, maintain overwatch with the remaining drones! Vexar, set up a defense on the main door and get ready to hold the line! Everyone else, assist Dr Grine¡¯s staff!¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am!¡± Several of the Regulators saluted and immediately carried out their duty, while others hesitated and slowly meandered about. Sabisstra made note of those names for later¡­


    The Order of the Infernal Harmony had already been purged of much of their weakness. There was always the opportunity to cut more out before the rebuilding began¡­


    ¡°Lictor, what do we do?¡± Slarah asked her once the two of them were alone.


    ¡°This¡¯ll be a tough fight,¡± Sabisstra admitted stoically. ¡°Though we are hardly weak ourselves. Grine!¡± She called out. ¡°Do you have a way out if we need it?¡±


    ¡°Kull and the others are using the secret tunnels to position themselves,¡± Grine called back as he typed something on a console on the other side of the room, causing a canister on the nearby desk to open and hiss in a puff of smoke. ¡°If we can¡¯t use them, we still have other options. But I have no desire to abandon this place unless I have to!¡±


    ¡°Then we fight.¡± Slarah grimly nodded.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Sabisstra nodded as she kept her eyes on the rest of her Order as they carried out their orders. ¡°Somehow they followed us, and I don¡¯t like it. Say what you will about our combat effectiveness, but I personally vetted everybody for loyalty. There¡¯s no traitor among our ranks that I can¡¯t detect.¡±


    ¡°Then they clearly resorted to other methods.¡± Slarah allowed a rare sigh, wincing as the motion caused her facial wounds to flare up once again. ¡°Regardless, they are here. Lictor, what exactly is going on? It is clear that The Redeemer was a false patron, but I don¡¯t understand the details.¡±


    ¡°You will soon enough. I had planned to induct you and several of the others into the Court myself as part of our next wave of expansion,¡± Sabisstra admitted. ¡°Now, it¡¯s just you. The others will be mind-wiped for operational security until I deem them worthy enough of the honour. Even if they won¡¯t talk freely, they can still be compromised.¡±


    ¡°You honour me, Lictor.¡± Slarah bowed her head in respect, before she began casting.


    ¡°Kull, what is your status?¡± Grine hissed into his comms as he rushed to a terminal in front of one of the medical pods, examining the data for the moment before engaging the unlock.


    ¡°They¡¯re approaching slowly,¡± the Xarak growled. ¡°We¡¯re in position and ready to engage. Some of them are fanning out, but the main body is heading right towards you.¡±


    ¡°Any idea how? We should be hidden!¡± The doctor cursed.


    ¡°Svaarzhul knows what he¡¯s doing, it can¡¯t be anything magical.¡± Kull snarled.


    ¡°It¡¯s likely the Regulators were followed here unknowingly.¡± Svaarzhul sighed. ¡°Probably via some sort of tech. I knew this was a poor choice of rendezvous.¡±


    ¡°No matter,¡± Grine curtly retorted as he took a step back and observed his handiwork. ¡°It will be a perfect opportunity to conduct some tests!


    The pod hissed loudly as pressurized gas escaped from its seals, filling the air with a noxious mist that stank of chemicals and decay. The reinforced glass frosted over, obscuring the monstrous shape within. A series of heavy metallic clunks echoed as the locks disengaged one by one.


    Sabisstra strode over curiously, her spiked chain coiled around her armoured wrist as she glanced toward the stasis pod with disdain. ¡°Grine, if this is another one of your unstable disasters¡­¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t unstable,¡± Grine snapped back angrily, before his voice dripped with a rare hint of arrogant pride. ¡°This work is merely a fraction of my genius!¡±


    Slarah, stationed near the doorway, tightened her grip on her staff, her sharp eyes narrowing as the temperature seemed to drop. ¡°Whatever that thing is, make sure it doesn¡¯t turn on us.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it won¡¯t...¡± Grine chuckled darkly as he made sure to challengingly lock eyes with each of them. ¡°Not unless I tell it to¡­¡±


    The final lock disengaged with a deafening clang, and the pod¡¯s glass door swung outward with a groan. A massive hammer-like hand shot out, gripping the edge of the pod and leaving deep gouges in the reinforced metal.


    The creature within stepped forward, its form monstrous and grotesque. It stood nearly seven feet tall, its heavily muscled body covered in pale, veiny flesh with clear signs of invasive surgery and fleshwarping. Its elongated skull was crowned with jagged spines, and its eyes glowed with a sickly green light. Its chest pulsed with an eerie, rhythmic glow, as though a reactor powered its mutated heart. Tubes of chemical fluids snaked across its back, feeding into ports embedded in its flesh, which ripped out in a gush of many-coloured fluids as it stood at attention.


    ¡°My close contact with the Outsider gave me¡­insights,¡± Grine coldly announced as he observed several of the other pods opening, revealing other mutated monstrosities, many looking different, some even flawed, but all strong in their own way. ¡°And House Mal¡¯Kar gave me the resources in a trade, including some very interesting Outsider blood samples I¡¯ve utilized in my research, though sadly there was not enough for everything I had planned...¡±


    The creatures turned their glowing eyes toward Grine, who gave a sharp command.


    ¡°Target the invaders,¡± he coldly sneered. ¡°Tear them apart.¡±


    *****


    ¡°Wait for my signal,¡± Kull growled a whisper over comms with a toothy grin. ¡°Let them come. Oh yes Captain, just like old times¡­¡±


    Several of the unknown figures reached a bottleneck in the ruins, a narrow street littered with debris and flanked by crumbling walls. Kull raised his hammer high, and with a sharp, guttural cry, brought it crashing down on a section of the overpass he had been hiding behind.


    With a thunderous roar, the structure collapsed, sending tons of rubble down onto the cultists below. Yells erupted as the debris crushed several in an instant, breaking their advance.


    ¡°Attack now!¡± Kull roared, leaping from the crumbling edge of the overpass. He descended like a meteor, his hammer glowing with green magical energy as he smashed it into the head of the first standing cultist he had aimed for, the woman¡¯s body reduced to bloody ash and shattered metal as the hammer released a mighty concussive blast of energy that knocked several others down from the force.


    ¡°Come!¡± Kull roared out into the darkness with pure battle-fueled glee. ¡°Come and kill me if you can!¡±


    Defenders emerged from hidden positions in the rubble, firing down on the cultists. Energy weapons flared, grenades detonated, and in just a few seconds, the battle began and immediately descended into chaos.


    Kull wasted no time as he moved through the enemy ranks. A cultist charged him with a crackling plasma blade, only for Kull to intercept the swing with his hammer, smashing the man fully in the ribs and sending him flying, his weapon shattering on impact.


    Suddenly there was a loud whining sound as a large, hulking figure launched itself at Kull from the side, narrowly missing his head with the bloody, arm-mounted chainsword they had attacked with. Kull sidestepped with deceptive agility, his eyes widening as he saw the bolted metal plate covering the face of his attacker, and as they turned for another attack, the veteran saw the rest of the gruesome cybernetics of the Cyberzombie as they revved up the chaingun bolted to their other limb.


    ¡°No you don¡¯t!¡± Kull snarled as he used his momentum to close the distance and bring his warhammer up in a devastating uppercut. The cyberzombie¡¯s torso cracked and buckled under the blow, sparks and fluids spraying as it crumpled to one knee, and Kull snarled as he struck again and again, the powerful magic of his hammer keeping the cyberzombie down as it fought to stand up, still alive.


    More cultists closed in, firing wildly as they charged. Kull raised his free hand, activating a personal energy shield that deflected incoming rounds with a ripple of light. He snarled and charged, sweeping his hammer in a wide arc that sent bodies flying like ragdolls.


    ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got!¡± He yelled out in a challenge, standing atop a mound of rubble, his chest heaving as he surveyed the carnage. Around him lay the broken remains of several of the intruders, and Kull spat in disgust at spotting the symbol of the burning skull on one of the bodies, illuminated by the glow of his warhammer, along with the blood and oil staining the ground.


    A single shot rang out.


    The bullet struck Kull¡¯s shoulder plate, piercing the edge of his armor and grazing his scaled flesh. Barely feeling the hit, he snarled and turned his gaze upward, scanning the jagged rooftops for the source.


    On a crumbled building overlooking the battlefield, he spotted a pale figure with long, silvery hair perched with a sniper rifle in hand. The Wight¡¯s gaunt face grinned widely, skin stretching taught over her angular bones as her eyes gleamed with an eerie yellow light.


    ¡°You look like you¡¯re having fun!¡± The Trickster called out, her voice laced with mockery. ¡°I like to have fun too! It¡¯s a rush I¡¯ll never get bored of! I feel alive again! COME ON!¡±


    Kull roared in rage at the mockery and leapt from his position, charging across the battlefield with terrifying speed for his size that surprised the cocky Trickster. She fired again, her well-honed reflexes allowing her to land a clean, accurate shot, The high-powered round struck Kull¡¯s knee, denting his armor and causing him to stumble mid-stride.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°You¡¯ll need more than that to stop me, corpse!¡± Kull bellowed, his eyes narrowing as he pressed forward. ¡°Oh yes, Captain! Yes she will!¡±


    ¡°Fine by me!¡± The Trickster cackled as she fired again, though Kull dodged this time as he closed the distance. ¡°You aren¡¯t doing anything down there!¡±


    Kull grinned, showing his sharp reptilian teeth, a motion that made the Trickster stop for a moment, before Kull used his momentum and threw the hammer as hard as he could straight towards the Wight. The hammer flew much faster and higher than the Trickster predicted, and it was only through her long unlife of experience that she dodged at the last moment.


    ¡°Missed!¡± She mocked. ¡°You- OH FUCK!¡± She lept back as suddenly, Kull blinked up the roof, his hand firmly around the haft of the hammer, which he pulled out of the wall before he followed through with another swipe.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be over in one good hit!¡± Kull snarled as he refused to let up. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter if you have a phylactery to bring you back! I¡¯ll kill you again and again so hard your remains won¡¯t even be worth skullfucking! Oh yes Captain, yes I will¡­¡±


    The Trickster slung her rifle over her shoulder and swiftly drew a pair of finely crafted heavy pistols, no longer cocky, keeping her distance as she peppered Kull with rapid fire. Bullets struck his armour and ricocheted off his energy shield, though if any of them did any damage, Kull didn¡¯t show it. The Trickster spun and ducked low to avoid a hammer blow, but cursed as she was forced to leap back to avoid a backswing that came far more quickly than she thought possible. The weapon clipped her, sending her sprawling across the debris-strewn rooftop.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Kull snarled. ¡°I thought you lived for this? Well. Not for long¡­¡±


    The Trickster smirked, as a buzzing sound rang out from behind Kull, who just about spotted the drone zooming towards them before it smashed into the ground between them and exploded.


    The force of the shockwave rocked the battlefield, sending both combatants sprawling in opposite directions along the roof.


    The Trickster recovered first, her supernatural agility allowing her to roll to her feet. She spat a curse and glanced at Kull, who was shaking off the debris and readying himself for another charge.


    ¡°Sorry, big guy,¡± she called out, backing into the shadows, cackling as she fled. ¡°Another time, perhaps.¡±


    Kull stood amidst the dissipating dust, his hammer still glowing with residual energy. His snarl deepened as he scanned the ruined streets, but there was no sign of The Trickster.


    ¡°Coward¡­¡± he muttered, planting his hammer against the ground.


    *****


    ¡°Pathetic! Kack!¡± Skitterdeath snarled as he shrugged off the torrent of plasma rounds sent his way. With a guttural growl, he levelled his twin gattling blasters and unleashed a barrage of fire that easily churned the concrete cover the mercenaries were hiding behind, obliterating the hiding soldiers moments later.


    One brave warrior charged Skitterdeath from above with a vibro-spear in an attempt to disrupt his cybernetics, but Skitterdeath lashed out, snapping it in half with barely a flick of one of his lightning claws before stabbing the defender fully in the torso with the other, lifting him effortlessly before slamming him into the nearest wall with bone-shattering force.


    ¡°Zax! Where are they coming from? Kack!¡± Skitterdeath hissed.


    ¡°Subtle signs of power draw from underneath the large structure ahead!¡± An excitable voice chittered as the young face of a Lizta with pure-white fur, red eyes and a notched ear showed up on his HUD. ¡°Matches the location my drones tracked those Regulators to! I mean hell, these guys were really well hidden, but it¡¯s a good thing I¡¯m a super awesome hacker that-¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Kack!¡± Skitterdeath snarled at the motormouth. ¡°They must be using a tunnel network. Find the entryways and mark them!¡±


    ¡°Sorry! On it!¡± Zax quickly responded as they focused on piloting their legion of drones, marking targets for the cyberzombies.


    Ahead, a barricade of rubble blocked Skitterdeath¡¯s path, manned by several defenders who didn¡¯t hesitate to send a volley of missiles streaking towards him. With surprising agility, he sidestepped one missile and simply swatted another aside with one of his claws, the resulting explosion barely slowing him down as he charged the barricade and lept, his massive frame crashing down on a soldier that failed to move in time, who he quickly dispatched with a point-blank volley of plasma-fire that bisected them from the head down. The defenders scattered, scrambling to regroup, but Skitterdeath was already upon them.


    He lunged, slashing with his lightning claws, the energized blades cutting through steel and flesh alike as they dripped with blood and oil alike. Sparks and gore flew as he cleaved through a hastily-placed turret, bisecting the operator behind it in the same motion.


    Another mercenary armed with a shoulder-mounted plasma cannon fired point-blank. The shot struck Skitterdeath square in the chest, sending a pulse of energy rippling across his armour. He staggered back a single step before snarling and charging forward, his blasters ripping the man apart in mere seconds.


    Suddenly, the wall to his left exploded outward with a deafening roar, sending chunks of concrete and rebar flying in all directions as something smashed through with a loud, high-pitched scream, its massive fist swinging like a wrecking ball. The blow connected with a thunderous crack, sending Skitterdeath to smash into the side of a nearby crumbling building, shattering the wall on impact and causing a cascade of debris to drop down and bury him.


    For a moment, all was still.


    Then the next moment, dust and debris suddenly exploded into the air as Skitterdeath burst out roaring in eager rage. ¡°Finally, something worth killing! Kack!¡±


    The creature roared and charged again, but this time, Skitterdeath was ready. He sidestepped the creature¡¯s swing with supernatural speed as his claws sliced into its side, causing it to convulse violently as it staggered past him.


    The mutant retaliated with a desperate back swipe of its massive arm, but Skitterdeath ducked low, before slamming both claws upward into the creature¡¯s torso, pumping it full of electricity. The creature howled in pain as its flesh quickly began to boil and blacken, but before Skitterdeath could finish it, something big and fast slammed into him, forcing him to roll and rapidly recover as a second mutant made themselves known, a third following close behind.


    ¡°Come on!¡± Skitterdeath roared, spreading his claws wide in a gesture of challenge. ¡°The Destroyer himself smiles upon me! You are nothing!¡±


    The second mutant closed the gap, its bladed arms slicing through the air with a high-pitched whine. Skitterdeath dodged the initial swipe with uncanny speed, ducking under the razor-sharp arc and countering with a slash that raked across its midsection. The creature retaliated with a roaring backhand swing that caught Skitterdeath in the shoulder, spinning him to the side, but before it could follow up, Skitterdeath twisted and drove one claw upward through the beast¡¯s stomach as he spooled up his gattling blaster, destroying the mutant from the inside out with a quick burst, before backpedalling quickly to avoid a hammer-like fist from the first one.


    Detecting the sound of movement behind him, Skitterdeath quickly jumped at the nearest wall and kicked off of it. He saw the third strange mutant had lobbed something at him, the block of asphalt zipping underneath him as he closed the distance in a blur of motion. He juked the mutant as he got within its guard and tackled it to the ground before plunging both claws into its head, electricity quickly frying its brain before it collapsed, smoke rising from its shattered skull.


    The last one roared and charged, forcing Skitterdeath to brace himself, his claws crackling with energy as he met the creature head-on. The momentum of the impact sent him skidding back, but he held his ground as his claws locked with the mutant¡¯s massive hands, before he suddenly drove his mechanical knee into the creature¡¯s midsection, breaking the grapple and sending it reeling back, not from any pain, but just from the sheer strength of force.


    Advancing forward with a snarl, Skitterdeath launched himself at the mutant, his blasters firing at point-blank range. The bullets tore into the creature¡¯s chest, stopping it from rushing back. He capitalized on the opening, slashing at its knees and bringing it to the ground before he lept onto its back and drove his claws deep into the creature¡¯s spine. With a ferocious roar, he ripped upward with his claws, severing its spinal cord in a spattering of gore.


    ¡°Kack!¡± Skitterdeath coughed as he walked away from the fresh carnage. ¡°Zax. Status?¡±


    ¡°Whatever those weird things are, they¡¯re slowing us down!¡± The Lizta warned. They¡¯ve taken out a bunch of the Cyberzombies and I¡¯m having trouble tracking them! Don¡¯t seem to be many, though!¡±


    ¡°Converge on the target building, make them come to us!¡± He growled. ¡°Take the-¡±


    A sudden rush of air and the faint whistle of a descending object snapped his attention upward, his reflexes kicking in just in time to barely avoid the hammer aimed for his head, grazing off his snout as he stumbled back. His crimson eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on his attacker.


    Master Kull stepped forward with a confident grin. ¡°Enough games.¡± He sneered. ¡°Should have known you¡¯d be a bunch of Destroyer-tards.¡±


    ¡°You insult the Destroyer¡¯s name?! His embrace awaits you, lizard! Kack!¡± Skitterdeath snarled as he extended his lightning claws, aggressive snapping sparks dancing between them.


    Kull smirked, hefting his hammer. ¡°I¡¯ll break you long before that happens, vermin! Oh yes Captain, oh yes we will¡­¡±


    Suddenly the Xarak dashed forward, swinging his hammer as Skitterdeath dogged to the side at the last moment, the weapon narrowly missing his shoulder, before retaliating with a lightning-fast slash of his claws, which was blocked by Kull bringing up his hammer in guard, before swinging again in a low sweep, forcing Skitterdeath to leap over the attack. The movement was almost graceful, but Kull anticipated the dodge and twisted his swing upward, catching Skitterdeath mid-air and sending him hurtling back.


    With a snarl, Skitterdeath recovered quickly and surged forward, firing his gattling blasters at Kull, who raised his hammer like a shield, deflecting most of the shots, but though he was able to cover his face and torso, several burned through his shields and caught him in the sides and legs. Though he had the awareness to block a stab of the lightning claws, he was still knocked off balance as Skitterdeath slammed his shoulder into the reptile, followed up by another devastating claw swipe that caught Kull as he peddled back, dripping blood onto the cracked pavement. He swung his hammer in an arc, forcing Skitterdeath to pull back from his attack, though a backswing caught him in the chest with a mighty crack.


    ¡°You¡¯re strong,¡± Kull rumbled through gritted teeth. ¡°But I¡¯m stronger! Nobody can kill me!¡± Kull roared in a battle cry as he charged.


    ¡°Even gods can die! Kack!¡± Skitterdeath sneered mockingly as he hit the ground running, his twin gattling guns honed in on the Xarak, before he was suddenly sent flying as a beam of shadowstuff blasted him off his feet.


    ¡°Back, beast,¡± Svaarzhul commanded, his voice a calm but menacing hiss.


    Skitterdeath growled as he quickly picked himself up, roaring in frustration as he dug his claws into the ground to stop himself from being pushed further. ¡°Yet more meat to the slaughter? Kack!¡±


    ¡°You should be honoured to die by my hand,¡± Svaarzhul mocked as he settled in a confident stance, flourishing his sword and staff, both looking like they were made of pure shadowstuff with the way they dulled and smoked. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve found a worthy foe to really cut loose on¡­¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Sabisstra called over comms. ¡°We need you to portal us out of here! Grine¡¯s creatures are holding them off but there¡¯s too many of them and we can¡¯t afford the losses! We need to go!¡±


    Svaarzhul hissed in genuine anger, but he agreed with the logic. ¡°Cockblocking bitch, you¡¯re the reason they¡¯re here!¡± He still muttered where only he could hear before he tapped his staff on the ground, whispering a few words under his breath, enveloping him and Kull in dark light for just a moment, before they both disappeared.


    ¡°Nobody escapes the slaughterhouse! Kack!¡± Skitterdeath bellowed, lunging forward, but only scraping air. ¡°Get to the vault entrance! Now!¡± He snarled.


    ¡°We need to grab whatever information they have on the Outsider before they escape!¡± The Trickster warned in a hiss.


    ¡°No problem TrickyWicky!¡± Zax cheerfully chimed in, as the large mechanical drone containing the protective sarcophagus of the techie walked up the road on six legs now the path was clear, quickly convening at the entrance of the building where two cyberzombies were stood aimlessly, unable to get past the fully sealed blast door. ¡°Uh, okay that might be a problem!¡±


    ¡°Out of my way! Kack!¡± Skitterdeath snarled, with only the urgency of their mission staying his claws from tearing the young idiot apart as he strode up to the false wall panel that contained the keypad, not fooled in the slightest by the deception, before plunging his left claw into it, piercing through metal and circuitry with a sickening crunch, sparks flying from the panel as if it were protesting the intrusion.


    A harsh sizzle immediately filled the air as the flesh on his arm began to blacken and smoke, the acrid scent of burning fur and flesh mixing with the ozone tang of fried electronics as Skitterdeath didn¡¯t even flinch. His red eyes narrowed in focus as lines of code crossed his vision, before forcing his will upon it to obey him. He tilted his head, as if listening to the faint hum of the system¡¯s internal workings. Then, with a sudden, forceful jerk of his charred and burned claw, the console let out a tortured screech, as with a low rumble, the blast doors began to slide open¡­

 Chapter 152: Watchers In The Dark

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Grine hummed in mild interest as he viewed the camera feeds, before writing down several notes on a pad he had at hand. ¡°Those particular failures have done well enough, considering the circumstances, but there are many clear improvements to be made for my prime specimens.¡±


    ¡°Fascinating though that may be¡­¡± Sabisstra sneered with sarcasm. ¡°We have far more pressing concerns right now, Grine!¡±


    ¡°Indeed¡­¡± Grine coldly began, but before he could continue his eyes snapped to the centre of the room as Svaarzhul reappeared with Kull in tow.


    Kull¡¯s armour bore fresh scorch marks and clawed gashes from the heavy fighting, and blood dripped from a wound on his side. He carried his war hammer with a heavy grip, his reptilian gaze smouldering with quiet rage as Sabisstra quickly made her way over and cast a healing spell to stop the bleeding.


    ¡°They¡¯re even stronger than they look,¡± Kull growled, his deep voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°It¡¯s the fucking Cult of the Destroyer!¡±


    ¡°Truely?¡± Sabisstra asked doubtfully as she checked the Xarak over, healing his remaining wounds with trivial words of power. ¡°I have not known any of those fanatics to be that heavily armed or armoured, and I¡¯ve encountered many in my travels¡­¡±


    ¡°I speak true,¡± Kull snapped. ¡°Oh yes Captain, yes I do¡­¡±


    ¡°Likely a highly specialised cell,¡± Grine spoke up. ¡°I¡¯ve never encountered them before, but I recognise their work all the same. The Cyberzombies are a clear giveaway. I would almost admire those creatures if they weren¡¯t so crude¡­¡±


    ¡°We can discuss it once we leave,¡± Sabisstra pointed out, before looking to Svaarzhul. ¡°My Regulators have been helping the assistants here prepare Dr Grine¡¯s equipment for transfer, but we need you to create and maintain a portal out of here.¡±


    Svaarzhul bristled at that, as his serpentine eyes betrayed a cold anger simmering beneath the surface.


    ¡°All units withdraw to the inner sanctum and prepare for emergency evacuation.¡± Grine calmly spoke into the comms. ¡°Let the remaining failed specimens hold them off.¡±


    He turned to the others. ¡°This sanctum was lost the moment they arrived; however, it was an eventuality we had well planned for.¡±


    ¡°I have a teleportation circle ready to go,¡± Svaarzhul acknowledged. ¡°I shall begin preparations and summon a portal now.¡±


    ¡°I can assist you,¡± Sarah volunteered, and the Nirah considered her for a moment, before slowly nodding his agreement.


    ¡°This bunker is well protected,¡± Kull acknowledged, speaking up for all to hear. ¡°All the same, be quick and be ready to move.¡±


    The defenders had barely started moving before the lights suddenly  flickered and sparks rained down for a moment, before the backup power kicked in. Grine quickly checked the nearest tank to ensure it hadn¡¯t been compromised, as the loud creaking of blast doors echoed around them.


    ¡°What!?¡± Sabisstra hissed in shock. ¡°Grine!?¡±


    ¡°That was not me.¡± Grine rebutted, his tone calm, though his actions sped up in contradiction to his mood. ¡°They¡¯ve breached this sanctum.¡±


    ¡°Get ready to fight!¡± Kull snarled, limbering his muscles and bringing his hammer up. ¡°There¡¯s a Cyberzombie that talks! That one¡¯s mine!¡±


    ¡°Well, they certainly found their way in earlier than expected¡­¡± Grine said, his voice laced with dark humour as he sped over to a hulking containment pod that hissed ominously in the corner. The glass was frosted, but the vague outline of a massive, monstrous figure loomed inside.


    ¡°Zethrik! Remain on overwatch and deploy whatever countermeasures you can for the drones! Vexar, I¡¯m field-promoting you as a Maralictor!¡± Sabisstra screeched out her orders as she unfurled her spiked chain whip. ¡°We shall redeem ourselves for our failure here and now in the name of our creed!¡±


    ¡°Yes Lictor!¡± Both of them responded.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to play this card so soon, but desperate times beckon,¡± Grine muttered to himself, his pale fingers dancing over the console. The pod rapidly opened with a hiss, releasing a cloud of freezing mist that rolled across the floor as the hulking body dethawed and shabled out of the pod.


    ¡°Time for you to serve your purpose.¡± Grine whispered almost lovingly to the creature, his hand caressing the side of its head, a motion which he ensured nobody else could witness. ¡°Go. Entertain our unwanted guests¡­¡±


    The prototype let out a tortured, guttural roar as it stepped out and thundered forward, compelled to obey its master.


    ¡°Let this one go first,¡± Grine instructed. ¡°I¡¯ve utilized an alchemical combination I want to test.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re under attack and you want to do fucking experiments?¡± Kull snarled at the Doctor.


    ¡°Possessing a bounty like mine makes traditional testing difficult,¡± Grine snapped back coldly. ¡°Having the entire city of Naganai determined to find me hampers my work further.¡±


    ¡°Care to let us know of any other experiments you want to run while you¡¯re at it?¡± Sabisstra hissed at the Doctor between casting several buff spells between them all.


    ¡°One more, as a matter of fact¡­¡± Grine muttered, moving to a laboratory fridge and opening it. Very carefully, he reached in and mixed the contents of several glass vials together, keeping his hands steady before fixing it carefully onto an auto-injector and loading it to the right measurement. Without hesitation, he pressed the injector to the side of his neck and pulled the trigger.


    The reaction was immediate. His veins glowed faintly as the liquid surged through his system, branching out like a web of light beneath his pale, scarred skin. Grine staggered slightly, clutching the console for balance. His pupils constricted into slits and his breathing became quick and shallow, before he felt a wave of heat coursing through his muscles, tendons and bones. The sensation wasn¡¯t painful, not entirely, but was more like the feeling of a coiled spring snapping into place.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Grine whispered to himself, his face betraying a rare smirk, testing his enhanced strength as he gave a casual flick to the desk with a single finger, gouging a deep line into the metal as if it were soft clay. ¡°Quite effective¡­¡±


    ¡°Grine, what the fuck can this thing do?¡± Kull bellowed out over the din of the opening blast doors, as a small robotic creature slipped through the gap and began dashing down the corridor before several bursts of plasma fire from Vexar cut it down. The beast Grine had released was allowed to bypass the defenders as it surged forward, letting out a guttural roar as several Cyberzombies made it through the ever-widening door, charging straight at them.


    ¡°I suggest you maintain your distance¡­¡± Grine answered with a hint of amusement as the creature bellowed even louder, its ever-growing massive bulk barreling down the hallway like a living freight train as it tanked several hits before it reached the cultists, its bulk becoming too cumbersome to move.


    ¡°You¡¯re blocking the tunnel?¡± Sabisstra asked doubtfully.


    ¡°Not quite¡­¡± Grine retorted calmly, as the explosion came a moment later¡­


    The creature¡¯s detonation was deafening, as a shockwave ripped through the corridor back towards them. Walls buckled under the force, sending chunks of concrete and twisted metal raining down along its length, with burning chunks of mutated flesh the only source of illumination around them.


    ¡°Heh, not bad,¡± Kull admitted, as they heard the sounds of movement up ahead as the Cult of the Destroyer moved to clear the wreckage¡­


    *****


    ¡°I¡¯ve created a portal, but something is preventing travel!¡± Svaarzhul snarled in anger as the swirling arcane haze of purple swirled in front of him with no sight of a destination on the other side. ¡°Maintain it while I find out what!¡± He hissed to Slarah, who nodded as she poured her focus into holding it in place.


    Closing his eyes, the Nirah shut down his physical senses and focused on the arcane, astrally projecting as he searched for the source of the blockage, tapping his staff on the ground as he sent out invisible tendrils of the faintest shadow to reach out and probe their surroundings.


    ¡®This¡­should not be possible¡­¡¯  He thought to himself. ¡®Unless¡­¡¯


    He gave new instructions to his tendrils, and soon enough, they discovered the source. Willing his astral form, he transported himself to the Plane of Shadow, where in a circle around them a series of glyphs glowed faintly.


    And then, he saw the figure.


    ¡°Well well¡­This is unexpected.¡± The cloaked form of Lameth communicated from behind the line of glyphs, voice smooth and mocking, sitting idly as they observed the gaze of the Nirah fall on them. ¡°I knew Skitterdeath would discover something by deploying microdrones to follow those Regulators but it seems we¡¯ve stumbled upon something interesting. Who are you, and what is your objective here?¡±


    Svaarzhul ignored them, casting a powerful breaching spell that smashed into the barrier created by the glyphs. Several cracked and dissipated from the force, and he followed quickly with two other attempts. The barrier was weakened significantly but did not break, as Lameth countered by adding more power, a few of the cracked glyphs reforming.


    ¡°This will not stop me,¡± Svaarzhul sneered, breaking several more glyphs.


    ¡°They don¡¯t need to,¡± Lameth mocked. ¡°You will be long overwhelmed before you get to me. Hardly worth using my strongest glyphs for that, especially when I¡¯m just a simple observer.¡±


    ¡°You will have observed little,¡± Svaarzhul retorted. ¡°You can¡¯t bypass my wards, just as I can¡¯t bypass your glyphs.¡±


    ¡°A stalemate,¡± Lameth noted. ¡°One you cannot afford to maintain.¡±


    ¡°But one I can break.¡± Svaarzhul smirked. ¡°I know what you are - the potent use of Glyph Magic makes that obvious to the likes of me. I would have thought the Elemental Plane of Water would be a more comfortable place for you to observe from, beast. We have slain the likes of you before!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I doubt that!¡± Lameth snapped back. ¡°There are none like me!¡±


    ¡°Hide away like the vermin you are!¡± The Nirah sneered. ¡°An Apex Race brought low again and again!¡±


    ¡°You will not goad me into a duel to compromise my position, mageling!¡± Lameth growled dryly, the sound echoing in the blackness of the Shadow Plane. ¡°I am content enough witnessing your demise through the minds of those that will soon destroy you all.¡±


    Svaarzhul considered his options, of which he had several, but he had no intention of tipping his hand just yet...


    ¡°Until we meet again, beast.¡± The Nirah cocked his head, as he raced back to his corporeal form¡­ Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ****


    ¡°He¡¯s returning!¡± Slarah alerted them as she prepared a kinetic barrier to protect the autonomous assistants from loose shots while they were awkwardly arranged around the portal.


    ¡°We can¡¯t escape by our efforts alone!¡± Svaarzhul hissed as his mind returned to reality. ¡°They have something there blocking me with glyphs! I can¡¯t kill them in time! We need to escape by portal, and we need someone on the outside to generate one. Grine, call him. We don¡¯t have a choice.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Grine acknowledged from somewhere amidst the chaos as he zipped back, using his enhanced speed to rush to the comms station. ¡°Hold them off.¡± He called back to the others as he disengaged stealth protocols to send out an emergency signal he and Svaarzhul had prepared when they first came here¡­


    ¡°Funnel them into the tunnel entrance! Slarah! Maintain your kinetic barriers!¡± Sabisstra called out, giving orders as she cast another incantation, scowling as the torture spell had no effect on the leader whatsoever.


    ¡°YES!¡± Skitterdeath yelled out as Sabisstra lashed out with her spiked chain, which wrapped around their claw as she pumped yet more torturous divine magic through the symbol of her god. ¡°MORE! GIVE ME MORE!¡±


    Snarling, Sabisstra pulled back and whipped again, the magic of the chain actually tripping a nearby Cyberzombie as Skitterdeath jumped above it just as one would a skipping rope, catching the backswing on his lightning claws before charging them full of electricity, sending a devastating electric shock along the metal that caused Sabisstra to involuntarily hiss.


    Suddenly, Skitterdeath was hit from behind, loosening his grip on the chain as Sabisstra fell back to be grabbed by Kull, who pulled her back.


    ¡°Your methods are unusual, but effective,¡± Dr Grine noted, having been the one to strike. ¡°I do not know how a Cyberzombie like you is capable of speech, but your autopsy will provide me with much insight¡­¡±


    Suddenly, Dr Grine darted straight towards Skitterdeath like a rocket, juking to the side as they slashed out at him with their claws, barely missing Grine despite his enhanced speed. The doctor stabbed at them with a knife of bone, which broke off ineffectively against a metal plate, forcing Grine to change tactics as he lashed out with a fist that dented the metal, before he dodged back to avoid a counter swipe that crashed into a console behind him, obliterating it in a shower of sparks.


    Suddenly, the air behind Svaarzhul shimmered as the dark, swirling portal behind him stabilised, finally forming their escape route.


    ¡°The portal!¡± Svaarzhul shouted out. ¡°It¡¯s open, move now!¡±


    ¡°Go!¡± Kull yelled, breaking off and dashing through the portal, scooping up the wounded Sabisstra as he did so. Svaarzhul covered him, before quickly following to allow the remainder to run for their lives. Slarah maintained her barriers to allow many to flee before she was forced to withdraw.


    ¡°Initiate Cleanse Protocol!¡± Grine calmly called out to the voice recognition, wasting no time in disengaging and dodging away from Skitterdeath, taking a mental note of his losses before escaping through the portal himself.


    ¡°NO ESCAPE!¡± Skitterdeath roared out in anger as he cut down a fleeing Regulator, spotting a few remaining stragglers before he mowed them down as he dashed towards the portal to give chase and finish the cowards off...


    Until something smacked him hard in the chest, shooting him back to smack against the far wall.


    Skitterdeath landed on his feet, and snarled.


    From the depths of the newly connected portal, a lone figure stepped forward with blood-red lips curled into an unnatural slasher smile of razor teeth. Wearing a patchwork suit of garish, clashing colours and exaggerated makeup, there was only one person it could be.


    The Killer Klown.


    ¡°A beast so fierce with claws to see! Perhaps you¡¯d like to play with me?¡± The Killer Klown cackled as they pointed their umbrella at Skitterdeath in a mocking challenge.


    ¡°Your ass is mine alone, Klown! Kack!¡± Skitterdeath immediately roared, unleashing a hail of fire from his twin blasters which tore the lab around them, shattering consoles and sending sparks flying. Reacting quicker than his form would suggest, the Killer Klown blinked to a nearby pile of ribble as a pie materialised in his hand, hurling it at Skitterdeath. His blasters tore it apart, and it detonated midair in a burst of blinding light.


    ¡°Well done, you shot my pie!¡± The Killer Klown mocked as his grin turned vicious. ¡°But I expect far more, before you die¡­¡±


    ¡°You shall have it! Kack!¡± Skitterdeath snarled as they spooled up their gatling blasters and unleashed everything they had towards the Killer Klown, who responded by quickly extending their umbrella into a shield, tanking the bullets as the umbrella spun with the force of the plasma fire. The Killer Klown released a balloon they had blown up, which zipped around the lab before smacking straight into Skitterdeath, the blast sending him skidding back, but not knocking him down, and the Killer Klown¡¯s mocking smile turned into a snarl at seeing Skitterdeath remain standing after having tanked the powerful explosion.


    ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡± Skitterdeath mocked, his forces ready to engage by his order, holding back only by his command.


    In response, the Killer Klown summoned a comically oversized mallet, which he swung with surprising speed, Skitterdeath barely dodging in time before retaliating with a brutal charge, his claws raking the air as he aimed for the Killer Klown¡¯s throat. For a moment, it seemed he had the upper hand, but the Klown twisted unnaturally, bending like a marionette to avoid the deadly strike before swinging the mallet again, this time connecting with Skitterdeath directly, knocking him back with full force, before he leapt back to his feet.


    The Killer Klown blinked again back to the portal, as the swirling mana began to expire. ¡°So sorry, I¡¯ve got places to be, but I¡¯ll be back¡­you¡¯ll see!¡± He grinned challengingly, before closing the portal behind him.


    ¡°NO!¡± Skitterdeath snarled as he looked around at the trashed lab. Zax would pull what he could, they¡¯d taken few losses and the intact bodies could be¡­repurposed. Yet despite the fact that they had decisively won the engagement, this victory felt¡­hollow.


    Unfulfilling.


    Unsatisfactory.


    They had achieved very little of strategic value, and though it had been a good fight, too many escaped.


    Unacceptable.


    ¡°KACK!¡± Skitterdeath coughed in rage, spooling up his blasters once again. ¡°KACK!¡± He yelled as he unleashed hell on the neared wall, churning up the metal as he did so. ¡°KACK! KACK! KACKACKACKACK!¡±


    *****


    Far away, nestled at the very edge of Naganai¡¯s sprawling borders, a squad of militia men and women were bored out of their minds.


    The district checkpoint they were manning sat at the very edge of the Cariggar Retail Park, a once thriving commercial hub named after some Shaskasaki family member¡¯s retainer from long ago that lay right on the edge of the city, where urban sprawl met the wilderness beyond. Boarded-up storefronts with faded, peeling signs lined the cracked streets, their windows covered in graffiti. A few lampposts still flickered, casting uneven pools of light over the empty vehicle bays dotted with weeds pushing through the asphalt.


    The checkpoint itself was little more than a ramshackle installation at the wilderness gate that barely anybody used, tucked away along the vast district wall behind the remnants of an abandoned electronics store and a derelict fast-food restaurant that Shaskasaki had yet to liquidate, being as focused as they were on their current corporate war against Corvin Enterprises


    Still, the company owned the district, so they¡¯d need worthless wage-slaves whipped enough to work in shitty conditions to guard it.


    Along the wall, a narrow watchtower with a rusted ladder offered a vantage point overlooking the wilderness, though this was rarely used, as successive shifts of guards stationed here considered the wilderness outside to be no more than an expanse of boring trees that not even the most eccentric of hikers would bother checking out for the sights.


    Still, it saw use tonight, though not exactly for a company-related purpose¡­


    The shadowy form of a Xarak stood at the top, barely visible in his jerking motions in the shadows created by the lone burning barrel the guards had scraped together for themselves, the company not seeing fit to provide them with adequate warm clothing or heaters, instead forcing the guards to scavenge for themselves or risk dying of exposure. Laughing as he heard chuckles below, he finished the motion with a heavy pant of exhaustion, grabbing onto the rail with one hand as the short spurt of liquid hit the fallen, crunchy leaves below¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re a dirty man, Wanug!¡± Spathu called down from the heat of the brazier, causing Wanug to laugh as he pulled his trousers back up, feeling immediately better as he quickly climbed back down the rusted ladder to where it was warm.


    ¡°Might as well take advantage of the ¡®company perks¡¯ in this shithole!¡± Wanug retorted as his feet hit the ground. ¡°Fuck I hate it here¡­¡±


    ¡°Wow, really, Wanug?¡± Zana, their third companion, asked sarcastically. ¡°I thought you were joking the first few thousand times you¡¯ve said that shit. It could be worse¡­¡±


    ¡°What? Actually being able to fight Corvin and earn bonuses doing it?¡± Wanug asked grumpily. ¡°Gee that sounds fucking awful!¡±


    ¡°Corvin Enterprises are kicking our asses and they¡¯re not even taking it seriously!¡± Spathu snorted. ¡°The only bonus you¡¯d get is a free cremation thanks to Corvin plasma fire, though maybe you¡¯ll be lucky enough to feature on TV if Cecily Corvin gets you!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s overrated! Just get in close and snap the little bitches neck!¡± Wanug snorted. ¡°I do that and I¡¯m rolling in millions!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a dumbass, Wanug.¡± Zana shook her head. ¡°No wonder you got turned down five times for the Ronin Program, you need to actually have a brain!¡±


    ¡°No, you need to know how to fight!¡± Wanug growled, stung by the comment. ¡°Can¡¯t prove I can if I¡¯m stuck here as a mall-cop babysitting the fucking trees!¡±


    ¡°If it makes you feel any better, there¡¯ll be plenty of gaps in the military after the war ends.¡± Spathu shrugged. ¡°Maybe you can get a spot as a basic patrolman or something. Might pay a few credits more, and you get some better gear out of it.¡±


    ¡°Nah I don¡¯t want to be some shitty patrolman¡­¡± Wanug snarled. ¡°Ronin for me!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta justify the investment for all that cyberware.¡± Zana shrugged. ¡°Though I¡¯ve heard the Shogunate Council are greenlighting some¡­other things.¡±


    ¡°Shit, if it¡¯s what I think it is, I¡¯d stay away from that shit,¡± Spathu warned, the Xarak reaching into his pocket and pulling out a prepared joint of dubious contents.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Wanug asked. ¡°If it means I can actually get ahead, I¡¯ll do it!¡±


    ¡°You do you.¡± Zana shrugged with a smirk. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be a bitch about it. Maybe you can go play Soggy Biscuit with the South Checkpoint crew if it¡¯ll make you feel better¡­¡±


    ¡°Fuck you!¡± Wanug growled. ¡°I actually want to get ahead and rise to the top! You want to be covering this shit forever?¡±


    ¡°Course not.¡± Zana snorted. ¡°I¡¯m doing a term of security to pad out my resume before I apply for a supervisor position in one of the warehouses. If I show I have prior experience in security, that¡¯ll work in my favour. What about you, Spathu?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t care.¡± Spathu shrugged. ¡°A wage is a wage and I¡¯m too old to be bothered. Maybe if I get fired, I¡¯ll sign up with Commander Cocaine and loot what I can during their raids for a nice retirement!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s one way to do it!¡± Wanug snorted as the three guards laughed at that, as they all poured themselves a cup of steaming hot liquid from the kettle they¡¯d had lying in the fire.


    ¡°Think this soykaff is older than we are,¡± Muttered Zana, swirling the contents of her chipped mug, the Vivren idly scrolling through her commlink as she did.


    ¡°Better than drinking from one of the taps here,¡± Spathu quipped, sitting on the floor cross legged next to the fire. ¡°You¡¯d glow in the fucking dark.¡±


    ¡°At least it¡¯d make our jobs easier,¡± Wanug joked, reaching behind his ear for the piece of chewing gum he¡¯d been chewing on for several weeks, before something gave him pause.


    At first it was subtle, just the chilling wind stirring through the dilapidated buildings, but Wanug swore he¡¯d heard something else. Like faint whispering, almost like words, but far too indistinct to make out.


    ¡°Hey, you hear this shit?¡± He asked, setting his mug on the cold asphalt for the moment.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Spathu whispered back. ¡°It sounds like¡­¡± His face suddenly scrunched up in concentration as he let rip a wet fart.


    ¡°That fucking stinks!¡± Zara cursed as she backed away while the veteran guard laughed.


    ¡°Hey, I was serious.¡± Wanug told them. ¡°Like voices or something.¡±


    Before either of the others could respond, there was a sharp metallic *CLANG* from the direction of the watchtower. Wanug shot back in alarm, his gum falling out of his mouth as he swore the whispering got louder.


    ¡°What the fuck was that?¡± Zana hissed.


    ¡°Probably something else in this dump going to shit.¡± Spathu shrugged. ¡°Relax¡±


    Another noise followed, and they clearly heard a strange sound, almost like some kind of childish laughter from nearby.


    ¡°That¡¯s not normal,¡± Zara whispered, her voice anxious.


    ¡°Split up and check it out,¡± Spathu said gruffly as he unholstered his gun. ¡°Standard sweep. Nothing we haven¡¯t done a thousand times before. Wanug, get back up that tower and see if it¡¯s from outside, Zara, check left, I¡¯ll go right.¡±


    The guards did so, splitting up as instructed. Wanug shot up the tower as quick as he could, quickly reaching the top and breathing heavily with exertion. His unease grew as he scanned the surrounding area from the platform. The retail wasteland stretched into the distance, a mix of decaying concrete and patchy wilderness illuminated by the faint glow of the city far beyond.


    Then he saw them.


    Flickering lights, like small ghostly orbs danced in the woods just beyond in the wilderness, bobbing and weaving as though they had minds of their own. Wanug froze, gripping the railing tightly as the lights pulsed alluringly, drawing his focus like moths to a flame.


    ¡°What the fuck¡­¡± he muttered, rubbing his eyes as he forgot for just a moment what he was doing. But the lights remained, their hypnotic dance continuing.


    And then he heard it.


    A faint cackling. Low, malevolent, and raspy, like dry branches scraping together in the wind - but it sounded close. Far too close.


    Wanug spun around, his flashlight sweeping over the ground below. ¡°Zara? Spathu?¡± He called out, his voice cracking slightly, but he received no response.


    ¡°I swear you¡¯d better not be fucking with me!¡± He shouted, panic rising in his voice as he heard mocking laughter from all around him. ¡°Fuck this!¡± He yelled in a panic, descending down the ladder quickly, stumbling the last few steps as he dashed towards their group comm unit back at their fire.


    ¡°...wait¡­¡±


    Wanug¡¯s head snapped around as the beam of his light landed on a figure emerging from the left, half-shrouded in darkness. At first it resembled Zara, but the figure¡¯s movements were wrong, Wanug realised, as they jerked unnaturally forward in a dead sprint towards him.


    Wanug didn¡¯t even have time to scream, and the last thing he saw was a pair of evil red eyes¡­.


    The creatures convened back at the fire with their newly subsumed forms, their sick game of toying with the prey ending as quickly as it began. As one, they looked towards the city in the distance, the echo of fungal spores stirring somewhere far beyond the horizon. Whether the infected one had succumbed to his disease or not did not matter.


    It had led them here.


    They all looked to each other silently for just a moment, before fanning out and scattering, moving silently and blending seamlessly into the night as they disappeared into the depths of the city¡­

 Chapter 153: A Normal Schoolday

    ¡°Ah, now this is what I like to see!¡± Mr Bazil exclaimed as he leaned down to inspect the spider-bot. ¡°I see you¡¯ve made many improvements!¡±


    The workshop hummed with activity as the students across the Industrial Vocation class worked to put the finishing touches on their various projects before they¡¯d need to hand them in at the end of this lesson. The room stank of soldered metal and fresh oil, and the sound of whirring gears and hissing hydraulics provided the soundtrack.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Jack grinned. ¡°We were able to redesign it with a lighter material to help with the ability to climb. We also committed not to go with plungers or a sticky substance, since the aim of this thing is to be stealthy and those things are detectable, but we were finally able to replicate the tiny hairs spiders from my home use to climb walls using some materials we got a while back.¡±


    ¡®Thank you Uncle Bhenn¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself, remembering the ¡®space wool¡¯ they had gotten as part of their payment for helping the rancher out all those weeks ago. Attempting to carefully glue the hairs to the legs had been tedious work for what was only a hypothetical, but they had bribed Alora into using her skills with Life Magic to manipulate the hairs to work the way they wanted.


    Somehow.


    ¡°Yes Sir, we tried to get a hold of a paramagnetic metallic compound to replicate the effect of the tiny hairs, but we couldn¡¯t get one to work the way we wanted,¡± Nika added as the teacher picked the bot up to give it a closer look. ¡°The idea was to run a current through it while it was in a mutable state to produce the hairs, but it didn¡¯t work out in time.¡±


    Though Jack didn¡¯t fully understand how they had made it to this point, the final design was sleek and well-optimised, with them having spent several weeks perfecting the design in their classes and as part of their homework. They had already confirmed the spider-bot could carry some weight now that much of the bulk had been filed off the chassis, which Sephy told them she could make use of to fix a camera or other sensors onto to use for surveillance on a job, or to transport a small enough package.


    Mr Bazil had been making his rounds, mostly to assist those pairs that had barely made anything in the final lesson before they went on holiday, but he still had time to check up on them, likely to soothe his patience after he moved from an assigned pair that had come up with a robot that barely shared the function of a brick.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s certainly worked out for you!¡± Mr Bazil chuckled. ¡°I see nothing bad at first glance, but I¡¯ll be putting it through its paces over the break, and that will give you the grade for this semester! It¡¯s a shame your original idea didn¡¯t pan out, but your alternative is most ingenious! I can¡¯t wait to see what you¡¯ll end up doing next semester!¡±


    ¡°What will we need to make then?¡± Jack asked curiously.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to find out when you get back after the break!¡± The teacher grinned as he moved away to another team. ¡°Can¡¯t have you preparing things in advance!¡±


    ¡°Well, at least that means no homework tonight!¡± Nika chuckled to Jack once they were left alone.


    ¡°No complaints here!¡± Jack laughed back. ¡°But this is still just the first lesson of the day, so I¡¯m not holding out much hope for the rest of our classes! I¡¯ve got Biology, Species and Culture, Physics and Galactic Citizenship to go, so I¡¯m definitely getting it for the sciences at least!¡±


    ¡°Still, the overall workload isn¡¯t gonna be nearly as bad.¡± The Kizun shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m glad we¡¯ve done well on this¡­spy-da thingy.¡±


    ¡°Spider-bot, spider-bot, does whatever a spider-bot does!¡± Jack whispered the tune under his breath. ¡°Can it swing, from a web? No it can¡¯t, cause it¡¯s a bot, look ooooout! Here comes the spider-bot!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Nika snorted in amusement.


    ¡°Never mind.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°Earth thing!¡±


    After handing in the bot at the end of class, Biology was next, and their good mood was quickly evaporated by the sheer boredom of the lesson, as the teacher droned on and on, rattling off facts about the circulatory system of an alien species Jack hadn¡¯t even seen before that resembled a cross between a jellyfish and a giraffe. The holodisplay at the front of the room flickered occasionally, showcasing diagrams of translucent veins and pulsating, glowing organs that didn¡¯t remotely resemble anything Jack had seen on Earth, and he had long given up on trying to comprehend them.


    Jack sat slouched at his desk, his chin propped up on his hand. His other hand idly twirled his pen around his fingers as he tried to keep his eyes open and looking alert, though he kept getting distracted by Sephy sketching in her notebook, which looked like the kind of stylised writing favoured by graffiti artists back on Earth. Occasionally, the Skritta glanced at the holodisplay, rolled her eyes, and returned to her sketch as it became clear the teacher wasn¡¯t going to pick on any of the students with any questions.


    She caught Jack¡¯s gaze and rolled her eyes, forcing Jack to cover his mouth to hide his smile as the teacher pointed at a diagram on the board to emphasise whatever it was they were droning about, before the elderly teacher whose name Jack couldn¡¯t even recall turned back to the display.


    ¡°And as you can see from the diagram, the secondary luminescent chamber works in tandem with the lateral energy sacs to¡­¡±


    Nika, sitting to their left, was similarly bored, barely pretending to pay attention. Her tail flicked lazily against her chair, and she lightly dug her claws into the edge of her desk, leaving a few scratch marks as she forced herself to stay awake. Just like him and Sephy, she was restless too.


    Deep down, Jack knew that if this was the worst thing they¡¯d have to deal with today, then he should be grateful for it. After all, he was used to many boring lessons from Earth, especially Maths, and it shouldn¡¯t have been any different here.


    So why did he feel so¡­hollow?


    Was he actually missing the action? The high-stakes of a job? Or was it that he just didn¡¯t know how to ¡®switch off¡¯ from it all?


    Probably the latter.


    He leaned over slightly toward Sephy. ¡°Do you think he¡¯d notice if we just walked out of here?¡±


    Sephy snorted under her breath. ¡°Probably not, but the security cameras sure would!¡±


    ¡°Shame you can¡¯t pull a sickie.¡± Nika smirked. ¡°Just say your illness from the last Run came back and you need to have a lie-down¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tempt me,¡± Jack replied, suppressing a laugh.


    The minutes crawled by as the teacher moved on to the intricacies of bioluminescent signaling, their monotone delivery doing little to liven up the subject. Jack found himself idly doodling a spider-bot in the margins of his notebook, imagining it scuttling up to the teacher¡¯s desk and switching the lesson to something far less painful to listen to.


    Pornhub maybe? He still remembered the popular rumour that one of the French teachers at his old school got fired for something similar.


    ¡°Remind me why we need to take this class?¡± Sephy asked with a sigh.


    ¡°To make us suffer,¡± Nika deadpanned as she subtly took out a knife and began picking her claws with it under her desk.


    ¡°Or to test how long we can stay awake,¡± Jack added with a smirk.


    ¡°Mission failed then.¡± Sephy shook her head with a chuckle.


    The bell mercifully rang moments later, signaling the end of the lesson.


    ¡°There will be an end-of-semester test next week!¡± The elderly teacher weakly called out over the din of students packing their bags, who immediately groaned at the news.


    ¡°Damn.¡± Jack sighed, looking at his lack of notes.


    ¡°Relax, we can just cheat if we have to!¡± Sephy whispered to him as they left the class to head to Species and Culture. ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯s a full-on exam, and the tests don¡¯t even cover what we¡¯ve been taught most of the time anyway.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Does it count towards our final grade or something?¡±


    ¡°Only a few percent.¡± The Skritta admitted. ¡°It won¡¯t be as bad as you think.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Jack asked, somewhat doubtfully.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± Sephy nodded. ¡°It¡¯s covered in the textbook anyway. Usually the test is multiple choice, but the longer-form questions just need you to know the key terms.¡±


    ¡°Then I guess I might as well hit the books tonight.¡± Jack sighed. ¡°Since we¡¯ve got the free time I might as well use it productively, right?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to have fun too, and we all need it!¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°We could just relax on the sofa and watch TV instead?¡±


    ¡°Alright that sounds tempting,¡± Jack admitted. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll just do both at the same time?¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°Might as well enjoy the downtime! You deserve it! We all do!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Jack chuckled. ¡°But one of you is choosing what we watch, I still haven¡¯t worked out what the different channels are!¡±


    ¡°You have a deal!¡± Nika patted him on the shoulder, having listened to them both. ¡°Plus we¡¯ve got Deathball practice tonight.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah.¡± Jack remembered. ¡°We have another game coming up?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡± The Kizun confirmed. ¡°Vaal finally got it sorted, end of this week.¡±


    ¡°Shit, really?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°Hasn¡¯t given us much time to get ready¡­¡±


    ¡°Well we haven¡¯t faced anyone since Luvia,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°So we¡¯re long overdue, but extra-curricular stuff got suspended after the Klown attack and has only recently been brought back. Gotta clear the backlog.¡±


    ¡°To be fair, we have been keeping ourselves busy,¡± Jack noted. ¡°It¡¯s the Squa¡¯Kaar I¡¯m worried about!¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be.¡± Nika shook her head. ¡°Karzen and Bentom have been keeping them and Obeda busy taking on jobs of their own. They¡¯re tougher than they look, and we¡¯ll see them at practice tonight anyway.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Jack shrugged. He had only actually played one proper game of Deathball before, so he trusted Nika knew what she was talking about.


    ¡°Vaal¡¯s made sure Arlox and Kizzarith are gonna be there too,¡± Sephy added. ¡°Though obviously those two won¡¯t be playing for a while yet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea!¡± Jack exclaimed. ¡°Especially with Arlox¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah he¡¯s making progress but it¡¯s still slow going.¡± Nika nodded. ¡°The initial dream therapy did its job but the Priests of Nulios suggested that keeping Arlox as close to a familiar routine as possible will help him move on from the trauma of his resurrection.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Crill I¡¯m more worried about.¡± Sephy whispered after looking around to make sure nobody could hear them. ¡°Arlox¡¯s best friend, probably even more than that, who¡¯s been supporting him. I know it affects him too¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°I¡¯ve made sure to check on him when I can, as have both of you and several of the others. I think the distraction will help him.¡±


    ¡°Same with Kizzarith,¡± Nika pointed out. ¡°He¡¯s taken it all reasonably well, but if he isn¡¯t around to get involved while waiting for his replacement body parts he¡¯s gonna go nuts!¡±


    ¡°At least more so than usual!¡± Sephy chuckled, before her face turned more serious. ¡°Yeah it¡¯s been hard on him too. Hyperactive as all hell yet can¡¯t channel the energy due to his injuries. Still, he can play video games even if he sucks at them¡­¡±


    ¡°I guess someone like him would rather vary up the things to do.¡± Jack shrugged.


    ¡°True.¡± The Skritta shrugged as they joined the queue outside the amphitheater-style classroom for Species and Culture, and waited for the teacher, Miss Luxcot to invite them in, which the small, furry fox-like alien eventually did.


    ¡°Finally, something that isn¡¯t mind-numbingly boring,¡± Jack muttered under his breath as he set his notebook on the desk, though he knew he was biased. Even if Miss Luxcot didn¡¯t have the trademark enthusiasm many young teachers like her did, he still enjoyed learning more about this realm and the types of people within it.


    Nika tilted her head as she read several species names on the board. ¡°Oghxan, Kolvlee? Looks like we¡¯re covering some Lithoid species today.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Jack asked, not understanding the term.


    ¡°Silicon lifeforms,¡± Sephy clarified. ¡°Rock people and the like.¡±


    ¡°Gotcha.¡± The human nodded, whispering as the last few students made their way in. ¡°I think I¡¯ve spotted a few around the city, but never up close...¡±


    ¡°Welcome, class,¡± the teacher chirped once everyone was settled. ¡°Today, we delve into the fascinating world of silicon-based lifeforms!¡±


    The holoprojector flared to life, casting an image of a hulking quadrupedal figure with dense, brown rock-like skin, glowing yellow eyes, and three massive limbs.


    ¡°The Oghxan is our first species that derive their sustenance from silicon-rich materials, which also fortifies their bodies over time. Naturally because of this they often prefer to live underground where these materials are commonly found, though they are not limited to living there. We have several students living in the city that are Oghxan, afterall, though they attend school elsewhere on campus more suitable for their needs¡­


    The teacher went on a bit more about them, how their societies were very Clan-based, similar to the Hoduth and how they were notable for ¡®singing¡¯ of sorts, with Miss Luxcot playing a sample that reminded Jack of a particularly echoey whale song.


    Next, the display transitioned to a clear crystalline jellyfish creature, with a body that seemed to refract light into different colours like a prism and several tentacles that showed it could manipulate tools.


    ¡°Next, we have the Kolvlee, an aquatic species that communicates through colours and vibrations!¡± The teacher continued. ¡°Being an aquatic species, you won¡¯t see many Kolvlee above the surface of the seas without modifications, but they have thrived well¡­¡±


    The teacher pushed a button and the display changed to show what looked like a submerged crystal forest at the bottom of a sea bed. ¡°Curiously, though aquatic creatures, Kolvlee naturally possess a greater affinity with Earth Magic than Water, but this has allowed them to create secure underwater settlements, a reason why Kolvlee have a prominent role in aquaspecies culture today!¡±


    Moving on, the projector now displayed a bipedal creature that appeared as a flowing, grey semi-liquid form with a  bright yellow core which pulsed rhythmically, held together by a hardened exoskeleton.


    ¡®Like a living lava lamp¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself.


    ¡°The Silicra are unique among silicon-based species for their adaptability,¡± the teacher continued, looking gleefully at the students paying attention. ¡°They can alter their structure to survive in a range of harsh environments, and as such have endured as a species for over the millennia, many often choosing to live in extreme locations for protection and to improve themselves as a species over time.¡±


    ¡®Steel sharpens steel and all that¡­¡¯ Jack rationalised in his mind.


    The lesson continued as Miss Luxcot went into further detail about these three species, providing case studies of written works from these species and getting the class to analyse them, covering notable events that gave an insight into their philosophies, and notable figures that played key roles in said events.


    Which naturally meant that¡­


    ¡°For your homework, I want you to write an essay of 1500 words covering a topic of your choice on the species of your choice.¡± Miss Luxcot spoke up, causing the entire class to collectively groan as the bell rang for the end of class. ¡°I expect you to do your research and show your knowledge! Needless to say, make sure you choose your topic wisely!¡±


    ¡°Ah well, can¡¯t win them all!¡± Nika chucked as Sephy swore under her breath. ¡°What one are you gonna pick?¡±


    ¡°Probably something to do with the Kolvlee.¡± Jack shrugged with a sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about aquatic species so I guess it¡¯ll be something new and exciting for me to research.¡±


    ¡°Plus Chiyo would probably know more.¡± Sephy added as they headed to lunch to meet with the others, who had been attending more esoteric classes suitable for their species¡­


    ¡°The lifecycle of a star begins in a nebula, where gas and dust coalesce under the force of gravity,¡± Their Physics teacher, Mr Noktowel, an owl-like avian with black feathers that shimmered under the room¡¯s bright lighting explained as the students all took notes. ¡°The pressure and temperature rise until the core ignites from the process, and a star is born¡­.¡±


    Though Jack found himself quickly scribbling his notes, he found it was hard to focus on fully comprehending what the teacher was saying, distracted as he was by trying to keep up. He was never great at actually learning things simply by writing them down. At least he thought he got the gist of it. He glanced occasionally at Alora next to him, who easily kept up with her practical calligraphy, while Chiyo on his other side simply used her powers to multitask as the lesson continued uneventfully, until they were dismissed without any homework.


    That left Galactic Citizenship, with all the corporate propaganda Miss Heline was required to teach them.


    ¡°Corporations are the backbone of galactic society,¡± the forcibly chipper teacher spoke as they felt the lesson finally, finally conclude. ¡°Through unity and hard work, they provide order, prosperity, and opportunity for all. As future employees, it is your duty to align yourselves with these values!¡±


    ¡®Jesus Christ woman, how can you sound so happy with this horseshit?¡¯ Jack thought to himself.


    ¡°And as we have discussed, these values are held aloft by the three pillars of corporate life! The first is ¡®Obedience¡¯!¡± She continued as the slideshow moved onto an animation of cheerful workers raising their hands in a corporate meeting, and then nodding emphatically as a suited boss gave them instructions.


    ¡°The second pillar is ¡®Productivity¡¯¡± She moved on to the next slide, which showed statistics and graphs showing the difference between ¡®good¡¯ and ¡®bad¡¯ with the use of emojis. ¡°Remember that a productive worker is a happy worker!¡±


    Jack sighed. Alora kept her expression clear. Chiyo looked like she was probably astrally projecting. Nika fiddled with her pen while Sephy looked like she was about to have an aneurysm.


    ¡°And finally, the last Pillar is ¡®Integration¡¯!¡±¡± The teacher concluded, as a video played of a large office, densely packed with workers that all looked the same as each other. ¡°A corporation is at its best when all workers are in harmony working towards a common goal!¡±


    Finally the bell rang.


    ¡®That was long.¡¯ Jack thought to himself, not daring to share his opinion with the others until they were well out of earshot. ¡®But at least it¡¯s over and done with¡­¡¯


    ¡°And for your homework, I want you to write an essay of 1000 words per pillar on how you will personally strive to meet these standards! That¡¯s a total of 3000 words due next week!¡±


    ¡®Motherfuckerrrrrrr!¡¯


    *****


    ¡°Alright everyone! Holiday¡¯s over!¡± Vaal called out to the assembled Deathball team, having rented one of the available extracurricular sports halls for the occasion. Curiously, it was all done automatically, though a teacher usually had to sign off on it. Rumour had it that though Master Kull was still an active teacher at school, he was very rarely seen now, though his administrative duties at the head of Physical Education were all apparently up to scratch. The approval came from him, likely through the use of an AI automating the process.


    Actual teaching had been left to the other P.E Teachers, though without Master Kull to order them about, they had been chill enough.


    ¡°What are you talking about Vaal? Holiday literally starts at the end of next week!¡± Sephy spoke up with a classic grin, eliciting laughs from the others.


    ¡°You know damn well what I mean!¡± The Eladra rolled his eyes. ¡°We¡¯ve only had one Deathmatch game since Jack joined the team and we¡¯ve been long due another!¡±


    ¡°True!¡± Karzen agreed. ¡°When is it?¡±


    ¡°Last game of the semester!¡± Vaal smiled. ¡°So hopefully we¡¯ll get an audience. Then again most people will probably just be rushing to get home, buuut a guy can dream!¡±


    ¡°Do we know who we¡¯re facing?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not been fully confirmed, but we¡¯re facing a team of mostly students from Imera House.¡± Vaal confirmed. ¡°All of them mages of some kind, though not all of them are glass cannons.¡±


    ¡°Great¡­¡± Kritch sighed. ¡°Less scrums and more fuckery.¡±


    ¡°Pretty much!¡± Vaal nodded. ¡°Since we can¡¯t predict what kind of magical strategy they¡¯ll try, we¡¯ll focus on our own! The good thing is we have more magic on our side thanks to our Squa¡¯Kaar reserves, however this will be their first game, so we need to make sure we¡¯re on the same page!¡±


    ¡°So instead of focusing on what our opponents will do, we put our focus into what we can do, and react to whatever comes at us on the day?¡± Jack asked, and Vaal smirked.


    ¡°Got it in one!¡± He confirmed. ¡°Since both Kizzarith and Arlox aren¡¯t able to play right now, they¡¯re both going to help coordinate the Chargers and Protectors respectively. Ploo, as Keeper, you can go with the Chargers and try to stop them!¡±


    ¡°Ooooooooh shit¡­.¡± The Ploothe cursed as he looked to Jack, who gave him an apologetic shrug.


    ¡°Warders are with me! So spread out and do your thing!¡± The team captain commanded, and the team split off, Sephy following the Warders for a moment before remembering she was acting as a temporary Charger¡­


    Jack sighed to himself as they began to practice, his mind distracted and elsewhere.


    Today was a normal day, and things were looking good. Money was good for now, the chaos in the city seemed to be dying down, and things were much safer for them now.


    It was a time where he could finally relax and enjoy life.


    So why did he feel so much like he couldn¡¯t?

 Chapter 154: Devils Return

    Nya sighed as she scrolled down the comments on her commlink. In theory she was back to her full strength, having recovered physically from her devastating loss against Svaartal.


    Mentally, not so much.


    Not at all.


    ¡®Devil''s Daughter seemed kinda weak here, for being one of the very few people strong enough to properly fight back against the Killer Klown¡­¡¯ One comment read on a forum discussing the latest chaos. Her loss to Svaartal hadn¡¯t exactly been blasted into the open, but rumours had a nasty habit of spreading, especially among the students.


    She knew her mentors would tell her not to beat herself up over the harsh words.


    But she had to face her failure.


    Her crimson skin pulsed slightly as the memory of the fight hit her once again, and she quickly wiped away the start of a tear.


    ¡®I think I''ve been oversold on how good DD is supposed to be¡­¡¯ another read as she followed the chain of comments.


    She skipped over the multitude of derogatory comments reminding her of the pain of what she was. Devilspawn, Hellbrood, Azazel¡¯s Children. She had long numbed herself to the words themselves, but the vitriolic hate behind their racist use saddened her every time.


    Grandmaster told her he believed her to be a Secondborn when he discovered her as a young child, too young to have any comprehension of the situation around her in the dying days of the Demonfire War. Firstborn Stygians had been spawned directly from the power of Azazel¡¯s Demon Core, yet to fuel his army he granted them the power to breed and multiply like a plague.


    Certainly, though Azazel''s voice had never spoken to her directly, his shadow loomed large over her existence and the galaxy''s perception of her kind. It had been a very rare thing indeed for a Stygian to develop sapience and break free of Azazel¡¯s thrall during this time, with Grandmaster Ilvella being one of the very first examples of it occurring, but The Red Legion¡¯s war against Azazel had somehow freed all the Stygians at its end. Yet freedom didn¡¯t do anything to erase suspicion, nor could it possibly heal old and bitter wounds inflicted during the decades-long war.


    A major component of their plan was to build up Devil¡¯s Daughter as a hero and a champion of the Stygian species, a ploy to repair the rift between them and the rest of the galaxy and show everyone that Stygians deserved a place in the galaxy.


    This was bad, and she needed to turn it around.


    Grandmaster Ilvella would probably be zen about it, telling her to simply accept her loss and move on.


    But she couldn¡¯t.


    ¡®So, let me get this straight, Devil''s daughter one of the most powerful magic users gets pushed by one snek. That''s what i call a bs¡­¡¯


    If she was alive to find the right moment, in the right circumstances she could even the score.


    But for now there was work to be done.


    Perched on the edge of a towering skyscraper, Devil¡¯s Daughter sat cross-legged, shrouded in her enchanted cloak that kept her warm and dry. The glamour she was wearing making her look like just another shadow to anyone watching from afar.


    She cursed her luck as she waited for her target to arrive. The business at Cypherport was by all accounts a nasty affair, though by the time she was aware of the troubles, Commander Cocaine had gotten there first, and completely ruined any chance of her discovering with any certainty what had actually happened.


    Rumour had it that Jack and his group had been involved somehow, being mentioned as one of the possible parties that killed The Redeemer, with the other possibilities mentioning Commander Cocaine and a few mentioning her.


    ¡®A pity I never got the chance to slay The Redeemer myself.¡¯ Nya sighed to herself as her glowing eyes surveyed the street below her. ¡®His reign of terror had to be stopped, but if the rumours of his involvement with the Emerald King were true, I could have learned much from the earliest known convert to date¡­¡¯


    Such a display would have also rapidly revitalised the city¡¯s trust in her, and repaired her reputation. While it hadn¡¯t faded too much in the last few weeks since other news came to the fore, the people had noted her absence.


    Still, she had made a name for herself before; she could do so again.


    Starting tonight.


    The silent alarm ward she had placed earlier tingled in her mind, and from her perch she surveyed the alleyway below.


    The sound of heavy boots splashing through puddles echoed down the street as a group of five armed men and women emerged, their cobbled-together armour reflecting the flickering light from a broken streetlamp that one of them chucked an empty beer can at, missing it completely. They carried crude rifles and bats, their movements confident and unhurried as if daring anyone to challenge them.


    Nya scowled. The ¡®Rust Reckers¡¯ were one of many local gangs taking advantage of the chaos caused by the megacorporations and other factions tearing at each other¡¯s throats. They had seized control of the local utilities for several of the nearby low-income districts, threatening to cut off essential services like water and power if residents didn¡¯t comply with their demands.


    Soon enough, tithes of money and other riches weren¡¯t enough, and the gang very quickly kept demanding more and more, using their local network of armed to patrols to maintain their grip of these neighbourhoods and intimidate dissenters, setting themselves up as the de-facto leadership in the process.


    As the residents were already poor, they couldn¡¯t realistically hire mercenaries to drive off or slaughter the gang, and other organisations that might have otherwise been inclined to help had their attention and resources focused on more pressing matters.


    Such as the hunt for Dr Reyazz Grine.


    Nya scowled as she thought of her enemy. The slippery bastard had escaped her several times in the past, and his heinous experiments were some of the worst she had ever seen. She still sometimes saw the bodies of those poor children in her dreams¡­


    But to think he was involved in something greater, working in tandem with the Killer Klown of all people! It made her more determined than ever to be the one to find him. She had thought of many ways to make him suffer; death would be far too merciful for a man like him¡­


    ¡°Reckon we can squeeze any extra tonight?¡± the leader of the patrol, a towering brute with yellowish-brown fur, asked the others with a grating chuckle.


    ¡°They don¡¯t have a choice!¡± Another cackled, a thin wiry man who Nya saw had a cybernetic eye that whirred lowly as it scanned the area. ¡°Nobody¡¯s going to risk their family freezing to death!¡±


    ¡°Still, wouldn¡¯t mind cracking a few heads if they try to hold out!¡± A reptilian woman with rust-coloured tattoos snaking up her neck grinned. ¡°I¡¯m almost pissed nobody¡¯s tried anything!¡±


    Devil¡¯s Daughter¡¯s tail twitched under her cloak as she listened to them, her grip tightening on the edge of the crumbling building. Lowly sighing under her breath, Nya followed them, muttering a quick cantrip that pulled herself to her feet before blinking to the fire escape just behind the patrol.


    With a flick of her wrist, Nya summoned her grimore and quickly flicked through several of the pages before settling on the summonings to prepare.


    ¡°Naz hav dra tinkaris¡­¡± She muttered the phrase of Infernal, the language of the demonic realm, initiating the link she was attempting to form, before quickly vocalising the words on the page silently in her mind. While she had a series of demons already bound to her that she could rapidly conjure without needing to prepare in the field - having already summoned them back at the sanctuary - she would rather only resort to awakening them when she absolutely needed to.


    With something as trivial as this, she could afford to take a little time to summon a few demons for the duration of the task at hand before either she dismissed them or the binding spell expired to send them back to the infernal planes they came from.


    Waving her hand, she watched as three tiny winged figures materialised on the fire escape railing, their tails swishing excitedly as the imps looked at her with bright, curious eyes.


    Hiya boss! The one on the left ¡®spoke up¡¯ telepathically, bound by the intentions Nya had mentally imposed on their binding. We were getting worried about you!


    No you weren¡¯t, Nya communicated back with a scowl, knowing full well that as affable as the three imps were, they were still evil creatures. All demons were, in a way, though at least the vast majority of them she had used didn¡¯t communicate with her.


    Which is why she never had these three chatterboxes bound to her for any great length of time.


    Yeah, that¡¯s true! Another retorted with cackling laughter. What have you got for us this time?


    Distractions. Nya retorted, knowing that the imps were bound to follow her commands to both the letter and spirit.


    Sweet! Sounds like fun! The third imp cheered. Been a while though, have you been taking a vacation? Have you finally gotten laid and gotten that stick out of your-


    Be silent. Nya commanded, and just like that all three immediately fell silent, compelled to obey. Distract and divide them. Do not reveal your nature to them. Do not fail me. Go!


    The creatures bowed their heads in eerie unison before scattering into the shadows, their forms vanishing as though they were never there. One flew to the other side of the street and clambered along a nearby wall, its claws scraping softly against the crumbling concrete. Another slithered to ground level along a storm drain, keeping to the shadows as they followed the patrol closely, while the third dove down and flew up to perch on top of a buzzing neon sign for Myrodin Magitechnology.


    Ahead, the patrol paused outside the boarded-up door of a local diner, as the leader gestured towards a nearby storefront with shattered windows. ¡°Check in there.¡± He sneered to the others. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s extra credits in the register!¡±


    As several of the figures began to fan out, the imp on the wall made it¡¯s move, gliding down into a pile of trash on the other side of the road before kicking off and vanishing into the darkness, causing several glass bottles to smash against each other on the tarmac.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°What the hell was that¡± One of the men barked, spinning toward the sound.


    Taking its cue, the imp on the sign ripped out the power couplings, turning the sign off and plunging the already dimly lit street into total darkness, while the imp on the wall emitted a low, gutteral growl that set the patrol on edge.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± one of the women cursed. ¡°I¡¯m checking it out, someone wants to fuck with us!¡±


    Nya watched with satisfaction as the patrol fractured and moved out of formation. Now that the imps had done their job, it was her turn.


    Picking her target, Nya cast a globe of silence around herself and blinked down behind one of the men outside, towards the back of the group. Drawing on her power, her hand glowed blue as a ghostly glove-like shimmer appeared over it, before she firmly planted her palm into his back. The deadly enchantment snuffed the life out of the gangster with necrotic energy. The globe of silence around her preventing any sounds within from alerting the others to her presence as she strode forward three more paces and planted her palm into the next before they even knew what had happened. As the last turned around, Nya thrust her hand forward, sending a beam of eldritch power to strike them in the chest, allowing the commotion to lure the final two out of the storefront, where two more eldritch blasts put them down.


    Too easy.


    Maintain overwatch and alert me of any threats, Nya ordered the imps as she swiftly rummaged through the pockets of the dead patrol, finding the access keycard to the local utility station the Rust Reckers were holding hostage.


    Blinking back up to the same perch she had sat at before, Nya conjured a portal and crossed it with her imps, not bothering to hide the bodies of the patrol.


    She wanted people to know it was her, and she would be gone from this place soon enough.


    ¡®I need to secure the controls and make sure they haven¡¯t sabotaged the pumps and generators.¡¯ Nya thought to herself, mentally forming a plan in her mind. She used her arcane sight to look for any sign of enemy mages, but couldn¡¯t see any. Likely the gang was simply replying on the existing wards around the building that prevented anybody from teleporting themselves in.


    ¡®Good thing I already have the key.¡¯ Nya shrugged to herself as the imps spread themselves around the perimeter of the station, confirming there was only a small patrol outside, a few security cameras to worry about out of a bunch that probably weren¡¯t working properly, and that a staff door at the back was probably the best way to sneak in. ¡¯And I can¡¯t see any wards that will stop me from teleporting out. No wonder the station got taken so easily in the first place¡­¡¯


    Blinking to the gate, Nya slid the keycard through the access panel, causing the gate to open with a faint hiss as she slipped inside and looked around. The station¡¯s interior was a maze of pipes and machinery, the air thick with the smell of oil and ozone. Overhead, flickering fluorescent lights cast sporadic shadows that danced across the walls, a clear sign that though the place was poorly maintained, it was at least functional.


    Hopefully she could keep it that way.


    Maintaining her globe of silence over herself, Nya headed towards a set of stairs close by, figuring that anything important would probably be at the top of the small complex. Quickly ascending them, she emerged onto some sort of catwalk, where a few guards were looking over at the large open space below which housed what she assumed were the generators and water pumps that provided the utilities for the area. It didn¡¯t look like there were any explosives, but just in case, she didn¡¯t want to be held up here.


    Thinking quickly, and seeing that the floor below was poorly lit, Nya whispered an incantation, summoning a set of spectral tendrils that slithered across the catwalk like living shadows, before in a coordinated motion they each coiled around a guards leg and yanked them off the catwalk with a violent snap.


    Nya immediately sped up, rushing along the catwalk to search for a control center as she muttered a few words under her breath, summoning one of her bound devils that manifested alongside her, a lean 4 foot form with sharp facial features, black scales and a pair of blood-red wings. It was a Salikoth, an assassin demon, and she wasted no time in ordering it to drop to the lower level and eliminate any hostile below, while minimizing collateral damage.


    Though the foul creature never spoke, Nya still felt the primal satisfaction in its assigned task.


    She carried on, noting parts of the catwalk that led to other sets of stairs like the ones she had ascended and spotting what was likely the door to the control room in the middle, from where two more heavily armed men were emerging from, looking confused.


    ¡°Visch!¡± Nya spoke the word of power, focusing on the space between the two, and suddenly a painfully intense ringing noise erupted from the spot, dropping both men to the ground with thunderous force as the metal of their poorly-crafted armour bucked from the power, with two beams of eldritch power finishing them off as Nya passed them to enter the control room.


    Immediately she summoned a shield of infernal energy as the leader hiding within violently unloaded everything he had at the Sygian, before his gun overheated and he dropped it to the ground.


    ¡°Shit! Wait-¡± He yelled, before a loud noise thundered in the background. Nya didn¡¯t know what it was, and didn¡¯t want to take any chances as she quickly felled him with a full-power eldritch blast before the leader got any bad ideas.


    What was that? Nya asked the imps who were still watching outside.


    Hey boss, people coming your way! Have fun! One of the imps cheerfully informed her, as an explosion rocked the station. Nya rushed to the window, and saw that one of the walls had been breached with an explosive of some kind that sent dust scattering all over the place.


    ¡°Alright boyz!¡± A gruff voice shouted out from somewhere outside. ¡°Youz know what to do! Derez been sum gitz ¡®ere steelin an shit! Commanda Cocaine wantz uz to find dem and squish em!¡±


    ¡®Damn it!¡¯ Nya cursed, recognising the voice of HashBash, Commander Cocaine¡¯s lieutenant from their legendary raid on House Mal¡¯Kar. ¡®I really don¡¯t have time for this shit!¡¯


    Almost immediately she heard the sound of loud gunfire and warcries from the undisciplined mob that had just arrived, blasting several of the Rust Reckers that had rushed to the commotion, as well as much of the surrounding area, sending cracks up one of the nearest walls The flash of plasma revealed the gang members she¡¯d already slain.


    ¡°Oh shit! Boss! Wot¡¯s this?¡± An Oark asked HashBash as they spotted the mangled bodies ahead.


    Nya activated the enchantment of her cloak, which shifted, hardening into sleek armour that clung to her form like a second skin while hampering her ability to sneak around. Though part of her knew she should bail as she had accomplished what she had wanted to do here, none of that would matter if Commander Cocaine¡¯s mob messed it all up and made things worse for the locals.


    She locked the door to the control room from the inside, and blinked to ground level.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± The same Oark exclaimed as she strode into full view, as Nya mentally commanded her Salikoth to stand down for now, but prepare to attack from the shadows just in case. Though she didn¡¯t necessarily want to fight these guys yet, she would be prepared to do so if she had do. ¡°It¡¯s dat red woman on da telly! She¡¯z got a bounty on ¡®er!¡±


    ¡°Dat¡¯s Devil¡¯s Daughter you dum muppet!¡± HashBash chided his underling. ¡°Commanda Cocaine said dat she ain¡¯t for squishin until he sayz othawize!¡±


    ¡°Good evening,¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter called out, showing no sign of fear as she mentally noted the instructions given by the infamous Commander Cocaine towards her. ¡°I take it that means we can talk? I can assure you that the gang in this utility station have been taken care of, though there are patrols throughout the local districts that will be easy pickings.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, da boyz are takin care of it!¡± HashBash nodded, though made no effort to sheath his weapons despite telling his ¡®boyz¡¯ not to attack. ¡°Wot are you doing ¡®ere?¡±


    ¡°Same as you, without the mess. You¡¯re welcome,¡± she retorted. ¡°But I do know some of your forces went to Cypherport before House Mal¡¯Kar and Corvin Enterprises got there. What happened?¡±


    ¡°Dunno.¡± HashBash shrugged. ¡°Sum git took out Da Redeemer before Commanda Cocaine could. Den sum other gitz got dere later and burned it all down before splittin up and leavin! Some of our boyz were dere when it ¡®appened, but I dunno much¡­¡±


    ¡°Split up?¡± Devil¡¯s Daughter pressed. ¡°They separated after the attack? And they¡¯re not the same people that killed The Redeemer?¡±


    ¡°I dunno!¡± HashBash shrugged again more aggressively. ¡°It¡¯s just wot I ¡®eard, but also-¡±


    At that moment, the loud *BOOM* of shuttle engines erupted from outside. From the hole they had blown to enter the building, Nya could see several of the ¡®Cocaine Crusaders¡¯ aggressively cut down by plasma fire, likely from a ship turret.


    ¡°Attention poor people!¡± A voice purred over a loudspeaker. ¡°My name is Jizziel Mal¡¯Kar and it appears you¡¯re harbouring enemies of my family, House Mal¡¯Kar. Quite the mistake you appear to have made!¡± The voice made several patronising tutting noises. ¡°I¡¯ll let it slide if you stay out of our way and do nothing to assist them; these prey are mine!¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± One of the ¡®boyz¡¯ cursed. ¡°It¡¯s da drow!¡±


    How many Drow ships? Nya asked telepathically to her watchers.


    Three ships, boss! One of her imps confirmed for her. Focused on the idiots.


    ¡°I will assist you this once.¡± Nya called out, causing HashBash¡¯s expression to snap to her with a grin. ¡°I have my own reasons to oppose the drow. Save their leader for me, but otherwise stay out of my way.¡±


    ¡°Dat sounds good ta me!¡± HashBash grinned. ¡°Alright boyz! WAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHH!¡±


    Confirming the wards on the building only prevented entry, Nya teleported to one of the rooftops her imps confirmed was safe to travel through, taking her Salikoth with her.


    Find the leader. Nya ordered, as she surveyed the battlefield, spotting drow soldiers decimating the undisciplined mob below. It was impressive how they were able to quickly mobilize and deploy like this, though Nya had no intention of allowing it to succeed.


    Outside one of the ships, here! Another imp quickly informed her, drawing her attention to the main entrance of the utility station, spotting a lanky drow male in a brown hood, with twin chakrams at his hip, barking orders to his squad before rushing towards the nearest non-drow combatants, throwing his chakrams to great effect as they curved mid-flight and caught many unawares.


    ¡®He¡¯s likely just here to make a name for himself,¡¯ Nya concluded. ¡®I¡¯ll need to surprise the drow quickly with overwealming force and get to him before he orders a retreat.¡¯


    Focusing her will as she called upon several of the demons she had bound to herself, Nya waited and observed patiently as they manifested around her to join her imps and Salikoth. Mentally picturing the Drow in her mind, no longer bothering with the handful of ¡®Rust Reckers¡¯ remaining that would die in the fighting, she gave out a single command.


    Kill them all.


    Not even bothering to wait while her demons jumped down from the roof, Nya rapidly cast the spell that would give her the best edge in this fight, and spotted Jizziel slicing up one of the Oarks. She blinked right behind him, having no intention of fighting fair. Though Jizziel had sensed something behind him and twisted, he was far too late as Nya quickly muttered a spell and thrust out her arm before three black demonic tendrils lashed out from beneath the sleeve of her robes, smashing into Jizziel with powerful strength, the necrotic magic in the tendrils rapidly sapping his energy away as they did so.


    ¡°Shit!¡± The drow cursed with wide eyes as he was knocked back, clearly recognising the unexpected threat but firmly caught by surprise. He managed to dodge two of the tentacles in a follow-up attack, but was struck by the third, sapping even more of his strength as he charged at Nya, before an eldritch blast knocked him back. The third tentacle lashed out again, the draining magics working as intended as Jizziel weakly parried one of them, before throwing the Chakram at Nya, who just about dodged, receiving only a grazing cut for her troubles. Thinking quickly, Nya muttered a quick cantrip and blasted a small cloud of brimstone point-blank at the drow, blinking back to avoid any attacks as the smokescreen disoriented Jizziel enough for her tentacles to trip the now exhausted drow up and hold him on the ground.


    ¡°What has the Nirah done with my staff?¡± Nya questioned with a growl, forcefully pushing the butt of her current staff into Jizziel¡¯s neck to press her question


    ¡°My family will kill you!¡± the drow sneered, before growling in pain as Nya channeled intense heat into her staff, taking advantage of the fact that she was immune.


    ¡°Not an answer.¡±


    ¡°He uses it in combat!¡± Jizziel spat out, though this was information Nya already knew, and pressed her staff in harder. ¡°Fuck! He and Kravel examined it and didn¡¯t know what it was made of! They do occasional experiments on it, but only know it has immense power!¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Nya curtly replied, before increasing the power of the flames, which pumped into Jizziel as he writhed powerless on the floor, his mouth gaping open in a silent scream as he was cremated from the inside. ¡°I know your family will use their resources to maybe try and bring you back, or more likely at least find out what happened here.¡± She spoke aloud, knowing that others would eventually hear her words. ¡°So they will know that I will mark every single one of them for death and rid Naganai of those slaver scum. And as for the Nirah that defeated me, he only did so through luck, and as you can see I am very much alive.¡±


    Nya gritted her teeth in hatred as she pumped even more power into her torturous spell.


    ¡°I will find him at his most vulnerable. I will not hold back. I will offer no quarter. I will inflict on him such pain that is beyond his understanding, and then, only once I am finally satisfied, I will kill him without dignity, and rid the galaxy itself of his filth!


    Grunting with a intense anger, Nya finally released an explosive burst of power and finished the tortured drow off. Looking up and around, she saw figures at the windows around the utility station looking at her. Men, women and children had witnessed her.


    And many of them were cheering. Her job here was done.


    Recalling her demons and taking several seconds to summon a portal, Nya strode through, instantly crossing several miles of the city to one of her favorite rooftops, with an overarching view of the city, a relatively peaceful location, and no questions asked from the inhabitants.


    She checked her commlink, smiling to herself as she settled down and saw she had an unread message from Svaarti, which she rushed to answer, typing away as she gave her own perspective on their homework they had both gotten recently for ¡®Arcane Runes¡¯, before she sent the text and sighed to herself happily.


    As Nya looked out over the city, she smiled at the good job she¡¯d done tonight. No doubt the people she¡¯d helped tonight would spread the very sentiment she felt right now.


    Devil¡¯s Daughter was so fucking back.

 Chapter 155: Matron Mother

    Svaartal and Soren circled each other in the gloomy practice chamber, faint light glinting off Soren¡¯s dark twin swords which shifted fluidly between different lengths as he calmly paced around, eyes firmly on the Nirah. Across from him, Svaartal gripped his sword in one hand and his staff in the other, the Nirah¡¯s golden scales shimmering as he moved with fluid precision, slithering across the ground to match Soren¡¯s steps. Both boys wore determined expressions as they sought to read the other.


    ¡°Ready when you are!¡± Soren called with a smirk, the handsome drow spinning his weapons into a defensive stance.


    Svaartal gave a slow nod, the tip of his blade lowering slightly as his tail coiled beneath him like a spring. In the blink of an eye, he lunged forward, staff sweeping low toward Soren''s knees to try and trip him up.


    The drow leapt gracefully over the swipe in a bunny hop, before extending one of his swords and slashing down towards Svaartal¡¯s exposed wrist. With an agile twist, the Nirah brought his staff up and deflected the blade with a sharp *clang*. He pivoted, using the momentum to slash his sword towards Soren¡¯s ribs.


    Soren shifted back just enough to avoid the strike, feeling the faint rush of air from the near miss as his twin blades slackened and transformed into his signature twin whips. He suddenly snapped one of them forward, aiming for Svaartal¡¯s shoulder as he closed back in, before the Nirah twisted his torso, allowing the whip to snap harmlessly towards the side as his tail lashed out, aiming to unbalance the drow.


    Anticipating the move, Soren quickly halted his advance and shuffled back with a smirk.


    Svaartal grinned, revealing his sharp fangs as he pushed his advantage, rushing forward and fainting with his sword as he shortened his range and jabbed forward with his staff, an attack which Soren barely managed to deflect, but the force still sent him sliding back a step. The drow chucked, rolling his shoulders as he shifted his whips back to twin shortswords and darted in, attempting to overwhelm the Nirah, who wisely kept Soren at range with parries while trying to seek openings in the drow¡¯s defence.


    A sword thrust from Soren grazed past Svaartal¡¯s side, deflected by the Nirah¡¯s quick block, who retaliated by swinging his staff at Soren¡¯s head. The drow ducked at the last second, countering with a spinning slash from his sword, which came dangerously close to Svaartal¡¯s neck before it was sharply batted away by Svaartal¡¯s own blade.


    Both fighters backed away from the exchange and paused, breathing heavily.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting better!¡± Soren finally praised, sheathing his weapons and patting Svaartal enthusiastically on the back. ¡°Us Drow are of course the master race, but it¡¯s exceptional individuals like you and your sister that belong right there with us!¡±


    ¡°Thanks Soren.¡± Svaartal sighed as he dismissed his weapons, though he was slightly disappointed with his personal performance.


    ¡°Though I don¡¯t understand why you would restrict the use of magic in our spars?¡± The drow continued. ¡°You fight with a combination of spells and strength at arms, after all. It¡¯s what makes you deadly, and it¡¯s why you defeated Devil¡¯s Daughter!¡±


    ¡°True.¡± The Nirah admitted. ¡°But I still need to get better. Working on my limitations in melee combat is a good way forward. At the very least, I want to be able to train to a level where I can at least hold my own without having to rely on magic, and practice with a few of the new tricks I¡¯ve picked up.¡±


    The image of a certain human sprang to mind when he said that¡­


    ¡°I suppose I understand.¡± Soren shrugged. ¡°I am much the same, though it¡¯s my own magic I need to work on. But thanks to your assistance, I¡¯m at least getting better.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Svaartal nodded as Kravel barged through the thick doors into the practice room, a scowl on his face as he looked at something on his commlink.


    ¡°We gather in the council chamber in 15 minutes,¡± the wizard told them. ¡°All hands are expected.¡±


    ¡°For what purpose?¡± Soren asked curiously. ¡°I didn¡¯t think we had anything scheduled?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t.¡± Kravel shook his head, scowling again at something on his commlink. ¡°Something came up, but I don¡¯t know much.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Soren nodded, before smirking. ¡°Any luck, brother?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Kravel scowled, showing the image on his commlink to his brother. Svaartal snuck a glance and could see Kravel had one of his dating apps open.


    ¡°Perhaps you should take a break?¡± Soren pointed out with a grin, but his point fell on deaf ears.


    ¡°Can you believe this shit?¡± Kravel snarled angrily ¡°Under ¡®interests¡¯ this dumb bitch has selected ¡®Empathy¡¯ and ¡®Emotional Intelligence¡¯. What kind of fucking interests are those supposed to be? Is this chick retarded or something!?¡±


    ¡°You only get five interests you can publicly display on that service, I believe?¡± Svaartal asked, as Kravel nodded. ¡°Clearly they¡¯re not worthy of your attention,¡± he pointed out as diplomatically as he could, trying to placate the otherwise abrasive House Wizard.


    The working relationship between the two was frosty at best...


    ¡°What happened to that match you got the other day?¡± Soren asked, trying not to let his amusement show too much while Kravel barely paid him any notice. ¡°A Vivren, I believe? Seemed receptive enough.¡±


    ¡°It didn¡¯t work out.¡± Kravel growled out under his breath.


    ¡°Oh? Why not?¡± Soren asked, and Svaartal wiped his mouth with the back of his hand to hide his smile.


    ¡°Single mother.¡± Kravel shrugged. ¡°We were talking, she mentioned she had a child, and I offered to sacrifice it to Kil''itosh to relieve her of her mistake while making actual use of it.¡±


    ¡°That was nice of you,¡± Svaartal spoke up, unable to control his words, while Soren snorted in amusement. Kravel¡¯s scowl deepened at his brother¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Soren finally asked as he composed himself.


    ¡°She fucking blocked me!¡± Kravel sneered, which completely set Soren off.


    ¡°It was a good try brother!¡± The Slayer laughed his ass off.


    ¡°Fuck you!¡± Kravel yelled at him, pointing to Svaartal. ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re doing any better trying to get with his sister!¡±


    ¡°Alright I deserved that one,¡± Soren acknowledged, his laughter dying down as he turned to Svaartal. ¡°It¡¯s a shame really. It¡¯s been many weeks now, and she¡¯s done good work for us - just as you have - and she has more than earned her position with our family. We¡¯ve done what we can to make her feel welcome as one of us, yet I feel she is unreceptive...¡±


    ¡°I am sure there are others that will be receptive.¡± Svaartal shook his head, keeping his tone neutral, having coached himself in his mind of what to say if the topic came up again. ¡°However I do not believe my sister¡­is of that persuasion.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Soren scoffed. ¡°That explains it.¡± He let out a sigh. ¡°Well, such dispositions can be cured, we certainly have the means at our disposal should she wish to¡­¡±


    ¡°I shall make her aware of the option.¡± Svaartal nodded diplomatically, fighting to keep the revulsion he felt from that out of his tone, and having no intention of even remotely suggesting Svaarti going along with it. ¡°Though I am sure you can find others more suitable for your needs.¡±


    ¡°True, unlike Kravel I can still take my pick of our slave class, though I don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve had any good livestock coming in recently. The followers of Commander Cocaine are of such poor quality¡­¡± Soren sighed. ¡°Though come to think of it, I don¡¯t believe you or your sister have requisitioned any of the slaves since you arrived. I understand if you simply wish to be cautious in utilizing House Mal¡¯Kar resources, though you should not worry. It is your right to make use of a few.¡±


    Svaartal shrugged, trying not to let his discomfort show. ¡°Svaarti and I are simply used to being self-sufficient, so we just do without.¡±


    ¡®And slavery is little different to how we once were¡­¡¯ The Nirah thought to himself bitterly. ¡®Though at least our lot improved drastically with House Mal¡¯Kar.¡¯This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Kravel¡¯s commlink suddenly beeped, and he looked up at the two others. ¡°Ten minute warning, I¡¯ve been here too long. Help me gather the others.¡±


    ¡°This had better be good.¡± Soren sighed as he exited the room. ¡°Good spar, Svaartal. go again same time tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me, thank you Soren,¡± Svaartal agreed, walking after him and heading to his and Svaarti¡¯s apartment to let her know about the meeting.


    Though as he quickly made his way over there, a thought crept in the back of his mind¡­


    A dangerous thought. While he very much abhorred the concept of slavery, and while Soren had mentioned his sister more than once, House Mal¡¯Kar had helped them, taken them both in, and treated them well when nobody else would¡­


    Well. None that would take both of them together.


    They were free of their father. House Mal¡¯Kar were hunting Vashiel down. They now lived in an affluent building, with excellent food, and both of them had very much come into their own since leaving.


    He should be feeling great.


    So why did he feel so restless?


    Do not despair, master, he heard the voice of Carrow call over their shared bond, where it sounded like his familiar had just woke up from a nap. You have suffered a life none should ever face; it is unreasonable to expect you to adjust to life here within the space of a month or two. And I know you still have nightmares about those children Braska killed. That¡¯s not on you. You¡¯ll get better over time.


    I hope so. Svaartal sighed to himself as he slithered down the corridor, politely standing aside as several of the servants made their way past, giving him an appreciative smile. I just need to figure these things out on my own and suck it up. Is my sister there?


    She¡¯s in her meditation chamber, Carrow confirmed.


    Good, Svaartal answered. I¡¯ll awaken her and we¡¯ll head to the meeting. I¡¯ll need you with me, too.


    And here I was hoping for a longer nap¡­


    You¡¯re a spirit, you don¡¯t need to! Svaartal smirked as he made it to the door of their apartments.


    Of course I don¡¯t, but I don¡¯t know how to change the channel on your television. Carrow admitted. So what else would you have me do?


    Fair enough. Svaartal shrugged. Maybe we have something of interest coming up.


    Unlikely to be an emergency, Carrow pointed out. I guess we¡¯ll find out soon¡­


    ¡°I guess we will,¡± Svaartal spoke aloud as he opened the door, extending his arm and smiling as Carrow quickly flew over. He reached into one of his pockets and pulled out several chopped up bits of dark fruit which he fed to the bird, who greedily nommed them down and sent a sensation of contentment down their mental link as Svaartal crossed the room to the small meditation chamber and gently knocked.


    ¡°Svaarti, our presence is required.¡± He patiently called out.


    ¡°Svaartal?¡± She called back, opening the door and blinking back fatigue. ¡°I¡¯m not in the Inner Circle.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve requested all hands,¡± he explained. ¡°Don¡¯t know why.¡±


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± His sister sighed worriedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s fine.¡± He patted her on the shoulder. ¡°We need to go now, however. Full gear. It¡¯s best if we¡¯re not late, we¡¯ve got about 7 minutes.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Svaarti nervously nodded as she muttered a word of power, magically changing her outfit from the loose comfortable robes she wore for her meditation into a set of sorceress robes that had been gifted to her from Clan Bharzum. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    *****


    The two of them arrived on time, with many members of the Mal¡¯Kar family already seated towards the head of the great table, with Dextra sat near the front playing on a handheld games console, only looking up briefly to give the two of them a small wave as Soren and Kravel took their seats nearby.


    One of the servants motioned to them and wordlessly escorted them both to their prearranged seats towards the back of the room, and Svaartal scowled as he spotted both Braska and Yixx casually sat on the opposite side. Both had clearly been outfitted well from the House Mal¡¯Kar armoury just like he had, with Braska wearing a full suit of the heaviest metal armour Svaartal thought possible, and the weapons the two carried looked top of the line.


    He knew the both of them had been deployed heavily during House Mal¡¯Kar¡¯s campaign to make an example of Commander Cocaine¡¯s forces wherever they showed up, but he hadn¡¯t been personally involved in the campaign since Commander Cocaine himself attacked the House Mal¡¯Kar compound, and didn¡¯t know too many of the details.


    After they took their seats, the rest of the room quickly filled up, with Izadora arriving just on time, flanked by Vaetrix and Ull, looking dead serious and worried as they took their seats at the head of the table.


    ¡°Welcome everybody,¡± Izadora began. ¡°I have called you here for a reason, as we are expected to be addressed by Matron Mother Karastrix. While we wait for her signal, we have other matters to discuss.


    ¡°Naturally, the main topics on the agenda involved the campaign against Commander Cocaine, with members of the family speaking about propaganda efforts, as well as intel gathering.¡± Svaartal tuned out at this point, not being involved or particularly interested until his name came up.


    ¡°Also, certain elements within Clan Bharzum have invited our resident Sigilus to visit their main Clan holding, though they have not requested the same from our Enchanter, who they cite as still needing to recover,¡± Izadora continued, looking to Svaartal, who looked back to the young Matriarch curiously. ¡°Specifically, the triplets are inviting you as Blood Kin.¡±


    ¡°Hah, I was wondering why I haven¡¯t see Dhassi hanging around, she used to be latched onto you like a rash.¡± Braska laughed mockingly at Svaartal. ¡°But between the Drow and these Hoduth? It makes sense, but I never expected you to be an Oil Driller¡­¡±


    Drow from all around the table glared daggers at the Balnath for the comment, but Svaartal kept his cool as he felt a slight tingling sensation coming from his right hand, feeding off his hatred for his enemy.


    He knew what it was, of course. On one of the digits on his right hand was a band of deep, polished silver, etched with faint serpentine patterns that seemed to ripple in the light. At its center rested a striking blue gem, oval-shaped and as clear as tropical waters, with faint flickers of light dancing like distant stars.


    His gift from Clan Bharzum, among other things¡­


    ¡°Regardless, our negotiations are pushing for you to bring a few representatives from House Mal¡¯Kar,¡± Izadora continued, eyes narrowing dangerously at Braska, ¡°who will use the opportunity to scout out opportunities we can take advantage of.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Svaartal nodded, not particularly relishing the idea.


    ¡°Next. Braska. What are your findings from Cypherport?¡± Izadora continued.


    ¡°Oh yeah, that was fun!¡± The Balnath chuckled. ¡°We easily took the village with no fatalities on our end, and plenty on theirs! The rest couldn¡¯t surrender fast enough!¡±


    "Now as for what happened there, we have conflicting reports,¡± Haldra Mal¡¯Kar spoke up, the stern torturer having had her work cut out for her with the heavy influx of fresh captives. ¡°Unfortunately, none of the captives we recovered were present during the incident itself. Many confirm the death of The Redeemer, but don¡¯t know why he was even there. Many are saying Commander Cocaine was probably responsible for killing him, but when questioned sharply, could not reliably confirm as such.¡±


    ¡°An interesting question to ask the Commander when we get him into a torture chamber.¡± Izadora smiled. ¡°It doesn''t matter. The events at Cypherport matter not to us unless we claim a bounty. What have you done with the prisoners?¡±


    ¡°House Mal¡¯Kar will earn a considerable amount once we transfer the captives to a particularly interested buyer I¡¯m well acquainted with,¡± Vaetrix confirmed. ¡°Keeping them here will be asking for trouble.¡±


    ¡°Very well. There is nothing else we need to address, but where is Jizziel?¡± Izadora asked the gathered group. ¡°I know he is out in the field, but he should have returned the moment the recall signal was sent out.¡±


    ¡°Hang on.¡± Dextra sighed lazily as she divided her attention and looked into cyberspace. ¡°Huh, no acknowledgement. He¡¯s probably in a dead zone or something.¡± She shrugged.


    ¡°Then we will do without him,¡± Ull growled, as a comm chime suddenly rang out from the speaker device on the table. ¡°There¡¯s no time. We can¡¯t leave her waiting.¡±


    Izadora took a deep breath, leaned forward, and pressed a button on the device.


    The large hologram of an older drow woman appeared on the table, and immediately the room felt smaller. She was unfamiliar to Svaartal, with her dark skin blending well with her obsidian robes, which shimmered faintly with heavy enchantments. Long, spindly fingers clutched a priestess¡¯s staff topped with a cluster of glowing, venom-green crystals, and her thin lips were perpetually curled into a sneer. Her narrow sharp eyes glowed faintly red, taking in the gathering with disdain, before finally she spoke.


    ¡°Look at you all.¡± She sneered, her venomous voice low and rasping with contempt. ¡°Pathetic. Sitting there like a clutch of mewling infants waiting for a meal to be dropped into your mouths. I expect results and all I see is failure! I am ashamed to be related to you!¡±


    ¡°Greetings mother, it is always so good to hear from you again.¡± Vaetrix was the first to speak up, her tone a challenging one as she met the woman¡¯s gaze directly, her tone dripping with sarcasm as other drow around the table stared at her in shock at the audacity.


    ¡°You dare speak to me in such a way girl?¡± The woman yelled as Vaetrix held her ground. ¡°I should flay you alive for your impertinence!¡±


    ¡®So this must be Matron Mother Karastrix.¡¯ Svaartal thought to himself. ¡®Izadora is the Matriarch in Naganai, but House Mal¡¯Kar is more than just those in the city.¡¯


    ¡°What failures do you speak of mother?¡± Izadora asked, in a picture of stoic calm. ¡°House Mal¡¯Kar has achieved much success under my leadership in the last several months.¡±


    ¡°What failures?¡± The Matron Mother repeated as she looked at her notes, a furious expression on her face. ¡°Openly attacked and humiliated by this¡­Commander Cocaine? Failing to assassinate and make an example out of¡­Jack Frost? And losing valuable Drow lives in the process? And something I have noticed immediately¡­¡±


    She gave a withering stare as she looked around at everyone in the room.


    ¡°Why are there filthy non-drow in my presence!?¡± She snapped furiously. ¡°Clearly my presence is required if you yourselves are so incompetent you require the employment of inferior races!¡±


    Across from them, Svaartal could see Yixx begin to open her mouth to say something, before Braska shook her head, barely a step away from making a comment herself.


    Svaartal was not as foolish.


    ¡°Prepare for my arrival,¡± Matron Karastrix then curtly ordered as the call was abruptly terminated.


    ¡°Well, that could have gone worse,¡± Soren finally spoke up to a series of chuckles from around the room.


    Though Svaartal didn¡¯t join them in their humour.


    They were dismissed immediately afterwards, and both Nirah headed to their chambers. He of course did his best to reassure Svaarti, suggesting that she could simply make herself scarce for a few days during the visit, spending some time with Glenphyranix and her friends while he remained behind.


    Where else could he go?


    He belonged here.


    Right?

 Chapter 156: Foot Service

    The warm glow of late afternoon bathed the homestead in golden light as the group finished their evening tasks. Their homework was done, they¡¯d practised for the deathball game tomorrow, and they didn¡¯t need to take on any jobs for quite a while, but they had all still decided to make themselves useful around their home while it was still daylight.


    Jack wiped sweat from his brow as he finished holding up a sheet of metal for the shuttle they had finally gotten around to begin fixing up, while Nika welded it to the frame. The old shirt he had worn for the dirty job was slung over his shoulder, and the heat of the late afternoon had left his chest damp with perspiration, drawing more than a few lingering gazes from the group scattered across the grounds.


    ¡°Are you going to help or just stare?¡± he called playfully, raising an eyebrow in Sephy¡¯s direction from where the Skritta had been tinkering with some electricals.


    ¡°Hey, why not both?¡± Sephy shot back with a grin. ¡°I can multitask, you know!¡±


    Yeah right! Chiyo exclaimed from where she was floating in the air, feeding delicate wires through the inside of the metal shuttle frame, happy to seize upon the sudden distraction from the manual labour. Not if the results of your latest maths homework is anything to go by!


    ¡°Why do I need to bother? Maths is pointless as fuck!¡± Sephy retorted. ¡°Why the hell do I need to learn how to ¡®find x and y¡¯ or what the angle of a fucking triangle is when all I actually need to know is what¡¯s needed to program code and how to do sums when getting paid, counting my ammo or bartering for cool shit?!¡±


    ¡°She has a point!¡± Nika grinned. ¡°What kind of career needs you to know that kind of stuff apart from ¡®Maths Teacher¡¯?¡±


    Lots of things! Chiyo rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Come on! I passed the latest exam at least!¡± Sephy shrugged.


    You could try doing better than just passing! Chiyo nagged, though Jack could see the Ilithii try her best to hide her amused smile before trying to return to her task. So, Nika, you said I just need to¡­melt the metal to connect these wires?


    ¡°Yes, Chiyo, that¡¯s literally what soldering is!¡± The Kizun snorted in amusement. ¡°Come on! I know you take the Industrial Vocation class like the rest of us!


    Chiyo hesitated for a moment longer before very unconfidently applying the soldering iron to the wires. A faint puff of smoke rose, and she wrinkled her nose. This feels barbaric, she communicated, though she continued to fix up the wires.


    ¡°Why¡­won¡¯t¡­this¡­just go in!¡± Alora muttered through gritted teeth, rolling up the sleeves of her old sage-green blouse-which was fraying at the cuffs and patched at the elbows-as she knelt beside a section of the shuttle¡¯s interior, trying and failing to screw a metal bracket into place, holding her drill awkwardly with both hands as it spun slightly out of control.


    ¡°That¡¯s what he said!¡± Sephy immediately joked, to immediate laughter from the others.


    ¡°How¡¯s everything coming along?¡± Alora called with a sigh as she took a break from drilling, panting heavily from the effort.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure the hull plating is coming along well enough.¡± Nika shrugged, before tapping a patch where the welds looked rough. ¡°But we still need to reinforce this section here and make sure it¡¯s sturdy enough. Last thing we want is for one of us to fall out of the bottom because a panel gets knocked loose¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the welding isn¡¯t as bad as that!¡± Sephy pointed out. ¡°Hell even if it is, we rode this thing pretty well when it was just a skeleton with an engine!¡±


    ¡°No we didn¡¯t!¡± Jack scoffed. ¡°I still remember what we did to land this thing!¡±


    It was not a pleasant trip. Chiyo agreed. Besides, we have other things to add!


    ¡°Yeah, sorry Sephy, there¡¯s no way we¡¯re half-assing this one, especially when it involves high flying!¡± Nika chucked as she finished off the current weld she was working on. ¡°At least it won¡¯t take too long to have it welded to multiple points, then we can test the durability out by having Jack whack it a couple of times.¡±


    ¡°Always happy to make myself useful¡­¡± Jack muttered dryly as he let go of where he was holding the sheet of scrap metal, happy to see that it sort-of remained in place.


    He smiled, and let out a contented sigh.


    It had been several weeks since they had met with Sable Krynn, and life for him and his friends had been relatively uneventful since then. Nobody had tried to kill them, they didn¡¯t need to do any jobs, and the worst they¡¯d had to deal with were some pre-holiday exams.


    Every time he went to sleep, he hoped to wake up in his room back on Earth like this was some weird fever dream. However, waking up instead to the sound of Sephy playing video games like a maniac downstairs no longer felt so bad.


    They¡¯d all agreed to maintain a relatively low profile in the immediate aftermath of their latest job, partly to avoid any possible retaliation from Megacorportations and other factions for them working for Corvin Enterprises, but mostly for what went down at Cypherport.


    While many eyewitness accounts had spoken up in praise of the group for their actions in slaying both The Redeemer and several of the hated Order of the Infernal Harmony, and also in protecting civilian lives during the ambush, just as many of the online rumours floating around the local Matrix had accused them of being the ones behind the slaughter and the reason for Cypherport being burned to the ground.


    Alora had told them not to worry about the misinformation spread online, either by the fog of war, online trolls, or their enemies looking to throw shit their way.


    It didn¡¯t help that the scene of the crime had since been claimed by House Mal¡¯Kar.


    Those motherfuckers.


    On top of that, the bounty for The Redeemer was officially contested. While Nika had done her due diligence and provided bodycam evidence to the Church of Siros that Jack was the one to score the kill, other claimants had apparently taken advantage of the chaos, and claimed to have killed The Redeemer themselves.


    Though they didn¡¯t know if Commander Cocaine was one of these claimants, one of the most popular online rumours was that he had killed the Redeemer in a drug-fueled rampage and completely forgotten about it in the aftermath (something that had apparently happened before), and local betting pools had marked him as the likely killer.


    Had Jack not been the one to pull the trigger, he easily could have imagined it from what he¡¯d seen of the guy on TV¡­


    As ridiculous as these claims were, the resulting investigations from the various parties that put out the hit and the hunters¡¯ guilds running the bounty listings would take some time to resolve.


    Not that it mattered to them in light of the payday from their last Run¡­


    ¡°Jack, look this way for a sec!¡± A voice playfully called, and Jack turned around to spot Vanya sat down in the shade, leaning against the district wall with her camera pointed his way.


    And then there was Dante, who was lazily curled up next to her with bright eyes, panting from the heat of the day, his faintly glowing fur crackling softly with occasional sparks of electricity. He lifted his head occasionally to watch the group, his intelligent eyes following their movements, but for the most part, he was content to supervise from his resting spot, wagging his tails whenever he noticed one of them was looking his way.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°And here we have the illustrious Jack, bravely doing manual labour in the sweltering heat,¡± Vanya narrated, the rabbit-girl grinning. ¡°Is it heroism or just shirtless theatrics? We may never know!¡±


    ¡°Really, Vanya?¡± Jack sighed in amusement.


    ¡°Hey, gotta get some shots for the blog!¡± The Chuna shamelessly grinned. ¡°Not enough people know what you look like!¡±


    ¡°You do know there¡¯s an active bounty on me, right?!¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°People not knowing what I look like is probably a good thing!¡±


    You literally featured on local TV for fighting the Klowns! Chiyo helpfully pointed out. So anyone determined enough will probably work it out!


    ¡°Well it¡¯s not like we need to make it easy for them!¡± Jack argued.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure there won¡¯t be any problems with our bounties¡­¡± Alora argued. ¡°We¡¯ve still made a good impression in the city.


    ¡°Oh really?¡± Jack deadpanned. ¡°Perhaps you¡¯ve forgotten about the dude high on enough cocaine to make Pablo Escobar jealous that¡¯s threatened to go after absolutely anyone with an active bounty?¡±


    ¡°Hey, didn¡¯t he team up with Devil¡¯s Daughter?¡± Sephy asked. ¡°That¡¯s some of the rumours flying about. Her bounty is higher than any of ours!¡±


    The rumours are it wasn¡¯t Commander Cocaine himself, more like one of his officers who got caught out, Chiyo added. Though they are known to have taken out one of House Mal¡¯Kars deathsquads, had Devil¡¯s Daughter not been there, it¡¯s likely they¡¯d have all been killed or captured by them. They probably didn¡¯t have any choice in the matter.


    ¡°Glad to see she¡¯s back at least.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°About time the city gets some good news!¡±


    ¡°Hope she¡¯s alright,¡± Jack mentioned. ¡°I mean, the fact that she¡¯s back probably means she is, but she hasn¡¯t been seen since the party right after the night where she helped us out.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she just needed a break?¡± Sephy shrugged.


    ¡°Sephy? How is setting up the remote piloting working out?¡± Alora asked as the Eladrie awkwardly began trying to screw on a bracket.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± The Skritta shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve got a basic cookie-cutter drone software I¡¯m using, but the problem is configuring it for something this size. Power requirements, things not being to scale, you know, that kind of thing¡­


    It¡¯s a shame there isn¡¯t a subject at school that teaches you how to work out things like that¡­ Chiyo deadpanned, rolling her eyes. Oh wait, there is one. It¡¯s called Maths!


    ¡°Yeah and I have something to do all that complicated stuff for me Chiyo!¡± Sephy snorted. ¡°It¡¯s called a calculator, and I have software running that shit for me overnight while I do more interesting things! It¡¯s so much better than studying!¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯re done for today!¡± Alora announced as she finished screwing on the bracket, ending the argument before it could begin. ¡°We¡¯re not in any rush to get this done and we¡¯ve all done very well so far! Let¡¯s get back to it another day when we¡¯re fresh!¡±


    Sounds good to me! Chiyo agreed, as she hovered back to her normal height, more than happy to escape the manual labour. What are our plans for tonight?


    ¡°Well tomorrow is the last day of school before the holidays¡­¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°And that¡¯s when we¡¯re finally playing our Deathball game¡­¡±


    ¡°About time we get a game!¡± Sephy scoffed, having been rather annoyed that the following two of their scheduled games after playing against Luvia¡¯s team needed to be postponed. Though given their opponents had been affected by the recent Klown attack and the following Corporate War, she had understood Vaal agreeing with the opposing captains to reschedule their games for another date.


    ¡°And after that we¡¯re heading to the Cathedral of Merriment after the game, since Kizzarith and Arlox are now healthy enough to join us,¡± Jack added.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I¡¯m not the only non-deathball player looking forward to tagging along for that!¡± Vanya smiled with a wink at the human. ¡°It¡¯ll be good to see you loosen up a bit!¡±


    ¡°So considering our activities for the next couple of days, shall we go for a chill night watching some TV?¡± Alora asked the gathered group.


    ¡°A chill night watching some TV,¡± everyone agreed.


    ¡°Alright then!¡± Alora smiled.


    ¡°We¡¯ve earned it!¡±


    *****


    After a long day of working on the shuttle, the scent of soap and fresh clothes hung in the air as the team began settling down. Everyone had taken a brief cleansing dip in the hot tub, taking advantage of the magic of the Lesser Lifestone still unceremoniously sunk to the bottom to clean them up, and changed into more comfortable evening wear.


    Jack was sprawled on the largest of the collection of sofas they had, happy to relax his eyes and doze off from the productive afternoon as he let his head rest against the soft back cushions.


    Sephy, ever the opportunist, quicky flopped down next to him, stretching out her legs before casually resting her bare feet on his lap.


    Jack rolled his eyes but didn¡¯t protest as his hands reflexively moved to knead at the soft skin of her feet, his thumbs pressing into the supple arches between the four large, dexterous toes on each foot before bringing his hand up to tickle them. It was a ritual the two of them had conducted many times over the weeks by this point despite Jack¡¯s half-hearted protests. ¡°You¡¯re getting way too comfortable with this¡­¡± He chuckled, though the way his fingers still moved made it obvious he didn¡¯t mind.


    Across the room, Nika was curled up in an armchair, lazily scrolling through her datapad as her tail swished back and forth. She glanced up, an amused smirk playing on her lips. ¡°You know, I should probably be demanding the same service of you!¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not getting up for that!¡± Jack snorted.


    From the far end of the room, Alora and Chiyo sat near a small table, sipping from warm mugs of herbal tea. Alora, dressed in a soft blue nightgown with a thin cardigan draped over her shoulders, had a content smile on her face as she observed them all.


    "You do look quite at home like that, Jack," she giggled. ¡°You¡¯ve come a long way since you first started living here!¡±


    Chiyo, dressed in her usual oversized hoodie and shorts, gave a thoughtful nod of agreement, watching closely. I agree. she quickly murmured telepathically, taking a sip of her tea, before she smirked. Oh, and I¡¯m definitely next in line for foot-massage privileges!


    ¡°Oh no, we¡¯re not making this a thing!¡± Jack chuckled.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s just an exclusive one-of-a-kind service for me only!¡± Sephy grinned.


    ¡°Someone should take a picture and stick it up on MyFace!¡± Nika suggested with an amused grin.


    ¡°I agree, we totally should.¡± Alora quickly agreed with a mischievous smirk, snapping a picture on her commlink before Jack even had a chance to try and look natural.


    Eventually, Vanya arrived, freshly showered and wearing a loose tank top and comfortable cotton shorts "So. What did I miss?¡±


    ¡°Just me training Jack into being the perfect stress-relief tool!¡± Sephy shrugged as the others laughed.


    ¡°Hey that sounds like a good idea!¡± The Chuna answered with a playful grin, as with deliberate laziness she shifted over and plopped down right next to Jack, twisting around to casually lay down on the sofa, stretching her legs out over his lap and wiggling her toes. ¡°If you¡¯re offering foot massages, Jack, I¡¯d just hate to be left out!¡± She purred. ¡°I worked so hard today!¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t do shit!¡± Nika snorted.


    ¡°Hey, someone had to supervise all of you!¡± The Chuna answered brightly, though she gave Jack a wink from her layed-down position. ¡°Who are we waiting for anyway?¡±


    A couple of others, Chiyo answered. I think the Squa¡¯Kaar are having some pre-game nerves about their first Deathball game tomorrow, and a few of the others are trying to finish their homework.


    ¡°Probably, but with all the practice we¡¯ve done they should be totally fine for the game!¡± Sephy mentioned. ¡°But don¡¯t change the subject, Vanya!¡±


    ¡°I have no idea what you mean!¡± Vanya chucked, though she didn¡¯t help her case as she poked Jack in the chest with one of her rabbit-like feet, before playfully hovering it in his face. ¡°Jack! Your services are required!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky you¡¯ve got fur.¡± Jack snorted as he pushed the foot back down and idly began running his fingers through the soft brown hairs. ¡°At least I don¡¯t have to deal with cold feet like some people have!¡±


    Sephy gasped in mock offense as Jack ticked one of her toes again to show he was only joking. ¡°Excuse you! My feet are a perfectly acceptable temperature!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Vanya definitely has you beat!¡± He grinned, resuming Sephy¡¯s massage while giving Vanya¡¯s foot a testing press. Her warm fur was softer than he expected, and she let out a pleased hum.


    ¡°Mmm, not bad, Earth boy,¡± Vanya teased, ears flicking as she brought herself up in a pull-up and leaned against his shoulder. ¡°I could get used to this.¡±


    Alora smiled behind her tea as she checked her commlink. ¡°And as expected, Luvia was rather quick to reply to my post! I suspect she¡¯s now in the queue!¡±


    Jack rolled his eyes but didn¡¯t stop. ¡°Damn freeloaders!¡±


    The room filled with laughter as the sound of footsteps echoed down the hall as several of the others joined them, with Karzen, Bentom, Obeda and the Squa¡¯Kaar chatting excitedly, likely about their plans for work in the future, while Hessia and a few others dutifully followed behind. The scent of fresh snacks followed as someone set down a tray of popcorn and drinks on the coffee table.


    ¡°Alright, alright, we¡¯re here now! Budge over!¡± Karzen grinned, squeezing onto the couch.¡°Sorry guys! We needed to have a meeting about something¡±


    ¡°No apology needed!¡± Alora smiled. ¡°How are things going? Need any help or advice from us?¡±


    ¡°All good!¡± Zayle smiled. ¡°We were just looking for some jobs to do!


    ¡°We might need your advice on something later, but it can wait.¡± Bentom shrugged. ¡°Right now we could do with a break, and we have a game tomorrow!¡±


    ¡°Too right!¡± Karzen grinned. ¡°What are we all watching anyway?¡±


    That¡¯s a good question, Chiyo said.


    Sephy and Vanya both perked up, causing Jack to shift uncomfortably as the movement poked him in the nuts. ¡°Something trashy,¡± Sephy said.


    ¡°Something fun,¡± Vanya added.


    Alora sighed as she took another swig of tea. ¡°Something not filled with mindless explosions.¡±


    Chiyo pushed up her glasses. Something educational.


    Jack groaned, leaning back into the cushions. ¡°We¡¯re going to be here all night arguing, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    Nika smirked, thumb hovering over the button of the remote. ¡°Pretty much, but hey, when I¡¯ve got the remote democracy isn¡¯t a concern!¡±


    She clicked the button to turn the TV onto something random.


    Only for the latest news headlines to appear¡­

 Chapter 157: The Latest Headlines

    "Good evening, and welcome to the evening Galactic News. I''m Oudrie Ximmercon,¡± the now-familiar fish-like woman announced from behind her desk, her expression grim as she read from the teleprompter.


    ¡°And I¡¯m Lexi Kussarsch,¡± the Vivren co-anchor announced to her right.


    ¡°Our first local news story tonight¡­¡± Oudrie began, followed by a dramatic drumbeat.


    ¡°Church authorities, corporate security forces, and independent investigators continue the desperate city-wide search for the elusive Dr. Reyazz Grine. The rogue geneticist, responsible for kidnapping, torture, murder - including murder of children - and a string of horrific bio-experiments, remains at large, his whereabouts completely unknown.¡±


    Jack sat up straighter, his attention fully locked onto the screen.


    ¡°Despite a citywide manhunt, no verified sightings of Dr Grine have been made since his last known sighting during the latest Klown attack. However, several local factions have reported that many incidents across the city in the past month could possibly be attributed to him, having found exsanguinated bodies, mutilated parts and pools of gore, without any sources or signs of the perpetrator to be seen.¡±


    For someone hunted by the city, he certainly isn¡¯t being careful¡­ Chiyo noted.


    ¡°Some experts speculate that Grine has gone underground, possibly in the literal sense. Reports from the Temple of Hope suggest he may be utilizing abandoned infrastructure, long-forgotten corporate bunkers, or even private research facilities owned by sympathetic benefactors,¡± the anchor continued, ¡°However¡­¡±


    Jack and several others perked up in their seats as the feed shifted to show a familiar Stygian woman in black robes flinging fire at a drow warrior.


    ¡°The Stygian vigilante, Devil¡¯s Daughter, has resurfaced after weeks of speculation regarding her latest disappearance. She initially appeared to attack and eliminate a strike force belonging to House Mal¡¯Kar, but has since gone on to engage belligerents throughout the city. Viewers may recall that Devil¡¯s Daughter has previously encountered and fought Dr Grine, however, despite numerous clashes she has been unable to eliminate the rogue scientist to date.¡±


    ¡°Well! Looks like the rumours are now confirmed!¡± Alora smiled, happy for the good news.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Sephy exclaimed. ¡°Maybe Devil¡¯s Daughter can use her magic to find Grine? Isn¡¯t that how she¡¯s found him before, Chiyo?¡±


    Possibly, Chiyo admitted. Although Grine is now known to have a wizard associate. I doubt magical tracing would work now.


    ¡°Damn¡­¡± Jack sighed. ¡°There¡¯s got to be a way to get him¡­¡±


    The Vivren news anchor took over the report.


    ¡°In light of the lack of progress of the investigation, local warlord Commander Cocaine has pledged to target other individuals with active bounties, making the following announcement¡­.¡±


    The screen cut to shaky drone footage of a burning warehouse, plumes of smoke rising into the night sky, while in front Commander Cocaine stood proudly, flanked by several of his men.


    ¡°Oooooh yeah! Commander Cocaine is on the hunt, yeah! He can¡¯t be contained, yeah! The cream of the crop will rise to the top, and so are your bounties, yeah! Commander Cocaine is ready to lay the smackdown on Dr Grine when he finds him, yeah! Just like he did with House Mal¡¯Kar, yeah! Just like he will with anybody with an active bounty, yeah! I¡¯ll take you to the pain dimension bitch, yeah! I¡¯ll claim your reward money, crunch it down and snort that shit! OOOOHHHHH YEEEAAAHHHH!¡±


    The broadcast cut to a quick public reaction clip, a flustered shop owner standing outside his ruined storefront, shaking his head. "I mean... yeah, he massacred all the gangsters threatening the neighbourhood, but for some reason he also kicked my delivery drone into my store window. What the fuck am I supposed to write on my insurance claim?¡±


    Next to Jack, Sephy was wheezing with laughter, clutching her sides. ¡°By the gods, I love this guy!¡±


    Alora let out a groan, rubbing her temples. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t. He¡¯s a walking calamity, and all of us have active bounties!¡±


    I would certainly not wish to meet him¡­ Chiyo agreed.


    ¡°Some of the rumours out there are saying he¡¯s thinking of attacking Nightwhisper Manor after clearing out the Zorn and enough city threats!¡± Nika spoke up. ¡°I mean if he¡¯s insane enough to go for that then he won¡¯t be coming back!¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Jack agreed, remembering what he had been told about the highly dangerous dark zone outside of town that generated undead, and how those rare few that returned alive never did so intact, and that was only from the ¡®yellow zones¡¯...


    ¡°And now for our next story¡­¡± Oudrie Ximmercon continued.


    *Boom Boom* went the drumbeat.


    The image on the screen changed to a dimly lit street, with shaky footage obviously taken from a passerby showing a blurred figure in a tattered long coat and a wide-brimmed hat, moving unnervingly fast between pools of flickering neon, laughing maniacally as they rounded a street corner and disappeared amidst yells of outrage. The camera panned around to show an outraged Xarak woman in a short dress sat on the ground, rubbing her backside and yelling expletives, with a loud voice in the distance yelling ¡°SPANKO!¡± right before the footage ended.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Sephy exclaimed. ¡°Whipping Tom¡¯s still about! That has to be him!¡±


    ¡°In the aftermath of a spree of attacks committed within the space of approximately seven minutes, which occurred at their Kabuki Entertainment district late yesterday evening, NeoJoy authorities have confirmed that they are still searching for leads on the elusive assailant, who is believed to be the notorious serial attacker ¡®Whipping Tom.¡¯"


    ¡°Aww, come on Alora!¡± Nika spoke up. ¡°We can totally go for his bounty!¡±


    ¡°Where would we even begin finding him?¡± Alora asked, as the Eladrie slouched down in her chair and raised her eyebrows at the Kizun.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need to find him!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°He can find us! We can use Chiyo as bait!¡±


    I swear I¡¯ll throw you out a window, Sephy! The unamused Ilithii retorted.


    Jack chuckled at the banter.


    ¡°For those unfamiliar,¡± the news anchor continued. ¡°Whipping Tom has become infamous for his sudden, unprovoked attacks, ambushing isolated victims - who are usually scantily-dressed women under the cover of darkness, and spanking them on the buttocks or upper legs for several seconds with a rod, before fleeing the scene. Eyewitness accounts describe the attacker as ¡®really fucking fast¡¯ and ¡®giggling like a motherfucker¡¯ in the aftermath of his assaults¡­¡±


    His bounty will no doubt be going up, Chiyo reasoned. Though anyone that gets him will probably just be lucky enough to be nearby, unless they¡¯re able to identify them. But that Blur enchantment he keeps up stops that from happening. Either he has some magic himself or an enchanted item that keeps his apperance hidden.


    ¡°Citizens are urged to stay alert for any further attacks,¡± the news anchor concluded.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Oudrie,¡± the Vivren co-anchor confirmed with a grim expression before continuing, ¡°Our next headline¡­¡±


    Again, there was a dramatic, yet frankly unnecessary drumbeat.


    ¡°Despite the severe clashes of recent weeks, it appears that the corporate hostilities between Corvin Enterprises and the Myrodin-Shaskasaki alliance are beginning to stabilize. While isolated skirmishes continue, particularly in disputed industrial zones and off-world assets, the widespread destruction seen in prior engagements has notably decreased.¡±


    ¡°Thank goodness for that.¡± Alora sighed. ¡°This city has suffered enough, though this could have been much, much worse¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah you¡¯re right, I reckon Corvin Enterprises were holding back,¡± Nika added. ¡°We¡¯ve seen them field much worse last time the Killer Klown came calling two years ago!¡±


    That¡¯s probably the reason they¡¯re holding back and didn¡¯t push for many gains, Chiyo reasoned. Maybe to bait the Killer Klown out?


    ¡°It worked last time!¡± Sephy grinned.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t necessarily mean it¡¯ll work again,¡± Jack pointed out. ¡°They¡¯re batshit crazy, but from what I¡¯ve seen, they¡¯re cunning.¡±


    ¡°With both sides now consolidating their positions, our analysts believe the conflict has entered a cold phase,¡± the news reporter continued. ¡°Local economies have begun to recover from the initial shock, and normal business operations have resumed in most districts, albeit under increased security measures.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°No Megacorp is going to admit to losing.¡± Nika sighed. ¡°But Myrodin and Shaskasaki only wanted to make gains against Corvin and hold them in check, but they failed.¡±


    ¡°Makes you wonder what¡¯ll happen when Corvin actually tries to take them out.¡± Sephy shuddered.


    "In the aftermath, Corvin Enterprises has triggered mass outrage by refusing to release prisoners, many of which belong to Myrodin Magitechnology or Shaskasaki Cybertronics, including several mercenary groups, bounty hunters and several members of the Shaskasaki family, despite prisoner exchanges and ransoms being offered,¡± the reporter continued.


    ¡°Well, we know what that means.¡± Nika grunted.


    ¡°Hell Ring.¡± Alora scowled. ¡°Along with their other foul shows.¡±


    Almost definitely. Chiyo nodded.


    ¡°For now, Naganai breathes a sigh of relief as open hostilities dwindle. But experts caution that without any formal agreement, tensions remain high and conflict can easily resume. Only time will tell whether this fragile stability holds¡­¡± the news anchor concluded, oblivious to the group¡¯s growing unease.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope so.¡± Jack growled. ¡°I remember when we had to cross the city overnight to get home right when it all kicked off!¡±


    ¡°Well hopefully it stays quiet when we get back to school,¡± Sephy added. ¡°The less detours we need to take the longer we get to sleep in the mornings!¡±


    The news anchor¡¯s face remained composed, but the slight tension in her voice betrayed the gravity of the next segment.


    ¡°The Temple of Hope has released an update concerning the ongoing hunt for the notorious criminal known as ¡®The Quizzer.¡¯ Inquisitors remain locked in pursuit of the sadistic game show host following the livestreamed release of yet another gruesome ¡®episode¡¯ of his so-called competition.¡±


    The screen cut to a grainy, watermarked recording, likely an intercepted broadcast from the deepest parts of the DataNet. The footage displayed a brightly lit, underground set that reminded Jack of a particularly wild Japanese gameshow, as spotlights illuminated at least seven terrified, blindfolded contestants, who were standing on precariously thin platforms above a pool of unknown bubbling liquid, while a towering animatronic scoreboard tallied some unseen progress.


    The sound cut out, replaced by the news anchor¡¯s voiceover. ¡°While we will not be airing the full footage due to its highly graphic and disturbing nature, what we can confirm is that ten individuals were forced into a series of deadly, quiz-based challenges. According to investigators, the only survivor was the ¡®winner¡¯ of the game, who was discovered unconscious seven weeks ago in the cluster of loosely habited districts locally known as ¡®The Puddles¡¯, subjected to heavy anaesthesia, and they remain in a medical coma.¡±


    Sephy winced. ¡°Oof. That¡¯s worse than usual...¡±


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± Jack muttered out.


    ¡°In what investigators are calling a small victory, a strike force from the Temple of Hope successfully located and raided a suspected former Quizzer hideout earlier this week,¡± Oudrie Ximmercon continued. ¡°However, the facility was discovered to be long abandoned, yielding little more than elaborate sets, puzzle mechanisms, and outdated broadcasting equipment. No trace of the Quizzer himself or any live captives were found.¡±


    Chiyo shook her head. That¡¯s what, the third time now? Every time they find one of his hideouts, it¡¯s been cleaned out weeks in advance¡­


    ¡°Pretty much.¡± Nika agreed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he changes locations with every game. Some are definitely held somewhere in the Gloom Paths which nobody can find, but if he¡¯s cocky enough to upload the footage, he¡¯s definitely gone before someone can analyse it.¡±


    The news anchor continued. ¡°Though investigators maintain that all evidence points to The Quizzer operating independently, rumours continue to mount regarding possible corporate involvement.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Sephy muttered darkly. ¡°I mean look at the setup! Holographic effects, heavy encryption, high production value and all the new traps he keeps making, he¡¯s definitely got some backing. Hell, he¡¯s probably got the blessing of Jingubash for this shit!¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t put it past Corvin Enterprises trying to recruit this guy if he doesn¡¯t work for them already,¡± Karzen spoke up from where the armadillo-girl was sipping her tea.


    Alora folded her arms. ¡°If a megacorp is backing him, we¡¯d never know. Not officially. My guess is that he¡¯s supported independently.¡±


    ¡°Like some bored rich arseholes sponsoring him for entertainment?¡± Jack asked rhetorically. His mind drifted to the worst stories he¡¯d heard of the ultra rich and powerful from Earth, quickly conjuring up mental pictures of Epstein Island. ¡°I can believe it.¡±


    ¡°Following the breaking news of the discovery of his recent hideout, the following video was livestreamed to NetTube, and analysts have confirmed it¡¯s authenticity,¡± the voice on the TV continued.


    The screen cut to a swirling mass of static before resolving into a gaudy, neon-drenched stage filled with confetti and flashing lights. A massive spinning wheel stood in the background, covered in ominous symbols¡ªchains, knives and question marks. Spotlights swept across the set before focusing on the center, where a tall, impeccably dressed man in a glittering magenta suit and top hat suddenly appeared with a puff of smoke and a dramatic sound cue, taking a long bow to the camera. His face was mostly hidden behind a sleek, custom-molded mask, which was white with gold filigree, covering all of his face except for his wide grin, which Jack could see was natural as it revealed a row of sparkling white teeth which curled up in a grin.


    ¡°Congratulations on finding the site of my latest game my dear, ever gallant pursuers!¡± The Quizzer exclaimed theatrically in an arrogant tone as he threw his arms wide, revelling in the spotlight while cheers and applause was piped in. ¡°I hope you all had a fun fun fun little field trip through my old set! Did you find anything juicy? Anything¡­scandalous?¡± He gasped dramatically as the sound effect of laughter was added. ¡°Did you honestly think I¡¯d still be there? But don¡¯t worry! I left my autograph for those fans of mine out there!¡±


    The feed cut to black for a brief moment, before flashing back with an extreme close-up of his mask covered face, filling the screen.


    ¡°And speaking of my adoring fans out there, don¡¯t you worry! I have been just dying to make things more interesting! What could that be? Well¡­you¡¯ll just have to wait for the next show! Ta ta for now!¡±


    The video ended abruptly, cutting back to the news anchor, her expression carefully neutral, but the tension in her posture was unmistakable.


    ¡°The investigation continues. Temple of Hope authorities are urging anybody with any information to come forward.¡±


    The same dramatic beat occurred once more as the camera panned back to the Vivren.


    ¡°In lighter news, Naganai¡¯s rebuilding efforts have seen a major boost thanks to the efforts of several high-profile philanthropists and influencers, including the top subscribed NetTuber, Mista Monsta, professional gamer Double Dellash, and the city¡¯s favorite trickster, the dragon Fimordariynnth.


    The screen shifted to a pre-recorded segment, showing a massive crowd that was gathered in a devastated district that had clearly seen recent signs of fighting. Workers and volunteers bustled about clearing the debris, guided by drones that hovered overhead, delivering supplies.


    In front of several cameras a young, grinning mammalian biped with well groomed blueish-grey fur with and light red beast-like features spoke to the audience.


    ¡°What¡¯s up everyone? I¡¯m Mista Monsta and we¡¯re out here making BIG changes today, folks!¡± he boomed, gesturing around him. ¡°This neighborhood got hit hard in the corp skirmishes, but thanks to all your donations and the help of some amazing local factions, we¡¯re bringing it back better than ever!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s incredible seeing the outpouring of support,¡± the Vivren news anchor continued as the footage returned to the studio.


    ¡°And finally, I have just received word that we have breaking news. Our correspondent Larrex is at the scene to tell us more,¡± Oudrie Ximmercon concluded, as the image on screen shifted, the bright red and white holographic displays replaced by a cordoned-off alleyway with a dull white neon light illuminating the scene. The camera panned around, showing armed individuals that looked to be carefully scanning the frost-covered pavement outside until it finally focused on a nervous-looking field reporter with a microphone, a Lizta they had seen a few times before when they had watched the news.


    ¡°Good evening Oudrie, I¡¯m standing outside the scene of a brutal killing tonight in Glastzura Barrens,¡± Larrex began, his voice tense. ¡°Local militia have confirmed at least 10 deceased individuals, although due to the nature of the scene there may be more, including an individual that has been confirmed as the local vigilante ¡®Red Warden.¡¯¡±


    Several gasps suddenly erupted from around the room.


    ¡°Oh fuck¡­¡± Nika finally muttered, sitting forward.


    ¡°The brutal nature of the scene and the confirmed widespread use of Frost Magic suggests a likely connection to the infamous serial killer known as ¡®Chillwalker.¡¯¡±


    The screen shifted, showing drone footage of the alley from above. The path into the alley was coated in a thicker layer of ice despite the city¡¯s relatively warm climate as of late, with jagged crystalline growths spearing up from the walls where moisture had frozen solid. And at the center of it all¡­


    Holy shit¡­ Chiyo exclaimed.


    A reptilian figure in a bright red coat was frozen mid-motion, arms raised as if to shield themselves, resembling a grotesque sculpture, as their face was encased in ice in a terrified expression.


    ¡°The bodies were discovered just an hour ago in this very alleyway,¡± Larrex continued. ¡°The scene bears several hallmarks of Chillwalker¡¯s previous killings, with extensive frost damage to the limbs, a shattered ribcage, and telltale signs of cryogenic crystallization in the blood¡­¡±


    Sephy let out a low whistle. ¡°Damn. That¡¯s some horror movie shit.¡±


    Vanya¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°It always is with Chillwalker. He¡¯s one of the worst killers in this city, and that¡¯s the fourth vigilante he¡¯s known to have killed so far.¡±


    ¡°Not only that, but they¡¯ve been very active recently,¡± Alora added. ¡°It¡¯s like everything putting the city on high alert these last weeks have emboldened him rather than scared him.¡±


    ¡°Well, many serial killers are the thrill-seeking type that get off on that kind of thing.¡± Vanya shrugged back, with Jack remembering the Chuna having a considerable interest on the subject of killers. ¡°Though it¡¯s hard to tell if that applies to Chillwalker. They¡¯re careful, and he¡¯s been on the list of our local most wanted for quite some time now¡­¡±


    ¡°What? You mean like the Killer Klown?¡± Jack asked. He knew of four of the names of the Top 10, but he was surprised a local serial killer qualified¡­


    No, you¡¯re thinking of the Top 10 bounties across the entirety of Hive Station Bastilla, Chiyo clarified. The Naganai Most Wanted are for local threats, like Nalestrixxondraal for example...


    ¡°You can just call him ¡®Blighttooth¡¯ or ¡®The Plague Dragon¡¯ Chiyo!¡± Sephy interrupted with a scoff. ¡°Ain¡¯t nobody got time to remember complicated-ass dragon names nobody can pronounce!¡±


    ¡°Not even Luvia¡¯s!¡± Jack quipped, which got the Skritta giggling.


    Well, regardless, you should consider them separate things, Chiyo told Jack, who nodded in understanding. The Naganai Most Wanted also vary in number and is a bit more unofficial, but is usually between 5 to 20 names or organisations that are local threats with high bounties.


    ¡°Gotcha.¡± Jack nodded. ¡°Though I¡¯d better not be up there¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not!¡± Alora laughed from across the room. ¡°So paranoid!¡±


    Back on the screen, the reporter¡¯s expression was grim. ¡°...and arcane signatures have been recorded. Once again, this reporter urges city residents to avoid isolated areas after dark and to be cautious of any sudden temperature drops¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, like that¡¯s going to help...¡± Vanya sighed, before looking to Jack for context. ¡°Nobody knows for sure what Chillwalker actually looks like. They¡¯ve never appeared on a camera and anyone who¡¯s ever claimed to see him is either an outright liar or just unreliable¡­¡±


    Yet the extensive use of Cryomancy is their signature. Chiyo added.


    ¡°Yeah, most of the rumours online reckon he¡¯s an ex-corpo gone rogue, probably with Myrodin or something.¡± Sephy shrugged. ¡°Definitely a powerful wizard or something of the sort.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Nika sighed, as the rest of the room grew quiet in the aftermath of that grim news¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s watch something else,¡± Alora finally spoke up, and Nika dutifully threw her the remote¡­

 Chapter 158: Battle Gauntlet

    Jack, still leaning back on the couch, gave a half-hearted nod. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s switch to something less ¡®the world is on fire and everything has gone to shit¡¯ and more ¡®people falling over for our amusement and cute fluffy kittens and stuff.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Now that¡¯s my kind of entertainment.¡± Alora smiled as she flipped through the channels. After skipping past a few dull corporate talk shows and reruns of crime dramas the others had all apparently seen before, she landed on something with flashing lights, pounding music, and a disembodied excited announcer¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Good evening one and all! Welcome back to Battle Gauntlet! The gameshow where only the strongest, the fastest and the craziest compete to survive against our Titans!¡±


    ¡°Oh hell yeah.¡± Nika grinned. ¡°I forgot they were making a new season of this!¡±


    Jack curiously perked up as the screen panned around a large, brightly-lit but empty arena surrounded by a cheering crowd sitting in the stands. He couldn¡¯t for the life of him work out what this was, as he couldn¡¯t see anything but a large, black floor with glowing lights in a grid-like pattern. Suddenly, the introduction to some heavy rock music began to play, as spotlights snaked along the ground to one of the corners, which looked like a stage entrance displayed in bright neon colours.


    Chiyo, now more relaxed after the serious news, chuckled softly. I suppose this is a better way to wind down than hearing about serial killers and corporate wars.


    ¡°We should sign you up for this, Chiyo!¡± Sephy grinned.


    Don¡¯t you fucking dare! The Ilithii retorted, yeeting a cushion at the Skritta as the room laughed.


    The show cut to a contestant introduction, with an overly-confident reptilian man calling himself ¡®Big Riff¡¯ flexed for the camera, while explaining how his ¡®elite training regimen of protein shakes, positive vibes and a fuckton of steroids¡¯ would make him the next champion.


    ¡°Actually, we should totally sign Jack up to this!¡± Sephy spoke up.


    ¡°The show or the steroids?¡± Karzen asked.


    ¡°Meh, why not both?¡± Sephy shrugged with an unrepentant smirk.


    ¡°Only if you do it with me!¡± Jack snorted.


    ¡°Hard pass!¡± Sephy retorted to more laughs.


    The camera then panned to the actual titans as they were introduced. Predictably they were all hulking, costumed warriors with names like "Bloodwing" and "Megahammer." The crowd roared as they took up their weapons, ready to pummel the contestants into next week.


    Chiyo adjusted her glasses. Statistically, these challengers have no chance of winning. Many seasons end prematurely without a champion due to injuries.


    Nika grinned. ¡°Yeah, but that¡¯s what makes it fun!¡±


    ¡°And Game 1 is gonna be Gridiron!¡± The announcer called out to cheers from the crowd, as a pitch was quickly set up by droids. A part of the floor opened up to reveal a huge tank of water, while a criss-cross of beams was lowered from the ceiling, with droids zipping around the set to attach it all together. ¡°Contestants! Take your positions!¡±


    The contestants were all directed to one side of the arena by members of staff, where a ladder was brought for them to climb up to a platform at one end, and it became very obvious to Jack that the goal was to simply get to the other side.


    ¡°Now for the Titans that will stop them from crossing!¡± The announcer continued. ¡°First up, it¡¯s Jetstream! Then we have Meteor! And finally, it¡¯s the magnificent, it¡¯s the terrifying, it¡¯s¡­Gigachad!¡±


    ¡°Oh those contestants are fucked!¡± Jack snorted, as he saw the size of the veritable bodybuilders carrying weapons lumber their way up onto the platform, while one or two of the contestants had to be prevented from running away by the staff.


    ¡°I really hope our game tomorrow won¡¯t be as rough as this!¡± Rayle nervously spoke up from the armrest of one of the sofas.


    ¡°Relax! We¡¯re facing some wizards our age rather than full adults and they¡¯re just as scared of us! Besides, you¡¯re in the back row anyway!¡± Zayle lazily spoke up from where the Gecko was curled up among a few cushions on the floor.


    The first contestant, Big Riff, sprinted forward with all the confidence of a man who had absolutely no idea what was about to happen to him. He ducked and weaved, barely avoiding a giant padded hammer swung by Meteor, only to be immediately smacked in the head by a flying spinning kick from Jetstream.


    ¡°OOOHHH!¡± the entire room gasped in unison as Big Riff ragdolled wildly in midair before splashing into the water pit below, with droids quickly moving to recover the knocked-out reptile.


    Sephy snorted, barely able to contain her laughter. ¡°Dude really thought he had a chance.¡±


    Jack smirked, shaking his head. ¡°I respect the confidence, but holy shit that was brutal!¡±


    The camera cut to an instant replay of the hit from multiple angles, complete with slow-motion commentary.


    Vanya leaned in close to Jack, resting an elbow on the back of the couch. ¡°If you were in there, think you¡¯d do better, big guy?¡± she asked with a teasing smile.


    Jack stretched slightly, giving a half-shrug as he grinned. ¡°Depends. Do I get my gun?¡±


    Nika, scoffed. ¡°No guns, coward! Hand-to-hand like the rest of us!¡±


    Jack smirked. ¡°Meh. I¡¯d last longer than ¡®Big Riff¡¯ at least!¡±


    The next contestant, a wiry-looking bear-like woman with a fierce glare was announced as ¡®Speeda¡¯. The announcer hyped her up as a former parkour champion, and the crowd cheered as she cracked her knuckles, looking completely unbothered by the hulking Titans ahead of her.


    Oh, she¡¯s going to win, Chiyo stated matter-of-factly, pushing up her glasses.


    Alora tilted her head. ¡°Why do you think that Chiyo?¡±


    She¡¯s light, agile, and has experience with movement-based challenges. Her ability to navigate obstacles will give her an advantage over brute force.


    ¡°I dunno,¡± Sephy mused, leaning forward while her eyes locked on the screen. ¡°I mean the Titans must have done this countless times, if they bait her or box her in, she¡¯s buggered!¡±


    The buzzer sounded, and Speeda shot forward, dodging Jetstream with ease before launching herself off the side railing, bouncing between platforms and dodging a swipe from Meteor.


    ¡°She¡¯s going to do it!¡± Rayle exclaimed as Speeda ran as fast as she could to just barely escape Gigachad before making it onto the platform to huge cheers from the crowd.


    ¡°YES!¡± Nika pumped her fist in victory.


    Chiyo simply nodded, satisfied. As expected.


    Even Alora was smiling. ¡°That was impressive.¡±


    ¡°Oh no! What¡¯s this!¡± The announcer called, as Gigachad playfully grabbed the victorious Speeda and threw her into the water anyway, then posed to soak in the boos and laughs from the crowd. ¡°It looks like Gigachad¡¯s not too happy Speeda got away!¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Jack spoke up, a little confused.Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°Oh, yeah they do pull those kind of shenanigans a lot!¡± Nika laughed. ¡°It¡¯s just one of those things for the entertainment of those watching!¡±


    ¡°Well at least they all look like good sports about it,¡± Jack noted as Jetsteam helped Speeda out of the water.


    ¡°They usually are - It¡¯s a Myrodin show that they put a lot of money into to compete with Corvin Enterprises,¡± Alora noted as she sipped her tea. ¡°The Titans are like mini celebrities with brand deals and show appearances, though it¡¯s all in-house.¡±


    ¡°And next up! We have ¡®No Fear Mier!¡¯¡± The announcer called out, as a small avian with light blue feathers in a bright neon yellow tracksuit in Myrodin colours grinned with way too much confidence as they walked up to the platform waving to the crowd. ¡°Working diligently as a Magister in the Chiromancy department at Myrodin Magitechnology, he¡¯s ready to prove that he¡¯s got what it takes to be a hero!


    ¡°Oh, this guy¡¯s gonna die,¡± Sephy muttered, grinning.


    And sure enough, the second the buzzer went off, No Fear Mier ran straight ahead as fast as he could, leaped - and was immediately clotheslined midair by Gigachad.


    The entire room burst into laughter as he tumbled end over end into the water.


    ¡°Haha, oh wow!¡± Nika wheezed, wiping tears from her eyes.


    Vanya actually had to brace herself against Jack as she cackled. ¡°He went flying!¡±


    Even Alora covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.


    For a while, the only thing that mattered was watching more contestants eat absolute dirt against the Titans, cheering for the rare few that succeeded, and mocking the ones who made fools of themselves. For a change they could all sit back and relax away from the chaos and horrors of the city. No deadly corporate wars, no killers, no destruction. Just pure, ridiculous entertainment that they could all just chill out and relax to.


    As the final contestant of the night got unceremoniously dunked into the water pit, the credits for Battle Gauntlet rolled, and the announcer teased next week''s episode. Sephy stretched with a yawn, her sharp ears flicking slightly.


    "Alright, I¡¯m calling it," she announced, lazily rolling off the couch, and only just managing to land on her feet. ¡°As fun as that was, I think I need my beauty sleep!"


    You need more than just sleep for that, Sephy! Chiyo teased, easily catching the cushion promptly thrown at her.


    Seeing her primary attack foiled so easily, Sephy stuck her tongue out in response but was too sleepy to keep up the banter.


    ¡°Sephy¡¯s right.¡± Alora got up and stretched. ¡°We¡¯ve still got the last day of school tomorrow, you all have your game and I need to attend a Student Council meeting. Not to mention what we have planned after. Busy times ahead either way!¡±


    "Yes, mother," Nika snickered, dodging a half-hearted swat from Alora as she headed down the corridor towards her room.


    Jack let out a content sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as he stood. For once, he felt¡­at ease. No looming mission, no immediate danger. Just a night chilling with his friends, laughing at dumb TV, and now an actual chance to rest.


    Like people his age should.


    One by one, the group got up, stretching out their limbs after lounging for so long as they headed to their rooms. Jack didn¡¯t hang about, allowing himself to be caught up in the relaxing mood, and physically drained from working on the shuttle.


    Finally, the house settled as Jack made his way to his room, shutting the door behind him. He changed into something comfortable, stretched one last time, and flopped onto the bed, stretching his arm expectantly as Dante predictibly joined him, getting a few scritches in return as they both drifted off to sleep.


    *****


    Jack woke up naturally to the soft golden light of the morning star filtering through the faded curtains. It took a moment for him to register the feeling, an unfamiliar lightness in his chest. No aches from tossing and turning in bed, no restlessness from staying up all night working. Just¡­rest.


    For once, he felt completely, utterly well-rested, and had even woken up earlier than his alarm without having a nightmare!


    He got out of bed and began stretching, crossing his arm over his body and holding it in place while pacing up and down his room, swapping arms, then working on his shoulders before starting on his legs. All the while Dante watched him from his perch on the end of Jack¡¯s bed, perfectly content to just lazily lay there. Once he was done, Jack checked his commlink and saw he¡¯d woken up in good time, with only a few minutes until the alarm was due to go off, so he quickly showered and threw on his school uniform before heading downstairs.


    Jack was pleased as the morning air carried the scent of fresh food, rather than the nutrient paste or stale artificial bricks he had not grown fond of. As he stepped into the kitchen, the sight before him was yet another reminder of how much things had changed.


    Alora stood by the stove, stirring something in a pan, her brow slightly furrowed in concentration, but there was no tension in her shoulders as she made a pot of what looked like fruity porridge.


    ¡°Morning!¡± Jack greeted as he headed down the stairs.


    ¡°Good morning Jack!¡± Alora smiled, putting the pot on a low heat as she set aside a stack of bowls for people to help themselves, which Jack happily did. ¡°Sleep well?¡±


    ¡°Sure did!¡± Jack smiled back as he decided to grab some eggs from the fridge, along with some kind of sausage and bread to pad out the meal. It wasn¡¯t exactly earth food but it was close enough and it smelled amazing. It was certainly leagues better than the energy bars and long-life canned stuff that used to be their breakfast.


    Alora sighed contentedly as she finished her bowl of porridge, but didn¡¯t go for another. "Well, I¡¯d say we all deserved a full night¡¯s rest. Especially you, Jack."


    Jack didn¡¯t argue. They were right. It had been weeks since their last job, but it still felt weird to be waking up to something normal. A simple morning with friends, good food on the table, and no immediate danger waiting to ruin their day.


    After breakfast, the group began their usual morning routine, though with far less urgency than in the past. There was no scrambling for weapons, no double-checking their gear, just the everyday hustle of getting ready for school.


    Once everyone was ready, they stepped outside into the morning light. The walls of their home district cast long shadows, and the air was crisp but not unpleasant. Dante padded along beside them for a while before stopping at the homestead¡¯s gates, knowing he couldn''t follow them all the way, though Jack gave him a quick scratch behind the ears before they continued on, knowing the ¡®dog¡¯ had plenty of space to run around and more than enough food left out for them. Their school bags slung over their shoulders, they made their way past the rural shacks of their mostly elderly neighbours, waving politely to those sitting on their porch or tilling the soil for their allotments.


    Eventually they passed the checkpoints to the more urban areas of the city, though they had no problems with the guards, who were by now used to the students and simply waved them through. Jack wasn¡¯t sure what to think about the security levels, but he was at least grateful the militiamen and women no longer stared at him like some exotic animal.


    Or at least, were no longer obvious about it.


    The trip to school was thankfully uneventful as they headed to the pyramids in the distance, with no unexpected detours for a change. As usual, the queue at the school entrance snaked its way across the freshly power-washed courtyard, where the students all patiently awaited their turn for the routine security screening, though thankfully the line was moving at a decent pace.


    ¡°Well, looks like things are improving,¡± Alora noted as they all joined the queue, their footsteps echoing lightly against the marble floor while drones casually floated around them, scanning and noting them as actual students before moving on.


    Looking around, Jack agreed with the Eladrie. Though he could hear the whispered conversations from students around him mentioning a few of the news stories from the previous night, there was still an unmistakable calm in the air around them.


    Things were finally getting better.


    Yes, there hasn¡¯t been an incident since that recruiter showed up a few days ago, Chiyo noted.


    ¡°Security got them to fuck off quickly enough.¡± Nika shrugged, remembering how they had all seen when the poor man had barely gotten out three sentences bleating about the glory of the Emerald King before a squad of wellkitted-out prefects, flanked by intimidating-looking zero-zone security droids, intercepted and promptly kicked the shit out of him.


    ¡°So they¡¯re probably not going to bother again.¡± Sephy chuckled. ¡°Though they kept bringing food.¡±


    ¡°True, but now that the local economies are stabilising and recovering, people aren¡¯t as desperate for food,¡± Alora noted.


    ¡°It certainly helps that Corvin Enterprises aren¡¯t price gouging the food markets any more,¡± Jack agreed, as the queue started to move along much quicker, as more prefects had manned the security checkpoints. Eventually they got through without any trouble, with Jack having gotten used to the paranoia of the prefects by this point, as the students all separated to head to their form classes¡­


    *****


    ¡°Good afternoon class!¡± Mrs Schlart greeted them.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Mrs Schlart,¡± the class chanted back in reply.


    ¡°I trust you all had a productive day. Before I dismiss you all for your temporary reprieve from attending school, which we expect you to utilise wisely for the benefit of your education¡­¡± She paused, scanning the room with a steady gaze, making sure everybody was paying attention.


    ¡°The Headmaster has ordered that I as your Form Tutor address some of the recent developments in the city and how they may affect you during this time of academic reflection and personal study. While I understand that the current events might be causing you some concern, I must remind you that our priority here is your safety and your education both in and out of school.


    ¡°Please remember that you should avoid any unsanctioned ventures into dangerous areas, and report any suspicious activity to local authorities immediately.¡± Mrs Schlart told the students, and Jack got the sense that the detention-loving teacher was genuinely concerned for them all. ¡°I urge you all to be mindful of your surroundings and to cooperate fully with any local security personnel. Safety protocols here have been updated in preparation for your return for the new semester, and while our daily routines will remain unchanged, your vigilance is appreciated.¡±


    Mrs Schlart looked at them all seriously.


    ¡°I expect to see you all back unharmed when you return in two weeks. Remember to keep your heads down, don¡¯t break any local rules, and stay away from corruptive influences. Other than that, I hope you all enjoy your time off. Class dismissed!¡±


    Jack sighed contentedly as they all got out of their seats, happy to start the holidays, with Nika and Sephy grinning as they walked up to him.


    The day had been Boring. Mundane. Dull. Lifeless. Uninteresting.


    Considering the havoc when he first got here, it actually felt strangely okay.


    But right now?


    It was time for a game of Deathball!

 Chapter 159: Pre-Game

    ¡°There they are!¡± Nika grinned as she spotted the Squa¡¯Kaar outside the changing room, chatting with Kritch, who had immediately rushed from their form class to meet their two newest team members. ¡°Glad to see they didn¡¯t do a runner!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve been nervous¡­but I am sure they will try their best,¡± Crill quietly acknowledged with a serious look, the Squarri and Arlox having tagged along with them on being dismissed.


    ¡°I know, Crill, I was just joking,¡± Nika quickly retorted, though without any heat as she gently patted the mage on the shoulder. Though he had shown signs of improvement as the weeks went by, the avian was still mentally in a bad place.


    It hurt Jack to see Crill this way, especially when he remembered how supportive the Squarri had been to him when he first arrived at the school. Back then he had been so lively with his curiosity, and so willing to talk to him when others were still treating him with caution. Now Crill was closed off, and the rapport they once had was dead.


    Was this how he was like with the others? He couldn¡¯t tell.


    But he knew that, along with the medicine of time, he and his friends were all doing what they could to be supportive of each other, especially with Crill, Arlox and Kizzarith, who arguably had suffered the most in the aftermath of the Klown attack.


    Hopefully their current plans would make things better once again.


    ¡°Hey guys!¡± Kritch called over, putting on an air of confidence as they met up, likely for the benefit of the Squa¡¯Kaar. ¡°Still waiting for the others.¡±


    ¡°No doubt Rena''s going on a power trip as their ¡®Class Representative¡¯ to nag them to death.¡± Sephy snorted. ¡°So fucking glad I¡¯m not in that Form Class! Even if Mr Sparrel is the Form Tutor over there!¡±


    ¡°Karzen and Bentom shouldn¡¯t be too long. They just wanted to check their mail before coming here in case we received any job offers for the holidays,¡± Zayle added. ¡°They¡¯re in our Form Class with Luviannestixxx as our Class Representative¡±


    ¡°How has that been going lately?¡± Jack asked curiously. ¡°The work you do, I mean.¡±


    ¡°Rather well!¡± Rayle spoke up happily, and Jack saw Kritch give an almost proud smirk at that before Rayle¡¯s face dropped slightly. ¡°Though it¡¯s been drying up recently. We haven¡¯t done anything since we went to help Mista Monsta and his crew with his rebuilding efforts.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°You¡¯ve all more than been earning your keep, not that Alora would ever make a bother about it.¡±


    ¡°And my grandfather¡¯s already said Mr Mesahop and his family are cool to get an apartment in Clan Ashtail territory!¡± Kritch added, with Jack remembering that being the surname of Karzen and Bentom.


    ¡°Not that Alora¡¯s pushing anybody out,¡± Jack noted. Some of the students who had been living with them temporarily had since moved out in the several weeks since their last Run, as the worst of the recent city-wide chaos had passed them by, though several had remained, either not having a reliable living situation to move out too, family circumstances, or the fact that they just liked it there better.


    Alora was still not charging anyone rent, but a few had still offered to pay it regardless.


    ¡°While we miss having a place of our own, that¡¯s nothing to the safety and comfort we have now,¡± Zayle pointed out.


    ¡°Well I saw where you were last.¡± Jack shrugged. ¡°Evil Shrek might have been dealt with, but now it¡¯s a mostly-abandoned bandit haven.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a shreck?¡± Kritch asked Jack curiously.


    ¡°Best not to ask!¡± Nika snorted, poking Jack with her tail.


    ¡°It is much better with you and the others, but I do miss the garden we had,¡± Rayle admitted with a sigh. It wasn¡¯t that great, but it still represented a lot of work we put into it.¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t be like that!¡± Kritch put his arm around the Squa¡¯Kaar. ¡°You were able to replant most of the plants at Alora¡¯s place right? It¡¯s just a setback that you can bounce back from!¡±


    ¡°I guess so.¡± Rayle shrugged with a reassuring smile. ¡°At least we could keep the GrainCoin!¡±


    ¡°Hey you lot! Ready to kick some ass?¡± A new voice called, as Karzen and Bentom showed up, the two armadillo-girls quickly ambling up to the group, clearly hyped-up for the game ahead.


    ¡°Hell to the yeah!¡± Sephy grinned. ¡°And ready to get trashed afterwards!¡±


    ¡°Did you have any luck?¡± Zayle asked the two newcomers.


    ¡°Afraid not, no jobs for us¡± Karzen shook her head. ¡°Ah well. We all need to take a break anyway! Especially Obeda!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll find something.¡± Bentom shrugged. ¡°Oh! And here¡¯s the rest of them! Hurry up you lot!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes¡­¡± Vaal sighed as they were joined by the rest of the team. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault Rena decided to make a speech on various rule infractions she¡¯s accused us of. Even if they are true¡­¡±


    ¡°Well it is your fault, since you could have run for class representative yourself to spare us a Prefect Officer on an everlasting power trip!¡± Kizzarith grinned.


    ¡°Why the hell would I do that?¡± Vaal rolled his eyes. ¡°Student politics is cringe and ultimately doesn¡¯t mean a damn thing anyway.¡±


    ¡°True!¡± Kizzarith shrugged. ¡°Plus you¡¯d have to go to the school council meetings.¡±


    ¡°Can we get changed already?¡± Plooderoo asked.


    ¡°Sounds like a plan!¡± Vaal grinned as he led the way into the changing room.


    *****


    Jack didn¡¯t take too long getting changed, more than eager to change out of his school uniform and into the black and purple lycra-like team kit he had been given. He slipped on the black and purple top with his surname and the number ¡®10¡¯, before slipping on his socks and shifting the in-built protective pads of the clothing to be a more comfortable fit.


    As he took out his shoes and took his time lacing them up, he let out a controlled sigh to dispel some of the nerves he felt. Their team facilities were nice and well maintained, and he and the others had spent many an early school morning sneaking in here to freshen up during the worst of the ongoing corporate conflict and utility brownouts they were having. As he allowed the warm thoughts to envelop him, the tense anticipation lessened and his mood improved¡­


    Then, his mood was suddenly interrupted by a rippling fart.


    ¡°Damn, Ploo! Are you sure you¡¯re not the Pooping Bandit?¡± He called out, causing the entire changing room to burst into laughter.


    ¡°Fuck yoooooo Jack!¡± Plooderoo retorted as he quickly finished up and exited his cubicle. ¡°I feel nervous before a game!¡±


    ¡°Alright everyone!¡± Vaal clapped his hands as the last person finished changing, calling everyone in for a team huddle. ¡°We¡¯ve against a team composed of spellcasters. Apparently they¡¯ve all got some kind of arcane ability and are running off a Myrodin scholarship because of it.¡±


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°What¡¯s the field?¡± Nika asked.


    ¡°Botanics!¡± Vaal grinned, looking towards their two newest team members. ¡°Lots of nature around for both of you to easily do your thing!¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t bribe anyone for that, did you Vaal?¡± Karzen asked with a smirk.


    ¡°I can neither confirm or deny!¡± The Eladra laughed. ¡°No I actually didn¡¯t - I thought Sephy or Kritch must have tampered with the schedule or something.¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± The two mentioned shook their heads.


    ¡°Huh, maybe we actually got lucky for a change.¡± Jack shrugged.


    ¡°Well regardless, tangling up their mages and stopping them working off any combination attacks will be the way to go for our support,¡± Vaal continued. ¡°These guys work well as a team and will likely target who they think are the greatest threats. Sorry, Jack, that probably means they¡¯ll be aiming for you¡­¡±


    ¡°Great¡­¡± Jack sarcastically remarked.


    ¡°And they¡¯ll have countermeasures for our Keeper too!¡± Vaal continued.


    ¡°Boooolloooocks!¡± Ploo sighed.


    ¡°But you can make it work for us,¡± the Eladra reasoned. ¡°Keep their focus and attention while the rest of the team takes advantage of the distraction. Wizards are also squishy, so try to take them out if you can.¡±


    ¡°What kind of magic are we dealing with here?¡± Kritch asked.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t able to work that out.¡± Vaal sighed. ¡°I know they have different fields of specialty, but as for what they are, I¡¯m not sure. They have rotated out reserves and magically disguised themselves in other games to keep that information obscured.¡±


    ¡°Then what have they done before that they¡¯ll likely try here?¡± Plooderoo asked.


    ¡°They use combination magics,¡± Arlox spoke up, the diminutive mage leaning heavily against the table for support as he closed his eyes and scrunched his brows to focus on the present. ¡°Weather effects mostly. Combining cold magic with powerful winds as one of the more obvious ones.¡±


    ¡°Well done, Arlox.¡± Vaal smiled, patting their teammate on the shoulder. ¡°Keep an eye on them during the game for me? You can give us some advice about the magical stuff they try during half-time.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­sure I can do that!¡± The aquatic boy nodded violently, gripping the table as he did so. ¡°I will do what I can.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you will, but take it easy, ok?¡± Crill soothed, moving up to him.  ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just¡­¡± Arlox began, searching for the words in his mind. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s becoming hard for me to focus for too long.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all good. You¡¯re doing better.¡± Jack spoke up with a smile, trying to be supportive. ¡°Weather effects will be a pain to deal with, but I can grin and bear it. I think¡­¡±


    ¡°Just close the distance and whack them if they try!¡± Sephy advised, miming a haymaker punch.


    ¡°And if you see anybody in trouble, try and put pressure on the mage targeting them if you can,¡± Vaal cautioned, making sure everyone was listening. ¡°We can¡¯t afford to be locked down for too long and have the other team free to dictate the tempo of the game.¡±


    ¡°Botanics have some wide open areas!¡± Kritch pointed out, looking around at everybody. ¡°And I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if at least some of these mages know how to levitate. I bet they¡¯ll use those areas to pass the balls around!¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re able to knock them about enough, you may be able to disrupt the spell.¡± Arlox spoke up hesitantly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Crill confirmed. ¡°Levitation spells can be tricky to hold for most mages if they want to cast anything else at the same time.¡±


    ¡°I have something that can help with that!¡± Zayle excitedly spoke up. ¡°But I need to wait until the game starts before I¡¯m allowed to do stuff right?¡± They asked, unsurely looking to Vaal.


    ¡°Your Shaman stuff?¡± The Eladra asked as Zayle nodded. ¡°Yep, same with you Rayle! When the game starts just get out of the way and do your thing. Rayle is in our back row, so it should be easier for them to set the field!¡±


    ¡°So if those rules about not pre-buffing apply to the other team too, could we rush the first goal while they set up?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Good idea!¡± Vaal nodded with a smile. ¡°You, Sephy and Nika do what you can to make that happen. But make sure you and the other Chargers aren¡¯t too out of position for when they release the other two balls. Depending on what happens, you may want to just keep a hold of the first ball and wait for the other two to be released before you make a play for the goal if it means you¡¯re too far away to respond.¡±


    Jack nodded, remembering the events of his previous-and only other-game of Deathball thus far. Taking the first goal didn¡¯t matter much if the following two could be more easily claimed by the other team.


    ¡°Depends on where the balls get released.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°Sephy and I could always pull back if you have a straight shot for the goal.¡±


    ¡°That could work, but you¡¯d better not fuck up getting past the Keeper if we do that!¡± Sephy grinned, playfully poking Jack.


    ¡°Apparently their Keeper is good with wind magic,¡± Kizzarith added, the Anicite eager to contribute to the team discussion. ¡°She¡¯ll probably use that to try and slow you, down but she can also cast barriers which she can camouflage.¡±


    ¡°How tough are the barriers?¡± Jack asked.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± The insectoid hesitated, thrown off by the question. ¡°Fuck, I don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    ¡°Well there¡¯s one way to find out¡­¡± Jack sighed, remembering watching several Jackass stunts involving smacking into walls at high speed. ¡°If I can spot them, great, if not, I¡¯ll find a way to deal with it.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s gotta be a limit to the amount they can maintain!¡± Karzen spoke up. ¡°I know Obeda can summon physical barriers like that, but he needs to put some power into them to maintain. If he doesn¡¯t they begin to disappear, so if you bait their Keeper you can probably get past them!¡±


    ¡°Kizzarith, if you keep an eye on the game, see if you can try and come up with ways we can go on the offensive.¡± Vaal nodded to the insectoid, who quickly nodded back, happy to still be involved despite still being too injured to play.


    ¡°Heh. Well it¡¯s a good thing I¡¯ve got plenty of eyes to spare!¡± The Anicite smirked, pointing to his still-bandaged face.


    ¡°What about defense?¡± Bentom asked, the armadillo-girl looking apprehensive. ¡°I mean they¡¯re all wizards of some kind, right? They¡¯re all full of tricks!¡±


    ¡°Then we limit what they can try and do.¡± Vaal sighed. ¡°This means closing off access points and trying to maintain possession. If we frame this game as them chasing us, we¡¯ll be better off than us chasing them.¡±


    ¡°Easier said than done¡­¡± Kritch muttered.


    ¡°Hey! Positive vibes!¡± Vaal called to them, clapping once to emphasise it. ¡°Just do your best, that¡¯s all we should strive for. We have an inexperienced team, but that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re without teeth! Just as we¡¯re worrying about what they can do, they¡¯re worrying about what we can do!¡±


    A loud buzzer sounded out from somewhere outside, signifying the five-minute warning, and signalling the teams to get ready.


    ¡°Bugger, I wanted to go to the bathroooooom again¡­.¡± Plooderoo joked¡­.probably.


    ¡°Suck it up!¡± Vaal grinned confidently. ¡°Let¡¯s just do our best and give the good people out there a good show! What do you all say?¡±


    ¡°Hell yeah!¡± Sephy spoke up first, followed quickly with similar sentiments from everybody else.


    ¡°Well at least we¡¯re getting shitfaced soon afterwards!¡± Karzen shrugged, patting Kritch on the back as they headed out.


    ¡°Hey, you two are gonna kill it out there!¡± Jack grinned, feeling the urge to reassure the two newest members of the team as he walked out behind the Squa¡¯Kaar clutchlings.


    ¡­even though they were barely newer to the team than he was.


    ¡°Too late to back out now!¡± Zayle joked, though Jack could tell the gecko wasn¡¯t fully confident.


    ¡°What could go wrong?¡± Rayle smirked nervously back at the human.


    ¡®That¡¯s my line¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself.


    Heading down several flights of stairs, the team made their way to a tall, open area glass hall, where the cold tiles of the floor gave way to grass and flower beds, which had apparently been marked as ¡®off limits¡¯ due to the rare species on display.


    Winding away from the central hall were numerous corridors, and Vaal led them down one that was framed entirely by living walls of ivy and creeping vines. The air was humid all around them, carrying the scent of damp earth and blossoms.


    Suddenly, the sound of cheers from the waiting spectators echoed out all around as Vaal led them out of the passageway, where two marshals were stood there waiting for them impatiently.


    ¡°Cutting it close?¡± Vaal asked with a winning smirk as they emerged onto a crossroads, which Jack noted had a magical circle that signified their goal. The marshals didn¡¯t respond to the Eladra, instead pointing along the central route.


    ¡°Three paths but they¡¯re narrow,¡± Vaal noted. ¡°They¡¯ll have something similar. Rayle, reckon you can start by closing them off?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try¡­¡± The Squa¡¯Kaar nodded, shivering from nerves until Kritch put his arm around them and whispered something into their ear that calmed them down.


    Being directed by both marshalls and observer droids Jack groaned as he saw the labyrinth of corridors all around them. While they had been allowed to see a map of the arena just recently, experiencing it in person was a rather different affair.


    ¡°How are we not going to get lost here?¡± He whispered to the others. ¡°Even if we know the general direction to head in, these corridors are confusing.¡±


    ¡°We probably will get lost at times,¡± Vaal admitted. ¡°But it¡¯ll be the job of our Protectors to support us where they can and point us the right way.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll try.¡± Crill nervously nodded. ¡°But they¡¯ll have counterspells ready.¡±


    ¡°Plus don¡¯t forget we¡¯ll have this crowd.¡± Bentom added, indicating the eager students cheering them on. ¡°Our supporters will point us in the right direction.¡±


    ¡°And their supporters won¡¯t!¡± Nika snorted in amusement. ¡°Still, it¡¯s better than nothing. If nothing else, we can have a laugh about it afterwards.¡±


    ¡°Just keep your senses alert for any signs and trust yourselves,¡± Vaal cautioned as finally the corridor transitioned into what Jack could only describe as a ¡®rainforest room¡¯, where the soft patter of artificially generated rain blended with a gentle rustling of leaves.


    Looking around, Jack could see a spiderweb of corridors connecting to this room with moss-covered archways, while the walls had several vines that hung down from the high, vaulted ceiling. In the middle of the room was a large pond, where strangely, the head referee was standing and staring at them expectantly, the water going up to his waist.


    ¡°Oh you¡¯ve got to be fucking kidding me,¡± Jack groaned, realisation settling in...

 Chapter 160: Pond Play

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Vaal realised the problem. ¡°Is this really necessary?¡± he called out to the scattering of marshalls around them.


    ¡°This is the central point of the arena where the game will begin!¡± the referee answered from his position in the middle of the pond, crossing his arms just above the water level and looking utterly unbothered by the utter ridiculousness of the situation. ¡°Though I will allow participants to conduct an appropriate display of sportsmanship before the game begins wherever they wish!¡±


    ¡°How gracious¡­¡± Jack muttered sarcastically.


    ¡°Sorry Jack, do you mind being part of the initial scrum?¡± Vaal asked apologetically. ¡°While Plooderoo would be the best equipped, doing that with the Keeper isn¡¯t the best idea¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Jack sighed after a pause. ¡°Just me?¡±


    ¡°No, two others at the sides.¡± Vaal considered. ¡°Nika¡¯s too short¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± The Kizun growled.


    ¡°Sorry!¡± Vaal snorted. ¡°Sephy you go on the right since you can fly out if needed. I guess I¡¯ll take the left. I shouldn¡¯t ask you to do anything I wouldn¡¯t do myself¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, if it¡¯s any consolation, looks like our opponents aren¡¯t a fan of wading in the water either!¡± Sephy noted, pointing at two of their robed opponents who were hurriedly whispering to each other and more than once snuck glances at Jack before he felt a subtle tug on his arm.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± He asked quietly, as he saw Vaal hurry over to the nervous-looking Zayle in the rear to explain their part of the plan.


    ¡°Jack¡­¡± Nika whispered. ¡°I¡¯ve got an idea¡­.¡±


    ¡°Should I be worried?¡± Jack whispered back, grinning as Nika swatted him with her tail.


    ¡°The initial scrum might be tricky,¡± Nika reasoned. ¡°It¡¯s packed with spellcasters, so we need to get the ball out of this room as soon as you can. Do you reckon you could go long and get it to me if I make a dash for that far tunnel over there?¡±


    She subtly indicated the one in question with her tail.


    ¡°I probably could if they¡¯re not marking you and I¡¯m not blocked,¡± Jack reasoned, remembering the rough size and weight of the balls they used for the last game. ¡°You¡¯re going for an early rush?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡± The Kizun grinned. ¡°They¡¯ll have plans for the initial scrum and need time to cast some of their more powerful spells, but it¡¯ll throw them off if the ball¡¯s already out there, and I can try and get a quick goal in.¡±


    ¡°But if they get early possession, our defence will be at a disadvantage,¡± Jack pointed out.


    ¡°So don¡¯t let them.¡± Nika shrugged. ¡°If you can¡¯t get it straight to me, get it to Vaal or Sephy, they¡¯ll know what to do if I call for it.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a terrible idea,¡± Jack joked with a chuckle as a daring look passed between the two of them. ¡°But hell, I don¡¯t have anything better, so let¡¯s do it!¡±


    ¡°Teams are invited to exchange gestures of honour now!¡± The referee called, still standing in his spot in the middle of the pond, showing no signs of being in any kind of discomfort. Jack didn¡¯t know whether he should be relieved or concerned by that¡­


    ¡°Come on everyone,¡± Vaal called over after having a few quick words with Karzen, and their team gathered together on the grass by the pond. The opposing team did the same, all wearing a team uniform of yellow and bronze, showcasing their Myrodin sponsorship. ¡°Let¡¯s be cool with them, then Rayle, Crill and Ploo, you go to your spots!


    Jack stepped forward, offering firm yet polite handshakes to the first few opponents, who returned the gesture with silent nods and a few nervous smiles while murmuring simple pleasantries. Jack idly noted them as he moved on to the next guy, finding himself met with a challenging stare from a pair of icy blue eyes.


    ¡°So you¡¯re the one we¡¯ve been warned about!¡±


    The speaker was an avian with light grey feathers that were tinged with blue, and he gave Jack a cocky, confident grin as he met their challenging stare with one of his own.


    ¡°That¡¯s me.¡± Jack shrugged.


    ¡°Cool.¡± The guy nodded with a grin. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to the challenge!¡±


    ¡°So am I!¡± Jack smiled back as he shook hands.


    Eventually he reached the end, where the captain, who resembled an oversized lemur allowed his handshake to linger just a moment longer than the others. His confident smirk was impossible to miss, and his grip was firm, exuding a quiet challenge.


    ¡°Good fortune, Outsider!¡± The captain grinned. ¡°You¡¯re going to need it!¡±


    ¡°Funny,¡± Jack quipped back. ¡°I was going to say the same to you!¡±


    ¡°If the players are quite done, the game will begin shortly,¡± the head referee called out from the pond, causing several cheers to erupt from the crowd. ¡°Combatants! Please make your way to your starting positions, for we shall begin shortly!¡±


    The head referee raised his voice at the last part, followed by a louder round of cheers from the spectators as they stopped fidgeting and got ready for the carnage.


    ¡°Best of luck everyone!¡± Vaal called out as Jack spotted Plooderoo and their two Protectors dart off down one of the back corridors.


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Jack sighed as walked over to the pond, ignoring the look of the referee within, while a few of his teammates passed him, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder as they did so. ¡°We¡¯re really doing this aren¡¯t we¡­.¡±


    Tentatively he stepped into the pond, feeling his foot sink into the mud below as the water quickly drew up over his ankle.


    ¡°God dammit why!?¡± He cursed. ¡°Why does it have to be so cold!?¡±


    ¡°The temperature of the arena has been tested and approved by our staff!¡± the referee called over to him, unamused. ¡°Take your position!¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s not as bad as the swamp from the last run¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself as he gritted his teeth. ¡®But still¡­eww!¡¯


    He waded further in, ignoring the chilly sensation as the water level came above crotch-level, making his way to where the referee indicated him to be, while the grey-furred avian on the opposing team met him on the opposite side, with the rest of the opposing team marking the members of his. He didn¡¯t like how several of the closest opponents were the more confident-looking ones he¡¯d shook hands with just moments ago¡­


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The head referee looked around to another referee standing to the side of the chamber who was listening in on a comms device. The woman then met his eye and nodded once, which he reciprocated.


    The referee team then scattered to cover the field of play as the head referee brought out the ball and laid it perfectly in the centre of the pond.


    ¡°COMBATANTS? ARE YOU READY?!¡± the referee yelled, louder than Jack thought possible from the small creature. He was answered by various shouts, nods and bashes from the players, though only the team captains were acknowledged as Vaal and the other team captain gave nods.


    ¡°SPECTATORS? ARE YOU READY?!¡± The referee yelled again, to massive cheers from the crowd around them, as the referee brought out a loudspeaker-like drone that he threw into the air above the ball, before quickly getting out of the way of the incoming carnage. Jack began to shake with anticipation as the drone initiated the countdown.


    ¡°3¡­.¡± The crowd yelled in tune with the referee, excited for the brawl to begin!


    ¡°2¡­¡± Jack narrowed his eyes and focused, his blood pumping.


    ¡°1¡­¡± He saw Nika to his left, getting ready to run.


    BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!¡±


    The whistle blew, and the game erupted into motion. The ball suddenly shot up from the center of the pond with a burst of energy, its metallic sheen reflecting the artificial sunlight filtering through the botanical dome. The moment the ball was launched, Jack surged forward, quickly diving down under the water as a magical bolt of energy shot his way from nearby, barely missing his head.


    The avian in front of him was fast, cutting through the water towards him with unnatural agility. They pushed their palms forward, glowing with an unnatural soft blue hue, preparing to use some sort of spell on Jack. Surfacing, Jack grit his teeth as, with a sudden powerful kick off the pond floor, he surged forward and shoulder-checked the mage, who released a surprised squawk as they couldn¡¯t dodge out of the way in time, though was able to touch Jack with one of their claws.


    Where the mage touched Jack¡¯s shoulder, he felt a chill begin to claw at him, but Jack barely had time to consider it as he lept up and snatched the ball out of the air as one of the mages to the side tried to grab it with a quick spell, twisting his body mod-motion to break free from the brief chill that nipped at his limbs.


    A quick scan of the field showed Nika sprinting toward a more open part of the arena, just past a cluster of large, vine-wrapped boulders that jutted from the pond¡¯s far end.


    ¡®Alright, let¡¯s do this¡­¡¯ Jack thought to himself.


    With a sharp pivot, Jack hurled the ball with both hands, sending it soaring past the crowd of Warders fighting to get to him, though Jack¡¯s aim was slightly off, as the ball landed a bit to the side of the tunnel he had been aiming for, the awkwardly-shaped ball bouncing off the ground at a bad angle and juking sharply to the side.


    Nika was already moving, her eyes locked on the ball as she leapt onto a bench and kicked off it, getting past the opposing team member who was marking her, before dashing as fast as she could towards the ball, awkwardly snatching it just as it bounced again, before using her tail to abruptly change direction, immediately shifting into a full-on pelt towards the nearest goal corridor.


    Jack exhaled, glad the plan worked, though he cursed as the avian opposite him pointed their wand at him, knocking him backwards with a blast of force. e slipped on the mud at the bottom of the pond, falling roughly onto his back with a loud splash.


    ¡°Not bad, Outsider, but we¡¯re prepared for you!¡± The avian grinned before casting another quick spell. With a sharp crack that echoed across the arena, he launched himself into the air, propelled by a sudden burst of ice forming beneath his feet. He arced high above the pond, twisting gracefully through the air as he yelled out a single word¡­


    ¡°NOW!¡±


    Jack immediately got to his feet and started rushing to the edge of the pool, looking around in a panic as he spotted at least five wands immediately pointed his way.


    ¡°Awww fu-¡± Jack got out as several bolts of pale blue and white lights shot right at him. He saw one of the bolts miss him, while another smacked into his arm only to bizarrely bounce harmlessly off, launching into the pond and instantly freezing the section of water it hit.


    ¡°Keep it up!¡± The avian yelled as Jack braced himself, trying to keep his legs moving even as they became slow and sluggish as he fought to get to the edge of the water. He raised his arms defensively as he felt the impacts of more spells hit him, keeping his head down as he fought to keep moving, before the avian yelled out, ¡°Glacio!¡±


    Jack felt the temperature plummet in an instant, ice creeping up his legs and locking them in place before he could fully react. The surface of the pond, already chilled and full of ice thanks to the sheer bombardment of spells flung at him, solidified unnaturally fast as the water beneath his waist turned from fluid to rock-hard ice in mere seconds.


    "Son of a¡ª!" Jack growled, instinctively trying to wrench himself free, but his movements were already sluggish. His boots were encased in thick ice, his legs pinned in place like he¡¯d been cemented into the pond floor, and he struggled to maintain his balance.


    "Looks like you¡¯re not so fast when you¡¯re stuck, eh?" he heard the avian taunt him, already getting into a defensive stance in case Jack managed to break free quicker than expected.


    The crowd watching the match roared in excitement at the bold manoeuver, while the opposing team wasted no time pressing their advantage, spreading out to intercept any incoming teammates that might try to rescue Jack. Zayle finished manifesting their Earth Spirit, as originally planned, giving them the numbers advantage.


    ¡°Crill! Rayle! Can you get Jack out?¡±  Vaal called out, though if they gave an answer, Jack couldn¡¯t tell. He knew that the bulk of the players were waiting in this chamber for the two secondary balls to be released,


    Trapped in place, Jack exhaled sharply, a misty breath escaping his lips as the chill clung to his skin.


    ¡®Damn! They got me pretty good,¡¯ he grudgingly admitted to himself, but then a familiar grin tugged at the corner of his chattering mouth despite the agonising discomfort all over him. ¡®Alright, fine. But let¡¯s see if this ice actually holds.¡¯


    Jack clenched his fists, willing his gauntlets to form twin cestus around his wrists as he strained against the ice encasing his legs, frost biting at his skin. The cold had sunk deep into his muscles, numbing him from the waist down. The ice was thick, and every slight movement sent sharp cracks through its structure, but not enough to break free.


    ¡®Come on!¡¯ Jack cursed in his mind.


    His breath came out in misty puffs as the frozen air around him clawed at his lungs. He flexed his arms and drove his fists downward, trying to shatter the ice near his knees, and although several cracked spiderwebbed out from the impacts, it held firm for now. He could feel his body reacting sluggishly, his strength dulled by the chill, and he knew he was in big trouble if he couldn¡¯t get out.


    From the sidelines, he could hear Kritch yelling, ¡°Come on, Jack! You¡¯re not about to let some fancy ice cubes keep you down, are you?¡±


    He shot the Lizta a flat, unamused glare, then gritted his teeth and tensed his core. He smacked the ice around his chest as hard as he could, cracking it around him before twisting his upper body sharply, throwing his weight to one side. The section of ice holding his torso cracked and came apart as he threw the loose pieces away, but his legs remained stuck. He repeated the sharp motion again and again, each twist widening the fractures until¡­


    *CRACK!*


    His left leg burst free, sending shards of ice skidding across the frozen pond.


    "One down," he muttered to himself through his chattering teeth, shaking off the numbness creeping up his calf.


    His right leg, however, was still locked in place, trapped in an even thicker layer of ice. With a growl of frustration, Jack shifted his weight onto his free leg and braced himself. Drawing in a deep breath, he slammed his heel downward, the impact sending a shockwave of force through the ice.


    ¡°Agni!¡± He muttered, bracing and angling himself away as he shot out jet of flame that melted the ice near his foot, quickly dismissing the flames as he squirmed and struggled, before the ice beneath him exploded outward, sending shards flying as Jack stumbled forward and made it to the edge of the pond, clambering out to weakly crawl on the ground


    ¡°Fuck! He¡¯s out already!¡± Someone yelled.


    ¡°What the hell? How!?¡± The avian chirped from somewhere.


    ¡°Fuuuuck,¡± Jack groaned as he weakly got to his feet, jumping up and down and rubbing his legs to try and get some warmth into him.


    ¡°Well done, Jack!¡± Vaal called while grappling with the avian that had trapped him. ¡°You good? Rayle, get some healing in him! Zayle, can you get your Fire Spirit out to thaw him?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine!¡± Jack gasped out, not actually sure if that was true. In the heat of the moment, it didn¡¯t matter.


    He was out.


    And just in time¡­


    He heard the sound of a loud buzzer echo throughout the field of play, but whether that meant Nika had managed to score or the time limit had been reached, he couldn¡¯t tell.


    Jack turned just in time to see two additional balls thrown into the field of play from referees hidden within the cloud. One hit the icy surface of the pond before bouncing off and landing in the middle of the grass about 20 meters ahead of him, while another was flung further across the field where Kritch was rushing over to.


    The secondary balls were now in play.


    Still shaking off the lingering numbness, Jack cracked his knuckles, rolled his shoulders, and let out a slow, misty breath.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jack growled to himself.


    ¡°Payback time!¡±