《War Act I: Factory of Heroes》


 2 Chapter 1: Proving Grounds

    "A 1000 years ago the human race faced extinction at the hands of an alien race we now call Elves. Their Ancient Gods prophesied that we, the human race will one day bring about the Dark Age.


    So, they came to Earth.


    We sacrificed our home, our family, our future, in order to escape that genocide brought about by these... elves.


    Now, we''re living out our lives in the far reaches of space, just barely escaping and surviving the ongoing onslaught.


    A 1000 years have already passed by.


    Brothers now is the time that we set out to reclaim all that we have lost, our lives, our home, our destiny, and take everything else with it!"


    Leitz, Supervisor of the 3rd Nemesis Project


    Opening of the 3rd Nemesis Initiative, 1027AE M06D07


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M04D 0600H


    He opened his eyes and pitch-black darkness welcomed him with sounds of dripping water everywhere, with some small glowing patches of blue light far ahead. He was still wearing white clothes that they wear during the experiments.


    Dazed, he pukes over to what it seems like solid ground. "Azaleah..." looking towards, to what looks like a firefly hovering about. "He'' oh" A fairy-like creature floated in front of him then swirled around. "Look, System gave me a nice body." He Ignored her. "Azaleah ¡ª Cast Scan," Ordered as he stood up staggering as he did.


    "Hmph, you never knew how to appreciate real beauty." She flew above and gave out a single pulsing light. "Nothing here Mat... just you and me."


    "Thanks." As he tries to hold his head up; getting his thoughts together.


    "System... App... Carto" a blip showed on his HUD indicating their current whereabouts on a blank map. "We need to map up these caverns, to make sure we do not get lost." Azaleah ignored him back then started wandering the area. "System... App... Compass" a letter "N" appeared on the upper center of his HUD with degrees going left and right. As I remember, the town is supposed to be northwest from here.


    "Azaleah, Cast Light for 8 seconds." Like a lightbulb, she lighted up the whole area. The place looks like an abandoned mine shaft. It was quite wide, mining carts and equipment scattered about.


    A swarm of bats flew out from behind him. Azaleah scurried, cursing the bats while doing so. Out of the darkness, a humanoid figure jump across, catching one of the bats. He narrowed his eyes trying to get a better look at it. Darkness is hiding most of its features as it slumps down at the far end. Only its long dark hair and what looks like a tunic is recognizable.


    When suddenly, it turned its head towards them.


    A bloody jagged grin with a bat still squirming, greeted him. It had hollowed eyes, nose, and claws that look like bones that came out of its fingertips.


    "What ¡ª" All he can say as it launches towards him screaming. It went dark again. He instinctively dodges to his left, a swift breeze just went pass him then a huge crashing sound, he could hear pieces of equipment clatter about.


    The aberrant shrieks some distance behind him. He panicked for a rock, then threw it as far behind as possible; heard it scamper away.


    "Azaleah, fly ahead. Scan at regular intervals; report as you do." His chest still pounding. "Kay," She flew away. "Mat, look there''s an albino snake. Hoh ho ho." He sighed deeply, then continued on.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M04D 1800H


    They pass-through some kind of field full of glowing blue flora. It somehow felt soothing and peaceful. Rested for the time being. Watch the insects, plants, and animals that thrive there, wondering about the authenticity of it.


    As they walked further ahead, they found numerous natural rock bridges along a huge chasm connecting this side of the mountain to the other. Small patches of sunlight seep through the crevices making the wonder a bit more visible.


    We will have to cross. They were checking for any threats along the way when something caught their attention.


    A scream came down below.


    He immediately sought after it. There''s girl stranded on a bridge below being harassed by a trio of mutants; trying to fend them off with a small wooden club. "Y''all need to get back, am warnin'' ya." Trying to stand her ground.


    He got down to a crawl; move slowly forward, trying not to get their attention.


    One of the mutants swipes the club off her hands. Weaponless, she raised her hands, poise to strike back. On her left wrist, a crimson rosary dangled out.


    Of all places. Azaleah blocks his view and shook her head. Ghad. He ran, then jump down landing himself on the last mutant on the back. Stunned, he kicked it off the bridge, this caught the other mutants'' attention.


    The girl found an opening and push them, trying to knock at least one off the bridge, but it stood its ground and growled back at her.


    "Ahhh!!!" Mat shouted as he tackled one of them, ramming it against the other, shoving them off the bridge. One of the mutants grabs his arm, pulling him with them. Azaleah flew towards Mat pulling his shirt, trying to keep him from falling, but to no avail. All three of them fell on a rock bridge below. One of the mutants rolled off and disappeared into the darkness.


    "Let go of him!" Azaleah was furious at the remaining mutant. Mat forcefully peeled himself away. He gave the mutant a right hook on the head, then kick it away. It lost its balance; almost fell off.


    "Run!" The girl yelled. He immediately turned and started to run back to the caverns. The mutant regaining its footing immediately gave chase.


    "Azaleah, Whiteout!" Mat shouted. She flew across the mutants'' face, then white light flashed within her, effectively blinding it. The mutant thrash about hitting Azaleah; sending her flying towards the cave entrance. She hit the wall then fell unconscious on the ground. Mat ran towards Azaleah preparing to grab her, then make their escape, but something caught his attention. In the darkness ahead, a familiar clawed hand was barely visible.


    "Watch out!" The girl warning him but it was too late. When he turned his head, the blind frenzied mutant crashed at him dragging him off the bridge.


    He looks at Azaleah; saw right beside her barely concealed by the shadows, a long-haired hollowed eyed mutant, with a smile across its face filled with jagged teeth. He didn''t take his eyes off it till the image went farther and farther away then disappeared.


    . . .


    As they fell Mat did everything he could to keep the rampaging mutant below him till they hit a wider bridge. He stood up; look at the mutant as it convulses where it lays. "Argh!!!" Pain race through his body, feeling a few fractured bones breaking further. He looked around, visibility is low but he found a huge rock. Mustered all his remaining strength and fortitude to lift it, crushing the mutants'' head.


    "Azaleah," he uttered in a low painful voice Out of reach. The words started flashing on his HUD. He started coughing blood again. "This is starting to become a bad habit" he joked.


    Stared at the dead mutant beside him, saw one of its bones splintered off the flesh. He took the rock and started pounding the mutant''s arm off, laboring to get that bone. Acquired Mutant Bone... Eh, Dagger. Grinning at the idea of his weapon.


    He looked up and realize someone is calling him. "Hey, mister ya alright?" Her voice echoing throughout the chasm. "I''m fine," He shouted back. "You?"


    "Am okay!" She answered back. "Ya wait there now, Am gonna go save ya."


    "No! just focus on getting out of her. I''ll be doing the same!" He looks around for an exit. "Now go, I''ll see you outside!."


    "Kay, see ya. Take care, now!" Her parting words to him.


    I''ll come back for you, I promise.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M08D 1100H


    Light, Panting as he runs towards it.


    Several growls came from behind him. A mutant lunge, sending both of them rolling. They hit a tree. The mutant raised its claws, poise to strike him down but he struck first with his left hand, hitting it with a glistening rock sending its face upward ¡ª towards the sun. Its eyes suddenly turned bloodshot, red tears fell. The mutant started squirming in agony clawing at its face. He kicked it off him then drove his bone dagger up its jaw.


    Swarms of mutants growled at him by the cave entrance unable to come near.


    He took a deep breath. "System... Character... Status." Opening up a console, indicating his vital signs and medical condition. Fatigued, few fractured bones, blood loss. Heh, looks like I''m going pass out anytime soon. Coughs as he half-consciously read through the screen.


    I need to move away, can''t stop here... need to get to town before noon. Dragged himself up, as he moved towards his destination.

 3 Chapter 2: Genesis

    "This is just the beginning.


    Soon ¡ª Very soon, our children will come and bring forth death and despair! Mark this day, for this day, starts the beginning of your... END."


    ReVenaant Second King


    Last words at Oceanus, 0888AE 08M08D


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds:  Forgotten City, Outskirts


    1820Y 09M08D 1800H


    He kept walking towards the compass direction barely unaware of the surroundings. Huge growls came from the mountain behind him. Realized it is getting dark, he tried to traverse faster but tripped on a expose root, landing flat on his stomach. Lurches forward and focuses, lights started popping up beyond the tree line. That''s probably the town. Reeled as he force himself to get up.


    The growls are getting louder and louder by the minute, but the lights are not getting any nearer. Desperate, he looks around hoping to find somewhere to hide before he passes out or gets caught.


    He already got this far, just on sheer determination alone. He just can''t die and revive somewhere unknown and start over again. Dying will reset his location, re-spawning randomly; making his mapped area insignificant.


    He looked at his map where he lost Azaleah and the labyrinthian mess he went through to get out of there. I need to get back there. Reminding and giving himself enough motivation to pull through.


    Just a few strides ahead there''s a hollowed tree trunk, as the night is getting darker and the growls getting nearer it was his last hope.


    Hope was just about arms reach when his vision suddenly blurred and his knees gave out. Collapse on the ground he could feel his consciousness fading. I don''t need to think, I don''t need to see, safety is just in front of me, all I need to do is move. Repeating as he drags himself towards his destination.


    A huge roar came from behind him but he got no strength to check, he is already giving everything to move forward. Few seconds later, a huge crashing sound, a yelp, and the resounding noise of a falling tree ahead, just happened in an instant. He could not understand anything that just transpired. Then, someone came beside him, started tapping and shouting. "Hey, ya need to get up, now." His senses, still in disarray, but tried to do as he is told.


    "Come on now, We need to get us inside!" He could feel himself getting drag, but could not make out anything that is actually happening. All was anything but a dream. Forced out the rest of his remaining strength to follow the flow of the situation.


    "Ya''r heavy! Get in ¡ª side! Umpf!!"


    A girl!? Sounds... familiar.


    "Door," The girl shouted.


    Then suddenly the growls got heavier, thrashing, banging... His eardrums almost broke from her scream but he couldn''t see anything it was dark then darker then nothing.


    . . .


    Ark Acedia-Tristia: Grand Hall


    1035AE 06M01D 0800H


    More than a thousand children filled up the Grand Hall, all lined up like little soldiers.


    "Good morning children." In a deep commanding voice, she addressed them from the stage "I am Capt. Leitz from the Order, a product of The Sentinel Project same as you are, and I will be the one in charge of your well being from here on out. As you all know, the Sentinel Project was started by our predecessor, they bioengineered selected humans making them stronger, faster, smarter, and relentless. And as of now, you children are the Seventh Generation of that project, but ¡ª unlike me, you are born out of The Nemesis Initiative..." she looked around, every one of her audience standing still attentive to her every word, not something she would expect of normal children. "... this means unlike us, you children are artificially made, bioengineered from the very beginning."


    She stared at the crowd then gave a deep sigh, as none gave a different reaction from the other. "Guess, I am not exactly talking to ordinary children. that''s a bit ¡ª disappointing." Like a whisper, she said this.


    "Very well, let me explain why we are here." She straightened and made herself well heard. "The Nemesis Initiative was spearheaded by none other than Admiral King ReVenaant. In hopes that we can remake the same forty-eight sentinels that toppled an entire Elven armada. So, we combined the bioengineering project Sentinel with the virtual training program called The Proving Grounds. By pushing both projects to the extremes, it resulted in the birth of the Nemesis Initiative"


    She flicks her fingers and a projection of a vast ruined world came behind her. "This is The Proving Grounds, a virtual world we remade. We will be pitting all of you against a cruel world much like the same you will be encountering in the future with the goal of getting back to reality."


    "Any items, equipment, rank, experience, memories will be carried forward once you finish the assigned tasked."


    "Any questions!?" Shouted at the lot. A girl raised her arm. Leitz gestured at a microphone; it floated next to the girl. "You may speak child."


    "Ah don''t understand, Why a virtual world and why is it so different from reality? Ah mean ¡ª aren''t we just gonna kill elves?" A small girl asks innocently. Leitz felt a sting on how the little girl interpreted the situation, but alas, there''s nothing she could do about it right now. "Why a virtual world, you ask?"


    "Well, The Proving Grounds is the closest thing you can have to reality and as the saying goes experience is the best teacher of all."


    "Then, why is it different from reality?"


    "For many reasons, that you will understand as you progress, but for now think of it as a game and reality will be... the new game plus."


    "And lastly, killing elves." the atmosphere became tense.


    "Children, you were not born into this world to just... kill elves. No! You are born as humanities embodiment of its hope and dreams" she walked forward with arms wide open. "You are born to be HEROES!"


    The stillness from the children got broken, the perfectly straight lines became crooked. From the dead silence, small voices started to well up. Leitz stood seemingly triumphant. Then the doors opened.


    "Ah, just in time!" Looking at the trays and trays of food that just came in "Children, let us take a break" Slowly the children lined up for the meal.


    Alone on stage Leitz contemplated "One day, we will pay our penance for our crimes here, for there is no justification for us taking away what other future you children may have."


    . . .


    Ark Acedia - Tristitia: Classroom G3 - 70


    1037AE 06M02D 1000H


    It was a white room, about twenty children were there all aged about six to eight years when a woman came dress in black. She came up front and address herself as a teacher. She started talking about how we humans ended up in the middle nowhere, homeless, desolate, and angry.


    It was Solar Year 3004 when Elves invaded Earth. The human race fought back but was overwhelmed. Mankind held for nine years fighting with everything they got.


    Before getting overrun, mankind completed 20 Ark ships. Destroyed their home planet to deal significant damage to the invading forces and pave the way for mankind''s escape.This started 0000AE, marking the years of our desolation.


    Only 52 million escaped that tragedy.


    By the 0514AE, humanity already lost 4 Arks from Elven attacks. Also, in the same century mankind ''accidentally'' discovered the Philosopher''s Stone this made the Sentinel Project possible. The Sentinels became key figures in mankind''s defense.


    Then there is a planet we named Oceanus, home to an underwater alien race. They took pity; allowed us to make settlements on the landforms but by early 600AE the elves found us, we had no choice but to fight. We successfully fended them off but lost 4 more Arks and only 31M left after the battle. A years after that, the alien race at Oceanus we named Sirenians viciously turned on us. We lost 3 more Arks from that attack and 11M more died or captured.


    After years roaming the darkness of space. panic and disorder reign across all remaining Arks. The increasing crime rates and such significantly reduced our numbers to 16M in total. Sentinel Lord Moredredd staged a bloody coup, ousting everyone in power and change the system forever. Establish a new government but under a king.


    Lord Moredredd was crowned the first king.


    After years of re-organizing mankind, eventually settled in by around 0775AE, about 14M humans left. For some reason, First King Moredredd step down and took penance for all the people he killed. The king has chosem how he dies. King Moredredd took off along with 48 members of his guild and launch an assault at an elven armada. They successfully destroyed the whole fleet but lost their lives in the process.


    While everyone mourned, Lord ReVenaant took the throne and announce the Nemesis Initiative. It took years before the project was approved, years more before they started.


    Five hundred Prototypes were produced. It was a success, it was almost everything they have hope for. Seeing this King ReVenaant followed Moredredd footsteps and chose his death. He raided Oceanus and reduce the Sirenians military might significantly ¡ª alone.


    Lady L-035 took the throne and hid mankind at the far reaches. Where they developed the first and second generation of the Nemesis Subjects.


    0999AE M09D09 Queen L-035 on Lord ReVenaant''s death anniversary, she declared war on the galaxy. As first act, she decimated an elven war base with 3000 Nemesis Subjects losing but a fraction of her military might.


    After that mankind has been starting one campaign after another.


    Soon enough it will be our turn.

 4 Chapter 3: Priestess

    "That looks interesting," She said curiously. "What is it?" The boy didn''t bother to look at who is asking and just answered. "She''s a bottom-up battle AI".


    "I see, planning on bringing an AI companion on your journey." Looking closer at the boy''s work. "But, why she?".


    "It''s random, gender, personality, race, traits, and physical appearance but I used my gene code as a reference. The only thing I decided would be her name and some minor details." His focus is unwavering.


    "I see, So, is she like a child to you?" She mused.


    "I don''t think so ¡ª." Tilted his head a bit.


    "Ah! A sibling then." Gleeful as she pointed that out.


    He stopped and stared at the screen for a few seconds then exclaimed "Yeah, that feels like it... A little sister!" He looks at the woman beside him then smiled.


    Subject 42950 and Capt. Leitz


    Classroom 1037AE 08M28D


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Outskirts


    1820Y 09M10D 0830H


    He woke with a faint memory or dream of his childhood, could not tell which. Saw himself laying on the grass, under a shaded tree, everything was hurting but it was not that bad. He has new clothes, cleaned up, and fully bandage.


    The he heard a clatter not so far from him. He immediately sprung up, grab some rock, and poise himself for a fight. Causing his wounds to open up. Ahead was a girl in priestess robes with a lot of cooking wares scattered about her.


    "Hey ya awake, how are ya feelin''?" As she ran towards him teary-eyed. "I am feeling better, thank you." Relieve he sat down and relax, immediately the girl came to his aide checking his wounds. "Don''t push ya''self, ya still very wounded." Mat took a good look at her then realize. "You''re the girl at the cave."


    "Well yeah! Who ya expectin''?" Looks at him kind of annoyed.


    "No, sorry ¡ª I was just surprised. That''s all."


    She giggled. "Guess, ya didn''t expect me to get outta there. Did ya?" She replace the bandages anew. Mat raised his arms and tried not to get in the way. "Oh no, I just did not expect you to come back."


    "Ah wouldn''t!? Ya save ma life back there, ti''s the least ah could do." She suddenly jerk at the bandages as she made her point clear to him. Ow, "Thanks, Guess we''re even now." He looks at her then ask. "Uhm... what''s your name, again?" She stopped tending to his wounds then looks at him with surprise. Laughs as she said. "I reckon we haven''t told our names yet. but ya know, ya kinda feel ¡ª like fam''ly." She sat properly in front of him. "Am Mhirfa by the way. Nice to meet ya. Mister Hero."


    Mat stared at her, she had long black hair, dark eyes, freckled face, ample chest, medium built, fair skinned and ¡ª a bit short. He himself is not that tall either, but his mind started to wonder why there is so much diversity among them, they were bioengineered after all. She waves her hand in front of him but gave no reaction. "Hey, ya alright?" Starting to get worried.


    He snapped out of it "Matrean, Mat ¡ª I mean, my name is Mat." She wipe the worried look on her face then smiled. "Mat, ah see,"


    Abashed, he tried to change the subject; gestured towards a tank of some sort. "Is that yours!?"


    "Oh, thats Lando ma wagon." She happily exclaimed. Wagon!? He could not believe what she envisions the thing." So, that... I mean your wagon kept us safe last night?" He got up close checking the scratch marks on it. This is sturdier than I thought.


    He looks back at her, as she was not answering. Mhirfa was all red, flustered, and kinda lost in words. "What happened!?" He asked immediately. "Nothin'', nothin'' happened. Yah hear." She instantly turned her back and started picking up the cooking wares that she dropped earlier.


    "Let me help you with that." He came close and started helping out. She pushed him away. "Now, you go and get some rest, I''ll cook us somethin''."


    . . .


    It was a semi burned fish of sorts, on a stick, some bread, soup, and grape juice. Mat tried to act normal about it, he should, that is normal but he can not help but stare at it. "Thank you, this looks ¡ª"


    "Am sorry, ah kinda forgot..." Interrupted him before he could finish. "No, it is okay really, see." He started eating. It was bitter but he was really hungry. So, this actually tasted really good to him right now. "Really!?" She suprisingly asks. He nodded and continued eating.


    She smiled contented and started eating too. She felt the bitterness at first bite, hid her reaction then look at him. He is really enjoying it. She gave him her fish, Mat took it with no hesitation. Mhirfa just filled herself with bread and soup.


    "Mat, w''at ya plans now?" She asked while clearing the wares. "I need to get to town, sell the gemstone I found in the caver ¡ª ns..." he looked around like he lost something."...get some equipment."


    "Oh, Ah have ya gem on ma wagon, as well as that ¡ª eh, bone token somethin''." She pauses and gave a thought at the last part but dismissed it.


    "My debt to you is starting to pile up." As he went to the wagon and get his stuff. "How could I repay you?" She paused and gave it some thought. "Ya serious with that?" He could feel the sincerity of her question. "Yeah, I am. Ask away, I''ll do what I can."


    "Kay, can..." Fidgeting. "Can... can... can Ah come with ya?" She looked straight at him, earnest yet imploring. "Ya see...,"


    "Of course." he flicks his wrist and sent her a friend request. "This will help us keep in touch." She gave him a big smile, then accepted it right away.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Downtown


    1820Y 09M11D 0900H


    The two reach town, found a tavern to rest at. "System... Character... Inventory." A console appeared as he selected the gemstone; detail about it showed. *Bloodstone: Rare stone variant, found deep inside the earth; used as a catalyst.


    "Here," He gave the gem to Mhirfa, she places it at the table just in front of her. "I''ll find us a buyer for it." She opened up a screen on her end and started to do her work. "Thanks" his inventory is nearly empty there are the bone dagger and two stones that he is really familiar with. *Philosopher''s Stone: Man''s greatest discovery, can store, generate and manipulate energy; has a huge capacity but slow regeneration; use as a primary power source for weapon, armor, etc. Two at most can be wielded safely by any human; Soul Bound Item


    "There ya go, found us a good one. Offer is 4295c" still typing on her virtual keyboard. "Ya, kay with that?" He nodded."That should be enough." As he browses through the list of armaments. The gemstone vaporizes as she finalized the trade. Received 4295c, appeared on his HUD.


    He called out the waiter and ordered something for them to eat. 50c auto deducted from his credits.


    A beep startled Mhirfa. "Mail?" She opened it up and a list of equipment came up on the screen.


    "Can you get those for me?" As he transferred his remaining balance to her. Bewildered by the sudden event. She looked at him to say her thoughts about it, but he threw her a smile. Sighed then gave up on the thought; started working on her list.


    "Kay now, a Standard Reinforced Steel Shield, 500c; a Socketed Great Hammer, 800c; Reinforced Demi Plate Armor Set, 1500c; and Wolf Skin Mantle for 200c" as she punches in the order. " Ya still have 1245c, anythin'' else?"


    "Let us see, add Torches, Leather Belt Bag, First Aid Kit, and some provisions."


    "Ah got em, ya still have 1095c." looked at him waiting for a reply. "That''s all, thank you." Focused on his screen.


    "Everythin'' should be registered in ya inventory by now. Ah have em materialize in ma wagon for convenience " she closes her console then took a big gulp of water. "What now?" She sks him. "We will finish up eating then well go to a weaponsmith and surgeon for modifications." Transfixed on his console when a mail came. Let''s eat - Mhirfa.


    He looked at her, she was just staring at him, smiling and gesturing at the food. Closed his console then smiled.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Outskirts


    1820Y 09M12D 0500H


    As soon as the two have finished all the needed preparations. They set off for the mountains. Outside town everything they own they have to physically carry. It was a good thing they have a wagon for it. Although, they do not have much.


    He found it peculiar, how the ''wagon'' works. It looks exactly like a small tank but has no seat on it, just a hatch compartment for their stuff. She keeps it on a leash and the wagon follows her around like some kind of pet...


    Mhirfa said they could ride on the hood if they are in a hurry.


    There is no need, the weather is good for a short stroll.

 5 Chapter 4: Huntress

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M12D 0700H


    He opened up his inventory console, double-checking as they come near the cave entrance.


    INVENTORY


    Weapon:


    Great War Hammer


    Hatch Shield


    Heart of Colossus


    Armor:


    Black Warden Set


    Black Wolf Skin Mantle


    Misc:


    Leather Bag


    Torch


    Reinforced Mutant Bone


    First Aid


    Provisions


    Money:


    5c


    There is a holographic sign blocking the entrance. WARNING: Area will convert to a Dungeon once entered.


    "Ah don''t like, w''at it say''s." She tugged at his mantle. Mat faced her the put his hands on her shoulder. "Stay here with the wagon, it will be safer."


    "But..."


    "I''ll keep in touch, don''t worry." Patting her head.


    She knew she will just get in the way but still... "Take care now, I''ll be waitin'' for ya, right here." Not letting go of his mantle. "Don''t worry," He repeated, took her hand, and put it down gently then slowly turned his back. He put up the map which showed the areas he already discovered, and the red blip where Azaleah''s last location was.As he steps inside, cries of agony echoed within the cave. It gave Mhirfa quite a scare.


    He pauses for a bit, then continued on.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountain, Mutant Lair


    1820Y09M12D 0900H


    A torch still burning on the cave floor. He threw that the second he saw a pair of mutants ahead of him. The mutants seemed to be stronger than last he remembered but doesn''t matter now, already he killed a bunch of them; too tired to tell the difference. He bashed the first one that came for him, knocking it cold on the ground. Another one leaped, immediately he rolled away and countered with his hammer.


    Almost there ¡ª just a little more. He took a bite and sip at his canteen.


    Finally, arrive at the rock bridges, just in front of him was the area where last he saw Azaleah, but there was nothing there. He gave out a deep sigh. "Azaleah," Out of Reach flashed again.


    Pass the bridge, he continued deeper, killed a few more till he arrives at the blue fields. A huge mutant showed up and was blocking the path ahead. It started pounding the ground the moment it saw him.


    "Come," Taunting. He activated his hammers philosophers'' stone making it gyrate, then static electricity started crackling around it.


    The mutant enrage, charge at him. He lowered his stance, shield forward then rushed beneath the monster, sending it tumbling overhead. Immediately he turned to strike, but it scrambled away crashing at a wall.


    A few mutants showed up, lurking at a distance. He kept his back facing a wall. One by one.


    Banging his shield to provoke it. The mutant roared, then rushed again towards him then swung its fist. He moves a bit closer deflecting the attack, sending the mutant crashing again behind him. He raised his hammer, now crackling heavily with electricity; bashed his foe. It looked like lightning struck where his hammer fell, charred the mutant''s chest.


    The bystanders scampered away.


    He sat down and rest a little bit staring at the weird glowing flowers when a mail came.


    \u003eHow are you?


    I''m fine, just arrive at the flower fields.


    \u003eOh, the field of glowing blue flowers.


    Yes, that field. Resting here for a while.


    \u003eMe too, I''m inside the wagon.


    I see, sorry, I need to be going.


    \u003eOkay, Take Care Now.


    I will...


    Gone deeper inside the cave; cautiously moving about the uncharted place. A bunch of mutants attacked, different from the last encounter. Wielding stolen weapons, most of them just swing them around like a club but with enough strength, they could do serious damage.


    "Azaleah," He uttered. A blip on an uncharted part of the map suddenly appeared, just a short distance away from him.


    An SOS. Looking at the moving arcs on his map, he hurried towards it.


    Ahead he saw a familiar white glow from afar but can not make it out. He put the torch ahead of him and walk closer trying to analyze what the SOS is for.


    "Mat! Help me!" Azaleah shouting from the darkness. He threw his torch ahead and saw that familiar jagged teeth, smiling at Azaleah, holding her imprisoned inside a glass bubble. It didn''t bother to look at him but continued to play with her ball.


    "Azaleah, that mutant doesn''t feel right." A sense of danger engulfing him. Azaleah looks at it. "Yeah, looks more horrible than the rest of them".


    "I Scan, cross-reference it with your bestiary then synchronize it with mine." Moving away from its line of sight. Unique Mutant ''Huntress''. Cold sweat drip down his face.


    "Well, do something! She held on for me for days! I don''t think we can wait out till she gets tired." Furious at him. Here goes nothing. He walks up behind it, determined to finish it in a single blow. He raised his hammer when suddenly it twisted back its head looking at him with her hollowed eyes; smiling with jagged teeth.


    Startled, he panics and flailed his hammer, hitting nothing but the ground.


    Where? Taking a defensive stance and frantically looking around.


    "Help!" Azaleah called out. He saw that familiar white light dashing around the dark. He steps closer to his torch while trying to keep track of her. In such short notice, it lunges toward him. He barely blocks the attack, it left him reeling. The Huntress turned around in a swift manner and swipe those claws at him. He gave up getting back to stance and let himself fall flat keeping his shield close to him, the claws grazed his shield as he fell and rolled away.


    "Ugh..." He quickly stood up and regained his footing, but she was nowhere to be seen. He glances at the map, Azaleah''s signal is very near. "Look up!" She shouted. Startled, he instinctively put his shield above him, something crash on it. He pushes it aside then quickly followed it with a hammer but again hit nothing. He bashed the hilt to the ground and started charging his hammer.


    "Azaleah, standby!" He ordered. "Okay!" Her voice echoing around.


    He strikes his shield in aggravation "Come on you ugly ¡ª." It lunges before he could finish. He blocked its first attack then swung his shield at her, but it jumps away leaving himself open. The mutant immediately launch her claws at him "Now, Whiteout!" Searing white light flashed instantly, making the Huntress miss her mark. Grazed his chest plate, barely missing his neck, then went past him.


    He immediately followed with his hammer regardless of his footing, trying to tag her before she scampers away. His hammer manages to reach her leg, could not give much force in the swing, but it charred as soon as it made contact. A huge cry came out, then it ran away limping.


    "Come back here!" shouted at her as he grabs his torch and followed her. Just a few steps he took when out of the dark it leaps at him. Caught him by surprise. The Huntress made deep cuts on his leg before it rolled back in the darkness. The torch fell on his feet as his senses began to obscure. "What is this ¡ª poison!?"


    He lowered his stance keeping his shield close, hammer at the ready. The Huntress movements slowed down, circling him about with a foreboding smile. It looks like she waiting for me to pass out. grabbing an antidote from his first aid kit. Hope this works.


    "Azaleah, standby." He shouted at her. "120s more!"


    The Huntress reacted, it kept Azaleah''s ball close to her stomach as she prowled.


    A few moments later, he collapses, laid flat on his stomach. "Mat!" Azaleah cried out to him. Limping, the Huntress lurk closer, careful as she moves about him. Grab his hammer and shoved it away as Azaleah kept calling at him. She raised her claws to give the finishing touches when suddenly, he grabs her foot, dragging it towards him. She fell on her back, he crawled forward and pinned her down with his shield then started stabbing relentlessly with the Mutant Bone.


    The Huntress thrashed about either clawing at him or trying to escape but he didn''t give an inch.


    Eventually, the Huntress stopped moving but it left its mark all over his body. Mat rolled to the sides and laid flat on his back.


    Azaleah rolled away from the mutants'' hand then the bubble broke. She flew straight towards him. "I thought... I thought... you''re dead." Crying as she slams on his face. "Not yet, but get me one more bottle of that antidote, I can barely feel myself... anymore." She took a bottle and help him drink it.


    "Let me rest for a while, wake me up when there is trouble." Barely conscious, then fell asleep "Okay, rest well" she laid on his chest. Thank you...

 6 Chapter 5: Forgotten City

    We miraculously got out of the mountain in one piece, looted the corpses along the way.


    In town, I decided to register as a squad. So, we can get the privileges of being in one before we set out.


    At the edge of town, there lies the gate to the Forgotten City, where all sorts of mutants live from plants, animals, humans, and ¡ª not humans.


    There is one goal within the walls of the Forgotten City, its to get pass The Guardian. A stone statue of a god they say. It holds the key to the Black Gate. What is over the Black Gate? No one knows, anyone who gets on the other side never returns to town.


    In the City, there are two known ways to get pass the Guardian. The first one is simple, kill The Guardian; Second is through the sewers.


    Underneath town, there''s a labyrinth that goes outside the walls but we will need a bunch of stuff around the city, basic stuff like maps, keys, etc. Things we will eventually realize as we get deeper into the sewers according to rumors.


    Right now, there are just the three of us. We tried recruiting but we don''t have much to offer. Unlike full guilds or squads. Mhirfa does not seem to mind she is not exactly a warrior type like she claims, more like a merchant-priestess of sorts. What she lacks in battle she makes up a lot in productivity.


    For two months we scoured the whole city, lots of running, fighting, looting, and other stuff. Played it safe, we traded with others along the way, even found safe zones were we can make camp in relative peace.


    Surveyed the Black Gate.


    The Guardian is two twenty meter colossal statues fused together at the back. Each statue has a sword and shield combination. Also, reports say that the Gate has automated defenses, triggered when a certain number of hostiles are present.


    A guild came, to defeat it and get pass the gate. Victory with the Guardian has the advantage of taking everyone involve pass the Black Gate since the sewers can probably only accommodate four to six people safely across its narrow, trap ridden passageways.


    They sent sixteen people, a full squad as vanguard. Fifteen just barely outside the premises interchanging during injuries. This way they can fool the gates defenses thinking there is no major threat and slowly whittle down the guardian. The plan was sound. The only problem is it did not seem to work, there was no sign of it slowing down.


    Losing hope, they all charge, in an attempt to take it down by force. As soon as they enter, the Black Gates cannons started raining down on them. A lot of them were sent respawning back to the Forgotten Cathedral at town, the rest is history.


    But I learned a lot from that.


    We check the sewers, the girls hated the place, who would not Its dark, damp, smells, and is mutant infested but seems only the normal ones. All passageways lead to a dead-end but it looks like it can be opened up by solving some kind of puzzle. There are blast-proof doors that need a key card, but before that, we need to find a way to restore power to the place. We''ll also need a working map, the place is much worst than the Forgotten Mountains.


    I found myself sleepless trying to decide which is the best approach to getting out of here. The Gate, which has the Guardian or the Sewers that have the Labyrinth.


    We charted the whole city, but there seems to be more to it than just the normal places. So, the city library is a good way to learn, amazingly still in a good condition except for the mutant den. Manage to skirt around and find a safer passage.


    There''s a book with an old map of the Forgotten City when it was still remembered. This place was on Earth, one of humanities last bastion. The map showed a peculiar place we have not seen. We looked for clues around the library and found out that it was an advanced underground weapons laboratory just northwest of the gate


    Near the City''s Industrial Complex.


    We will head there immediately, advance weapons lab sound good to me.


    Entry: 1821Y 01M16D


    End of log

 7 Chapter 6: Members

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Central


    1821Y 02M23D 0300H


    "Mat, there''s a couple of idiots being attack by a horde over there" Azaleah gesturing over the area leading to the city hall. Mhirfa looks over where she pointed at. "We should help them."


    "Let us just take a look at the situation before we decide." He said calmly to them. "I''ll scout ahead," Azaleah shouted as she took off.


    "Kay." Mhirfa took her wagons leash and followed.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, City Hall


    1821Y 02M23D 0300H


    A towering warrior garb in golden scaled armor swung his huge sword, pummeling the mutants more than cutting them. "Never get tired of a good workout." From behind him, a mutant sneaks in.


    "Acki, watch out!" Another male warrior in chainmail took down the mutant before it reaches him. "Are we going to die again?"


    "Thanks, Menan."


    "No probs, Bro" giving him a thumbs up.


    A pinkish laser shot through from between them piercing a couple of mutants, followed by an evil laugh. "Get to work you, peasants, sacrifice your lives for me. Hahahaha." A girl in black robes with a pinkish ensemble walk in. "Luci, Menan, stop the theatrics and kill these things." Ordered by a girl in leather with a floating torso of a skull mask female hovering behind her.


    Acki charges forward, sword swinging. "Baby, what are we here for again?" Smiling while he pummeled the hapless mutants. Baby rolled her eyes. "The key, we need the key from the mayor''s office." Then she started moving seemingly like a dance, cutting down mutants along their path.


    "Sewers? Uh... how distasteful." Clearly stating her disgust, "I say let us just go take down that ugly statue." as Luci fired off another beam. A guy in black free-flowing garments suddenly appeared beside Luci laughing ominously. "Shiro, you startled me!" Holding down her beating chest. Shiro pointed his katana towards a horde at the far end of the parking lot.


    Menan gave out a deep sigh. " We are going to die again, aren''t we?"


    "Dios mio, Menan would you?" Baby angrily exclaimed as she analyzes the situation.


    "Let me handle a few of them." Luci steps up. "Mage Art." Her eyes gave out a pinkish vapor, then pointed her wand towards the incoming horde. "Pink... Grand Arrow!" A huge pinkish laser shot out of her wand, piercing everything in its path.


    Acki charges in, blocking the path towards their formation. "There''s more of them." Shouted as he gets overwhelmed. Baby jump on top of him. "Flecha... Lluvia." The skull mask girl dual wielding the crossbows started firing dozens of arrows below them so fast, that it made the illusions of itself.


    A brute showed up and charge towards Luci. Menan immediately blocks its path but was overpowered. "Shiro, buy me some time." Luci shouted hurriedly. Shiro appeared above the brute and slashed its eyes. Giving ample time for Luci to cast. "Pink... Great Sword." A sword shape beam emanates from her wand as she slashes the brute in half. "I am running out mana." Breathing heavily.


    Baby grit her teeth. "Retreat,"


    Acki holding back the horde of mutants. "Go on, I''ll buy you some time." Menan came crashing in. "Correction, we will buy you, girls, sometime."


    "Let''s go Baby." They turned around but to their surprise, there were dozens of mutants blocking the escape route and Shiro was holding them off. Baby came rushing to his aide. Luci was left alone in the middle. A pair of brutes crash out of the building beside her. Luci stared at the monsters and bit her lips red and prepared herself for the worst.


    "GET OUTTA... WAY..." A scream from somewhere caught everyone''s attention. A huge commotion came behind their group, then suddenly a tank came flying above crashing at the brutes in the middle. What!? Was everyone''s reaction, especially Luci bewildered at what just happened. The tanks'' compartment opened up, then a priestess came rolling out holding a ladle and can barely stand up.


    Luci rushed up to her. "Are you alright?"


    "Am fine, am fine... " Spinning about holding her ladle. While everyone was still preoccupied with the priestess mutants went flying about. A person in full black armor with a wolf mantle comes walking towards them. He was armed with a great hammer and as large round steel shield. "You summoner, assassin with me. Mage, go back up those swordsmen."


    Then a fairy hovered beside him. "Are we seriously helping these idiots?"


    Luci grabs Mhirfa''s hand and drags her away.


    "Acki, Menan, hold them off." Baby ordered. "Okay." They answered simultaneously. The black-armored warrior charge towards the pair of brutes. "I''ll handle them, find an opening." He holds off both the brutes attack parrying and blocking with both of his weapons. Shiro and Baby inflicted serious wounds on the brutes, and every time they point their aggression towards them, he bashed them making them regret ever looking away.


    Soon enough they cleared the area.


    . . .


    They gathered around the wagon. Mhirfa started preparing some sandwiches for the group to eat.


    "Thanks for the help, I''m BabyGirl." The skull mask torso image slowly disappeared, a floating sphere on its place. Azaleah flew in between. "No need to thank us, weaklings... That''s what the strong normally do. Hoh ho ho ho."


    "Azi, don''t ya be rude now." Mhirfa shouting from the wagon. "Its A-ZA-leah not A-ZI-leah you dumb cat!" Furious as she zoomed towards her."


    "No problem." took off his helm then introduced themselves. "I''m Mat, the priestess is Mhirfa, fairy''s Azaleah." Mhirfa shouted from the wagon. "Ah ain''t a priestess, ya hear!" Azaleah flew around her teasing her. "Yeah, your just a dumb stray cat that followed Mat home and out of charity we adopted. Hoh ho ho ho." Mhirfa teary-eyed as she reprimands the fairy.


    "Anyway, this pendejo over here is Acki our guild leader." Baby introducing her group. "Nice, to meet you" He came close to shake Mat''s hand. "Next pendejo is Menan, he is a nobody."


    "Ouch, that hurts ¡ª I am very important you know. They wouldn''t last without me." Walk towards Mhirfa and took a sandwich.


    "And ¡ª." Baby was about to introduce the mage but she cut in between. "I am the great goddess Lucifiene, I will allow you to kiss my hand knight." As she interrupted Baby; offering her hand as she laughs. Baby walk in between them. "Don''t mind her, and the stealthy guy in the Oni mask is Shiro." The assasin just bowed his head.


    "Hey pals, join us, we''re getting the key from the mayor." Acki offered. "Then we can all get out of this place. Right Baby?"


    "Yeah, the more of us the bigger the chance we can get out of here." Almost pleading Baby said this.


    "Hmph, these ¡ª," Mat, gestured Azaleah to stop. "I need some help in a small matter. We are willing to pay in cash or in items." Cueing Mhirfa. "Oh, here." She gave them sandwiches. "He meant the payment, Cat! The payment!" Azaleah scolding Mhirfa. Mat sighed. "Nevermind,"


    "You want to hire us? For what exactly" Baby questioned Mat. "To help kill a monster." He answered. Menan stood up but Baby signaled him to stay. Others also stayed put. "What are your offers?" He gestures towards the wagon. "Cash, Items, Help, whatever I have, to seal this."


    "Okay... What kind of monster?" Baby Relaxed a bit then he responded. "A Sirenian Warbeast."


    Everyone got alarmed. Menan stood up "A Warbeast, are you serious?" Acki taps him at the back "Hey, come on relax." Baby back away. "That''s a no go amigo, sorry." Luci stood in front of him "I am curious, why do you want it dead?" Mat frowned "It is in the way, all I need is a yes or a no." Mhirfa clutch his tray of sandwiches and Azaleah hovered over his shoulder. "Sorry, it is just... thanks for the help again." Baby turned away. "Let''s go guys."


    Mat turned towards the wagon.


    Luci moves towards Mhirfa and raised her head. She was all teary-eyed still clutching her tray. She hugged her then said, "We''re friends now, Smirf ¡ª." Smirf looked at her and started stuttering. "We...re.. we..re" Luci wipe her tears away. "Take a deep breath, Love." She took a deep breath and finally said. "... gonna defeat the guardian ¡ª need ya''ll help." Started to fully cry at her.


    A beam shot besides Mat blasting a hole right through a concrete building. "Stop, right there" Luci shouted. Mat looked back; saw Luci''s eyes covered with pinkish vapor and her wand crackling with energy. "We need to talk." She demanded.


    "What''s happening?" Baby came running back "This doesn''t concern you." Luci held Mhirfa''s hand and walk towards the wagon. Leaving Baby puzzled as to what just happened.


    "What you want?" He calmly approach her. "I want in, I will help kill your mutt." extended her hand then raised two fingers. "On two conditions. One, you protect me with your life; two, I get paid."


    Menan rush in shouting. "Are you crazy? There''s only three of you against a Warbeast."


    "Hey Luci, let''s talk about this." Acki joining in. "Are you leaving us?" A teary-eyed BabyGirl confronting her. Lucy ignored everyone else and approach him.


    "What''s your price?" Mat asked. She gave an evil smile and said. "I want a piece of the Guardian."

 8 Chapter 6.5: Smirf!?

    "Oh, this is fun..." Laughs evilly.


    Khoola, Author of War


    While writing Chapter 4.5, 2020Y 04M28D 0000H


    *It was 4.5 at the first draft...


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Central


    1821Y 02M24D 1000H


    Mat had accepted Luci''s terms of the contract and started journeying towards the Warbeast nest. Acki''s group decided to tag along.


    "Lucii, ain''t this nice, we all going the same way." Happily exclaiming. "Don''t mind them, love. Anyway, looks like there is something you want to of me."


    "Why ya decided to help us?"


    "Well, ya ask, didn''t ya?" Imitating Smirf.


    She fluttered "That ain''t fair Lucii." She laughs hard at her reaction. "Well, the truth ¡ª what Captain offered sound better and more reasonable than running around blind in the sewers." Looking at Mat ahead of the group.


    "I believe in him." Held her chest and gave a faint smile. "I know love." She smiled and tap Smirf at the back. "Ow," then they both laugh. "Lucii, Acki is really strong too."


    "Yes, but Acki''s strength is different from the Captain''s."


    Smirf spaced out.


    "Love, Acki built himself to be able to deal significant damage to anyone; Mat built himself to be able to defend against anyone."


    "Kay, I kinda get it. Ah think." Smirf scratching her head.


    "So, if by chance they sparred. The Captain would just shrug off his attacks, the same could not be said to Acki."


    "Why!?"


    "Because aside from being impregnable by normal means, he also has the ability to launch a counter that could devastate any assault." Luci explained. Smirf got sparkly!


    Luci tilted her head towards her companions behind. "Love do you see those three lowlifes behind us?" Smirf looked back."Them three lo..." Luci put her finger on her lips before she could finish. "Bad girl, never say those words."


    "But..."


    "No, buts... Okay"


    "Kay, Lucii"


    "As I was saying if we can get those ¡ª peasants to work for us. Taking down that Warbeast or even the Guardian would give us much comfort." Luci guaranteeing her. "Are ya sure? Ah should go talk to em." Turned around but Luci grabs her immediately. Got her close and whispered. "Let me handle that part, Love." Smirf nodded. "They''re that strong."


    "They will be." Smiling evilly. "Baby is our mid-range fighter, very dextrous, accurate, and agile. She fights by her summon Ca''li." Luci started leisurely talking to Smirf. "Yes, she''s so graceful, dancin'' round the battlefield."


    "Acki excels at close range and can deal good damage while also being tanky..." Luci smiled then chuckled. ".. and Menan, believe or not, Love. He''s the second smartest person in the guild. Jack of all trades." The statement made Smirf pause. "Real ¡ª ly!?" Didn''t even try to hide her shock. This made Luci laugh harder. "Shiro is already on our side, and Shiro is Shiro."


    "And yours truly..." Luci bowed and gestured to herself. "Ya''r made to be beautiful and awesome!!!" She threw her hands up and exclaimed it.


    "Hahahaha, that is why I love you so much." Hugs her tightly.


    A few hours later, Smirf was seen with Luci both laughing evilly.


    . . .


    "Smirf, Love. You need to develop a way to at least protect yourself." Luci sitting by the campfire. "Kay, Lucii." With a determined look, while holding tightly her ladle. "Aside from, the frying pan, ladle and driving like crazy on the battlefield." Pointing at each respectively.


    Smirfs suddenly spaced out.


    "I see ¡ª." Taking a deep breath then snap her fingers to get Smirf''s attention. "Tell me, love, what do you not understand about developing spells or armaments." Smirf spaced out again. Luci claps her hands. "Ok, let us start with the basics rules."


    "The Philosopher''s Stone serves as our energy source." Showing the book chained at her hip. "Ah, but that''s a book, Lucii." Smartly pointing that out. "Ah Yes, it is a book." She took it off and showed it to her. "This gem in the middle is the Philosopher''s Stone; The book is a catalyst." Showing her the decorative blood-red stone. Smirf looks all sparkly and amazed. "That''s so amazin'' Lucii"


    "Not yet, Love." Just smiled. "Once you embed a Stone in a catalyst it becomes a conduit we call a driver."


    "A driver..." Staring at the book intently. "Love, only two can be wielded by any human being safely, but you can have any number of catalysts." Showing Smirf her wand and glove. Smirf looked more sparkly and amazed.


    "Yes, you can have as many ladles as you want... as a catalyst, but we will absolutely NOT gonna make your ladle as a driver." She strictly told Smirf. "I ain''t gonna..." She fluttered at her. "Put the ladle down, Love." Tapping her hand. Smirf sadly put the ladle back to the pot.


    "Let''s go first with my forte... Spell Development." As she moves away and looks towards a huge boulder. "Spells is as simple as manipulation of energy. You need to set specific parameters on your driver in order for the energy to take shape."


    Smirf took out a small book, pen then started jotting down the lecture.


    "Parameters are activated by commands it can be anything, but the basics are verbal and gestures or both at the same time."


    "How ¡ª," trying to compose the question.


    "For example." Luci reading into her. "Mage Art," Pinkish vapor started to come out of her eyes. "This is a verbal command, this tells my driver to open up my energy circuits for a spell or just telling it to be ready to kick some ass." She then pointed her wand on the boulder. "This is a gesture command, this activates the set parameters to direct the energy towards my catalyst." The tip of her wand started to glow.


    "Pink... Great... Arrow." A pink beam blasted the boulder shattering it to pieces. "Pink Great Arrow is three separate commands, Pink its color, Great says how much Mana the spell needs then Arrow what shape it will take." Smirf started to look like a Christmas tree.


    "Most important thing you need to learn." She then whispered to her ears. Rules are made to be broken.


    Luci opened up a console and sent her something. "Here Love, a gift."


    "What is it?" Looking to what looks like a scroll. "Its a spell scroll, this houses all the parameters, configurations; activation commands of my spell Mage Art." Showing her the myriad of equations forming the scroll. "Do with it as you like."


    A few hours later, Smirf was seen practicing spell casting while cooking...


    . . .


    "Baby," Smirf shyly called out. "Yes, Hermana come closer. What is it?" She asks. "Lucii, said that, ah need to develop a spell or armament, but ya don''t seem to use any." recalling how Baby fought the mutants unarmed. "Ah, you see I mostly have gesture commands." Baby signaled the metallic sphere to come. "That''s why it looks like I am not casting anything."


    "I see, ya mean, ya cast with ya body."


    "Ya... yes, I mean that is correct but I also have some verbal commands."La Muerte." Suddenly the skull mask girl emanated from the sphere.


    "Ain''t she ¡ª the prettiest." All sparkly.


    "Gracias, the verbal command La Muerte summons my armament Ca''li." Introducing her to Smirf. "Hey ya, Ca''li." Smirf waving her hand. Ca''li held her skirt then graciously bowed at her.


    "My class is called ''Summoner'', most of my class stay back from the battlefield and let our summons do the fighting but I consider my self a fighter." Baby swayed her hands gracefully, Ca''li dual-wielded crossbows and fired at a tree. "Ca''li can also dual-wield swords and fire specialize darts if need be."


    "Whoah," Smirf sparkling.


    "Fighters like Acki and Menan also have their verbal commands like. Hmm... Acki''s Ocean Splitter which commands his driver to boost his physical strength and support his stance. Of course, he practices his swings every day." Baby pointing at training with Menan by the clearing. "Ya mean, it''s like a super skill." Smirf swinging her ladle. "S¨ª Hermana,"


    Baby rolled her eyes. "Menan is quite unique. His Render skill copies a person''s skill or spell. For example, his Grand Splitter skill combines Luci''s Pink Great Sword and Acki''s Ocean Splitter. Enhancing his physical skill and turning his straight sword into a great one by emanating light energy on it."


    "He can do that!?" Smirf shock. "Guess, Lucii ain''t joking when she said Menan was smart." Smirf deep in thought. Baby laugh so hard, Smirf had to calm her down.


    "Remember, drivers, catalyst, spells, and armaments can come in various shapes and sizes." Baby taping her at the shoulders "T''anks Baby, Ah learned a lot." then she quickly ran off.


    A few hours later, Smirf was seen working with her wagon.


    . . .


    "Azi!!!" Running towards Azaleah."What you want Cat."


    "Ah ¡ª was just wonderin'', what are ya..." Tilting her head in confusion. "A driver, catalyst, spell, or armament."


    "None of the above," Azaleah answered annoyed.


    Smirf space out.


    "Geez, I am an Artificial Intelligence Mat made years before diving into the Proving Grounds." Steam started to come out of Smirf''s head as Azaleah explained it. "Cat, is that a poor attempt to copy Luci''s Mage Art spell?" Starting to get really annoyed, but Mat gestured her to help... from far away. Seriously!? How do I...


    Azaleah look back at Smirf. "Let''s make it not about me." She pointed towards the wagon. "Your wagon has an Artificial Intelligence ¡ª of a dog, for example."


    Smirf regained her senses. "Oh ya, Lando is very smart, Look!" she threw her ladle towards a huge boulder. She gestured magnificently towards it then said. "Fetch." Her wagon immediately ran towards it, destroying the boulder in the process.


    Azaleah slaps her face as soon as she saw that it has no means to retrieve the ladle. "Am still figurin'' that out." She proudly declared.


    Azaleah looking like all life just got drained out of her, said. "Cat, as soon as we get to the weapons lab, we will make something better... Okay?" Azaleah almost pleading. "Kay, Azi" nodding energetically.


    A few hours later, Smirf was seen running towards Mat.


    . . .


    "Mat, can I..." Slowly walking towards him. "Here," Mat giving her a glove. Smirf all sparkly. "Like Luci''s glove? Can it shoot lasers?"


    "No." Taking the glove and putting it on Smirfs right hand. "Take your ladle."


    "Huh!? Eh, what ladle." Trying to pretend she did not understand and look the other away. "That ladle, now go." Putting a little force in his words. Smirf hurriedly grabs the ladle.


    "Now hold it tightly." He ordered. "Kay," as she did the ladle started to turn charcoal black.


    "That''s a Reinforce spell, the current command activation is holding any non-organic item firmly. "He held Smirf''s hand then swung it towards a nearby tree. "This can make anything you hold a weapon or shield."


    "Thank you," she said, looking intently at his hand. Mat looked at her ladle then said. "Your welcome,"


    A few hours later, Smirf was seen doing absolutely nothing.

 9 Chapter 7: Agreemen

    She sat down beside him but there was just silence between them.


    Her heart had been longing for a conversation for what felt like an eternity already. It''s now or never she told herself, as she put up the courage to voice out that desire.


    "We haven''t talked for a long time" looking at the bonfire flames licking at her pot. Trying not to think of the worst possible scenarios.


    "I didn''t¡ª noticed. I... " He paused as if there were no reason at all. That hurt her, for some reason it did. Her eyes started to well up; it is taking all her strength not to let it flow.


    "Oh, ah see... sorry... Ah just thought." She stood up and tried to leave but he held her hand firmly.


    He looked at the stars then said. "I am probably thinking too much, what to do, how to do, when to do..." Took a deep breath then let it out. "Our future ¡ª probably."


    She sat back down and look up those far away lights.


    "Carpe Diem," she said.


    "Huh!?" He looks at her in surprises. "Carp ¡ª the fish you mean?"


    She giggled like a child. "Nah, silly, Carpe Diem its Latin, literally means pluck the day" as she looks back at him.


    "Pluck the day?"


    She held his hand. "Means, enjoy the moment without concern for the future."


    He gave a soft chuckle. "That''s kind of irresponsible ¡ª but, thanks."


    She leaned on him and made herself comfortable.


    Stargazers


    Firehouse rooftop, Central 1821Y 01M29D


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Central


    1821Y 02M25D 1600H


    Mat''s group decided to make camp before nightfall. They use one of their safe houses just outside the complex, an abandoned firehouse that they reinforce beforehand to work as a bunker. Smirf started cooking for their dinner; the sweet aroma of stewed beef and vegetables fills the air, blowing over the bonfire just outside.


    "Baby, there''s a pain in my stomach, I can''t bear..." Menan writhing as he breathes in. Acki looking at the light emitting from the firehouse. "Why don''t we..."


    "No," Baby stopping Acki short. "We cant... were not..." The two guys understood what Baby was trying to say, they stood still and just endured.


    "Hey y''all, come inside..." Someone called from the firehouse. "...dinners ready!"


    The two guys look at Baby. She stood still unable to decide. A tap at her shoulder came as a surprise, she looked and a familiar smile greeted her. "Hermana?" Smirf held her hand and gave a small tug. " Come now, everyone''s waitin''. Why we can''t start without ya." She felt helpless and gave in. Smirf did not let go of her hand till they reach the campfire.


    "Here," Smirf gave each of them a bowl, piece of bread, and was about to serve them some stew. "No, Hermana ¡ª I..." Baby stopped her. "Let them serve themselves," Mat called Smirf. "Okay, here ya go Baby." She gave her the ladle. "Gracias." She called the two to get some, then Smirf got some for her and Mat. Silence, as they were eating none, gave a peep.


    Smirf collected the wares afterwards.


    "Hermana, let me help you with that." Baby tried to help out as soon as she noticed but Luci stopped her short. "I am assuming you peasants are not following us for the food," Luci said finally. Baby fell silent, but Acki spoke. "We are worried about you Luci."


    "Well then, why don''t you join us and see to it?"


    Menan tap Baby in the back giving her a bit of courage to speak up. "Okay, well join but as soon as we''re done, we are leaving."


    Luci nodded then looked at Mat. "What''s the price?"


    Baby signaled for a moment, they huddled up some distance away. They seem to be arguing, with Baby hitting Menan, and Acki laughing hard. They returned to the campfire. Menan went up front "We want our guild name change, its quite expensive so ¡ª that''s our price." Mat looked at Smirf, but she was already all sparkly and giving a thumbs up. "Okay, have a name?"


    They all looked shocked at the question.


    "Raging... Uh, raging," Acki trying to complete the name, then Menan came upfront saying. "Menan''s Guild," Baby smacked him, then Smirf raised her hand and said. "Salesians of..." Azaleah flew in yet again to scold her. "Your not part of their guild you dumb Cat."


    "Let us decided that at a later date," Luci interjected silencing the group then giving the floor to Mat. "I just have a single term, join my squad." On cue Smirf immediately sends out invites to them. Acki reading it out loud. "Invitation Squad Death Parade." He look at his friends then gave a nod. All of them accepted the invites.


    Smirf came up front "We found us an advance weapons laboratory, just a month ago. Hunted down a unique monster havin'' em key card to the place." Luci shock with the news. "An advance weapons lab!?" Everyone was shocked as well, more because of Luci''s reaction.


    "Yes, but unfortunately a Warbeast made a nest at a hydro-electric powerplant connected to it." Azaleah explaining the situation further. "That''s why you need it dead," Menan interjected "How very smart of you ¡ª idiot, once the lab is operational we are going to start planning on taking down the Guardian," Azaleah added.


    "Well, the Guardian is still leaps away. So... what is the plan on taking down the Warbeast?" Menan asks Mat seriously. "We do not have much of a plan, just memorize its attack patterns, hit it when it is safe, and keep it in the middle."


    Azaleah snaps her fingers and showed them footages of the battle between Mat and the Warbeast. Everyone watched intently, even Smirf while bringing in some snacks.


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Industrial Complex


    1821Y 02M25D 0700H


    Shiro appeared behind whispering something, Baby. "Capit¨¢n, there is a group being attack by a pack of huntresses ahead."


    "Azaleah" Mat signaled he to check it out "On it," she flew straight away.


    Mat gave the orders immediately. "Acki, Menan defend the flanks, Baby rear make the formation tight." The group immediately ran to their stations. Luci grabs Smirf''s hand then motioned her to get on board the wagon. "Love, stay close to me." Smirf followed her.


    "They will ambush the next block through the windows three right; one left." Azaleah speaking through their comms. "I''ll open a window on your HUD for the exact locations."


    "Menan, Baby, go right. Acki left, Luci standby." They repostioned their positions as they ce near to soring the trap. As the huntresses leap out of the building, Baby fired arrows at them neutralizing before they even hit the ground. She then ignored the boys complaining about how it was supposed to happen.


    "Two more hiding behind the truck." Azaleah changing the windows on their HUDs. Mat signaled Luci. An evil laugh echoed throughout the ruins, followed by beam of pink light that devasted the area.


    "Just one more running around." Azaleah flying back at them. Their window screens disappeared, then an ominous laughter followed "All clear, the group is just by the corner." Azaleah sat back on her throne.


    Smirf immediately ran towards the party, Baby immediately followed. As she turned the corner the wounded group fired an arrow at her, Baby immediately came to her defense. "Are you okay, Hermana?" Check her out for injuries. "Am okay, Baby thank you." Smirf move pass her. "Am here to help." The party lowered their weapons. Mat and the others arrive securing the place. All of them are badly injured some of them are poisoned. Smirf ran back to the wagon and got some medical supplies.


    "These are regen patches." Menan helping out. Smirf nodded, while treating the severely wounded. As soon as she applied her patient started screaming as its body started steaming up, closing all the wounds in mere seconds, then fainted. "That''s an awful medicine if you ask me." Acki keeping watch on the sides. "That is better than dying and leaving all your hard work behind." Menan patching up the rest.


    After an hour the group was back in their feet, thank them, and warned them that a powerful Mutant made a pride in the industrial complex near the airfield. "Lucii, what''s a mutant pride?" Smirf overhearing the conversation. Luci looks at her. "How to say, it is an upgraded mutant den, but ruled by a king."

 10 Chapter 8: Warbeas

    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Hydro-electric Plant


    1821Y 02M25D 1000H


    They arrive at the plant, besides it a river running from the mountains going outside the city walls. The Warbeast made a nest on the river blocking the water''s path out of the plant.


    "We need to lure it outside the river." Baby suggesting to the group. "No worries, it will come to us. Luci there is a platform on the wall by the powerhouse use it to snipe at the beast." Luci took Smirf''s hand. "Okay, let''s go love." Luci taking Smirf''s hand.


    "Hide behind the hills till it commits to a fight." Acki and the rest did as they are told. Mat walks out of the banks his hammer crackling with energy. The Warbeast opened its eyes; calmly stood up and started lumbering towards him. He looks up at the overgrown water lizard, as the Warbeast look down at him, they already know what each other is capable of they have clashed several times already.


    The Warbeast saw Baby''s group coming out of the hills, snorted at Mat flicking its forked tongue. "Sorry, but I got no time to play with you ¡ª in a hurry... friend." As he took a defensive stance. The Warbeast growled and raised its claws to attack. Mat knows how powerful and fast that swipe is, nothing else to do but block.


    Last time they met, he couldn''t do anything but defend. there will not be much difference now but this time he is not alone. Acki and Menan already have his back and block the blow with him. Baby jump at the sides and started raining down arrows; Menan rolled beneath and slashed at its belly, Shiro drops down its face.


    Furious, the Warbeast slammed the ground, shaking the very earth they stood then followed it with a tail sweep. Baby and Shiro evaded but it dragged the rest smashing them to the powerhouse.


    "Pink... Great Arrow" a beam of pink light shot from a platform above searing the monsters'' hide. The Warbeast gave a deafening roar immobilizing them. It drew in water from its feet then fired a jet stream from its mouth towards the two above. Mat immediately threw his hammer towards its head making it miss, then charge forward grabbing back his hammer on the way in. The Warbeast greeted him with a flurry of strikes making him fall to his knees. It opened its mouth aimed to take a piece of him but Acki deflected its head.


    "Espada... Rebanse Triple." Baby slashed its neck barely wounding it, Shiro followed through.


    The Warbeast stomp the ground again. Mat immediately shouted. "Tail sweep, stop it!" The sweep came, Mat raised his shield against it but was getting drag. Acki, Menan, and Baby regaining their balance rush to his side. eventually slowing it down to a halt.


    Shiro swoop down; slashed at its face breaking his blade in the process.


    Luci all charge up flip her wand, extending it making a staff. She poises to throw it "Pink... Grand Spear." The beast looks at her but it was the was already on its way, piercing its hide. It gave out a huge cry, then sprayed a torrent of water at the group below. "Behind me" Mat ordered, the group went behind him pushing his back.


    They chargeback as soon as the stream dissipated. Baby ran above the monster collecting Luci''s staff throwing it back. Menan ran his sword through its sides. Shiro threw exploding daggers at it. The Warbeast shrugged the attacks then charge forward, ramming both Mat and Acki back towards the wall. Luci grabbed Smirf as the wall shook. A stomp came, they knew what''s coming next but...


    "Run!" Mat shouted at Luci above them but, it was too late. The tail sweep devasted the wall making it crash over them. Smirf shouted as they fell over. Baby and Menan rush to the rescue. The beast roared immobilizing all of them then fired a jet stream, Menan push Baby away, while he got swept by the attack.


    From the rubble Mat rose and hammered the beast kneecap making it buckle, Acki followed with his sword but it barely cut through its hide. "Get the girls," With a stern look Mat gave the order to Acki, he immediately left and scoured the rubble.


    Mat called out. "Baby, concentrate on breaking through its hide." She nodded and started firing arrows at where Luci pierce through. It cried out; stood up and fired back at Baby. I need to get this thing grounded for a while, till Acki can get the girls out. "Azaleah," she zoomed in and blinded the beast; it thrashed about. Mat rush in before it could do much damage and hammered again its knee, sending crackling volts of electricity with it. The Warbeast fell to its side, immediately it countered with its tail slamming Mat to the powerhouse.


    Baby move in "Espada... Torbelinno." Sending a flurry of slashes along its belly. The Warbeast fired a stream at her sending her to the river.


    It stood up, limping as it did. Mat shook the rubble off him then ran. The Warbeast roared but he kept running shield forward gaining momentum as he goes. It iwas about to stomp but Acki intervened, holding its foot up. "Their safe," as he looks towards him. Mat gave a slight nod. He charges through, hitting the monster wounded leg brutally dislocating it. He could not stop himself and went tumbling towards the river.


    "Mat," Smirf cried out to him but Luci held her tight. "Mage Art," immense energy seeps out of her. "Pink Grand Arrow. Piercing the beasts'' belly. The monster squirmed and is now trying to escape.


    "Menan," Acki called his muscle rippled as he raised his great sword above head. "Ocean Splitter." His skill made a gash along the monsters'' hide. A bloodied Menan swoops a across the field rushing towards the Warbeast. "Render... Grand Splitter," Energy emanated from his straight sword making it bigger and longer then slash through its open wound. Then the Warbeast frantically fired streams at them sending them crashing along the trees. Shiro slashes at its face breaking his sword yet again. The monster fired at him, he quickly evaded then threw bombs at it.


    Smirf whistled, her wagon came crashing through, she grabbed it on the way and took Luci with her. "Menan, Acki," Smirf shouted as she rushes to their aide. Baby seeing this fired arrows at it, keeping the Warbeast preoccupied.


    Smirf threw Luci a potion patch they each applied to the boys. They both shouted in agony as the regeneration activated. "Let''s get them inside." Said Luci picking them up.


    The Warbeast roared like a cornered beast, opening up its wounds further, blood gushes out making the waters dark red. Suddenly, it drained the water beneath it.


    Mat got out of the river. "Stop it." He shouted. Baby shot a flurry of arrows at it; Shiro dives in. The beast roared in agony as it steamed, closing its wounds in an instant. Its moss coloured skin turned, dark blue; emerald eyes, blood red.


    Mat shouted getting its attention. The seams of his black armor lighted up with red aura, armament crackling in red lightning. The Warbeast poise to fire at him, but he threw his shield at it making the monster miss fire, then charge with both his hands gripping the hammer. Dodge rolled the second volley it fired then swung at its feet. It ¡ª jump. As his hammer misses its mark; looking up at the gigantic lizard above him. He dashed away from it as fast as he could.


    As it landed, it made a huge crater sending everything unfastened helpless in the air.


    It''s winding up for a sweep! Mat immediately recalled his shield then threw it to Baby. "Catch." He shouted, she grab hold of it, he called it back to him with Baby on it. Keeping her between him and his shield. Shiro threw a chained dagger towards Smirf which she grabbed immediately and fastened to the wagon using reinforce. He then link it with another, throwing it towards an exposed steel beam on the powerhouse.


    The tail sweep came, hitting Mat dragging them both in a full circle before throwing them with tremendous force, driving them deep inside the powerhouse. Both Luci and Smirf holding on to each other hanging as they smashed to the wall. Shiro went pass them swooping down the beast making a huge gash on its neck, his blade shattered, the pieces raining down on him. It didn''t even flinch at the damage, instead chased Shiro with a flurry of swipes.


    "Mat, Mat ¡ª Mat," Baby, unharmed dragging him out of the rubble, seeing that blood-stained armor, both arms, leg dislocated beyond belief. She can not stop her eyes from tearing up. But ¡ª he is not dead, how can that be he should be turning to light fragments by now. He slightly convulses, then his arms and legs snap back to position. Coughs badly then blood started to drip down his helm, as well as all parts of his armor. She stared there watching him stand up.


    "Carpe Diem ¡ª CARPE DIEM," the first almost a whisper, the second like a warcry. His bloodlust caught the Warbeasts'' attention, literally ignored Shiro, and lumbered towards its nemesis.


    "FUCK TODAY!" Mat exclaimed, as he burst out of the wall towards his foe. The war cry woke up Baby. "Fuck today." She cried out. "Mage Art," Luci''s energy brimming and overflowing, Shiro appeared beside her, dark energy swelled as he concentrated while he held tight his katana. "Fuck today," said Luci. Shiro nodded, laughing ominously. The wagons hatch opened, out crawled Acki and Menan. "Oh, fuck today," Menan complaining, Acki laugh.


    Smirf teary-eyed said in a whisper. "Its pluck the day, its pluck the day..."


    Mat started to jog, to a run. The Warbeast roared and ran towards him. Baby from behind shot arrows at it. The two crashed at each other, with Mat being pushed back.


    A volley of lasers rained from above, the beast reacted swiftly and fired a volley of its own. The boys jump down cutting their way through the volley.


    It wound up! Mat reacted quickly and bashed its front leg, making it fall to its knee. The boys quickly followed up with their swords and Baby through the sides. Again it gave a deafening roar as it stood up, then stomp the ground. They tried to regain their balance quickly but it started smashing the ground in quick successions, then jumps.


    Shiro latch a chain at it, Baby used Cali to boost her up the beast, Acki shot Menan up with his sword. then started their assault in mid-air. Luci fired another beam piercing a hole right through it. Acki and Mat ran underneath it. The Warbeast came crashing down, the floor collapse slightly. All its wounds opened up blood came raining down. Water started to seep from river filling the entire crater. It roared like there''s no tomorrow.


    Everyone panic at the sight.


    Then a huge electrified sword pierce through the beast from below. The Warbeast stood still, then fell on its side.

 11 Chapter 9: Spoils

    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Industrial District


    1821Y 03M09D 0800H


    It took them a few days to clear up the nest and a few days more because Luci became impatient and tried to blast the area. The powerhouse was in ruins but they manage to somehow make a standby generator run.


    The lab gate was hidden just outside the perimeter of the industrial complex northwest of the walled city, it was embedded on a hill surrounded by traces of military installations.


    Smirf took out the key card and inserted it. The gate unlatches its bars and slowly opened breaking everything on its path but stopped halfway. The boys need to push it, just enough to get the wagon inside. "Hey, give mah card back." Smirf banging at the doors key slot. "Looks like its a one-way trip, Cat." Azaleah passing her by. "What ya mean, Azi?" She looks but Azaleah was not there anymore. "Love, we will need to find another way out." Tapping her shoulder. "Come along now, everyone''s inside already and there is still a long way to go." She took her wagons leash and hurriedly followed, the gates closed behind her.


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Underground Lab


    1821Y 03M09D 1100H


    "Looks like their making experimental weapons here." Menan wandering around the armory. "Hey guys, found us a depot." Baby on the other side. "Anything good?" Acki asked. Then machinery started moving menacingly. Everyone reaches for their weapon but Mat signaled all to stand down. They saw Smirf running away from it. Mat gave her the look, she gave him a smile. He sighed and told Luci to check it out.


    Started settling in the place. Only one sleeping quarters that is still intact, so, the girls claimed it for themselves.The technology and equipment are quite ancient but it is better than the basic workshop currently available in town.


    Before the day ended Mat brief the group of their last battle, emphasizing on what they lacked; told them to prepare for the next one. Luci felt unaccomplished more than anyone else in the room. Remembering how she gave everything but couldn''t put down the beast and the Captain was relying on her for that.


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Underground Lab


    1821Y 03M12D 1400H


    "What ya doin''?" Smirf suddenly showed up. "Oh," Luci got surprised. "I am making a new driver; a new spell." Gesturing towards the black sphere, that is about the size of a human torso. Smirf started poking at it. "It kinda looks like Baby''s ball." Examining it further. "Will ya summon sumthin'' like Cali?"


    "Not, quite." She tapped it with her wand, the middle opened up like a cameras'' lens, showing the philosophers'' stone gyrating in the middle. "It is more like a familiar."


    "Ti''s an Evil Eye," pointing at it, making Luci stare hard. "It does look like an evil eye." Menan interjecting. Acki hearing the commotion came by. "Right, it does look like an eye, just don''t know if it''s evil."


    "If it''s Luci''s, It''s evil I tell you." Baby shouting as she walks in. The remark made everyone laugh.


    Luci still laughing. "Where is Shiro?"


    "There," Baby pointing towards the hammering sound at a workbench, where Shiro is laughing ominously while emanating a dark aura. Smirf started praying making everyone laugh more.


    "He is just making a new mask, Smirfy." Menan making her calm down. "Really passionate about it, you can tell by the smile on his face." Smirf looked but Shiro was wearing an Oni mask, it scared her away. "Love, do not take heed of that dimwit." Luci glaring at Menan. "Anyway, what are you guys planning."


    "I am making improvements on Cali, Weapons, Armor... the works." Baby paused a bit. " I am also going to make a catalyst, I realized a lot of things during the last battle."


    "I know how you feel." Luci sympathizing.


    "Me too, so, I made this." Acki showing his ultra great sword. "Made it bigger and heavier, and put my second philosopher in the middle of it." Menan with a sly smile. "What inspired you, Acki."


    "Well, if I have to say... I saw Mat''s Hammer and thought, that''s amazing, it''s big and heavy, and crackling with energy." He held the huge sword high and golden aura emanated from it. "So, I made mine bigger, heavier, longer, and more amazing." Everyone started to chuckle except Smirf and Acki.


    "Well, ain''t that somethin''." Smirf all sparkly about it made the three crack up. "Enough, enough, I can take no more." Luci holding her chest. The two got confused to what just happened.


    "Smirfy, where''s captain by the way," Menan ask still laughing.


    "Well, told me. he''ll be busy." Pouting as she said it. "Your boyfriends a real jerk, Smirfy" Menan fanning the flames.A puff of steam suddenly erupted at Smirfs head as she got all red and flustered. "He ain''t mah boyfriend, Menan." Fluttering about "Husband?" Said Acki, making the situation worst. Everyone was laughing really hard by now. As the situation got ''steamier''.


    "Luci, is that Mage art or... really steam." Baby chuckling as she asks Luci. "I believe it''s Mage art," can not stop herself from laughing. "I taught her that, probably something went wrong with her parameters or configurations." Wiping the tears off her eyes. Baby started to laugh really hard too. "A command activation by being flustered... How... Ho..."


    "Should we tell her?" Luci trying really hard to throw the question. "Are you serious!?" Both of them laugh so hard, it drowned out everyone else''s then everyone joined in.


    . . .


    Smirf sat down at a chair beside him. "Hey, ya busy?" He glances at her. "Not really... heard you guys having fun." She stretch a bit then started kicking air. " Nah, they just pickin'' on me ¡ª again." Smirf watch him as he was was building small spheres, lots of them his focus unwavering but was not neglecting her presence. "Well, that''s because they like you a lot."


    "Mat," Smirf calling him softly. "Yeah,"


    "R''member, Leitz''s speech at the Grand Hall?"


    "Yes, I remember."


    "Ah, still don''t get it. Why all of this for?" Smirf look at him, but he was still focus at work. "What you mean?"


    "Swords, em medieval stuff, mutants, and low tech stuff... It ain''t summin'' up in mah head." Flicking the spheres like playing marbles. "How''d we kill em elves with this?"


    "Kill!?" he stops working then looked at her. "Did ah say sumthin'' wrong?"


    "No, it is just the way you said it." He took a chair and sat beside her. "Anyway, elves are far technologically advance than we are. That is why we lost countless battles." Mat started talking, looking away to some far away place. "So why?"


    "The only reason mankind still exists is because of our ingenuity." He continued on, Smirf started to frown. "Ya makin'' it more complicated."


    "Our situation right now, we are fighting incredible odds with leftover technology. Finding ways to overcome what seems to be impossible. That is the main point of our existence, I would say." He finally looked at her. "Kinda get that part of the training, and kinda answers mah questions ¡ª ah think.


    He laughed realizing he is not making any sense to her.. "Why medieval sorcery, armor, and weaponry. How do we defeat technologically advance elves with these, right?"


    "Well, yah!" Annoyed puffing her cheeks with air.


    "In your class, you have monsters films every sunday, Right?" Portraying some kind of a monsters as he talked. "Ah remember that Mah always shows em at night to scare us ¡ª t''was funny now I think ''bout it." Reminiscing then snaps back. "Wut that got to do with anythin''?"


    "Monsters in films kill humans by the dozens, with claws, teeth basic ''stuff'' and humans trying to kill them with guns, bombs, etc."


    "That''s cause their monsters, they ain''t just gonna die." Smirf said complainingly .


    "Exactly," opens his arms wide. "This ¡ª is a factory of monsters." Spreading his arms wide. "The forgotten city, mutants!?"


    "Us," with a far look and a wicked grin. "What!?" Frightened. "Ah ain''t no monster."


    "Not yet..." with a low resounding voice. "Ya, scaring me Mat, what ya talking about?" On the verge of tears, trying to make sense of all of it. "Am I!? Sorry about that." Smiled at her, then stood up. "Anyway, I have something for you."


    "Really!? What is it?"


    "It is with Azaleah, at the armory." He started to work again "Oh, I also gave her some plans for your wagon." Smirf all sparkly and spaced out. He came close then blew softly on her ear. She turned red as a tomato then a huge puff of steam came out of her.


    "Wa...wa wa... why!?" All flustered holding on her ear. Chuckled. "Go see Azaleah," She fluttered away screaming. "I heard ya ¡ª didn''t have to do that, ya know!." Running away like a steam locomotive.


    . . .


    "Azi," Smirf arrive at the armory. "Wer ya." Smirf saw her at a blast-proof door hovering about. "I''m busy cat, go away."


    "Mat sent me." Showing no intention of backing out. Azaleah Rolled her eyes. "Oh, did he now?" Fidgeting as she came closer. Little bit steam coming out of her eyes. "At least, your version of Mage Art is getting better." Azaleah ooking down on her. "What you mean?"


    "Anyway, I know why your here." Hovered over a folded set of white clothes. "This is for you, White Herald Set he called it." It was a silver half-plate armor with long flowing white garments. It has a hood, leather boots, and leggings are covered by a skirt with a pair of leather gloves. "It''s lighter than Ah thought." Swirling around.


    "It is a catalyst, it has been configured to use reinforced on self once you start to pray "The Lord''s Prayer."


    "Why..."


    "Don''t ask, his word ''it will turn her to a statue of a virgin for the duration of the prayer''."


    "When, well, ah am but..."


    "There''s more," interrupting her again.


    "Mail," Smirf opened it up and saw blueprints for the wagon. "So, this is..."


    "How is your wagon, cat?"


    "Oh, I made the kitchen bigger, made everything bigger actually." Pointing towards a tank now twice it''s original size. "So, when we get us outside, we'' ll be more comfortable and..."


    "How will you get that outside?" Azaleah Irritable ask her the question. Smirf froze like a snowman in winter.


    "Dumb cat, just don''t make it any wider than that circular platform in the middle. Got it?" Pointing over to what looks like a lift in the middle. "Yes, Azi... I heard ya. T''anks," bowed her head.


    "This is the last, finally," Azaleah gave out a sgih of relief then opened up the vault.


    "What..."


    "Its a doll, Cat. I was supposed to use it to house my AI but it needs a philosophers'' to function properly, without it, a common mutant will just slap it around." Hovered close to the mechanical doll.


    "How..."


    Azaleah flew back then sat on her shoulder. "Cat... we will make this into something great, okay?" Smirf nodded energetically. "Okay, Azi."

 12 Chapter 10: Sunligh

    "Seven hundred years ago man never stood a chance. All they can do is sacrificed what little is left for the rest to survive. For the good of the whole galaxy, the human race must perish and so them bastards say.


    Just because of some prophecy, they justify killing our women and children, running us out of our homes, hunting us down like... animals!


    But we are not...animals


    We are supposed to be the Demons that will bring about this Dark Age!


    So, I say let us fulfill this goddamn prophecy and bring forth this Dark Age they so much fear.


    Because I am sick and tired of running, hiding, and praying to the gods to change their minds.


    Hah... ha ha ha...


    So how about it!?


    WE DIE KNEELING OR THEY DIE SCREAMING!?"


    ReVenaant, Second King


    Call to Arms, 0778AE 11M04D


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Underground Lab


    1821Y 03M30D 0800H


    "We will need to get back to town to resupply, fill the wagon with valuables." Baby, ordering the boys around. "We will need to prepare for whatever is on the other side of the Black Gate"


    "How are we getting out of this place?" Menan asking Baby, knowing she doesn''t know. "Azaleah will operate the main lift in the center. Make sure nothing and no one gets left behind." Mat answers as he passes by, foiling Menan''s scheme


    Luci grabs Smirf''s arm. "Captain''s orders." Then gave her a wink. A puff of steam rose up.


    The wagon was pack inside out. Gathered everything on the lift then mustered. Azaleah started the lift, the top cover opened as they went up. After a month they finally saw sunlight again. They came out of the industrial complex'' airfield. Vast ruins of the district encircle them, for some reason it was getting dark.


    "This is as far it goes, gears are worn out down below and won''t budg...e," Azaleah gaped at the sky. The moon was slowly covering the sun. "Mah Lord," an awestruck Smirf fixated at it.


    "A solar eclipse, at a time like this!?" Luci aggravated at the arising situation?


    "Weapons out," Mat gave an order. System...


    "First day after a long vacation... Whew," Menan drawing out his sword.


    "Nar''vash, let''s go," Luci called, the black sphere dislodge itself from the wagon opened its eyes; floated beside her. Everyone else took out their weapon, Baby had a new whip and iron claw at her left arm. Shiro had a new mask and two new katanas. Acki remade his armor into a full plate one and his ultra great sword. Menan reworks his chainmail. Mat had redesigned his hammer, looks more like a huge mace now, surrounded by ax blades.


    "Were in the airfield, this is a very dangerous place to be in right now." Baby remembering the group they save. "As rumors say, there''s a large pride here, dominated by a very strong mutant."


    "Mat, multiple hostiles, were surrounded," Azaleah warned.


    "Well, well, I have been wanting to test this out." Acki swinging his sword


    "Formations..." Everyone move without delay. Hmm... Huntresses. Mat signaled Smirf to prepare for first aid. "Azaleah" Hearing him she immediately answered "There''s an open path big enough on the south but its the long way." Opening a window on their HUDs showing the path.


    "Open the wagons lights, we''re going through." Mat leading the group. Azaleah sat on his shoulder and brief them of the current scan of the area. "Aside from our usual mutants. The den consists of an approximate coalition of 4 to 6 Unique mutant males and one king. 20 to 40 huntresses, a queen, and several possible young ones."


    "I''ll take the king, you guys can handle the rest, right!? Acki showing off his armaments. "The king is probably only half as strong as the Warbeast, but in this situation, we''re the ones outnumbered, and they got home-court advantage." Baby brushing off his confidence.


    "Why aren''t they attacking yet?" Menan asking. "Well, idiot... They are probably building up their numbers to a hundred." Azaleah answering him.


    "Are we going to die?" Menan with his usual questions "No one is allowed to die." Mat shouted at the group.


    "There is a group of mutants nearby." Azaleah opened up another window. "Thanks, Azi," mused Luci making Azaleah mad, she started laughing evilly. "Sage Art... Ballista." Nar''vash fired a thick pink laser from its eye. The beam punches through the ruins making the other side visible. Smirf was all sparkly at Luci''s presentation of her power, when suddenly Nar''vash close it''s eye and fell back to the wagon. Luci continued laughing while trying to avoid their looks.


    "Nice shot witch, manage to disintegrate one male and four others, a total of five. Only fifty more left." Azaleah using her sarcastic voice. "Luci, you wast... What!? Fifty!?" Menan looks around him in panic.


    "Keep moving, that will buy us some time before they attack." Mat took Smirf''s hood and secured it on her head. So, what are they up to...


    Do you think they know? Azaleah sitting on his shoulder sending him a message.


    "Does not matter,"


    Smirf looks at him from behind held tightly the leash as they trudge forward.

 13 Chapter 11: Eclipse

    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Industrial Complex


    1821Y 03M30D 0900H


    "Keep the wagon moving and keep your hood on at all times." Mat ordered Smirf behind him, as hordes of mutants are pouring from every direction. "Thirty-three confirmed kills, Eight heavily injured, fifty we are currently engaging; more coming from all direction." Azaleah reporting in.


    "Menan got poisoned," As Luci was trying to get a bunch of huntress off him. "Shiro cover us, I''ll get Menan onboard." Shiro moves to the rear in a flash. Luci got Menan onboard and gave him an antidote. "Rest a bit Menan, we will take care of this." Baby trying to get his spirit up.


    He looks forward and stared at their captain. Amaze at the fluid movement; no wasted action. A stream of mutants come pouring towards their Captain. He swept two with his hammer, broke the face of another with his shield. "System... App... Recorder," Hates himself a lot right now, telling his body to move, burning with desire so great.


    Acki, and Luci are having a hard time, both accustomed to a very aggressive fighting style, not worrying about anything else but fighting. Now, they both need to protect themselves, each other, and the wagon. Mat noticed this. "Azaleah, Whiteout." The whole area lighted up revealing dozens of mutants lurking about. "Now, clean up."


    Acki immediately jumps away from the wagon to give himself lots of space for his swings. The rest of the fighters followed suit, Luci aimed at groups to not waste energy. It was only a few seconds, but it gave them enough breathing room.


    "How much farther," Luci desperately asks. "At our speed, an hour," Azaleah answered.


    "Keep it up till we get there if we die, we lose the wagon, we lose our chance of getting out. Now..." A huge crash interrupted Mat. "Huge life force dead ahead." Azaleah pinged them. A massive mutant was charging from their front, screaming as it goes. Mat step forward to intercept when he realizes there''s a horde behind it. "Mhirfa, pra..." As he met up with the charger.


    Smirf saw the horde went pass him, and now, their bloodlust is aimed towards her. She held on her wagons leash and on her ladle tighter. Luci started to cast to intercept the horde. "Pink... Grand... Ar..." Acki shouted. " Luci, sides!" Half a dozen huntress rush towards her, ignoring the defenders. In her desperation, she changes her stance and change her spell to... "Sword," killed the attackers in one fell swoop, she immediately looked at Smirf. A bunch of mutants already lunge at her.


    She can not do anything about it now.


    Half a dozen mutants covered Smirf, each desperately trying to get a piece of her. As the mutants fall off her, to everyone''s relief. She was petrified, kneeling while her rosary was dangling at her hand. Luci let out a sigh of relief and chuckled.


    The wagon hatch suddenly opened. A girl came out, fair-skinned blonde in peasant attire. As the girl moves towards Smirf, it''s imagery flickered changing her appearance into a golden armored warrior covered in flowing white garments. A white Philosopher''s Stone shot out its back and made a halo around it.


    "Apparatus bellicus," uttered with a robotic voice, six different swords came flying out of the wagon arming her, five of which attach to the halo making it look like bladed wings. "Haereticus," growled at the sight before her, swung her sword cutting down the mutants, her wings impaled the rest, clearing out the area around Smirf. Expressionless as it looks around with golden eyes, with a constant stream of that familiar white aura. "Ipsos Maledicos," Fired a ray of sunbeam from its eyes, straying hapless mutants in its line of sight.


    So that''s Guardian Angel activation prerequisite. Azaleah thinking it over when Mat called her. "Wake Mhirfa and get us on the move." Finishing up the charger in front of him.


    Cat move, now! Smirf heard her. Azi? She opened her eyes and saw everything was clear. "So''liel, what ya doin'' out here." Looking at the ordinary peasant girl beside her. Just standing there expressionless. "Nevermind Sol, get us outta here." Giving her the leash. "I''ll go tend to Menan."


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Central


    1821Y 03M30D 0930H


    They move steadily but slowly, stopped taking counts of the kills, as the relentless barrage of mutants is unending. As the skies grew darker, more and more fragments of blue lights become more visible; shooting up and moving towards the cathedral.


    "T''is ain''t normal, we''ve been here before... not this many of em and not t''is dark." Smirf starting to lose hope. Tsk, A dark red light started to illuminate the linings of Mat''s armor. " Azaleah,"


    "Two blocks, to the left" she answered immediately.


    "Whiteout," He commanded, Azaleah flooded the whole area white. "Now, floor it!" Shouting at Smirf at the back. "Kay, hang on." Smirf grabs Sol''s hand and got her on board, she whips the leash sending her wagon running. Mat jumps and rode on the hood. Luci fired ahead clearing the way through.


    As the wagon hit the curve, they saw the firehouse, with solid metal shieldings and reinforced walls. The garage opened up allowing them in. As the doors slammed shut behind them, an angry mob started their rampage outside.


    Menan got up, Smirf assisted him still weak from the accumulated poison.


    "The solar eclipse usually lasts more than two hours; the total solar eclipse will come in twelve minutes, this would last for about eight minutes." Azaleah reporting into Mat. "That was just an hour!? Hah ha..." Acki laughing out loud. Luci breathing heavily. "An hour more of this,"


    "Te heh, at least we''re safe now." Smirf reassuring everybody.


    "Safe!?" Red aura seeps at the slits of Mat''s helm as he walks towards the door. "Fuck today," The walls started to shake, small debris falling everywhere, abundant cries and howls can be heard outside. Acki grinned and pick up his sword. "Finally," Baby cracking her whip. "Ca''li, vamanos." Menan grips his sword and stood up, Smirf tried to stop him but got frightened by the way he looks. "We are bringing war, baby!" Shiro chuckling ominously in the background.


    "Lucii..." Smirf tugging at her robe. "Stay here love," patting her on the head. "Nar''vash you bouffon, stop idling around." Her black sphere swerving as it flew towards her.


    Smirf''s heart race as her comrades started walking out the door. Their bloodlust drowned out the noises, all she could hear are low chuckles going out the door.


    Cat, Smirf senses got back, realizing someone is still there. All teary-eyed she look at Azaleah, sitting on So''liel''s shoulder. "Azi..."


    "I have been calling you, where have that tiny brain of yours ran off to." Sitting on So''liel''s shoulder. "Ah was..." Something caught her attention.


    "Hey, Luci hurry up! The mutant king just arrive..." Menan shouting at the distance. "Hurry up, you useless..." Luci pushed the black sphere out the door then closed it.


    "Cat!" Azaleah shouting at her. "Yes, Azi..." She stood up in shock. "Dumb Cat, just pray." Told her calmly. "I will..." She knelt down, clasp her hand, the rosary dangled from her arm and started.


    "Pater Noster, qui es in caelis..." her white robes started to turn dark, slowly enveloping her. "...sanctificetur Nomen Tuum," Even petrified her prayer can still be heard like a whisper in the wind. Sol''liel activated her archangel mode. Azaleah transferred to Smirf''s shoulder.


    Mutants started to break in, So''liel curse at the sight of them. "This is gonna be a long day." Azaleah yawning, while Sol''liel carve at the mutants.


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Central


    1821Y 03M30D 1100H


    Cat! Cat! Someone is calling her, as she opened her eyes the sun''s rays almost blinded her. "W''at..." Smirf stood up immediately then fell back down feeling dizzy all of the sudden. So''liel caught her, assisted her as she stood on her feet. "Dumb Cat, relax." Azaleah scolding her yet again. "Their all fine."


    Her visioned cleared up, the whole firehouse was a wreck. Piles of mutant corpses around her almost made her puke but she regained her composure immediately and started to walk towards the door. So''liel and Azaleah followed her, making sure after everything she does not just stumble to her death. She opened the door, the sun was the first to greet her then...


    "Oh, your awake love." Luci sitting on her sphere beside the door. "I was... " Astounded by the piles of corpses in front of her.


    "Boss, I found a.... another dead mutant." Menan kicking around the corpses.


    Mat holding up a huge malformed mutant corpse, it''s body charred black. "That''s their king Love, he has been holding that for a few minutes now. I am somewhat unsure of what exactly is he doing with the poor thing." Luci furrowing her forehead.


    "Just thinking of uses for it, like ''this is a king, should be something of worth'', Hoh ho ho." Azaleah badly imitating Mat. Smirf chuckled as she said it. "Yes, that''s kinda like him."


    Mat suddenly drop it then opened a console, getting everyone''s attention. Even with the helm covering his face they could feel he was displeased. "Capit¨¢n, what happened?" Baby came rushing, he just signaled her and started looking around again.


    Azaleah chuckled. Luci stood up and stared at her. "Spill it, potty mouth." Smirf cornered her nodding at the sides. "Okay, okay, geez." a console opened up beside her, showing Mat''s Profile. "See anything... odd ¡ª half-wits?"


    "Oh, Captain''s whole name is Matrean, I didn''t know that" Baby above riding on Ca''li. "He is as old as I am." Acki noticing the commotion earlier. Smirf looks at her side and there he is. "Smirfy, don not look at me like that." Menan checks again the profile. "No way!" Exclaimed. What is it? Everyone started to ask him as he pointed it out.


    Smirf read it out loud. "Title, Undead... Ah don''t get it." Everyone looked at Smirf agape. "W''at!?" She asked everybody. "Love, ''Undead'' is a unique title given to someone who does not die in battle." Luci explaining. "Not just... not dying in battle, it''s undying in battle," Menan explained further. "He never even died once."


    Smirf spaced out.


    Baby pushed Menan away. "Hermana, it just means he is special."


    "Oh, Ah knew that." Snapped at them making everyone laugh.


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Central


    1821Y 04M01D 1600H


    They move to a different safe zone and decided to spend the night there before moving back to town. Smirf opened up her kitchen; started to prepare dinner.


    "Captain, that solar eclipse was really off. I should say." Luci asking it, as they circled around the bonfire. "It was the systems attempt to stop us." He answered lazily. "Why, would they need to stop us?" Baby asking him eagerly. "Hm, beats me... doesn''t matter."


    Menan threw firewood to the flame. "Anyway, have you decided what to call us?"


    "Hm!?"


    "... Oh, yeah. Renaming the guild." Acki remembering. "Mat, why don''t you take on being our guild master." Everyone concurred


    "I''ll rename it, got no plans besides that." Mat answered coldly. Everyone remained silent after that.


    Smirf called out. "Menan, help me with the pot and wares." He stood up and Acki followed exclaiming how hungry he was.


    "Captain, what made you choose the Guardian." Baby listened closely as Luci ask. "Because... I am in a hurry." Luci laughed at his answer, Baby sighed. The others came in with the food laughing. Smirf started a prayer but boys couldn''t wait.


    They rested early.


    Morning came and they headed straight to town.

 14 Chapter 12: Warmongers

    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Downtown


    1821Y 04M02D 0700H


    Just over the clearing, the walls of the downtown area are almost in view.


    "Look," Luci on top of the wagon pointed towards the town.The walls have crumbled, piles of corpses scattered around, weary looks all over. Everyone around gazes on them with scrutiny, as they entered the premises. They already know the answer to what happened; they just pass through in silence.


    Talks already started as they ventured to pass the ruined gates.


    They arrive at the tavern, it was surprisingly still intact, just a few broken walls, roofless but still in service but the once-bustling place is now... silent. Their usual table by the corner was still vacant, lots of dead looks around.


    "Should I..." Menan was about to say something when Baby gave him a ferocious look. He slumps back on his chair and sighed. "Waiter, Give us our usual." Acki shouting across the room, taking everyone''s attention on them. The group looks away from him.


    "What!? I''m hungry." Acki trying to explain.


    "There is no waiter, get them your selves." A warrior said from the bar. "I''ll get em, y''all wait here." Smirf went to the kitchen, Acki followed.


    "So, Captain what now?" Luci inquiring. He moved as Luci woke him up from a dream. "Did you say something?" Plates came in between them. "Here ya go, eat up before us go to work." Smirf interjected.


    "Oop, coming through." Acking brings up the rest. "Ate up Acki, I''ll just go get us drinks." Acki gave a thumbs up to Smirf.


    The door slammed open. A lot of people poured in occupying the vacant seats. "Trouble over yonder..." Menan looking at Baby then tilted his head towards the crowd. "Madre de dios, seriously... did they?" Frantically asking the group. "Yes dear, I think their here for us." Luci trying to ignore but Shiro''s bloodlust is emanating beside her. "Calm down,"


    A guy in hard leather armor stood up. "Oh, is this not a pleasant surprise... The Spelunkers are here." Everyone started laughing. "What brings your ¡ª whole guild into town. Hah ha ha." No one in the group paid attention to him. "Hey, are you guys ignoring us?" Standing beside their table. "You guys still remember us, right?"


    "Yes, Former Guild Master Calor," Luci answered lazily. "What you want?"


    "Just greeting my old friends that''s all." Smiles all around him as the laughter continued in the background.


    "E''cuse mister," Smirf beside the table, Calor got surprised and accidentally bump drinks spilling it on him. "Watch it you d..." He notice the black armor move slightly; the person on it glared at him.


    "I''m sorry, mister... lemme get a towel." Smirf about to leave when Baby took hold of her. "Eat up Hermana, I''ll take care of it." Firmly held her, assisting her to the chair. "Amigo, por pavor." Told Calor. "Tsk," he moves back to his group, whispering curses.


    "Who''re they?" Smirf asks everyone. "Love, their former mates... probably." Luci swirling her cup of tea. "They left for greener pastures, I would say."


    "Their farmers?" Smirf starting to space out, Everyone chuckled at the sight.


    "They went to NewWorld, a top guild in whole Acedia. A representative came to guild one day, asking "hey, anyone wants to join our club?''." Menan swaying the fork around, Baby got irritated and slammed it down. "Ow... well, you could already guess what happened next."


    "For some reason, we wanted to stick together. So, we did." Acki speaking with a mouth full. Smirf started to look sad. Luci pushed the plate towards her. "Eat up love, it is all in the past... we have no regrets." She smiled and said. "Kay,"


    A big shadow loomed over the table. "Sorry, about Calor''s behavior, we are actually here to invite you guys to join our family." A guy bigger and taller than Acki stood beside them. "Sorry, but ah think. We''re all good, thank''s." Smirf bowed humbly at the giant. "Hey, missy you should let us adults do the talking." Bending over, trying to intimidate her. "What she said, that''s our decision. You can move along now, thank you kindly." Menan swaying his fork till Baby gave him the look.


    "That is unfortunate, but anyone can join... Even you missy can be as strong as I am if you join." The giant offered his hand. "Ah am really sorry, but thank''s, am alright here." Bowing her head in humility.


    The giant opened up a console looking over Smirfs profile. "You haven''t died yet, interesting... Yet, you got not much kills either."


    Menan suddenly moves from his chair. "I have never seen that ladle kill anyone. Seriously." He abruptly said it making everyone laugh out loud, even Shiro gave a chuckle. "It''s So''liel''s kills, not Hermana''s." Baby clearing it out.


    The giant pummeled the table. "I am talking here, worms." He took Smirf by the hand and drag her up the chair. Mat grabs the giant''s arm drag him down making him kneel before him. "That''s my princess..." His aura seeping out.


    "Did he just say, princess?" Menan asks Baby. "He said priestess," Luci answering, Baby agreed, Acki giving a thumbs up, giving Menan a confused look.


    Shiro took Smirf away in a flash. Mat stood up now looking the giant face to face. Everyone opened a console, all their faces in shock.* Undead?*


    The giant swept his hand away and stood up as well. "You runt, how dare you!" Fuming in anger. Azaleah sitting on Mat''s shoulder sent the giant a duel invite. "Accept or leave dum-dum, we don''t want to waste time here." Flinging her hair as she said it. The giant swung his arm as he accepted, Mat just grabs it his left. The giant tried to take back his arm but he couldn''t. He recalled his ax from his seat and swung it, hitting Mat on the sides breaking his armor. Blood drip from the ax blade but the black knight stood emotionless.


    Mat opened up his right palm. From the outside, his War Hammer came crashing in, breaking the wall and making it collapse. "Hoh ho ho, die dum-dum." Azaleah terrorizing the giant from his shoulder. The giant swung his ax, aiming at the black knight''s arm but his blade did not cut through. The last thing he saw was a huge shadow coming over his head.


    Acki brought his plate and stood beside Mat. "You killed him, in one blow, I could have done that, but I am eating." The bloody mess on the floor started to disintegrate turning to fragments of blue light. Everyone stood in awe.


    "Even an ugly mess like that can turn pretty, what you know." Menan jeering the crowd.


    Smirf runs towards Mat checking him up. " Are ya alright?" Mat took her by the hand and led her out the tavern. The group let their smirk be seen by the crowd as they left. Smirf apologizes sincerely for the damaged wall and floor.


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Downtown.


    1821Y 04M03D 0900H


    Everyone resting around the wagon, under the shade of a tree.


    "Y''all am back," Smirf shouting as he runs back to them. Stopped just by the shade to catch her breath. "Ease up love, we are not going anywhere without you." Luci on top of the wagon swirling her cup of tea. Acki rush in beside her. "So, how did it go?" Still catching her breath she flicks her hand a scroll appeared. "Our guild registration form." Baby exclaimed in delight.


    "Good work Cat, how much?" Azaleah asking with sarcasm. Smirf smiled as she answered. "About half, heh..." Everyone stared, which made her nervous. "Heh, half of everythin''."


    "Doesn''t matter, Mhirfa give it to me." Smirf saw Mat sitting by the tree she walk over then sat beside him. Everyone excitedly followed.


    "Boss, what''s the new name?" Menan asks eagerly. "Here," flinging the scroll towards them. "Warmongers," Menan readout. Everyone sat silently thinking. "Is there a problem you idiots?" Azaleah flying around them.


    "Well, this is way better than Spelunkers." Acki hitting his thigh and laughing. Baby softly said. "I was expecting something, you know. Uhm..."


    "Something flashy, like ahh... SuperNova Star Guild." Menan acting it out.


    "That''s a lot to say Menan," Luci sway over the guild scroll. "Warmongers, I like it, honestly... quite foreboding."


    "How ''bout we change it to something less forebodin'', like the Mutantbuster Guild," Smirf said out loud. "Love, that is so not like you." Laughing as Luci tap her at the back.


    Mail came in on everyone. It was a notification of guild name change. "How..." Menan looking around for the scroll but was nowhere in sight then Shiro walk pass him chuckling ominously. "Guess, that settles it." Baby raises her shoulders.


    Azaleah spoke up. "Mat, gave you idiots an errand before he slept." They look at him, he was really sleeping. "What is it, potty mouth fairy," Luci ask. "Well, witch... paint the wagon. Put our guild name, war cry, motto, and banner." Pointing towards the tank.


    "We have a banner?" Acki stood up surprise. Azaleah scratching her cheek. "Well, prototype banner... here." She sent them mail, now go work."


    Everyone stood up.


    Baby and So''liel went to town to buy paint, while the boys clean up the wagon including Shiro. Luci work on a spell scroll, adjusting parameters and configurations. Smirf started on her chores.


    The paint arrives just in time, as the boys finish up. Luci came over with Nar''vash. "Move over love, this is a grand spell." Luci conjured her Mage Art. "Pink... Grand Scribble," Nar''vash started firing streams of laser around the wagon. Took about a few minutes after the black sphere done its job, the wagon looks like some kind of coloring book.


    "Well, what are you guys waiting for... paint." Luci aggravated by their reactions. Everyone had fun, laughing, spilling paint all over, making fun of each other''s works. Once it''s done...


    "That looks nice," commented Acki. The wagon is full metallic grey now, on the sides was their banner. A horse skull around it is written ''Warmonger, Carpe Diem, Fuck Today''. On top, a WAR was written in bold, white.


    Smirf teary-eyed said. "It''s pluck the day, it''s pluck the day..."

 15 Chapter 13: Guardian

    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Downtown


    1821Y 04M07D 0500H


    "Dios mio, Menan." Baby shouting outside the boy''s room. "We''re leaving get your sorry butt out now, or we are leaving."


    "Okay, okay, sheesh... Just dressing up."


    Smirf and the others already packed and checking everything is ready for the trip. Baby arrived dragging Menan outside. "Capit¨¤n, we''re all here."


    "Good, is everything ready?"


    "T''is all we can afford, about a month''s worth of food and supplies." Smirf patting her wagon.


    "Pal, what you think is outside the gate?" Acki asks Mat. "The truth, I don''t know... best be ready."


    Smirf took the leash and started to walk, eyes fell on them as they pass by. Calor greeted them at the town gate. "Friends, we are you off to now?". Behind him was the giant Mat sent to the Cathedral. The group ignored him and went through but the giant block the way. He stood in front of their Captain, looming over him like a tree. "Undead, I Galidor, a captain of the NewWorld, representing our esteemed leader Aldrish, offer you a position among our ranks."


    "Whoa, wait a rank!?" Calor coming from the sides. "You mean a high position among the top ranks of Acedia - Trestia?" Galidor sent him an invite. "Yes, you will have rank, power, and most of all honor."


    A hand appeared from Mat''s side trying to push the ''NO'' button on the invite but the finger just passes through the console. Mat gave out a deep sigh and look at his back; there was Smirf.


    Calor grinned "Oh, you can take your girl with you, of course, we don''t want you getting... lonely." Steamed puff out, as Smirf buried her face on his back, talking gibberish.


    "That dumb cat is not his girl," Azaleah interjected.


    "If a girl is your wish, that we can provide as well." Galidor wave his hand and a bunch of warrior girls came out from a building. Smirf''s steam change to a white aura emanating from her eyes.


    "Is it me or Smirfy is really different from all the girls here?" Looking at the girls'' warrior-like bodies then comparing it with Smirf''s. "I mean..."


    "Madre... Could you?" Baby looks at him, Menan back away instantly.


    "Money power, women, we can provide... that I can assure you, Undead." Calor putting his hand on one of the girl''s waists then showed him millions of chips. "Well, how about it?" On cue, a couple of girls was to come near Mat, but Smirf was hissing and clawing at them.


    Lucy let out a chuckle. "Pardon me, continue."


    "Cat... " Azaleah waves the invitation away. "I hope you get what that means, big guy."


    "Is that your choice, Undead, or just your ''friends'' whims." Acrid, as Galidor spoke. "Got nothing I want, move." Galidor steps aside silently. "You will regret not taking this opportunity, Undead." Calor taunting him


    "Bleh!" Smirf sticking her tongue out, taunting Calor.


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Central


    1821Y 04M07D 1700H


    The black gate is far west of the walled city. Mutants stay away from its premises as the Guardian attacks anything biological and the wall defenses fires at anything that flies or in swarms.


    "Menan, ya quit starin'' me" Smirf starting to get irritated. Menan shook his head. "I don''t get it, why are you so... Plump?" Then looking at the entirety of Smirf. "Plump!? Ya really gettin'' in mah nerves." Smirf ran after him swinging her ladle. "Help, don''t let me be the ladle''s first victim." Laughing as he ran away. "Smirfy, I meant plump in a nice way."


    "Capit¨¤n, there''s the firehouse." The ruined building showing up on the clearing. "Let''s set up camp for the night, we''ll leave at daybreak."


    The piles of corpses were gone, no trace that they ever existed in the first place. The firehouse was still in ruins but defendable as it is. They set up camp inside as Smirf started cooking. Everyone is checking their equipment, anything that could hinder them.


    "Boss, how strong is the Guardian?" Menan asks seriously. "Four times that of the Warbeast; much more annoying."


    Azaleah showed them the video log of the Guardian battle. "As you can see the guardian is composed of two bodies fused together, bigger than the Warbeast. Each can attack independently, has a wide range with fair accuracy "How about its armor?" Baby inquired.


    "Here," a light mage fired a light beam similar to Luci''s Grand Arrow. The Guardians upper body spun blocking the shot with its shield. "We have no record of a clean hit landing on the Guardian, that already says a lot on what we are up against."


    "No blinds spot, hmm. Guess we will just have to bash it into pieces. I see no other way. Hah ha!" Acki contributed.


    "Not that, no one has tried." Film change to melee attackers trying to overwhelm the guardian. It spins around to block big spells then do wide swings with its swords accurately hitting the attackers. "Its combat algorithm is... not that impressive, I could do better. Hoh ho ho." Azaleah combing her hair.


    "The wall defenses?" Luci pointing out at the screen. "Oh, they fire if... more or less when sixteen biological life-forms engage the Guardian or within the gates premises." Azaleah showed the cannons firing at the hapless warriors. "I see, the cannons are... negligible, I presume."


    "Maybe..." Azaleah answering Luci.


    Smirf called the boys to pick up the food.


    "We will just need to give Luci an opening, got one shot at it." Mat said it to the group. "Captain, if the spell doesn''t take it down?" Luci asks nervously. "Just don''t miss, we''ll figure it out."


    "Here ya go, y''all dig in while it''s hot." Smirf serving up dinner.


    She sat down besides Mat. "Finally, the big day, huh." Stirring her stew. "We''ll win. Right?" Looks at her, and gave her a faint smile. "Well, defeat is not an option."


    "Tell ya the truth, am quite scared." She stopped stirring and looked down. He held her hand. "Don''t be..." She looked at him, but he stood up. "All of you get some rest."


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Black Gate


    1821Y 04M09D 0700H


    The Guardian stood in the middle of a vast cemented plain, the line of trees encompassing the area marks its territory.


    Menan jumping around, shaking his hands. "Pendejo, relax... It is just a moving statue." Baby pointing it out to him "I am relaxed, just... limbering up. That''s all." He countered, continued on with heavy breathing exercises.


    "How do we do this, I charge in you guys follow." Acki rearing up. Baby held him back by the belt.


    "If we fire from here?" Luci pointing her wand towards it. "Witch, it will just block... no matter how strong your spell is." Azaleah answered. "Besides, we should all be inside."


    "We''ll engage in the middle. Luci, Mhirfa stay by the wagon and get So''liel out." Mat putting in his helm. "Me and Acki will take each statue, we will position the statue, the rest will support with these in mind. So that, a sword side will face Luci, and keep it that way till she fires the spell."


    Acki taps Luci on her back, making her cough.


    "After that, if it is still on its feet... we bash it into pieces."


    Acki put his fist forward. "Fuck today!" Menan put his fist in "Oh, you got it, brother. Fuck to¡ªday." Baby bump her fist with the others. "Ese puta will know what''s coming, put them fist up." Shiro came out of the shadows laughing ominously and put his fist in, the rest followed.


    Fuck today!


    . . .


    The two charge as planned. "Okay pal, You go right I''ll go to his... other right." Acki ran forward then split up. "Agree," The Guardian move swung their swords at the two with Acki rolling under it and Mat deflecting his. The other three move in. Luci stood on top of the wagon preparing her spell. Smirf held the leash with So''liel ready to run at any given notice.


    A crowd started to form outside the area. Smirf looks behind her, Galidor and the others are watching with Calor laughing by his side. She ignored them and focus on the task at hand.


    "Keep him still," Mat holding his position against the Guardian "Easier said than done, pal." Acki barely evading a swing.


    Shiro on top of the statue jump forward and slice it''s face landing on the other statues shield laughing ominously. It made a mark on the statue, making Shiro laugh harder sheathing his katana. "How he got up there?" Menan running around its feet cutting at them. Then he saw baby use her whip to swing herself up, then grab the statues shield with her claws. "You got to be kidding me."


    "Azaleah now," Mat shouted. The wagon released a lot of small spheres. "Distance yourselves."


    "Those are the ones Mat was workin'' on the lab." As Smirf looks at them flying towards the guardians.


    Shiro disappeared instantly. Baby whip at Mat, he caught it with his hammer; pulled her back. Menan and Acki ran the opposite side.


    The balls turned to small fairies and clung to the Guardian. The wall defenses started to move, then fired a volley at the guardian. Smoke envelops it, the small spheres fell down the ground.


    Mat signaled Luci. "Sage Art," Energy overflowed as she held Nar''vash with her left hand. Energy fell from the spheres'' eyes like tears. "Pink... Ruyi... Jingu Bang!"A stream of colossal pink laser blew away the dust; blasted the guardian, pinning it to the Black Gate. Everyone watching was awestruck by the sheer destruction of the spell.


    Nar''vash drop lifeless, as Luci collapse on the wagon. "Lucii..." Smirf running towards her.


    Smoke and dust covered the Black Gate. They can see the Guardian''s body crumble down, debris falling on the ground. Its huge sword shattered, shield on the floor with its arm still attached. Menan jump. "Luci, that was awesome!" Shouting at her from way beyond. When he realizes Smirf was agape looking pass him. He looks back, the cloud of dust rose high. More debris crash to the ground.


    "Formation!" Everyone ran away.


    As the Guardian stood tall, its other half crumbled. The lone statue turned, swung its sword blowing the dust away, threw away the shield and pick up the shattered sword then ran towards them.

 16 Chapter 14: Attrition

    "W''at are ya doin'' kitten?" A young lady asks a child.


    "Mamah, w''at this at¡ªtri¡ªon wa¡ªar..." Trying to read out of the book.


    The young lady bend over to look. "Attrition Warfare, not something ya should do but I''ll explain it to ya."


    She sat down beside her putting an arm over.


    "It''s a battle which whoever doesn''t have anythin'' left to fight with, loses." Looking over her gently.


    "Ya mean, whoever runs out of bullets. Right!" She happily exclaimed.


    "Yes, but humanity frowns in such... activity. We win wars without even letting the enemy fire a single round, that''s the basic principle humanity follows." She strokes her hair. "That''s why ya children we''re born, even alone ya can kill thousands."


    "Really Mah?" Hugging her tightly.


    She hugs her back. "Okay now, wash ya hands and tell ya brothers and sisters to pray before y''all ate."


    Ark Acedia - Tristitia: Classroom G3 - 71


    1037AE 07M20D 1700H


    . . .


    Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Black Gate


    1821Y 04M09D 0800H


    The Guardian, free from burden rush towards them swords in hand. The group anticipated the attack. "Get ready!" Mat bracing for impact but... it strode right pass them.


    No, the aggro... Like time stopped to where Mat stands. He already know where it is going, there is only one thing behind them. Smirf spaced out as the towering statue showed it''s intent.


    "RUN!" Mat''s voice woke her up like a jolt of electricity just brought her back to life. "Sol, hold on to Lucii." Jump up the wagon, she did not even look back, just drove like there is no tomorrow. The guardian swung at the wagon, but miss them by a few seconds losing its balance; it got up and continued the chase.


    Mat threw away his armaments and ran towards the statue. "Boss, they are going to run in circles. Don''t chase, go counter." Menan shouting out loud making sure everyone heard. Shit, shit, shit...


    Baby already steps ahead of the group, jump the wagon then started firing arrows at the statue. Shiro appeared on its shoulder; drew his katanas but he barely made a mark on it.


    Menan signaled Acki they went both went for a foot and swung at it, making the Guardian fall on its knees. Mat rush in; recalled his hammer, lift it over his head then brought it down the Guardian''s feet keeping it in place. The statue knocked him away with the broken sword. As it was about to run again, Acki held on to its feet; Menan runs over its body trying to find a weak spot. The guardian shook them off, then continued to hunt down its target.


    "Hermana, here it comes again." Baby watching as it strode off towards them. Smirf glance over the side mirror when it suddenly disappeared. A dark shadow loomed over them. Smirf steered hard to the left, trying to get away. The sword statue drops beside them, creating a ripple on the ground; sending the wagon airborne.


    Swung its sword at them, Baby immediately tried to deflect the strike but it still sent them flying away. So''liel grab Luci and Smirf then jump off.


    The Guardian threw the broken blade at So''liel. Shiro immediately tried to cut it in half, but only manage to give So''liel a brief moment to get away before he got carried away by the force.


    Not a moment spared the statue swung its sword towards them. Acki got in time and blocking it with his sword. "Run," So''liel understood and drag the two away.


    Ca''li flips the wagon, a bloodied BabyGirl came out underneath; called them out. "Get Hermana onboard." The Guardian grabs Acki then threw him away, looked around for its target.


    "Render," Menan charge through. "Great Sword... Triple Slash" aiming at the foot they have been targeting all this time. The hell did... He missed the Guardian jump back leaving him open. It''s sword already on the way to him. "Render, Reinf..." blocking it with his buckler. The impact buried him deep within the ground then the rubble covered him as it withdrew the sword.


    "Menan!" Baby shouted, the guardian turned its sights on them. "Go, I''ll handle this." So''liel left on cue.


    Baby rush towards the guardian aimed straight away at its foot. "Espada, Rebanse Triple." It tried to stop them but they gracefully dodge, then hit their mark severely damaging it. One more, one more... She used her whip to pivot her back towards the target. " Espada..." The Guardian swipe the whips line, flinging her away like an insect.


    "Wake up, slow that thing down... Give me a minute." Shiro heard Mat and burst out of the debris laughing ominously. "Azaleah..."


    Mat!? Looking at him from So''liel''s shoulder. "No, you can''t it''s..." Mat brush off her concerns. "To hell with it, we fuck today!"


    Tsk, Azaleah looked at Smirf. "I will never forgive you Cat." Mat started running towards the guardian red lightning crackling all over. "Disabling Safety Protocols, Initiating Overdrive Sequence..." Luci opened her eyes, hearing Azaleah and Mat shout out the commands.


    "Warlord... Juggernaut!"


    "Warlord... Juggernaut!"


    He raced towards the statue, his dark red aura mix with blood, melds with the black armor. The Guardian sense the imminent threat and turned back.


    Overdrive!? Who, No... Luci getting back her senses.


    The thrust its sword towards him, driving its blade on the sides of his ribs; breaking armor and bone. He grabs the sword as it passes through him; his arms tear apart as he tried, each time, it snaps back in a split second. The moment comes to a full halt, then became a tug of war between the two of them.


    He''ll... I need to do something. Luci took her grimoire from her waist, hesitated. "Smirf..." Saw her already awake in tears as she stared helplessly onto her hero. "Stop the wagon, Smirf I need your..." Smirf looked at her pleading. "Do it, please... Just do it." She opened her grimoire then uttered. "Art du sang," Blood red tears gently flowed on the sides of her eyes, streaming down her cheek, staining the furs of her robes, garnishing her black ensemble crimson.


    Blood art!? So, the witch finally shows her true colors. Hoh ho hoh. Azaleah flickering as she hovers about, trying hard to stabilize herself.


    She tilted her head back, strands of her hair turned red. "Bear with me for a while, love." Smirf nodded hands clasp. "Drain de vie" small bright red particles started to converge over the pages of the grimoire.


    "Life drain!? No wait, Witch..." Azaleah fell to the ground, her light flickering. I need to... Mat! Extending her arm towards him.


    The wagon''s engine stalled. Smirf collapse, So''liel drag herself, imagery fading showing her mechanical body as she covered Smirf.


    The guardian freed a hand and tried to grab Mat but Shiro appeared; drew his katana then slice off the statue''s hand, laughing ominously as he did. Swayed it''s arm abruptly flinging Shiro off.


    Luci closed her grimoire splatting the converge plasma hanging over its pages, making it drip down her hands. As a single drop hangs on front of her. "Orbe de sang," the droplet made a thin red line towards the Guardian, then exploded at its weapon hand shattering a part of it. Luci collapse afterward but remained conscious, tried to drag herself towards Smirf.


    The guardian tried to pull its sword again but could not he bashed Mat with the other arm but still...


    "Menan!" Acki strikes the shattered part of the guardian''s arm embedding his sword halfway through the crack. Menan running the length of the statues back. "Render... Shield Charge." He descended on the other end of the sword cutting off the Guardian''s arm. Mat pulled it off, then swung it on to the statue. Shattering the Guardian in half, he then fell to his knees and collapse.


    "MAT!" Azaleah shouted from the ground. Sudden terror runs through Luci''s spine as she looked back behind her wide-eyed at Azaleah, flickering on the ground. Did I... Oh, no... She was...


    Baby rush through over Mat, "Azaleah, what is this? Looking at him remembering the time with the Warbeast but this is different. He is neither alive or dead... He feels empty. Menan and Acki rush over.


    "If he is not respawning, therefore he is alive. Right!?" Menan kneeling on the sides. "Get him a regen patch." Acki rushing towards the wagon. Azaleah hovering over. "He is still alive, Baby take over."


    Baby teary-eyed nodded. "Luci, search the premises. Menan, find out how to open that door. Acki brings the group over the wagon we need to take care of them."


    The crowd woke up from their stillness, then started shouting; banging their shields and armaments, throwing over to the group supplies, provisions, and equipment.


    Smirf woke up look over to her sides, saw Shiro and Mat on the ground still. She immediately stood up and crawled over. "What happened?" Tears fell like rain drop. "Their still alive, Cat. You can stop the drama" Azaleah sitting beside him.


    Luci strode towards the one thing on the desolate place that is bugging her. The skeleton beside the gate. She saw that in her first weeks in the city, it never changes. She took its bag search everything on the skeleton.


    I see, so that''s your secret


    Menan came running back to Baby. "Guess, we need everyone to stand on the gates platform to open it." Luci passes by giving Baby a thumbs up then sat by Mat. "Menan, search the guardian for anything valuable. Acki takes Sol and collects the items our comrades are throwing, then were moving out." Baby grab some equipment to make an improvised stretcher.


    Shiro got up laughing as he does so, taps Smirf on the back. "Yes, ah gotta move." She runs towards the wagon and drove towards the crowd taking everything they give shoving it inside.


    . . .


    They pack everything up. The crowd still chanting in the background. They stood in front of the Black Gate as it slowly opened showing only light. They wave goodbye as they step towards it.


    "Oh, Acki can ya unhinge that part over there?" Smirf looking over to what looks like a partial door on the Gate. Everyone looks at her. "Mat wants it." Smiled as she said it. Everyone raised their shoulder and unhinge the door.


    "Anything else?" Menan ask. "Nah, we''re good."

 18 Announcements... etc.

    Thanks alot for reading my work...


    War Act I: The Factory of Heroes ( Scene 1 )


    If you have read this, I have already submitted the next part War Act I: The Forgotten Planet ( Scene 2 ). Hope you enjoy the next scene. :)


    I write per "Arc" not per chapter... per Scene if I can but that would take weeks before I can release anything hahahaha. ( I just always have fun editing circumstances. )


    If I ever post a single chapter that means I already made the whole ''arc'' and just fiddling with it.


    Author,


    Khoola


    . . .


    Note:


    When I started ''War'' I did not realize that I was making dialogues; scripts, that the it started to look like a ''play'' rather than a novel. After I finish the draft it was a mess.... :D ( it is a mess still... )


    That is how War "first act", "first scene" : The Factory of Heroes started out.


    *First Act is about escaping the Proving Grounds, it is compose of three Scenes... 1st Forgotten City, 2nd Forgotten Planet and 3rd "secret", then comes War Act 2 "Reality".


    . . .


    Afterword:


    This was suppose to be an experiment, as most first works are.


    "Just testing the waters" so they say, but I am starting to kinda like the story myself. Found myself sleepless trying to research to make everything as close to what I want it to be.


    Smirf''s - Rhotic Accent \u0026 Latin


    Baby''s - Latin American ( Spanish/Castellan )


    Luci''s - Royal English ( Goddess ) \u0026 French ( Witch )


    Menan''s - American English


    Acki''s - suppose to be European finding it hard to put a little of norse there, although I have work with alot of Norwegians myself. I can even understand them better than Brits.


    Shiro''s - Shiro is Shiro he will eventually speak nihonggo ( I do know basic nihonggo ¡ª just basic )


    I also work with chinese ( got myself Xue to ask about translations but he said "there is a ¡ª lot of variations of the chinese language even writing."... LOL ),


    Well, I am already planning on putting a chinese female ''mad'' scientist class, giving her title ''Dr. Frankenstein''. ( still on the works though ).


    Other than that... research on world building which takes alot of time and effort.


    *cry... cry


    . . .


    Khoola...


    This is not my pen name it is my IGN ( in game name ) more than a decade ago when being good at competitive games, like Diablo, Counter Strike, StarCraft, WarCraft, Generals can make some pocket money.


    Then I decided to dust off the name and use it as a pen name for ''War''... There is no rights for the name, and never bothered me if someone else use it, there is billions of humans on Earth, I myself derive it from a character named ''Kula''. ( I can still remember laughing out loud when enemies mispronounce it as ''ku-ala'' rather than ''kuu-la''. )


    But after submitting ''War'' at various places using the pen name, a notification came up. The Legendary work "The Library of Heaven''s Path" by Heng Sao Tian Ya is coming to an end.


    After opening the first page. Ghad I was... like ¡ª I wanted to change name on the spot or like quit... Nothing is scarier than your work getting compared to someone elses ( specially when the other work is already ''legendary'' status ). I do not even understand why it is there... nothing much I can do about it now.


    Hahahahaha...

 2 Arc I: Proving Grounds

    "A 1000 years ago the human race faced extinction at the hands of an alien race we now call Elves. Their Ancient Gods prophesied that we, the human race will one day bring about the Dark Age.


    So, they came to Earth.


    We sacrificed our home, our family, our future, in order to escape that genocide brought about by these... elves.


    Now, we''re living out our lives in the far reaches of space, just barely escaping and surviving the ongoing onslaught.


    A 1000 years have already passed by.


    Brothers, now is the time that we set out to reclaim all that we have lost, our lives, our home, our destiny, and take everything else with it!"


    Leitz, Supervisor of the 3rd Nemesis Project


    Opening of the 3rd Nemesis Initiative, 1027AE M06D07


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M04D 0600H


    He opened his eyes and pitch-black darkness welcomed him with sounds of dripping water everywhere, with some small glowing patches of blue light far ahead. He was still wearing the white clothes that they wear during the experiments.


    Dazed, he pukes over to what it seems like solid ground. "Azaleah..." looking towards, to what looks like a firefly hovering about. "He'' oh" A fairy-like creature floated in front of him then swirled around. "Look, System gave me a nice body." He Ignored her. "Azaleah ¡ª Cast Scan," Ordered as he stood up, staggering as he did.


    "Hmph, you never knew how to appreciate real beauty." She flew above and gave out a single pulsing light. "Nothing here Mat... just you and me."


    "Thanks," As he tries to hold his head up; getting his thoughts together.


    "System... App... Carto," A blip showed on his HUD indicating their current whereabouts on a blank map. "We need to map up these caverns, to make sure we do not get lost." Azaleah ignored him back then started wandering the area.


    "System... App... Compass" a letter "N" appeared on the upper center of his HUD with degrees going left and right. ''As I remember, the town is supposed to be northwest from here.''


    "Azaleah, Cast Light for 8 seconds." Like a lightbulb, she lighted up the whole area. The place looks like an abandoned mine shaft. It was quite wide, mining carts and equipment scattered about.


    A swarm of bats flew out from behind him. Azaleah scurried, cursing the bats while doing so. Out of the darkness, a humanoid figure jump across catching one of the bats. He narrowed his eyes trying to get a better look at it. Darkness is hiding most of its features as it slumps down at the far end. Only its long dark hair and what looks like a tunic is recognizable.


    When suddenly, it turned its head towards them.


    A bloody jagged grin with a bat still squirming, greeted him. It had hollowed eyes, nose, and claws that look like bones that came out of its fingertips.


    "What ¡ª" All he can say as it launches towards him screaming. It went dark again. He instinctively dodges to his left, a swift breeze just went pass him then a huge crashing sound, he could hear pieces of equipment clatter about.


    The aberrant shrieks some distance behind him. He panicked for a rock, then threw it as far behind as possible; heard it scamper away.


    "Azaleah, fly ahead. Scan at regular intervals; report as you do." His chest still pounding. "Kay," She flew away. "Mat, look there''s an albino snake. Hoh ho ho." He sighed deeply, then continued on.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M04D 1800H


    They pass-through some kind of field full of glowing blue flora. It somehow felt soothing and peaceful. Rested for the time being. Watch the insects, plants, and animals that thrive there, wondering about the authenticity of it.


    As they walked further ahead, they found numerous natural rock bridges along a huge chasm connecting this side of the mountain to the other. Small patches of sunlight seep through the crevices making the wonder a bit more visible.


    ''We will have to cross.'' They were checking for any threats along the way when something caught their attention.


    A scream came down below.


    He immediately sought after it. There''s girl stranded on a bridge below being harassed by a trio of mutants; trying to fend them off with a small wooden club. "Y''all need to get back, am warnin'' ya." Trying to stand her ground.


    He got down to a crawl; move slowly forward, careful to not get their attention.


    One of the mutants swipes the club off her hands. Weaponless, she raised her hands, poise to strike back. On her left wrist, a crimson rosary dangled out.


    ''Of all places.'' Azaleah blocks his view and shook her head. ''Ghad.'' He ran, then jump down landing himself on the last mutant on the back. Stunned, he kicked it off the bridge, this caught the other mutants'' attention.


    The girl found an opening and push them, trying to knock at least one off the bridge, but it stood its ground and growled back at her.


    Mat shouted as he tackled one of them, ramming it against the other, shoving them off the bridge. One of the mutants grabs his arm, pulling him with them. Azaleah flew towards Mat yanking his shirt, trying to keep him from falling, but to no avail. All three of them fell on a rock bridge below. One of the mutants rolled off and disappeared into the darkness.


    "Let go of him!" Azaleah was furious at the remaining mutant. Mat forcefully peeled himself away. He gave the mutant a right hook on the head, then kick it away. It lost its balance and almost fell off.


    "Run!" The girl yelled. He immediately turned and started to run back to the caverns. The mutant regaining its footing immediately gave chase.


    "Azaleah, Whiteout!" Mat shouted. She flew across the mutants'' face, then white light flashed within her, effectively blinding it. The mutant thrash about hitting Azaleah; sending her flying towards the cave entrance. She hit the wall then fell unconscious on the ground. Mat ran towards Azaleah preparing to grab her, then make their escape, but something caught his attention. In the darkness ahead, a familiar clawed hand was barely visible.


    "Watch out!" The girl warning him but it was too late. When he turned his head, the blind frenzied mutant crashed at him dragging him off the bridge.


    He looks at Azaleah; saw right beside her barely concealed by the shadows, a long-haired hollowed eyed mutant, with a smile across its face filled with jagged teeth. He did not take his eyes off it till the image went farther and farther away then disappeared.


    . . .


    As they fell Mat did everything he could to keep the rampaging mutant below him till they hit a wider bridge. He stood up; look at the mutant as it convulses where it lays. "Argh!!!" Pain race through his body, feeling a few fractured bones breaking further. He looked around, visibility is low but he found a huge rock. Mustered all his remaining strength and fortitude to lift it, crushing the mutants'' head.


    "Azaleah," he uttered in a low painful voice, ''Out of reach'' started flashing on his HUD. He started coughing blood again. "This is starting to become a bad habit," He humoured himself.


    Stared at the dead mutant beside him, saw one of its bones splintered off the flesh. He took the rock and started pounding the mutants'' arm off, laboring to get that bone. ''Acquired Mutant Bone... Eh, Dagger,'' Grinning at the idea of his weapon.


    He looked up and realize someone is calling him. "Hey, mister ya alright?" Her voice echoing throughout the chasm. "I''m fine," He shouted back. "You?"


    "Am okay!" She answered. "Ya wait there now, Am gonna go save ya."


    "No! just focus on getting out of her. I''ll be doing the same!" He looks around for an exit. "Now go, I''ll see you outside!."


    "Kay, see ya. Take care, now!" Her parting words to him.


    ''I''ll come back for you, I promise.''


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M08D 1100H


    ''Light,'' Panting as he runs towards it.


    Several growls came from behind him. A mutant lunge, sending both of them rolling. They hit a tree. The mutant raised its claws, poise to strike him down but he struck first with his left hand, hitting it with a glistening rock sending its face upward ¡ª towards the sun. Its eyes suddenly turned bloodshot, red tears fell. The mutant started squirming in agony clawing at its face. He kicked it off him then drove his bone dagger up its jaw.


    Swarms of mutants growled at him by the cave entrance unable to come near.


    He took a deep breath. "System... Character... Status." Opening up a console, indicating his vital signs and medical condition. ''Fatigued, few fractured bones, blood loss. Heh, looks like I''m going pass out anytime soon.'' Coughs as he half-consciously read through the screen.


    ''I need to move away, can''t stop here... need to get to town before noon.'' Dragged himself up, as he moved towards his destination.

 3 Arc I: Genesis

    "This is just the beginning.


    Soon ¡ª Very soon, our children will come and bring forth death and despair! Mark this day, for this day, starts the beginning of your... END."


    ReVenaant Second King


    Last words at Oceanus, 0888AE 08M08D


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds:  Forgotten City, Outskirts


    1820Y 09M08D 1800H


    He kept walking towards the compass direction barely unaware of the surroundings. Huge growls came from the mountain behind him. Realized it is getting dark, he tried to traverse faster but tripped on a expose root, landing flat on his stomach. Lurches forward and focuses, lights started popping up beyond the tree line. ''That''s probably the town.'' Reeled as he force himself to get up.


    The growls are getting louder and louder by the minute, but the lights are not getting any nearer. Desperate, he looks around hoping to find somewhere to hide before he passes out or gets killed.


    He already got this far, just on sheer determination alone. He just can not die and revive somewhere unknown and start over again. Dying will reset his location, re-spawning randomly; making his mapped area insignificant.


    He looked at his map where he lost Azaleah and the labyrinthian mess he went through to get out of there. ''I need to get back there,'' Reminding and giving himself enough motivation to pull through.


    Just a few strides ahead there is a hollowed tree trunk, as the night is getting darker and the growls getting nearer it was his only hope.


    Hope was just about arms reach when his vision suddenly blurred and his knees gave out. Collapse on the ground he could feel his consciousness fading. ''I don''t need to think, I don''t need to see, safety is just in front of me, all I need to do is move.'' Repeating as he drags himself towards his destination.


    A huge roar came from behind him but he got no strength to check, he is already giving everything to move forward. Few seconds later, a huge crashing sound, a yelp, and the resounding noise of a falling tree ahead, just happened in an instant. He could not understand anything that just transpired. Then, someone came beside him, started tapping and shouting. "Hey, ya need to get up, now." His senses, still in disarray, but tried to do as he is told.


    "Come on now, We need to get us inside!" He could feel himself getting drag, but could not make out anything that is actually happening. All was anything but a dream. Forced out the rest of his remaining strength to follow the flow of the situation.


    "Ya''r heavy! Get in ¡ª side! Umpf!!"


    ''A girl!? Sounds... familiar.''


    "Door," The girl shouted. Then suddenly the growls got heavier, thrashing, banging... His eardrums almost broke from her scream but he couldn''t see anything it was dark then darker then nothing.


    . . .


    Ark Acedia-Tristia: Grand Hall


    1035AE 06M01D 0800H


    More than a thousand children filled up the Grand Hall, all lined up like little soldiers.


    "Good morning children." In a deep commanding voice, she addressed them from the stage "I am Capt. Leitz from the Order, a product of The Sentinel Project same as you are, and I will be the one in charge of your well being from here on out. As you all know, the Sentinel Project was started by our predecessor, they bioengineered selected humans making them stronger, faster, smarter, and relentless. And as of now, you children are the Seventh Generation of that project, but ¡ª unlike me, you are born out of The Nemesis Initiative..." she looked around, every one of her audience standing still attentive to her every word, not something she would expect of normal children. "... this means unlike us, you children are artificially made, bioengineered from the very beginning."


    She stared at the crowd then gave a deep sigh, as none gave a different reaction from the other. "Guess, I am not exactly talking to ordinary children. that''s a bit ¡ª disappointing." Like a whisper, she said this.


    "Very well, let me explain why we are here." She straightened and made herself well heard. "The Nemesis Initiative was spearheaded by none other than Admiral King ReVenaant. In hopes that we can remake the same forty-eight sentinels that toppled an entire Elven armada. So, we combined the bioengineering project Sentinel with the virtual training program called The Proving Grounds. By pushing both projects to the extremes, it resulted in the birth of the Nemesis Initiative"


    She flicks her fingers and a projection of a vast ruined world came behind her. "This is The Proving Grounds, a virtual world we remade. We will be pitting all of you against a cruel world much like the same you will be encountering in the future with the goal of getting back to reality."


    "Any items, equipment, rank, experience, memories will be carried forward once you finish the assigned tasked."


    "Any questions!?" Shouted at the lot. A girl raised her arm. Leitz gestured at a microphone; it floated next to the girl. "You may speak child."


    "Ah don''t understand, Why a virtual world and why is it so different from reality? Ah mean ¡ª aren''t we just gonna kill elves?" A small girl asks innocently. Leitz felt a sting on how the little girl interpreted the situation, but alas, there''s nothing she could do about it right now. "Why a virtual world, you ask?"


    "Well, The Proving Grounds is the closest thing you can have to reality and as the saying goes experience is the best teacher of all."


    "Then, why is it different from reality?"


    "For many reasons, that you will understand as you progress, but for now think of it as a game and reality will be... the new game plus."


    "And lastly, killing elves." The atmosphere became tense.


    "Children, you were not born into this world to just... kill elves. No! You are born as humanities embodiment of its hope and dreams" she walked forward with arms wide open. "You are born to be HEROES!"


    The stillness from the children got broken, the perfectly straight lines became crooked. From the dead silence, small voices started to well up. Leitz stood seemingly triumphant. Then the doors opened.


    "Ah, just in time!" Looking at the trays and trays of food that just came in "Children, let us take a break." Slowly the children lined up for the meal.


    Alone on stage Leitz contemplated. "One day, we will pay the penance for our crimes here, for there is no justification for us taking away what other future you children may have."


    . . .


    Ark Acedia - Tristitia: Classroom G3 - 70


    1037AE 06M02D 1000H


    It was a white room, about twenty children were there all aged about six to eight years when a woman came dress in black. She came up front and address herself as a teacher. She started talking about how we humans ended up in the middle nowhere, homeless, desolate, and angry.


    It was Solar Year 3004 when Elves invaded Earth. The human race fought back but was overwhelmed. Mankind held for nine years fighting with everything they got.


    Before getting overrun, mankind completed 20 Ark ships. Destroyed their home planet to deal significant damage to the invading forces and pave the way for mankind''s escape.This started 0000AE, marking the years of our desolation.


    Only 52 million escaped that tragedy.


    By the 0514AE, humanity already lost 4 Arks from Elven attacks. Also, in the same century mankind ''accidentally'' discovered the Philosopher''s Stone this made the Sentinel Project possible. The Sentinels became key figures in mankinds'' defense.


    Then there is a planet we named Oceanus, home to an underwater alien race. They took pity; allowed us to make settlements on the landforms but by early 600AE the elves found us, we had no choice but to fight. We successfully fended them off but lost 4 more Arks and only 31M left after the battle. A years after that, the alien race at Oceanus we named Sirenians viciously turned on us. We lost 3 more Arks from that attack and 11M more died or captured.


    After years roaming the darkness of space. panic and disorder reign across all remaining Arks. The increasing crime rates and such significantly reduced our numbers to 16M in total. Sentinel Lord Moredredd staged a bloody coup, ousting everyone in power and change the system forever. Establish a new government but under a king.


    Lord Moredredd was crowned the first king.


    After years of re-organizing mankind, eventually settled in by around 0775AE, about 14M humans were left. For some reason, First King Moredredd step down and took penance for all the people he killed. The king has chosen how he dies. King Moredredd took off along with forty-eight members of his guild and launch an assault at an elven armada. They successfully destroyed the whole fleet but lost their lives in the process.


    While everyone mourned, Lord ReVenaant took the throne and announce the Nemesis Initiative. It took years before the project was approved, years more before they started.


    Five hundred Prototypes were produced. It was a success, it was almost everything they have hope for. Seeing this King ReVenaant followed Moredredd footsteps and chose his death. He raided Oceanus and reduce the Sirenians military might significantly ¡ª alone.


    Lady L-035 took the throne and hid mankind at the far reaches. Where they developed the first and second generation of the Nemesis Subjects.


    0999AE M09D09 Queen L-035 on Lord ReVenaant''s death anniversary, she declared war on the galaxy. As first act, she decimated an elven war base with 3000 Nemesis Subjects losing but a fraction of her military might.


    After that mankind has been starting one campaign after another.


    Soon enough it will be our turn.

 4 Arc I: Priestess

    "That looks interesting," She said curiously. "What is it?" The boy didn''t bother to look at who is asking and just answered. "She''s a bottom-up battle AI".


    "I see, planning on bringing an AI companion on your journey." Looking closer at the boy''s work. "But, why she?".


    "It''s random, gender, personality, race, traits, and physical appearance but I used my gene code as a reference. The only thing I decided would be her name and some minor details." His focus is unwavering.


    "I see, So, is she like a child to you?" She mused.


    "I don''t think so ¡ª." Tilted his head a bit.


    "Ah! A sibling then." Gleeful as she pointed that out.


    He stopped and stared at the screen for a few seconds then exclaimed "Yeah, that feels like it... A little sister!" He looks at the woman beside him then smiled.


    Subject 42950 and Capt. Leitz


    Classroom G3 - 70 1037AE 08M28D


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Outskirts


    1820Y 09M10D 0830H


    He woke with a faint memory or dream of his childhood, could not tell which. Saw himself laying on the grass, under a shaded tree, everything was hurting but it was not that bad. He has new clothes, cleaned up, and fully bandage.


    Then he heard a clatter not so far from him. He immediately sprung up, grab some rock, and poise himself for a fight. Causing his wounds to open up. Ahead was a girl in priestess robes with a lot of cooking wares scattered about her.


    "Hey ya awake, how are ya feelin''?" As she ran towards him teary-eyed. "I am feeling better, thank you." Relieve he sat down and relax, immediately the girl came to his aide checking his wounds. "Don''t push ya''self, ya still very wounded." Mat took a good look at her then realize. "You''re the girl at the cave."


    "Well yeah! Who ya expectin''?" Looks at him kind of annoyed.


    "No, sorry ¡ª I was just surprised. That''s all."


    She giggled. "Guess, ya didn''t expect me to get outta there. Did ya?" She replace the bandages anew. Mat raised his arms and tried not to get in the way. "Oh no, I just did not expect you to come back."


    "Ah wouldn''t!? Ya save ma life back there, ti''s the least ah could do." She suddenly jerk at the bandages as she made her point clear to him. ''Ow,''


    "Thanks, Guess we''re even now."


    He looks at her then ask. "Uhm... what''s your name, again?" She stopped tending to his wounds then looks at him with surprise. Laughs as she said. "I reckon we haven''t told our names yet. but ya know, ya kinda feel ¡ª like fam''ly." She sat properly in front of him. "Am Mhirfa by the way. Nice to meet ya. Mister Hero."


    Mat stared at her, she had long black hair, dark eyes, freckled face, ample chest, medium built, fair skinned and ¡ª a bit short. He himself is not that tall either, but his mind started to wonder why there is so much diversity among them, they were bioengineered after all. She waves her hand in front of him but gave no reaction. "Hey, ya alright?" Starting to get worried.


    He snapped out of it "Matrean, Mat ¡ª I mean, my name is Mat." She wipe the worried look on her face then smiled. "Mat, ah see,"


    Abashed, he tried to change the subject; gestured towards a tank of some sort. "Is that yours!?"


    "Oh, thats Lando ma wagon." She happily exclaimed. Wagon!? He could not believe what she envisions the thing." So, that... I mean your wagon kept us safe last night?" He got up close checking the scratch marks on it. ''This is sturdier than I thought.''


    He looks back at her, as she was not answering. Mhirfa was all red, flustered, and kinda lost in words. "What happened!?" He asked immediately. "Nothin'', nothin'' happened. Yah hear." She instantly turned her back and started picking up the cooking wares that she dropped earlier.


    "Let me help you with that." He came close and started helping out. She pushed him away. "Now, you go and get some rest, I''ll cook us somethin''."


    . . .


    It was a semi burnt fish of sorts, on a stick, some bread, soup, and grape juice. Mat tried to act normal about it, he should, that is normal but he can not help but stare at it. "Thank you, this looks ¡ª"


    "Am sorry, ah kinda forgot..." Interrupted him before he could finish. "No, it is okay really, see." He started eating. It was bitter but he was really hungry. So, this actually tasted really good to him right now. "Really!?" She suprisingly asks. He nodded and continued eating.


    She smiled contented and started eating too. She felt the bitterness at first bite, hid her reaction then look at him. ''He is really enjoying it.'' She gave him her fish, Mat took it with no hesitation. Mhirfa just filled herself with bread and soup.


    "Mat, w''at ya plans now?" She asked while clearing the wares. "I need to get to town, sell the gemstone I found in the caver ¡ª ns..." He looked around like he lost something."...get some equipment."


    "Oh, Ah have ya gem on ma wagon, as well as that ¡ª eh, bone token somethin''." She pauses and gave a thought at the last part but dismissed it.


    "My debt to you is starting to pile up." As he went to the wagon and get his stuff. "How could I repay you?" She hesitated then gave it some thought. "Ya serious with that?" He could feel the sincerity of her question. "Yeah, I am. Ask away, I''ll do what I can."


    "Kay, can..." Fidgeting. "Can... can... can Ah come with ya?" She looked straight at him, earnest yet imploring. "Ya see...,"


    "Of course." he flicks his wrist and sent her a friend request. "This will help us keep in touch." She gave him a big smile, then accepted it right away.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Downtown


    1820Y 09M11D 0900H


    The two reach town, found a tavern to rest at. "System... Character... Inventory." A console appeared as he selected the gemstone; detail about it showed. *Bloodstone: Rare stone variant, found deep inside the earth; used as a catalyst.


    "Here," He gave the gem to Mhirfa, she places it at the table just in front of her. "I''ll find us a buyer for it." She opened up a screen on her end and started to do her work. "Thanks" his inventory is nearly empty there are the bone dagger and two stones that he is really familiar with. *Philosopher''s Stone: Man''s greatest discovery, can store, generate and manipulate energy; has a huge capacity but slow regeneration; use as a primary power source for weapon, armor, etc. Two at most can be wielded safely by any human; Soul Bound Item.


    "There ya go, found us a good one. Offer is 4295c," Still typing on her virtual keyboard. "Ya, kay with that?" He nodded."That should be enough." As he browses through the list of armaments. The gemstone vaporizes as she finalized the trade. ''Received 4295c,'' appeared on his HUD.


    He called out the waiter and ordered something for them to eat. 50c auto deducted from his credits.


    A beep startled Mhirfa. "Mail?" She opened it up and a list of equipment came up on the screen. "Can you get those for me?" As he transferred his remaining balance to her. Bewildered by the sudden event. She looked at him to say her thoughts about it, but he threw her a smile. Sighed then gave up on the thought; started working on her list.


    "Kay now, a Standard Reinforced Steel Shield, 500c; a Socketed Great Hammer, 800c; Reinforced Demi Plate Armor Set, 1500c; and Wolf Skin Mantle for 200c" as she punches in the order. " Ya still have 1245c, anythin'' else?"


    "Let us see, add Torches, Leather Belt Bag, First Aid Kit, and some provisions."


    "Ah got em, ya still have 1095c." looked at him waiting for a reply. "That''s all, thank you." Focused on his screen.


    "Everythin'' should be registered in ya inventory by now. Ah have em materialize in ma wagon for convenience " she closes her console then took a big gulp of water. "What now?" She sks him. "We will finish up eating then well go to a weaponsmith and surgeon for modifications." Transfixed on his console when a mail came. \u003eLet''s eat - Mhirfa.


    He looked at her, she was just staring at him, smiling and gesturing at the food.


    He closed his console then smiled.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Outskirts


    1820Y 09M12D 0500H


    As soon as the two have finished all the needed preparations. They set off for the mountains. Outside town everything they own they have to physically carry. It was a good thing they have a wagon for it. Although, they do not have much.


    He found it peculiar, how the ''wagon'' works. It looks exactly like a small tank but has no seat on it, just a hatch compartment for their stuff. She keeps it on a leash and the wagon follows her around like some kind of pet...


    Mhirfa said they could ride on the hood if they are in a hurry.


    ''There is no need, the weather is good for a short stroll.''

 5 Arc I: Huntress

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M12D 0700H


    He opened up his inventory console, double-checking as they come near the cave entrance.


    INVENTORY


    Weapon:


    ?Great War Hammer


    ?Hatch Shield


    Armor:


    ?Black Warden Set


    ?Black Wolf Skin Mantle


    ?Heart of Colossus


    Misc:


    ?Leather Bag


    ?Torch


    ?Reinforced Mutant Bone


    ?First Aid


    ?Provisions


    Money:


    ?5c


    There is a holographic sign blocking the entrance. ''WARNING: Area will convert to a Dungeon once entered.''


    "Ah don''t like, w''at it say''s." She tugged at his mantle. Mat faced her then puts his hands on her shoulder. "Stay here with the wagon, it will be safer."


    "But..."


    "I''ll keep in touch, don''t worry." Patting her head.


    She knew she will just get in the way but still... "Take care now, I''ll be waitin'' for ya, right here." Not letting go of his mantle. "Don''t worry," He repeated, took her hand, and put it down gently then slowly turned his back. He put up the map which showed the areas he already discovered, and the red blip where Azaleah''s last location was. As he steps inside, cries of agony echoed within the cave. It gave Mhirfa quite a scare.


    He pauses for a bit, then continued on.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountain, Mutant Lair


    1820Y09M12D 0900H


    A torch still burning on the cave floor. He threw that the second he saw a pair of mutants ahead of him. The mutants seemed to be stronger than last he remembered but it does not matter now, he already killed a bunch of them; too tired to tell the difference. He bashed the first one that came for him, knocking it cold on the ground. Another one leaped, immediately he rolled away and countered with his hammer.


    ''Almost there ¡ª just a little more.'' He took a bite and sip at his canteen.


    Finally, arrive at the rock bridges, just in front of him was the area where last he saw Azaleah, but there was nothing there. He gave out a deep sigh. "Azaleah,"


    ''Out of Reach'' flashed again.


    Pass the bridge, he continued deeper, killed a few more till he arrives at the blue fields. A huge mutant showed up and was blocking the path ahead. It started pounding the ground the moment it saw him.


    "Come," Taunting. He activated his hammers philosophers'' stone making it gyrate, then static electricity started crackling around it.


    The mutant enrage, charge at him. He lowered his stance, shield forward then rushed beneath the monster, sending it tumbling overhead. Immediately he turned to strike, but it scrambled away crashing at a wall.


    A few mutants showed up, lurking at a distance. He kept his back facing a wall. ''One by one.''


    Banging his shield to provoke it. The mutant roared, then rushed again towards him then swung its fist. He moves a bit closer deflecting the attack, sending the mutant crashing again behind him. He raised his hammer, now crackling heavily with electricity; bashed his foe. It looked like lightning struck where his hammer fell, charred the mutants'' chest black.


    The bystanders scampered away.


    He sat down and rest a little bit staring at the weird glowing flowers when a mail came.


    \u003eHow are you?


    I''m fine, just arrive at the flower fields.


    \u003eOh, the field of glowing blue flowers.


    Yes, that field. Resting here for a while.


    \u003eMe too, I''m inside the wagon.


    I see, sorry, I need to be going.


    \u003eOkay, Take Care Now.


    I will...


    Gone deeper inside the cave; cautiously moving about the uncharted place. A bunch of mutants attacked, different from the last encounter. Wielding stolen weapons, most of them just swing them around like a club but with enough strength, they could do serious damage.


    "Azaleah," He uttered. A blip on an uncharted part of the map suddenly appeared, just a short distance away from him. ''A Distress Signal.'' Looking at the moving arcs on his map, he hurried towards it.


    Ahead he saw a familiar white glow from afar, but can not make it out. He put the torch ahead of him and walk closer trying to analyze what the distress signal is for.


    "Mat! Help me!" Azaleah shouting from the darkness. He threw his torch ahead and saw that familiar jagged teeth, smiling at Azaleah, holding her imprisoned inside a glass bubble. It did not bother to look at him but continued to play with her ball.


    "Azaleah, that mutant doesn''t feel right." A sense of danger engulfing him. Azaleah looks at it. "Yeah, looks more horrible than the rest of them."


    "Scan, cross-reference it with your bestiary then synchronize it with mine." Moving away from its line of sight. ''Unique Mutant ''Huntress''.'' Cold sweat drip down his face. "Well, do something! She held on for me for days! I don''t think we can wait out till she gets tired." Furious at him.


    ''Here goes nothing.'' He walks up behind it, determined to finish it in a single blow. He raised his hammer when suddenly it twisted back its head looking at him with her hollowed eyes; smiling with jagged teeth.


    Startled, he panics and flailed his hammer, hitting nothing but the ground. ''Where?'' Taking a defensive stance and frantically looking around.


    "Help!" Azaleah called out. He saw that familiar white light dashing around the dark. He steps closer to his torch while trying to keep track of her. In such short notice, it lunges toward him. He barely blocks the attack and left him reeling. The Huntress turned around in a swift manner and swipe those claws at him. He gave up getting back to stance and let himself fall flat keeping his shield close to him, the claws grazed his shield as he fell and rolled away.


    He quickly stood up and regained his footing, but she was nowhere to be seen. He glances at the map, Azaleah''s signal is very near. "Look up!" She shouted. Startled, he instinctively put his shield above him, something crash on it. He pushes it aside then quickly followed it with a hammer but again hit nothing. He bashed the hilt to the ground and started energizing his hammer.


    "Azaleah, standby!" He ordered. "Okay!" Her voice echoed throughout the cavern.


    He strikes his shield in aggravation "Come on you ugly ¡ª," It lunges before he could finish. He blocked its first attack then swung his shield at her, but it jumps away leaving himself open. The mutant immediately launch her claws at him "Now, Whiteout!" Searing white light flashed instantly, making the Huntress miss her mark. Grazed his chest plate, barely missing his neck, then went past him.


    He immediately followed with his hammer regardless of his footing, trying to tag her before she scampers away. His hammer manages to reach her leg, could not give much force in the swing, but it charred as soon as it made contact. A huge cry came out, then it ran away limping.


    "Come back here!" Shouted at her as he grabs his torch and followed her. Just a few steps he took when out of the dark it leaps at him. Caught him by surprise. The Huntress made deep cuts on his leg before it rolled back in the darkness. The torch fell on his feet as his senses began to obscure. ''What is this ¡ª poison!?''


    He lowered his stance keeping his shield close, hammer at the ready. The Huntress movements slowed down, circling him about with a foreboding smile. ''It looks like she waiting for me to pass out.'' Grabbing an antidote from his first aid kit. ''Hope this works.''


    "Azaleah, standby." He shouted at her.


    "120s more!"


    The Huntress reacted, it kept Azaleah''s ball close to her stomach as she prowled.


    A few moments later, he collapses, laid flat on his stomach. "Mat!" Azaleah cried out to him. Limping, the Huntress lurks closer, careful as she moves about him. Grab his hammer and shoved it away as Azaleah kept calling at him. She raised her claws to give the finishing touches when suddenly, he seizes her foot, dragging it towards him. She fell on her back, he crawled forward and pinned her down with his shield then started stabbing relentlessly with the Mutant Bone.


    The Huntress thrashed about either clawing at him or trying to escape but he didn''t give an inch.


    Eventually, the Huntress stopped moving but it left its mark all over his body. Mat rolled to the sides and laid flat on his back.


    Azaleah rolled away from the mutants'' hand then the bubble broke. She flew straight towards him. "I thought... I thought... you''re dead." Crying as she slams on his face. "Not yet, but get me one more bottle of that antidote, I can barely feel myself... anymore." She took a bottle and help him drink it.


    "Let me rest for a while, wake me up when there is trouble." Barely conscious, then fell asleep "Okay, rest well" she laid on his chest. ''Thank you...''

 6 Arc I: Forgotten City

    We miraculously got out of the mountain in one piece, looted the corpses along the way.


    In town, I decided to register as a squad. So, we can get the privileges of being in one before we set out.


    At the edge of town, there lies the gate to the Forgotten City, where all sorts of mutants live from plants, animals, humans, and ¡ª not humans.


    There is one goal within the walls of the Forgotten City, its to get pass The Guardian. A stone statue of a god they say. It holds the key to the Black Gate. What is over the Black Gate? No one knows, anyone who gets on the other side never returns to town.


    In the City, there are two known ways to get pass the Guardian. The first one is simple, kill The Guardian; Second is through the sewers.


    Underneath town, there''s a labyrinth that goes outside the walls but we will need a bunch of stuff around the city, basic stuff like maps, keys, etc. Things we will eventually realize as we get deeper into the sewers according to rumors.


    Right now, there are just the three of us. We tried recruiting but we don''t have much to offer. Unlike full guilds or squads. Mhirfa does not seem to mind she is not exactly a warrior type like she claims, more like a merchant-priestess of sorts. What she lacks in battle she makes up a lot in productivity.


    For two months we scoured the whole city, lots of running, fighting, looting, and other stuff. Played it safe, we traded with others along the way, even found safe zones were we can make camp in relative peace.


    Surveyed the Black Gate.


    The Guardian is two twenty meter colossal statues fused together at the back. Each statue has a sword and shield combination. Also, reports say that the Gate has automated defenses, triggered when a certain number of hostiles are present.


    A guild came, to defeat it and get pass the gate. Victory with the Guardian has the advantage of taking everyone involve pass the Black Gate since the sewers can probably only accommodate four to six people safely across its narrow, trap ridden passageways.


    They sent sixteen people, a full squad as vanguard. Fifteen just barely outside the premises interchanging during injuries. This way they can fool the gates defenses thinking there is no major threat and slowly whittle down the guardian. The plan was sound. The only problem is it did not seem to work, there was no sign of it slowing down.


    Losing hope, they all charge, in an attempt to take it down by force. As soon as they enter, the Black Gates cannons started raining down on them. A lot of them were sent respawning back to the Forgotten Cathedral at town, the rest is history.


    But I learned a lot from that.


    We checked the sewers, the girls hated the place, who would not Its dark, damp, smells, and is mutant infested but seems only the normal ones. All passageways lead to a dead-end but it looks like it can be opened up by solving some kind of puzzle. There are blast-proof doors that need a key card, but before that, we need to find a way to restore power to the place. We''ll also need a working map, the place is much worst than the Forgotten Mountains.


    I found myself sleepless trying to decide which is the best approach to getting out of here. The Gate, which has the Guardian or the Sewers that have the Labyrinth.


    We charted the whole city, but there seems to be more to it than just the normal places. So, the city library is a good way to learn, amazingly still in a good condition except for the mutant den. Manage to skirt around and find a safer passage.


    There''s a book with an old map of the Forgotten City when it was still remembered. This place was on Earth, one of humanities last bastion. The map showed a peculiar place we have not seen. We looked for clues around the library and found out that it was an advanced underground weapons laboratory just northwest of the Black Gate.


    Near the City''s Industrial Complex.


    We will head there immediately, advance weapons lab sound good to me.


    Entry: 1821Y 01M16D


    End of log

 7 Arc II: The Firehouses Five Subjects

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City; Central, Firehouse


    1821Y 02M23D 0300H


    Mat welding iron bars on a windowsill using dark red electricity coming from his right finger tip slowly melting the metals; fusing them together. Satisfied with his work he jumped down then walks towards the buildings facade, viewing the red bricked, two storey firehouse that he reinforced with steel platings and beams.


    ''That should do it for now.'' He walked towards the mechanized garage door for Mhirfa''s wagon knocking on its solid steel gate.


    . . .


    On the rooftop surrounded by barbs and spikes, Mhirfa is humming softly as she takes the bedsheets from the hangers; saw Azaleah coming back from her re?con?nais?sance as she folds, then shouted "Welcome home Azi!" waving at her.


    The fairy ignored her, went straight for Mat''s wolf head mantle and buried herself on its fur. "Mat, there''s is another couple of idiots graciously walking towards their demise. Heh." She then opened a window showing four warriors heading towards City Hall.


    Mhirfa opened the Firehouse''s garage door. "We should help em."


    Azaleah sneered, then started playing with the wolf''s ears. "Like you could do anything to save them from what''s waiting for them. Hoh ho ho."


    Mhirfa puff her cheeks full of air.


    Mat looked at the screen, ahead of the group was a girl about 169cm high, light armored ( reinforced leather ), brown hair in short pony. "This one seems odd, doesn''t seem to have any armaments."


    Azaleah rolled over to look at the screen. "The brown girl? She''s a Summoner, see that hovering golden ball by her side ¡ª it turns to a dual crossbow wielding skull masked entity." She then opened another window showing the summoner in action, gracefully moving around as her summon fires.


    "Also seems like she is the leader of the group." The fairy added.


    Smirf moved closer, looking intently at the summon. It was a floating torso of a female with straight black hair wearing an ornamental skull mask. Its purple dress sways freely as it nimbly fired bolt after bolt.


    Azaleah full of scorn opened a window showing Mhirfa pulling on her wagon''s leash, trying to get it to move over a puddle. "Oh, Cat ¡ª your a Summoner too... Right!? Hoh ho ho."


    "Why ya so mean Azi!" Mhirfa fluttering around. Mat pushed the screen away then patted Mhirfa on the head, making her keel over to him. Azaleah rolled her eyes.


    Mat replayed the video of the group. "She is interesting, but ¡ª any heavy hitters among them?"


    A window opened showing a heavy built male in scaled armor, about 188cm tall, ash blonde with short spiky hair. "This one is a Swordsman, carries an Ultra Great Sword which he swings like a club... can cut a Brute in half."


    "Any other?" He asked.


    Azaleah opened another window displaying a female with pink knee length hair that is tied by a red ribbon at the end; sporting a witch hat and a black robe adorned by pink fur. "This one is a Sorceress, her spells consist of firing high concentrated light particles through her wand catalyst."


    Mat tapped Mhirfa whom is getting comfortable already on his side. "Mhirfa go prepare the wagon." She got startled as if waking up from a dream ¡ª looks at him then nodded, tearing herself away from him.


    Azaleah asked him. "We going to save this idiots?"


    Mat looked towards the last person on screen, 177cm tall, short blonde wavy hair medium built, wearing a chainmail armor; has a buckler and a straight sword as weapons. "How about this one... anything special?"


    "As far as I know, that guy is a Mage Knight... nothing special but there is one more off screen." Another window opened.


    Mat looked at it there was nothing but ruins. "I see nothing."


    Azaleah zoomed in on one of the dark areas, there was a person secluded in shadows, only a red devil mask was visible. "Assassin, I am unsure how powerful he is but his stealth is impressive."


    "I see..." He walks inside the garage and took hold of his full faced helm on a table just by the corner. It was charcoal black same color as his full plate armor, has two short horns and a narrow slit for the eyes. As he put it on the memory of the white room came back to him ¡ª darkness surrounded him.


    Mat opened his eyes; darkness faded away, a clear view of the brick wall was in front of him with a ruined photographs of the previous fire fighters covered in dried blood.


    Azaleah crawled towards Mat''s head going to a kneel; touching his helm and putting her head on its cold surface... gauges, consoles and such opened encompassing his visual field.


    Dark red vapor started to seep out the helms eyes.


    At the corner of Mat''s eyes a white cloth swayed, turned his head and saw Mhirfa staring at him frozen holding a basket of sandwiches. He took off the helm making his short dark hair fall covering his eyes, and said. "You ready to go?"


    "Oh ¡ª yes... Ah just need to put em inside ma wagon." She looked down... quivered, then turned towards wagon''s rear hatch opening it.


    Mat sighed, placed his helm on top of the wagon.

 3 Arc I: Proving Grounds

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M04D 0600H


    He opened his eyes and pitch-black darkness welcomed him with sounds of dripping water everywhere, saw some small glowing patches of blue light far ahead. He was still wearing the white clothes that they used during the experiments.


    Dazed, he pukes over to what it seems like solid ground. "Azaleah..." He uttered to what looks like a firefly hovering about.


    A fairy-like creature floated in front of him then swirled around. "Look, System gave me a nice body."


    He stood up, staggering as he did. "Azaleah ¡ª Cast Scan,"


    "Hmph, you never knew how to appreciate real beauty." She flew above and gave out a single pulsing light. "Nothing here Mat... just you and me."


    "Thanks," As he tries to hold his head up; getting his thoughts together. "System... App... Carto," A blip showed on his HUD indicating their current whereabouts on a blank map. "We need to map up these caverns, to make sure we do not get lost."


    Azaleah ignored him then started wandering the area.


    "System... App... Compass" a letter ''N'' appeared on the upper center of his HUD with degrees going left and right. ''As I remember, the town is supposed to be northwest from here.''


    "Azaleah, Cast Light for 8 seconds."


    Like a lightbulb, the fairy lighted up the whole area. The place looks like an abandoned mine shaft. It was quite wide, mining carts and equipment scattered about.


    A swarm of bats flew out from behind him. Azaleah scurried, cursing the bats while doing so. Out of the darkness, a humanoid figure jump across catching one of the bats. He narrowed his eyes trying to get a better look at it. Darkness is hiding most of its small feature as it slumps down at the far end. Only its long dark hair and what looks like a tunic is recognizable.


    When suddenly, it turned its head towards them.


    A bloody jagged grin with a bat still squirming, greeted him. It had hollowed eyes, nose, and claws that look like bones that came out of its fingertips.


    "What ¡ª" All he can say as it launches towards him screaming. It went dark again. He instinctively dodges to his left, a swift breeze just went pass him then a huge crashing sound, he could hear pieces of equipment clatter about.


    The aberrant shrieks some distance behind him. He panicked for a rock, then threw it as far behind as possible; heard the abomination race towards the sound.


    "Azaleah, fly ahead. Scan at regular intervals; report as you do." His chest still pounding.


    "Kay," She flew away, then stopped some distance ahead. "Mat, look there''s an albino snake. Hoh ho ho."


    He sighed deeply, then continued on.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M04D 1800H


    They pass-through some kind of field full of glowing blue flora. It somehow felt soothing and peaceful. Rested for the time being. Watch the insects, plants, and animals that thrive there, wondering about the authenticity of it.


    As they walked further ahead, they found numerous natural rock bridges along a huge chasm connecting this side of the mountain to the other. Small patches of sunlight seep through the crevices making the wonder a bit more visible.


    ''We will have to cross.'' Thinking for himself as he started checking for any threats along the way when something caught their attention.


    A scream came down below.


    He immediately sought after it. There is a girl stranded on a bridge below being harassed by a trio of mutants, these creatures seemed to be still in humanoid form just deformities, lumps and pus seeping out its wounds.


    The girl yelled as she fend them off with a small wooden club. "Y''all need to get back, am warnin'' ya."


    He got down to a crawl; move slowly forward, careful to not get their attention. ''She can revive elsewhere and try again.''


    One of the mutants swipes the club off her hands. Weaponless, she raised her hands, poise to strike back. On her left wrist, a crimson rosary dangled out.


    It caught his eyes. ''Of all places.'' Azaleah blocked his view then shook her head.


    Mat took a deep breathe. ''Ghad,''


    He ran, then jump down landing himself on the last mutant on the back. Stunned, he kicked it off the bridge, this caught the other mutants'' attention.


    The girl found an opening and push them, trying to knock another one off the bridge, but the abominations stood their ground and swung at her, making her fall back.


    Mat saw the girl fall on the ground ¡ª he grimaced; shouted, ran towards the mutants tackling them both, inching them off the bridge, each of them clawing at him trying to find a grip.


    The girl stood up, push one making it fall off landing on the corner of the rock bridge below before disappearing into the darkness.


    The other mutant grab the girl''s hand then yank hard, dragging her towards the edge. Mat instinctively grab the girl by the chest then shove her away, she tumbled on the ground.


    The sudden separation made the mutant fall off and desperately cling to the boy. Out of stance to just kick off the abomination, it dragged him off.


    The girl scampered towards the edge looking for him, to her relief they landed just by the edge of the rock bridge below.


    "Let go of him!" Azaleah furiously pulling on the mutants ear. Mat forcefully peeled himself from its grasp then kick it away. It fell back, a foot slip off the edge gravity taking half of its body down but still able to take hold of the edge and lifting itself up.


    "Run!" The girl yelled.


    He immediately turned and started to run back to the caverns. The mutant regaining its footing immediately gave chase.


    "Azaleah, Whiteout!" Mat shouted. She flew across the mutants'' face, then white light flashed within her, effectively blinding it. The mutant thrash about hitting the fairy; sending her flying towards the cave entrance, she hit the wall then fell unconscious on the ground.


    Mat ran towards Azaleah preparing to grab her, then make their escape, but something caught his attention. In the darkness ahead, a familiar clawed hand was barely visible.


    "Watch out!" The girl warning him but it was too late. When he turned his head, the blind frenzied mutant crashed at him sending both of them off the bridge.


    He looks at Azaleah; saw right beside her barely concealed by the shadows, a long-haired hollowed eyed mutant, with a smile across its face filled with jagged teeth. He did not take his eyes off it till the image went farther and farther away then disappeared.

 4 Arc I: Forgotten Mountains

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M04D 1800H


    As they fell Mat did everything he could to keep the rampaging mutant below him, rolling off edge after edge till they hit a wider bridge.


    He stood up; look at the mutant its eyes bleeding from the flash ¡ª it started to convulses where it lays.


    He stood up but pain race through feeling a few fractured bones breaking further made fall to his knees.


    He started breathing normally and get used to the pain. Visibility is low but he found a rock. ''This will do.'' He thought to himself, lifting it then he started hammering the mutants head till it ceased to move.


    "Azaleah," he uttered in a low painful voice, ''Out of reach'' started flashing on his HUD.


    Stared at the dead mutant beside him, saw one of its bones splintered off the flesh. He took the rock again; started pounding the mutants'' arm off, laboring to get that bone. ''Acquired Mutant Bone... Eh, Dagger,'' Grinning at the idea of his weapon.


    He looked up and realize someone is calling him. "Hey, mister ya alright?" Her voice echoing throughout the chasm.


    "I''m fine," He shouted back. "You?"


    "Am okay!" She answered. "Ya wait there now, Am gonna go save ya."


    "No! just focus on getting out of her. I''ll be doing the same!" He looks around for an exit. "Now go, I''ll see you outside!."


    "Kay, I''ll wait for ya! Take care, now!" Her parting words to him.


    ''I''ll come for you, I promise.''


    . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M08D 1100H


    It has been days, since he started trying to survive the lower labyrinth of the Forgotten Mountains. Finally, he felt a slight breeze and a faint glimmer of hope.


    ''Light,'' Panting as he runs towards it, trying to ignore the mob behind him that has been hunting him down for hours.


    As he was about at the mouth of the cave, a splitting tunnel appeared on his side camouflage by the shadows and contour of the wall, at the corner of his eye a mutant came lunging at him. He twisted his body to face the mutant, blocking its arms its claws just about his neck.


    They rolled towards the exit.


    A boulder stopped their momentum. The creature raised its claws but Mat hit its face with a glistening rock making it face ¡ª the midday sun. It growled in agony as it scratch its eyes, he kicked it away then pierced its jaw with the mutant bone then forcing it towards the brain.


    He slump on the grass, feeling the soft wind and the warmth of the sun on his skin. First, respite since coming to this forsaken place. His eyes blur as he looked towards the cave, a mob was forming looking at him menacingly.


    He took a deep breath. "System... Character... Status." Opening up a console, indicating his vital signs and medical condition. Coughs as he half-consciously read through the screen. ''Fatigued, few fractured bones, blood loss. Looks like I''m going pass out anytime soon.'' .


    ''I need to move away, can''t stop here... need to get to town before noon.'' Dragged himself up, as he moved towards his destination.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds:  Forgotten City; Downtown, Outskirts


    1820Y 09M08D 1800H


    He kept walking towards the compass direction barely unaware of the surroundings. Growls came from the mountain behind him. Realized it is getting dark, he tried to traverse faster but tripped on a expose root, landing flat on his stomach. Lurches forward and focuses, lights started popping up beyond the tree line.


    ''That''s probably the town.'' Reeled as he force himself to get up.


    The growls are getting louder and louder by the minute, but the lights are not getting any nearer. Desperate, he looks around hoping to find somewhere to hide before he passes out or gets killed.


    He already got this far, just on sheer determination alone. He just can not die and revive somewhere unknown and start over again. Dying will reset his location, re-spawning randomly; making his mapped area insignificant.


    He looked at his map where he lost Azaleah and the labyrinthian mess he went through to get out of there.


    ''I need to get back there,'' Reminding and giving himself enough motivation to pull through. Just a few strides ahead there is a hollowed tree trunk, as the night is getting darker and the growls getting nearer it was his only hope.


    Hope was just about arms reach when his vision suddenly blurred and his knees gave out. Collapse on the ground he could feel his consciousness fading.


    ''I don''t need to think, I don''t need to see, safety is just in front of me, all I need to do is move.'' Repeating as he drags himself towards his destination.


    A huge roar came from behind him but he got no strength to check, he is already giving everything to move forward.


    Few seconds later, a huge crashing sound, a yelp, and the resounding noise of a falling tree ahead, just happened in an instant. He could not understand anything that just transpired. Then, someone came beside him, started tapping and shouting. "Hey, ya need to get up, now."


    His senses, still in disarray, but tried to do as he is told.


    "Come on now, We need to get us inside!"


    He could feel himself getting drag, but could not make out anything that is actually happening. All was anything but a dream. Forced out the rest of his remaining strength to follow the flow of the situation.


    "Ya''r heavy! Get in ¡ª side! Umpf!!"


    Hearing a voice just beside his ear. ''A girl!? Sounds... familiar.''


    "Door," The girl shouted.


    Then suddenly the growls got heavier, thrashing, banging... His eardrums almost broke from her scream but he couldn''t see anything it was dark then darker then nothing.

 5 Arc I: Priestess

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Outskirts


    1820Y 09M10D 0830H


    He woke with a faint memory or dream of his childhood, could not tell which. Saw himself laying on the grass, under a shaded tree, everything was hurting but it was not that bad. He has new clothes, cleaned up, and fully bandage.


    Then he heard a clatter not so far from him. He immediately sprung up, grab some rock, and poise himself for a fight. Causing his wounds to open up. Ahead was a girl in priestess robes with a lot of cooking wares scattered about her.


    "Hey ya awake, how are ya feelin''?" As she ran towards him teary-eyed.


    "I am feeling better, thank you." Relieve he sat down and relax, immediately the girl came to his aide checking his wounds, telling him off. "Don''t push ya''self, ya still very wounded."


    Mat took a good look at her then realize. "You''re the girl at the cave."


    "Well yeah! Who ya expectin''?" Looks at him kind of annoyed.


    "No, sorry ¡ª I was just surprised. That''s all."


    She giggled. "Guess, ya didn''t expect me to get outta there. Did ya?" She replace the bandages anew. Mat raised his arms and tried not to get in the way. "Oh no, I just did not expect you to come back."


    "Ah wouldn''t!? Ya save ma life back there, ti''s the least ah could do." She suddenly jerk at the bandages as she made her point clear to him.


    ''Ow,'' He twitch a bit. "Thanks, Guess we''re even now." He looks at her then ask. "Uhm... what''s your name, again?"


    Surprised she stopped tending to his wounds then looked him straight in the eyes then chuckled as she said. "I reckon we haven''t told our names yet. but ya know, ya kinda feel ¡ª like fam''ly."


    She sat properly in front of him. "Am Mhirfa by the way. Nice to meet ya. Mister Hero."


    Mat stared at her, she had long black hair, dark eyes, freckled face, ample chest, plump, fair skinned and ¡ª a bit short. He himself is not that tall either, but his mind started to wonder why there is so much diversity among them, they were bioengineered after all.


    She waves her hand in front of him but gave no reaction. "Hey, ya alright?" Starting to get worried.


    He snapped out of it "Matrean, Mat ¡ª I mean, my name is Mat."


    She wipe the worried look on her face then smiled. "Mat, ah see,"


    Abashed, he tried to change the subject; gestured towards a tank of some sort. "Is that yours!?"


    "Oh, thats Lando ma wagon." She happily exclaimed.


    Wagon!? He could not believe what she envisions the thing. "So, that... I mean your wagon, is what kept us safe last night?" He got up close checking the scratch marks on it.


    He looks back at her, as she was not answering. Mhirfa was all red, flustered, and kinda lost in words. "What happened!?" He asked immediately.


    "Nothin'', nothin'' happened. Yah hear." She immediately turned her back and started picking up the cooking wares that she dropped earlier.


    "Let me help you with that." He came close and started helping out.


    She pushed him away. "Now, ya go and get some rest, I''ll cook us somethin'' to ate."


    . . .


    It was a semi burnt fish of sorts, on a stick, some bread, soup, and grape juice. Mat tried to act normal about it, he should, that is normal but he can not help but stare at it. "Thank you, this looks ¡ª"


    "Am sorry, ah kinda forgot..." Interrupted him before he could finish.


    "No, it is okay really, see." He started eating. It was bitter but he was really hungry. So, this actually tasted really good to him right now.


    "Really!?" She suprisingly asks. He nodded and continued eating. She smiled contented and started eating too. She felt the bitterness at first bite but hid her reaction, then look at him. ''He is really enjoying it.'' She thought to herself.


    "Mat, w''at ya plans now?" She asked.


    "I need to get to town; sell the gemstone I found in the caver ¡ª ns..." He looked around like he lost something. "...get some equipment."


    "Oh, Ah have ya gem on ma wagon, as well as that ¡ª eh, bone token somethin''." She pauses and gave a thought at the last part but dismissed it.


    "My debt to you is starting to pile up." As he went to the wagon and get his stuff. "How could I repay you?"


    She hesitated then gave it some thought. "Ya serious with that?"


    He could feel the sincerity of her question. "Yeah, I am. Ask away, I''ll do what I can."


    "Kay, can..." Fidgeting. "Can... can... can Ah come with ya?" She looked straight at him, earnest yet imploring. "Ya see...,"


    "Of course." He flicks his wrist and sent her a link request. "This will help us keep in touch."


    She gave him a big smile, then accepted it right away.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Downtown


    1820Y 09M11D 0900H


    The two reach town, found a tavern to rest at.


    "System... Character... Inventory." A console appeared as he selected the gemstone; detail about it showed.


    *Bloodstone: Rare stone variant, found deep inside the earth; used as a catalyst.*


    "Here," He gave the gem to Mhirfa, she places it at the table just in front of her.


    "I''ll find us a buyer for it." She opened up a screen on her end and started to do her work.


    "Thanks" his inventory is nearly empty there are the bone dagger and two stones that he is really familiar with.


    *Philosopher''s Stone: Man''s greatest discovery, can store, generate and manipulate energy; has a huge capacity but slow regeneration; use as a primary power source for weapon, armor, etc. Two at most can be wielded safely by any human; Soul Bound Item.*


    "There ya go, found us a good one. Offer is 4295c," Still typing on her virtual keyboard. "Ya, kay with that?"


    He nodded."That should be enough." As he browses through the list of armaments. The gemstone vaporizes as she finalized the trade. ''Received 4295c,'' appeared on his HUD. He called out the waiter and ordered something for them to eat, 50c auto deducted from his credits.


    A beep startled Mhirfa. "Mail?" She opened it up and a list of equipment came up on the screen.


    "Can you get those for me?" As he transferred his remaining balance to her.


    Bewildered by the sudden event. She looked at him to say her thoughts about it, but he threw her a smile. She just sighed then gave up on the thought; started working on her list.


    "Kay now, a Standard Reinforced Steel Shield, 500c; a Socketed Great Hammer, 800c; Reinforced Demi Plate Armor Set, 1500c; and Wolf Skin Mantle for 200c" As she punches in the order. " Ya still have 1245c, anythin'' else ya want?"


    "Let us see, add Torches, Leather Belt Bag, First Aid Kit, and some provisions."


    "Ah got em, ya still have 1095c." looked at him waiting for a reply.


    "That''s all, thank you."


    "Everythin'' should be registered in ya inventory by now. Ah have em materialize in ma wagon for convenience " she closes her console then took a big gulp of water. "What now?" She sks him.


    "We will finish up eating then well go to a weaponsmith and surgeon for modifications..." He was still talking when a mail came saying. \u003eLet''s eat - Mhirfa.


    He looked at her, she was just staring at him, smiling and gesturing at the food.


    He closed his console then smiled.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Outskirts


    1820Y 09M12D 0500H


    As soon as the two have finished all the needed preparations. They set off for the mountains. Outside town everything they own they have to physically carry. It was a good thing they have a wagon for it. Although, they do not have much.


    He found it peculiar, how the ''wagon'' works. It looks exactly like a small tank but has no seat on it, just a hatch compartment for their stuff. She keeps it on a leash and the wagon follows her around like some kind of pet...


    Mhirfa said they could ride on the hood if they are in a hurry but...


    ''There is no need, the weather is good for a short stroll.''

 6 Arc I: Huntress

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountains


    1820Y 09M12D 0700H


    He opened up his inventory console, double-checking as they come near the cave entrance.


    INVENTORY


    Weapon:


    ?Great War Hammer


    ?Hatch Shield


    Armor:


    ?Black Warden Set


    ?Black Wolf Skin Mantle


    ?Heart of Colossus


    Misc:


    ?Leather Bag


    ?Torch


    ?Reinforced Mutant Bone


    ?First Aid


    ?Provisions


    Money:


    ?5c


    There is a holographic sign blocking the entrance. ''WARNING: Area will convert to a Dungeon once entered.''


    "Ah don''t like, w''at it say''s." She tugged at his mantle. Mat faced her then puts his hands on her shoulder. "Stay here with the wagon, it will be safer."


    "But..."


    "I''ll keep in touch, don''t worry." Patting her head.


    She knew she will just get in the way but still... "Take care now, I''ll be waitin'' for ya, right here." Still not letting go of his mantle.


    "Don''t worry," He repeated, took her hand, and put it down gently then slowly turned his back. He put up the map which showed the areas he already discovered, and the red blip where Azaleah''s last location was. As he steps inside, cries of agony echoed within the cave. It gave Mhirfa quite a scare.


    He pauses for a bit, then continued on.


    . . .


    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten Mountain, Mutant Lair


    1820Y09M12D 0900H


    He threw his torch the second he saw a pair of mutants ahead of him. The mutants seemed to evolve, they are bigger than a normal human being and their deformities exceeding from minor protrusion to fully develop extra limbs or other oddities.


    He bashed the head of the first one that came afte him cracking its skull. Another one leaped, he parried its body with his shield knocking it towards the wall then followed it with his hammer breaking it in half.


    He looked back at the trail of corpses he left behind then trudge towards his destination.


    Finally, arrive at the rock bridges, just in front of him was the area where last he saw Azaleah, but there was nothing there.


    "Azaleah," He sighed deeply, ''Out of Reach'' flashed again, seeing it he continues on his search.


    Pass the bridge, he continued deeper, killed a few more till he arrives at the blue fields. A huge mutant showed up and was blocking the path ahead. It started pounding the ground the moment it saw him.


    He activated his hammers philosophers'' stone making it gyrate, then static electricity started crackling around it.


    The mutant enrage, charge at him.


    He lowered his stance, shield forward then rushed beneath the monster, sending it tumbling overhead. He turned to strike, but it scrambled away.


    The mutant roared, then rushed again towards swinging its fist. He moves closer to deflect the attack, sending the mutant tumbling on the floral fields.


    He raised his hammer, now crackling heavily with electricity; bashed his foe. It looked like lightning struck where his hammer fell, charred the mutants'' chest black.


    He sat down and rest a little bit staring at the weird glowing flowers when a mail came.


    \u003eHow are you?


    I''m fine, just arrive at the flower fields.


    \u003eOh, the field of glowing blue flowers.


    Yes, that field. Resting here for a while.


    \u003eMe too, I''m inside the wagon.


    I see, sorry, I need to be going.


    \u003eOkay, Take Care Now.


    I will...


    As he gets deeper in the cave, the more evolve the mutants are, some are wielding stolen armaments like clubs. He still manage to pass unscathe by just parry and counter.


    "Azaleah," He uttered. A blip on an uncharted part of the map suddenly appeared, just a short distance away from him.


    ''A Distress Signal.'' He hurried towards it.


    Ahead he saw a familiar white glow from afar. He put the torch ahead of him and walk closer trying to analyze what the distress signal is for.


    "Mat! Help me!" Azaleah shouting from the darkness. He threw his torch ahead and saw that familiar jagged teeth, smiling at the fairy, holding her imprisoned inside a glass bubble. It did not bother to look at him but continued to admire the glass ball.


    "Azaleah, Scan and cross reference it with the beastiary."


    *Huntress - Unique Monster : most of the time move in packs with a Queen in lead; has tremendous dexterity and senses.*


    Azaleah seeing Mat hesitated for a bit got worried. "Well, do something! She held on for me for days! I don''t think we can wait out till she gets tired." He just took a deep breath.


    He walks up behind it, determined to finish it in a single blow. He raised his hammer, but suddenly it twisted back its head like a disfigured owl looking at him with her hollowed eyes; smiling with jagged teeth.


    Startled, he panics and flailed his hammer, hitting nothing but the ground. Taking a defensive stance and frantically looking around.


    "Help!" Azaleah called out.


    He saw that familiar white light dashing around the dark. He steps closer to his torch while trying to keep track of her. In such short notice, it lunges toward him. He barely blocks the attack; left him reeling. The Huntress turned around in a swift manner and swipe those claws at him. He gave up getting back to stance and let himself fall flat keeping his shield close to him, the claws grazed his shield as he fell and rolled away.


    He quickly stood up and regained his footing, but she was nowhere to be seen. He glances at the map.


    "Look up!" She shouted. Startled, he instinctively put his shield above him, something crash on it. He pushes it aside then quickly followed it with a hammer but again nothing.


    He energized his hammer. "Azaleah, standby!" He ordered.


    "Okay!" Her voice echoed throughout the cavern.


    He strikes his shield in aggravation "Come on you ugly ¡ª," It pounce at him before he could finish.


    He blocked its first attack then swung his shield at her, but it jumps away leaving himself open. The mutant immediately launch her claws at him.


    "Now, Whiteout!"


    Searing white light flashed instantly, making the Huntress miss her mark. Grazed his chest plate, barely missing his neck, then went past him.


    He immediately followed with his hammer regardless of his footing, trying to tag her before she scampers away. His armament manages to reach her leg, could not give much force in the swing, but it charred as soon as it made contact. A huge cry came out, then it ran away limping.


    "Come back here!" Shouted at her as he grabs his torch and followed her. Just a few steps he took when out of the dark it leaps at him. Caught him by surprise. The Huntress made deep cuts on his leg before it rolled back in the darkness. The torch fell on his feet as his senses began to obscure. ''What is this ¡ª poison!?''


    He lowered his stance keeping his shield close, hammer at the ready. The Huntress movements slowed down, circling him about with a foreboding smile.


    ''It looks like she waiting for me to pass out.'' Grabbing an antidote from his first aid kit. ''Hope this works.'' Scoffs then shouted at the fairy. "Azaleah, standby!"


    "120s more!"


    The Huntress reacted, it kept Azaleah''s ball close to her stomach as she prowled.


    A few moments later, he collapses, laid flat on his stomach.


    "Mat!" Azaleah cried out to him.


    Limping, the Huntress lurks closer, careful as she moves about him. Grab his hammer and shoved it away as Azaleah kept calling at him. She raised her claws to give the finishing touches when suddenly, he seizes her foot, dragging it towards him. She fell on her back, Mat crawled forward and pinned her down with his shield then started stabbing relentlessly with the Mutant Bone.


    The Huntress thrashed about either clawing at him or trying to escape but he didn''t give an inch. He kept at it till the creature stopped moving.


    His back and sides filled with deep scratches, he rolled to the sides then laid flat on his back, enduring the slight pain.


    Azaleah rolled away from the mutants'' hand then the bubble broke. She flew straight towards him. "I thought... I thought..." Crying as she slams on his face.


    "Not yet, but get me one more bottle of that antidote, I can barely feel myself... anymore." She took a bottle and help him drink it.


    "Let me rest for a while, wake me up when there is trouble." Barely conscious, then fell asleep.


    "Okay, rest well" She laid on his chest. ''Thank you...''

 7 Arc I: The Forgotten City

    We miraculously got out of the Forgotten Mountain in one piece, looted the corpses along the way.


    In town, I decided to register as a squad. So, we can get the privileges of being in one before we set out.


    . . .


    At the edge of town, there lies the gate to the Forgotten City, where all sorts of mutants live from plants, animals, humans, and ¡ª not humans.


    There is one goal within the walls of the Forgotten City, its to get pass The Guardian. A stone statue of a god they say. It holds the key to the Black Gate. What is over the Black Gate? No one knows, anyone who gets on the other side never returns to town.


    In the City, there are two known ways to get pass the Guardian. The first one is simple, kill The Guardian; Second is through the Sewers.


    Underneath town, there''s a labyrinth that goes outside the walls but we will need a bunch of stuff around the city, basic stuff like maps, keys, etc. Things we will eventually realize as we get deeper into the sewers according to rumors.


    Right now, there are just the three of us. We tried recruiting but we don''t have much to offer. Unlike full guilds or squads. Mhirfa does not seem to mind she is not exactly a warrior type like she claims, more like a merchant-priestess of sorts. What she lacks in battle she makes up a lot in productivity.


    For two months we scoured the whole city, lots of running, fighting, looting, and other stuff. Played it safe, we traded with others along the way, even found safe zones were we can make camp in relative peace.


    . . .


    Surveyed the Black Gate.


    The Guardian is two twenty meter colossal statues fused together at the back. Each statue has a sword and shield combination. Also, reports say that the Gate has automated defenses, triggered when a certain number of hostiles are present.


    A guild came, to defeat it and get pass the gate. Victory with the Guardian has the advantage of taking everyone involve pass the Black Gate since the sewers can probably only accommodate four to six people safely across its narrow, trap ridden passageways.


    They sent sixteen people, a full squad as vanguard. Fifteen just barely outside the premises interchanging during injuries. This way they can fool the gates defenses thinking there is no major threat and slowly whittle down the guardian. The plan was sound. The only problem is it did not seem to work, there was no sign of it slowing down.


    Losing hope, they all charge, in an attempt to take it down by force. As soon as they enter, the Black Gates cannons started raining down on them. A lot of them were sent respawning back to the Forgotten Cathedral at town, the rest is history.


    But I learned a lot from that.


    . . .


    We checked the sewers, the girls hated the place, who would not Its dark, damp, smells, and is mutant infested but seems only the normal ones. All passageways lead to a dead-end but it looks like it can be opened up by solving some kind of puzzle. There are blast-proof doors that need a key card, but before that, we need to find a way to restore power to the place. We''ll also need a working map, the place is much worst than the Forgotten Mountains.


    . . .


    I found myself sleepless trying to decide which is the best approach to getting out of here. The Gate, which has the Guardian or the Sewers that have the Labyrinth.


    We charted the whole city, but there seems to be more to it than just the normal places. So, the city library is a good way to learn, amazingly still in a good condition except for the mutant den. Manage to skirt around and find a safer passage.


    There''s a book with an old map of the Forgotten City when it was still remembered. This place was on Earth, one of humanities last bastion. The map showed a peculiar place we have not seen. We looked for clues around the library and found out that it was an advanced underground weapons laboratory just northwest of the Black Gate.


    Near the City''s Industrial Complex.


    We will head there immediately, advance weapons lab sound good to me.


    Entry: 1821Y 01M16D


    End of log

 9 Arc II: The Firehouses Five Subjects

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City; Central, Firehouse


    1821Y 02M23D 0300H


    Mat welding iron bars on a windowsill using dark red electricity coming from his right finger tip slowly melting the metals; fusing them together. Satisfied with his work he jumped down then walks towards the buildings facade, viewing the red bricked, two storey firehouse that he reinforced with steel platings and beams.


    ''That should do it for now.'' He walked towards the mechanized garage door for Mhirfa''s wagon knocking on its solid steel gate.


    . . .


    On the rooftop surrounded by barbs and spikes, Mhirfa is humming softly as she takes the bedsheets from the hangers; saw Azaleah coming back from her re?con?nais?sance as she folds, then shouted "Welcome home Azi!" waving at her.


    The fairy ignored her, went straight for Mat''s wolf head mantle and buried herself on its fur. "Mat, there''s is another couple of idiots graciously walking towards their demise. Heh." She then opened a window showing four warriors heading towards City Hall.


    Mhirfa opened the Firehouse''s garage door. "We should help em."


    Azaleah sneered, then started playing with the wolf''s ears. "Like you could do anything to save them from what''s waiting for them. Hoh ho ho."


    Mhirfa puff her cheeks full of air.


    Mat looked at the screen, ahead of the group was a girl about 169cm high, light armored ( reinforced leather ), brown hair in short pony. "This one seems odd, doesn''t seem to have any armaments."


    Azaleah rolled over to look at the screen. "The brown girl? She''s a Summoner, see that hovering golden ball by her side ¡ª it turns to a dual crossbow wielding skull masked entity." She then opened another window showing the summoner in action, gracefully moving around as her summon fires.


    "Also seems like she is the leader of the group." The fairy added.


    Smirf moved closer, looking intently at the summon. It was a floating torso of a female with straight black hair wearing an ornamental skull mask. Its purple dress sways freely as it nimbly fired bolt after bolt.


    Azaleah full of scorn opened a window showing Mhirfa pulling on her wagon''s leash, trying to get it to move over a puddle. "Oh, Cat ¡ª your a Summoner too... Right!? Hoh ho ho."


    "Why ya so mean Azi!" Mhirfa fluttering around. Mat pushed the screen away then patted Mhirfa on the head, making her keel over to him. Azaleah rolled her eyes.


    Mat replayed the video of the group. "She is interesting, but ¡ª any heavy hitters among them?"


    A window opened showing a heavy built male in scaled armor, about 188cm tall, ash blonde with short spiky hair. "This one is a Swordsman, carries an Ultra Great Sword which he swings like a club... can cut a Brute in half."


    "Any other?" He asked.


    Azaleah opened another window displaying a female with pink knee length hair that is tied by a red ribbon at the end; sporting a witch hat and a black robe adorned by pink fur. "This one is a Sorceress, her spells consist of firing high concentrated light particles through her wand catalyst."


    Mat tapped Mhirfa whom is getting comfortable already on his side. "Mhirfa go prepare the wagon." She got startled as if waking up from a dream ¡ª looks at him then nodded, tearing herself away from him.


    Azaleah asked him. "We going to save this idiots?"


    Mat looked towards the last person on screen, 177cm tall, short blonde wavy hair medium built, wearing a chainmail armor; has a buckler and a straight sword as weapons. "How about this one... anything special?"


    "As far as I know, that guy is a Mage Knight... nothing special but there is one more off screen." Another window opened.


    Mat looked at it there was nothing but ruins. "I see nothing."


    Azaleah zoomed in on one of the dark areas, there was a person secluded in shadows, only a red devil mask was visible. "Assassin, I am unsure how powerful he is but his stealth is impressive."


    "I see..." He walks inside the garage and took hold of his full faced helm on a table just by the corner. It was charcoal black same color as his full plate armor, has two short horns and a narrow slit for the eyes. As he put it on the memory of the white room came back to him ¡ª darkness surrounded him.


    Mat opened his eyes; darkness faded away, a clear view of the brick wall was in front of him with ruined photographs of the previous fire fighters covered in dried blood.


    Azaleah crawled towards Mat''s head going to a kneel; touching his helm and putting her head on its cold surface... gauges, consoles and such opened encompassing his visual field.


    Dark red vapor started to seep out the helms eyes.


    At the corner of Mat''s eyes a white cloth swayed, turned his head and saw Mhirfa staring at him frozen holding a basket of sandwiches. He took off the helm making his short dark hair fall covering his eyes, and said. "You ready to go?"


    "Oh ¡ª yes... Ah just need to put em inside ma wagon." She looked down... quivered, then turned towards wagon''s rear hatch opening it.


    Mat sighed, placed his helm on top of the wagon.

 10 Arc II: The City Halls Welcoming Party

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City; City Hall, Parking Lot


    1821Y 02M23D 0300H


    The towering Swordsman in golden scale armor swung his Ultra Great Sword, pummeling a bunch of mutants with the huge chunk of iron, smashing them to a nearby sedan; embedding their bodies inside its wreckage.


    He then drew his sword, letting their blood and guts spill over the concrete.


    Behind him, a small three armed mutant, skin covered with bile and pus carefully crawls, jaws filled with jagged teeth, saliva freely dripping down its chin. As the little monster itself for the kill, a sword pierced clean through its skull.


    The Mage Knight steps on its corpse then carefully drew out his sword. "Good thing I was watching your back Acki." Addressing the Swordsman.


    Acki looks behind him and gave the Mage Knight a wild grin. "I know you do brother, lets clean this up quickly."


    Menan ( Mage Knight ) watched as a horde formed around them sighed and said. "Bro, are we gonna die again?"


    A pink light particle beam shot between them piercing the horde, disintegrating everything it touched, then a girl in black robes with pink ensemble walk in between the boys. "Charming, aren''t they ¡ª Well, what are you nitwits lazing around for? Get to work!" She then laughs evilly.


    The boys shook their heads then focused on the mob surrounding them.


    As the horde of mutants starts to thicken around them the Summoner called out. "Acki, Menan... formation around Luci." The three formed a triangle putting their Sorceress in the middle.


    . . .


    Acki thrust his sword through an enormous mutant piercing through. It was twice as tall as he is, body bloated beyond belief with a head buried between its shoulder. He twisted his sword snapping its spine then kick it away. The fallen mutant rolled around, laid on its stomach... growling as it drags its body towards the Swordsman.


    Acki spitted on the Brute''s face. "Dra til helvete ( go to hell )," The Swordsman again thrust his sword splitting its tiny head in two. He then asked the Summoner. "Baby, what are we here for again?"


    Baby gracefully moves around dodging her attackers, accurately burying her summons'' bolts on every mutant''s head. She rolled her eyes in disbelief of the question asked of her. "Listen, we are here for the mayor''s key so we can open the Sewers gates."


    The Sorceress hearing it clearly stated her disgust. "Sewers!? Ugh... how distasteful ¡ª I say let us go take down that loathsome statue." Luci fired off a light particle beam clearing Menan''s lane.


    A person in tattered black robes appeared before Baby cutting in half a trio of mutants in a split second. It''s tied up dark long dragged by the wind as he moved.


    Astounded at the 173cm tall Assassin, Baby immediately asked. "?Shiro, Que pasa?" Shiro grunted then tilted his head towards the City Hall''s Grand Entrance, up its stairs a new mob is forming up.


    Menan gave out a deep sigh. "We are going to die again, aren''t we?"


    "Dios mio, Menan would you?" Baby angrily exclaimed as she analyzes the situation, thinking deeply what to do.


    "Dear, let me help with that." Said the Sorceress.


    "Mage Art," Pink vapor started to well out of her eyes, she then pointed her wand towards the Grand Entrance, then uttered. "Pink ¡ª Grand Arrow," a particle beam the size of a telephone post shot out of her wand clearing a side of the entrance.


    There was dead silence after that, then...


    A horrendous roar came out of the building, hordes of mutants started to pour out of the Grand Entrance and into the parking lot, like a river rushing towards them.


    The girls started to concentrate their skills towards the incoming horde. The Mage Knight fired off a similar light particle beam from his left gauntlet trying to break the stampede.


    Acki charges in, blocking the path towards their formation. Baby jump on top of him. "Flecha... Lluvia." She commanded her summon, it rained down dozens of bolts below them so fast, that it made illusions of itself.


    From their left flank a Brute started running towards them Menan immediately intercepted it, piercing through its guts, but it just shoves him away sending him rolling towards a broken-down truck.


    "Shiro, buy me some time," Luci shouted. The Assassin appeared on top of the Brute''s shoulder; stabbed its head with his katana but his sword broke in half leaving the other half still lodge on its skull, he immediately jumps out before it can grab him.


    The Brute got distracted enough for Luci to cast a spell.


    "Pink ¡ª Great Sword."


    A great sword shape light particle emanated, making her wand look like the hilt. She lifted her sword overhead then slashed the Brute parting it from its left and right side, each falling on its respective direction spilling its seared innards.


    "I am running out Mana." Luci breathing heavily.


    Baby grit her teeth, as she tries to keep the horde at bay, accurately firing bolt after bolt but seems the end is nowhere in sight.


    Realizing their situation, Acki push forward, looked at Baby then shouted. "Go! I''ll buy you some time." Menan leaps towards Acki''s side, then gave the girls a wink. "Correction, we will buy you, girls, sometime."


    Baby refusing to leave the boys behind fired a flurry of bolts but Luci grabs her by the hand looking at her pleadingly. "Baby, let''s go ¡ª we will lose a lot more than our items if we die."


    The Summoner teary-eyed, bit her lips and closed her eyes then turned away, as she opened them a mob was behind them; Shiro was single-handedly holding them off but is starting to get overwhelmed. Baby wipes her tears then rushed to his aide leaving Luci in the middle.


    A sudden noise came from their flank, as Luci turned there was a car tumbling towards her. She immediately slid beneath an opening, its steel frame grazing her shoulder as it passes above her, blood streamed down the wound.


    The Sorceress lifted her head and saw a pair of Brutes coming towards her. "Oh, just bloody blooming..."

 11 Arc II: The City Halls Welcoming Party II

    The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City; City Hall, Parking Lot


    1821Y 02M23D 0400H


    A scream from somewhere caught everyone''s attention.


    "GET OUTTA... WAY..."


    Suddenly, hordes of mutants came running out of a street corner ¡ª soon enough, what looks like a mini IAV Stryker (''IAV'' Interim Armored Vehicle) without any armaments came crashing out of a house, running over a bunch of mutants, painting the pavement with bile and gore.


    Everyone was dumbfounded ( even the mutants ) as they watch a Priestess riding on the hood of the armored vehicle desperately holding on to its reins as it slips sideways because of the viscous fluid blanketing its six wheels.


    It slammed into a decrepit building, bursting out of other side, landing on a dried out pond.


    The IAV''s wheel dug in the dirt as it tried to get back unto the road, kicking mud and everything else buried behind it.


    She whips the reins making the vehicle''s engine roar, all six wheels spun making the tank shoot up like a rocket, its suspension jump thrice as it landed back to solid ground.


    While she struggles to keep her vehicle under control. Panic and terror reign on the streets, as the mob of mutants stampede out of the rampaging vehicles path.


    The Priestess with tears on her eyes shouted. "AM SO ¡ª SORRY..." As she mercilessly made roadkill of the hapless mutants, before spinning out of control then boomeranging towards the pair of Brutes, slamming hard.


    Without seatbelt the Priestess went flying towards Luci.


    The Sorceress felt like she was waking up from some kind of weird demented nightmare as she dashed towards the Priestess catching her ¡ª they rolled some distance before a broken ice cream truck stopped their momentum. Both of them sustaining bruises all over.


    Luci tapped her. "Are you alright?"


    Still dazed and blood streaming down her forehead the Priestess replied. "Am fi¡ªne... Am fine, Reilly..." Afterward, her head tilted backwards then fainted.


    "Hey..." Luci shook the Priestess when something caught her eyes.


    On the back of the IAV, a black figure was hanging, stepped down making the vehicle''s suspension jump.


    Luci grinned at the sight. ''Now that is a surprise. A Paladin ¡ª rare defensive class, how peculiar to see one alone.


    She watched as the Paladin walk towards the still standing Brute and kick its arm sending it back to the ground.


    He opened his right palm and the Great War Hammer attach to the side of the IAV zoomed towards him, he then dropped it on the Brute''s head making some kind of art on the concrete.


    The other Brute shove away the IAV then charge towards him, the Paladin took his round shield attaches to his back and threw it to the Brute''s kneecap breaking it and making the mutant fall facedown beside its pair. The Paladin lifted his hammer and transferred it to the other Brute''s head completing the masterpiece.


    A fairy came out of Paladin''s Wolf Mantle complaining. "Where the hell did that thieving Cat learn to drive. Sheesh!" It then crawled on top of the wolf''s head and laid on its fur then lazily wave a hand.


    A link request appeared on the group''s HUDs. As they accepted it, a deathly calm voice echoed through. "Mage, Summoner get on top of the wagon."


    ''Wagon!?'' The Summoner look at the IAV then nodded, she then ran towards Luci.


    Baby took hold of the Priestess then gestured to her summon. "Ca''li, por pavor..." The skull masked girl understood immediately, took her by the arms and lifted her towards the wagon.


    As the girls secure the wagon, the Paladin issued another order. "The rest of you fall back to the wagon then secure its perimeter. Summoner, Mage cover their retreat."


    The boys look at Baby, making her shout. "Go!!!" They ran as soon as they heard her, the horde followed in pursuit.


    Luci fired a particle beam right between the warrior pair, disintegrating a lane of mutants. As soon as Acki reach the front of the vehicle he turned around and cleave through his pursuers.


    Menan dash through the right side, while Shiro was already at the rear with a pile of severed mutant bodies lines nicely in a semi circle.


    "I''ll send to the Cathedral anyone who let a single mutant get pass..." The Paladin threatened.


    . . .


    The Priestess woke up in the middle of the battlefield as piles of corpses surrounded them.


    "Lan''do, give em weapons to me!" Tapping her wagon rapidly below her. A roof hatch opened up, she immediately grabs what''s inside, to her surprise...


    "A ladle!? Ah ain''t cookin''... ya hear!" Hitting her wagon with it. A steel pot shot out of the hatch hitting her on the head then covering it.


    Luci held the Priestess by the shoulder. "It''s alright Love, just stay there and protect yourself. We will get out of this alive." The Priestess nodded making the pot cover her face.


    The Sorceress looked around her, mob and mob of mutants are coming out of every direction. The normal ones are easy enough kill for the boys but there is too many and Baby is already doing her best to cover all four directions all on her own.


    She desperately looked around for a target when the Fairy spoke through her comms. "Witch, 35¡ã N coming out of the line of vehicles two dumdums and some dorks."


    Luci immediately uttered, "System... App... Compass," looking towards the direction there are two Brutes and some normals walking between a line vehicles, not wasting any time she casted. "Mage Art ¡ª Pink, Grand Arrow!"


    The Sorceress comms opened again. "Witch, you skewered five ¡ª but... are you an idiot? You wasted too much Mana on Dumdums alone, aim better use less."


    ''This ¡ª potty mouthed runt.'' Luci scowled behind her, but the Fairy grinned from ear to ear knowing she''s pissed.


    Baby looked around, breathing heavily trying to keep up with the pace, especially at Menan''s side. Acki is doing well, some mutants from time to time get a bite or a scratch on him but his not letting up she can feel him competing with the Paladin.


    The mutants can barely do anything with the Paladin''s full bodied armor but he is putting a lot of effort trying to kill multiples with his blunt weapons and a hidden dagger on his right arm.


    Among everyone Shiro is doing excellent, but there is already signs of him slowing down and the horde surrounding them are not diminishing at all, no matter how many they kill.


    Baby summoned all her courage and shouted, "We should retreat... I don''t see an end to this and we are almost at our limit." Trying to address it to the Paladin.


    The Fairy laughs insultingly. "Retreat? When we are almost at the end... ridiculous."


    "End?" The Summoner questioned the Fairy.


    "Yes, kill everything you see on this filthy piece of shit then victory is ours. Hoh ho ho ho."


    Baby gritted her teeth, she can''t see a way to escape either without the Paladin''s help. "You heard her, Kill everything that is not us till there is only us, Comprende?"